1997 Ford Contour Owner's Manual - Page 221

Cleaning Your Vehicle Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean. Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical industrial fallout. Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in paint materials or workmanship and therefore is not covered by warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative. Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with a mild detergent. DO NOT: s Wash your vehicle with hot water s Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight s Wash your vehicle while the body is hot Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the finish. 224