2010 Volvo S40 Owner's Manual - Page 205

08 Car care Washing and cleaning the car Automatic washing - simple and quick We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will not have hardened sufficiently). An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important, especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody. WARNING • Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a dull surface. • When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any moisture from the brake linings. Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk. • A wide range of polymer-based waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-lasting, highgloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading. • • Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should not be warmer than 113 °F (45 °C). Exterior lighting Condensation may form temporarily on the inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as headlights, fog lights, or taillights. This is normal and the lights are designed to withstand moisture. Normally, condensation will dissipate after the lights have been on for a short time. CAUTION Volvo does not recommend the use of longlife or durable paint protection coatings, some of which may claim to prevent pitting, fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have not been tested by Volvo for compatibility with your vehicle's clear coat. Some of them may cause the clear coat to soften, crack, or cloud. Damage caused by application of paint protection coatings may not be covered under your vehicle's paint warranty. CAUTION • • Before driving into an automatic car wash, turn off the optional rain sensor to avoid damaging the windshield wipers. Make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any antenna(s) are retracted or removed. Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them Chromed wheels: Clean chromeplated wheels using the same detergents used for the body of the vehicle. Aggressive wheel-cleaning agents can permanently stain chrome-plated wheels. Polishing and Waxing • Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial. • Before applying polish or wax the vehicle must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound. • • After polishing use liquid or paste wax. • Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax. 08 `` 205