2022
Ford Vehicle Service Information In Penticton BC
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Your Ford is equipped with a host of safety features to keep you well-protected on BC’s roads, including your braking system. Your brakes are one of the most critical components of your car or truck – without them, you wouldn’t be able to stop. As such, it’s essential to keep up with regular brake inspections and maintenance to ensure their proper function and longevity.Here are five tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford to help you extend the life of your brake parts:
Don’t slam on your brakes
Slamming on the brakes puts unnecessary stress on your braking system, causing increased wear on pad friction material. Consider adjusting your speed or coasting to a stop when possible.
Don’t brake with your left foot
Two-footed driving is dangerous and can cause excess wear on brake parts, especially when a driver steps on the accelerator and brake pedal simultaneously.
Avoid unnecessary braking
Also known as brake-tapping or riding the brakes, this bad habit wears down friction material and can be a hazard to vehicles following behind.
Flush brake fluid regularly
Your Ford’s Owner Guide outlines the recommended intervals for brake fluid flushes. Keeping up with this necessary maintenance item will ensure that your braking system functions properly and keeps the components clean and well-lubricated.
Opt for quality brake parts
Original Equipment brake parts are designed for the correct fit and deliver better quality, longevity and performance than aftermarket parts.
To learn more about your Ford’s braking system and maintenance requirements, contact our Service Department at Skaha Ford in BC to arrange an appointment.
There is something magical about springtime in BC – the weather is warmer, the snow has melted, and we're anxious to get outside. After being cooped up all winter, now is a great time to give your ride some TLC.Here are some spring detailing tips from our service experts at Skaha Ford:
Paint care: Using a car-washing mitt, give the exterior of your car, truck or SUV a good scrub, followed by a chamois for drying and an overall wax.
Wheel care: Clean your wheels using a product that has been formulated for your specific wheel type, like an acid-free pH-balanced aluminum wheel cleaner.
Glass care: Use an auto glass cleaner to polish your vehicle's interior and exterior windows and mirrors. Stay away from ammonia-based products, as they can dry out cabin materials.Â
Carpet care: Give your carpets a deep cleaning with a vacuum. If stains or grime has settled into the fibres, use a soft-bristled brush and auto carpet cleanser to make them look new again.
Upholstery care: Treat leather upholstery using a cleaner and conditioner or a mild fabric cleaner to spot-treat cloth upholstery. Â
Surface care: Wipe down all surfaces throughout the vehicle, such as the dash, door handles, steering wheel and shifter.
Always choose the right products when detailing your vehicle. Common household cleaners can be too harsh and may harm interior and exterior finishes.Â
To learn which products are best for your Ford, contact our Service Department today to speak with a member of our team.
![<a href="https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/inventory/#/?&orderBy=1&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-1-2022-ford-bronco-raptor-exterior-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A red 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor climbing over rocky terrain"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/March_2022/SER-1-2022-ford-bronco-raptor-exterior-penticton-bc.jpg)
Between slushy puddles and road salt, your vehicle takes a beating in the winter, especially your lighting system. With shorter days and longer nights, it’s essential to maintain your Ford’s headlights to ensure your safety and visibility on BC’s roads.Here are some tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford’s Service Department to keep your lighting system in prime shape:
• Dirt and debris reduce visibility. Keep exterior headlights, taillights and signal lights clean.
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• Misaligned headlights can shine in the eyes of other drivers. Make sure that your headlights are correctly aimed for everyone’s safety.
• Always replace headlights in sets of two. This process ensures even performance and a uniform field of vision.
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• The sun’s rays can cause degradation to headlight lenses. Restore cloudy lights for better visibility.
• Replace bulbs proactively before your safety is compromised. Don’t wait for them to burn out.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights. Ensure they are aimed correctly to avoid a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.
Are your headlamps burnt out, foggy, misaligned or too dirty to work safely and efficiently? Contact our Service Department at Skaha Ford in BC to book your vehicle for regular lighting maintenance and repairs.
