Ford Vehicle Service Information In Penticton BC
Keeping up with your Ford’s scheduled maintenance is essential to a safe and enjoyable ride. However, many Oliver drivers fail to complete regular tire rotations, which leads to premature wear and replacements. Instead, give your vehicle the treatment it deserves by booking a service appointment at Skaha Ford in BC.Tire rotations are a crucial maintenance item because they equalize tread wear and maximize your tire investment. In addition, this type of auto service is quick and easy to complete. A Technician will simply switch the position of each tire on the vehicle using a combination of diagonal and straight rotation patterns.
As a rule of thumb, you should have a tire rotation performed on your Ford car or truck every 10,000 km, approximately every other oil change. Your Owner’s Guide will detail the recommended interval for your vehicle, or one of our Service Advisors can provide you with a comprehensive schedule.
When getting a rotation, it’s also an excellent opportunity to inspect your brakes and tires for signs of wear. At the same time, it’s essential to have your wheels balanced to ensure a comfortable ride and to protect your tire investment.
Contact us today to learn more about Skaha Ford’s Service Department and our factory-trained technicians boasting Red Seal certifications.
Hot weather and traffic jams – a reality that drivers in Westbank, BC, face each summer. Whether commuting, carpooling or enjoying family road trips, you don’t want to be slowed down by poor vehicle performance. That’s why regular coolant system flushes are not only recommended but required – and offered by our Service Department at Skaha Ford.Engine coolant has anti-freeze, anti-boil and anticorrosive qualities; however, these properties deteriorate over time, resulting in sludge, scale and rust formation. These deposits clog the narrow tubes within the radiator and heater, causing restricted coolant flow, which can lead to insufficient engine cooling and overheating.Â
If you drive your Ford after overheating, the cylinder heads will eventually deform. This can result in a blown head gasket, leading to a lengthy and costly repair. It also interferes with the combustion process since deformed heads do not function well.
Having a cooling system flush completed on your Ford is a quick and easy maintenance visit. Old engine coolant is exchanged using new coolant using specialized equipment. Our Technicians will also pressure test the system to determine any possible leaks and inspect cooling system hoses and clamp connections to ensure long-lasting performance.
To learn more about our routine maintenance services, contact Skaha Ford in BC today.
Westbank Drivers: Schedule An Air Filter Change Today
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(Posted on May 16, 2022 at 08:57PM by Lee Byard)
High-performance demands more than supercharged engine suites. Instead preventative care is needed - with commercial drivers seeking to assess, correct, and improve their vehicles with scheduled maintenance. Skaha Ford embraces this philosophy, connecting our customers in Westbank and beyond with a full line of service options.This includes air filter changesÂ
To ensure that commercial vehicles achieve optimal performance Shaka Ford offers filter changes. This helps to maintain engine outputs, enabling unwanted particles and debris to be trapped before entering the block (as well as promoting improved air flow). Through this, the combustion sequence can be completed with minimal interruptions - greatly enhancing horsepower, torque, and economy.Â
Critics suggest changing an air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles to assure maximum performance (for many drivers this may amount to once a year but commercial units can experience higher turnovers). Skaha Ford knows, however, that this measurement doesn’t always prove accurate; and Westbank operators should instead gauge output:
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Be aware of frequent misfires.
Watch out for heavy black exhaust.
Monitor mileage for sudden drops in performance.
Note a loss in horsepower.Â
Watch out for heavy black exhaust.
Monitor mileage for sudden drops in performance.
Note a loss in horsepower.Â
Should these symptoms occur, a filter change may be needed - and Skaha Ford should be contacted to perform it (along with a variety of other preventative services). Schedule an appointment today to learn more.
Sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes – springtime in BC can be irritating. With so much pollen circulating in the air and allergens out in full force, it’s imperative to have your cabin air filter inspected and replaced by our service experts at Skaha Ford.Over time, this part can become clogged, rendering itself ineffective at keeping dust, pollen, smoke and other pollutants from entering the HVAC system. Not only does this make for an unpleasant vehicle interior with bad smells or a noisy fan, but it can also interfere with the airflow of the ventilation system – or lack thereof. Knowing that we are headed into prime air conditioning season, you’ll want to replace your cabin air filter in the spring so you don’t have weak HVAC performance.
