Waxing Your Vehicle; Repairing Paint Chips; Cleaning The Wheels; Cleaning The Engine - Ford 1998 Ranger Owner's Manual

During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle. Remove any exterior
accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car wash.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.

Waxing your vehicle

Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs and tar before waxing
vehicle. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.

Repairing paint chips

Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
touch-up paint, repair foil or aerosol paint spray from the Ford accessory
line. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.

Cleaning the wheels

Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.

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.
Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
Maintenance and care
143