2000 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 209
2000 Saab 9-5 Manual
Page 209 highlights
Car care and technical information 209 Washing the car Wash the car frequently. When the car is new, wash the bodywork by hand, using just cold water - a brush attachment on the end of a hose is ideal. Do not use automatic car washes for the first five or six months, before the paintwork has hardened properly. Thereafter, use a high quality car wash soap added to lukewarm water. Remove any bird droppings without delay, as these can discolor the paintwork and prove difficult to polish out. Use a soft cloth moistened with methyl alcohol to remove splashes of tar or asphalt. Do not use strong cleaners, as these can dry out the paintwork. The underside of the car also needs washing regularly, and this should be done extra thoroughly at the end of winter. Clean the underside of the car by hand if the car is usually washed in an automatic car wash without special facilities for underbody cleaning. Never wash or leave the car to dry in the sun, but wipe it dry with a chamois leather immediately after washing to avoid smears and streaks. Clean the window glass inside and out using a high quality window cleaner. This is particularly important when the car is new, as upholstery and trim have a tendency to sweat a little at first. Keep the glass well cleaned, as this helps to prevent misting. Waxing and polishing Do not wax a new car during the first three or four months. In fact, there is no need to polish the car before the paintwork has started to go dull through oxidation. Other than in exceptional cases, do not use abrasive polishes containing a cutting agent on a new car. Always wash the car thoroughly before waxing or polishing. NOTE Avoid using any alcohol-based cleaners on the front and rear light clusters, as these can cause cracking of the lenses. NOTE • The door mirrors must be fully retracted before the car enters an automatic car wash. • Remove fixed antennas, e.g. for mobile phone, before putting car through an automatic car wash. • Try your brakes on leaving a car wash. Wet brake discs reduce the braking effect.