Get Maintenance and care -> Cleaning and care Guide for Mercedes CLA 4 Door Third Generation (2025-2026)

To avoid an inaccurate measurement:

Make sure the wheels are suitably posi-

tioned.

In the case of perforated brake discs, do

not put the measuring pin on one of the

bores in the brake disc.

Cleaning and care

Information on washing the vehicle in a car wash

WARNING Risk of accident due to

reduced braking eect aer washing the

vehicle

The braking eect is reduced aer washing

the vehicle.

Aer the vehicle has been washed, brake

carefully while paying attention to the

trac conditions until the braking eect

has been fully restored.

NOTE Damage from automatic braking

If one of the following functions is activated,

the vehicle will brake automatically in certain

situations:

Active Brake Assist

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC

HOLD function

Active Parking Assist

To avoid damage to the vehicle, switch o

these systems, e.g. when towing or using a car

wash.

NOTE Damage due to unsuitable car wash

Before driving into a car wash make sure

that the car wash is suitable for the vehi-

cle dimensions.

Ensure there is sucient ground clear-

ance between the underbody and the

guide rails of the car wash.

Ensure that the clearance width of the

car wash, in particular the width of the

guide rails, is sucient.

To avoid damage to your vehicle when using a car

wash, ensure the following beforehand:

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is deactiva-

ted.

the HOLD function is switched o.

the 360° Camera or the reversing camera is

switched o.

the side windows and sliding sunroof are com-

pletely closed.

the blower for the ventilation and heating is

switched o.

the windshield wiper switch is in position g.

the key is at a minimum distance of 10  (3 m)

away from the vehicle. Otherwise the trunk lid

could open unintentionally.

for car washes with a conveyor system:

Neutral i is engaged.

282

Maintenance and care

If you would like to leave the vehicle while

it is being washed, make sure the key is

located in the vehicle. The park position

j is otherwise automatically engaged.

If, aer the car wash, you remove the wax

from the windshield and wiper rubbers, this

will prevent smearing and reduce wiper noise.

Car wash mode

In car wash mode, the vehicle is prepared for driv-

ing into an automatic car wash. Car wash mode

can be activated up to a speed of 12 mph

(20 km/h) (/ page 283).

The following settings are made when car wash

mode is activated:

The outside mirrors are folded in.

To prevent the windshield washer system from

starting automatically, the rain sensor is deac-

tivated.

Air-recirculation mode is activated.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated.

Vehicles with 360° camera: The front image is

activated aer approximately eight seconds.

If one of the settings cannot be made, this is dis-

played by a % behind the respective setting.

Car wash mode is automatically deactivated

above a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h).

The following settings are reversed when car wash

mode is deactivated:

The outside mirrors are folded out.

The rain sensor is activated.

Air-recirculation mode is deactivated.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is restored to the

previously selected setting.

Vehicles with 360° camera: The front image is

deactivated at speeds above 11 mph

(18 km/h).

Activating/deactivating car wash mode

Requirements

The vehicle is stationary.

The vehicle is switched on.

Multimedia system:

Settings

Vehicle

Driving

Activating automatic car wash mode

Select Automatic Car Wash Mode.

Select Activate.

If one of the settings cannot be selected, this is

shown by a % next to the respective setting.

For an overview of the settings made when

activating automatic car wash mode

(/ page 282).

Deactivating automatic car wash mode

Select Switch Off.

The automatic car wash settings are reset.

Car wash mode is automatically deactivated

as soon as a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h) is

exceeded.

Maintenance and care

283

Information on using a power washer

WARNING Risk of an accident when using

power washers with round-spray nozzles

The water jet can cause externally invisible

damage.

Components damaged in this way may unex-

pectedly fail.

Do not use a power washer with round-

spray nozzles.

Have damaged tires or chassis parts

replaced immediately.

To avoid damage to your vehicle when using a

power washer, ensure the following:

the key is at a minimum distance of 10  (3 m)

away from the vehicle. Otherwise the trunk lid

could open unintentionally.

Keep a minimum distance of 11.8 in (30 cm)

from the vehicle.

