Your Ford is an investment you want to protect and enjoy for as long as possible. Worn components and dirty fluids are just two issues that can lead to long-term damage, reducing performance and your Ford’s life. As your Ford dealer, we want to give you examples of the Ford maintenance we provide to prevent these issues.
From Your Ford Dealer: Examples of Ford Maintenance That Increase Vehicle Life
Regular Oil Changes
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It reduces friction damage to numerous engine components by enabling them to glide rather than grind against each other. Fast-moving oil cools hot components, allowing them to work more effectively. In addition, oil additives prevent rust and breakdown potential engine blockages that can lead to damage.
Oil should be changed every 5,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on whether you use regular or synthetic oil. Both types of oil gradually accumulate dirt and other debris during their movement through the engine, making them slower and less effective. This debris can block the oil filter, reducing oil flow and increasing wear and tear on components. Changing your oil and oil filter when they’re due is quick and increases engine life.
Engine Air Filter Replacement
The engine air filter traps dust, dirt, and other debris, allowing only clean air into the engine. Combustion requires enormous amounts of air for the fuel to burn correctly in the cylinders, and the most efficient air-to-fuel ratio is 14:1, air to fuel. The air filter will eventually become blocked by dirt, restricting airflow and causing your engine to become fuel-rich.
A fuel-rich engine wastes fuel, as most fuel drawn into the cylinders for combustion won’t burn. The unburnt fuel is dumped into the exhaust and eventually pushed out the tailpipe. A high fuel concentration increases carbon buildup in the engine, weakening the spark plugs and damaging the cylinders and pistons. Replacing the filter on time prevents these problems.
Cooling System Service
The cooling system keeps your engine temperature under control. Combustion and the movement of countless components generate large amounts of heat. Excessive heat can damage seals and gaskets, causing leaks and potentially mixing engine fluids like coolant and oil that can cause major engine damage.
During this service, we test your coolant and replace it if necessary. The coolant absorbs engine heat and transports it to the radiator for removal. Older coolant is less effective at removing heat, causing your engine temperature to rise. We check your radiator for blockages, damage, or rust, ensure the hoses and other cooling system components are in good condition, and replace them if they’re worn.
These are just some maintenance tasks we provide to keep your Ford in great condition for years. Book your maintenance today at Pohanka Ford of Salisbury in Salisbury, MD.
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