Vehicle care 171Thoroughly rinse and leather-off thevehicle. Rinse leather frequently. Useseparate leathers for painted andglass surfaces: remnants of wax onthe windows will impair vision.Exterior lightsHeadlight and other light covers aremade of plastic. Do not use anyabrasive or caustic agents, do not usean ice scraper, and do not clean themdry.Polishing and waxingWax the vehicle regularly (at thelatest when water no longer beads).Otherwise, the paintwork will dry out.Polishing is necessary only if the painthas become dull or if solid depositshave become attached to it.Paintwork polish with silicone forms aprotective film, making waxingunnecessary.Plastic body parts must not be treatedwith wax or polishing agents.Windows and windscreen wiperbladesUse a soft lint-free cloth or chamoisleather together with window cleanerand insect remover.When cleaning the rear window,make sure the heating element insideis not damaged.For mechanical removal of ice, use asharp-edged ice scraper. Press thescraper firmly against the glass sothat no dirt can get under it andscratch the glass.Clean smearing wiper blades with asoft cloth and window cleaner.Wheels and tyresDo not use high-pressure jetcleaners.Clean rims with a pH-neutral wheelcleaner.Rims are painted and can be treatedwith the same agents as the body.Paintwork damageRectify minor paintwork damage witha touch-up pen before rust forms.Have more extensive damage or rustareas repaired by a workshop.UnderbodySome areas of the vehicle underbodyhave a PVC undercoating while othercritical areas have a durableprotective wax coating.After the underbody is washed, checkthe underbody and have it waxed ifnecessary.Bitumen/rubber materials coulddamage the PVC coating. Haveunderbody work carried out by aworkshop.Before and after winter, wash theunderbody and have the protectivewax coating checked.
