Porsche 928 1980 Owner's Manual page 47

Cleaning your Porsche
The Porsche paint finish is of a high quality
baked synthetic enamel. The color and ena-
mel type designation are indicated on a
plate attached to the left front doorjamb.
When buying touch-up paint, always give
the car's identification numbers to your
dealer.
Car washing
Pamper your Porsche! Wash it by hand!
The mechanical brushes in an Automatic
Car Wash may not reach every angle of the
vehicle, and some tracks may cause da-
mage to the underbody.
Cautions:
• Do not wash or dry your car by hand
with the engine running.
• Do not clean the underside of chassis,
fenders, bumpers, etc., without pro-
tecting your hands and arms. You
may cut yourself on sharp-edged
metal parts.
• Do not wash the car as long as the sur-
face is hot from exposure to the sun or
engine heat, or in direct sunlight.
46
The longer the dirt is left on the paint, the
greater the risk of damaging the glossy new
car finish, either by scratching if the dirt is
rubbed into the paint, or simply by the
chemical effect dirt particles have on the
paint surface.
Even slight scratches can become apparent
easily, especially on the darker enamels.
Therefore, dirt should be rinsed off carefully,
and as soon as possible, using plenty of cool,
clear water.
Dust should never be wiped off the car with
a dry rag since dust particles are abrasive
and will rapidly dull the finish and cause
scratches that may be difficult to repair.
Use plenty of water, a car-wash soap and a
soft sponge. Begin by spraying water over
the dry car to remove all loose dirt before
applying the soap/water solution.
Use plenty of clear and cool water to rinse
the car off. Wipe the car dry with a chamois
to avoid water spots.
Since water will usually wet the brakes,
resulting in poor braking or one-sided pulling,
it is important to test the brakes after the car
has been washed.
Care of the finish
Oils contained in the paint are the most
important ingredients contributing to the
elasticity of the finish. Because these oils
are gradually lost, due to weather and similar
causes, they must be given proper care, so
that the original finish will retain its luster
for many years. Ask your dealer for approved
cleaning agents. The use of polishes is re-
commended only after it becomes evident
that the normal preservatives no longer
accomplish the job.
Keep silicone polishes off the windshield
to avoid wiper smear in rain.
Care of plastics
If your car has decorative plastic stripes or
panels, they will be cleaned during the
normal car washing process. Should addi-
tional cleaning or spot removal be necessary
use a soft brush or cloth soaked with all
purpose cleaner. Do not use wax or polish
which could mar the plastic finish of the
surface.