Saab 9-3 Convertible M2003, Owner'S Manual

Page: 210 / 256

210 Car care
Engine bay
Clean the engine compartment using an
engine detergent and rinse with hot water.
Cover the headlights. Do not use a
high-pressure washer
Avoid spraying the hood liner, as this can
become heavy and hang down and touch
the engine when the hood is closed.
Do not use gasoline as a cleaning agent or
solvent when carrying out repairs or mainte-
nance. Saab recommends the use of envi-
ronmentally safe degreasing agents.
Washing
The bodywork must be washed frequently.
When the car is new, the body should be
washed by hand using plain cold water and
a clean, soft brush. Thereafter (5–6
months), use a high quality car wash soap
added to lukewarm water. Automatic car-
washes with brushes should be avoided.
Do not use a pressure washer at close
range on stone chip damage, scratches or
other damage to the paintwork. The paint
can otherwise start to flake.
Remove any bird droppings without delay,
as these can discolor the paintwork and
prove difficult to polish out.
Use a soft cloth moistened with methyl alco-
hol to remove splashes of tar or asphalt. Do
not use strong cleaners, as these can dry
out the paintwork.
The underside of the car also needs wash-
ing regularly, and this should be done very
thoroughly at the end of winter. Clean the
underside of the car by hand.
Never wash or leave the car to dry in the
sun, but wipe it dry with a chamois leather
immediately after washing to avoid smears
and streaks.
Clean the window glass inside and out using
a high quality window cleaner. This is partic-
ularly important when the car is new, as
upholstery and trim have a tendency to
sweat a little at first.
Keep the glass well cleaned, as this helps to
prevent misting.
NOTICE
We advise against washing the car in
automatic carwashes.
NOTICE
Avoid using any alcohol-based cleaners
on the front and rear light clusters, as
these can cause cracking of the lenses.
NOTICE
• Try your brakes on leaving a car wash.
Wet brake discs may reduce the brak-
ing effect.
• Clean the mast of the electrically pow-
ered antenna about once a month with
a clean, dry rag.
IMPORTANT! Use no oil, nor any sili-
cone-based cleaning product to lubri-
cate the mast.
93uC03.book Page 210 Thursday, May 30, 2002 11:36 AM