pg. 7:1 Car care |
Car care
Car care includes not only maintaining the appearance of the car, but also protecting the car exterior from the effects of air pollution, rain, mud or road salt. The rustproofing compound under the car should be checked regularly and, if necessary, damaged areas should be repaired. The paintwork should also be touched up immediately, if damaged, to prevent rust formation.
| 7:2 | Paint touch-up |
| 7:4 | Washing |
| 7:5 | Automatic car washing, Polishing and waxing |
| 7:6 | Cleaning the upholstery |
Paint touch-up
Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly - when washing the car for instance. Touch up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and skill. Contact your Volvo retailer for any extensive damage.
Minor scratches can be repaired by using Volvo touch-up paint.
NOTE:
When ordering touch-up paint from your Volvo retailer, use the paint code indicated on the model plate. The plate is located on the panel above the right-side head lights.
Minor stone chips and scratches
Material:
Primer - can
Paint - touch-up bottle
Brush
Masking tape
NOTE: When touching up the car, it should be clean and dry. The surface temperature should be above 60° F (15° C).
Scars on the surface
If the stone chip has not penetrated down to the metal and undamaged layer of paint remains, the touch-up paint can be applied as soon as the spot has been cleaned.
Deep scars
pg. 7:3 Paint touch-up (cont.) |
Washing the car
NOTE: It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has been used on the roads.
CAUTION: During high pressure washing the spray mouth piece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not spray into the locks. |
Suitable detergents
Special car washing detergents or liquid dishwashing detergent can be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with clean water.
Bird droppings
Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
WARNING! |
NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills. Bumpers: Wash the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the car. Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner. Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.
Automatic washing - simple and quick
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important, especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.
Before driving into an automatic wash, make sure that the side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc., are secure, otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them. You should also lower the antenna (sedans).
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will not have hardened sufficiently).
Polishing and waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the car must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing of a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based car waxes can be purchased today. The waxes are easy to use and produce a long-lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Cleaning the upholstery
The fabric can be cleaned with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/clothing fabric stain remover.
The plastic in the upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. For more different spots, Volvo offers a leather care kit.
On no account must gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the leather since these can cause damage.
Cleaning the seat belts
Clean only with lukewarm water and mild soap solution.
Cleaning floor mats
The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter when they should be taken out for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent.
Bear in mind
