2009 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 267

93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 267 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM Car care 267 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 carwashes 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. NOTICE Only use liquid detergent when cleaning the plastic lenses of the front and rear lights. Do not use mechanical cleaning. Rinse off the detergent immediately, otherwise cracks may form in the plastic lenses. The door mirrors should be folded in before the car enters an automatic car wash. SportCombi: To avoid the wiper arm to break tape it down to the window when using a drive-through car wash. Try your brakes on leaving a car wash. Wet brake discs reduce the performance of the brakes. Fixed antennae, such as for a mobile phone, must be removed if the car goes through an automatic car wash. Cars with Saab Parking Assistance: Do not spray the sensors or closer than 8 in. (20 cm) to the sensors with a pressure washer, as this can damage them. 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 cleaning solutions.