Volvo XC60: Vehicle care

Washing the car

The following points should be kept in mind when washing and cleaning the car:

• The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause damage.

To help prevent corrosion, it is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime.

• Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight.

Doing so may cause detergents and wax to dry out and become abrasive. To avoid scratching, use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash with a soft sponge, and plenty of sudsy water.

• Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.

• A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.

• Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels.

• Tar spots can be removed with tar remover after the car has been washed.

• A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning of the windshield and wiper blades improves visibility considerably and also helps prolong the service life of the wiper blades.

• Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc).

• In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.

NOTE
When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.

CAUTION • During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not spray into the locks.
• Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can reduce lighting capacity considerably.
Clean the headlights regularly, for example when refueling.
Special laminated panoramic roof cautions:
• Always close the laminated panoramic roof and sun shade before washing your vehicle.
• Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the laminated panoramic roof.
• Never use wax on the rubber seals around the laminated panoramic roof.

Exterior components

Volvo recommends the use of special cleaning products, available at your Volvo retailer, for cleaning colored plastic, rubber, or ornamental components such as chromed strips on the exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for using these products should be followed carefully.

Solvents or stain removers should not be used.

CAUTION • Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rubber components
• Polishing chromed strips can wear away or damage the surface
• Polishes containing abrasive substances should not be used

Automatic car wash

• We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first few months (because the paint will not have hardened sufficiently).

• An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important, especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.

CAUTION • Before driving into an automatic car wash, turn off the optional rain sensor to avoid damaging the windshield wipers.
• Make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any antenna(s) are retracted or removed.
Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
• Chromed wheels: Clean chromeplated wheels using the same detergents used for the body of the vehicle.
Aggressive wheel-cleaning agents can permanently stain chrome-plated wheels.

WARNING
• When the vehicle is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes, including the parking brake, several times in order to remove any moisture from the brake linings.
• Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.

Exterior lighting

Condensation may form temporarily on the inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as headlights, fog lights, or taillights. This is normal and the lights are designed to withstand moisture. Normally, condensation will dissipate after the lights have been on for a short time.

Polishing and waxing

• Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial.

• Before applying polish or wax the vehicle must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover.

Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.

• After polishing use liquid or paste wax.

• Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.

• Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a dull surface.

• A wide range of polymer-based waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-lasting, highgloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.

• Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should not be warmer than 113 °F (45 °C).

CAUTION Volvo does not recommend the use of longlife or durable paint protection coatings, some of which may claim to prevent pitting, fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have not been tested by Volvo for compatibility with your vehicle's clear coat. Some of them may cause the clear coat to soften, crack, or cloud. Damage caused by application of paint protection coatings may not be covered under your vehicle's paint warranty.

Cleaning the interior

Only use cleaning agents and car care products recommended by Volvo. Clean regularly and follow the instructions included with the car care product.

Upholstery care

Fabric

Clean with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.

AlcanteraTM suede-like material

Suede-like upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.

Leather care

Volvo's leather upholstery is manufactured with a protectant to repel soiling. Over time, sunlight, grease and dirt can break down the protection. Staining, cracking, scuffing, and fading can result.

Volvo offers an easy-to-use, non-greasy leather care kit formulated to clean and beautify your vehicle's leather, and to renew the protective qualities of its finish. The cleaner removes dirt and oil buildup. The light cream protectant restores a barrier against soil and sunlight.

Volvo also offers a special leather softener that should be applied after the cleaner and protectant.

It leaves leather soft and smooth, and reduces friction between leather and other finishes in the vehicle.

Volvo recommends cleaning, protecting and conditioning your vehicle's leather two to four times a year. Ask your Volvo retailer about Leather Care Kit 951 0251 and Leather Softener 943 7429.

Cleaning leather upholstery

1. Pour leather cleaner on a damp sponge and squeeze it until the cleaner foams.

2. Apply the foam to the stain by moving the sponge with circular movements.

3. Dampen the stain thoroughly with the sponge. Let the sponge absorb the stain, do not rub.

4. Dry the stain with soft paper towels or a towel, and allow the leather to dry completely.

Protecting leather upholstery

1. Put a small amount of protectant cream on a cloth and apply a thin coating of cream to the upholstery with light circular movements.

2. Allow the leather to dry for 20 minutes.

This will help the leather resist staining and protect against sunlight's harmful UV rays.

CAUTION • Under no circumstances should gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the leather since these can cause damage.
• Take extra care when removing stains such as ink or lipstick since the coloring can spread.
• Use solvents sparingly. Too much solvent can damage the seat padding.
• Start from the outside of the stain and work toward the center.
• Sharp objects (e.g. pencils or pens in a pocket) or Velcro fasteners on clothing may damage the textile upholstery.
• Clothing that is not colorfast, such as new jeans or suede garments, may stain the upholstery.

Cleaning the seat belts

Clean only with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution.

Cleaning floor mats

The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter when they should be taken out for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent.

For best protection in winter, Volvo recommends the use of Volvo rubber floor mats.

Consult your Volvo retailer.

Spots on interior plastic, metal, or wood surfaces

Cleaning interior plastic components should be done with a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose. Consult your Volvo retailer.

Touching up paintwork

Paint code on the model plate

Paint damage requires immediate attention to avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish regularly, for instance washing the vehicle.

Touch-up if necessary.

Paint repairs require special equipment and skill. Contact your Volvo retailer for any extensive damage.

Minor scratches can be repaired by using Volvo touch-up paint.

Color code

Make sure you have the right color. The color code number is stated on the model plate.

Minor stone chips and scratches

Material:
• Primer – can
• Paint – touch-up pen
• Brush
• Masking tape

If the stone chip has not gone down to the bare metal and an undamaged color coat remains, you can add paint immediately after removing dirt.

NOTE
When touching up the vehicle, it should be clean and dry. The surface temperature should be above 60 °F (15 °C).

Minor scratches on the surface

If the stone chip has not penetrated down to the metal and an undamaged layer of paint remains, the touch-up paint can be applied as soon as the spot has been cleaned.

Repairing stone chips

1. Place a strip of masking tape over the damaged surface. Pull the tape off so that any loose flakes of paint adhere to it.

2. Thoroughly mix the primer and apply it with a small brush.

3. When the primer surface is dry, the paint can be applied using a brush. Mix the paint thoroughly; apply several thin paint coats and let dry after each application.

4. If there is a longer scratch, you may want to protect surrounding paint by masking it off.

5. After a few days, polish the touched-up areas. Use a soft rag and a small amount of polish.