Washing the car. Volvo 2007, 2008, S40, 2007 S40

08 Car care

08

Cleaning

Washing the car

Wash the car as soon as it becomes dirty.

Use car shampoo. Dirt and road salt can lead to corrosion.

• Do not park the car in direct sunshine.

Washing a car with hot paintwork can cause permanent paintwork damage.

Wash the car in a car wash with waste water separator.

• Thoroughly rinse dirt off the underbody of the car.

• Rinse the entire car to remove loose dirt.

When using a pressure washer: Make sure that the nozzle of the pressure washer is not closer than 30 cm to the bodywork. Do not spray directly at the locks.

• Wash using a sponge, car shampoo and plenty of lukewarm water.

• If the dirt is difficult to dislodge, wash the car using a cold degreasing agent.

• Dry the car using a clean, soft chamois or a water scraper.

• Clean the wiper blades with a lukewarm soap solution or car shampoo.

WARNING

Always have the engine cleaned by a workshop. There is a risk of fire if the engine is hot.

NOTE

Outside lighting such as headlamps, fog lamps and rear lamps may temporarily have condensation on the inside of the lens. This is a natural phenomenon, all outside lighting is designed to withstand this. Condensation is normally vented out of the lamp when it has been switched on for a time.

Removing bird droppings

Wash bird droppings off the paintwork as soon as possible. Bird droppings contain chemicals that affect and discolour paintwork very quickly. This discoloration can only be removed by a specialist.

Chromed wheels

IMPORTANT

Rim cleaning agents can cause stains on chrome-plated wheels. Wash using a sponge, car shampoo and plenty of lukewarm water.

Automatic car washes

An automatic car wash is a simple and quick way of washing the car, but it can never replace a proper handwashing. The brushes of an automatic car wash cannot reach everywhere.

WARNING

Always test the brakes after washing the car to ensure that moisture and corrosion do not attack the brake pads and reduce braking performance.

IMPORTANT

Washing by hand is gentler to the paintwork than an automatic car wash. Paintwork is also more sensitive when it is new. For this reason, handwashing is recommended during the first few months with a new car.

Press the brake pedal lightly from time to time if driving for long periods in rain or slush.

This heats and dries the brake pads. You should also do this when you begin driving in extremely damp or cold weather.

Exterior plastic parts

A special cleaning agent, available from Volvo dealers, is recommended for cleaning exterior plastic parts. Never use strong stain removers.

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