Being exposed to the elements daily, seals, strips, and mouldings can wear down fairly quickly. This is especially true in colder climates such as the harsh winters of BC. Preservation is key, but replacement may be necessary at some point.

To maintain the original seals, you should use a rubber or silicone protectant. Avoid oil-based products at all costs as this will damage the rubber material. Also, keeping it clean will help prevent the weatherstripping from sticking to your vehicle’s door when you open it. This is the most common cause of premature damage to rubberized components.

If you notice that the seals are letting rainwater leak inside, the section should be replaced immediately. Small tears can be repaired with seam sealers, and loosened sections can be stuck back on with trim adhesive. If an area is torn off, you may be able to fix it with special caulking. If there is a part that is worn down but still intact, foam rods can be inserted to make it last just a bit longer.

If it’s too bad, then you should replace the entire piece with OEM weatherstripping. You can find exact replicas at Ford Parts BC. Take a peek at the online shop to start your order now!

No matter where you live in BC, the part of any vehicle to get dirty the fastest is the floor. Designed to be the base that holds everything in place - including our dirty shoes - the floor is surprisingly easy to keep clean, especially if you have a set of protective mats.

Typically crafted from carpet or rubber, floor mats can be removed in a matter of seconds. Winter or all-season styles are made of heavy-duty rubber that prevents water, mud, and salt from damaging the material underneath. These are the easiest to clean since they can be hosed off. Carpet-style mats should be shaken, vacuumed, and washed as needed. Both should be allowed to dry completely before you put them back inside.

If you have to deal with a stain, don’t fret! The process is quite simple, but it does take a bit of time to finish. First, vacuum the area thoroughly before applying a foam cleaner to the stained area. You can use a brush or wet sponge to agitate the solution to break up the stain. Once it has dried, vacuum it again.

Need new floor mats? Contact Ford Part BC today to begin your online order!

Aside from mechanical maintenance, there are a lot of tips to help keep your Ford looking brand new. From protecting the exterior paint to cleaning the inside, there is no reason why your car, truck, van, or SUV should look old - even if it technically is!

First, you should always try to get covered parking for your automobile. Garages are best, followed closely by carports. However, sometimes neither are options. If you must park in the open, try to find shade. This will cut down on damage to the exterior coat from UV rays, and it will keep the cabin a bit cooler in the summer.

The key here is to find shade without using the cover of trees. Bird droppings and rogue branches can leave your vehicle dirty and even scratched. The final option for you here is to invest in a protective cover. There are many to choose from that are designed specifically for your Ford model.

You can also get window shades. There are two types - folded and pleated. The folded version is opened up and placed in the front and rear windows to deflect sunlight. The pleated type attaches to the windshield posts with adhesive, the window frames with Velcro, or to the actual glass via suction cups.

Need a car cover? Contact Ford Parts BC now!

If you live in BC and need to stash your ford vehicle in storage while you travel, then you have come to the right place. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to just park your car and leave for a month. Vehicles are designed to be driven, and a lot of problems can arise if the proper steps are not taken to preserve them while you are gone.

First, you need to fill up the gas tank. While this is something you may not have thought of, it stops condensation from building up during its stationary period. You should also add a fuel stabilizing agent and go for a spin to distribute the mixture throughout the engine components.

Next, you would wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish. Shielding it with a car cover (even if it is inside a garage) is another good idea. You can also put a vapor barrier underneath it. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth is recommended. Just lay it on the floor and park on top of it.

Don’t forget to disengage the parking brake to prevent corrosion. If you’re going to be gone for a really long time, you may also want to take off the wheels and raise the vehicle onto jack stands. Finally, disconnect the battery and plug the tailpipe with a rag.

Contact Ford Parts BC to purchase a car cover!

One of the most common maintenance procedures that everyone knows about is a good old fashion oil change. Swapping out the dirty solution and filter for new ones is something that typically gets down once or twice a year depending on how often you drive your vehicle. However, did you know that your record-keeping skills can help with that?

The first thing you should do when you buy a vehicle (new or used) is to find a reputable insurance company to work with. This doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive plan, but shopping around before you decide can be very beneficial.

One thing that can help you with maintenance and insurance is your ability to keep a thorough auto log. This can be something as simple as a pad of paper and a pen kept in your glovebox. You should write down the date of your gas station visits along with the mileage. Over time, if you notice that the numbers are getting worse, then can indicate an issue that your mechanic should be notified of. It will also help you keep track of how often you need to get your oil changed.

Contact Ford Parts BC to order a new engine oil filter adapter!

