Washing Your Vehicle

The paint finish on the vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention, and durability.

The best way to preserve the vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.

Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well, removing all soap residue completely.

Approved cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer. See Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 462. Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.

High pressure car washes may cause water to enter the vehicle.

    See also:

    Footnotes — Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services — Normal
    a) Or every two years, whichever comes first. More frequent replacement may be needed if the vehicle is driven in areas with heavy traffic, areas with poor air quality, or areas with high du ...

    Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
    Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires do ...

    Defensive Driving
    Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts. • Assume that other road users (pedestrians, ...