1997 Mercury Tracer Owner's Manual - Page 177

Maintenance and care Cleaning the instrument panel Any cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of the instrument panel should be avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help protect the driver from windshield reflection. Cleaning the exterior lamps Do not use dry paper towels, chemical solvents, or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps; these products may cause scratches or crack the lamps. Cleaning the engine A clean engine is more efficient than a dirty one because a buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator and keeps the engine warmer than normal. Follow these guidelines to clean your engine: • Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate sealed parts and cause damage. • In order to avoid cracking the engine block or fuel injection pump, do not spray these components with cold water. • The alternator and air intake must be covered to prevent water damage when cleaning the engine. • Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in a running engine may cause internal damage. 177