Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 102

235

Operation

Vehicle care

We have selected car-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved
car-care products at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the car-care products recommended here.
In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.

The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references
to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.

Additional information can be found in the
booklet entitled “Vehicle Care Guide”.

Power washer

When using a power washer for cleaning
the vehicle, always observe manufactur-
er’s operating instructions.

Tar stains

Quickly remove tar stains before they dry
and become more difficult to remove. A tar
remover is recommended.

Paintwork, painted body components

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care
should be applied when water drops on the
paint surface do not “bead up”, normally
every three to five months, depending on
climate and washing detergent used.

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface
shows signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss of
gloss).

Do not apply any of these products or wax
if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the
hood is still hot.

Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick
for quick and provisional repairs of minor
paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehi-
cle doors, etc.).

!

Never use a round nozzle to
power-wash tires. The intense jet of
water can result in damage to the tire.

Always replace a damaged tire.

Always keep the jet of water moving
across the surface. Do not aim directly
at electrical parts, electrical connec-
tors, seals, or other rubber parts.

236

Operation

Vehicle care

Engine cleaning

Prior to cleaning the engine compartment
make sure to protect electrical compo-
nents and connectors from the intrusion of
water and cleaning agents.

Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticor-
rosion Wax, should be applied to the en-
gine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control link-
age bushings and joints should be lubricat-
ed. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should
be protected from any wax.

Vehicle washing

Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash
detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo.

Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-
fused jet of water. Direct only a very weak
spray towards the ventilation intake. Use
plenty of water and rinse the sponge and
chamois frequently.

Rinse with clear water and thoroughly dry
with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning
agents to dry on the finish.

Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in out-
side mirrors prior to running the vehicle
through an automatic car wash to prevent
damage to the mirrors.

In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.

When washing the underbody, do not for-
get to clean the inner sides of the wheels.

Ornamental moldings

For regular cleaning and care of very dirty
chrome-plated parts, use a chrome clean-
er.

Headlamps, tail lamps, side markers,
turn signal lenses

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.

To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the lenses. Do not at-
tempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth
or sponge.

237

Operation

Vehicle care

Cleaning the Parktronic* system
sensors

1 Parktronic system sensors

왘

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water to clean the
sensors 1.

When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 4 in (10 cm) at
sensors 1.

To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor. Do not
attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.

Wiper blades

왘

Fold wiper arm forward.

왘

Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.

Window cleaning

왘

Fold wiper arms forward.

왘

Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces. An automotive glass
cleaner is recommended.

An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.

Warning!

G

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move key from steering lock before cleaning
the wiper blades, otherwise the wiper motor
might suddenly turn on and cause injury.

!

Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the steering lock.

Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.

Warning!

G

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move key from steering lock before cleaning
the wiper blades, otherwise the wiper motor
might suddenly turn on and cause injury.

238

Operation

Vehicle care

Light alloy wheels

Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.

If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.

Follow instructions on container.

Instrument cluster

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.

Steering wheel and gear selector lever

Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.

Cup holder

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.

Hard plastic trim items

Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.

Headliner and rear window shelf

Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.

Seat belts

The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Use only clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.

!

Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the steering lock.

Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.

i

Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.

Warning!

G

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.