Follow This Maintenance Routine for a Ford’s Best Performance

When owning a Ford vehicle, you should ensure that it is serviced according to its specific maintenance schedule. This can be found on their website and will be different depending on the model of the car. It is important to follow the maintenance schedule as stated in the manual to keep your car running optimally and for a long time.

Since most of their vehicles share some common features, this overview can help you remember how often you should do routine maintenance depending on their mileage:

Every 5K Miles

• An oil change should be done every six months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. For cars driven in extreme conditions, such as off-roading, the interval should be reduced to every 3,000 miles or three months.

• Check the condition of your tires to ensure your safety. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as worn tread, bulging, cracks, or flat spots. If any of these are present, the tires should be replaced.

• Rotating tires is done so that the tires wear evenly, improving the overall performance and longevity. It is recommended that tires be rotated at least every 6,000 miles.

• Regularly inspect the air filter in a diesel vehicle and replace it when necessary. This ensures that the engine is not exposed to too much debris, helping it run more efficiently.

Every 15K Miles

• Take care of the transmission. It can ensure the longer lifespan of the vehicle.

• Inspect the pads, rotors, brake lines, drums, hoses, shoes, and parking brakes.

• Check the suspension, driveshaft, ball joints, and steering linkage should be a part of the normal Ford service schedule.

• Wheel ends need to be checked for unusual noises.

• You must check the hoses, radiator, water pump, and overall cooling system.

• Replace the fuel filter for diesel cars only.

• Don’t breathe dirty air! Change your air filter often.

• Lubricate and inspect 4X2 ball joints of pickups, except for the F-450 and F-550.
• Lubricate and inspect the steering linkage of trucks.

Every 30K Miles

• Replace the climate-controlled seat filters. This will involve removing the old filter and replacing it with a new one that better controls the seat’s temperature.

Every 100K Miles

• Replace the spark plugs in your engine as part of your regular maintenance regimen. Doing this will help keep your vehicle running in optimal condition.

• Drain the old yellow and orange coolant and replace it with fresh fluid.

• Switch out the PCV valve at this juncture.

• Change the camshaft belt on 2.0L four-cylinder engines.

• For certain models, replacing the filters in the temperature-controlled seating is necessary.

Every 150K Miles

• Check the exhaust system for signs of corrosion or damage. Additionally, the heat shields should be examined for any signs of wear or tear, as rust may have caused damage to them over time.

• All vehicles with a rear-wheel-drive system must have their axle lubricant changed periodically. This process involves draining out the existing lubricant and replacing it with fresh lubricant to ensure the axle and its components are properly lubricated and functioning correctly.

• Replace the timing belt promptly, as doing so could cause damage to the engine.

• Replace the lubricant in the front axle of a car periodically to keep it functioning properly. This process involves draining the old lubricant, replacing it with new lubricant, and ensuring all axle parts are properly lubricated.

In Closing

Regular vehicle maintenance should include checking the oil, fluids, tires, brakes, and battery and inspecting the belts, hoses, and filters. You should also come in for service when your car exhibits unusual sounds, vibrations, jolts, grinding sensations, or smells or when the dashboard lights come on. Your car’s specific recommended maintenance schedule should also be followed, and you may need to come in more often depending on conditions like extreme heat, cold, or heavy loads.

Visit Us for Your Next Maintenance Schedule

We’re the place to go for all things Ford in Morganton, NC. Stop by Cloninger Ford of Morganton to browse their selection of cars, take advantage of their lease deals, or make an appointment to have your car serviced. Call 828-374-9683 now to set your schedule!

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