Body care

Locks

The locks are factory-lubricated with a high-grade lubricant. Use de-icer only in emergencies, as it removes lubricant and adversely affects lock operation. After using de-icer, have the locks lubricated at a service center.

Washing

The vehicle paintwork is exposed to various external factors. For this reason, the body should be washed and waxed regularly. When using an automatic car wash, it is recommended to select a wash program with wax.

Remove bird droppings, dead insects, tree sap, flower pollen and similar contaminants as soon as possible, as their chemical composition may damage the paint.

When using a car wash, follow the instructions of its manufacturer.

Switch off the front and rear window wipers. Lock the vehicle so that the fuel filler flap cannot be opened. Remove the antenna and external accessories, such as roof racks, etc.

When washing the vehicle by hand, be sure to thoroughly rinse the wheel housings.

Clean the edges and folds of open doors, the engine hood and the tailgate, as well as the body areas covered by them.

Have the service center lubricate the hinges of all doors.

Do not clean the engine compartment with a pressure washer or high-pressure cleaner.

After washing, rinse thoroughly and dry the body with a clean, frequently rinsed chamois. Use a separate piece of chamois for cleaning the windows, as residues of care products transferred to the glass may reduce visibility.

Do not remove tar stains with any hard objects. It is recommended to use a special aerosol product.

Exterior lights

The lenses of the lamps and headlights are made of plastic.

Do not use corrosive or abrasive substances, rough cloths or window scrapers to clean the lamps.

Avoid dry cleaning them.

Polishing and waxing

The vehicle body requires regular waxing.

Waxing the paint is necessary especially when water running off it does not form fine droplets.

Otherwise, the paint will dry out.

Polishing is necessary only if solid substances have adhered to the paint or if it has become dull and lost its gloss.

Silicone polish creates an additional protective layer, eliminating the need for waxing.

Do not wax or polish plastic body parts.

Windows and wiper blades

Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a piece of chamois dampened with a special window cleaner or insect remover.

When cleaning the heated rear window, take care not to damage the printed heating elements.

Commercially available scrapers with a sharp edge are best suited for manually removing ice from the windows.

Press the scraper firmly against the glass so that no dirt gets underneath it, as dirt may scratch the glass.

If streaks appear on the glass when the wipers are operating, wipe the blades with a soft cloth dampened with window cleaner.

Wheels and tires

Do not use a high-pressure washer.

Use a suitable pH-neutral cleaner to clean the wheel rims.

Wheel rims are painted and can be maintained with the same products as the body.

Paint damage

Repair minor paint damage with touch-up paint before corrosion spots form. Have more serious paint damage repaired and corrosion removed by a service center.

Special package and body kit

• Take care when towing to prevent damage to the tow rope. Remove the cover from the bumper before starting to tow.
• Limited ground clearance. Drive slowly over driveways, bumps and curbs.
• Use support stands when lifting the vehicle.
• To prevent body damage, it is recommended to transport the vehicle fully positioned on a car carrier.

Underbody

Corrosive substances used to remove ice, snow and other deposits can accumulate on the underbody of the vehicle. If not removed, they can accelerate corrosion and rust.

Periodically wash the underbody with plain water.

Areas where mud or other dirt may collect must also be cleaned.

Before rinsing with water, loosen any deposits built up in the recesses of the underbody.