Caring for the paint

Protecting: apply a protective agent to the clean, dry paint as often as necessary to shield the surface from weather effects with a pore-sealing, water-repellent wax layer.

Remove spilled fuel, oil or grease, or spilled brake fluid immediately, otherwise the paint will discolor.

The wax must be reapplied when water no longer beads off the paint and instead sheets across large areas.

Regular waxing keeps the original gloss of the paint intact for a long time.

Another way to protect the paint is with wash-in protectants. However, wash-in protectants only provide adequate protection if they are used with every car wash and the interval between two washes does not exceed 2 to 3 weeks. Only use paint protectants containing carnauba or synthetic waxes.

After using detergents (shampoo wash), follow-up treatment with a preservative is particularly recommended (observe the instructions for use).

Polishing: Polishing the paint is only necessary if the paint has become unsightly due to inadequate care and exposure to road dust, industrial exhaust gases, sun and rain, and if treatment with preservatives no longer restores the shine. Warning: Avoid strongly abrasive or chemically aggressive polishing agents, even if the first attempt appears convincing.

Before polishing, wash the vehicle thoroughly and dry it carefully. Otherwise, follow the instructions for use of the polishing agent.

Work on small areas to prevent the polish from drying out prematurely. Some polishing agents require subsequent waxing. Do not polish in direct sunlight! Matt-finished parts must not be treated with preservatives or polishing agents.

Removing tar spots: Tar spots bond with the paint within a short time and can then no longer be removed completely. Fresh tar spots can be removed with a soft cloth soaked in white spirit. If necessary, petrol from a filling station, kerosene or turpentine oil can be used. Paint protectant is also very effective against tar spots. When using this product, rewashing is not necessary.

Removing insects: Insect remains contain substances that can damage the paint film if not removed promptly. Once stuck on, they cannot be removed with water and a sponge alone; they must be washed off with a weak, lukewarm soap or detergent solution. Special insect removers are also available.

Removing construction material splashes: Wash off splashes of any construction material with a lukewarm solution of neutral detergent. Rub only lightly, otherwise the paint may be scratched. After washing, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Caring for plastic parts: Clean plastic parts, synthetic leather seats, headliner, lens covers and matt-black painted parts with water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive; do not soak the headliner. If necessary, treat plastic parts with plastic cleaner. Never use solvents such as nitro thinner, cold cleaner or fuel.

Cleaning windows: Wipe window glass inside and outside with a clean, soft cloth. For heavy soiling, use methylated spirits or ammonia and lukewarm water, or a special glass cleaner.

When cleaning the windshield, fold the wiper arm forward.

When cleaning the windshield, also clean the wiper blades.

Warning: When using silicone-containing products, the brushes, sponges, leather cloths and cloths used to clean the paintwork must not be used on the glass. When spraying silicone-containing care products onto the paintwork, cover the windows with cardboard or other material.

Caring for rubber seals: From time to time, keep rubber seals supple by dusting the sealing and sliding surfaces with talcum powder or spraying them with silicone spray.

This also prevents squeaking or creaking noises when closing doors. Rubbing the relevant surfaces with soft soap also eliminates the noises.

Care for alloy wheels with a wheel cleaner, especially during the cold season. Do not use aggressive, acidic, strongly alkaline or abrasive cleaning agents, or steam jets above +60 °C.

Clean seat belts only with mild soapy water while installed; do not dry clean, as this may destroy the webbing. Retractable belts should only be rolled up when dry. Do not dry the belt webbing at temperatures above +80 °C or in direct sunlight.