As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to swap out an old cabin air filter every 20,000 – 25,000 km. However, your Owner’s Guide will list the required interval for your specific Ford model and year.
Breathe easier this spring! To learn more or schedule your appointment, contact our Service Department at Skaha Ford in Penticton, BC, to speak with an advisor.
Your Ford’s safety, fuel economy and ride quality are impacted when your tires aren’t properly inflated. Too much air pressure or not enough can also reduce the life span of your tires. As we transition into warmer weather in BC, now is the best time to check your tire pressure. Did you know that the pounds per square inch (PSI) can vary by 1-2 PSI for every 10-degree difference for ambient temperature? That’s a huge difference!
Checking pressure is simple – all you need is a tire gauge and your Owner’s Guide, which contains the recommended PSI for your Ford make and model. These seven tips from Skaha Ford’s Service Department are also helpful:
1. Check your tire air pressure at least once a month.Â
2. Make sure the tires are cold/rested since the heat generated by driving can impact the reading.
3. Write down the PSI reading for all four tires – don’t assume they are all the same.
4. Use an air compressor to refill any tires with low pressure.
5. Complete a visual inspection of your tires to spot any damage, uneven wear or punctures.
6. If you strike a curb or hit a pothole, re-check the inflation of your tires.
7. With each 10-degree change in temperature, ensure your tires are at the correct PSI reading.
Should you have concerns about your Ford’s tire pressure, our Service Department is just a phone call away. To have your tires inspected by one of our Technicians, contact our team at Skaha Ford in BC to book a maintenance appointment.
Spring has arrived in BC, and warmer temperatures are coming our way. Now is a great time to have your vehicle’s air conditioning system inspected at Skaha Ford’s Service Department to ensure comfortable travels ahead.If you haven’t turned on your A/C this year, complete these four quick checks to assess the system’s performance:
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1. Turn on the air conditioning and check for cool airflow.
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2. Adjust the current of air to ensure that it can increase and decrease to your liking.
3. Use your sense of smell and hearing to notice unusual odours or sounds.
4. Test the system to see if it can cool the interior of the vehicle 10°C lower than the ambient outside air temperature.
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2. Adjust the current of air to ensure that it can increase and decrease to your liking.
3. Use your sense of smell and hearing to notice unusual odours or sounds.
4. Test the system to see if it can cool the interior of the vehicle 10°C lower than the ambient outside air temperature.
If you notice a lack of proper air circulation, unusual sounds and smells, or inconsistent temperature control, book your Ford for a full A/C inspection to properly diagnose the issue. Doing so will enhance your driving experience and comfort while ensuring that you don’t sweat warmer days to come.
Contact Skaha Ford in BC to speak with a Service Advisor to learn more.
![<a href=" https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/inventory/#/?&orderBy=5&asc=1&t=0&filter=[New%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C]"><img src="images/upload/March_2022/SER-7-skaha-ford-service-department-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A Ford Technician changing a filter on a vehicle up on a hoist"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/March_2022/SER-7-skaha-ford-service-department-penticton-bc.jpg)
Spring has officially arrived in Okanagan, so it's time to give your Ford some much-deserved TLC. But, just like you put away your winter gear and shovels for the new season, your vehicle also needs some attention.Here are four maintenance tips to consider:
1. Remove Salt
Road salt is highly corrosive and can cause rust and other damage to your vehicle's exterior paint, interior carpeting and undercarriage. With winter's exit, be sure to give your Ford a thorough detailing to prolong the life of its parts and components.
2. Change Oil
Your Owner's Guide will list your Ford's oil change intervals, but spring is an excellent time to book a service appointment if you are overdue for this maintenance item. Regular oil changes will ensure proper performance, better efficiency and longer engine life.
