Ensuring that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated is important for the overall performance. Under-inflated tires can lead to a lower fuel economy and premature wear. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can do to extend the life expectancy of your set.
First, make sure the caps are always on tight. These do more than keep the air inside. They also prevent dirt and moisture - which can cause leaks - from getting inside the valve. If you have your tires replaced, be sure to remind the mechanics that you want new valve caps as well.
Next, you should routinely check on the air pressure. Temperature changes and unexpected impacts can cause the pressure to fluctuate. During the hotter months, it is recommended that you use a gauge to see where your tires are at once a month. Be sure to do this when they are cold for a more accurate reading.
Finally, beware of the dreaded wet thumb. If you refill your tires at a gas station, you should check to be sure no moisture is coming out of the air pump. Do this by pressing the pin inside the inflator valve with your thumb. If it gets wet, you should alert the clerk immediately and go to another location.
While some people prefer to leave all maintenance and repairs up to the professionals, others are more adept at fixing things at home. Luckily, you can find everything you need online at Ford Parts BC. Plus, we have a few tips that can help make the process much smoother.
First, you should always get replacement parts that are OEM. This ensures that the piece will fit perfectly into its position. It also gives you a longer life expectancy, and it won’t cause any sneaky damage like after-market accessories sometimes can.
Next, you should make sure that your vehicle is in Park with the emergency brake in position. This will guarantee that it won’t accidentally shift into gear and run away while you are working on it.
Another tip for you is to get a fender cover. This is a piece of material that drapes over the front of the vehicle. You can lay your tools and equipment on top without scratching the paint finish. Need to lean over into the engine compartment? No problem! This protective piece will keep your belt buckle from damaging the exterior as well.
No matter what year your Ford vehicle was manufactured, you most likely want to keep it looking as shiny and new as possible. One way to do this is to protect your paint job.
Aside from routinely washing and waxing, you should also shield the car, truck, van, or SUV from the elements. Sun exposure can slowly eat away at the protective urethane film that shields the coloured coating. Even strong winds can carry damaging particles through the air, which can lead to the wearing away of the exterior finish. If you don’t have access to a garage or carport, you should certainly invest in a full cover.
If damage has already occurred, then you may need to get a new layer of paint. If you notice chips, they need to be addressed quickly to ward off rust, which can cause much bigger problems down the road. You can also get a new self-adhering urethane film applied to the outside. This is usually used on the more vulnerable sections of the car such as the hood. It guards against minor abrasions. While it’s recommended to have this professionally installed, you can peel it off yourself.
While it is very important to keep your Ford vehicle washed, it is also necessary to wax the exterior with each cleaning. Designed to protect the paint, this will ensure a much longer lifespan for your model’s cosmetic looks. It also forms a barrier against rust.
The wax preserves your car’s colour and slows down the oxidation process that is brought on by inclement weather, pollution, sap, and even bird droppings. It also keeps the outside looking shiny and new, which is always nice. Follow these easy steps to maximize the protection level of your wax application.
First, you can find wax in various forms including paste, liquid, and spray. However, the best one is the paste, hands down. While the liquids and sprays are quicker to apply and gentler on the arms, the carnauba wax offers the longest-lasting finish. It sticks to the metal and won’t wear off for a while.
Next, use a damp sponge to apply a thin, even coat of wax all over the car. Be careful not to use too much, or you will be left with residue. Next, use a soft, clean cloth made of either microfibre or cotton to remove the dried wax. Now you have a pristine automobile!
When it comes to maintenance, keeping the outside of the vehicle clean should be routine. This includes during the winter months. Although many people tend to skip out on washing their cars during the colder season, it is very important to continue doing so.
The reason you need to do this is because the slush, ice, and dirt mixture combined with the salt used to de-ice roads can wreak havoc on your paint job. Not only that, but it can also cause corrosion underneath the automobile. What’s even worse is that you probably would never notice the damage until you had it serviced later on.
Corrosion leads to rust, which you want to avoid at all costs. When temperatures plummet and the snow begins to fall, you need to make the undercarriage is rinsed on a regular basis. Any hard-to-reach sections also need to be washed off. These include bumpers, wheels wells, and any other area that may be susceptible to rust.
