Function; Car Wash; Washing By Hand - Mercedes-Benz SLK Operator's Manual

Care
282
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, you must drive particularly
carefully after washing the vehicle until the
brakes have dried.
G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function and DISTRONIC
PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an
automatic car wash.
! It is preferable to use car washes with
adjustable high-pressure pre-cleaning that
corresponds to the specification for the
Cabriolet program. In car washes that use
high water pressures, there is a risk that a
small amount of water may leak into the
vehicle.
! Lock the car if you wash it in an automatic
car wash. Otherwise, the vehicle might be
damaged.
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that the automatic
transmission is in position N when washing
your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The
vehicle could be damaged if the
transmission is in another position.
! Make sure that:
the side windows and roof are
R
completely closed.
the blower for the ventilation/heating is
R
switched off (OFF button is depressed/
airflow control is turned to position 0).
the windshield wiper switch is at position
R
0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.

Washing by hand

In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned.
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
X
vehicle in direct sunlight.
Use a soft sponge to clean.
X
Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
X
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
X
gentle jet of water.
Do not point the water jet directly towards
X
the air inlet.
Use plenty of water and rinse out the
X
sponge frequently.
Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
X
thoroughly with a chamois.
Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
X
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.