A lot goes into building a vehicle. When you think about maintenance and replacement parts, your mind might initially go to dirty oil filters and worn-out belts. However, there is an entire skeleton underneath all of those mechanisms that hold the car, truck, van, or SUV together. One of those elements is known as the A-Pillar.

Located on the front of the transport, the A-Pillar is a type of structural support for the roof that is positioned on either side of the windshield. Every model on the road today has a set of these. The average sedan also includes B-Pillars for the front and back doors. C-Pillars are also a thing for the rear windows.

On larger vehicles with extended cargo areas - like SUVs, minivans, and crossovers - the C-Pillar is vertical. It is also bolstered by extra supports known as D-Pillars. As for coupes with hardtops, they have no fixed B-Pillar set. These are the rarest form.

So, when would you need to replace the A-Pillar? The answer to that is probably never. If the A-Pillar is damaged, then this indicates a severe accident that most likely left the vehicle totalled.

Contact Ford Parts BC today to start an online order!

The air conditioning unit inside a vehicle is a very complex system. Comprised of many different components, each piece needs to be working in order for it to function as a whole. Part of the mechanism is the A/C compressor.

This is an engine-driven pump that increases the refrigerant pressure. As the coolant leaves the evaporator, it is transformed into a low-pressure gas. This transference causes heat - which needs to be released. The job of the compressor is to pack the gas-based molecules together as tightly as possible. This will raise both the temperature and pressure.

The heat will then move to the cooler surface, which enables it to be released through the condenser. To make sure the compressor is working correctly, you should regularly check the coolant levels. If it gets too low, this can eventually cause issues with the air conditioner. If left unchecked over time, it can even lead to a total failure of the entire system.

A/C compressors are crucial if you want to stay comfortable during the summer months. Get in touch with Ford Parts BC to order a replacement online, or you can find another OEM part for your Ford!

When it comes to keeping your Ford vehicle in good working order, there is more to regular maintenance than mechanical or electrical tasks. Keeping up the interior is just as important for the longevity of your car.

First, you should clean your seats at least once a month. The more you allow dirt to build up the harder it is to remove. Vinyl upholstery can be wiped down, cloth can be vacuumed and scrubbed, and leather can be polished.

Next, the dashboard panels can be treated with protective creams. Whether they are made of plastic, wood, or some other material, exposure to the sun over time can cause them to become brittle. You can easily safeguard against aging by applying the right products.

To quickly tidy up the floors and hard-to-reach spaces, you can use a vacuum. Handheld models can suck up any mess in a matter of seconds. No one will ever know that you took the car to the beach!

If you happen to spill coffee or anything that will leave a stain, you need to address it as soon as possible. Dilute the spot with cold water, and then follow that with a soaking of glass cleaner. It will come up!

Contact Ford Parts BC to start an order!

While air conditioning isn’t something that BC drivers have to worry about in the winter, it is crucial for the summer. Maintaining your Ford’s A/C system will ensure that you and your passengers are comfortable during the hotter months.

The first thing you should do to keep your A/C running smoothly is to turn it on regularly. It needs to be operating for at least 10 minutes each week. When you do this, adjust the dial to the coldest temperature setting with the fan on high. You can also activate the defroster to see it in good shape.

A good rule of thumb to follow is to refresh your A/C unit every two years. A professional mechanic can help with this. They will make sure that all of the hoses and components are functioning correctly and that the fluid levels are just right as well.

Finally, you need to clear away any debris that can muck up the system. The grills  that connect to the air conditioning system are situated under the windshield. They can collect leaves during certain times of the year which can clog the condenser.

Need replacements for your A/C unit? Contact Ford Parts BC to start your order.

One of the easiest maintenance tasks that you can do on your own is to change out the various fluids in your Ford vehicle. You do not need a professional mechanic to do this. It can be done by one person at home at your leisure.

There are six major liquids that you should pay attention to. They are as follows:

• Radiator
• Transmission
• Power Steering
• Brake
• Air Conditioning Coolant
• Windshield Washer

For the radiator fluid, you can unscrew the cap located in the front or beside the engine to check the level. Always make sure the engine is cold before doing this. Next, the transmission solution can be checked using the provided dipstick. The container for the power steering liquid is transparent. You can see how much fluid is inside without opening it.

As for brake fluid, you should use a screwdriver to open the reservoir. Make sure the area is spotless before you do this as any contamination can destroy your brake system. The solution should be no lower than the half-inch mark.

Next, the air conditioning coolant (refrigerant) can be observed by turning on the A/C, setting it to the lowest temperature, opening the hood, and connecting the A/C gauge to a low-pressure line. If it shows a reading below 25 pounds, you need more Freon. Finally, when your windshield washer stops sending out the solution, you need to put more in.

