Ford Technician...Questions and Answers
How can I prolong the life of my tyres?
One of the main reasons for tyres wearing out prematurely is because they are not inflated or checked regularly enough. Your tyres should be checked and adjusted weekly. This will prevent uneven wear either to the centre of the tyre, if they are over inflated or the edges if they are under inflated. Also you should adjust them if you plan on carrying more people than usual in the vehicle, not forgetting to adjust them back to the recommended pressure after your journey.
How often should I be changing my oil/oil filter?
This can vary between manufacturers but I would recommend that the oil and filter be changed annually unless you are a high mileage user then every 12,000 miles. Remember this is the blood of the vehicle.
Do you have any advice for the cold winter mornings?
On a cold winters morning you should start your vehicle and let it idle until it is warm ensuring that the oil and fluids are at their correct operating temperature before setting off. Also never try to clear your windscreen with your windscreen wipers as they will stick to the screen and tear off the blade. Use a de-icer or warm water, never hot, as this may crack the screen. Never leave your vehicle unattended whilst the engine is running or if the keys are in the ignition.
I only drive 3,000 miles a year...do I really need an annual service?
You should maintain your vehicle to what the manufacturer specifies. The fluids and oil still change their structure with the outside temperature even when they are standing idle. Generally it"s the starting of the vehicle that causes the most wear to the engine, so regular maintenance is imperative.
What regular checks should I be carrying out at home?
At home there are a number of routine checks that should be carried out on weekly bases. Correct engine oil level, water level, tyre pressures, all external lights and windscreen washer fluid level, but if you are unable to carry out any of these duties then contact your local dealer who should be able to help.
TOP 3 MAIN FORD REPAIR PROBLEMS
Transmission
The Ford vehicle, specifically the well-renowned Ford Explorer, is subject to defective transmission. A lot of reasons may cause this (i.e., broken gears, clogged filter, etc.), but whatever it is that"s hindering the efficient operation of the transmission, you should attend to at once. The transmission allows your car to shift from gear to gear, which lets you realize how fast you need to go and how quickly you need to get there. The common problem here is either your car won"t go or your car won"t go smoothly. To have a better grasp of why your car suffers from either occurrence, you should thoroughly diagnose the problem. For instance, check if your transmission fluid level is correct or see if there are leaks in your transmission. The initial knowledge will help you get by sneaky mechanics since, eventually, you"ll have to consult them because most transmission problems can"t be fixed by the ordinary driver. Also, many special tools might be needed in fixing the problem. So, if you"re not well-versed in troubleshooting, it"s best to bring your car to a shop.
Key-to-ignitionThe Ford Focus, which has been reported the second most problematic Ford vehicle, usually has difficulty in getting its ignition fired up. This is usually due to car keys that won"t turn in. This is a prime concern for all drivers because such simple annoyance can leave them stranded on the road. Many had their Fords already towed since there"s no other way for them to make their car run with their car keys getting jammed in the key hole. Replacing the ignition switch and the entire steering column can solve this problem, which can actually be related to compatibility. But this method is a little too stretched out. Before going to extreme measures, try getting assistance from a locksmith first. Most locksmiths can fix ignition locks for only $150-200, which is a lot cheaper compared to the $450-500 cost of having the ignition replaced. Or, for a more practical approach, you can use your palm to apply hard (but not overly hard) pressure on the key while you push it into the ignition and see if it turns.
Spark PlugsAkin to a number of Ford engines (Triton 4.6L V8, 5.4L V8, 6.8L, V10, etc.) is the so-called spark plug ejection defect. This occurrence has been traced to the vehicle"s engine and cylinder head design, but Ford remains that the improper torquing of new plugs is what truly causes the problem. Spark plug ejection posts a danger to car safety since when spark plugs get ejected, fuel vapor begins to rise from the spark plug hole, which can be ignited by a loose spark plug. This can result in engine fire. To resolve this early on, you may consider having on hand a topnotch kit that can help repair your faulty spark plugs. It"ll also help if you re-tap the spark plug threads because the threads are probably too damaged already. This will avoid your spark plugs from blowing out and causing the unwanted explosion.
Why your Ford Dealer is the best place for repairs
Whether you"ve been in an accident or something just isn’t right with your car, make sure you come along to Ford to get it fixed. That way, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing that the people who repair and maintain your vehicle have been trained by the people who built it. Be it new or used, we can help keep your vehicle running smoothly. You’ll find that all Ford Dealers and Authorised Repairers offer an excellent service when you need your vehicle repaired: • All Dealer technicians are fully trained by Ford
• Ford original parts are available
• Our technicians will only replace parts that require changing
• Ford Dealer quality control ensures great results• All repairs carry a warranty which your Dealer will be happy to explain
• They offer a range of service solutions for vehicles of all ages.
Wear and tear repair
To keep your Ford running smoothly, it’s important to have preventive maintenance carried out on a regular basis. Our technicians carry out thorough checks and then, with your approval, solve any problems before they get worse.
Breakdown repair
Don’t worry if you break down, we offer a Roadside Assistance service and vehicle recovery – and then of course, the best place for repairs is your local Ford Dealer.
Accident repair
Ford Accident Repair Centres are a network of body repair specialists with unrivalled know-how, technology and experience when it comes to restoring your car to its pre-accident conditions.