1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 295

Cleaning the Outside of Your Chevrolet The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Chevrolet by hand may be necessary remove residuefrom the to paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer.(See "Appearance Care and Materials" in the Index.) Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish is to keep it Your Chevrolet has a "basecoatklearcoat" paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth andgloss to the colored clean by washingit often with lukewarm or cold water. basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. non-abrasive and made a basecoatklearcoat for Don't use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use paint finish. liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps. Don't use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents NOTICE: should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a Machine compoundingor aggressive polishing on soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the surface scratches and water spotting. finish or leave swirl marks. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. Cleaning ExteriorLampsLenses Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid hand, dish or vehicle washing (mild detergent) soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under "Washing Your Vehicle." 6-53