Leather Upholstery - Maintenance and Care
501-21DATE
6/98
V8 XJ Series/XK8
MODEL
1997 MY-ON XK8 Range
1998 MY-ON V8 XJ Series
VIN
001001-ON
812256-ON
Leather Upholstery - Care & Maintenance
Issue:
Leather is a natural material, and reacts to environmental conditions and changes. It is essential for good maintenance to keep leather clean, using only natural materials. Leather which is treated properly should retain its appearance and last for a considerable time.
Fully-finished leather, as used for vehicle upholstery, requires occasional but regular cleaning, as detailed below. If cleaning is neglected, deterioration is more likely to occur if dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate on the surface. Such materials may become embedded, and more difficult to clean. Dirt will also act as an abrasive on the specially-treated surface, particularly in natural creases which may develop in seat covers.
Fully-finished leather includes two color coats applied over the hide, protected by a further coating of "varnish". Use great care to keep the "varnish" coat clean, and to prevent abrasion, otherwise dirt will penetrate to the color coats, from which removal is virtually impossible.
Action:
1. Every two to three months, depending on the usage of the vehicle, all leather surfaces should be cleaned.
2. Use an absorbent cloth or paper towels, soaked in clean warm water; wring out the cloth, and rub lightly over all leather surfaces.
3. Avoid flooding the leather. Change the surface of the cloth frequently.
4. Dry off any residual moisture.
Caution:
Avoid the use of any other chemical or abrasive materials for cleaning leather. Although such treatments may give, initially, an impressive appearance, their use will lead to rapid deterioration of the leather finish. Unless spillages of products such as tea or coffee, or ink from a ball-point pen, are washed away immediately, permanent staining may have to be accepted. Any attempt to restore the original appearance using chemical or abrasive treatments will lead to further damage.
If desired, Jaguar Leather Cleaner, diluted with 12 parts of hot water to one part of the cleaner, may be used instead of plain water, particularly on leather which has been allowed to deteriorate in appearance due to the accumulation of dirt. The gentle use of a soft bristle brush, moistened in diluted cleaner, may assist in the removal of dirt in stubborn areas.
Detergents, household cleaners, furniture polish and solvents such as gasoline or alcohol should not he used on leather. They may cause deterioration of the material.
It must he understood that leather is a natural material. It will deteriorate more rapidly if exposed to dampness, or where vehicles are parked or stored exposed to bright sunlight, generating high temperatures within the vehicle. The latter effect may lead to premature hardening of the material, which cannot be restored.
CUSTOMER INFORMATION:
Any customer raising a concern over the appearance of leather upholstery should be reminded of the recommendations for the maintenance of leather upholstery in the Vehicle Care Handbook supplied with the vehicle. The recommendations in the Handbook correspond closely with the content of this Technical Bulletin. Maintenance of leather upholstery is entirely the responsibility of the Customer.
Parts Information:
Warranty Information:
This Technical Bulletin is issued for information purposes only.
Dealers are reminded that the terms of the Jaguar Warranty apply to manufacturing defects only. Certain graining and other markings in leather are natural effects in the material, and are not considered to he manufacturing defects for warranty purposes.