Seat ALHAMBRA Owner's Manual page 245

Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive mate-
rials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High
temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the corro-
sive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly washed at
regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior
mirrors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the car
wash .
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the car can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, wear and
damage to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT
recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following
and exterior mirrors".
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt first, and
rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special car shampoo should
only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Safety First
page 245, "Cleaning windows
Operating instructions
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.
WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
Protect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
undercarriage or the interior of the wheel hubs.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced (and
the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter) on the
brakes.
Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you are
not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in the
process.
Caution
The temperature of the water must not exceed +60°C (+140°F).
To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
Do not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
clean away the traces of insects.
Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first. It is best to use soapy water.
Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle with
a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze!
Practical tips
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Technical Data
243