Maintaining your Ford vehicle is essential to keeping it reliable, safe, and efficient for years to come. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to understanding and performing essential maintenance tasks, from oil changes to brake inspections. By following these recommendations, you can ensure your Ford remains in peak condition while avoiding costly repairs.

Understanding Ford’s Maintenance Plans

Ford offers a range of maintenance plans tailored to the needs of its vehicle owners. These plans are designed to:

  • Simplify car maintenance.
  • Ensure the longevity and performance of your vehicle.
  • Help you stay on top of essential service intervals.

Ford’s plans typically include oil changes, tyre rotations, and multi-point inspections—all vital aspects of vehicle care, which we’ll explore in detail below.

Discover essential Ford vehicle maintenance tips, from oil changes to brake care. Extend your car's lifespan with expert advice on regular servicing and fluid checks.

Regular Ford Maintenance Essentials

Routine maintenance tasks are the foundation of vehicle care. This section covers the most common and frequent services every Ford owner should perform or schedule.

Ford Oil and Filter Maintenance

Regular oil changes are critical to keeping your engine running smoothly. Clean oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and prevents overheating. Ford recommends:

  • Standard Oil: Change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on driving conditions.
  • Synthetic Oil: Change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles for optimal performance.

Factors That Affect Oil Change Frequency

  1. Driving Conditions: Stop-and-go traffic, frequent short trips, or extreme temperatures accelerate oil degradation.
  2. Oil Type: Synthetic oils last longer than conventional oils.
  3. Vehicle Age: Older engines may require more frequent oil changes.

How to Check Oil Levels

  • Park on a flat surface and ensure the engine is cool.
  • Locate the dipstick, remove it, and wipe it clean.
  • Reinsert the dipstick, then pull it out to check the oil level.
  • Top up with the recommended oil type if the level is low.

Why Oil Maintenance Matters

Routine oil changes and checks improve engine performance, extend engine life, and enhance fuel efficiency. Neglecting oil maintenance can lead to costly repairs or permanent engine damage.

Ford Tyre Care and Maintenance

Proper tyre care ensures your safety, enhances fuel efficiency, and prolongs tyre life.

Tyre Rotation and Alignment

  • Rotate tyres every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or at every oil change.
  • Regular rotations promote even wear, improving handling and extending lifespan.
  • Misalignment can cause uneven wear and affect steering. If your vehicle pulls to one side or vibrates, schedule a wheel alignment.

Checking Tyre Pressure

  • Use a pressure gauge to check tyre pressure monthly, including the spare.
  • Adjust to the manufacturer’s recommended levels (found in the owner’s manual or driver-side door frame).
  • Tyre pressure fluctuates with temperature, so always check when tyres are cold.

Monitoring Tread Wear

  • Use the “penny test”: Insert a penny head-first into the tread grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tyre tread is worn and needs replacement.
  • Inspect for uneven wear, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues.

Ford Brake System Maintenance

Your brakes are one of the most critical safety components in your vehicle. Regular inspections and timely replacements are essential.

When to Inspect Brakes

  • Inspect your brakes every 6 months or at every tyre rotation.
  • For frequent city drivers or those with aggressive driving habits, more frequent checks may be necessary.

Signs Your Brakes Need Attention

  1. Squealing or Squeaking: Worn brake pads need replacement.
  2. Vibrations During Braking: Warped rotors may be the issue.
  3. Grinding Sounds: Indicates metal-on-metal contact, requiring immediate service.

Brake Component Lifespans

  • Brake Pads: Replace every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on usage.
  • Rotors: Inspect every 30,000 to 70,000 miles for wear or warping.
  • Brake Fluid: Flush and replace every 2 years to maintain responsiveness.
Discover essential Ford vehicle maintenance tips, from oil changes to brake care. Extend your car's lifespan with expert advice on regular servicing and fluid checks.

Ford Scheduled Service Intervals

In addition to routine tasks, Ford recommends adhering to specific service intervals to keep your vehicle in peak condition. This section breaks down major milestones in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Initial Service: 7,500 Miles

For new Ford vehicles, the first service is recommended at 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This service ensures all components are functioning as expected and includes:

  • Oil and filter change.
  • Tyre rotation.
  • Comprehensive inspection of major systems.

Major Service Milestones: The 30-60-90 Rule

Ford simplifies long-term maintenance with the 30-60-90 rule, which calls for major services at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. Here’s what to expect at each interval:

30,000 Miles

  • Replace air filter.
  • Inspect and service the brake system.
  • Rotate tyres and check alignment.

60,000 Miles

  • Replace transmission fluid.
  • Service the cooling system and replace coolant.
  • Inspect suspension and steering components.
  • Replace spark plugs (if applicable).

90,000 Miles

  • Comprehensive engine inspection.
  • Replace the timing belt, if required.
  • Replace brake fluid and inspect brake lines.
Discover essential Ford vehicle maintenance tips, from oil changes to brake care. Extend your car's lifespan with expert advice on regular servicing and fluid checks.

Ford Fluid Level Management

Ensuring proper fluid levels is vital to your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Below are the key fluids to monitor regularly.

Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid keeps your gears running smoothly. Check levels twice a year and replace as recommended:

  • Newer Models: Replace every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
  • Older Models: Replace every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Coolant

Coolant regulates engine temperature, preventing overheating. Check levels twice a year, especially before summer and winter. Replace coolant every:

  • 30,000 miles or 2 years, to maintain efficiency and prevent corrosion.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid ensures smooth and responsive steering. Check monthly and replace as needed, typically every:

  • 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s requirements.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Keeping washer fluid topped up ensures clear visibility, especially during inclement weather. Check monthly and refill as needed.

Discover essential Ford vehicle maintenance tips, from oil changes to brake care. Extend your car's lifespan with expert advice on regular servicing and fluid checks.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Regular vehicle maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about preserving the value, reliability, and safety of your Ford. By following Ford’s recommended schedules and staying proactive with routine care, you’ll:

  • Enhance your vehicle’s performance.
  • Increase fuel efficiency.
  • Avoid costly repairs down the road.
Discover essential Ford vehicle maintenance tips, from oil changes to brake care. Extend your car's lifespan with expert advice on regular servicing and fluid checks.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Ford vehicle is essential to ensure it remains reliable, safe, and performs at its best. At Stedmans Garage, we combine decades of expertise with state-of-the-art tools to provide top-tier servicing, diagnostics, and repairs for all Ford models. Whether it’s routine maintenance, resolving complex issues, or ensuring your Ford’s advanced technologies are functioning flawlessly, our dedicated team is here to help.

Contact Stedmans Garage Today

For expert maintenance, service, and diagnostics for your Ford, trust Worthing’s number one choice — Stedmans Garage. Book your appointment online or get in touch with us today for personalised, reliable, and affordable service tailored to your Ford’s needs.

Let our experienced team keep your Ford running smoothly. Book online now or contact us for expert advice!