Get Maintenance -> Vehicle Cleaning Guide for Aston Martin Vantage 2 Door Third Generation (2005-2017)

11.35

Maintenance

Bodywork Maintenance

Door Drain Holes

Check the drain holes in the bottom face of each door periodically

and clear if necessary with, for example, a short length of wire or a

pipe cleaner.

Vehicle Cleaning

Paint Work

Modern water based paints are much safer and more

environmentally friendly than solvent based paints. Water based

paints are however more susceptible to contamination and marking

by corrosive substances. The following list is not exhaustive but does

show the most common contaminants which may adversely affect

your paint work:

• Bird Droppings,

• Antifreeze,

• Tree Sap,

• Oils and Greases,

• Insect Remains.

Wash such substances from the vehicle using clean warm water with

vehicle shampoo, at the earliest opportunity, especially in sunny

weather which can accelerate contamination.

Other groups of contaminants may be added to this list as

experience of water based paints and finishes increases.

Washing

Warning: Washing and polishing agents containing silicone

should not be applied to glass. This will reduce the efficiency of

the windscreen wipers, causing smears which will reduce

visibility, particularly during darkness and in the rain.

Commercially operated automatic vehicle washes, jet washes

and power operated mops are not recommended. The detergents

used can contain certain chemicals which may, over time, be

detrimental to some exterior parts of the vehicle. Prolonged

usage of automatic vehicle washes and power operated mops will

also cause fine scratches in the paint surface.

Aston Martin recommends the use of AUTOGLYM vehicle care

products or preparations of similar reputable manufacture for adding

to the washing water. Make sure that the manufacturer’s instructions

are followed.

During the winter months, it is advisable to wash the vehicle more

frequently, paying particular attention to the underside to combat the

detrimental effects of any salt and sand contamination picked up

from treated roads.

11.36

Maintenance

To delay the onset of corrosion developing on the brake components

Aston Martin recommend that after washing this vehicle, the vehicle

should be driven a short distance to make sure that all the water and

washing product has dried off.

For best results:

Do not wash the vehicle in strong sunlight. Let the vehicle cool before

washing.

Do not use household soaps or detergents.

Do not direct water hoses at full force around the door and trunk lid

seals.

Do not use a brush on the car body as this will leave little scratches.

Suggested washing method:

1. Fill two buckets with water. To one bucket add a mild neutral

detergent, as directed by the detergent manufacturer.

2. Hose the vehicle to remove all dust and mud residue. Don't use

a strong jet, as this can rub grit over the paint and scratch it.

3. Soak a large wash mitt or a soft sponge in the soapy water, make

sure to wash out any dirt in it, and begin applying it to the

vehicle. Wash the vehicle section by section, starting at the top.

Circle around the car several times, washing lower areas with

each round.

4. Rinse the dirt out of the wash mitt or soft sponge in the bucket

with plain water frequently.

5. After one section is washed, rinse it with the hose before moving

on, don't let the soap dry on the paint and stain it. Always keep

the vehicle wet, this will prevent droplets from drying on the

paint and leaving water-spots.

6. Dry the car with a chamois leather before it air-dries.

Front Grille

Wash and clean the vehicle's front grille in the same way as the paint

work, but make sure that the front grille is dried off completely

leaving no water droplets on the grille (wipe the front grille last using

a chamois leather): Chrome polish or other abrasive cleaners must

not be used.

Road Wheels

To avoid possible damage to the alloy road wheels, wheel nuts and

wheel centre trims, from a build up of brake dust wash and clean the

alloy road wheels frequently, using a mild soapy water solution only.

Do not use chemical alloy road wheel cleaners, as they can often

have a high acid or alkaline content and could cause discolouration.

Always clean one wheel at a time and do not allow the cleaning

solution to dry on the wheel. Fully flush off with clean water.

11.37

Maintenance

Satin Black Road Wheels

Option

The Aston Martin new car warranty covers defects in materials

or workmanship of the paint work. The warranty does NOT cover

repairs to your Satin Black paint work caused by negligence, lack

of or improper maintenance such as waxing or polishing the

finish, environmental influences, or improper repairs or damage

that causes the Satin Black finish to become glossy.

In comparison to conventional wheel colours with a gloss or metallic

surface, the Satin Black paint work must be cared for slightly

differently. In order to avoid damage to the Satin Black paint work,

make sure that the cleaning and care points below are followed:

1. Only use cleaning products recommended by Aston Martin.

Abrasive cleaning products will change the satin appearance of

the wheel and must not be used.

2. Do not polish or wax the wheel. Polishing or waxing can lead to

glossing of the Satin Black paintwork.

3. Do not wash the car in an automatic car wash. This will avoid

particles, for example: sand and dust, from damaging the Satin

Black painted surface.

4. Only use a soft sponge to clean the wheel. Do not use abrasive

cleaning tools.

5. Remove insect remains, bird droppings, resins, tar spots, fuels

and oil immediately. Avoid strong rubbing while cleaning the

wheel.

6. Any stickers applied to the paint work will leave a mark when

removed.

7. Repairs to the wheel paint work must be completed by an Aston

Martin category A or B body shop.

Ceramic Brake Discs

To avoid possible damage to the ceramic brake discs, when washing

the road wheels with products or materials other than a mild soapy

water solution always remove the wheels from the vehicle.