It is recommended that you use a bucket of warm water to handle this task. The hose will be frozen, and cold water is too painful to deal with during this time of year. You can also visit a local car wash.
Ford vehicles are well known for their off-roading prowess and ability to explore the wild with ease. Whether you have a tough F-150 or a legendary Bronco, these models are designed for fun. However, there are a few things you should do to keep your automobile looking new after an adventure in the mud.
If yours didn’t come standard with splash guards, then you need to get a set. These simple additions can potentially save you a lot of money - and headaches - down the road. Made of durable rubber, these flexible pieces attach to the inside of the wheel wells. Protecting the metal underbelly from moisture damage, you won’t have to crawl under to clean it after every camping trip.
Another purpose of these shields is to prevent salty slush from getting up into the engine bay. To ensure that they are doing their job properly, you should routinely inspect them. They can tear, which would render them useless at stopping water from damaging the electrical components underneath. Make sure that they are securely fastened in place as well.
Ford SUVs are designed for fun and adventure. Many come standard with roof rails, and others can have this piece added onto the top later. While these handy parts come in various styles to carry different items, there are a few rules to follow to help extend their life expectancy.
First, you should always read the owner’s manual about weight limits. The roof load specification of your SUV should be taken into consideration before you add anything. A typical roof rack system can hold between 68 and 90 kg (150 to 200 lbs). This is enough to accommodate extra luggage. It is also the equivalent of three sheets of 17-mm (3/4-inch) plywood. Overloading the rack can cause premature wear and tear to the vehicle, and no one wants that.
Depending on the model you own, there are many different styles you can get to serve various functions. For example, you can find a rack-mounted piece that is made specifically for kayaks or canoes. Another for bicycles is a good option. You can also get cargo boxes that are water-tight or even a basket. Whatever you decide on, be sure you understand its limitations before you load up.
The first maintenance tip for protecting every exterior part of your Ford is to park the vehicle in a garage or carport. If this is unavailable, then it is recommended that you find a shaded area or use a car cover.
However, accidents happen. Everyone has experienced the rogue rock on the highway that causes an annoying chip in your windshield. When this happens, you need to address it immediately. Even small amounts of damage can grow to massive (and dangerous) cracks down the road. Take your vehicle to a repair shop to fill in the damaged section and improve clarity.
Next, make sure to swap out your wiper blade every six to twelve months. The frequency will depend on how often you use them.
Another tip is to never put any liquid inside the windshield washer reservoir except for washer fluid. Do not put water inside this compartment - especially during the winter. It can freeze and cause significant damage. Also, don’t run the system dry. This can wreak havoc on the pump. Finally, if there is damage to the tank, it should be fixed immediately.
Bad lighting on a vehicle can be extremely dangerous to drive with, especially at night and during inclement weather. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to save your exterior lamp fixtures.
If your car, truck, van, or SUV has a cracked light or turn signal cover on the back, you need to address it immediately. Leaving it unchecked can allow water to enter the housing unit, which can cause some serious damage to the electrical system. The light compartment is an important element, and you can temporarily fix a crack with something as simple as tape. You should select the red or orange type of tape that is made specifically for this purpose. It will prevent moisture from entering the casing.
Next, if you have a bulb that is burnt out, you should replace it as soon as possible. When you do this, it is recommended that you thoroughly clean any corroded or dirty sockets. You can do this with a wire brush or some steel wool. After you have loosened any grime, you need to wipe the socket clean before installing the new bulb.
Many Ford vehicles boast either cloth or leather interiors depending on the make and model. If you are looking for a way to preserve and care for these materials, then you have come to the right place.
Higher trim levels tend to come with cowhide seating, which is very durable. However, it can become soiled over the years and may need some extra TLC. The best thing you can do for leather upholstery is to keep it clean by removing dirt and particles. Then, apply a protective layer to make it less susceptible to stains. You should look for one that has a conditioner included and is formulated for top-coated grain or pigmented leather. This will ensure that cracking doesn’t happen with age.
Next, cloth can be treated the same way you treat soft-touch furniture in your home. You can use home cleaners, but you should always avoid saturation. You don’t want to get the fabric too wet. Foam solutions are great and can be easily wiped off with a brush. You can also spray on a fabric protectant.
Finally, if you have small children, you should place a towel or heavy plastic underneath the baby seat to catch any spills.