2011 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 230

171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US d2ureepe, 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 228 Version: 2.11.8.1 228 Vehicle care Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed or repaired with the vehicle-care products recommended here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of your vehicle and give important "how-to" information as well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care products. Do not apply any of these products or wax if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot. X Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle doors, etc.). Engine cleaning Prior to cleaning the engine compartment, make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from contact with water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax. Operation Power washer ! Follow the instructions provided by the power washer manufacturer on maintaining a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer. Never use a round nozzle to power-wash tires. The intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire. Always replace a damaged tire. Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical connectors, seals, or other rubber parts. Tar stains Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become more difficult to remove. A tar remover is recommended. Vehicle washing In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt as soon as possible. When washing the vehicle underbody, do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels. Hand-wash X Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. X Only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to clean the vehicle. X Only use a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo. X Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of water. X Do not spray directly towards the ventilation intake. X Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge and chamois frequently. X Rinse with clean water and dry with a chamois thoroughly. Paintwork, painted body components ! Affixing stickers, magnets, adhesive tape or similar materials to painted body components may damage the paintwork. Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied when water drops on the paint surface do not "bead up". This should normally be done every 3 to 5 months, depending on the climate and washing detergent used. Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be applied if the paint surface shows signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss).