HOLDEN WH II 2002 Series Owner's Handbook Manual page 179

Chapter 11
11-4
CLEANING
To help preserve that shiny new car finish, special attention should be given to correctly
treating those conditions that can damage the paint.
Road bloom: If, over a long period of time, oils, dirt, exhaust and other pollutants are
allowed to build up, they may combine to affect the paint finish.
Tree sap, bird droppings, salt water and other natural deposits can, if allowed
Etching:
to stay on the paint, ieave an etching or scarring.
Tar spots and some industrial fallout can react chemically and may cause pitting
Pitting:
to the surface of the paint.
Paint inspection
Regular inspection of the car should be made for scratch marks, cracks or damaged
areas, all of which could develop rust. Any deep scratches, cracks or break-down in the
finish shouid be repaired without delay. Care shouid be taken to ensure that any rusting
is counteracted immediately,
area, particularly in tropical or coastal areas, where the moist, or salt-laden air
accelerates rusting. The paint finish of the car gives a very high degree of protection
against the weather, but it should be realised that wear and deterioration occur when the
car is exposed to elements for prolonged periods. The car therefore should be garaged
whenever possible.
To prevent damage of the paint surface, foreign matter should always be removed as
soon as possible. Due to the acidity, it is recommended that foreign matter such as bird
droppings be removed within 24 hours.
The way the paint keeps its condition over time can be assisted by you. The easiest way
to keep that paint looking bright and shiny is to keep it clean. A wash once a week will
do wonders. However, it must be done correctly.
1 . Never use an automatic wash that has anything that touches the paint other than
water.
Wash your car once a week to remove any build up of road grime that may have been
2.
deposited on your paint.
Find a cool, shady spot to wash it. Don't ever wash it in direct sunliQht.
3.
Hose the car down from top to bottom with lots of cold water. This removes any grit
4.
or other loose particles and substances. Don't use a sponge or cloth yet.
Fill a bucket with luke warm water and add no more than 2 capfuls of gentle detergent.
5.
Do not use hot water, strong soap or chemical
6. r�mov� hirrl
dissolved baking soda (Bicarbonate of Soda). Flush the washed parts with clean
water.
Starting with the roof, use a clean sponge to clean a small section at a time. Do not
7.
allow liquid to dry before rinsing off that section with clean water. When you have
completed each section, rinse the whole car again with cold water.
Dry the clean car thoroughly with a good quality Chamois.
8.
CARING FOR PAINT
otherwise rust "creep" will extend beyond the damaged
wet soonae for several minutes before
so::�k with
a
detergents.