2007 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 261

Car care Cleaning and caring for leather upholstery The principal reason for treating leather upholstery is to maintain its elegant appearance and to provide it with a protective film. Disco lour at ion caused by dust and wear mainly affects the lighter shades, although this is not detrimental to the leather, indeed, the patina resulting from use is often considered desirable in leather. But if the leather is allowed to become too grubby, it can start to look shabby. The leather upholstery should be cleaned and reconditioned twice a year in conjunction with spring and autumn inspections. In very warm, dry climates the leather may need more regular reconditioning. Use conventional leather care products. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Do not use harsh polishing agents, cleaning agents, sprays, coarse soap or hot water. 261 Textile carpeting Textile carpeting should be vacuum cleaned regularly. Carpeting can also be cleaned using a brush or sponge and carpet shampoo. For safety reasons, vacuum cleaners that are not earthed (grounded) must not be used out of doors. Washing The bodywork must be washed frequently. When the car is new, the body should be washed by hand using plain cold water and a clean, soft brush through which the water flows. Automatic caresses should be avoided when the car is new. After 5-6 months the paintwork will have hardened. To facilitate cleaning, a suitable detergent can be added to the water, which should be lukewarm. Remove any bird droppings without delay, as these can discolor the paintwork and prove difficult to polish out. Lay a wad of wet paper on the patch of dirt and leave it for a minute or so. It will then be easy to wash off the dirt. Use a soft cloth moistened with white spirit to remove splashes of tar or asphalt. Do not use strong cleaners, as these can dry out the paintwork. Engine bay The engine bay should be cleaned with an engine decreasing and rinsed with hot water. The headlights must be covered over. Do not use a pressure washer. Avoid spraying electrical components and connectors. Do not use petrol as a cleaning agent or solvent when carrying out repairs or maintenance. Saab recommends the use of environmentally-friendly decrescendos.