While older vehicles may have hydraulic starter motors, newer models tend to be equipped with electrical versions. Responsible for cranking the engine, this component will determine if you’re going to work today or not.

First, you should keep the connectors clean. These are wires that conjoin the battery and the start motor together. Dirt and grime can lead to corrosion, which will eventually cause the system to fail.

Next, tighten the mounting bolts. These hold the starter motor in place. If you hear a grinding sound, it could indicate that the bolts are loose.

After that, it’s time to dust off the solenoid. This is the starter relay that allows electricity to move from the battery to the motor. It is a small, cylindrical piece that serves as a sort of terminal. You should sweep away any debris regularly.

Then, it is time to clean the battery terminals. Hydrogen gas produced by the battery can become corrosive over time. You don’t want that sitting on any element in the start system. Finally, you should inspect the flywheel. This is a rotating device that helps get the engine revved up. It has teeth that should be in good condition (no cracks or missing fangs).

Contact Ford Parts BC to find the correct starter pieces for your vehicle.

When it comes to spark plugs, you might be at a loss on how to properly maintain them. However, it is a lot easier than you might think.

In order for these parts to function, they must be clean and sharp. Responsible for the powerful energy that is required for ignition, worn down or dirty spark plugs can leave you stranded. Connected directly to an engine coil or a wire leading to the central distributor, these components only need to fire off once to get the automobile going.

Over time, spark plugs may become compromised due to a buildup of carbon, oil, or even fuel. The electrodes can wear down, and the gap may also widen too much so that the jolt of electricity doesn’t catch. There is even an insulation portion of the mechanism that can crack due to excessive heat or simply age. All of these issues can lead to a misfire.

Signs that your spark plugs are not working can include rough idling, misfiring, and decreased fuel efficiency. Replacing the element is necessary in order for your car, truck, van, or SUV to continue operating. You can do this at routine maintenance intervals to avoid bigger problems later on.

Contact Ford Parts BC to find new spark plugs!

With so many components that make up a vehicle, one that is easy to overlook is the suspension system. However, it plays a crucial role in controlling your automobile and providing a more comfortable experience for occupants.

There are several parts that make up the suspension. These include the chassis, spring coils, shock absorbers, anti-sway bar, and struts. When any of these elements are worn down, it can cause instability. But how do you maintain these important pieces?

First, you should keep your tires inflated properly. Rotate them according to the recommendation in the owner’s manual, and get a wheel alignment occasionally. This will keep your tires healthy and allow them to wear down evenly. That’s the best way to keep your suspension operating smoothly.

If you hear clunking when you drive over a bump, this could indicate that the spring coils are going bad. Bouncing when you travel around a turn could mean that there is fluid damage to the shocks. Finally, an issue with the strut will cause a rattling sound or for one side of the vehicle to sag. Keep an eye out for these warning signs to avoid problems down the road.

Need to replace an aspect of your suspension system? Contact Ford Parts BC to find the matching piece!

One of the most overlooked components for vehicle maintenance is the set of windshield wipers. Most drivers don’t even think about replacing them, but a dull pair of blades can put you in danger when it starts to rain.

Here in BC, the winters can be harsh. A build-up of snow or ice on your front glass is an annoying - albeit common - occurrence. One thing you can do to prolong the lifespan of your wiper blades during the cold season is to defrost the windshield and scrap away any snow/ice before turning them on. If you don’t the resistance could cause the piece to snap in half. It may also be helpful to get the vehicle warmed up with the heater while you are waiting for the ice to melt.

Another tip is to replace the set of blades twice a year. Designed to last for approximately six months, you will start to notice smearing, squeaking, or skipping when they are showing signs of excessive wear.

Other proactive actions you can take include keeping the glass clean when you stop to refuel at a gas station and remembering to never activate the wipers on a dry window.

Contact the experts at Ford Parts BC to find the matching set for your vehicle today!

The braking system is vital to safe driving. That’s why maintaining all components including the brake rotors is crucial.

The main reason why brake rotors need to be replaced is simple wear and tear. Every time you step on the brake pedal, these rotors are subject to damage due to friction. With repeated application, the metal material is slowly worn away over time. Most manufacturers recommend swapping them out for a new set every time you replace the brake pads. This is more of a “two birds one stone” tactic to avoid potential problems later on and to save you time at the mechanic.

Another reason why brake rotors need to be changed is warping. As these discs are being used, they are constantly being heated and cooled. With time, the tolerance for this process is reached and the metal begins to distort. This deformation commonly occurs with towing or going uphill frequently. Finally, cracks may also be grounds for a transition of parts.

So, what signs should you look for to know if your brake rotors are bad? Squeaking as you step on the corresponding pedal is one, and pulsation is another.

Get in contact with the experts at Ford Parts BC to find the right pieces today!

