Ford Vehicle Service Information In Penticton BC
Belt Replacements for Ford F-650 Medium-Duty Trucks in Okanagan
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(Posted on Mar 24, 2022 at 05:45PM )
There's no doubt about it – your Ford F-650 keeps your business going. However, when you have an unexpected repair, it does create unnecessary downtime and a decrease in profits. Knowing when to replace critical components – such as your medium-duty truck's serpentine belt – saves time and money in expensive repairs. Allow Skaha Ford to assist with your commercial fleet's service needs.The serpentine belt is a long rubber belt that provides power to the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and air conditioning system on medium-duty trucks. Like other rubber parts, the belt will wear over time. Typically, serpentine belts have an 80,000-km to 160,000-km life span; however, commercial vehicles may experience more friction, requiring replacement sooner.Â
Commercial fleet operators will notice these symptoms when it's time to replace a serpentine belt:
Squealing noises: This can indicate that the belt has stretched, the tension is too low, or the belt and pulley are not connected. Squealing may get louder when climbing a hill and running the climate control system simultaneously.
Fractures: When serpentine belts reach the end of their lifespan, they may have visible fractures and uneven wear throughout the rubber. If a serpentine belt is torn or destroyed, it may generate a flopping or flapping sound beneath the hood.
System Failure: A failed serpentine belt can cause your F-650 to overheat and your air conditioning system and power steering to not function properly. The battery will also die if the belt breaks when driving, and the fractured rubber can cause additional damage under the hood.
Don't let a faulty serpentine belt ground your fleet. Instead, bring your F-650 medium-duty truck into Skaha Ford in BC for a full inspection.
Air Intake Filter Service for Medium-Duty Trucks in Vernon
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(Posted on Mar 14, 2022 at 01:23PM )
![<a href=" https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/inventory/#/?&orderBy=5&asc=1&t=0&filter=[%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/March_2022/SER-2-2022-ford-f750-supercab-exterior-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A white 2022 Ford F-750 SuperCab with a mechanic truck upfit at a construction site"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/March_2022/SER-2-2022-ford-f750-supercab-exterior-penticton-bc.jpg)
Filtration management and replacement are essential components of any commercial fleet’s preventative maintenance program. However, with so many different filters on medium-duty trucks, it can be challenging to keep up with change intervals on time. At Skaha Ford in BC, we offer comprehensive medium-duty truck maintenance to keep your fleet in top form.Air intake filters are only one type found in Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks. These allow clean air to circulate into the engine chamber to aid in combustion. This air must have the least amount of particles since contamination can cause wear and tear on an engine, weak performance and extended periods of downtime.Â
To keep your medium-duty truck operating like new, it’s recommended to replace OEM filters rather than clean them. Even with cleaning, dirt can remain in the filter and compromise performance. You also risk tearing or ripping the filter media, leading to dust particles and other contaminants passing through the filter and into the engine, causing severe damage.
Keep your F-Series medium-duty truck operating its best with regular maintenance from Skaha Ford in BC. To learn more about our services, contact our team today.
Shock and Strut Inspections for Medium-Duty Trucks in Kelowna
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(Posted on Mar 1, 2022 at 12:38AM )
![<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/February_2022/SER-8-ford-service-medium-duty-trucks-penticton-bc.jpeg"alt="A blue Ford truck on a hoist with its brake parts and tire removed"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/February_2022/SER-8-ford-service-medium-duty-trucks-penticton-bc.jpeg)
Wintertime can wreak havoc on your Ford medium-duty truck’s suspension as the freeze-thaw cycles break down asphalt and cause potholes to form. These conditions can harm your suspension system and make for a rough ride for your crew.Here are some warning signs that your shocks and struts need to be inspected by our factory-trained Technicians at Skaha Ford in BC:
Decreased braking ability
When your shocks or struts are worn, your vehicle will bounce a lot more, making it harder to stop. Wear can also cause your truck to noise-dive, which increases stopping distances from lack of traction and is a severe safety concern.
