open hood Alfa Romeo 8C 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

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MAINTENANCE
Normal paint maintenance consists in washing,
the frequency of which depends on the
conditions of use and of the environment.
For example, in areas where there is high
atmospheric pollution or if the roads are spread
with anti-freeze salt, it is advisable to wash the
vehicle more frequently. WARNING: Detergents pollute water. Therefore
the vehicle should be washed in areas equipped
for the collection and purification of the fluids
used for washing.For correct washing:
- Wet the bodywork with a low-pressure
water jet.
- Run a sponge soaked in a neutral detergent
solution over the bodywork, remembering
to rinse the sponge frequently.
- Thoroughly rinse with water and dry with a
jet of air or suede.
When drying, take particular care with the parts
that are less visible, such as the door bays, front
lid, headlight edges, in which water can be
trapped more easily. You are recommended not to take the vehicle
immediately into an enclosed environment, but
leave it in the open air so as to allow the water
to evaporate.
Do not wash the vehicle after it has been left in
the sun or when the hood is hot: the paint gloss
could be affected.
External plastic parts must be cleaned with the
same procedure followed for the normal washing
of the vehicle.
Avoid, as far as possible, parking the vehicle
under trees; the resinous substances that very
often drop from the trees give the paint a dull
appearance and increase the possibility of
originating corrosive processes.
WARNING: Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly, since their acidity is
particularly corrosive.
WARNING: To provide better protection for the
paint, polish the vehicle at regular intervals with
a suitable product leaving a protective film on
the paint.
Windows
To clean the windows use special detergents.
Only use clean cloths so as not to scratch the
windows or rendering them less transparent. WARNING: In order not to damage the electric
elements fitted inside the heated rear window,
rub gently following the direction of the
elements. ENGINE COMPARTMENT
At the end of each winter season, carefully wash
the engine compartment, remembering to not
direct the jet of water for too long on the ECUs
and on the relay and fuse boxes on the right-
hand side of the engine compartment (driving
direction). To perform this operation, you must
contact a specialised workshop. WARNING: Wash only when the engine is cold
and with the ignition key turned to STOP. After
washing, make sure that the various protections
(e.g. rubber boots/caps, guards etc.) have not
been removed or damaged.