Vehicle Care and Maintenance Guide

This guide provides essential information on maintaining your vehicle's appearance and functionality. Please follow these instructions carefully to avoid damage and ensure optimal performance.

Exterior Care

General Washing Precautions

ATTENTION! After washing the vehicle, it is recommended to drive a short distance to dry the brakes, especially after high-pressure washing. Wet brakes can impair safe braking.

CAUTION! If using a professional car cleaning service, inform them of the cleaning instructions in this manual to prevent vehicle damage.

CAUTION! Before washing, rinse off dirt with a hose. Failure to do so may damage the exterior surface.

CAUTION! High-pressure washing systems can be powerful. Avoid directing the water stream at suspension joints, door and window seals, as this can damage trim, door locks, cameras, air intakes, heater intakes, body seals (doors, panoramic roof, windows), lights, mirrors, exterior trim, and suspension boots/seals. Keep the high-pressure washer nozzle at least 300 mm away from any vehicle components.

CAUTION! Before lifting wiper blades for cleaning, set them to the winter parking position to avoid damaging the vehicle.

CAUTION! Do not use high-pressure washing for the engine compartment, as it can cause damage.

CAUTION! Corrosive substances like bird droppings can damage the paintwork. Remove such deposits promptly.

CAUTION! Use only automotive-approved cleaning agents. Unapproved agents can damage the vehicle.

CAUTION! Do not apply polish to unpainted bumper areas, as polish can stain the decorative surface.

Keep the panoramic roof channels clean for smooth operation.

Matte Paint Finish

CAUTION! For matte paint finishes, the manufacturer recommends using specialized cleaning agents. Other cleaning or paint protection products may negatively affect the finish.

CAUTION! Never polish a vehicle with a matte paint finish, as polishing will introduce gloss and reduce the matte effect.

CAUTION! Do not use automatic car washes. Unapproved cleaning equipment can damage the exterior surface.

CAUTION! Do not apply stickers, films, magnets, etc., to the vehicle body, as they can damage the paintwork when removed.

Exercise caution when washing vehicles with a matte paint finish. Hand washing with a soft sponge is recommended, applying minimal pressure to the painted surface. Avoid washing in direct sunlight.

Clean the following contaminants as soon as possible:

Insects
Bird droppings
Fingerprints
Tree sap
Oil, grease, and fuel residue
Wax
Tar spots

Sensors and Cameras

CAUTION! When washing the vehicle, do not direct high-pressure water streams at sensors or cameras. Do not use abrasive materials or hard/sharp objects for cleaning sensors and cameras. Use only approved automotive shampoos. Unapproved cleaning agents can damage the vehicle.

Keep parking aid sensors (including Park Assist) clean for accurate readings and performance.

Use the rear window washer for cleaning the rearview camera lens. Refer to USING THE WIPERS.

If necessary, clean cameras with a cloth lightly dampened with glass cleaner.

Underbody Maintenance

Regularly rinse the vehicle's underbody with clean water, paying attention to areas where dirt and deposits accumulate.

If damage or corrosion is found, have the vehicle inspected by a dealer/authorized workshop as soon as possible.

Engine Compartment

CAUTION! Do not use pressure washing or steam for cleaning the engine compartment. High-pressure washing can damage engine components.

CAUTION! Avoid getting water on the brake fluid reservoir. Use only a clean, dry cloth to clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and reservoir. Unapproved cleaning agents can damage components.

After Off-Road Driving

CAUTION! Ensure the air intake areas and front grille are clean and free of debris. Pay special attention to the lower grille, radiator, and intercoolers. Failure to do so can lead to engine overheating and significant damage.

After off-road driving, clean the vehicle's underbody as soon as possible.

The radiator grille can be removed for easier cleaning access:

Remove the four clips securing the grille.
Gently and evenly pull the grille forward to release the four lower clips. Remove the grille and store it in a safe place.

To prevent damage, ensure the high-pressure washer nozzle is at least 500 mm away from the radiator unit.

When cleaning the radiator and intercoolers through the openings in the lower bumper, keep the high-pressure washer nozzle at least 200 mm away from the openings.

Some vehicles are equipped with active flaps for aerodynamic improvement. These flaps open only when engine temperature rises or the air conditioning system is activated. After off-road use, the active flaps need to be manually opened to allow access for removing debris from the radiator.

Start the engine and let it run for a few seconds. Refer to STARTING THE ENGINE.
Turn off the engine.
Switch on the ignition. Refer to SWITCHING ON THE IGNITION.
Select "Sand" mode for the Terrain Response system. Refer to USING THE TERRAIN RESPONSE SYSTEM.
Turn off the ignition.

Ensure the wheel and brake areas are clean and free of debris. Check that the wheels are not damaged or scratched, and listen for any unusual noise during braking or driving.

ATTENTION! Do not drive the vehicle with damaged wheels. Driving with damaged wheels can lead to loss of control and serious injury or death.

ATTENTION! If any damage is found or suspected on any brake or wheel component, have the vehicle inspected by a dealer/authorized workshop as soon as possible. Driving with damaged wheels or brake components can lead to loss of control and serious injury or death.

Front wheels on SVR vehicles are equipped with brake cooling ducts. Pay special attention to these areas after off-road driving. Check the cooling duct (1) for debris. If necessary, a pressure washer can be used.

To gain access, start the engine and turn the steering to the full lock in the relevant direction. Turn off the ignition.

Ensure that off-road driving has not caused displacement of the brake cooling duct.

ATTENTION! Blocked, displaced, or damaged brake cooling ducts will impair on-road braking performance. Have the vehicle inspected by a dealer/authorized workshop as soon as possible.

