2000 Ford Focus Owner's Manual - Page 243

Maintenance and care CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE Refer to the Customer assistance chapter for a list of Ford approved cleaners, polishes and waxes. Washing your vehicle Wash your vehicle regularly with cold or lukewarm water. Never use strong detergents or soap. If your vehicle is particularly dirty, use a quality car wash detergent. Always use a clean sponge, washing glove or similar device and plenty of water for best results. To avoid spots, avoid washing when the hood is still warm, immediately after or during exposure to strong sunlight. 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. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as described in Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield. After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them. 243