2009 Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual - Page 194

08 Car care Washing and cleaning the vehicle Washing • Dry the vehicle with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels. CAUTION • The vehicle should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause damage. It is particularly important to wash the vehicle frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has been used on the roads. • • Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the vehicle has been washed. When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or toward the rear side of the engine. Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can reduce lighting capacity considerably. Clean the headlights regularly, for example when refueling. During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13 " (30 cm). Do not spray into the locks. Always close the moonroof and sun shade before washing your vehicle. Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the moonroof. Never use wax on the rubber seals around the moonroof. • A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning of the windshield and wiper blades improves visibility considerably and also helps prolong the service life of the wiper blades. • • When washing the vehicle, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid scratching. • • Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc.). • Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged. • In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended. Special moonroof cautions: • • • • A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil. • After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary. • A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a wash place equipped with a drainage separator. Suitable detergents Special vehicle washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the vehicle should be well rinsed with clean water. CAUTION Chromed wheels: Clean chrome-plated wheels using the same detergents used for the body of the vehicle. Aggressive wheel cleaning agents can permanently stain chrome-plated wheels. Exterior components Volvo recommends the use of special cleaning products, available at your Volvo retailer, for cleaning colored plastic, rubber, or ornamental components such as chromed strips on the exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for using these products should be followed care- 08 194