Get General maintenance -> Care of vehicle and cleaning Guide for Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

document_0900452a81793dcc.book Seite 210 Mittwoch, 21. März 2007 5:42 17

210

Care of vehicle and cleaning

do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong

sunlight) further intensify the corrosive effect.

General notes

Regular care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle.

After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have

the underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.

Regular and careful care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle.

This may also be one of the requirements for upholding any

warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint defects.

Automatic car washes

Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precau-

tions such as closing the windows and sunroof. If the vehicle has

special accessories such as spoilers or a roof carrier or two-way

radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash operator.

Audi dealers and specialist retailers carry stocks of suitable car care

products. Please follow the instructions for use on the packaging.

WARNING

It is best to use a car wash without revolving bristles if possible.

• Cleaning products and other materials used for car care can

Washing your car with a high-pressure cleaner

damage health if misused.

When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always

follow the operating instructions for the equipment. This applies

particularly to the operating pressure and the spraying distance. Do

not hold the spray nozzle too close to soft materials, such as rubber

hoses or seals.

• Car care materials can contain toxic substances and must

always be kept in a safe place out of reach of children.

For the sake of the environment

Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or

one that has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt.

• When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are

not harmful to the environment.

• Surplus cleaning materials should not be disposed of together

Washing the car by hand

with ordinary household waste.

When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt

first, and rinse off as well as possible.

Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush, using only

slight pressure. You should start on the roof and work down. Special

car shampoo should only be used for very persistent dirt.

Care of exterior

Washing the vehicle

Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.

The longer substances like insects, bird droppings, resinous tree

sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other

aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they

Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second

sponge for this.

document_0900452a81793dcc.book Seite 211 Mittwoch, 21. März 2007 5:42 17

Care of vehicle and cleaning

211

Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, it is advis-

able to protect the paint with a coat of wax at least twice a year.

WARNING

• Do not wash the vehicle with the ignition switched on – risk of

In the summer, you will find it is much easier to remove dead insects

(which accumulate on the bumper and the front of the bonnet) if the

car has been waxed recently.

accident.

• Do not clean the underside of the car or inside the wheel arches

without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on

sharp metal parts.

Polishing

Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the

gloss cannot be brought back by putting on wax.

• Take care when washing the car during the winter: moisture

and ice on the brakes may affect braking efficiency – this could

cause an accident.

The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not

contain wax compounds to seal the paint.

Caution

• Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight – otherwise the paint

Matt painted and plastic parts must not be treated with wax or

polish.

can be damaged.

• Do not use insect sponges, or abrasive household sponges, etc.

– they can damage the surfaces.

• The headlights should only be washed with water – do not wipe

Ornamental trim and mouldings

them with a dry cloth or sponge. It is best to use soapy water.

• Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the water out in a direct

stream. This could damage the tyres – even if the spray is kept at a

distance and only used for a very short time.

The metal brightwork on the body is made of aluminium rather than

chrome (for environmental reasons).

Dirt or marks on the trim mouldings should be removed with an

acid-free cleaning agent (do not use a chrome cleaner). Body polish

is also unsuitable for use on trim mouldings. The intensive cleaning

fluids often used before the car goes into a car wash may contain

alkaline substances, which can cause dull or milky patches when

they dry out.

For the sake of the environment

The car should only be washed in special wash bays. This prevents

oily water from getting into the public drains. In some districts,

washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.

Audi dealers carry stocks of cleaning products which have been

tested for use on your vehicle and are not harmful to the

environment.

Waxing and polishing

Waxing

Waxing protects the paintwork. It is time to apply a good coat of wax

when water no longer forms droplets and rolls off the clean paint-

work.

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

document_0900452a81793dcc.book Seite 212 Mittwoch, 21. März 2007 5:42 17

212

Care of vehicle and cleaning

Plastic parts

WARNING

Plastic parts will come clean with regular washing. If this is not suffi-

cient, plastic parts should only be treated with a special solvent-free

plastic cleaning agent. Do not use paint cleaners, polishes or wax on

plastic parts.

Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visi-

bility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at

night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a

serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper

blades to judder.

Paint damage

Caution

Minor damage to the paint, such as scratches or stone chips, should

be touched up without delay before the metal starts to corrode. Suit-

able touch-up brushes or sprays for your car can be obtained from

an Audi dealer.

• Remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors with a plastic

scraper only. To avoid scratches caused by dirt on the glass, the

scraper should only be pushed in one direction and not moved to

and fro.

• The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner

side of the window. To avoid damaging the heating element, do not

put stickers on the inner side of the window.

The number of the original paint finish on the vehicle is given on the

data sticker ⇒ page 279.

If corrosion is already visible it must be thoroughly removed by a

qualified workshop.

• Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from

windows and mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!

Windows

Rubber seals (weatherstrips)

Clear vision is an essential safety factor.

