If you’ve ever had a warning light suddenly turn on in your vehicle, then you are already familiar with the slight panic that can follow when you don’t know what it means. Luckily, figuring out the issue doesn’t have to be difficult.

The most common indicator is the Service Engine Light. This is usually a sign that it is time to change the oil or perform routine maintenance. Another is the Check Engine Light. This one typically means that a malfunction is occurring. An OBD2 scanner is needed to figure out what the main issue is. Your local mechanic can help with this.

Next, the Brake Warning switches on if the fluid is low or the pads are worn down. It may also be activated whenever you have the parking brake engaged. Please see your owner’s manual for more information on it.

Other illuminations you need to pay attention to include the following:

• Coolant - If this light is on, you should pull over immediately. Wait for the car to cool off before removing the radiator cap.
• ABS - If you’re seeing this flashing light, the Anti-Lock Braking System may have a problem.
• Oil - Blockages and a faulty oil pump can cause the oil levels to decrease.
• Electrical - This indicates issues with the charging system. In many cases, it is the alternator.

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With modern vehicles driving around with 300,000 to 500,000 miles on them, it’s no secret that a good maintenance schedule is a key to longevity. Ensuring that every mechanism is properly functioning is crucial to making your car, truck, van, or SUV last longer. However, there are other reasons why routine care is so important.

First, poor maintenance can be the direct cause of some accidents on the road. By keeping up with your vehicle’s needs, you can avoid incidences such as a blow-out, failing brakes, or an engine seizure. You won’t have to worry as much as about roadside emergencies either.

Next, you can greatly improve the performance of your automobile with the right care. If you notice your fuel efficiency suffering, then could be an indicator of an underlying issue. Wear and tear are normal, and replacing old parts can save you money in the long run. That goes for monthly costs at the pump and repair bills at the mechanic’s shop.

Finally, well-maintained vehicles have a higher resale value. Whether you plan on trading in or selling, you can get a lot more money out of your old vehicle if you take good care of it.

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When it comes to routine maintenance, alternators aren’t usually inspected. This is mainly because it is classified as a limited life span electrical component, which means there isn’t much you can do in terms of preventative measures.

The job of the alternator is to keep the battery alive and fully charged. It also supplies the other electrical elements with energy. As a result, it produces quite a bit of heat. Thanks to the integrated fan, cool air is pushed through the device to reduce the temperatures. There is also a set of vents to let the warmth escape.

One thing you do to maintain the alternator is to ensure that the aforementioned features are kept clean and remain free of any dirt, grime, debris, or grease. If anything is blocking the heat from leaving the area, it can kill the alternator quite quickly.

Another thing you do is check the condition of the connections between the alternator and the battery. Corroded or loose connectors will cause the output to drop, which makes the mechanism work harder and produce too much heat. You can disconnect them, clean them, and reattach them easily.

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If you are wondering what a serpentine belt is, then you have come to the right spot. This mechanism is a long, winding cincture that ties the air conditioning system, alternator, water pump, and power steering pump together. In other words, it keeps them running in perfect harmony.

Built to last a very long time, you should have to change yours out until somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Thanks to advancements in rubber technology, the new parts are more durable than ever before. However, if yours is manually tensioned, it may need to be adjusted. Most come with a self-tensioning device, but that also might need servicing at some point due to wear and tear. One thing to keep in mind, the vehicle will not run if the belt breaks.

While the serpentine belt wears many hats, it can fray, crack, peel, or even become glazed at any point.  The following are signs of a belt that need replacing.

• Chipping or squealing - These unusual sounds happen when the serpentine belt slips out of place, has low tension, or is contaminated by antifreeze or an oil leak.
• Poor performance - If the battery suddenly drains or your power steering stops working, then your belt is compromised. This may also lead to damage to the alternator, water, air conditioning, and other components.

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In any Ford vehicle, there are many different types of hoses involved. However, the one we will discuss in this article is the drain hose.

Working in unison with the air conditioning system, this particular tube serves as a conduit to transport condensation that has been accumulating in the catch out through the base of the car, truck, van, or SUV. If the catch pan is not properly drained, water can leak into the floorboard. This can cause serious damage and can lead to costly repair bills.

To prevent this, you should keep this pipe clean. If the A/C is not blowing cold air consistently or you begin to experience a bad smell, this could mean that it is time to clean out the drain hose. You will need an A/C cleaner kit, a drain pan, cabin filter replacements, protective gloves, and safety glasses/goggles.

The vehicle should be raised on a jack to expose the underbelly. Next, locate the drain hose and secure the nozzle of the cleaner car to it. Use half of the can’s contents and let it sit for five to ten minutes. Then, you can remove the nozzle and let the solution drain into the pan. At this point, you can also replace the filters and clean the vents.

