convertible MERCEDES-BENZ CLK550 2007 A209 Owner's Manual

359 Operation
Vehicle care
Soft top
Frequent cleaning reduces the
dirt-repellent effect of the soft top.
Intensive cleaning with Mercedes-Benz
car-care products for convertible soft tops
can help to restore the dirt-repellent
effect. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for detailed
information.
Light colored soft tops should be cleaned
frequently to prevent spots and dirt from
setting in, which could stain and discolor
the soft top material permanently.
Incorrect cleaning and care, as well as
ageing, can cause the soft-top seams to
leak. Have the soft-top seams sealed at a
Mercedes-Benz Center.Clean soft top with soft top raised and
locked. Lower the soft top into the storage
compartment only if the soft top is
completely dry.
Dry cleaning:
Brush the dry top with a soft-bristled
brush.
Brush top always from front to rear.
!Make sure that the windshield wiper switch
is set to0 (
page 55). Otherwise, e.g. the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers to
move unintentionally. This may lead to vehicle
damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in exterior
rear view mirrors prior to running the vehicle
through an automatic car wash to prevent
damage to the mirrors.
iAfter running the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, wipe any wax off of the
windshield (
page 362). This will prevent
smears and reduce wiping noise which can be
caused by residual wax on the windshield.
When leaving the car wash, make sure that the
mirrors are folded out. Otherwise they may
vibrate.
iIf the soft top is kept in the storage
compartment for a lengthy period, raise it and air
out with the windows open about every
4months.
Place a suitable cover over the soft top if you are
leaving the vehicle parked in the open for an
extended period of time.
!Remove bird droppings immediately. The
organic acid damages the material and causes
the soft top to leak.
Never use a power washer to clean the soft top,
as you may damage the soft top material.
Do not use sharp-edged instruments for the
removal of ice and snow.
Never use hot-wax when you run the vehicle
through an automatic car wash, as you may
damage the soft top material.
iDepending on the operation mode of the car
wash, there is the possibility of water drops
entering the vehicle’s interior. This is not an
indication of a defect or malfunction in
the soft top.