Page 333 of 558

CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windows and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly. If the wipers
do not wipe properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass or the wiper
blades may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and
streaking and smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow
these tips:
•The windows may be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner such as
MotorcraftUltra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
MotorcraftPremium Windshield Washer Concentrate in the U.S., or
Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid in Canada. Be sure to
replace wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function
properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Note:Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause damage to the
rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
WARNING:Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the
vehicle’s safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt
webbing.
WARNING:On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do
not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products
could contaminate the side airbag system and affect performance of the
side airbag in a collision.
Vehicle Care333
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 338 of 558
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
Contact your authorized dealer if you have any concerns or issues.
338Vehicle Care
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 558 of 558

Towing ....................... 269, 274–275
recreational towing ................. 275
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated .............. 272
trailer towing .......................... 269
wrecker .................................... 274
Traction control ........................ 225
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................ 429
Traffic preferences ................... 526
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................ 272
Trailer sway control .................. 269
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities .............. 371
lubricant specifications .......... 371
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) .... 214
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ............................. 313
Turn signal ................................ 101
U
USB port ............................ 149, 483
Using privacy mode .................. 412V
Vehicle health report ........ 427, 508
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) .......................................... 375
Vehicle loading .......................... 261
Ventilating your vehicle ........... 199
Voice commands in media
mode .......................................... 434
Voice commands in phone
mode .......................................... 410
Voice recognition ...................... 459
W
Warning lights (see Lights) ..... 111
Washer fluid .............................. 318
Water, Driving through ............. 278
Wi-Fi .......................................... 515
Windows
power ....................................... 103
rear wiper/washer ..................... 97
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers .......................................... 96
checking and adding fluid ..... 318
replacing wiper blades ... 320–321
Wrecker towing ......................... 274
558Index
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)