Advertisement

Advertisement

Exterior care and cleaning -> Washing the vehicle for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

WARNING  
Improper care and cleaning of vehicle components can impact the safety features of the  
vehicle and cause severe injuries.  
Always clean and maintain vehicle components according to manufacturer's instructions.  
Only use approved or recommended cleaners.  
NOTICE  
Vehicle care products containing solvents can damage plastics and other vehicle the materials.  
Wash the vehicle only at specifically designated wash locations to prevent water contaminated  
with oil, grease and fuel from entering the storm drain sewer system. In some areas it is against the  
law to wash motor vehicles anywhere than other than at specified designated car washing locations.  
When buying vehicle care products, try to choose those that are not harmful to the environment.  
Never throw out vehicle care products with ordinary household waste. Always read and heed all  
the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package.  
Washing the vehicle  
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS  
The longer insect splatter, bird droppings, tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot, road salt,  
and other aggressive materials stay on your vehicle, the more damage they do to the paint finish. High  
temperatures (including strong sunlight) increase the corrosive effects. The vehicle underbody should  
also be washed regularly and thoroughly.  
Car wash  
Pay close attention to the information provided by the car wash operator. Before going through a  
car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions to help prevent damage, such as closing the windows,  
folding back the outside mirrors, etc. If you have installed additional accessories on the vehicle, such  
as a spoiler or an antenna, always ask the car wash operator if this poses a problem ⇒ꢀ  
.
The paint finish is tough enough that the vehicle can normally be washed without problems in an  
automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the type of car  
wash. Volkswagen recommends using brushless car wash facilities.  
To remove wax residue from the windows and avoid jerky windshield wiper movement, heed the  
following tips, Cleaning windows and outside mirrors.  
Washing by hand  
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse off as much dirt as  
possible.  
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing mitt or brush using only light pressure. Start  
on the roof and work down. Use special shampoo only on hard-to-remove dirt or grime.  
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.  
Clean the wheels and under the door sills last. Use a different sponge or wash mitt.  
WARNING  
After the vehicle has been washed, the wet brakes or, in winter, brake discs or pads coated  
with ice, react slower and need longer stopping distances.  
Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the  
brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.  
CAUTION  
Sharp edges under the vehicle can cut exposed skin.  
Always protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when cleaning the  
underbody, the inside of the wheel housings, etc.  
NOTICE  
The water temperature must not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).  
To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.  
Do not use insect sponges, abrasive kitchen sponges or similar things to clean the vehicle.  
These can damage the paint finish.  
Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. For  
best results use soapy water.  
When washing or rinsing the vehicle in cold weather, do not let water get into the lock  
cylinders or point the hose at gaps around the doors, hood, or luggage compartment lid. The  
water could freeze on the locks and seals and make it difficult to open the vehicle!  
NOTICE  
To help prevent vehicle damage in a car wash:  
Compare the vehicle track width with the dimensions of the guide rails in the car wash to  
help prevent damage to wheel rims and tires!  
Make sure there is enough clearance for the height and width of the vehicle.  
To help prevent paint damage to the engine hood, place wiper blades against the windshield  
after they have dried. Do not let them snap back into place.  
Fold the outside mirrors toward the vehicle body. Do not fold power folding mirrors  
manually!  
Lock the luggage compartment lid to prevent unintentional opening in the car wash.  
Washing with a power washer  
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS  
Always follow the instructions for the power washer. This especially applies to the pressure and  
spraying distance ⇒ꢀ  
Make sure there is enough distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulating material.  
.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or so-called dirt blasters ⇒ꢀ  
Never use a power washer to clean the engine compartment, Cleaning the engine compartment.  
.