Headlamp Lenses

Only use a mild soapy water solution when washing the Headlamp

Lenses. Do not use cleaning materials which contain solvents.

Cleaning materials which contain solvents, i.e. tar remover, gasoline,

waxes or polishes, may damage the headlamp lens.

Polishing

Approximately twice a year, a good quality polish should be applied

to the body work and then buffed, using a soft lint free cloth.

The alloy wheel rims should be treated with a cleaner which is

specifically manufactured for this purpose.

11.38

Maintenance

Upholstery, Trim, Carpets and Seats

Warning: Fumes from cleaning solvents may be dangerous in

confined spaces. Make sure that the vehicle is well ventilated

and follow the manufacturer’s printed instructions when using

these products.

Certain types of clothing, such as denim and vegetable tanned

leather, are prone to ‘dye transfer’. This can cause discolouration

in the leather. Make sure that the affected areas are cleaned and

re-protected as soon as possible.

The seats and soft trimmed components of this vehicle are covered in

hand crafted leather. In order to maintain the beauty of leather it will

require regular cleaning, which, if neglected, may cause

deterioration. Where dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate and

become ingrained in the surface the leather may become

permanently damaged. Leather faced features should be cleaned

with a damp cloth moistened with an undiluted leather cleaner.

Do not use detergents, quick cleansers or furniture polishes. These

products may give an initially impressive result, but their use will lead

to rapid deterioration of the leather and will invalidate the warranty.

Several times a year, a leather conditioner or preservative should be

used. Appropriate care materials are obtainable from your

Aston Martin Dealer.

Alcantara roof linings and other soft trimmed areas may be brushed

with a soft brush. Stains from water based substances such as coffee,

tea or soft drinks should be cleaned as soon as possible with mild

soap and water.

The brushed and anodized aluminium trim should be cleaned using

a dry clean lint free cloth.

Consult your Aston Martin Dealer for instructions on the removal of

more difficult stains such as oil, grease or ballpoint ink.

Carpets should be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner. Any

stains or grease marks should be removed with a good quality solvent

suitable for use on carpets.

Care and Maintenance of Seat Belts

Do not allow seat belts to be retracted until they are

completely dry.

To make sure that the restraint webbings are in correct working order,

regularly check the seat belts. Look for fraying, cuts, burns and similar

problems. Make sure that the latches and buckles operate correctly.

If a seat belt is not in good condition or is not working correctly,

consult your Aston Martin Dealer.

Any seat belt that has been worn during a serious collision should be

replaced by an Aston Martin Dealer.

To clean the seat belts, use mild soap and water; do not use bleach,

solvents or dyes as they can weaken the material. Allow the seat belts

to dry thoroughly before use.

11.39

Maintenance

Convertible Roof Fabric

Do not leave the roof in the lowered (folded) position for

extended periods of vehicle storage. Permanent damage to the

convertible roof fabric may occur including soiling and fading

along folds.

Do not use automatic vehicle washes. Brushes, detergents and

pressurized water jets may damage the roof fabric. Do not use

power washers. Jets of water may damage the weather seals and

the roof fabric. Do not use spot cleaners, chemical diluents or any

organic cleaners. If in doubt, contact your Aston Martin Dealer.

To maintain the appearance and condition of the roof fabric the

cleaning and reproof recommendations given below should be

followed. This is of particular importance in the case of light coloured

roof fabrics.

Cleaning

Always remove bird droppings as soon as possible. The organic acids

in bird lime can adversely affect the roof fabric.

Carefully vacuum clean the roof fabric to remove any loose particles.

Gently, and evenly, wash the roof fabric using a mild soap solution

and a soft brush.

A hard brush will damage the fabric fibres.

Rinse the roof fabric thoroughly with clean water to remove any

traces of soap. Allow the roof fabric to completely dry before

operating the roof.

Reproofs

Due to its construction the roof fabric will stay watertight without re-

proofing. However to retain the appearance of the roof, to reduce

soiling and to improve the drying time Aston Martin recommended

that the roof is re-proofed annually, by your Aston Martin Dealer.

Under Hood Cleaning

Under hood cleaning using high pressure hoses or steam cleaners

should not be carried out. The electronic control module

connections and fuse boxes can be damaged by indiscriminate use of

high pressure cleaning equipment.

Vehicle Storage

Recommendations

These recommendations apply to new and pre-owned vehicles

either in dealer or customer ownership.

If your vehicle is not to be used for periods in excess of three months

it should be stored in a dry, well ventilated building.

1. Drive the vehicle for a sufficient distance to warm the oil in the

engine and the transaxle; make sure that the internal

components of the engine are lubricated.

2. Check the engine coolant level. Top up if necessary with the

correct antifreeze and water solution.

3. In order to take the weight off the tires, raize the vehicle with a

jack and place supports under the front and rear suspension. If

the vehicle is not raized from the ground, increase the tire

pressures to 3.4 bar/49 psi. Cover the tires to exclude any light.

Turn the wheels ¼ turn every month to avoid tire flat spots.

4. Close the convertible roof, if installed.

It is recommended that the convertible roof remains in the closed

position. Do not leave the roof in the lowered (folded) position as

permanent damage may occur to the roof fabric.

Maintenance -> Vehicle Cleaning for Your Aston Martin Vantage 2 Door Third Generation (2005-2017)

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