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Maintaining your vehicle's exterior doesn’t have to be hard. However, sticking to a regimen can keep your car, truck, van, or SUV looking new for a very long time.

First, you need to wash your automobile on a regular basis. If you leave dirt and pollutants on the paint, it will get duller over time. Cleaning the outside is a great way to retain the coat’s vibrancy and shine. Don’t use household cleaning products to do the job. They are far too harsh. Instead, always make sure the solutions you pick are made specifically for vehicles. Also, make sure to dry the surface afterward to about mineral spots that can cause staining.

Although automobiles come with a clear coat, the elements will slowly eat through it. By waxing the transport, you are adding an extra protective layer to shield it from the weather. It also helps keep it gleaming.

An annual detail is another way to keep it in good condition. You should follow up with a car cover if it can’t be parked in a garage or carport. This will guard against harmful UV rays that cause fading. It can even prevent damage from hail and bird droppings.

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Keeping the exterior lighting system in pristine shape will keep you safe on the roads of BC. If your lamps have recently burnt out or been broken in an accident, you can replace them without too much trouble.

To inspect the headlights, you need to ensure that the car, truck, van, or SUV is on a level surface facing a plan wall. Turn on the lights and mark where each beam hits with a piece of tape. The strips should be 2-ft long. Place one horizontally and the other vertically. Next, back the vehicle up 25-ft with the lights still on. If the bulbs are centred correctly, the most intense part of the beam will be in the centre of the horizontal piece of tape.

If you notice that the bulbs are dim, you should replace them as well. For clouded lenses, this may be an indication that the UV protective film is going bad. Foggy or yellowish colouring can lead to your lights not emitting a bright enough beam for proper visibility. Restoration kits are available to fix this issue on your own. You can also replace the entire casing if necessary.

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When it comes to vehicle fluids, there is a lot more to it than just a simple oil change. However, when you go in for this routine maintenance, you can have the liquid level checked and topped off. The other option is to do it yourself.

Aside from the engine oil, you should inspect the following fluids frequently:

• Coollant
• Brakes
• Transmission
• Power steering

Each of these serves a unique purpose and directly affects the way your car, truck, van, or SUV drives. If there is any leaking, you can determine the culprit by the color.

Light brown to black is engine oil. This leak tends to start in the gaskets or seals of the motor. It may also be coming from the valves covers to even the oil pan, and it should be addressed by a professional immediately.

Red or brown is the transmission fluid, which will be accompanied by a strong odour. The problem can usually be found in the transmission, radiator, or cooling system. Next, the power steering liquid is typically clear, red, or brown. Moisture is usually found near the front left side of the vehicle. Finally, brake fluid is yellow, and coolant can be green, orange, pink, or blue.

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Maintaining the upholstery inside your vehicle is just as important as keeping the exterior clean. Depending on the material, there are various ways to keep your Ford looking new for as long as possible.

Cloth can be vacuumed and washed easily. You may use homemade solutions or commercial products that are designed specifically for fabric. A simple mixture of soap and hot water may even do the trick. A soft bristle brush is recommended for tackling spots.

Leather can be a bit trickier. More susceptible to fading and premature aging, this material requires special kits with cleaners and conditioners. It is best to turn on the heater to warm up the cowhide before you begin the process. Stubborn stains may need to be pre-treated as well.

Finally, vinyl is the easiest type to sanitize. Spills can simply be wiped away, and glass cleaner can get off any sticky messes. If you want a polished finish, you can mix water and baking soda together. Whatever you do, never use anything oil-based. This will harden the vinyl.

Pro Tip: Toothbrushes are ideal for getting into small cervices and seams.

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Motorized vehicles come with a lot of moving parts. One of these elements is a rubber band with teeth known as the timing belt. Linking the camshaft and crankshaft together, it keeps these elements spinning at precisely the right pace so that the valves open properly.

Keep in mind that not all vehicles have this cincture. Some have what mechanics call a timing chain instead.

Since the timing belt is made from rubber, it will eventually wear out over time. Excessive heat can also cause it to lose its strength and elasticity, which results in the piece snapping in two. Check your owner’s manual to find out more about when you should swap out yours.

There are several signs that can indicate an issue with this component. These include the following:

• Water pump leaks caused by seizing
• Engine cranks, but won’t start
• Rough running and motor misfires
• Timing tensioner leak
• A ticking sound with a cold start-up

You should inspect the timing belt for tears or rough spots. If it breaks, the vehicle will have to be towed, which no one wants. It can also cause the valves to warp or bend, which will destroy the engine.

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