Cleaning and Detailing Chemicals

A further concern is the use, especially in the engine compartment, of cleaning and detailing chemical products, particularly those containing silicones.

Detailed investigations have indicated that the entry of silicones into electrical components (particularly relays, connectors and components containing printed circuits) can cause intermittent operation or complete failure.

Jaguar does NOT recommend under hood cleaning as a routine practice, nor the practice of applying by spray, detailing products to the engine, engine bay, under hood pipes and hoses, and other components to obtain a "showroom" finish. If a high finish is desired, hand detailing is recommended.

Many products sold for this purpose, which may be described as "quick, cheap and easy", contain high levels of acids or alkalis in cleaning products, or silicones in detailing/polishing products.

Chemicals containing high levels of acids or alkalis will have a detrimental effect on certain metallic components, especially those containing aluminum or magnesium alloys which can he permanently pitted or stained by the use of such products.

Residues of detailing products which are not silicone-free, may be carried into electrical components by the normal movement of air in the engine compartment as the vehicle is driven, along with water which may be splashed into the engine compartment by the wheels Residues of silicone products, if not completely removed from the windshield and wiper blade, may give rise to complaints of wiper smearing and streaking.

There are available, however, both cleaning and detailing products which contain low levels of acids or alkalis, and which have zero silicone content. Although often a little more expensive, such products will be less aggressive in their effects on a vehicle.

These types of products should never be applied by high pressure spraying or as additives through a pressure washer/steam cleaner. If necessary to clean or degrease an engine, obtain a product which is suitable for application by brush or by a hand-actuated garden sprayer, and that can be washed off by a low pressure hose or spray.

Please bring the above to the attention of all personnel concerned, not only to employees within dealerships but also especially to any specialist contractor to whom dealers may sublet vehicle cleaning and detailing operations.