Saturn 2009 ASTRA User Manual

Page 261

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If your vehicle has a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish, the clearcoat
gives more depth and gloss to
the colored basecoat. Always use
waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish.

Notice: Machine compounding
or aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
on the vehicle.

Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar,
tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals
from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage your vehicle’s finish if
they remain on painted surfaces.
Wash the vehicle as soon as
possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces to
remove foreign matter.

Exterior painted surfaces are
subject to aging, weather and
chemical fallout that can take
their toll over a period of years.
You can help to keep the paint finish
looking new by keeping your
vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.

Protecting Exterior Bright
Metal Parts

Bright metal parts should be
cleaned regularly to keep their
luster. Wash with water or
use chrome polish on chrome or
stainless steel trim, if necessary.

Use special care with aluminum trim.
To avoid damaging protective trim,
never use auto or chrome polish,
steam or caustic soap to clean
aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed
to high polish, is recommended for
all bright metal parts.

Washing Your Vehicle

The best way to preserve your
vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by
washing it often.

Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.

Notice: Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on the
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.

Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain
acid or abrasives, as they can
damage the paint, metal or plastic
on your vehicle. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer. Follow all
manufacturers’ directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care product.

Vehicle Service and Care

9-77

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