1997 GMC Safari Owner's Manual - Page 312

Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish is keep it to clean by washing often with lukewarm or cold water. it Don't wash your vehicle in the direct raysof the sun. chemical detergents. Use Don't use strong soaps or 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 should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dryon the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with 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 "basecoatklearcoat" 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 compounding or 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 forpainted surfaces toremove foreign matter. Exterior painted surfaces aresubject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible. Cleaning ExteriorLampsLenses Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth anda liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soapto clean 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.)