If you own a Ford vehicle that does not have push-button start technology, then you are using a key inside the ignition. While it is something you may not even think about, maintaining this piece of equipment is important to prevent damage over time.

The ignition housing unit is designed to intake a key. While it is sturdy and well-built, too much weight pulling down on the ignition slot can cause a malfunction later on. This is why it is recommended to lighten your keychain.

While it can be fun to add on personalized decorations and a dozen other keys, the excessive weight combined with the bouncing motion of driving can wear down the tumblers inside the ignition component. This will lead to a switch failure, which will result in the piece needing to be replaced entirely.

To preserve the life of your ignition switch, you can keep your car key separate from your others. One easy way to do this is to get a key ring clip with only your vehicle key on it. This will enable you to detach it from the conglomerate of keys when you get ready to leave. You can easily reattach it when you arrive at your destination to keep every metal piece together.

Contact Ford Parts BC to order new ignition parts now!

If you have tested out the brightness of your headlights and found that they aren’t as illuminating as you would like, then it may be time to replace them. Luckily, it is very easy to do at home by yourself.

First, you need to wear protective gloves and goggles during the process. This is standard as you will be getting into tight - and tough - spaces. It’s also best to replace both bulbs even if only one is out. This will ensure that they are even.

Next, if your vehicle has two bulbs per casing - one for high and one for low beams - then you need to identify which is which. The low beam bulb is usually on the outside, and the high one is typically on the inside.

Now it’s time to get into the unit itself. Some are easy to get into by removing a few screws. Others require access gained through the wheel well. It’s best to pop the hood in any case and be sure to read your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Then, remove the plug for the bulb by releasing the clip with a small screwdriver. Next, take out the old bulb by turning it counter-clockwise. Install the new one by turning clockwise until you hear a click. Once you’re done, test them out before you hit the road.

Contact Ford Parts BC for replacement parts!

The quickest way to age a vehicle is to let the headlight casing get dingy. That yellow hue puts 20 years on a car, easily. Caused by sun exposure, this issue can be prevented with the right maintenance.

It may sound strange, but good old fashion toothpaste with a toothbrush will go a long way. Put some paste on a cloth or towel and rub it all over the plastic light housing units. Follow that up with a toothbrush scrubbing. You can then rinse it off, and you will notice how clean and shiny it is.

This cleaning combo isn’t just good for the exterior of the vehicle either. You can also use these products to make the inside look a lot better. It serves as a polish to leave your cabin shining as if it were new again. Keep in mind that professional products are available for these specific purposes. However, these tips are for people who want to save a bit of money.

If your headlight casings are beyond a bit of elbow grease, then you may need to replace them. Luckily, you can find the correct pieces at Ford Parts BC. Swapping your old ones out will shave years off of your vehicle, and it will make you feel better about driving it!

Whether your vehicle is old or new, keeping it in mint condition is important. Not only does proper maintenance prolong the life expectancy of each component, but it also keeps your automobile looking great.

To help out your windshield wipers, you can rub them down with alcohol. First, you need to lift them up into a standing position. Then, clean them with soap and water. After that, dip a cloth in rubbing alcohol and apply it to the blade. This will prevent the wipers from smudging the glass when they are activated.

Another trick for the exterior is to wipe the panels down with dryer sheets. This will get any hiding insects off of your car, and it will prevent them from coming back. It may seem like a strange trick, but it works.

As for the interior, did you know you can use a vacuum and brush combo to clean off the dashboard? There are a few places that a microfibre cloth simply can’t get to. Using a soft bristle brush a portable car vacuum, you can get all of the dust and debris out of the tiny crevices.

Would you like to buy new windshield wipers? Contact the agents at Ford Parts BC to place an online order now!

In the spur of the moment, sometimes drivers have to use unconventional methods to protect the interior of their cars. From guarding against stains to shielding against sun damage, there are many alternative maintenance tips you can use to extend the life of your vehicle’s cabin.

If you have children or frequently eat inside the cockpit, then you may want to add silicon cupcake liners to your cupholders. These drink storage spots are the most difficult to clean once they get dirty due to their circular shape. By putting a liner inside, it will catch any spills so you don’t need to pull out the unit for a thorough washing.

To protect the dashboard against drying out, you can use olive oil. Simply wipe off the area with a clean towel, and then apply a bit of olive oil in a rubbing motion. Not only will this make the section look shiny and new, but it will also prevent it from attracting dust and cracking due to sun exposure.

Finally, you can make your own air freshener with a mason jar and some laundry scent balls. Just put the balls inside the container and poke some holes in the lid. This will keep the interior smelling fresh.

Need to replace the cupholders? Contact Ford Parts BC to find new ones!