Care and Cleaning
General Information
Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehicle's value. It can also be a requirement when submitting warranty claims for corrosion damage and paint defects on the body.
The required cleaning and care products can be obtained from an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Service Facility. Read and follow the instructions for use on the packaging.
Warnings
- Using cleaning and care products incorrectly can be dangerous to your health.
- Always store cleaning and care products out of reach of children to reduce the risk of poisoning.
- To reduce the risk of accidents, only wash the vehicle when the ignition is off and follow the instructions from the car wash operator.
- Protect yourself from sharp metal components when washing the underbody or the inside of the wheel housings.
- After washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed due to moisture on the brake rotors or ice in winter. The brakes must be dried with a few careful brake applications.
Environmental Notes
- Purchase environmentally-friendly cleaning products if possible.
- Do not dispose of cleaning and care products with household trash.
- Only wash the vehicle in facilities specially designed for that purpose. This will reduce the risk of dirty water contaminated with oil entering the sewer system.
Car Washes
- The longer that deposits such as insects, bird droppings, tree sap, or road salt remain on the vehicle, the more the surface can be damaged. High temperatures such as those caused by sunlight increase the damaging effect.
- Before washing, rinse off heavy deposits with plenty of water.
- Stubborn deposits like bird droppings or tree sap are best removed with plenty of water and a microfiber cloth.
- Wash the underside of your vehicle once road salt stops being used for the season.
Pressure Washers
- Follow the operating instructions provided with the pressure washer regarding pressure and spraying distance.
- Do not aim the spray directly at seals on the side windows, doors, lids, sunroof, tires, rubber hoses, insulating material, sensors, or camera lenses.
- Maintain a distance of at least 16 inches (40 cm).
- Do not remove snow and ice with a pressure washer.
- Never use cone nozzles or high pressure nozzles.
- The water temperature must not exceed 140 °F (60 °C).
Automatic Car Wash
- Spray off the vehicle before washing.
- Ensure windows and roof are closed and windshield wipers are off.
- Make sure the vehicle can still roll during the washing process.
- Follow instructions from the car wash operator, especially if there are accessories attached to your vehicle.
- If possible, use car washes without brushes.
Washing by Hand
- Clean the vehicle starting from the top and working downward using a soft sponge or cleaning brush.
- Use solvent-free cleaning products.
Washing Vehicles with Matte Finish Paint by Hand
- Remove dust and large particles first. Insects, grease spots, and fingerprints are best removed with a special cleaner for matte finish paint.
- Apply the product using a microfiber cloth without using too much pressure.
- Rinse thoroughly, then clean using neutral shampoo and a soft microfiber cloth.
- Rinse again and let air dry. Remove water residue using a chamois.
- Do not use polishing agents, hard wax, or protective wax as it can damage the matte finish.
- Do not place stickers or magnetic signs on matte finish paint; they may damage the paint.
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Must only be folded in and out using the power folding function.
Car Wash Safety
- Compare the width between the wheels on your vehicle with the distance between the guide rails in the car wash to reduce the risk of damage.
- Compare the height and width of your vehicle with the inside dimensions of the car wash to prevent damage.
Cleaning and Care Information
When cleaning and caring for individual vehicle components that are not listed, consult an authorized Audi dealer or Service Facility.
