Did you know that the method you use for filling up your Ford vehicle can help or hurt the overall life expectancy? Surprisingly to some, fuel can make a world of difference with your car, truck, van, or SUV.
The first thing you should always make sure you are doing is to buy fuel at reputable service stations. The fastest way to find out if the location is good or not is to go inside and speak to someone who works there. Ask if the fuel is filtered at the pump. If it is, you should also inquire about how often the filters are changed out. Many places do not even have filters, which can leave you with dirty gasoline that will clog up the mechanisms. Others might not mix the solution properly, or they might add water to it - which is a major no-no.
Another maintenance tip you should follow is to never fill up while the tanker truck is still onsite. As the fuel is being pushed into the underground tanks, the disturbance will stir up sediment. This can cause problems with your vehicle’s filters and fuel injectors and lead to poor performance. Just come back the next day or go to another station.
After you break in a new Ford vehicle, the care should not stop there. Considerate driving will not only prolong the life expectancy of your vehicle, but it will also make you feel better about yourself in the long run.
First, you should never rev your car when you turn on the ignition. This can age your engine prematurely. This is especially true during the winter. Leave the drag racing to the professionals! Also, accelerate slowly when you begin to move. The most wear and tear on a motor happens during the initial 10 to 20 minutes of operation.
Contrary to popular belief, you should not allow your engine to idle to “warm it up†before travel. This can lead to incomplete fuel combustion, oil contamination, soot deposits inside the cylinders, and even damaged elements.
Another great tip is to shift into neutral while you wait at a red light. Avoid driving at high speeds especially in extreme weather, and never hit a pothole or a curb. Finally, consolidate short trips instead of dividing them up throughout the day.
If you have recently purchased a Ford vehicle that has little to no mileage on the odometer, then you may be wondering if there are any tips to breaking the vehicle in. Luckily, there are a few preventative maintenance steps you can take to make the process easy and painless.
First, you must be patient with your model. The goal is to make it last as long as possible after driving off the dealership lot. During the initial 1,600 km (1,000 miles), it is best to keep your top speed under 88 km/h (55 mph). This gives all of the oils and fluid a chance to run through the corresponding systems and lubricate the mechanisms properly.
Next, you should avoid towing trailers or loading up the roof rack. Excess weight can take a toll on the new powertrain. It is better to wait until you break that 1,600 km marker before adding anything extra.
Another tip is not to let the vehicle idle for too long. This prevents oil from getting into every part of the engine, which can be bad. Finally, don’t push the pedal to the metal, Use light to medium acceleration - keeping the RPMs under 3,000.