Paint and varnish care (VW Passat B3)

Conservation

It is necessary to treat the clean and dried paint coating with a preservative as often as possible in order to protect the surface from atmospheric influences with the help of a pore-closing and water-repellent solid layer.

Any leaked fuel, oil or grease, as well as any leaked brake fluid, must be removed immediately, otherwise this will lead to peeling of the varnish coating.

Preservation should be repeated when the water on the varnish no longer rolls into balls, but remains in large spots. Regular preservation allows you to preserve the original gloss of the paintwork for a very long time.

Another option for preserving paintwork is to use washing preservatives. However, washing preservatives protect the coating well when used at every car wash and when washes are carried out at least every 2-3 weeks. Use preservatives that contain plant or synthetic detergents.

After using detergents (foaming), subsequent treatment of the surface with a preservative is especially recommended (pay attention to the instructions for use). Preservation should not be carried out in bright sunlight.

Polishing

Polishing of the paintwork is only necessary when the paintwork has become unsightly due to insufficient care, exposure to street dust, industrial gases, sun and rain, and gloss can no longer be achieved by treatment with preservatives. It is necessary to warn against the use of strong abrasive or chemically strong polishing agents, even if the first attempt seems convincing.



Before each polishing, the car is washed thoroughly and dried thoroughly.

However, it is necessary to act in accordance with the instructions for use of the appropriate polishing agent.

The treatment should be carried out on a not very large surface to avoid premature drying of the polish. When using some polishing agents, a preservative should also be applied afterwards. Do not polish in bright sunlight! Matte-coated parts cannot be treated with preservatives and polishing agents.

Body parts made from light alloys do not require special care.

Removal tar stains

Tar stains are absorbed into the varnish within a short time, after which it is no longer possible to remove them completely. Fresh stains can be removed with a rag soaked in gasoline for washing. In extreme cases, gasoline sold at a gas station, kerosene or turpentine oil can be used. A preservative for paint coatings also removes tar stains very well. When using this product, you can skip the subsequent car wash.

Insect Removal

Insect residue contains substances that, if not removed within a short time, can damage the varnish film. Once firmly adhered, these residues cannot be removed with just water and a sponge, so they must be washed off with a warm solution of soap or detergent. There are also special means for removing insect residue.

Removal splashes of building materials

Wash off splashes of construction materials with a neutral solution of detergent. Rub very lightly, otherwise the paintwork may be scratched. After washing, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Care of plastic parts

Plastic parts, artificial leather seats, ceiling, lamp shades, as well as parts with a matte black coating, should be cleaned with water, if possible, with the addition of shampoo, do not over-wet the ceiling.

If necessary, treat plastic parts with a plastic cleaner. Never use nitro solvents or ether-based cleaning agents (Kaltreiniger) or fuel.

Glass care

Wipe the inside and outside of the glass with a clean, soft cloth. For heavy dirt, use alcohol, ammonia, warm water, or a special glass cleaner. When cleaning the windshield, fold the wiper arms forward. When cleaning the windshield, clean the brushes as well.

Note: When using silicone-based cleaning agents, the same brushes, sponges, leather cloths and handkerchiefs used to clean the paintwork must not be used to clean the glass. When spraying the paintwork with a silicone-based agent, the glass must be covered with a folder or other material.

Maintenance of rubber seals: maintain the elasticity of rubber seals from time to time by dusting the sealing and glossy surfaces with talc or spraying them with silicone spray. Squeaking and creaking when closing doors is eliminated in the same way. Eliminate noises and rubbing of surfaces with lubricating soap.

Wheel rim care

Light alloy wheel rims should be maintained, especially in cold weather, using a rim cleaner. Never use aggressive, acidic, highly alkaline or rough cleaning agents or steamers with temperatures above 60°C.

Seat belts

Clean seat belts without removing them, using only a mild soap solution. Do not use chemical cleaning agents, as this may damage the fabric. Only rewind belts with automatic tensioning when dry. If necessary, treat the belts with a slip-improving spray to make rewinding easier, especially at the guide bracket. Do not dry the seat belt at temperatures above 80°C or in direct sunlight.