Ford Vehicle Service Information In Penticton BC
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Have you ever pulled out of your driveway only to find a puddle of liquid under your vehicle? It can be pretty alarming when this happens, especially since it's hard to know where the fluid is coming from.Thankfully, there are a few ways to diagnose a leak using your eyes and nose. Here are six tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford's Service Department:
1. Clear liquid: Condensation on the AC condenser is normal, especially in hot weather, and not a cause for concern.Â
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2. Blue liquid: It's normal to spill when filling the washer fluid reservoir. However, if you haven't topped it up recently, check the connections to the reservoir for leaks and tighten the cap.
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3. Pink or reddish liquid: This could be a sign of a steering or transmission fluid leak – both of which need to be addressed by a Technician. If it smells like burnt oil or the dipstick shows a low register of oil, it's likely the power steering fluid, but it could be the transmission fluid if the leak is near the car's centre.Â
4. Bright yellow, green or orange liquid: Anti-freeze is usually one of these colours and has a viscosity similar to water. It smells sweet, like syrup, and is highly toxic.
5. Clear or amber liquid: Brake fluid leaks will cause fluid to drip inside the rims and down the tires. This liquid is very corrosive and can damage the finishes on your vehicle.
6. Amber or dark brown liquid: Oil is a common leak characterized by a thick, greasy fluid that can be confirmed by checking the dipstick to match the colour and smell.Â
Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid leaks and ensure your vehicle's components and systems operate optimally. To give your Ford the care it deserves this winter, schedule a service appointment with Skaha Ford in BC.
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With winter here, we all want to spend time indoors away from the cold. But our vehicles still need TLC to keep them running in optimal condition. If you’ve been putting off your oil change, don’t push it off any longer. Schedule an appointment with our Service Department at Skaha Ford in BC.Cold weather can cause serious wear and tear on your Ford, especially if you don’t have the right motor oil running through your vehicle. Synthetic oil is the recommended choice in the wintertime since this oil flows better in cold temperatures compared to conventional. It also does not destabilize during temperature swings or evaporate in high heat once the engine is running.
Your Ford’s Owner Manual outlines the timing of basic maintenance services, including oil changes, or if your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Oil Life Monitor (IOLM), it will alert you when you are due. Either way, don’t delay this important service. This can lead to poor fuel economy, expensive repairs or a full engine replacement. Â
Contact our team at Skaha Ford in BC and inquire about The Works. We’ll give your vehicle a full inspection and an oil change to ensure its performance all winter long.Â
Book an appointment today!
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The vibration is persistent – it shakes you to your core as it travels through the driver’s seat and the floorboard. As your hands clutch the steering wheel of your Ford, your knuckles grow whiter with each tremor. Every high-speed adventure leaves you feeling weak in the knees.The time has come for a wheel balancing at Skaha Ford in BC.
Wheel balancing is an important automotive service that evenly distributes the weight around the entire circumference of the tire. Everyday wear and tear contributes to a tire imbalance – and the only way to correct the issue is with a wheel balancing service. Failure to do so will result in uncomfortable vibrations, wobbling, hopping and premature tire wear.
To ensure precisely equal weight distribution throughout the tires, our technicians use a specialized balancing machine, which takes measurements to pinpoint lighter and heavier areas that contribute to an imbalance. Small wheel weights are added to the rim to account for any weight differences.
Don’t suffer through a wobbly ride. Book a wheel balancing appointment today at Skaha Ford’s Service Department in Penticton.
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Windshield wipers take a beating in the winter with regular ice build-up, grimy road splatter and frequent swiping against the glass. Over time, the rubber and blades can deteriorate and perform poorly, reducing visibility on BC roads.Ensure your safety this winter by maintaining your wiper blades with these tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford’s Service Department:
1. Regularly inspect and clean the wipers: Look for signs of wear, like deteriorated rubber, rips and tears, and replace when required.
2. Top up the reservoir: Inspect the washer fluid level frequently and refill when necessary for effective wiper blade performance and to avoid scratches on the glass.
3. Turn off the wiper blade system: Preserve the life of the rubber by shutting off the wipers so that they don’t activate on the dry glass when the vehicle is turned on.
4. Clear ice and snow before turning on the wipers: Never use the wiper blades as a snow brush, as it can burn out the motor or cause the blades to arc.Â
5. Watch for signs of wear: When wipers leave a film on the glass, skip across the windshield or chatter and make noise, replace the worn blades with a fresh set.Â
Our Service Department recommends replacing wiper blades every six months. Schedule your appointment today with Skaha Ford in BC.
BC’s cold winter weather can put a strain on your Ford, including the fuel system, which is why it’s important to use recommended additives for your vehicle. Not sure what fuel additives are and the various types available? Read on to learn more from our factory-trained Technicians at Skaha Ford.What Are Fuel Additives?
There are primarily two types of fuel additives: enhancers and stabilizers. Enhancers improve the capability of a vehicle’s engine while it’s in use, while stabilizers maintain the condition of the fuel while being stored for an extended period.
Types of Additives
There are four main types of fuel additives:
1. Fuel Injector Cleaners: Fuel injectors can get gummed up, causing sluggish acceleration and decreased performance. These cleaners contain detergents to clear out the system for smoother operation.
2. Octane Boosters: Octane creates a stable environment in fuel for combustion to occur. When adding a booster, the fuel achieves a higher compression ratio and better vehicle performance.
3. Fuel Stabilizers: If you store your Mustang over the winter, adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank will prevent the gas from breaking down over time and ensure easier starts come spring.
4. Anti-Gel Diesel Additives: Diesel fuels can gel at colder temperatures, causing blockages in the filter, hard starts and engine damage. Anti-gel additives prevent cold filter plugging in diesel fuels and are a must-have for any Ford Power Stroke diesel engine.
