98-020

Axalta Paint Finish Care
FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

> Century Class Conventional
> Argosy COE
Cargo
> Columbia
> 122SD and Coronado

> Business Class M2
> Cascadia
> 108SD/114SD
> New Cascadia

Freightliner
Service Bulletin

General Information
Use the following guidelines when washing a vehicle to properly care for the paint finish.

Within 30 Days of the Manufacture Date
A new vehicle may have accumulated dust and grit on its surface during travel to the dealership. This can be
abrasive to the new clear coat finish, if not properly removed. Do the following within 30 days of the
manufacture date.
• Rinse the vehicle with water only and avoid the use of a high-pressure washer within 30 days of the
vehicle manufacture date while the paint finish is still fresh.
• Never dry-wipe the paint surface to clean it.
• Thoroughly rinse the vehicle’s surface with clean water to remove loose dirt and grime before starting the
wash procedure.
• When washing the vehicle, remember to always go from top to bottom, never the opposite. Generally the
dirtiest parts of the vehicle are those closest to the ground. Wheel wells, rocker panels, and bumpers tend
to have the largest accumulation of grime and you don’t want to bring that dirt back onto the paint surface
and risk scratching it.
• Use top-quality wash mitts, sponges, or micro fiber cloths to apply car wash soaps. Wash mitts can be
made of long or short nap micro fiber, sponge material or sheepskin that can be either synthetic or
genuine.
• If using brushes, stay clear of brushes with stiff nylon bristles that will quickly damage, dull, and scratch
the paint. High quality, soft micro fiber brushes are recommended.
• Be sure to use clean water.
• In order to guarantee a swirl-free finish, use of the two-bucket washing method is recommended. As
the name implies, two separate buckets are used to wash the vehicle. One bucket holds the soapy
car wash solution; use only a water-based non-abrasive, neutral pH (non-acidic or non-alkaline)
detergent. The other bucket holds clean, clear rinse water to rinse the applicator after each pass
over the vehicle. This keeps dirt particles just picked up on the surface from going back into the
clean wash solution and being picked up again by the wash mitt or brush. Rinse the applicator
frequently in the second bucket. Always store washing applicators (brushes or cloth) in a clean
environment. Never store them directly on the floor or on dirty surfaces.
• Use gentle pressure with the wash mitt or brush on the first pass. The first pass picks up the majority of
the dirt and loosens the remaining dirt for pick up on the second pass.
• Bird droppings and sap should be washed off as soon as possible to avoid acid etching of new topcoat.
• Do not wax the paint finish within the first 60 days.

After 30 Days of the Manufacture Date
Do the following after 30 days of the manufacture date:
• Wash the vehicle, especially when exposed to a dusty, acidic, or alkaline environment.
• Use only a water-based non-abrasive neutral pH (non-acidic or non-alkaline) detergent.
• Avoid using extremely hot water when washing the vehicle. Best results are achieved when water
temperature is below 120°F (49°C).

Freightliner Service Bulletin, 01/30/2018

Page 1

98-020
Freightliner
Service Bulletin

Axalta Paint Finish Care
FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

> Century Class Conventional
> Argosy COE
Cargo
> Columbia
> 122SD and Coronado

> Business Class M2
> Cascadia
> 108SD/114SD
> New Cascadia

• The following settings must be complied with when cleaning with a pressure washer:
• The distance of the nozzle to the vehicle body must be greater than 4 inches (102 mm).
• The pressure must be less than 1700 psi (11 722 kPa).
• The water temperature must be less than 120°F (49°C).
• Do not wash the vehicle if the paint finish is hot due to sunlight exposure.
• Avoid the use of brushes with stiff bristles. Use of a soft cloth or felt brushes is highly recommended.
• When using an automated wash system, ensure that it is working correctly. Pay careful attention to soap
effectiveness, lubricity and dispensing, brush pressure, water hardness, and the overall cleanliness of the
wash system.
• Do not allow anti-freeze, gasoline, hydraulic fluid, oil, or windshield washer fluid to stand on the paint for
any period of time. Remove immediately by rinsing with warm water. Exposure time for hydraulic fluid and
oil is greatly reduced if the paint surface is hot.
• Repair any paint chips, nicks, or scratches as soon as possible to prevent further degradation to the paint
finish.
• Should the vehicle become damaged, have it repaired as quickly as possible. Contact a reputable repair
facility and specify the use of Axalta Imron® to assure the best possible color match, appearance and
durability to the original OEM finish.
• For further information call 1-855-6-AXALTA (629-2582) or visit axaltacs.com/us/Imron.

Warranty
This is an informational bulletin only. Warranty does not apply.

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Freightliner Service Bulletin, 01/30/2018