Washing Your Vehicle

The paint finish on the vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention, and durability.

The best way to preserve the vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.

Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well, removing all soap residue completely.

Approved cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer. See Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 462. Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.

High pressure car washes may cause water to enter the vehicle.

    See also:

    Radio Messages
    CAL ERR (Calibration Error): The audio system has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory. If CAL ERR displays it means that the radio has not been configured properly for your vehicle a ...

    Wiper Blade Replacement
    Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear and cracking. See Maintenance Schedule  for more information. Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. ...

    When It Is Time for New Tires
    Factors such as maintenance, temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions affect the wear rate of the tires. Treadwear indicators are one way to tell when it is time f ...