Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Washing the vehicle  

 → Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner  

 → Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors  

 → Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades  

 → Waxing and polishing the vehicle  

 → Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts  

 → Cleaning wheels  

 → Care of rubber seals  

 → De-icing the door lock cylinders  

 → Underseal  

 → Cleaning the engine compartment  

Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. Proper maintenance may also be one of the requirements for the approval of warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint defects.

Suitable care products are available from Volkswagen dealers.

Additional information and warnings:

• Preparation for working in the engine compartment

• Cleaning and caring for the interior

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts

WARNING

Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.

• The care product must be kept in its original sealed container.

• Read the manufacturer's instructions.

• Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care products.

• Keep children away from care products.

• The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used outside or in well-ventilated spaces.

• Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash, clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly inflammable.

WARNING

Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle and thus cause serious injury.

• Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.

NOTICE

Cleaning agents that contain solvents attack the material and can cause damage.

In the interests of environmental protection, the vehicle should only be washed in specially provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.

Environmentally-friendly care products should be used.

Leftover car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Read the manufacturer's instructions.

Questions & answers

Introduction — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

What is the most important exterior care tip for the Golf Mk7?

Remove aggressive contaminants (bird droppings, tree sap, insects, road salt) as soon as possible — they etch into the clear coat and paint if left.

Does the Golf Mk7 manual warn about automatic car washes?

It recommends touchless or soft-brush washes. Hard-bristle rollers can leave micro-scratches and damage aerials, spoilers and mirror housings.

Should I pre-rinse the Golf Mk7 before washing?

Yes. Rinsing with plain water first loosens and removes abrasive grit that could scratch the paint during the main wash.