Vehicle care 231Appearance careExterior careLocksThe locks are lubricated at the factoryusing a high quality lock cylindergrease. Use a de-icing agent onlywhen absolutely necessary, as thishas a degreasing effect and impairslock function. After using a de-icingagent, have the locks regreased by aworkshop.WashingThe paintwork of your vehicle isexposed to environmental influences.Wash and wax your vehicle regularly.When using automatic vehiclewashes, select a programme thatincludes waxing. Restrictions forfilmed or matt painted body parts ordecor tapes, see "Polishing andwaxing".Bird droppings, dead insects, resin,pollen and the like should be cleanedoff immediately, as they containaggressive constituents which cancause paint damage.If using a car wash, comply with thecar wash manufacturer's instructions.The windscreen wiper and rearwindow wiper must be switched off.Remove antenna and externalaccessories such as roof racks etc.If you wash your vehicle by hand,make sure that the insides of thewheel housings are also thoroughlyrinsed out.Clean edges and folds on openeddoors and the bonnet as well as theareas they cover.Clean bright metal mouldings with acleaning solution approved foraluminium to avoid damages.CautionAlways use a cleaning agent witha pH value of four to nine.Do not use cleaning agents on hotsurfaces.Have the door hinges of all doorsgreased by a workshop.Do not clean the engine compartmentwith a steam-jet or high-pressure jetcleaner.Thoroughly 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 painted parts of the vehicleregularly (at the latest when water nolonger beads). Otherwise, thepaintwork 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.Unpainted plastic body parts must notbe treated with wax or polishingagents.
