Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI, Operator'S Manual

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Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Regular and proper care will help to
maintain the value of your vehicle. The
best way to protect your vehicle from
harmful environmental influences is to
wash it and use protective treatments
regularly.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by
extreme and varying climatic conditions,
but also by:
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Air pollution
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Road salt
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Tar
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Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
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Grease and oil
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Fuel
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Coolant
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Brake fluid
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Bird droppings
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Insects
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Tree resins, etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or
eliminates the aggressiveness and
potency of the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
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near the ocean
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in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
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during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.