Ford Escape Owner's Manual page 178

washing when the hood is still warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
NOTE: Any petrol spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird
droppings should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible.
Deposits not removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's
paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described in Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Underbody
Remember to include regular underbody washing. In areas of heavy
concentrations of corrosive materials (e.g. salt) the entire underbody
should be thoroughly washed and inspected frequently, particularly after
wet seasons.
Polishing
Your vehicle should be washed and dried before being polished. In areas
of industrial fallout, dust, heavy rain, salt air, insects, bird droppings and
frequent parking under trees, the addition of a suitable polish or wax is
advised.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
touch-up paint. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Cleaning the 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 with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
Maintenance and care
177