Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Washing the vehicle

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

The longer insect splatter, bird droppings, tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot, road salt, and other aggressive materials stay on your vehicle, the more damage they do to the paint finish. High temperatures (including strong sunlight) increase the corrosive effects. The vehicle underbody should also be washed regularly and thoroughly.

Car wash

Pay close attention to the information provided by the car wash operator. Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions to help prevent, such as closing the windows, folding back the outside mirrors, etc. If you have installed additional accessories on the vehicle, such as a spoiler or an antenna, always ask the car wash operator if this poses a problem ⇒ .

The paint finish is tough enough that the vehicle can normally be washed without problems in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the type of car wash. Volkswagen recommends using brushless car wash facilities.

To remove wax residue from the windows and avoid jerky windshield wiper movement, heed the following tips ⇒ Cleaning windows and outside mirrors .

Washing by hand

When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse off as much dirt as possible.

Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing mitt or brush using only light pressure. Start on the roof and work down. Use special shampoo only on hard-to-remove dirt or grime.

Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.

Clean the wheels and under the door sills last. Use a different sponge or wash mitt.

Warning

After the vehicle has been washed, the wet brakes or, in winter, brake discs or pads coated with ice, react slower and need longer stopping distances.

• Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.

Caution

Sharp edges under the vehicle can cut exposed skin.

• Always protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings, etc.

Note

• The water temperature must not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).

• To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.

• Do not use insect sponges, abrasive kitchen sponges or similar things to clean the vehicle. These can damage the paint finish.

• Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. For best results use soapy water.

• When washing or rinsing the vehicle in cold weather, do not let water get into the lock cylinders or point the hose at gaps around the doors, hood, or rear hatch. The water could freeze on the locks and seals and make it difficult to open the vehicle!

Note

To help prevent vehicle damage in a car wash:

• Compare the vehicle track width with the dimensions of the guide rails in the car wash to help prevent damage to wheel rims and tires!

• Switch off the rain sensor before driving through a car wash ⇒ Rain sensor .

• Make sure there is enough clearance for the height and width of the vehicle.

• To help prevent paint damage to the engine hood, place wiper blades against the windshield after they have dried. Do not let them snap back into place.

• Fold the outside mirrors toward the vehicle body. Do not fold power mirrors manually!

• Lock the rear hatch to prevent unintentional opening in the car wash.