![<a href="https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/inventory/#/?&orderBy=5&asc=1&t=0&filter=[New%2CFORD%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C]"><img src="images/upload/January_2022/SER-1-ford-brake-inspections-repairs-service-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A Ford technician completing brake maintenance to a vehicle on a hoist"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/January_2022/SER-1-ford-brake-inspections-repairs-service-penticton-bc.jpg)
Icy roads and snow can have a dramatic impact on your Ford’s handling and stopping distances. Why make driving more challenging with poorly functioning brakes? Instead, prioritize your safety and other drivers this winter by maintaining your car, truck or SUV at Skaha Ford in BC.Municipalities use rock salt to prevent water from turning into ice on roads and in parking lots, but this contributes to the corrosion of automobiles and braking systems. Over time, salt builds up on the brakes and can lead to uneven or premature wear. This impacts braking performance and safety and can lead to expensive repairs in the future.
Snow and ice also affect a vehicle’s ability to stop when extra moisture saturates the braking components and leaches into the fluid. When excess wetness seeps into the braking system, it can create a dragging sensation when applying pressure to the brake pedal. Moisture in the brake fluid can also extend a car’s stopping distance, leading to difficulty stopping and unsafe vehicle operation.
Your brakes are a critical safety feature on your Ford, and they require regular inspections to spot any damage or repairs. Call our Service Department in BC to schedule a brake service with our experts.
![<a href="https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/inventory/#/?&orderBy=1&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/December-2021/1-SER-2021_FORD_MUSTANG_GT_PREMIUM_CONVERTIBLE-service-penticton-bc.jpeg"alt="A 2021 Ford Mustang GT Premium in white parked on Skaha Ford's new vehicle lot in Penticton BC"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/December-2021/1-SER-2021_FORD_MUSTANG_GT_PREMIUM_CONVERTIBLE-service-penticton-bc.jpeg)
If it is time to put your Mustang in storage for the winter, there are some essential steps to ensure that your pony car is not damaged while in hibernation. Use these tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford's Service Department in BC to keep your vehicle safe and protected:
1. Cover it: A garage or warehouse is the best place to store your vehicle over the winter. Use a weatherproof car cover if you must store the vehicle outdoors.
2. Clean it: Road salt, water stains and bird droppings can damage a vehicle's paint. Before storing it for the season, give the interior and exterior a thorough detailing to protect its finishes.
3. Top it up: If you are storing your Ford for more than a month, make sure to change the oil and top up any fluids, including the gas tank. A fuel stabilizer is also necessary to prevent ethanol buildup.
4. Charge it: It's a good idea to turn the vehicle on every two weeks and take it for a drive. This will keep the battery in good shape and prevent any flat spots from forming on the tires.
5. Protect it: Rodents can do significant damage if they gain access to major components or the vehicle's cabin. Cover any gaps that critters can access, including the air intake and exhaust pipe.
Need help getting your Ford ready for winter storage? Our Service Department can top up your fluids, test your battery and complete an oil change for you. To book an appointment, contact us at Skaha Ford in BC.
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With the changing of the leaves, winter is about to descend upon BC. To get your Ford ready for the cooler months and difficult conditions, now is the time to book a service appointment at Skaha Ford.Here are four things you should do to be prepared:
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Install Winter Tires
Winter tires feature special rubber compounds that are designed to provide better grip and traction when the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius. The result is improved acceleration, handling and braking abilities on slick surfaces.
Check Your Tire PressureÂ
Colder temperatures impact tire pressure, so it’s important to test the pressure with a tire gauge regularly to ensure the correct PSI. Low pressure impacts your fuel economy, but also your safety.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
You should change your wiper blades for new ones to ensure they can effectively clear ice and snow from your windshield. You want your wipers to be in top form for your safety and optimal visibility.
Change Your Oil
If your Ford is overdue for an oil change, book a service appointment before wintertime. Dirt and grime build up in old engine oil, which thickens in colder temperatures and impedes flow. This can harm your engine and impact performance.
Winter tires feature special rubber compounds that are designed to provide better grip and traction when the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius. The result is improved acceleration, handling and braking abilities on slick surfaces.
Check Your Tire PressureÂ
Colder temperatures impact tire pressure, so it’s important to test the pressure with a tire gauge regularly to ensure the correct PSI. Low pressure impacts your fuel economy, but also your safety.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
You should change your wiper blades for new ones to ensure they can effectively clear ice and snow from your windshield. You want your wipers to be in top form for your safety and optimal visibility.