Reduced control
Body roll while cornering is a symptom of damaged shocks and struts, characterized by a greater degree of tilt when the vehicle turns. Not only is this unsafe, but it makes for a ride quality that’s similar to a rollercoaster.Â
Rough ride
A bounce test can tell you if your shocks and struts need replacing. To do so, push down on the front and rear ends of your car; if it moves up and down more than once or twice, your suspension needs an inspection.
Worn tires
A hallmark of worn shocks and struts are tires that wear out faster due to cupping. Cupping happens when your truck bounces up and down on the roads, leaving indented scuff marks on the tires and shortening their life span.
Increased hydroplaningÂ
Worn suspension parts can affect vehicle contact with the road, especially when wet. If you find yourself hydroplaning or skidding frequently, your shocks or struts could be due for servicing.
Don’t settle for a bumpy ride! At Skaha Ford in BC, our Technicians will inspect your vehicle’s suspension parts to ensure proper performance. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Cooling System Maintenance for Medium-Duty Trucks in Hedley
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(Posted on Feb 22, 2022 at 03:58PM )
![<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/February_2022/SER-6-medium-duty-truck-maintenance-ford-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A Ford factory-trained Technician completing an inspection on a medium-duty-truck that's in for service and regular maintenance"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/February_2022/SER-6-medium-duty-truck-maintenance-ford-penticton-bc.jpg)
The cooling system is designed to circulate coolant to absorb heat from the engine and dissipate it through a heat exchanger. However, when cooling systems are not properly maintained, they can lead to equipment issues and engine failure. To avoid long periods of downtime and rising repair costs, have your medium-duty truck serviced by our experts at Skaha Ford in BC.A good rule of thumb is to have your fleet's cooling systems inspected during routine oil changes. This preventative action will ensure there is no corrosion in the cooling system or liner cavitation, which is caused by the vibration of the cylinder wall when the piston is in motion. Head gaskets, water pumps, radiators and other critical components can also wear out and fail over time. Regular inspections will identify issues before they lead to severe damage or engine failure.
It's also crucial to ensure the cooling system is filled with coolant and freeze protection to match the ambient environment. Too little coolant can cause overheating, while inadequate freeze protection can crack lines when the coolant freezes and expands. Always use the same coolant found in the system and never mix types. When mixing is unavoidable, have the system flushed and cleaned to remove corrosion, deposits and erosion.Â
Preventative maintenance is essential to keep your commercial fleet running at its best. Contact Skaha Ford in BC to book your medium-duty trucks for a cooling system service.
![<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/February_2022/SER-4-2021-ford-f-series-truck-service-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="Two black and one white 2021 Ford F-Series trucks parked side by side on a rocky cliff"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/February_2022/SER-4-2021-ford-f-series-truck-service-penticton-bc.jpg)
By the time you hear squealing, squeaking and grinding, brake damage has already occurred on your medium-duty truck. These sounds are a sign of rotor damage – a key component of your braking system that includes the callipers, pads and shoes. All parts work together to stop the vehicle when applying pressure to the brakes. If one part is not functioning at its optimal level, the entire braking system is compromised.To avoid this problem, have the brakes of your commercial fleet vehicles inspected during each oil change at Skaha Ford in BC. Our Technicians will ensure that your brake pads have enough material on them so that the rotors don’t become damaged. As brake pads wear, they get thinner. Additionally, the front pads wear faster than the rear by a ratio of 2:1 since there is more load placed on the front when braking, especially when hauling heavy equipment.Â
During your inspection, if braking components require replacement, our Technicians will recommend the best parts for your medium-duty truck to ensure its performance and minimize downtime while ensuring longevity.
Need to get your medium-duty trucks looked at by a team of professionals? Contact our experts at Skaha Ford in BC today to schedule an appointment.
