1998 Mercury Sable Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 170

Maintenance and care Cleaning plastic exterior parts Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or petroleum-based cleaners. Cleaning the exterior lamps Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass cleaner or tar remover if necessary. To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners. Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent. To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents. If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by substances on the windshield such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of the windshield with a non-abrasive cleanser such as the non-abrasive Bon-Ami௡ powder. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Do not use abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. The windshield and wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber elements replaced when worn. Cleaning the instrument panel Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth. Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver from undesirable windshield reflection. 170