While there is a slight disagreement among mechanics, most will concur that oil filters should be changed before your vehicle reaches the 10,000 miles (16,093 km) mark.

Many manufacturers state that oil filters are fine anywhere between 6,000 and 10,000 miles (9,656 and 16,093 km). However, some technicians will tell you to swap it out every time you change the oil. This will put the maintenance about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,828 to 8,046 km).

Another factor that may contribute to when this component needs to be replaced is the type of driving you do on a daily basis. Extreme conditions that may require early maintenance on the oil filter can include the following:

1. Frequent stop and go/rush hour traffic
2. Plummeting or soaring temperatures
3. Traveling down dirt roads
4. Riding through dusty areas
5. Towing excessively heavy loads

This filtration system is responsible for keeping your engine properly lubricated. Clean oil is vital for the overall health of your car, truck, SUV, or van. Take a look at your owner’s manual for specific details about your model’s maintenance timeline.

Ready to change out the old oil filter for a new one? Contact the team at Ford Parts BC today to order the right elements for your model!

While cabin air filters tend to be changed regularly when you go in for routine maintenance, engine air filters can sometimes be overlooked. However, it is very important to swap old ones out for new models periodically.

Recommendations may vary, but most Ford vehicles need this component change approximately every 30,000 miles. This may be less if you typically drive in extreme conditions or on dirt roads. Always remember to check in your owner’s manual for specific details pertaining to your automobile.

If the engine air filter is clogged, it can result in poor acceleration, decreased throttle response, and premature wear/tear on the motor itself. The following signs could be indicators that it’s ready to be replaced:

1. Difficulty when idling
2. Strange sounds
3. Black smoke coming from the exhaust
4. The check engine light is on
5. The filter looks dirty or has black spots

To inspect this mechanism yourself, you can pop the hood and locate the air filter housing assembly. Open it by either removing the screws or releasing the latch. A good filter will be white. off-white, red, or yellow. The dirtier it is; the darker becomes.

Need a replacement engine air filter? Contact Ford Parts BC today to find the right piece for your vehicle!

Vital to the safe operation of the engine’s valves, the timing belt proves a key performance component - which must be maintained with care.

Made of rubber, this band allows air and gas to move in and out of the motor via the camshaft. Meanwhile, the crankshaft puts the pistons in motion, and the two systems function in perfect harmony. Therefore, maintaining the appropriate pace is crucial.

Most vehicles can keep the same timing belt for around 160,934 km (100,000 miles). However, older models may need a replacement at 95,560 km (60,000 miles).

There are a few indicators that your timing belt is ready to be switched out. Slippage and misfiring can occur, but failure is typically sudden and surprising. You will know if it happens because the engine will immediately lose power and stop running - leaving you stranded on the highway.

Belt and hoses may seem like minor pieces to the puzzle, but they can cause major damage if they are properly not maintained. Contact Ford Parts BC today to learn more about how to identify when a replacement or repair is needed. 

Out of all of the components required for making a vehicle run properly, spark plugs tend to be one of the least problematic. Responsible for producing a tiny bolt of lightning that starts the car, they can function properly for up to 48,280 km (30,000 miles).

Lasting for years, these small parts don’t need to be replaced very often. However, some models have shorter lifespans than others. For example, copper spark plugs tend to wear down faster than those built from more durable materials.

Having your spark plugs inspected can prevent deposit buildup and expansion. Since they interact with the air-fuel mixture, leftover residue can cause pre-ignition. This can lead to unreliable energy. Also, as the plugs age, the gap that the spark has to travel to produce combustion widens. If the space is too far, it will be erratic.

In order to have the spark plugs serviced, all of the elements need to be cold. Disassembly may be necessary to reach them. If you hear rattling, pinging, or knocking sounds, they may be misfiring. Other indicators of an issue include reduced performance, poor fuel economy, and having a hard time starting the engine.

Need new spark plugs? Contact Ford Parts BC to learn more about available replacements. 

Responsible for stopping your car in its tracks, the brake pads are very important to maintain.

Depending on the vehicle and your driving habits, a general rule of thumb is have your brake system - including the pads - inspected every five months or 8,046 km (5,000 miles). You can have this done at your regular oil changes as well if you want to kill two birds with one stone.

However, if you hear squeaking, squealing, grinding, or any other strange noise, you need to have them looked at immediately. Another indicator that the brake pads are bad is if the warning light is on or if the steering wheel starts shaking.

During an assessment, the mechanic will measure the wear and tear on the current set of brake pads. Fluid levels will also be checked to ensure that every component in the network is properly lubricated. You will then be notified of how much life is left (if any) in the pads.

Please keep in mind that degraded pads can cause significant damage to other pieces in the system. That is why they need to be looked at more often.

Need to buy new brake pads for your vehicle? Contact Ford Parts BC to place an order!