Ford Vehicle Service Information In Penticton BC
<a href=" https://clients.webstager.com/skahaford.com/banner/Ford_Medium-Duty_Commercial_Truck_Repair_Now_Available_in_Penticton/"><img src="images/upload/March_2022/SER-4-2022_ford_f650-exterior-penticton-bc.jpeg"alt="A 2022 Ford F-650 SuperCab medium-duty truck shown in Race Red with a dump truck upfit"/></a>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. 

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.
<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-3-2022_FORD_ESCAPE_SE_PLUG-IN_HYBRID_FWD-exterior-penticton-bc.jpeg"alt="A blue 2022 Ford Escape SE Plug-in Hybrid SUV parked on Skaha Ford's dealership lot in Penticton, BC"/></a>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. 

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.  

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.
<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>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. 

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.
<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>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.
 
• 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.
 
• 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=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>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. 

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 hydroplaning 
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.
<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-7-ford-service-maintenance-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A red Ford Explorer driving up a ski hill in the winter with skis attached to the roof rack"/></a>On cold, wintery mornings, do you find it takes a long time for your Ford to warm up the cabin and de-fog your windows? If you are experiencing this issue, you could be having an issue with your heater core, which is a radiator-like device used to heat the interior of your car or truck.

Here are five warning signs from our service experts at Skaha Ford in BC:

Foggy windows
The most common sign of a heater core issue is when the inside of your vehicle fogs up with condensation. This usually means there is a leak in the system, which causes hot coolant vapours to fill the cabin.

Fruity odour
When a heater core breaks down, you may notice a sweet, fruity smell – like melons - which signifies that your radiator fluid is leaking. 

Using more coolant than normal
Check the passenger side floor for moisture if your vehicle suddenly requires more coolant than usual. This is a familiar spot for coolant leaks to collect.

Chilly cabin
A lack of heat in your vehicle's cabin could be an issue with your blower, but it could also point to a more severe problem with your heater core, like a hole in the system that's allowing warm air to escape before it reaches your cabin. 

Overheating
If your vehicle overheats, this could point to a serious issue within the cooling system, including the heater core. Unaddressed overheating will lead to a breakdown and possible component damage.

If you think your heater core isn't functioning correctly, schedule your vehicle in for service at Skaha Ford in BC. Our factory-trained Technicians will complete a full inspection to determine the issue and fix it right the first time for your peace of mind.
<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>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. 

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=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-5-ford-battery-inspections-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A Ford factory-trained Technician servicing a battery on a black Ford F-150 truck"/></a>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.
<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>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. 

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.
<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-3-2022-ford-escape-service-penticton-bc.jpg"alt="A blue 2022 Ford Escape SUV driving down a rural road that is lined with trees"/></a>Have you ever pulled out of your driveway only to find a puddle of liquid under your vehicle? It can be pretty alarming when this happens, especially since it's hard to know where the fluid is coming from.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to diagnose a leak using your eyes and nose. Here are six tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford's Service Department:

1. Clear liquid: Condensation on the AC condenser is normal, especially in hot weather, and not a cause for concern. 
 
2. Blue liquid: It's normal to spill when filling the washer fluid reservoir. However, if you haven't topped it up recently, check the connections to the reservoir for leaks and tighten the cap.
 
3. Pink or reddish liquid: This could be a sign of a steering or transmission fluid leak – both of which need to be addressed by a Technician. If it smells like burnt oil or the dipstick shows a low register of oil, it's likely the power steering fluid, but it could be the transmission fluid if the leak is near the car's centre. 

4. Bright yellow, green or orange liquid: Anti-freeze is usually one of these colours and has a viscosity similar to water. It smells sweet, like syrup, and is highly toxic.

5. Clear or amber liquid: Brake fluid leaks will cause fluid to drip inside the rims and down the tires. This liquid is very corrosive and can damage the finishes on your vehicle.

6. Amber or dark brown liquid: Oil is a common leak characterized by a thick, greasy fluid that can be confirmed by checking the dipstick to match the colour and smell. 

Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid leaks and ensure your vehicle's components and systems operate optimally. To give your Ford the care it deserves this winter, schedule a service appointment with Skaha Ford in BC.
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