Medium-Duty Truck Lighting System Maintenance in Summerland
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(Posted on Feb 3, 2022 at 07:29PM )
![<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/February_2022/SER-2-ford-F-150_Strobe_Warning_LED_Lights-service-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A close up of a blue Ford truck with strobe warning LED lights installed in the front dash"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/February_2022/SER-2-ford-F-150_Strobe_Warning_LED_Lights-service-penticton-bc.jpg)
Your Ford commercial fleet runs at all hours of the day and is no stranger to burning the midnight oil. Operating in dark job sites or poorly lit roads makes lighting system maintenance extremely important. Keep your medium-duty trucks compliant with safety regulations by having their lighting systems inspected at Skaha Ford in BC.These tips can also help identify and prevent lighting system failures for your fleet vehicles:
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• Look for corrosion: Inspect each vehicle’s lighting system to identify unprotected wiring or connectors and use protective coverings to reduce damage from moisture.
• Perform pre-trip inspections: Get your fleet operators in the habit of inspecting lighting systems before setting out on the road, especially any components on forward-facing surfaces that are exposed to the elements.
• Keep up with regular maintenance: Lighting systems can sometimes be a forgotten maintenance item. If your trucks have burnt-out bulbs or haven’t been inspected in some time, book your trucks in for service.
• Consider LEDs: If your fleet vehicles are using incandescent lamps, consider switching to LEDs, which have a higher light output and are longer lasting.
• Perform pre-trip inspections: Get your fleet operators in the habit of inspecting lighting systems before setting out on the road, especially any components on forward-facing surfaces that are exposed to the elements.
• Keep up with regular maintenance: Lighting systems can sometimes be a forgotten maintenance item. If your trucks have burnt-out bulbs or haven’t been inspected in some time, book your trucks in for service.
• Consider LEDs: If your fleet vehicles are using incandescent lamps, consider switching to LEDs, which have a higher light output and are longer lasting.
Corrosion damage and physical degradation of your lighting systems impacts safety, can lead to safety violations and unexpected downtime. Keep your medium-duty trucks running their best with scheduled maintenance from Skaha Ford in BC.
Book your appointment online today!
![<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_2022/2021-ford-super-duty-chassis-service-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A blue 2021 Ford Super Duty chassis truck parked on a construction site"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/January_2022/2021-ford-super-duty-chassis-service-penticton-bc.jpg)
As BC commercial operators strive to lower emissions and improve fuel efficiency, proper fuel injection system maintenance is essential for optimal fleet performance. If your medium-duty trucks are struggling with engine misfires and rough idling, schedule a service appointment with our experts at Skaha Ford.Fuel injection systems deliver gasoline or diesel to the cylinders of an engine. As a result, the timing and amount of fuel must always be precise and controlled throughout the injection process. Over time, injectors become clogged with dirt and rust, and intake valves, combustion chambers and pistons collect carbon deposits. When particles accumulate, it creates a loss in performance, reduced fuel economy and an uneven idle.Â
A fuel injection service dissolves these deposits and restores proper fuel flow into the combustion chamber, resulting in improved economy, cleaner emissions and engine responsiveness for your Ford. This maintenance service is ideal every 40,000 km, or according to the interval in your Owner’s Guide.
Don’t let your medium-duty commercial trucks become captive to their fuel injection systems. Enjoy reliable, strong performance by servicing your fleet at Skaha Ford in BC.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
Power Steering Maintenance for Medium-Duty Trucks in Vernon
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(Posted on Jan 25, 2022 at 08:49PM )
![<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/January_2022/CN-7-2021-ford-f650-driver-aids-penticton-bc.jpeg"alt="Two construction workers in the cab of a 2021 Ford F-650 medium-duty truck driving on a three-lane city street"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/January_2022/CN-7-2021-ford-f650-driver-aids-penticton-bc.jpeg)
Power steering maintenance is essential for Ford medium-duty trucks. This system eases parking maneuvers and low-speed driving, which can be challenging in heavy vehicles. Without proper maintenance, power steering components can wear out over time and impact handling.If you suspect your medium-duty truck has a powering steering issue, follow these tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford’s Service Department to diagnose the problem:
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Check the power steering fluid level: A lack of fluid will make it harder to complete turns. Regularly topping up the power steering fluid could indicate a leak.
