Mercedes-Benz CLS Owner's Manual page 304

Washing the vehicle by hand
* NOTE Engine damage due to water
ingress
Take care not to point the water jet
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directly towards the air inlet grille below
the bonnet.
observe the legal requirements, e.g. in a number
of countries, washing by hand is only permitted
in specially designated wash bays.
Use a mild cleaning agent, e.g. car shampoo.
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Wash the vehicle with lukewarm water using
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a soft car sponge. When doing so, do not
expose the vehicle to direct sunlight.
Carefully hose the vehicle off with water and
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dry using a chamois.
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Observe the notes on the care of car parts
( page 302).
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Notes on paintwork/matt finish paintwork
care
Observe the notes on cleaning and care to avoid
damaging the paintwork.
Paint
Insect remains: soak with insect remover and
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rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
Bird droppings: soak with water and rinse off
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afterwards.
Tree resin, oils, fuels and greases: remove by
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rubbing gently with a cloth soaked in petro‐
leum ether or lighter fluid.
Coolant and brake fluid: remove with a damp
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cloth and clean water.
Tar stains: use tar remover.
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Wax: use silicone remover.
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Do not attach stickers, films or similar mate‐
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rials.
Remove dirt immediately, where possible.
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Matt finish
Only use care products approved for
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Mercedes-Benz.
Maintenance and care 301
Do not polish the vehicle and light-alloy
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wheels.
Only use car washes that correspond to the
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latest engineering standards.
Do not use car wash programmes with a final
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hot wax treatment.
Do not use paint cleaners, buffing or polish‐
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ing products, gloss preservers, e.g. wax.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at
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a qualified specialist workshop.
Notes on cleaning decorative foils
Observe the notes on matt finish care in the
chapter "Notes on paintwork/matt finish paint‐
work care" ( page 301). They also apply to
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matt decorative foils.
Observe the notes on cleaning decorative foils to
avoid vehicle damage.
Cleaning
For cleaning, use plenty of water and a mild
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cleaning agent without additives or abrasive
substances, e.g. a car shampoo approved for
Mercedes-Benz.