Washing the vehicle and cleaning the paintwork

Automatic car wash

WARNING

Braking efficiency is reduced after washing the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.

After the vehicle has been washed, brake carefully while paying attention to the traffic conditions until full braking power is restored.

If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain situations. To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in the following or other similar situations: • when towing the vehicle • in the car wash

Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless Automatic Car Wash as these use special cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can damage the paintwork or plastic parts.

Make sure that:
• the side windows and the sliding sunroof are fully closed.

• the ventilation/heating is switched off (the OFF button has been pressed).

• the windshield wiper switch is in position 0.

Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.

In car washes with a towing mechanism, make sure that the automatic transmission is in transmission position N, otherwise the vehicle could be damaged.

• Vehicles with a SmartKey: Do not remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Do not open the driver's door or front-passenger door when the engine is switched off. Otherwise, the automatic transmission selects park position P automatically and locks the wheels. You can prevent this by shifting the automatic transmission to N beforehand.

• Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Do not open the driver's door or frontpassenger door when the engine is switched off. Otherwise, the automatic transmission selects park position P automatically and locks the wheels.

Observe the following to make sure that the automatic transmission stays in position N: ■ Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is switched off.

■ Turn the SmartKey to position 2   in the ignition lock.

Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/ Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.

■ Depress and hold the brake pedal.

■ Shift the automatic transmission to position N.

■ Release the brake pedal.

■ Release the electric parking brake.

■ Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey in the ignition lock.

You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash from the very start.

If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before cleaning it in an automatic car wash.

After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax from the windshield and the wiper blades. This will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises caused by residue on the windshield.

Washing by hand

In some countries, washing by hand is only allowed at specially equipped washing bays.

Observe the legal requirements in all countries concerned.

■ Do not use hot water and do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.

■ Use a soft sponge to clean.

■ Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.

■ Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gentle jet of water.

■ Do not point the water jet directly towards the air inlets.

■ Use plenty of water and rinse out the sponge frequently.

■ Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry thoroughly with a chamois.

■ Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the paintwork.

When using the vehicle in winter, remove all traces of road salt deposits carefully and as soon as possible.

Power washers

WARNING

The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage to the tires or chassis components.

Components damaged in this way may fail unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.

Do not use power washers with circular jet nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged tires or chassis components replaced immediately.

Always maintain a distance of at least 11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the power washer nozzle. Information about the correct distance is available from the equipment manufacturer.

Move the power washer nozzle around when cleaning your vehicle.

Do not aim directly at any of the following: • tires • door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.

• electrical components • battery • connectors • lights • seals • trim • ventilation slots

Damaged seals or electrical components can lead to leaks or failures.

Cleaning the paintwork

Do not affix:

• stickers • films • magnetic plates or similar items to painted surfaces. You could otherwise damage the paintwork.

Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by corrosion and damage caused by inadequate care cannot always be completely repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.

■ Remove dirt immediately, where possible, while avoiding rubbing too hard.

■ Soak insect remains with insect remover and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.

■ Soak bird droppings with water and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.

■ Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter fluid.

■ Use tar remover to remove tar stains.

■ Use silicone remover to remove wax.

If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint surface, use the paint care products recommended and approved by Mercedes- Benz. This is the case approximately every three to five months, depending on the climate conditions and the care product used.

If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner recommended and approved by Mercedes- Benz should be used.

Do not use these care products in the sun or on the hood while the hood is hot.

■ Use a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to the paintwork quickly and provisionally.

Matte finish care

Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy wheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.

The following may cause the paint to become shiny and thus reduce the matte effect:
• Vigorous rubbing with unsuitable materials.

• Frequent use of car washes.

• Washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.

Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.

wax. These products are only suitable for high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles with matte finish leads to considerable surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).

Always have paintwork repairs performed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Do not use wash programs with a hot wax treatment under any circumstances.

Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clear matte finish. This will help you to avoid damage to the paintwork due to incorrect treatment.

These notes also apply to light alloy wheels with a clear matte finish.

The vehicle should preferably be washed by hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo and plenty of water.

Use only insect remover and car shampoo from the range of recommended and approved Mercedes-Benz care products.