Contact Fords Parts BC for more information.

While you have surely heard about airbags at some point in your life, many people don’t understand exactly what they are or how they work.

An airbag is an inflatable module that activates in an instant during a crash. Made up of four important components, it is so much more than a durable balloon.

The first part of any airbag system is the cushion. This is what helps prevent severe - potentially deadly - damage to the occupant's body parts. Next is the fabric bag. Just like the name suggests, this flexible material contains the cushion. Then there is also an inflation module that pumps the cushion full of air when an accident occurs. Finally, the impact sensor will detect a collision and trigger the system to engage.

The sensor is a crucial part of the device. It can determine the type of incident that is happening, the angle at which it occurs, and the degree of severity.

Invented in the 1970s, airbags are required for all modern vehicles. Most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs have at least six placed strategically throughout the cabin. The most common types are multistage front, supplemental side-curtain, and knee blocker units.

Need to replace part of your airbag system? Contact Ford Parts BC today!

While it’s not something that you have to worry about as frequently as oil changes and dead batteries, the exterior lighting system occasionally needs some TLC as well.

Dirt and dust can easily pile onto the casing units, causing dimmed beams and decreased visibility. The number one tip to maintaining your car’s lighting is to keep them clean regularly. A good rule of thumb to follow is to wipe them down with a microfibre cloth every week.

Next, if you notice any yellowing or cloudiness, you need to address it as soon as possible. It makes your automobile look ancient, and it can also hurt your visibility. Headlight restoration kits are available for this very reason. If that doesn’t work, you can replace the housing entirely for a brand new look.

Another thing you can do is to check the illumination by looking at the lights head-on. If you don’t want to get out, you can also flood a blank wall with your beams to see if one is duller than the other. This step will also work for seeing if one is out of alignment.

Finally, you can replace bulbs as needed, but you should never swap out only one. You should change them in pairs to ensure that they are equal.

Contact Ford Parts BC to place an order now!

It is no secret that BC experiences cold winters. No one likes sliding into a freezing vehicle and shivering for 10 minutes while waiting for the cabin to heat up. That’s why the remote start system was invented.

Allowing you to get the car going without stepping foot outside, you never have to be greeted by icy seats again. There is now a wide range of options that enable you to start the ignition from a key fob or even a smartphone app. Some may also permit you to turn the vehicle off or even trigger security elements such as an alarm system.

There are two main components to every remote starter mechanism: the control module (also sometimes called the radio receiver) and the remote transmitter. The first element is installed inside the automobile and controls the operations.

With Ford, you have the option to get a long-range key fob for your remote start system. Working up to 1,000 feet away, you can activate the All Perimeter Plus Vehicle Security and Basic Remote Start System with the simple double-push of the circular arrow button.

Need to order a replacement? Get in contact with Ford Parts BC to begin the order process!

Have you ever gotten into your car, put the key in the ignition, turned it, and nothing happened? Everyone has dealt with a dead battery at some point, and it always happens to be when you are in a hurry. Luckily, there are a few maintenance tips that you can follow to make this occur less often.

First, make sure that you drive your vehicle regularly. Do not leave it sitting for weeks. This will cause the battery to go stagnant and fail. If you are traveling for an extended period and don’t have anyone to help, you can disconnect the battery while you are gone.

Another thing to remember is to never run the electrical systems without turning on the engine. That includes the lights, radio, air conditioning, and other mechanisms.

Next, you should clean off any dirt or moisture that gets on the battery. This can cause corrosion or acid leaks. Just use water to wash it off. Also, make sure that the battery is properly secure inside the engine compartment. Any excess vibration can damage the terminals.

Finally, you should swap out the battery every three to four years. This is the average life expectancy. However, it may be shorter if you live in a colder area.

Contact Ford Parts BC to learn more!

Maintaining the braking system of your Ford vehicle is critical. Over time, wear and tear can cause this intricate mechanism to malfunction. This can be potentially deadly. So, here are a few tips to keep your working in tip-top shape.

First, check the brake pads and rotors. These parts are the contact points that stop the tires. Due to frequent friction, they can become worn down quite quickly. If you smell a burning odour or notice a slow response when you step on the brake pedal, these could be indicators that they need to be replaced.

Next, you should routinely flush the brake fluid. Used to transfer pressure from the pedal to the pads/rotors, this liquid is vital to proper function. However, it can cause corrosion. If it becomes milky or cloudy, it needs to be replaced.

Another thing you can do is bleed the brake line. When excess air is stuck, the entire system can begin to deteriorate. You can clear it out after flushing the fluid. Finally, upgrading to slotted disc brakes is a great way to make the system last longer. This version is more resistant to heat. You could also switch to ceramic pads to reduce noise.

Contact Ford Parts BC to order new pieces now!