Washing and Polishing
NOTICE
When pressure washing the vehicle or leaving
the hood open when parked outdoors and sub-
ject to rain, cover the air cleaner inlet with a plas-
tic bag to prevent water from entering the air in-
take system and possibly damaging the engine.
To protect the new vehicle’s finish, follow these
guidelines carefully:
•
During the first 30 days, rinse the vehicle fre-
quently with water. If the vehicle is dirty, use a
mild liquid soap. Do not use detergent.
•
During the first 30 days, do not use anything
abrasive on the vehicle. Brushes, chemicals,
and cleaners may scratch the finish.
•
During the first 120 days, do not wax the
vehicle.
To extend the life of the vehicle’s finish, follow these
guidelines:
•
Avoid washing the vehicle in the hot sun. Al-
ways use water. After the vehicle is completely
washed, dry it with a towel or chamois.
•
Do not dust painted surfaces with a dry cloth,
as this will scratch the paint.
•
Do not remove ice or snow from a painted sur-
face with a scraper of any sort.
•
To prevent damage to the finish, wax it regu-
larly. If the finish has become dull, before wax-
ing, remove oxidized paint using a cleaner spe-
cifically designed for this purpose. Remove all
road tar and tree sap before waxing. Freight-
liner recommends the use of a high quality
brand of cleaner or cleaner-polish and polish-
ing wax.
•
Do not let diesel fuel or antifreeze stand on a
painted surface. If either should occur, rinse
the surface off with water.
•
To prevent corrosion, have any nicks or other
damage on the finish touched up as soon as
possible.
•
Park the vehicle in a sheltered area whenever
possible.
Care of Fiberglass Parts
Wash unpainted fiberglass air fairings and shields
monthly with a mild detergent, such as dishwashing
liquid. Avoid strong alkaline cleansers.
Apply a wax specifically designed for fiberglass.
Care of Chrome Parts
To prevent rust, keep chrome parts clean and pro-
tected at all times. This is especially important during
winter driving and in coastal areas where there is
exposure to salt air.
When cleaning chrome parts, use clean water and a
soft cloth or sponge. A mild detergent may also be
used.
Sponge gently, then rinse. If necessary, use a non-
abrasive chrome cleaner to remove stubborn rust or
other material. Do not use steel wool.
To help protect the chrome after cleaning, apply a
coat of polishing wax to the surface. Never use wax
on parts that are exposed to high heat, such as ex-
haust pipes.
Care of Exterior Lights
Clean the headlight lenses by hand only, using a
flannel cloth with mild, non-caustic soap or detergent,
and water.
NOTICE
Do not use a power buffer, paper towels, chemi-
cal solvents, or abrasive cleaners on the head-
light lens, all of which can remove the UV coating
from the surface, and result in yellowing of the
lens.
Dashboard and Instrument
Panel Care
NOTICE
When cleaning the dashboard, instrument panel,
or gauge lens covers, do not use Armor-All Pro-
tectant®, STP Son-of-a-Gun®, window cleaner, or
other equivalent treatments. These cleaners con-
tain vinyl plasticizers which can cause stress
Cleaning and Care
16.1
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