With summer just around the corner, spring is a great time to make sure your vehicle is geared up for those summer road trips you’ve been looking forward to taking. Make sure your car is ready to roll this summer by checking out our top five car care tips.
1. Maintain engine efficiency with an oil change.
When you think of vehicle maintenance, one of the first things that comes to mind is probably changing your oil, right? Well, regularly scheduled oil changes are a big deal when it comes to the well-being of your engine, because keeping a well-oiled motor lubricates the engine’s moving parts and allows it to function efficiently. It also helps filter debris and prevent the motor from overheating.
Ford advises that if you drive a vehicle of model year 2008 or newer, you should change your oil every 7,500 miles or every six months (whichever comes first). If your vehicle was made in 2007 or before, it’s recommended that you get an oil change every 5,000 miles or every six months.
2. Measure tire pressure to ensure a smooth ride.
Nothing knocks a summer road trip off course like a flat tire. Make sure your wheels are in good shape all year long by checking your tire pressure regularly. A tire gauge is a great tool you can use to do this easily, but keep in mind that recommended tire pressure can vary depending on the weather and vehicle.
Click here to see Service Manager Tommy Moore’s tips for checking tire tread using a penny!
3. Inspect your brake system for passenger safety.
Making sure your brakes are in good shape is important no matter what season it is, but it’s crucial when traveling longer distances than usual. Keeping up with the maintenance of your vehicle’s brake system is paramount for ensuring the safety of your passengers and yourself, as well as preserving the condition of your vehicle overall. Make sure you’ve had your brake pads, rotors, and fluids inspected before hitting the road for vacation.
4. Replace your air filter for a smooth ride.
If your engine isn’t running smoothly, it’s going to be a bumpy ride, whether you’re trekking cross-country or just making your morning commute to work. Keep your engine free of dirt and other harmful debris by keeping a clean air filter. For many Ford engines, it’s recommended that you change air filters every 30,000 miles.
5. Have your car battery checked before hitting the road.
It’s probably not too much of a stretch to say that most people would not head out on a road trip without charging their cell phone first, right? Your car battery isn’t quite the same thing, but you won’t get very far on a battery in poor condition.
When a car battery gets low on charge, you may start noticing signs like your car taking longer to start, the dimming of interior lights, or the appearance of your check engine light. Skip the hassle this summer by keeping an eye out for these warning signs and having your battery checked before you head out on any road trips.
Before you hit the road for vacation, be sure to get your vehicle the maintenance it needs to keep you from making any unnecessary detours.
Get The Works!
We are giving you the chance to save big on a premium vehicle maintenance program, The Works, so you can get your car ready for the road this summer in only one visit. For just $39.95, you get a complete vehicle checkup including a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid-top off, battery test, filter check plus belts, hoses check, and more.
All you need to do is ask for The Works! Click here to conveniently request a service appointment online or call our Service Center in Kannapolis, North Carolina at (877) 843-6193 and one of our friendly customer service representatives will get you started!