Inspect the hoses and lines: The power steering system has a pump with several seals and hoses. If there are leaks or breaks in the seals, performance will decline.
Check for loose belts: A loud, screeching sound is a tell-tale sign of a loose belt in the power steering system. To detect this issue, ignite the engine and turn the steering wheel.
Inspect the hoses and lines: The power steering system has a pump with several seals and hoses. If there are leaks or breaks in the seals, performance will decline.
Check for loose belts: A loud, screeching sound is a tell-tale sign of a loose belt in the power steering system. To detect this issue, ignite the engine and turn the steering wheel.
Unaddressed power steering troubles impact your Ford’s handling and your safety on BC’s roads. If you have concerns about your vehicle, contact our team to book a maintenance appointment. Our factory-trained Technicians will give your medium-duty truck the attention your commercial fleet deserves.
Belt and Hose Maintenance for Medium-Duty Trucks in Westbank
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(Posted on Jan 17, 2022 at 07:53PM )
![<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/January_2022/SER-4-ford-medium-duty-service-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A Ford factory-trained Technician servicing a medium-duty truck"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/January_2022/SER-4-ford-medium-duty-service-penticton-bc.jpg)
With summer far behind us, overheating problems may seem like a thing of the past for medium-duty trucks. But, the reality is that a faulty fan belt or a damaged radiator hose can cause problems in the winter. We see it from time to time when trucks come in for service at Skaha Ford in BC.While the high temperatures of summer have a way of shortening the life of rubber, winter brings forth its own sets of troubles. Extreme changes from hot to cold can make belts and hoses more prone to cracking, resulting in damage or leaks and expensive repairs. Checking these components should be a common occurrence to spot damage before it becomes an issue.Â
When inspecting belts, check the underside to spot any cracks or flexing, glazed sidewalls and uneven wear. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time for a replacement. The same is true for hoses. When inspecting these components, look for signs of cracking, bulging or swelling, sponginess from oil, or bursts in the line. Any of these conditions require an immediate hose replacement.
Ensure your medium-duty truck’s performance this winter by maintaining your belts and hoses at Skaha Ford’s Service Department. To schedule an appointment, contact us today.
![<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-2-2022-Ford-f650-f750-medium-duty-truck-repair-bc.jpg"alt="A black 2022 Ford F-650 driving on a two-lane highway with a vintage truck on its flat bed"/></a>](https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/images/upload/January_2022/SER-2-2022-Ford-f650-f750-medium-duty-truck-repair-bc.jpg)
Medium-duty trucks operate in demanding conditions, and when breakdowns occur, it causes a ripple effect throughout your entire business. Not only are profit opportunities lost, but operator morale also suffers during periods of extended downtime. To keep your Ford fleet in the best possible condition, implement these four maintenance tips from our factory-trained technicians at Skaha Ford in BC:
1. Make Maintenance Routine
Businesses rely on routines to achieve success – and the same should be true for your fleet. Book planned downtime into your operating schedule to ensure regular inspections and maintenance are completed on all medium-duty trucks. These periods of proactive fleet care will reduce longer stretches of unplanned downtime in the future.
2. Stop Delaying Repairs
Instead of ignoring problems with vehicles in your commercial fleet, address them right away. Not only will this ensure operator safety, but it can also avoid larger, more costly repairs down the road.Â
3. Keep Records of Maintenance Services and Repairs
It’s essential to know what maintenance has been completed on medium-duty trucks and when. Be sure to keep accurate records anytime your fleet vehicles undergo service or repairs.
4. Trust the Experts
Don’t trust your F-450, F-550, F-650 or F-750 to just any mechanic – take it to the experts that know it best. Only Ford factory-trained technicians have the right tools, equipment and knowledge to maintain and repair medium-duty trucks to manufacturer specifications. Failing to work with an experienced team can lead to missed early indicators of damage, incorrect repairs, limited access to OEM parts and downtime.
Need to get your commercial trucks looked at by professionals? Contact Skaha Ford in BC today to schedule an appointment.
