1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual

Finish CareOccasional waxing or mild polishing of your Buick byhand may be necessary to remove residue from the paintfinish. You can get GM-approved cleaning productsfrom your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials”in the Index,)Your Buick has a “basecoatklearcoat” paint finish.The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the coloredbasecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that arenon-abrasive and made for a basecoatklearcoatpaint finish.1 NOTICE:Machine compounding or aggressive polishing ona basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull thefinish or leave swirl marks.Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and othersalts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, birddroppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain onpainted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are markedsafe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weatherand chemical fallout that can take their toll over a periodof years. You can help to keep the paint finish lookingnew by keeping your Buick garaged or coveredwhenever possible.Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped)Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth withmild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. Afterrinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A waxmay then be applied.The surface of these wheels is similar to the paintedsurface of your car. Don’t use strong soaps, chemicals,abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaningbrushes on them because you could damage the surface.Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car washthat has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. Thesebrushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.6-51