2 0 0 6
VOLVO
S60

Car care

pg. 129 Car care

Washing and cleaning the car 130
Paint touch up 133

pg. 130 Car care

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. It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has been used on the roads.
  • When washing the car, 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.
  • Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork 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.
    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.
  • After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.

    Suitable detergents: Special car 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 car should be well rinsed with clean water.

    Exterior plastic components
    Cleaning exterior plastic components should be done with a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose. Solvents or stain removers should not be used. Consult your Volvo retailer.

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

    warningWARNING!

    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.

    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. 131 Car care

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

  • Before driving into an automatic car wash, 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.

    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 car 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 car 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 car in direct sunlight (the surface of the car 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.

    Mirrors/side windows with the water repellent glass coating-option

  • Do not apply wax, degreasing agents, etc to this glass. This could damage the coating.
  • Clean the glass surface with care to avoid scratching.
  • Use only suitable plastic scrapers to remove ice or snow from the windows.

    NOTE: The water repellent coating is subject to natural wear. In order to maintain the coating's water repellent characteristics, it should be treated with a special compound that is available at your Volvo retailer.

    This treatment should be carried out for the first time after three years, and thereafter once a year.

    pg. 132 Car care

    Cleaning the upholstery

    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. Consult your Volvo retailer.

    Interior plastic components
    Cleaning interior plastic components should be done with a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose. Consult your Volvo retailer.

    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.

    Bear in mind

  • 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.

    pg. 133 Car care

    Paint touch up

    Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly - when washing the car 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.

    NOTE: When ordering touch-up paint from your Volvo retailer, use the paint code indicated on the model plate. The plate is located in the engine compartment.

    Color code
    Make sure you have the right color. The color code number is on the data plate in the engine compartment.

    Paint touch up

    Minor stone chips and scratches
    Material:

  • Primer - can
  • Paint - touch-up pen
  • Brush
  • Masking tape
  • If the stone chip has not gone down to the bare metal and an undamaged color coat remains, you can add paint immediately after removing dirt.

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

    Minor scratches on the surface
    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.

    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.

    Paint touch up

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