Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/wax materials is not recommended. If painted surfaces are damaged, see your dealer to have the damage assessed and repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage the vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing should be done to remove residue from the paint finish. See your dealer for approved cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated wood, or flat paint as damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are made for a basecoat/ clearcoat paint finish on the vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect the bright metal moldings can result in a hazy white finish or pitting.
This damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
The bright metal moldings on the vehicle are aluminum or stainless steel. To prevent damage always follow these cleaning instructions:
- Be sure the molding is cool to the touch before applying any cleaning solution.
- Use a cleaning solution approved for aluminum or stainless steel. Some cleaners are highly acidic or contain alkaline substances and can damage the moldings.
- Always dilute a concentrated cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not use chrome cleaners.
- Do not use cleaners that are not intended for automotive use.
- Use a nonabrasive wax on the vehicle after washing to protect and extend the molding finish.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents
as they can damage the vehicle's paint, ...
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/ Lenses, Emblems, Decals and Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth, and a car washing soap to clean
exterior lamps, lenses, emblems, decals and stripes. Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previo ...
Other materials:
Rear Seats
Folding the Seatback
Either side of the seatback can be folded down for more cargo space.
Fold a seatback only when the vehicle is not moving.
Caution
Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause
damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and ...
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function.
Some ...
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat
or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
Shift to a lower gear whe ...
