Get Vehicle care and maintenance -> Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Guide for Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

How the vehicle battery discharges:

•

Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is

switched on.

•

The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.

WARNING

Incorrectly attaching the battery and using incorrect vehicle batteries can cause short circuits,

fire and serious injuries.

•

Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries that have the same properties,

specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.

WARNING

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.

•

Vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.

Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can

even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).

•

A vehicle battery must be replaced if it has been frozen.

Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable and

then the negative cable.

NOTICE

•

Never make or break connections between vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or

the engine is running. Never use a vehicle battery that does not correspond with the

vehicle's specifications. The vehicle's electrical system or electronic components could be

damaged, which could lead to electrical faults, for example in the start/stop system.

•

Never connect equipment that provides electricity, such as solar panels or a battery

charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the vehicle battery. This

can damage the vehicle electrical system.

Dispose of the vehicle battery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic

substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.

Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of

them properly.

Vehicle care and maintenance

Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒ Washing the vehicle

⇒ Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner

⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors

⇒ Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades

⇒ Waxing and polishing the vehicle

⇒ Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts

⇒ Cleaning wheels

⇒ Care of rubber seals

⇒ De-icing the door lock cylinders

⇒ Underseal

⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment

Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. Proper maintenance may also

be one of the requirements for the approval of warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint

defects.

Suitable care products are available from Volkswagen dealers.

Additional information and warnings:

•

Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine

compartment

•

Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior

Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs

and renewal of parts

WARNING

Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect

application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.

•

The care product must be kept in its original sealed container.

Read the manufacturer's instructions.

Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original

containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care

products.

•

Keep children away from care products.

The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used

outside or in well-ventilated spaces.

•

Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash,

clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly inflammable.

WARNING

Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle and

thus cause serious injury.

•

Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.

NOTICE

Cleaning agents that contain solvents attack the material and can cause damage.

In the interests of environmental protection, the vehicle should only be washed in specially

provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering

the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.

Environmentally-friendly care products should be used.

Leftover car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Read

the manufacturer's instructions.

Washing the vehicle

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial

deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more

damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight) further

intensify the corrosive effect. The underside of the vehicle should also be cleaned thoroughly and

regularly.

Car washes

Please observe the signs on the automatic car wash. Before using an automatic car wash take

the usual precautions, such as closing all windows and folding in the exterior mirrors, in order to

avoid damage to the vehicle. You must consult the car wash operator if there are special parts on

your vehicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ⇒

.

The paint is hard-wearing enough for the car to be generally washed in an automatic car wash.

However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the design of the car wash.

Volkswagen recommends the use of car washes without brushes.

To remove any waxy residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the

following ⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors.

Washing the car by hand

When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as well as possible.

Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush using only light pressure. Start with

the roof and work from the top to the bottom. Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.

The sponge or glove should be wrung out thoroughly at regular intervals.

Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a different sponge for this purpose.

WARNING

Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause injury.

•

Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the

underbody or the inside of the wheel housings.

WARNING

After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend

the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.

•

You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that

you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.

NOTICE

•

The water should be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).

•

Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle

paintwork.

Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can

damage the surface.

Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. It

is best to use soapy water.

Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the

water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and

seals could freeze.

NOTICE

Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order

to avoid damage to the vehicle:

•

Ensure that the gap between the guide rails in the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle

track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.

•

Switch off the city emergency brake function before driving the vehicle into an automatic

car wash.

•

Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.

Fold in the exterior mirrors.

In order to prevent damage to the paintwork on the bonnet, fold the windscreen wipers

back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the

glass.

•

Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally in the car wash.

Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-

pressure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pressure and the spraying distance⇒

.

Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot

sensors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the rear bumper ⇒

.

Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blasters⇒

.

WARNING

The incorrect use of a high-pressure cleaner can cause visible and invisible long-term

damage to tyres and other materials. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.

•

Maintain sufficient distance between the washer jet and the tyres.

