Car body care (Renault Symbol 2)

Body paintwork

Cleanly washed and dry paintwork should be regularly treated with special agents to protect the body from the aggressive effects of the environment with a layer of water-repellent coating based on waxes that fill the pores in the paintwork.

If the water does not roll off the painted surface of the car, but spreads over a large area, repeat the treatment process. Other means of preserving the color of the coating are detergents for the care of the paintwork. However, they are effective only if they are used at every car wash, and the interval between washes does not exceed 2-3 weeks. It is recommended to use products containing carnauba or synthetic waxes.

After using foam-forming detergents, it is especially necessary to treat the body surface with paint care products.

Car body wash

Timely and thorough car body wash is the simplest and most effective method of maintaining the car body in proper condition.

Here are some of the most general recommendations for washing your car:

• start washing immediately after the trip, especially if you are in adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, dust storm);
• before washing, remove any insect residue, especially from the windshield and headlights;
• for washing, use plenty of water, a sponge or a very soft brush;
• do not allow water or steam under high pressure to come into contact with painted surfaces of the body;
• wet the surface of the body, starting from the top, with plenty of water and let the dirt soak;
• wash away the soaked dirt from top to bottom with plenty of running water;
• rinse the sponge or brush under running water as often as possible;
• wipe the body with technical chamois or an old clean soft cloth;
• for washing it is recommended to use preparations for the care of paint and varnish coatings (car shampoos). Rinse off any remaining detergent thoroughly with clean running water;
• to protect the paintwork, you can add car body care products to the water;
• do not wash or dry your car in the sun - water droplets act as lenses and leave whitish spots on the paint;
• immediately wipe off any spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid or antifreeze from the vehicle body surface.

The chemicals that are sprinkled on roads are especially harmful to hidden cavities, flanges and folds, as well as to the joints of doors, the roof of the trunk and the hood.



Moisture on the brake discs reduces braking efficiency. Therefore, after washing the car at the beginning of the trip, it is recommended to apply the brakes several times to dry them.

Care of plastic products

Plastic products, artificial leather upholstery (seats, ceiling), headlight and taillight glass, as well as matte black painted elements, are washed with water (you can add shampoo). Try not to soak the headliner completely.

The use of nitro solvents, cold cleaning agents or gasoline is strictly prohibited.

Glass cleaning

The glass is wiped from the outside and inside with a clean soft chamois or rag. In case of heavy contamination, alcohol, ammonia and warm water or special glass cleaners help. Before cleaning the windshield, fold the windshield wiper arms forward. Simultaneously with wiping the windshield, wipe the windshield wiper blades.

When using silicone-containing glass cleaners, do not use brushes, sponges, pieces of chamois leather or rags that were previously used to clean the body. When spraying silicone-based paint care products, cover the glass with a cardboard or other waterproof shield.

It is strictly forbidden to use nitro solvents, cold cleaning agents or gasoline, especially for the rear window of the car body, where the heating element is located.

Caring for rubber seals

Maintenance of rubber seals consists of covering their surface with talc or aerosol silicone preparations, which maintains the elasticity of rubber products. This also helps to eliminate the creaking sound when closing doors. The creaking can be eliminated by rubbing the surface with a soap solution.

Cleaning of wheel rims

Steel wheel rims are treated with anti-corrosion compounds, followed by priming and painting.

Light alloy wheels are cleaned with a special agent, this is especially important in the cold season. It is prohibited to use aggressive liquids containing acidic and alkaline compounds, coarse-grained abrasives. All this leads to damage to the lacquer coating of the light alloy wheel. Avoid using steam blasting at temperatures above 60°C.

Seat Belt Care

Without removing the seat belts, wash them with a weak solution of soapy alkali. To avoid damaging the fabric, do not use chemical cleaning agents. Wind the automatic belts in a dry state. Do not dry the belts at temperatures above 80°C and do not expose them to direct sunlight.

Anti-corrosion protection of the underbody

Anti-corrosion protection of the underbody is performed at the manufacturing plant or specialized service stations. The underbody must be completely covered with protective material. Hidden cavities are also filled with special compounds based on technical waxes applied by spraying. When conducting an off-season inspection of the car, check the condition of the anti-corrosion protection after washing the underbody and apply an additional layer of protective material.

[This article is taken from the website www.RenaultBook.ru]

Dust, dirt, clay and sand accumulate on the underbody. Pay special attention to cleaning the body from these deposits, especially in winter, when roads are treated with special reagents.

Anti-corrosion protection of the engine compartment

Anti-corrosion protection of the engine compartment prevents corrosion of the front of the car - side elements, side members and cross members, as well as elements and units located in the engine compartment, including the brake system, steering, front suspension. They should be treated with high-quality anti-corrosion agents based on waxes, which are sprayed immediately after washing and drying. Before washing the engine, it is necessary to cover the electrical equipment elements (generator, starter, breaker-distributor) polyethylene covers.

Caring for upholstered furniture

Upholstery care consists of cleaning the fabric coverings with a vacuum cleaner or a fairly stiff brush. In case of heavy soiling, clean the fabric with dry foam. Remove grease or oil stains with gasoline or stain remover. Do not pour the cleaning solution on the stain to avoid streaks. Rub stains in a circular motion. Most stains can be removed with a warm soapy solution.