I just use some Mothers Mag Polish and a rag that is long enough to drape over and be able grab the ends and work back and forth, kinda like a shining shoes if that makes sense
Water softeners add salt to the water which lowers the hardness of the water but doesn't take minerals out of your water. Look into getting a deionized water filter, I have one that will take my TDS from 75 down to 0, dries spot or streak free. They aren't cheap, paid $400 for mine and the media...
Passenger side for me, less than 10k miles on the car when I noticed it. Ford replaced under warranty. Now 19k miles haven't had any more problems. Doubt its excessive heat, drove in 100 degree temps on last road trip. Don't drive the car in the winter and it's kept in the garage. think it's...
Barbeque at my house for my birthday-Forth of July with family some of whom I haven't seen for a year and a half, hopefully fireworks afterwards but if this heat keeps up that might not be possible.
Get the fluid checked, my 19 shifted pretty rough too. Had the car in for another issue and had it checked and it was low, have notice it shifts a lot smoother in normal and sport. It a good place to start
RPI Designs can paint them to match if you want to shell out another $129 on top of the cost of the strut. Personally like how they stand out ot painted.
https://www.rpidesigns.com/shop/item.aspx/2015-2016-2017-ford-mustang-drake-alumalift-hood-strut-system-/