Vehicles with decorative foil: parts of your

vehicle are covered with decorative foil. Main-

tain a minimum distance of 27.6 in (70 cm)

between the foiled parts of the vehicle and the

power washer nozzle. Move the power washer

nozzle around when cleaning your vehicle. The

water temperature of the power washer must

not exceed 140°F (60°C).

Observe the information on the correct dis-

tance in the operating instructions of the

equipment manufacturer.

Do not direct the nozzle of the power washer

directly at sensitive parts, e.g. tires, gaps,

electrical component parts, batteries, illumi-

nants or louvers.

Washing the vehicle by hand

NOTE Engine damage due to water ingress

Take care not to point the water jet

directly towards the air inlet grille below

the hood.

Observe the relevant legal requirements (e.g. in

some countries, washing by hand is permitted

only in specially designated wash bays).

Use a mild cleaning agent (e.g. car shampoo).

Do not use an acidic cleaning agent.

Wash the vehicle with lukewarm water using a

so car sponge. When doing so, do not

expose the vehicle to direct sunlight.

Carefully hose the vehicle o with water and

dry using a chamois.

Observe the notes on the care of car parts

(/ page 286).

Notes on paintwork/matte nish paintwork care

To avoid damaging the paintwork and interfering

with the driving assistance systems, please

observe the following notes:

Paint

Insect remains: soak with insect remover and

rinse o the treated areas aerwards.

Bird droppings: soak with water and rinse o

aerwards.

Tree resin, oils, fuels and greases: remove by

rubbing gently with a cloth soaked in petro-

leum ether or lighter uid.

284

Maintenance and care

Coolant and brake uid: remove with a damp

cloth and clean water.

Tar stains: use tar remover.

Wax: use silicone remover.

Do not attach stickers, lms or similar materi-

als. Only have lm attached to the bumper at

a qualied specialist workshop.

Remove dirt immediately, where possible. Do

not use acidic solutions and acidic cleaning

agents.

Matte nish

Only use care products approved for

Mercedes-Benz.

Do not attach stickers, lms or similar materi-

als. Only have lm attached to the bumper at

a qualied specialist workshop.

Do not polish the vehicle or the light-alloy

wheels.

Only use car washes that correspond to the

latest engineering standards.

Do not use a car wash program with a nal hot

wax treatment.

Do not use paint cleaners, bung or polishing

products, gloss preservers, e.g. wax.

In the event of paintwork damage:

Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a

qualied specialist workshop.

Make sure the radar sensors function

(/ page 167).

Notes on cleaning decorative lms

Observe the "Notes on paintwork/matte nish

paintwork care" (/ page 284). They also apply to

matte decorative lms.

Observe the notes on cleaning decorative lms to

avoid damage.

Cleaning

For cleaning, use plenty of water and a mild

cleaning agent without additives or abrasive

substances (e.g. a car shampoo approved for

Mercedes-Benz).

Do not use an acidic cleaning agent.

Remove dirt as soon as possible. Avoid rub-

bing too hard in order not to damage the dec-

orative lm irreparably.

If there is dirt on the nish or if the decorative

lm is dull: use the paint cleaner recommen-

ded and approved for Mercedes-Benz.

Insect remains: soak with insect remover and

rinse o the treated areas aerwards.

Bird droppings: soak with water and rinse o

aerwards.

To prevent water stains, dry a lm-wrapped

vehicle with a so, absorbent cloth aer every

car wash.

Avoiding damage to the decorative lm

The service life and color of decorative lms

are impaired by:

Sunlight

Temperature (e.g. hot air blower)

Weather conditions

Stone chippings and dirt

Chemical cleaning agents

Oily products

Maintenance and care

285

Do not use polish on matte decorative lm.

Polishing will have the eect of shining the

lm-wrapped surface.

Do not treat matte or structured decorative

lms with wax. Permanent stains may occur.

Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas aected by

corrosion and damage caused by incorrect care

cannot always be completely repaired. In this

case, contact a qualied specialist workshop.

You can obtain more information on care and

cleaning agents from the manufacturer.

In the case of lm-wrapped surfaces, visual dier-

ences may occur between the surfaces that were

not protected by a decorative lm aer a decora-

tive lm has been removed.

