1994 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 209

Service & Appearance Care Cleaning the Outsideof Finish Care Occasional waxing or mildpolishing of Your Pontiac The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. I Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped) Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with 'lukewarmor cold water. Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Don't use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps. Don't use cleaning agents that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. your Pontiac 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.) Your Pontiac 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 fora basecoat/clearcoat paint finish. Your aluminum wheels have a protective :eating similar to the painted surfaceof your car. Don't use strong soaps, zhernicals, chrome polish, abrasive :leaners or abrasive cleaning brushes on 1them because you coulddamage this coating. After rinsing thoroughly, a wax 1may be applied. ' I NOTICE: If you have aluminum wheels, don't use an automatic vehicle wash that has hard silicon carbide cleaning brushes. These brushes can take off the protective coating. NOTICE: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Tires Your Pontiac dealer hasa GM White Sidewall Tire Cleaner. You can use a stiff brush with the cleaner. When applyinga tire dressing always take care to wipeoff any overspray or splash from painted surfaces. Petroleum-based products may damage the paint finish. 208