Electric Cars

A well-maintained vehicle interior, particularly one adorned with leather, significantly enhances its appeal and retains its market value. While leather inherently possesses a luxurious feel and a refined finish, its longevity and pristine appearance hinge on consistent and appropriate care. Fortunately, keeping leather in top condition is a straightforward process, provided you utilize the right products designed for its specific needs. Our latest evaluation, refined with new information in March 2026, presents a guide to the most effective leather cleaners for automotive use.

When selecting a leather cleaner, it is important to distinguish between cleaning and conditioning properties. Leather cleaners are formulated to remove dirt and stains, which inevitably accumulate despite leather's natural resistance to soiling. However, exposure to sunlight and regular contact can cause leather to lose its suppleness, becoming dry and prone to cracking. This is where leather conditioners become indispensable, working to rehydrate and revitalize the material. Some products offer a dual function, combining both cleaning and conditioning, while others specialize in one area. Understanding the specific function of each product is key to achieving optimal results. Our tests focused on several popular products, assessing their performance against common stains, their moisturizing effects, any residue left behind, and their scent, to help you choose the best option for your car's leather.

Regular maintenance is essential to prevent permanent damage and costly repairs. Cleaning your leather seats every few months is a good practice to ensure they remain in excellent condition. While various household items might be suggested as alternatives for cleaning, it is strongly advised to use products specifically designed for leather. Substitutes like vinegar or lemon juice can cause irreversible damage. Investing in quality leather cleaner and conditioner not only protects your car's interior but also helps preserve its overall resale value. By adhering to a consistent cleaning and conditioning routine, you can ensure your vehicle's leather maintains its luxurious look and feel for years to come.

Ford Motor Company has issued a significant recall affecting more than 600,000 vehicles across its Ford and Lincoln brands. The recall is specifically tied to a defect in the windshield wiper motors, where misaligned terminals can lead to intermittent operation or complete failure of the front wipers. This widespread issue encompasses several popular SUV and crossover models from the 2020 to 2022 model years, highlighting a potential safety risk for drivers.

The affected vehicles include 2020-2022 Ford Explorer and Escape models, along with the 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Corsair. The core of the problem lies within the wiper motor's internal components. The misalignment of terminals creates an unreliable electrical connection, which can degrade over time and ultimately cause the wipers to stop functioning. This malfunction can severely impair driver visibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

Ford initially became aware of potential issues with these windshield wipers in June 2021. At that time, an internal investigation was launched but later concluded in September of the same year. The company determined that the condition did not present an unreasonable risk to vehicle safety, citing a low projected occurrence rate, the overt nature of the condition to customers, and an assessment of regulatory compliance.

However, the investigation was re-opened in November 2025 following an observed increase in reports of inoperative or intermittently functioning wipers during a review of a separate concern. Over the subsequent months, Ford collaborated with its supplier to conduct more thorough analyses. This renewed effort uncovered a substantial number of warranty claims, specifically 1,374 cases, all related to the wiper defect.

Consequently, Ford made the decision to initiate a recall at the end of last month. The company has stated that it is currently unaware of any injuries or accidents directly attributable to this particular wiper problem. Owners of the affected vehicles will start receiving official notifications from Ford in the coming week, detailing the necessary steps for repair and replacement.

The recall impacts a total of 604,533 vehicles: 328,341 Ford Explorers, 32,257 Lincoln Aviators, 210,349 Ford Escapes, and 33,586 Lincoln Corsairs. This incident adds to Ford's recent recall activity, as the manufacturer has already issued 14 recalls this year, a figure significantly higher than many competitors. Last year, Ford led all automakers with 152 recalls, affecting over 13 million vehicles. While this year's total may not reach such high numbers, the company continues to address various safety and quality concerns across its diverse product lineup.