After leaving the car wash, pay attention to the
following:
R
The outside mirrors are fully folded out again
and an additional antenna is mounted again.
R
Wax residues on the windshield and wiper
rubbers are removed to prevent smearing and
reduce wiper noise.
Remove wax residues from the camera lens in
vehicles with a rear view camera (
/
page 184).
Notes on use of a power washer
&
WARNING Risk of an accident when
using power washers with round-spray
nozzles
The water jet can cause externally invisible
damage.
Components damaged in this way may unex‐
pectedly fail.
#
Do not use a power washer with round-
spray nozzles.
#
Have damaged tires or chassis parts
replaced immediately.
*
NOTE Damage to component parts due
to improper high-pressure cleaning
Components can be damaged if the distance
of the high-pressure nozzle is too small.
#
Maintain a minimum distance of about
12 in (30 cm) between the high-pres‐
sure nozzle and car parts.
#
Do not use a power washer with a
round-spray nozzle.
#
Keep the water jet moving constantly
while cleaning.
#
Do not clean the following components
with the power washer:
R
Electrical components
R
Plug connectors
R
Rear view camera
R
Drivetrain
R
Seals
R
Hoses
*
NOTE Damage caused by the use of a
power washer in the vehicle interior
The pressurized water created by the power
washer and the associated spray could cause
considerable damage to the vehicle.
#
Never use a power washer in the vehicle
interior.
*
NOTE Damage to the exhaust gas after‐
treatments through incorrect cleaning
Cleaning the system when warm or the
effects of direct water jets into the exhaust
pipe can damage the exhaust gas aftertreat‐
ment.
#
Only clean the system when the system
is cold.
#
Do not direct the water jet into the
exhaust pipe.
Washing the engine
*
NOTE Damage and malfunctions due to
washing the engine
#
To prevent damage and malfunctions of
the engine, observe the following
points:
R
When using high-pressure or steam
cleaners, do not point the water jet
directly at electrical components
and the end of electric cables.
R
Make sure that no water enters the
vent and ventilation openings.
R
Use preservative agents in the
engine after washing the engine.
R
Protect the belt drive from preserva‐
tion agents.
Washing the vehicle by hand
Observe the legal requirements, for example in
many countries washing by hand is only allowed
at specially designated wash bays.
#
Wash the vehicle with lukewarm water and a
soft car sponge. When doing so, do not
expose the vehicle to direct sunlight.
#
Use a mild cleaning agent, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz approved car shampoo.
Maintenance and care 183
