Your Ford is built to be tough and reliable, and regular car maintenance is crucial to keep it that way. The following maintenance tips from your Ford dealer will ensure that your F-150, Explorer, or Escape is always in excellent running condition.
8 Car Maintenance Tips From Your Ford Dealer to Keep Your Ford in Great Shape for Years
1. Change the Oil Regularly
Changing the oil at the factory-recommended intervals or when the Oil Life Monitor is at 15 percent is vital to keep the moving parts under the hood lubricated and running smoothly. All the information on oil changes and the proper grade of oil for your specific model is in your owner's manual.
2. Check the Fluids Monthly
Check the oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and power steering fluid levels at least once a month to ensure they are at the correct levels, and top them off if necessary. If the fluids look discolored, it's best to ask your Ford technician to replace them.
3. Watch for Leaks
Look under your car for puddles on the ground. If you notice a pool, get it repaired quickly to prevent further damage and high repair costs.
4. Heed the Warning Lights
When a warning light on your dashboard goes on, it's a warning that there's a problem. Call us and schedule a service, and one of our qualified technicians will solve the problem.
5. Look After Your Battery
Inspect your car's battery monthly. Check that the cables are securely attached, and look for leakage and corrosion around the terminals and cables. If you see a build-up, clean it with a solution of baking soda, water, and a brush. If the terminals are heavily corroded or the battery case is damaged or misshapen, replace the battery. If your car battery is over three years old, ask one of our technicians to inspect and test it.
6. Don't Ignore Sounds and Odors
You know your car's sounds and smells. When you hear strange noises or smell awful odors, something is not working right. Rather be safe than sorry and ask your technician to perform an inspection to determine to find out what's causing the problem.
7. Check, Inflate, and Rotate Your Tires
Keep your car's tires inflated to the correct pressure to reduce uneven wear. Inspect the tires for bubbles and cracks and check the tread depth at least once a month. If you rotate your tires every time the oil is changed, your tires will wear evenly and last longer.
8. Keep Your Car Clean and Protected
The elements, road dirt, dust, bird droppings, and tree sap damage your vehicle's paint. A good wash once a week will eliminate the grime and keep the dirt away from your engine. To protect your car's bodywork from the elements, keep it in a garage or covered when you are not using it.
When you maintain your Ford regularly, your vehicle will use less gas, you'll avoid unexpected repairs, and you'll save thousands of dollars. Contact Matthews Ford today to schedule a maintenance appointment to ensure your Ford runs like new.