Never clean the tyres with concentrated jet nozzles (dirt blasters). The tyres may incur

visible and invisible damage even if cleaned briefly with the spray at a distance.

WARNING

After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend

the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.

•

You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that

you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.

NOTICE

•

The water may be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).

•

Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle

paintwork.

•

The ParkPilot sensors in the bumpers must be kept clean and free of ice to guarantee

correct function. When cleaning with pressure hoses or steam cleaners, the sensors

should only be sprayed briefly and the steam/hose nozzle must be kept more than 10 cm

away.

•

Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.

Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the

water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and

seals could freeze.

Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors

Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner.

Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. Chamois leathers that have

been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on glass surfaces. They will be soiled with

wax deposits which could smear the surfaces.

Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits ⇒

.

Removing wax

Car washes and care products could leave wax deposits on the glass surfaces. Wax residue can

only be removed using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the

windscreen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volkswagen recommends using a glass cleaning

cloth - G 052 522 A1 - to remove wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the

vehicle is washed.

A window cleaner specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the

windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as instructed. Grease removing cleaners will not remove

wax deposits ⇒

.

Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass cleaning cloths are available from Volkswagen

dealerships.

Removing snow

Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.

Removing ice

The best method for removing ice is to use a de-icer spray. If you use an ice scraper, do not move

it to and fro, but push it in one direction only. Moving the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to

scratch the window.

WARNING

Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe

injuries.

•

Only drive when you have a clear view through all windows.

Ice, snow and mist must be removed from the inside and outside of all windows.

NOTICE

•

Never combine the recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents for use in the

windscreen washer fluid. This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the washer

jets.

•

Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors. This can

cause the glass to crack.

The heating elements for the rear window heater are located on the inside of the rear

window. Never apply stickers over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the

rear window with corrosive or acidic detergents or any other chemicals.

Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades

Fig. 126 Changing the windscreen wiper blades

Fig. 127 Changing the rear window wiper blade

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The factory-fitted windscreen wiper blades are coated with graphite. The graphite coating ensures

that the windscreen wiper blade moves quietly over the windscreen. If the graphite coating is

damaged, the windscreen wiper will become louder.

Check the condition of the wiper blades on a regular basis. Rubbing wiper blades should be

changed if damaged or cleaned if dirty ⇒

.

Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Windscreen wiper blades can be bought

from a qualified workshop.

Cleaning windscreen wiper blades

Note for the front windscreen wiper: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting

them ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.

•

When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.

Clean the windscreen wiper blade carefully using a damp cloth ⇒

Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.

.

Changing the windscreen wiper blades

•

Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.

When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.

Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 126① and simultaneously pull off the wiper blade in

the direction of the arrow.

•

Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm. Push it on until it

engages.

•

Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.

Changing the wiper blade for the rear window

•

When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.

Lift the wiper blade arm and fold away at an angle of 60°.

Press and hold the release button ①.

Tilt the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm ⇒ Fig. 127 (arrow Ⓐ) and pull it off in the

direction of the arrow Ⓑ at the same time. You may need to use some force to do this.

•

Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm against the

direction of the arrow. Push it on until it engages ⇒ Fig. 127Ⓑ. The wiper blade must be in the

tilted position (arrow Ⓐ).

Place the wiper arm back onto the rear window.

WARNING

Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and

severe injuries.

•

Therefore, always change windscreen wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no

longer clean the windscreen properly.

NOTICE

•

Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers can scratch the windscreen.

•

Detergents containing solvents, hard sponges and other sharp objects can damage the

graphite coating.

•

Do not use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to clean the

windows.

Wax deposits on the windscreen and rear window could cause the wiper blades to rub.

Remove wax residue using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths.

Waxing and polishing the vehicle

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Waxing

Waxing protects the paintwork. You will need to re-wax the vehicle with a good hard wax if water

no longer clearly forms small drops and runs off the paintwork when it is clean.

Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, Volkswagen recommends protecting the

paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.

Polishing

Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by

applying wax.

The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal

the paint.

