Nissan Qashqai 2024 Owners Manual
9.1.1. Washing
In the following instances, wash your vehicle as soon as possible to protect the paint surface:
After a rainfall, to prevent possible damage from acid rain.
After driving on coastal roads.
When contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles or insects get on the paint surface.
When dust or mud builds up on the paint surface.
Wash the vehicle surface with a wet sponge and plenty of water.
Clean the vehicle surface gently and thoroughly using a PH neutral detergent such as a mild soap or a special vehicle wash shampoo mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
Do not concentrate water spray directly on the Sonar sensors on the bumper as this will result in damage to the sensors. Do not use pressure washers capable of spraying water over 8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) to wash your vehicle. Use of high-pressure washers over, 8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in damage to or removal of paint or graphics. Avoid using a high-pressure washer closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the vehicle. Always use a wide-angle nozzle only, keep the nozzle moving and do not concentrate the water spray on any one area.
Do not use car washes that use acid in the detergent. Some car washes, especially brushless ones, use some acid for cleaning. The acid may react with some plastic vehicle components, causing them to crack. This could affect their appearance, and also could cause them not to function properly. Always check with your car wash to confirm that acid is not used.
Do not wash the vehicle with abrasive products, polishes, strong household soap, strong chemical detergents, petrol or solvents.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or while the vehicle body is hot, as the paint surface may become water-spotted.
Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must be taken when removing caked-on dirt or other foreign substances so the paint surface is not scratched or damaged.
Do not wash the engine compartment. Doing so may damage cause a failure to start or a malfunction. The possibility of water intrusion into electrical connections may result in a short circuit or electrical component malfunction.
Make sure the fuel-filler lid is closed before going through an automatic car wash.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water.
Use a damp chamois to dry the paint surface to avoid leaving water spots.
When washing the vehicle, take care of the following:
Inside flanges, joints and folds on the doors, tailgate and bonnet are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas must be cleaned regularly.
Be sure that the drain holes in the lower edge of the doors are not clogged.
Spray water on the underbody and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and/or wash away road salt.
If using a high pressure washer always follow the recommendations on the equipment (pressure and spraying distance).
If there are damaged areas on the vehicle (e.g. painted bumpers or headlight assembly), it is not recommended to direct the high pressure jet onto them. Carefully wash these areas by hand.
Avoid the entry of water into the locks.