Cab Appearance
Cab Washing and Polishing
To protect the finish of your new vehicle, follow these guidelines carefully:
During the first 30 days, rinse your vehicle frequently with water. If the vehicle is dirty, use a mild liquid soap. Do not use detergent.
During the first 30 days, do not use anything abrasive on your vehicle. Brushes, chemicals, and cleaners may scratch the finish.
During the first 120 days, do not wax your vehicle.
To extend the life of your vehicle's finish, follow these guidelines:
Avoid washing your vehicle in the hot sun.
Always use water. After the cab is completely washed, dry it with a towel or chamois.
Do not dust painted surfaces with a dry cloth, as this will scratch the paint.
Do not remove ice or snow from a painted surface with a scraper of any sort.
To prevent damage to the finish, wax it regularly. Before waxing, if the finish has become dull, remove oxidized paint using a cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. Remove all road tar and tree sap before waxing. Freightliner recommends that a quality brand of cleaner or cleaner-polish and polishing wax be used.
Do not let diesel fuel or antifreeze stand on a painted surface. If either should occur, rinse the surface off with water.
To prevent rust, have any nicks or other damage on the finish touched up as soon as possible.
Park your vehicle in a sheltered area whenever possible.
Care of Chromed Parts and Stainless-Steel Clad Parts
To prevent rust, keep chrome and stainless-steel clad parts clean and protected at all times. This is especially important during winter driving and in coastal areas where there is exposure to salt air.
When cleaning chrome or stainless-steel clad parts, use clean water and a soft cloth or sponge. A mild detergent may also be used.
Sponge gently, then rinse. If necessary, use a nonabrasive chrome cleaner to remove stubborn rust or other material. Do not use steel wool.
IMPORTANT: Use only nonabrasive chrome cleaners on stainless-steel clad parts. This prevents scratching and marring of the polished surface.
To help protect the chrome after cleaning, apply a coat of polishing wax to the surface. Never use wax on parts that are exposed to high heat, such as exhaust pipes.
Dashboard Care
Periodically wipe the dashboard with a water-dampened cloth. A mild detergent can be used, but avoid using strong detergents.
CAUTION
Vinyl Upholstery Cleaning
To prevent soiling, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and dirt is recommended. Harsh cleaning agents can cause permanent damage to vinyl upholstery. To preserve the upholstery and prevent damage, carefully review the following sections for recommended cleaning procedures. Waxing or refinishing improves soil resistance and cleanability for all vinyls. Any hard wax, such as that used on automobiles, may be used.
Ordinary Dirt
Wash the upholstery with warm water and mild soap, such as saddle or oil soap. Apply soapy water to a large area and allow to soak for a few minutes, then rub briskly with a cloth to remove the dirt. This can be repeated several times, as necessary.
If dirt is deeply imbedded, use a soft bristle brush after applying the soap.
If dirt is extremely difficult to remove, wall-washing preparations normally found around the home can be used. Powdered cleaners, such as those used for sinks and tiles, are abrasive and must be used with caution as they can scratch the vinyl or give it a permanent dull appearance.
Chewing Gum
Harden the gum with an ice cube wrapped in a plastic bag, then scrape off with a dull knife. Any remaining traces of gum can be removed with an all-purpose light oil (peanut butter will also work) and wiped off.
Tars, Asphalts, and Creosote
Each of these items stains vinyl after prolonged contact. They should be wiped off immediately and the area carefully cleaned, using a cloth dampened with naphtha.
Paint, Shoe Heel Marks
Paint should be removed immediately. Do not use paint remover or liquid-type brush cleaner on vinyl. An unprinted cloth, dampened with naphtha or turpentine may be used. Use care to prevent contact with parts of the upholstery that are not vinyl.
Sulfide Stains
Sulfide compounds, such as those found in eggs and some canned goods, can stain after prolonged contact with vinyl. These stains can be removed by placing a clean, unprinted piece of cloth over the spotted area and pouring a liberal amount of six percent hydrogen peroxide onto the cloth.
Allow the saturated cloth to remain on the spot for 30 to 60 minutes. For stubborn spots, allow the hydrogen-peroxide saturated cloth to remain on the area overnight. Use caution to prevent the solution from seeping into the seams, or it will weaken the cotton thread.
Nail Polish and Nail Polish Remover
Prolonged contact with these substances causes permanent damage to vinyl. Careful blotting immediately after contact minimizes damage. Do not spread the liquid during removal.
Shoe Polish
Most shoe polishes contain dyes which penetrate vinyl and stain it permanently. Shoe polish should be wiped off as quickly as possible using naphtha or lighter fluid. If staining occurs, try the same procedure as that under "Sulfide Stains."
Ball Point Ink
Ball point ink can sometimes be removed if rubbed immediately with a damp cloth, using water or rubbing alcohol. If this does not work, try the procedure used under "Sulfide Stains."
Miscellaneous
If stains do not respond to any of the treatments described above, it is sometimes helpful to expose the vinyl to direct sunlight for up to 30 hours. Mustard, ball point ink, certain shoe polishes, and dyes often bleach out in direct sunlight, leaving the vinyl undamaged.
Cloth Upholstery Cleaning
To prevent soiling, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and dirt is recommended. Spot clean with a mild solvent or upholstery shampoo, or the foam from a mild detergent. When using a solvent or a dry-cleaning product, follow instructions carefully, and clean only in a well-ventilated area. Avoid any product that contains carbon tetrachloride or other toxic materials. With either method, pretest a small area before proceeding. Use a professional upholstery cleaning service when extensive cleaning is needed.
Grease and Oil-Based Stains
Dampen a small absorbent cloth with dry-cleaning solvent or spot remover. Apply carefully to the spot from the outer edge to the center. Pat and blot with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat several times, as necessary, turning cloths so that the stain does not redeposit on the fabric.
Sugar and Water-Based Stains
Apply water-based detergent or cleaner, working in circular motions. Pat and blot as dry as possible. Repeat, if necessary, before drying thoroughly.
Chewing Gum or Wax
Harden the gum or wax with an ice cube wrapped in a plastic bag, then scrape off with a dull knife. Excess wax can be absorbed by placing a thick white blotter over the wax and heating with a warm (not hot) iron. Remove the remainder by using the same procedure under "Grease and Oil-Based Stains."
Mildew
Brush the dry fabric with a soft brush. Sponge with detergent, and blot. If the fabric is colorfast, dilute a teaspoon of bleach in one quart (one liter) of cool water. Apply with a swab, directly on the mildew stain. Dab repeatedly with clear, cool water, and blot dry.