Ford Escort (2003 year). Manual — part 32

WASHING THE EXTERIOR

Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarmwater and a neutral
Ph shampoo, such as Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A), which is available
fromyour dealer.
• Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing

or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.

• Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to

strong, direct sunlight.

• Always use a clean sponge or carwash mitt with plenty of water for

best results.

• Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to

eliminate water spotting.

• It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the

winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.

• Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings

and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trimover time.

• Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a

car wash.

• Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted

surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.

WAXING

Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
• Wash the vehicle first.
• Do not use waxes that contain abrasives.
• Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body

(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.

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PAINTCHIPS

Your dealer has touch-up paint and sprays to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jam) to
your dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
• Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar

spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.

• Always read the instructions before using the products.

ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS

Aluminum wheels and wheel covers are coated with a clearcoat paint
finish. In order to maintain their shine:
• Clean weekly with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A),

which is available fromyour dealer. Heavy dirt and brake dust
accumulation may require agitation with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly
with a strong streamof water.

• Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or

covers.

• Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your

wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning
chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust
and dirt, could wear away the clearcoat finish over time.

• Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel

cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.

• To remove tar and grease, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil

Removal (B7A-19520–AA), available from your dealer.

ENGINE

Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
• Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The

high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.

• Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the

engine block or other engine components.

• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20) on all parts

that require cleaning and pressure rinse clean.

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• Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning

the engine.

• Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the

running engine may cause internal damage.

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available fromyour dealer.
• For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).

• If tar or grease spots are present, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and

Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520–AA).

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
• The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive

cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),
available fromyour dealer.

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• Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
• Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or

windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS

Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
• Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of

the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver fromundesirable windshield reflection.

Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of

the air bag system.

• Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in

contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.

INTERIOR

For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
• Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
• Remove light stains and soil with Ford Extra Strength Upholstery

Cleaner (E8AZ-19523–AA).

• If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first

with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).

• Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
• Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can

stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.

Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.

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