Maintenance
Vehicle upkeep and cleaning
311
High pressure cleaning equipment
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure
cleaner, always follow the operating instruc-
tions for the equipment. This applies particu-
larly to the operating pressure and the distance
between the spraying water. Do not point the
jet directly towards the side windows, doors or
covers; the same applies for the tyres, rubber
hoses, damping material, sensors or camera
lenses. Keep a distance of at least 40 cm.
Do not remove snow and ice with a high-pres-
sure cleaner.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in
a direct stream or one that has a rotating jet for
forcing off dirt.
The water temperature must not exceed 60°C.
Automatic car washes
Spray the vehicle before starting the car wash.
Make sure that the windows are closed and
the windscreen wipers are deactivated. Bear in
mind the instructions of the car wash tunnel
operator, especially if your vehicle has detach-
able parts.
Use of car washes without brushes if possible.
Washing by hand
Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a
soft sponge or with a brush. Only use cleaning
products that do not contain solvents.
High-voltage system instructions
Before washing the vehicle, end the charging
process and close the charging socket com-
pletely.
Please also note the safety warning regarding
high-pressure cleaning equipment
.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary when the vehicle's
paintwork has lost its gloss and cannot be re-
stored with care products.
Do not polish matt painted surfaces! If the
paintwork is polished, the surface will be irrep-
arably damaged.
Washing vehicles with a matte paint by hand
To prevent damage to the vehicle when wash-
ing it, first remove the thicker dust and dirt.
To remove traces of insects, grease and finger-
prints, it is best to use a special cleaner for
matte paint.
Apply the product with a microfibre cloth. To
avoid damaging the surface of the paint, do
not apply too much pressure.
Rinse with plenty of water. Then clean it with a
neutral cleaning product and a soft microfibre
cloth.
Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of water and
then leave it to dry. Remove traces of water
with a leather cloth.
WARNING
•
Only wash the vehicle with the ignition
switched off or according to the specifica-
tions of the car wash tunnel operator. Acci-
dent hazard!
•
When cleaning the underbody or the inside
of the wheel arches, protect yourself from
sharp or pointy metal parts. Risk of cut!
•
After cleaning the brakes could act more
slowly due to moisture or, in winter, the ice
on the brake discs and pads. Accident haz-
ard! In this case the brakes should be dried by
pressing the brake pedal several times.
WARNING
Incorrect use of high-pressure cleaning
equipment can cause damage. This can lead
to accidents and serious injuries.
•
Never direct the jet of the high-pressure
cleaning equipment directly at the orange
high-voltage cables, the high-voltage system
components or the 12-volt on-board net-
work.
