2000 Cadillac Catera Owners Manual

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and othersalts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, birddroppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain onpainted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are markedsafe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weatherand chemical fallout that can take their toll over a periodof years. You can help to keep the paint finish lookingnew by keeping your vehicle garaged or coveredwhenever possible.Cleaning Aluminum orChrome-Plated Wheels (If Equipped)Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean clothwith mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water.After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel.A wax may then be applied.The surface of these wheels is similar to the paintedsurface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleanerswith acid or abrasive cleaning brushes on them becauseyou could damage the surface. Do not use chrome polishon aluminum wheels.Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels,but avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buffoff immediately after application.Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car washthat has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. Thesebrushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.Cleaning TiresTo clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.NOTICE:When applying a tire dressing always take careto wipe off any overspray or splash from allpainted surfaces on the body or wheels of thevehicle. Petroleum-based products may damagethe paint finish and tires.6-52