Need help finding additives for your car, SUV or truck? Contact our Service Department at Skaha Ford in BC to speak with an advisor.
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As we head into the deep cold winter months, now is the time to ensure that your Ford's heating system is in tip-top shape – after all, you don't want to catch a chill on your holiday road trip.To keep you nice and toasty warm this winter, here are some heating system maintenance tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford's Service Department in BC:
Check the blower
Check the blower motor and fan if your vehicle is not generating warm air. The fan controls the speed at which the warm air comes out. If the air isn't blowing strong or warm enough, it's time for an inspection.
Replace the cabin air filter
When a cabin air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust, debris or bugs, warm air cannot flow through the vents. Regularly changing this filter will keep your cabin air cleaner and allow the heating system to work more efficiently.
Clear the air intake
Your heater can be affected when leaves, snow or ice block the air intake, which is the vented area between the hood and windshield on the exterior. Cleaning any clogs or obstructions can significantly improve the heating system in your car or truck.
Check vents for vacuum leaks
The vacuum system pulls and moves air to the feet, vents or defrosters. It also mixes hot and cold air to create the desired cabin air temperature. Check every vent to make sure that air comes out as required. If not, you may have a vacuum system leak, which will require a service visit.
Check your coolant system
If your heater is not working and the coolant level in your vehicle is unusually low, have the system inspected for a leak.
Questions or concerns about your vehicle's heating system? Get in touch with our Service Department at Skaha Ford in BC.
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Winter's cold temps and constant freezing and thawing cycles create challenging conditions for drivers in BC. Potholes, cracks and other road imperfections contribute to a bumpy ride and create wear and tear to the suspension system, causing it to fall out of alignment.If you are unsure if your vehicle needs an alignment service, use these tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford:
Irregular tire wear: One of the biggest indicators of poor alignment is noticeable tire wear. Look for cupping, scalloping or feathering on the inner and outer edges of the rubber.
Off-centred steering: An easy way to test this is to drive on a level surface and see if the steering wheel returns to the centre after each turn. You also want the steering wheel to sit as level as possible.
Vehicle pull: This is most noticeable while driving on a flat surface. If your steering wheel is centred, but you find the vehicle drifting to the left or right, your car or truck needs an alignment adjustment.
Improper alignment not only alters your drivability but accelerates tire wear and impacts safety. Contact our Service Department at Skaha Ford in BC to book a suspension inspection today.
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Winter has arrived in BC – but it is never too late to get your Ford ready for the long months of cold temperatures, snow and ice. Just like we prepare our bodies to ward off cold and flu season, cars and trucks need extra care and attention too.To keep your vehicle in top shape this winter, follow these helpful tips from our Technicians at Skaha Ford:
Winter Tires
When the temperature drops below 7-degrees Celsius, you will want to install winter tires on your vehicle. Unlike all-season tires, the rubber compounds in winter tires provide better traction, braking and control as the temperature falls. If you do not have winter tires, our Service Department can recommend and install the best set for your Ford.
Oil
The consistency of engine oil changes when temperatures fall below freezing. In many cases, it will thicken, making it more difficult for the cold oil to pass through the engine. Switch to a thinner, less viscous oil, like a 5W-30.
Coolant
Your car's coolant system is not only intended to keep your engine from overheating, but it is also responsible for protecting your engine against corrosion. During the winter, use a coolant with ethylene glycol to prevent freezing.
Battery
Summer heat can strain a battery, causing it to fail when the temperature dips closer to zero. Have your battery, cables, and terminals inspected for any signs of wear, like cracks, breaks or corrosion, to ensure you are not left stranded.
Belts and Hoses
Freezing temps can cause belts and hoses to become brittle and hard. Have these parts inspected regularly to avoid failure due to cold weather.
To learn more about preparing your car or truck for harsh winter weather, contact our Service Department at Skaha Ford in BC to book an appointment.
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Winter is heading to BC, and with it comes long hours of darkness, icy roads and plummeting temperatures. Your Ford is engineered to weather these elements. But even with proper care and maintenance, components will need extra attention. To ensure your vehicle’s performance during the colder months, have your battery inspected at Skaha Ford’s Service Department.Drivers often think that winter is to blame for poor battery performance – and while it can contribute to it, lack of care is usually the culprit. Summer’s high temperatures can weaken your Ford’s battery, causing it to fail during dropping temps. Regular inspections and volt tests can detect a deteriorating power source, allowing you to proactively replace the battery before it fails.
Aside from inspections, there are other warning signs that you should watch for, like dim interior and exterior lights, an illuminated check engine or battery warning, or vehicle accessories that won’t operate. If you notice any of these concerns, book your Ford in for service where our team of factory-trained Technicians can inspect your battery and recommend a replacement, should you need one.
To learn more about winter battery care, call our Service Department at Skaha Ford in BC to speak with an Advisor.
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Windshield wiper blades are an important safety component on your Ford car or truck, but many drivers fail to replace them often enough. Just like your tires, wiper blades are made of rubber compounds that can become hard and brittle as they deteriorate. With winter’s arrival around the corner, now is a great time to install a fresh set of blades on your vehicle from Skaha Ford’s Service Department.Generally, you should replace your wiper blades every six months or when you notice any of these warning signs:
• Chattering or squeaking
• Banding or streaking
• Beading of fine water droplets
• Haze or oily build-up
• Cracked, split or hard rubber
• Pitting, scarring or decolourization
• Bent or damaged frames
• Yellow wear indicator
A new set of blades will ensure greater visibility in wintery, wet conditions and better performance of your Ford’s windshield wipers.
To learn more, stop into Skaha Ford’s Service Department for an inspection. If your wiper blades are due for replacement, we can recommend and install the right set for your car, truck or SUV. Book an appointment today in BC!