The weatherstrips will remain pliable and last longer if they are

occasionally treated with a suitable care product (for example sili-

cone spray). This will also prevent premature ageing and leaks. The

doors will be easier to open as well. If they are kept pliable, the door

seals will be less likely to freeze up in the winter.

The windscreen must not be cleaned with insect remover or wax,

otherwise the windscreen wipers will not function properly

(juddering).

Traces of rubber, oil, grease or silicone can be removed with a

window cleaning solution or a silicone remover. Wax residue can

only be removed with a special cleaner. Your Audi dealer will be able

to provide you with more detailed information.

Wheels

The windows should also be cleaned on the inside at regular inter-

vals.

The wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance.

It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the

wheels at regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.

Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the windows. Cloths used for

waxing and polishing contain residues that will cause smears on the

glass.

document_0900452a81793dcc.book Seite 213 Mittwoch, 21. März 2007 5:42 17

Care of vehicle and cleaning

Plastic parts and leatherette

213

After washing, the wheels should only be cleaned with an "acid-

free" cleaning agent for alloy wheels. This is available from Audi

dealers and specialist retailers. Never leave the cleaning agent on

the rims for any longer than specified in the instructions before

rinsing it off. If the wheel cleaner fluid contains acid it can attack the

surfaces of the wheel bolts.

Plastic parts and leatherette can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If

this is not sufficient, plastic parts and leatherette should only be

treated with a special solvent-free plastic cleaner.

Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the

protective paint coating is damaged by stone chips etc., the

damaged area should be touched up immediately.

Textile covers and trim parts

Textile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door trim) should be

cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner. This will remove surface

dirt which could otherwise be rubbed into the textile material

during use. Do not use steam cleaners, as the steam could carry the

dirt deeper into the textile material.

WARNING

Please note when cleaning the wheels that water, ice and road salt

can impair the effectiveness of the brakes – this can cause an

accident.

Normal cleaning

We recommend that you use a soft sponge or lint-free, micro-fibre

cloth for normal cleaning. Only use brushes on floor coverings and

mats, as other textile surfaces could become damaged.

Care of interior

In the case of normal surface dirt you can use a foam cleaner. Use a

sponge to spread the foam on the textile surface and to work it into

the material lightly. However, make sure that the textile material

does not become soaking wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and

absorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-fibre cloth) and vacuum off any

residue once the surface is completely dry.

MMI display screen and control console

The MMI display screen can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a

special “LCD cleaner” (available from retailers of electrical goods).

Moisten the cloth with a small amount of the cleaning fluid.

Clean the MMI control console with a fine brush first to prevent any

dirt from getting in between the control buttons and the housing.

We then recommend wiping the MMI control console using a cloth

moistened with washing-up liquid and water.

Removal of stains

To treat stains caused by spilled drinks (coffee, fruit juice or similar)

make up a solution with a mild detergent for sensitive fabrics and

apply it with a sponge. If the stains are difficult to remove, a

washing paste can be applied directly onto the stain and worked

into the fabric. The surface will then have to be wiped with clear

water to remove any residue left by the paste. To do so, use a damp

cloth or sponge and then dab the stain with an absorbent cloth.

Caution

To avoid scratching the screen, do not wipe the MMI display with a

dry cloth.

• To avoid any possibility of damage, do not let any liquid get

Treat chocolate or make-up stains with a washing paste and then

rinse off with water (using a damp sponge).

inside the control console.

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

document_0900452a81793dcc.book Seite 214 Mittwoch, 21. März 2007 5:42 17

214

Care of vehicle and cleaning

A spirit-based cleaner can be used to remove grease, oil, lipstick or

ball point pen. Then dab the dissolved grease or colour particles off

with an absorbent cloth or similar. You may also have to treat the

stain once more using washing paste and water.

use. However, this means that the typical natural characteristics of

the surface are less apparent, though this does not affect quality.

Cleaning and care

Because of the natural properties of the specially selected hides

employed, the finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease

and dirt, etc. so a degree of care is required in everyday use and

when looking after the leather. Dark clothing (especially if damp or

incorrectly dyed) may stain leather upholstery. Dust and grit in the

pores and seams can have an abrasive effect and damage the

surface of the leather. Therefore leather should be cleaned at

regular intervals, depending on the actual amount of use. When

they have been in use for a certain time, your car seats will acquire

a typical and distinctive patina. This is characteristic for real leather

upholstery, and is a sign of genuine quality.

If the covers or textile trim panels are badly soiled we recommend

that you have them cleaned by a professional cleaning company.

Note

Please make sure you close any velcro fasteners on your clothing, as

these could otherwise damage the upholstery.

Applies to vehicles: with leather upholstery

Natural leather

To maintain the value of natural leather you should note the

following points:

Audi does everything possible to preserve the special

qualities of leather as a natural product.

