If you have ever needed to pull an attachment of some sort behind your truck or SUV, then you are probably familiar with the tow hitch.
Sometimes referred to as a trailer hitch, this piece connects to the chassis of your vehicle. It can come in several different forms including a ball, bar, or hook. Each one allows for a swiveling action to take place during transportation which enables movement. In other words, it provides flexibility to turn and reverse with a trailer or camper in tow.
Ball mounts are the most popular in Canada. Generally, they are organized into five classifications with varying load limits. They are as follows:
Class I: 910 kg (2,000 lbs)
Class II: 1,600 kg (3,500 lbs)
Class III: 2.300 kg (5,000 lbs)
Class IV: 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs)
Class V: 7,700 kg (17,000 lbs)
To install a ball mount, you will also need a receiver hitch. This is a tube-shaped component that can be bolted or welded to the chassis. The tow hitch will be attached here. A typical unit for Ford models usually measures 5 cm (2-inches) and is forged in one piece. Resistant to corrosion, it will last a lifetime.
There are many components that go into an engine. This means that motor maintenance comes with a lot of tasks to go through on the checklist. However, this handy article should make it easier to understand to properly care for your powertrain.
First, you must check the oil regularly. If the engine is the heart of the vehicle, then the oil is the blood. Lubricating every element to ensure proper function is its main objective. Old, dirty oil can wreak havoc on an engine system.
Next, you should always make sure that your coolant is working well. This will prevent the motor from overheating. Regular tune-ups and routine maintenance should take care of these things.
Aside from the aforementioned duties, there are several other jobs you can do to extend the life expectancy of your engine. They are as follows:
Check the timing belt
Change the air filter
Replace old drive belts
Swap out the spark plugs and wires
Get a new fuel filter
Staying on top of these things will prevent major problems such as engine seizures, misfirings, and even premature wear and tear.
Need to replace a few pieces on your Ford’s engine? Get in contact with the team at Ford Parts BC to start an order now!
First invented in the 1960s, wheel locks are anti-theft devices that are designed to stop people from stealing hubcaps, tires, and any other part of the wheel.
The set typically comes with four lug nuts that are styled to look like the standard units. Sometimes, these are referred to as “hidden†locks. A key is also provided. Crafted with special sockets that perfectly line up with the pattern of the locks, it is used to remove the pieces of the wheel when you need to change a tire. The key can be stored in the glove box or with the spare.
When installing these components, you need to ensure that it is properly torqued. A torque wrench is the best tool for installation. If the piece isn’t put on correctly, it may come loose and give off a rattling sound.
The best part is that wheel locks are impossible to remove without the appropriate key. There isn’t enough space around them for any type of prying tool to fit. So, what happens if you lose the key? You can get a replacement from the manufacturer or dealership.
As a vehicle’s engine runs, fuel is transformed into energy which produces a great deal of heat. To prevent the vehicle's motor from burning up, a cooling system has been added to the mix. This mechanism tones down the temperature and keeps it regulated.
Made up of several parts - including the radiator, hoses, thermostat, and water pump - this features contains a mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water. constantly flowing throughout the system it drops the temperature down to prevent an excessive buildup of heat. If this component is not functioning properly, severe damage can be incurred.
Check your car’s coolant system by performing the following actions:
Drain - Allowing the old fluid to be removed, simple draining will eliminate contaminated liquid and particles.
Check the Thermostat - Aging models will eventually fail. Without a working thermostat, you have no way of knowing how hot the engine is.
Refill - If the component is low on fluid, topping it off could be the solution.
Run a System Analysis - If you did the two things listed above and there is still an issue, you will need to have a mechanic run a total system analysis to identify the source of the problem.
The heart of every vehicle on the road is its engine. Responsible for transforming fuel into energy to move the automobile and provide power to all of the functioning mechanics, the motor is made up of several intricate parts. All of these need to be working in unison to complete the task at hand.
The main components include the block, head, valves, cams, crank, rods, pistons, intake/exhaust systems, and ignition.
First, the block is a large chunk of metal found on the centre section of the engine bay. It has circular holes (cylinder bores) for the piston to move through and several wires and tubes are attached here as well. The head - which is usually crafted from aluminum - is also located here. It houses spark plugs, valves, springs, camshafts, and retainers.
Next, the valves are pieces of the intake and exhaust systems. They look like golf tees, and they serve as doorways for inching fuel/air and outgoing gases. Then, there is the crank. Its job is to move the pistons up and down.
These pistons are secured to a connecting rod that links them to the crankshaft. Finally, the ignition is an electronic component that causes the air/fuel mixture inside the engine to combust.
For every Ford vehicle, there are three main components to a wheel. Although these sets vary in size and style, they all perform the same function. That is enabling the car, truck, van, or SUV to move from one place to another.
The first part of the wheel is the tire. Crafted from strips of rubber, these provide traction and grip of different degrees. This mainly depends on the type of tire you have. These can include all-season (the most popular), performance, off-roading, and more.
Next is the rim. Serving as the skeleton of the wheel, this is what the tire is wrapped around. Base trim levels typically come with steel models, and higher versions are usually crafted out of aluminum or alloy. Different finishes are available including plastic protective covers, shiny chrome, and so much more.
Finally, the hub is the centre cap of the wheel that attaches the rim to the axle, rotors, calipers, and brake pads. In the middle section, you will find five bolts along with lug nuts that keep everything together.
Do you need replacement elements for your set of wheels? Get in touch with the experts at Ford Parts BC to start an order.
If you have recently purchased a new Ford vehicle, then you may be wondering how to treat it in the beginning. With so many parts working together to reach optimum performance, being gentle with your ride can help lengthen the lifespan of the automobile.
Known as the “break-in periodâ€, you need to adopt certain driving techniques, precautions, and maintenance tasks. Your owner’s manual will have the specifics, but most models will need the first oil change after 80 to 804 km (50 to 500 miles). After that, you can adjust this to 8,046 km (5,000 miles).
Another tip is to keep the revs under 3,000 rpm. This is mainly due to the piston rings. They need to interlock with the cylinder bores to prevent oil leaks. By revving the motor too much, you can mess up the syncing process.
Finally, the last maintenance tip for your new Ford is to keep your average speed between 48 and 80 km/h *30 to 50 mph). While this step may be easy to forget, especially if you just purchased a racetrack legend like the Ford Mustang, it allows the mechanisms to pair with each other without difficulty.
Need replacement parts? Contact the team at Ford Parts BC right now!
No matter how old your vehicle is, regulating checking your wheels and tires can save you a lot of money down the road. An imbalance can cause your car to overturn at high speeds, so making it a priority is a must.
First, you need to check the air pressure. Under-inflated tires can lead to poor fuel efficiency, rough handling, and even a blow-out. The owner’s manual will tell you what the safe range should be.
Next, you should take a peek at the tread depth. This is the imprinted pattern on the tires that leaves marks in the mud. Worn down tread can reduce the overall traction, which can cause issues when stopping or traveling over various types of terrain. You also need to look for any tears, cracks, bulges, or wedged objects.
As for other maintenance, rotations and alignments should be performed every 8,046 to 12,847 km (5,000 to 8,000 miles). Never overload the vehicle with too much weight, and replace any worn-down tires immediately. Your set should always be matching, and the spare should also be inspected regularly.
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.
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.
Need new pieces for your Ford? Get in touch with Ford Parts BC to place an order now!