Contents: Car wash ↓ Paraffinization ↓
Car wash
The best protection of the exterior of the car from external environmental factors is its regular washing and waxing. The frequency of these operations depends on the duration of use of the car, the parking place (garage, open air under the trees, etc.), season, weather conditions, degree of environmental pollution. The longer traces of plaque, insects, tree resin, road and industrial dust, soot, carbon, etc. remain on the painted surface of the car, the greater the destructive effect they will have. High temperatures, such as exposure to sunlight, increase the effect of corrosion.
Under certain circumstances, washing the car should be done weekly. Under other circumstances, washing and waxing once a month will be sufficient.
At the end of the winter season, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the underside of the car.
Automatic car wash
The decorative paint of a car is so durable that it can usually be washed without problems in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends largely on the design features of the service facilities, the quality of the filtration of the wash water, the type of car wash, the washing agents, etc. If the car paint has become dull or scratched after the car wash, immediately bring this to the attention of the operator servicing the car wash. If necessary, use another car wash.
Notes:Before you take your car through the car wash, remember to take the usual precautions: close the windows, the sunroof, remove (enter inside) radio antenna. On Volkswagen vehicles, the roof-mounted antenna is not retractable.
If you have installed additional accessories on your vehicle (spoilers, roof racks, etc.), it is better to ask the washing machine operator about the need to dismantle them.
Car wash by hand
In the interests of protecting the environment, the car may only be washed in special bays designed for this purpose.
First, wet the dirty areas of the car thoroughly and then wash off the dirt.
Next, clean the car with a sponge or brush, starting from the roof and further down, without applying any noticeable force. To remove stubborn dirt, you can use a special car wash product. Wring out the sponge as often as possible. Wash the wheels and excess trim panels of the door or window frames last, using a different sponge. After washing the car, thoroughly wet it with water and wipe it dry.
Notes: Do not wash your vehicle in areas exposed to sunlight.
When washing your car with a jet of water from a hose, do not direct the jet directly at the locking cylinders, otherwise they may be susceptible to freezing in winter.
Caution: Do not wash, wax or wipe the vehicle while the engine is running.
When cleaning the underside of the chassis, guards, wheel caps, etc., use only protective equipment for your hands, as you may cut yourself on the sharp edges of metal parts and assemblies.
Accumulation of moisture and ice on the brake system components in winter can negatively affect its efficiency. Always check the brake system after washing your car.
Car wash with injection machine
When using an injection washer, please note the following:
- Be sure to follow the operating instructions for the injection washer, especially regarding pressure and spray pattern length.
- Make sure the spray hose nozzle produces a fan-shaped stream. Do not use nozzles that spray water in a straight stream or rotating nozzles.
- The water temperature should not exceed 60°C.
Caution: Never wash your tires with a direct stream of water coming from a nozzle, as this may damage the tires even if the water stream is only applied to them for a short period of time and the nozzle is located at a relatively large distance.
Paraffinization
- A good wax coating will protect your car's paint to a large extent from the environmental pollutants listed in the "Washing" chapter, and even from light scratches.
- When there are no water drops left on the painted surface and the water has completely drained, lubricate it with hard paraffin. Even if the paraffin solution is regularly applied to the painted surface of the car after washing it, it is recommended to apply an additional protective layer with hard paraffin at least twice a year.
Polishing
Polish your car only when the paint is dull and the glossy shine is not restored using paraffin. If the polishing compound used does not contain protective elements, then after polishing, a paraffin layer must be applied to the paint.
Note:Do not polish plastic parts or parts painted in a matte color.
Finishing paint
Your Volkswagen dealer has a finishing paint for minor scratches. Scratches should be repaired immediately to prevent corrosion. If the corrosion is severe, simple putty will not be enough. Before applying the finishing paint, the affected area should be sanded (zero) and primed. The vehicle's original paint number is on the identification plate.
Windows
Clean all windows regularly to remove road dust and wax from washing your car. Use a warm, water-based soap solution or an alcohol-based glass cleaner. Use a chamois material to polish the glass. Don't forget to clean the inside of the windows regularly. Use a plastic scraper to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors.
To avoid scratching the glass while cleaning dirt, move the scraper forward only, never back and forth. To avoid damaging the rear defogger wires, do not place adhesives inside the rear window on top of the wires.
Seals
Remove the silicone sprays from the windshield to avoid the contact brushes from getting lubricated in the rain. For reliable sealing, the seals around the engine hood, rear door (cover), doors, etc. must be flexible. Spray silicone, cover rubber seals with talcum powder or glycerin to maintain flexibility and protect against freezing in the winter.
Sliding roof guides
To ensure proper operation of the sliding roof, clean the guides and lubricate them with silicone at least once a year. For more detailed information, contact your Volkswagen dealer.
Matte and plastic surfaces
Plastic parts such as light bulb recesses, trim strips, bumpers, etc. will remain clean with regular washing. If additional cleaning or stain removal is required, use a soft brush or cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution, then rinse immediately and thoroughly with clean water.
Do not use anything that may damage the plastic or matte finish surfaces, such as waxing, polishing, abrasive cleaners or dry cleaning solvents.
Metallic body trim
To keep metal trim elements with a light or dark anodized surface clean, they must be washed regularly. Use a special wax to apply a protective coating. Use a special chrome cleaner to remove stains or dirt from the chrome surface or from the surfaces of stainless steel parts. Polish chrome surfaces to give them a shine that lasts for a long time.
Steel wheels
When washing your car, be sure to clean the wheel hub caps and rims from road dirt, salt deposits and brake dust. If necessary, use a special cleaner to clean the wheels from brake dust accumulated on them. Scratches on painted surfaces must be repaired without fail to prevent corrosion.
Light alloy wheels
To maintain the decorative appearance of aluminum alloy wheels, special care is required. In addition to road dirt and salt, brake dust also has a corrosive effect. Brake dust, remaining for a long time on the aluminum surface, can cause pitting corrosion. Wash the wheels every other week with a sponge or brush. Road salt should be removed weekly with an acid-free cleaner. Every three months (taking into account regular cleaning) the wheels must be coated with petrolatum (vaseline) or special car wax. Wipe the wheels with a soft cloth. Never use abrasives or cleaning agents to polish the metal.
Caution: When washing your wheels, remember that moisture, ice and road salt on the brake system components can negatively affect its efficiency. Always check the brake system after washing your car.
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