Nissan Altima Quiz
Appearance and care

Washing

In this manual: Appearance and care
Foreword — 1Nissan Customer Assistance Program — 1Illustrated Table of Contents — 8Safety - Seats, Seat Belts and Supplemental Restraint System — 28Controls and instruments — 50Pre-Start Checks and Adjustments — 43Monitor, Climate, Audio, Phone and Voice Recognition Systems — 90Starting and driving — 37In an Emergency — 12Appearance and care — 17Maintenance and owner do-it-yourself — 37Technical data and consumer information — 24Using the multi-function display — 1Start-up Display — 1Settings — 1Multi-function display warnings and indicators — 1Changing the Display — 1How to Park Using the Predicted Course Lines — 1Screen Settings — 1Driving tips — 1Moving Object Detection System (if equipped) — 1Blind Spot Warning System Operation — 1Blind Spot Warning system driving situations — 1Lane Departure Warning system operation — 1Camera Maintenance — 1Headlights — 1Fog Lights (if equipped) — 1Parking Lights and Turn Signal Lights — 1
~2min read

Wash the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of water and a soft sponge. Use a solution of clean, lukewarm water (never hot) and mild soap, car-specific soap or household liquid dish detergent.

WARNING

  • Do not choose a car wash that uses a detergent containing acid.

Some car washes, especially those without brushes (touchless), use a detergent that contains acid. Acids can react with certain plastic components of the vehicle and cause cracks. These cracks may affect the appearance of the components and impair their function. Always ask the car wash operator whether an acid-based detergent is used.

  • Do not wash your vehicle with strong household cleaners, harsh chemical detergents, gasoline, or solvents.
  • Do not wash your vehicle in direct sunlight or when the body is hot, as water may leave spots on the surface as it dries.
  • Avoid using soft or abrasive cloths, such as wash mitts.

    • Carefully remove mud deposits or other foreign matter to avoid scratching or damaging the vehicle's painted surfaces.

    Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with clean water.

    Road salt particularly affects the inner door sills, door seals and door folds, the hinges, and the hood. Therefore, these areas must be washed regularly.

    Make sure the drain holes at the lower edge of the doors are not blocked. Wash the underside of the body and the wheel wells with a water jet to loosen mud buildup and remove all traces of road salt.

    A damp chamois may be used to wipe the body and prevent water spots from forming.

    Test yourself

    A quick Nissan Altima quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.