Alloy Wheels

CAUTION! Use only approved cleaning agents for wheels. Unapproved cleaning agents can damage the vehicle.

Interior Care

ATTENTION! Some cleaning agents contain harmful substances and can affect health if misused.

CAUTION! Some cleaning agents can damage the vehicle's interior. Carefully read the manufacturer's instructions.

CAUTION! If using a professional car cleaning service, inform them of the cleaning instructions in this manual to prevent vehicle damage.

Cleaning Switches and Controls

CAUTION! Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth when cleaning switches and controls. Do not apply excessive pressure. Unapproved cleaning agents can damage components.

CAUTION! Do not spray liquids directly onto switches and controls. Liquid ingress into gaps around switches and controls can damage electronic components.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical compounds, solvents, or household cleaning agents. Unapproved cleaning agents can damage the vehicle.

CAUTION! During cleaning, avoid contact with sharp or abrasive objects, as they can damage components.

Fabric Upholstery

ATTENTION! Do not polish the dashboard. Polished surfaces have increased reflectivity and can impair driver visibility.

Clean plastic and fabric surfaces with warm water and mild soap. Then, wipe them dry with a soft cloth.

Leather Upholstery

CAUTION! Use only cleaning agents specifically designed for leather care. Do not use chemical agents, alcohol, or abrasive materials, as they can cause premature wear. Using unapproved products will void the warranty.

CAUTION! If you are unable to select suitable products, consult a dealer/authorized workshop. Using improper products can damage the leather upholstery.

CAUTION! Dark-colored clothing can stain light-colored leather upholstery, as well as other materials.

CAUTION! Sharp objects such as belt buckles, zippers, rivets, etc., can leave noticeable scratches on leather upholstery.

CAUTION! If spills like tea, coffee, or ink are not removed immediately, the stains may become permanent.

Clean and condition leather upholstery at least once every 6 months.

To prevent dirt from embedding into the leather and causing stains, regularly inspect seat upholstery. Clean it every 1-2 months as described below:

Wipe the upholstery with a clean, damp, colorfast cloth to remove light dust. Do not saturate the leather.
If this is insufficient, dampen the cloth with warm, soapy water and wring it out. Use only mild, alkali-free soap.
For heavily soiled areas, use a leather cleaner recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Dry with a clean, soft cloth. Periodically turn the cloth to a clean side.

Use a leather cleaner recommended by the vehicle manufacturer a few times a year to maintain the leather's softness and appearance. This cleaner nourishes and moisturizes the leather, creating a protective film against dust and substances.

If using a professional car cleaning service, ensure they are familiar with and strictly follow the above instructions.

CAUTION! Some materials and fabrics have staining properties. This can cause unsightly discolored spots on light-colored leather. Areas prone to discoloration should be cleaned and protected as soon as possible.

Seat Belts

ATTENTION! Do not allow water, cleaning agents, or fabric fibers to enter the seat belt mechanisms. Any substances entering the mechanism can negatively affect seat belt performance in a collision. Damage to the seat belt can significantly reduce its effectiveness in reducing the risk of severe injury or death in an accident.

Extend the seat belts fully. Use warm water and mild soap for cleaning. The fully extended belt webbing should air dry without additional heat. Do not allow the belts to retract until they are completely dry.

NOTES

While cleaning the seat belts, take the opportunity to check them for damage and wear. Report any damage or wear to a dealer/authorized workshop for repair.

Airbag Module Covers

ATTENTION! Airbag covers should only be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of upholstery cleaner. Some cleaning agents can damage airbag covers.

ATTENTION! Any substances or objects entering the mechanism can interfere with proper airbag deployment in an impact. In a serious accident, improper airbag system function can lead to severe injuries, including fatalities.

Carpet and Floor Mats

ATTENTION! Secure floor mats properly before driving. Never overlap mats. Unsecured or improperly positioned mats can interfere with the brake and/or accelerator pedals, potentially leading to severe injury or death.

Stains can be removed by gently wiping with a low-concentration warm soapy solution. Stubborn stains can be removed using a commercially available carpet cleaner.

Cleaning Screens and Displays

ATTENTION! Do not polish the dashboard. Polished surfaces have increased reflectivity and can impair driver visibility. Driving without clear visibility can lead to a collision, potentially causing severe injury or death.

CAUTION! Do not use upholstery cleaning agents for electrical equipment, such as control panel switches. Unapproved cleaning agents can damage electrical equipment.

CAUTION! When cleaning areas near buttons, ensure no liquid enters gaps between components or flows under trim panels.

When cleaning screens or displays, follow these points:

Clean using the cloth supplied with the vehicle.
Do not use chemical compounds or household cleaning agents.
Avoid contact with sharp, hard, or abrasive objects on the screen.
Protect the screen from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
To prevent errors, do not touch the screen with multiple fingers simultaneously.
Do not apply excessive force.

Wiper Blades

CAUTION! Always lift the wiper blade using the wiper arm. To avoid damaging the wiper blade, do not lift the wiper blade by the blade itself.

CAUTION! Do not apply excessive force. Excessive force can damage the wiper blades.

Heavy soiling on wiper blades should be removed with a soft, damp sponge or cloth.

Clogged Washer Nozzles

ATTENTION! Do not activate the washer jets while clearing a blockage or making adjustments. Windshield washer fluid can cause eye and skin irritation. Always read and follow the washer fluid manufacturer's instructions carefully.

If a washer nozzle is clogged, clear it with a thin wire inserted into the nozzle. After clearing, ensure the wire is completely removed.

Minor Paintwork Repairs