2001 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 260

Maintenance and care 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 they also cause damage to the vehicle. Remove or lower any exterior accessories before entering a car wash. Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately. After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them. Waxing your vehicle The best way to determine when the paintwork needs waxing is by noting when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three or four months depending on operating conditions. Use only carnauba or syntheticĆbased waxes. Remove any bugs and tar before waxing the vehicle. Use cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth to remove bugs. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.