1997 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 312

Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle's finishis to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarmor cold water. Don't wash your vehicle in the direct raysof the sun. Don't use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish or carwashing (mild detergent) soaps. Don't use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or abrasives.All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, orthey could stain.Dry the finishwith a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. Your vehicle has a "basecoat/clearcoat" paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoatklearcoat paint finish. I NOTICE: Machine compoundingor aggressive polishing on a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicalsfrom industrial chimneys, etc.,can damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter. Exterior painted surfaces aresubject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over aperiod of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible. Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses Use lukewarmor cold water, a soft cloth anda liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soap clean to exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under "Washing Your Vehicle." Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See "Appearance Care and Materials'' in the Index.) 6-56