Care Of Exterior - Volkswagen Jetta Wagon 2004 Owner's Manual

TIPS AND ADVICE
Care of exterior
Washing
The best protection against environmental
influences is frequent washing and waxing.
How often this is required depends on how
much the vehicle is used, where it is parked
(garage, in the open under trees, etc.), the
seasonal and weather conditions as well as
environmental influences. The longer bird
droppings, insects, tree resin, road and in-
dustrial grime, tar, soot, road salt and other
materials remain on the vehicle paint. the
more lasting their destructive effect w ill be.
High temperatures. as from strong sunlight.
intensify the corrosive effect.
Under certain circumstances, weekly
washing may be necessary. Under other
conditions, a monthly washing and waxing
may be adequate.
After the winter, the underside of the ve-
hicle should be thoroughly washed.
Washing the vehicle
by
hand
~
In the interest of the environ-
ment, the vehicle should only be
washed in special wash bays.
First soften the dirt w ith plenty of water and
rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean t he vehicle with a soft sponge,
I
glove or brush starting on the roof and work-
ing down using only slight pressu re. Special
car wash soap should be used only for very
persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and
often.
Clean wheels and sill panels last, using a dif-
ferent sponge, if possible.
After washing the vehicle, rinse thoroughly
with water and wipe it off.
Notes
• Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light.
• If the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not
direct the water into the lock cyl inders -
otherwise they may freeze up in the winter.
Automatic car wash
The vehicle paint is so durable that the ve-
hicle can normally be washed without prob-
lems in an automatic ca r wash. However.
the effect on the paint depends to a large
extent on t he design of the facility, the filter-
ing of t he wash water. the type of wash and
care material, etc. If t he paint has a dull ap·
pearance after going through the car wash
or is scratched, bring this to the attention of
I
the operator immediately. If necessary use
a different ca r wash.
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