2 0 0 5
VOLVO
V50

Chapter 9 - Vehicle care


pg. 141 Vehicle care



Washing and cleaning the car 142
Paint touch up 145

pg. 142 Washing and cleaning the car

Washing the car
The following points should be kept in mind when washing and cleaning the car:

  • The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause damage. To help prevent corrosion, it is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime when salt has been used on the roads.
  • Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight. Doing so may cause detergents and wax to dry out and become abrasive. To avoid scratching, use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash with a soft sponge, and plenty of sudsy water.
  • Bird droppings: Remove from paint work as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
  • A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
  • A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a wash place equipped with a drainage separator.
  • Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels.
  • Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
  • A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves visibility considerably.
  • Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc).
  • In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
  • After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
  • Bumpers: Wash the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the car. Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner. Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.

    NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.

    CAUTION!
    During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not spray into the locks.
    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. Special moonroof cautions:
    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.

    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,

    pg. 143 Washing and cleaning the car

    especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.

    CAUTION!
    Before driving into an automatic carwash, 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.

    WARNING!
    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.

    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.
  • Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a dull surface.
  • A wide range of polymer-based waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-lasting, high-gloss 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).

    CAUTION!
    Volvo does not recommend the use of long-life 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.

    pg. 144 Upholstery care

    Fabric
    Clean with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric stain remover.
    Plastic
    The plastic in the upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
    AlcanteraTM suede-like material
    Suede-like upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.

    Leather care
    Volvo's leather upholstery is manufactured with a protectant to repel soiling. Over time, sunlight, grease and dirt can break down the protection. Staining, cracking, scuffing, and fading can result.

    Volvo offers an easy-to-use, non-greasy leather care kit formulated to clean and beautify your vehicle's leather, and to renew the protective qualities of its finish. The cleaner removes dirt and oil buildup. The light cream protectant restores a barrier against soil and sunlight.

    Volvo also offers a special leather softener that should be applied after the cleaner and protectant. It leaves leather soft and smooth, and reduces friction between leather and other finishes in the vehicle.

    Volvo recommends cleaning, protecting and conditioning your vehicle's leather two to four times a year. Ask your Volvo retailer about Leather Care Kit 951 0251 and Leather Softener 943 7429.

    CAUTION!
    - Under no circumstances should gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the leather since these can cause damage.
    - Take extra care when removing stains such as ink or lipstick since the coloring can spread.
    - Use solvents sparingly. Too much solvent can damage the seat padding.
    - Start from the outside of the stain and work toward the center.
    -- Sharp objects (e.g. pencils or pens in a pocket) or Velcro fasteners on clothing may damage the textile upholstery.

    Cleaning the seat belts
    Clean only with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution.

    Cleaning floor mats
    The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter when they should be taken out for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent. For best protection in winter, Volvo recommends the use of rubber floor mats. Consult your Volvo retailer.

    pg. 145 Paint touch up

    Paint touch up
    Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly - when washing the vehicle for instance. Touch-up if necessary. Paint repairs require special equipment and skill. Contact your Volvo retailer for any extensive damage. Minor scratches can be repaired by using Volvo touch-up paint.

    Color code
    When ordering touch-up paint from your Volvo retailer, make sure you have the right color. Use the paint code indicated on the model plate. The plate is located on the passenger's side center door pillar.

    Minor stone chips and scratches
     Material:

  • Primer - can
  • Paint - touch-up pen
  • Brush
  • Masking tape

    NOTE: When touching up the vehicle, it should be clean and dry. The surface temperature should be above 60° F (15° C).

    If the stone chip has not penetrated down to the metal and an undamaged layer of paint remains, the touch-up paint can be applied as soon as the spot has been cleaned.



    Paint color code

    Deep scratches
    1. Place a strip of masking tape over the damaged surface. Pull the tape off so that any loose flakes of paint adhere to it.
    2. Thoroughly mix the primer and apply it with a small brush. When the primer surface is dry, the paint can be applied using a brush. Mix the paint thoroughly;
    apply several thin paint coats and let dry after each application.
    3. If there is a longer scratch, you may want to protect surrounding paint by masking it off.



    pg. 146


    Previous Page   Next Page

    Contents | Top of Page