Page 328 of 453

Additives and Chemicals
Ford Motor Company recommended additives and chemicals are listed in
this book and in theWorkshop Manual.Additional chemicals or
additives not approved by Ford and are not recommended as part of
normal maintenance. Please consult yourWarranty Manualfor
complete warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic and,
by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid needs to
be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of overheating
and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected immediately by a
qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians at your dealership.
Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the specified intervals or
in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable way to change fluid for
many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that
systems are flushed only with new fluid that is the same as that required to
fill and operate the system, or using a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six months intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
328Scheduled Maintenance
2013 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 329 of 453

Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance329
2013 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 453 of 453

T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ............... 127
Text messaging ......................... 390
Tilt steering wheel ...................... 81
Tires ........................... 284–285, 305
alignment ................................ 298
care .......................................... 284
changing .......................... 305, 307
checking the pressure ............ 294
inflating ................................... 292
label ......................................... 291
replacing .................................. 296
rotating .................................... 299
safety practices ....................... 298
sidewall information ............... 287
snow tires and chains ............ 300
spare tire ................................. 305
terminology ............................. 286
tire grades ............................... 285
treadwear ........................ 285, 294
Towing ....................... 217, 221–222
recreational towing ................. 222
trailer towing .......................... 217
wrecker .................................... 221
Traction control ........................ 178
Traffic preferences ................... 422
Trailer sway control .................. 217
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) .... 166
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ............................. 258fluid, refill capacities .............. 313
lubricant specifications .......... 313
Turn signal .................................. 92
U
USB port ............................ 126, 380
V
Vehicle health report ................ 404
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) .......................................... 317
Vehicle loading .......................... 209
Ventilating your vehicle ........... 153
Voice recognition ...................... 353
W
Warning lights (see Lights) ..... 101
Washer fluid .............................. 260
Water, Driving through ............. 225
Wi-Fi .......................................... 411
Windows
power ......................................... 94
rear wiper/washer ..................... 87
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers .......................................... 86
checking and adding fluid ..... 260
replacing wiper blades ........... 264
Wrecker towing ......................... 221
Index453
2013 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)