Volkswagen ID.4: Washing the vehicle

Washing your vehicle regularly prevents exposure to contamination, which may damage the paint.

Matte-finish vehicles require special care due to the particular properties of the paint.

To ensure that your vehicle is washed correctly and appropriately, note the following information→ , → .

WARNING

After the vehicle has been washed, the braking efficiency may be delayed due to damp or( in the winter) icy brake discs and brake pads. This will increase the braking distance. This can cause a loss of vehicle control, accidents, and serious or fatal injuries.

• Press the brake pedal carefully several times to dry the brakes and clear the ice from them, as long as the visibility, weather, road, and traffic conditions permit.

NOTICE

Improper car washes can increase the risk of severe vehicle damage.

• Always follow the steps described for vehicle care and cleaning.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.

NOTICE

Wet vehicle components may freeze in cold weather, which will stop them from working properly.

• In cold weather, never direct a jet of water at locks, doors, or the trunk lid.

Removing stubborn dirt on matte paint

• Soak insects or bird excrement that have adhered to the surface immediately with water and spray with a special cleaner for matte paint.
• Remove tar splashes on the paint surface with commercially available tar removers. Residue must not be removed by intensive rubbing.
• Remove tree resin and rust particles with special cleaner for matte paint and a cleaning clay bar. Slide the cleaning clay bar over the affected areas without pressing down on it.
• Spray grease and fingerprints with matte paint finish spray and rub with a soft microfiber cloth.

Automatic car washes

• If your vehicle has matte paint, never select a wash program with wax or drying aids.
• If your vehicle has matte paint, only use textile car washes, never brush car washes.
• For vehicle with decorative and protective decals, never use a wash package with hot wax.
• Choose car washes without brushes.
• Also ensure that the underside of the vehicle is washed regularly and thoroughly to remove any residue.
• Observe the information provided by the car wash operator, particularly with regard to attachments on the vehicle, e.g. spoilers → .

✓ The windows are closed and the outside mirrors are folded in.

✓ The vehicle must be in roll mode.

The electronic parking brake is switched off.

✓ Vehicles with steering lock: If the vehicle is mechanically towed in the car wash, the steering must not be locked (→ Steering).

✓ The windshield wiper and the rain/light sensor (→ Rain/light sensor) are switched off.

✓ Auto Hold is switched off.

✓ If applicable: the roof antenna has been removed.

NOTICE

Car washes which mechanically scan contours may damage the vehicle and attachments, e.g. spoiler.

• Follow the information provided by the car wash operator, especially if there are attachments on the vehicle.

Pressure washers

Fig. 1 Warning sign: Do not use pressure washers in the marked area.

• Never use rotating nozzles. Observe the manufacturer's instructions.
• Only use water up to maximum +60 ºC (+140 ºF).
• Move the water jet evenly with a distance of at least 50 cm (20 inches) between the spray nozzle and all parts of the vehicle.
• Do not direct the water at the same spot for a long period of time.
• If possible, do not direct the water straight at sensitive vehicle components, e.g. rubber seals, side windows, glossy trims, tires, sensors, camera lenses, decorative and protective decals.
• Never clean icy or snow-covered door windows with a pressure washer.

Hand washing

Individual contaminations on the paint can be removed with a cleaning clay bar.

1. Clean dust and large dirt deposits from the vehicle with plenty of water.

2. If your vehicle has matte paint, remove insects, grease spots and fingerprints with a special cleaner for matte paint. Apply the product using a microfiber cloth with gentle pressure.

3. Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove, or a washing brush with light pressure. Start at the roof, and continue to work from the top down. Only use a cleansing shampoo on stubborn dirt.

If your vehicle has matte paint, clean from top to bottom with a neutral cleansing shampoo and a microfiber cloth. Wash the microfiber cloth thoroughly at frequent intervals.

4. Clean the wheels and side members with a clean sponge.

5. Rinse with plenty of water.

6. Let the vehicle air dry. Remove water residue with a leather cloth.

Notes on the high-voltage system

Before washing the vehicle, end the charging process and fully close the charging socket.

Pay attention to the safety warning for the pressure washer→ .

WARNING

Using a pressure washer incorrectly may damage the high-voltage system and the 12 V vehicle electrical system.

This can cause accidents and serious injuries or death.

• Never point the jet of the pressure washer directly at the orange high-voltage cables, at components of the high-voltage system or at the 12 V vehicle electrical system.

NOTICE

Washing the vehicle incorrectly can damage the paint surface and destroy the matte paint finish.

• Never use washing programs with wax treatment.
• Only use cleaning agents free of solids and abrasives, such as cleansing shampoos or insect removers, for cleaning purposes.
• Do not use insect sponges or rough sponges.

NOTICE

The plenum chamber drain can be blocked by leaves and dirt. Water that cannot drain may leak into the vehicle interior and cause damage.

• Remove leaves and other loose objects with a vacuum or by hand.
• Have the area under the perforated cover cleaned at regular intervals by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Ensure that large amounts of water do not collect in the plenum chamber, for example if you use a pressure washer.

Only wash the vehicle in facilities specifically designed for that purpose. This will reduce the risk of water contaminated with oil from entering the sewer system.