Removing sticky spots

Bugs, bird droppings and other sticky gunk should be removed as soon as possible. If you aren’t able to get to the spot before it dries and don’t have Motorcraft® Bug and Tar Remover on hand, try removing it with a soft cotton cloth and a bit of cooking oil or grease. Then be sure to clean the area with soap and water afterward to remove the oil.

Exterior cleaning

Hose off any accumulated grime, especially in the wheel wells and under the bumpers. Scrub your vehicle with a clean sponge and Motorcraft® Detail Wash. Rinse, then dry it with a terry-cloth towel. Wax your car with Motorcraft® Premium Liquid Wax.

Paint touchups

To fix chips or scratches in your paint, you’ll need to find the correct color of touch-up paint. This information is usually located on a sticker in your driver’s-side door or in your Owner Guide. If you can't immediately apply (or get) the paint, dab the chip or scratch with some clear nail polish. The polish will prevent corrosion under the paint and resultant rust.

Cleaning windows and mirrors

Traditional ammonia-based glass cleaners can leave streaks that become blinding in bright sunlight. Instead, use a non-ammonia-based automotive glass cleaner, such as Motorcraft® Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner or a mild mixture of water and vinegar.

Interior cleaning

Vacuum the inside of your vehicle, using the crevice attachment to reach the tight spots where dirt and crumbs can accumulate. Clean vinyl, plastic and rubber surfaces with Motorcraft® Dash and Vinyl Cleaner to prevent drying and cracking.

Leather care

If your vehicle features leather upholstery, maintaining its beauty and protecting it from damage requires regular cleaning and conditioning. We recommend using Lexol-ph Leather Cleaner and Lexol Leather Conditioner at least once every six months.

Cleaning displays
If your vehicle features SYNC® or an available Navigation System, clean the display using a clean, soft cloth (such as one used for cleaning eyeglasses). If dirt or fingerprints are still visible, apply a small amount of alcohol to the cloth. You may also use LCD screen or laptop wipes, available at any electronics store. Never use regular glass cleaner, alcohol spray, detergent or any type of solvent as it could damage your screen.

Under the hood

Wearing safety goggles and rubber gloves, scrub off any battery corrosion with a wire brush and a solution of baking soda and water. Then warm up the engine a little to loosen the grunge. Turn it off and cover the air filter and electrical connections with plastic bags, then spray the entire engine compartment using Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo and Degreaser. Rinse clean.

Keep your tires properly inflated
Checking your tire pressure regularly to make sure they are properly inflated helps keep wear evenly distributed across each tire. But did you know it could even help increase your fuel efficiency by 3% – 4%? You can find the recommended inflation level on the Certification Decal or Tire Decal, usually located on the driver’s door or door pillar, or in the glove box.

Rotate your tires every time you change your oil
Having your tires rotated regularly helps keep wear evenly distributed. We generally recommend rotating them every 5,000 miles, and since that involves elevating your vehicle, your local Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealership is a convenient place to have it done.

Get proper tire balancing and a wheel alignment
These operations help keep your tires in full contact with the road. You may need an alignment if you notice your vehicle pulling to one side while you are driving straight. Since balancing and alignment involve using precision equipment on your wheels and suspension system, this is also a good job for the technicians at your local Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealership. Check your Owner Guide for how frequently this should be done.

Learn to spot the symptoms of tire wear
If your tires are more than six years old or if you notice any of the following signs, it may be time for new tires:

• The tread has worn down to less than 3/32"
• Wear bars (narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tire tread)
• Bulges in the tire
• Cracking in the tread grooves
• Punctures, cuts, snags or separation in the tire tread or sidewall
• Sudden loss of tire pressure
• Poor handling or traction on slippery surfaces
• Sudden vibration while driving

How the intelligent oil life monitor (IOLM) determines remaining oil life

This advanced new feature measures several key inputs, including:

• Driving habits (such as towing and workload)
• Hours in operation and at idle
• Oil and coolant temperature
• Engine speed and torque
• Diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning cycles

Messages displayed on the oil life monitor

You’ll find a display in your instrument cluster’s message center that will notify you of oil change intervals by displaying ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED. The system will also indicate when fuel filters need maintenance, or if fuel pressure is low.*

What the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) does

Your Super Duty includes new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to dramatically reduce NOx levels coming out of your tailpipe. This technology uses DEF, a clear fluid that’s injected into your exhaust system to help convert NOx to nitrogen, a nontoxic gas.

Monitoring DEF levels

DEF levels should be replenished at your dealership at every oil change to avoid running out. Certain conditions, such as trailer towing, will require filling the DEF tank more often. Your Super Duty includes a DEF monitor to track fluid levels, as well as warning messages when DEF needs to be refilled. Remember– your Super Duty will not operate properly without DEF.

For in-depth details about DEF and the IOLM, please refer to your owner’s guide and diesel supplement.

*Refer to owner’s guide for specific applications.