3. Inspect Vehicle Fluids
When you book your vehicle in for an oil change service, have our Technicians also inspect your transmission, brake, windshield and cooling system fluids for a top-up or replacement should they be low or contaminated.
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4. Swap Tires
If your vehicle is equipped with winter tires, schedule a changeover once the temperature is consistently over 7 degrees Celsius. Spring is also ideal for inspecting and rotating your tires and checking for proper inflation. Our Technicians can examine your brake pads and rotors, too, to ensure they are in safe operating condition.
Get ready for spring by maintaining your vehicle with our service experts. To book your appointment, contact Skaha Ford in BC.
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A forgotten maintenance item that BC drivers often forget to check is their Ford’s brake fluid. Hydraulic brakes need liquid to create pressure to engage a vehicle’s front and rear braking components. If the fluid is dirty or low, it can lead to a system failure, which is a severe safety concern.Here are some warning signs that your car or truck needs a brake fluid change from our service experts at Skaha Ford in BC:
Unusual Pedal Feel
Your brake pedal may become more difficult to push when the brake fluid ages or leaks. This may indicate that your brake lines require extra fluid. When the brake pedal gets soft, it is time to change the brake fluid.
ABS Light Turns On
When there is an issue with your Ford’s anti-lock braking system, the ABS light will illuminate. A common trigger is low brake fluid, so it’s wise to check first.
Burning Smell
Overheated brakes create a strong chemical odour comparable to burnt rubber or metal. As your vehicle’s brake fluid ages, it reduces its resistance to heat. When brake fluid starts to boil, it creates smoke and stopping performance becomes significantly reduced.
Amber Fluid
A puddle of amber fluid under a car or truck could mean there is a leak in the braking system. The source of the seepage will need to be identified and repaired, and the fluid will require a top-up.
Trust our service experts at Skaha Ford in BC to keep your ride in peak condition. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
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With the recurrent freeze and thaw cycles happening across BC over the winter months, potholes become a daily landmine that drivers must avoid. One hit of a deep rut can throw Ford’s entire alignment out of whack. When that happens, you open your car or truck up to many issues, like decreased tire tread life or other costly repairs.As we are nearing the end of winter, it’s a great time to have your vehicle’s wheel alignment inspected with our service experts at Skaha Ford. During your appointment, our Technicians will put your vehicle on a hoist to assess the camber, which is the angle of your wheels measured in degrees.Â
If your wheel is titled outward at the top, its camber is positive; however, if it’s tilted inward, then it is negative. Positive camber is good for stability, while negative camber is typical of high-performance vehicles with intense cornering. While having some positive or negative camber is acceptable, too much of either is not ideal.
The camber of your wheels will also dictate if your car pulls to the left or right of the road. Not only is any amount of pull dangerous, but it reduces your overall control. Ensuring your Ford’s wheels are correctly aligned will avoid drifting and maintain a smooth and enjoyable ride. Â
Don’t let the potholes get your vehicle out of joint. Instead, book your wheel alignment inspection at Skaha Ford in BC by contacting our Service Department today.
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Most drivers wait for their battery to die before replacing it, but it’s a huge inconvenience to be left stranded when you least expect it. Instead of leaving your vehicle’s performance to chance, follow these battery care tips from our service experts at Skaha Ford in BC.Know its age
Most vehicle batteries have a life expectancy of three to five years. Unfortunately, as they age, they become weaker over time and more unreliable. Consider replacing your battery before it fails.
Recognize warning signs
If your headlights dim when you turn on your Ford or the engine cranks when you activate the ignition, that could mean your battery is due for a replacement. Other signs like corroded connections and a smell of rotten eggs can be symptoms of battery failure.
Get it tested
Battery tests are an effective way to assess performance and reliability. When you have your battery tested at our Service Department, our Ford factory-trained Technicians will also perform a full inspection to look for signs of corrosion or faulty connections and recommend a suitable replacement if required.
Don’t be left stranded with a dead battery – instead, enhance your vehicle’s performance with regular maintenance at Skaha Ford in BC. Contact our team today to book your battery inspection.
