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.

Would you like to replace some interior features on your car, truck, van, or SUV? Contact the team at Ford Parts BC to get started!

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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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).

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A small, battery-powered motor is responsible for getting the engine of your vehicle going. It is known as the starter system. Also featuring a relay that transmits the energy, both pieces must be functioning properly to turn the automobile on.

If you hear a clicking sound as your turn the key inside the ignition or press the push-start button, the starter may be bad. This is the most common indicator. However, it can also die while in use. If this happens, you will be startled by a grinding noise before the vehicle kicks the bucket.

Another sign that the start needs to be replaced is if you try to turn on the car and only the dashboard lights up. Other issues can conclude smoke coming from short circuits or blown fuses, an oil leak, or no response from the motor after performing a jumpstart.

To make sure that the culprit is the starter, you should first check the battery and its cables. Next, gently tap the starter a few times like you would an old TV. If neither of those things works, put the transmission in neutral and try to turn the engine on. Lastly, make sure that you have fuel in the tank.

Contact Ford Parts BC to get a new starter.

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.

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No matter what type of vehicle you own, it comes with a suspension system. Designed to provide you with a smooth, safe experience on the roads, this intricate mechanism has a lot of moving parts.

In a sense, it is somewhat like a carriage that the body of the automobile sits on. Connected to the wheels, it ensures stability. The following parts are included on most suspensions:

• Spring: These help control the load and height.
• Shocks: Sometimes referred to as dampers, they absorb kinetic energy (bumps).
• Anti-Sway Bar: Combined with the steering unit, it shifts movement to the appropriate wheels.

Most cars have a front and back suspension system. These can be either independent or dependent. Soaking up the energy that gets transferred through the wheels, they keep you and your passengers feeling level even on the worst streets. Maximizing the friction between the tires and the pavement, the handling becomes easier.

It’s also worth noting that the suspension extends the life expectancy of your car, truck, van, or SUV. Durability is improved as well, and it protects other mechanisms from potential damage such as hitting potholes.

Need to replace a piece of your suspension system? Contact the team at Ford Parts BC to find the correct pieces to match your model.

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.

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In most vehicles, there are over 40 components that make up the braking system to enable you to come to a complete halt. One aspect that you might not know about is the brake rotor.

These are circular discs that are connected to each wheel. Two are located in the front, and two more are positioned on the back. Designed to turn kinetic energy (motion) into thermal energy (heat), the brake rotors are a crucial part of the mechanism as a whole.

When you step on the brake pedal, the calipers push the brake pads together. This causes friction across the rotors’ surface which then directly resists the spin that the wheel wants to continue making. As a result, the speed of the vehicle is slowed down until there is no more movement.

There are four types of brake rotors including the following:

1. Blank and Smooth - These are equipped on most passenger models, and they have no design or indentations on the surface.
2. Drilled - This model comes with holes.
3. Slotted - Lines or long/thin slots have been carved into the metal.
4. Drilled and Slotted - Typically used for enhanced performance, this version has both slots and holes.

Contact Ford Parts BC today to find the right brake rotors for your vehicle!