General notes

Caution

We have a wide selection of leathers. The main type used is nappa

in various forms, that is leather with a smooth surface in a selection

of colours.

• Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight for long periods, other-

wise it may tend to lose some of its colour. If the car is left for a

prolonged period in the bright sun, it is best to cover the leather.

The amount of dye used determines the appearance and properties

of leather. If the leather is left in a more natural state, it retains its

typical natural appearance and is pleasant and comfortable for the

seat occupants. Fine veins, healed scars, insect bites, wrinkles and

a subtle variation in shading remain visible; these are the character-

istic features of genuine natural leather.

• Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as belts, zip fasteners,

rivets or similar, can also leave permanent scratches and rough

marks on the surface of the leather.

Note

• Use a suitable impregnating cream with ultra-violet protection at

regular intervals and after cleaning. This cream will nourish and

moisturise the leather, keep it supple and able to breathe. In addi-

tion, it will also help to protect the surface of the leather.

Natural napped leather does not have a protective surface coating

of dye. It is therefore somewhat more prone to damage. You should

bear this in mind if children or pets often travel in the car, or if there

are other factors that could lead to damage.

• Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and remove fresh dirt as

Types of leather with a coloured surface coating are likely to be

more resistant to damage. This has a great advantage for day-to-day

necessary.

document_0900452a81793dcc.book Seite 215 Mittwoch, 21. März 2007 5:42 17

Care of vehicle and cleaning

215

• Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe

– Treat fat-based, dried-in stains with grease-dissolving

cream and similar stains as soon as possible.

spray.

• Preserve the colour of the leather. A special coloured cream will

renew the colour of the leather when required and will eliminate

differences in colour.

– Treat less common stains such as ball-pen and other

inks, felt-tip pens, nail polish, dispersion paint, shoe

cream etc. with a special leather stain remover.

Applies to vehicles: with leather upholstery

Leather care products

Cleaning and care of leather upholstery

– The leather should be treated regularly (about twice a

year) with a special leather-care product.

Natural leather requires an extra degree of attention and

care.

– Apply the cream very sparingly.

Normal cleaning

– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.

– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe

over the leather surfaces.

Should you have any questions regarding the care and cleaning of

the leather upholstery in your vehicle, we recommend that you

contact your Audi dealer. The staff there will gladly provide you with

further information on cleaning and care of your upholstery and on

our complete range of leather care products:

More stubborn dirt

– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap

solution (pure liquid soap: two tablespoons dissolved in

one litre of water).

• Cleaning and care set

• Coloured leather-care cream

– It is very important not to let the water soak through the

leather or penetrate into the seams.

• Stain remover for ball-pen inks, shoe cream etc.

• Grease dissolving spray

– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.

• New products and further developments

Removal of stains

Caution

– Remove fresh water-based stains such as coffee, tea,

juices, blood etc. with an absorbent cloth or kitchen roll,

dried-on stains with the cleaning agent from the care set.

On no account use solvents (such as petrol, turpentine), wax polish,

shoe cream or similar materials.

– Remove fresh fat-based stains on the surface such as

butter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc. with an absorbent

cloth or kitchen roll or with the cleaning agent from the

care set.

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

document_0900452a81793dcc.book Seite 216 Mittwoch, 21. März 2007 5:42 17

216

Care of vehicle and cleaning

Applies to vehicles: with Alcantara seat covers

Seat belts

Cleaning Alcantara

Seat belts should be looked after properly to ensure that

they give the full protection.

Removing dust and dirt

– Keep the seat belts clean.

– Moisten a cloth just a little and wipe down the seat

covers.

– For cleaning, use a mild soap solution.

– Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals.

Removing stains

– Moisten a cloth with lukewarm water or diluted methyl-

ated spirits.

Very dirty belts may not retract properly.

Make sure that the inertia reel seat belts are completely dry before

allowing them to retract.

– Dab at the stain. Start at the outside and work inwards.

– Dry the area you have cleaned with a soft cloth.

Caution

Do not use leather cleaning products on Alcantara seat covers.

You may use a suitable shampoo on dust and dirt.

• Do not remove the seat belts from the vehicle to clean them.

• Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this

can damage the webbing. Ensure that the belts do not come into

contact with corrosive fluids.

Dust and grit in the pores and seams can have an abrasive effect

and damage the surface of the leather. If the car is left standing in

the sun for long periods, the leather should be protected against

direct sunlight to prevent it from fading. However, slight colour vari-

ations will arise in normal use.

• If you find any damage to the belt webbing, belt fittings, the belt

retractor or the buckle, the belt in question must be replaced by a

qualified workshop.

Caution

• Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers,

leather cleaning products or any similar products on Alcantara.

• To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a qual-

ified workshop.

• On no account use brushes, hard sponges or similar utensils.

General maintenance -> Care of vehicle and cleaning for Your Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals