General information and care (Taurus 1 and 2)

General information

These models use a "monocoupled" body. This chapter covers only general body maintenance practices and some repairs.

Body - maintenance

1. It is recommended to steam clean the underbody once a year or after 12,000 miles. Afterwards, carefully inspect the underbody for rust and damage. Pay special attention to the wheel arches.

2. Clean off any rust that appears down to the metal, then paint over it with anti-corrosion paint.

Vinyl Finishing - Care

Do not clean vinyl trim with detergents, caustic soaps or gasoline-based solvents. Use regular soap and water for this purpose. After cleaning, apply a special protective compound for rubber and vinyl.

Upholstery and carpets - care

1. Remove carpeting and clean the undercarriage every three months (more often if necessary). Upholstery and carpets should be vacuumed to remove dirt and dust.

2. Leather upholstery requires special care. Stains should be removed with warm water and a very mild soap solution. Do not use alcohol, gasoline, or nail polish remover to clean leather upholstery.

3. After cleaning, leather upholstery should be waxed.

Body repair for minor damage

Given the well-known nature of this procedure, its description is not included in this publication.

Body repair - major damage

Serious damage to the body should be repaired in a car repair shop with the appropriate equipment. Only specialized equipment allows such work to be performed efficiently. If the damage is extensive, the geometry of the body should be checked.

Hinges and locks - maintenance

Every 3,000 miles or every three months, lubricate all hinges and lock blocks of the doors, hood and trunk with a few drops of spark plug oil or special lock lubricant. Lubricate the trunk and door locks with sprayable graphite lubricant. The door latch stops should also be lightly lubricated to reduce wear and ensure free movement.