Chevrolet 1997 Cavalier Owner's Manual page 295

Cleaning the Outside of
Your Chevrolet
The paint finish on
your
vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish is to keep it
clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Don't use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
Don't use cleaning agents that are petroleum based,
or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid
surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of your
Chevrolet
by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning
products from your dealer. (See "Appearance Care and
Materials"
in
the Index.)
Your Chevrolet has a "basecoatklearcoat" paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoatklearcoat
paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses
Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid
hand, dish or vehicle washing (mild detergent) soap to
clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions
under "Washing Your Vehicle."
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