Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2011 - Manual (Page 456)

movements. This can cause damage to the
vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Also, clean the insides of the wheels when
washing the underbody of the vehicle.
X Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft car sponge for cleaning.
X Use a gentle cleaning agent, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz approved car shampoo.
X Wash down the vehicle with a gentle water
jet.
X Do not point the water jet directly at the air
inlets.
X Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge
frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
it thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not allow the cleaning agent to dry on
the paintwork.
Power washers
G
Warning
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles (concentrated-power jets) to clean
your vehicle, especially for cleaning tires. You
could otherwise damage the tires and cause
an accident.
! Keep the distance between the vehicle
and the nozzle of the power washer at
11.8 in (30 cm). Information about the
correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R
door joint
R
electrical components
R
battery
R
connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R
ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels
!
Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period right after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
brake pads, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked up.
Cleaning the paintwork
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop immediately, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Remove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
454
Care
Maintenance and care