Change Your Oil
If your Ford is overdue for an oil change, book a service appointment before wintertime. Dirt and grime build up in old engine oil, which thickens in colder temperatures and impedes flow. This can harm your engine and impact performance.
Want to learn more? Contact our team at Skaha Ford in BCÂ for more winter service tips.
Why Vernon, BC Drivers Should Change Their Engine Air Filter
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(Posted on Sep 24, 2021 at 10:00PM )
The cabin filter ensures that clean, particle-free air enters the vehicle. The motor needs the same quality oxygen to perform at its peak. Therefore, an engine air cleaner is a vitally important component that you need to change regularly. Vernon drivers can get this element checked at Skaha Ford's service centre. Â Here is what you need to know about maintaining your engine air filter.Â
How long do engine air filters last? You need to change them every 25,000 to 50,000 km. The timeframe will vary depending on the model, but there should be a schedule in your owner's manual for this form of maintenance.Â
Also, if you drive often in off-road conditions or if your area is dusty and dry, changing the filter more frequently can be helpful. A mechanic can check it during your regularly scheduled oil change.Â
If your engine is not getting enough clean air, you may notice the spark plugs misfiring, acceleration becoming more laboured, and stuttering while idling.Â
If you experience these issues, contact our service centre today to schedule an appointment.Â
Lower Mainland, BC Drivers: How to Increase Your Fuel Efficiency
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(Posted on Sep 23, 2021 at 08:00PM )
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Lower Mainland drivers can improve their fuel economy regardless of the type of vehicle they use. In addition to getting regular maintenance at the Skaha Ford Service Centre, you can take steps on your own to decrease gas use. 1. Check your tire pressure once per month to ensure proper inflation. The engine will have to work harder if the wheels are flatter than they should be.
2. Change the oil and the engine air filter on time. If you do this at a service centre, the mechanic can also check battery function, spark plugs, and other lubricants.Â
3. Do not carry loads unnecessarily. Extra weight can decrease efficiency, so storing cargo in a garage or carport can help improve fuel economy.
4. Do not idle for more than a minute. Running the engine, even without moving, can use up to four litres of gas per hour.Â
If you would like to ensure that all your vehicle's components are operating at peak efficiency, contact our service centre today to schedule an inspection.
Why Is Your Tire Pressure Monitoring Light on in Lower Mainland, BC?
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(Posted on Sep 18, 2021 at 01:25AM )
Your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can warn you if you are experiencing a leak that could eventually leave you with a flat. Sometimes, however, you may see the alert (an exclamation point inside a horseshoe shape) even though you don't have a puncture. It is always safe to visit a service centre if you are not sure what's causing the warning, but it might be natural air loss. Air Loss Over Time
Tire pressure decreases at a rate of about 1 PSI per month, so you may need to add air occasionally to counteract this natural loss. If you do not, it could eventually trigger the TPMS warning.Â
Temperature Changes
Pressure can also decrease by 1 psi for every 5 degrees C of temperature drop. Cold weather can cause the warning icon to illuminate. You may need to add air when the seasons change.Â
If you are concerned about your tires, contact our service centre to schedule an appointment.
Some auto owners opt for privacy glass or tinting for style reasons. However, the option can actually provide several other benefits. Should you consider getting a car with this feature or going to a service centre to inquire about adding a special film to your windows?Here are the benefits you get to enjoy with privacy glass.
Window tinting can protect your upholstery. UV light can cause fading for both cloth and leather. Since darkened glass blocks these rays, it increases the longevity of your seat coverings.Â
Privacy glass can lower the interior temperature of your vehicle. Direct sunlight can transfer heat through windows, but the artificial shade provided by tinting can prevent this and lessen the strain on the air conditioner.Â
Window tinting can obscure the contents of your vehicle. This means that would-be thieves cannot peer inside and locate a bag or purse they might like to steal.Â
If you are interested in a vehicle with privacy glass or tinting or if you would like to inquire about applying a special film, contact our dealership or service centre today.
