Suitable Detergents; Automatic Car Washing; Polishing And Waxing - Volvo 2003 V40 Operation And Care Manual

When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.

Suitable detergents

Special car washing detergents should 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.
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This may constitute a fire risk.
NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills. Painted Bumpers:
Wash the painted 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.
pg. 104 Automatic car washing, Polishing and waxing
Automatic washing simple and quick
Brushless car washes are recommended. 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 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 is recommended.
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. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Note: Polishing removes oxidized paint from the surface. This