Have work or repairs to decorative lms car-

ried out at a qualied specialist workshop

(e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center).

Notes on cleaning and care of vehicle parts

WARNING Risk of entrapment if the wind-

shield wipers are switched on while the

windshield is being cleaned

If the windshield wipers are set in motion

while you are cleaning the windshield or wiper

blades, you can be trapped by the wiper arm.

Always switch o the windshield wipers

and the vehicle before cleaning the wind-

shield or wiper blades.

NOTE Damage caused by acidic cleaning

agents

Do not use acidic cleaning agents. Oth-

erwise, the surfaces could be damaged.

To avoid damage to the vehicle, observe the notes

on cleaning and care of the following car parts:

Wheels and rims

Use water and acid-free alloy wheel cleaners.

Do not use acidic alloy wheel cleaners to

remove brake dust. This could damage wheel

bolts and brake components.

To avoid corrosion of the brake discs and

pads, drive the vehicle for a few minutes aer

cleaning before parking it. The brake discs and

pads will warm up and dry out.

Windows

NOTE Damage to electronic components

due to excess uids

When cleaning the windows from the inside,

uids such as cleaning agents or water may

run down and get behind trim parts of the

vehicle interior and cause damage to elec-

tronic components.

Use cleaning agents as sparingly as pos-

sible.

Immediately absorb any excess uids.

Clean the windows inside and outside with a

damp cloth and with a cleaning agent recom-

mended for Mercedes-Benz.

286

Maintenance and care

Do not use dry cloths or abrasive or solvent-

based cleaning agents to clean the insides of

windows.

Aer changing the wiper blades or treating

the vehicle with wax, clean the windshield

thoroughly with cleaning agents recommen-

ded for Mercedes-Benz. Failure to observe the

application instructions may result in damage,

smear marks or glare spots.

Remove external fogging or dirt on the wind-

shield in front of the multifunction camera.

Otherwise, driving systems and driving safety

systems may be impaired or not available

(/ page 167).

Wiper blades

Move the wiper arms into the replacement

position (/ page 126).

With the wiper arms folded out, clean the

wiper blades with a damp cloth.

Make sure that the wiper blades are coated.

The coating may leave residue on a cloth. Do

not rub the wiper blades excessively or clean

them too oen.

Exterior lighting

Clean the lenses with a wet sponge and mild

cleaning agent (e.g. car shampoo).

Use only cleaning agents or cleaning cloths

that are suitable for plastic lenses.

Sensors

Clean the sensors in the front and rear part of

the vehicles with car shampoo, plenty of water

and a so cloth (/ page 167).

When using a power washer, maintain a mini-

mum distance of 11.8 in (30 cm).

Cameras

Open the camera cover with the multimedia

system (/ page 208).

Use clean water and a so cloth to clean the

camera lenses.

Do not use a power washer.

Remove external fogging or dirt on the wind-

shield in front of the multifunction camera.

Otherwise, driving systems and driving safety

systems may be impaired or not available

(/ page 167).

Notes on care of the interior

WARNING Risk of injury from plastic parts

breaking o aer the use of solvent-based

care products

Care and cleaning products containing sol-

vents can cause surfaces in the cockpit to

become porous. When the airbags are

deployed, plastic parts may break away.

Do not use any care or cleaning products

containing solvents to clean the cockpit.

WARNING Risk of injury or fatal injuries

from bleached seat belts

Bleaching or dyeing seat belts can severely

weaken them.

This can, for example, cause seat belts to tear

or fail in an accident.

Never bleach or dye seat belts.

Maintenance and care

287

NOTE Property damage due to disinfec-

tants

The interior includes a number of sensitive

surfaces such as displays, plastics and

leather.

Disinfectants can contain alcohol and other

substances that penetrate and damage surfa-

ces. Technology behind buttons and displays

can also be damaged.

Do not use disinfectant on interior surfa-

ces.

To avoid damage to the vehicle, observe the fol-

lowing notes on cleaning and care:

Seat belts

Clean with lukewarm and soapy water.

Do not use chemical cleaning agents.

