Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Washing the vehicle

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

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   .

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 rinsing the vehicle 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 rain sensor and the auto hold function before driving the vehicle into a car wash.

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

• Fold in the exterior mirrors. Electrically folding exterior mirrors must be moved electrically. Do not fold them in and out by hand.

• 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.