NOTICE

•

In order to avoid damage, painted parts with a matt finish, plastic parts, headlight lenses

and the tail lights should not be treated with polish or hard wax.

Do not polish the paint if the vehicle is in a sandy or dusty environment or if it is dirty.

Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

•

Use a damp, clean, lint-free and soft cloth to clean the surfaces.

For heavy soiling use a special solvent-free cleaning product.

Polish the chrome and aluminium trim parts using a soft, dry cloth.

NOTICE

To ensure that the chrome and aluminium parts are not damaged:

•

Do not clean or polish in direct sunlight.

Do not clean or polish in sandy or dusty environments.

Do not use any abrasive care products (e.g. cream cleaners).

Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products.

Do not polish any dirty surfaces.

Do not use solvent-based cleaning products.

Do not use hard wax.

NOTICE

Chrome rims or wheel covers may also have an additional varnish finish and should not be

treated using chrome or aluminium cleaning agents or chrome or aluminium polish. A normal

commercially available paint cleaning product should be used instead.

Cleaning wheels

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Cleaning steel wheels

An industrial cleaner is needed to remove accumulated brake dust. Steel wheels should therefore

be cleaned regularly with a separate sponge.

Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the metal starts to rust.

Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels

Wash grit and brake dust from alloy wheels approximately every 2 weeks. Then use an acid-free

detergent to clean the wheels. Volkswagen recommends applying a hard wax compound to the

wheels approximately every 3 months.

It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at regular intervals,

otherwise the finish will be impaired.

Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels. Car polish or other abrasive agents should not

be used on the wheels.

If the protective coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the damaged area should be repaired

immediately.

Care of rubber seals

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The rubber seals on the doors, windows etc. will seal better, remain flexible and last longer if they

are treated at regular intervals with a suitable care product.

Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.

De-icing the door lock cylinders

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Volkswagen recommends the use of genuine Volkswagen spray with lubricating and anti-corrosive

properties to de-ice the lock cylinders.

NOTICE

Do not use lock de-icers containing substances that dissolve grease, as this can cause the

door lock cylinder to rust.

Underseal

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corrosion and damage. The protective

coating on the underside of the vehicle could be damaged when driving. Volkswagen therefore

recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear

should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.

CAUTION

Underseal and anti-corrosion coatings can ignite on the hot exhaust system or on other hot

engine parts.

•

Never apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converter,

heat shields or other vehicle components that become hot.

Cleaning the engine compartment

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area ⇒ Preparation for working in the

engine compartment.

The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. An incorrect cleaning

procedure could possibly remove corrosion protection and damage electrical components.

Furthermore, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber ⇒

.

If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recommend that you always proceed to a qualified

workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen recommends using a

Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Plenum chamber

The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between the windscreen and the engine

and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is drawn in from the plenum chamber and is passed

into the vehicle interior via the heating and air conditioning system.

Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular

intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.

WARNING

All work in the engine compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.

•

Before carrying out any work ensure that you are familiar with the requisite procedures

and general safety regulations ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.

•

Volkswagen recommends having the work carried out by a qualified workshop.

NOTICE

Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure

cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.

In the interests of environmental protection, the engine compartment should be washed only

in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and fuel

from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment anywhere

else may be prohibited.

Cleaning and caring for the interior

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒ Seat covers

⇒ Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery

⇒ Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers

⇒ Cleaning leatherette upholstery

⇒ Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays

⇒ Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts

⇒ Cleaning seat belts

Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft

materials or leather) is particularly sensitive to staining caused by these fabrics, even if you are

careful. This is not caused by a fault in the upholstery, but by the non-colourfast nature of the

garments.

Leaving stains, dirt and other deposits on the surface of vehicle components and cloth seat covers

for a long time can make it difficult to clean and treat them. Stains, dirt and deposits may become

impossible to remove, particularly if left for a long time.

Additional information and warnings:

•

Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior

Vehicle care and maintenance -> Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior for Your Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

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