Do not dry by heating them to over 176°F

(80°C) or exposing them to direct sunlight.

Display

Switch o the display and let it cool down.

Clean the surface carefully with a microber

cloth and a suitable display care product (TFT-

LCD).

Do not use any other agents.

Head-up display

Clean with a so, non-static, lint-free cloth.

Do not use cleaning agents.

Plastic trim

Clean with a damp microber cloth.

For heavy soiling: Use a cleaner recommen-

ded for Mercedes-Benz.

Do not attach stickers, lms or similar materi-

als.

Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent or

sun cream to come in contact with the plastic

trim.

Real wood and trim elements

Clean with a microber cloth.

Black piano-lacquer look: clean with a damp

cloth and soapy water.

For heavy soiling: Use a cleaner recommen-

ded for Mercedes-Benz.

Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents, pol-

ishes or waxes.

Headliner

Clean with a brush or dry shampoo.

Carpet

Use a carpet and textile cleaning agent recom-

mended for Mercedes-Benz.

Steering wheels made of imitation leather

Use a damp cotton cloth and a 1% soap solu-

tion to clean the entire steering wheel. Do not

spot clean.

Use cleaning and care products recommen-

ded for Mercedes-Benz.

Do not use a microber cloth.

Do not use oil-based cleaning and care prod-

ucts.

288

Maintenance and care

Steering wheel made of genuine leather or DINA-

MICA

NOTE Damage caused by wrong cleaners

Do not use solvent-based cleaning

agents such as tar remover or wheel

cleaner; neither should you use polishes

or waxes. Otherwise you may damage

the nish.

Clean with a damp cloth and a 1% soapy water

solution and then wipe with a dry cloth.

For heavy soiling: Use a cleaner recommen-

ded for Mercedes-Benz.

Leather care: Use a leather care agent that

has been recommended for Mercedes-Benz.

Do not allow the leather to become too damp.

Do not use a microber cloth.

Leather is a natural product. It has natural

surface properties, such as dierences in

structure, marks caused by growth and injury

or subtle color dierences. These surface

properties are characteristics of leather and

not material defects. Leather is also subject

to a natural aging process during which the

surface properties change.

Genuine leather seat covers

Vacuum up dirt such as crumbs or dust and

then clean the seat covers with a damp cotton

cloth and wipe down with a dry cloth. Regu-

larly clean the seat covers.

For heavy soiling: use a leather care agent rec-

ommended for Mercedes-Benz aercare.

Leather care: Use a leather care agent that

has been recommended for Mercedes-Benz.

Do not use a microber cloth.

Do not allow the leather to become too damp.

Do not use oil-based cleaning and care prod-

ucts.

Leather is a natural product. It has natural

surface properties, such as dierences in

structure, marks caused by growth and injury

or subtle color dierences. These surface

properties are characteristics of leather and

not material defects. Leather is also subject

to a natural aging process during which the

surface properties change.

Waves or wrinkling in the seat cover may

occur due to the stress on the seat; this is

caused by the natural leather material.

Regular cleaning and care of the leather

reduces soiling, wear marks and aging dam-

age and thus signicantly extends its life

span. Clothing that can leave stains (e.g.

jeans) may discolor the leather.

DINAMICA seat covers

Vacuum up dirt such as crumbs or dust and

then use a damp cloth to clean.

Do not use a microber cloth.

Imitation leather seat covers

Vacuum up dirt such as crumbs or dust and

then use a damp cotton cloth and a 1% soap

solution to clean the entire seat cover. Do not

spot clean.

Use cleaning and care products recommen-

ded for Mercedes-Benz.

Do not use a microber cloth.

Maintenance and care

289

Do not use oil-based cleaning and care prod-

ucts.

Cloth seat covers

Vacuum up dirt such as crumbs or dust and

then use a damp microber cloth and a 1%

soap solution to clean the entire seat cover.

Do not spot clean.

Use cleaning and care products recommen-

ded for Mercedes-Benz.

Do not use oil-based cleaning and care prod-

ucts.

290

Maintenance and care

Maintenance and care -> Cleaning and care for Your Mercedes CLA 4 Door Third Generation (2025-2026)

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