Your Ford’s braking system uses friction to stop your vehicle. When you push the brake pedal, the pads inside the callipers press against the rotor to slow you down. Think about how many times you activate your brakes in a single commute to work. Now magnify that over a year – that’s a lot of friction. Our team at Skaha Ford in BC is here to help.
When your brakes wear down over time, you might feel the steering wheel shudder, hear grinding and squealing, or notice that your brake pedal feels squishy or sponge-like. You might also smell a strange odour or see an illuminated warning light on your dash. No matter the warning sign, all points lead to needing a brake inspection.
Naturally, you never want to get to this point – it’s better to be proactive with your Ford’s maintenance. Routine inspections can help ward off more costly repairs and identify wear sooner. During your service visit, our Technicians will check for pad wear, rough spots on the rotors, and signs of damage. We can also review your driving habits and service intervals to ensure your vehicle stays running in top condition for your safety and overall enjoyment.
Keep your Ford car or truck operating at its best. To book a brake inspection, contact our Service Department in Penticton at Skaha Ford.
On June 17, 45 vehicles will take to the road at Area 27 Motorsports Park. The participants can pre-register for this special Track Day through the host, Skaha Ford.Â
If you are one of those taking part in this unique event, what can you do to prepare your vehicle for the 4.83-km course? General maintenance and an engine tune-up from a service centre can be a good place to start, but you should also make certain that your brakes are ready.Â
Brake pads are the most common components needing replacement. When new, they are between 8 and 12 mm thick. However, with use, they become thinner. If they get to 3 to 4 mm, it is time for new units. You may also hear squeaking or grinding or notice that the vehicle is less responsive during stopping.Â
To make an appointment for a brake check or to learn more about Track Day, contact our BC, Canada dealership and service centre today. Â
Cabin air filters stop contaminants from getting into the interior of a car. Typically, these rectangular components are embedded behind the glove box in the front of a vehicle.Â
Filters are a mixture of paper and cotton materials, and they have pleats to maximize the surface area to catch more particles. Since they absorb dust and other elements, they eventually get clogged. When this happens, you need to replace them.Â
Different manufacturers and models have recommended intervals for replacing cabin filters. The timeframe can be anywhere from 25,000-50,000 KM. It can also depend on where you drive. If you live in a dusty or polluted area, you may need to replace your filter annually.
You should also watch for tell-tale signs of a clogged cabin filter, such as weak airflow, excessive noise when the air conditioner is running, and a musty odour.
You can also ask the technician to check the cabin filter when you come in to our BC service centre for maintenance. Contact us to make an appointment today.Â
Skaha Ford is partnering with Area 27 Motorsports Park to bring you Track Day. The event will allow drivers to test their vehicles and skills against a challenging 4.83-kilometre race course.
Track Day, which is open to a maximum of 45 participants, is on June 16, starting at 8 am. Â
How can drivers prepare their vehicles for this special event?Â
In addition to a regular tune-up and fluid inspection, you may want to consider focusing on your wheels. An alignment check is not only good for daily driving (and improving efficiency), it also ensures accurate steering, which is vital when taking on racetrack curves.Â
You might also want to get a tire inspection ahead of Track Day. Under or over-inflation can negatively affect handling, while excess tread wear can cause you to lose grip during aggressive manoeuvres.Â
You can contact our BC service centre to schedule a tune-up and have your wheels aligned before Track Day.
Skaha Ford presents Track Day at the Area 27 Motorsports Park on June 16, 2021. 45 drivers will be able to take on the 4.83 km course in their vehicle.
To prepare for this special event, motorists should ensure that their cars are in perfect working order. You can visit our service centre for a multi-point inspection and engine tune-up.
What exactly happens during such a visit?Â
A technician looks at the different components of the powertrain, including spark plugs, hoses, belts, rotors, valves, and filters. They will measure and top off all fluids and clean or replace pieces if needed. The process often includes both a visual inspection and a digital check using the onboard computer.
Since happenings like Track Day are rare, you will want to take full advantage by ensuring that your vehicle works perfectly. Contact us to inquire about the event, and then visit our service centre for a complete tune-up.
Most drivers know about changing motor oil, but there are other automotive fluids and lubricants you need to be aware of when performing or scheduling maintenance on your vehicle.Â
Power Steering Fluid
One of the most important fluids lubricates the power steering system in your vehicle. If it gets low or contaminated, you may notice that it becomes more challenging to turn the wheel. You can check the levels at any time with the manufacturer-provided dipstick, much like you would measure regular motor oil.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid lubricates your gears and facilitates smooth shifting. You can read your owner’s manual to find the reservoir in your vehicle. Technicians typically recommend that you have the levels and clarity checked professionally between 50,000 to 100,000 km.Â
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid ensures smooth stopping. If it gets low, the hydraulics in the system will cease responding immediately when you press the pedal. You should check this vital lubricant (and replace it if necessary) every 30,000 km or two years, whichever comes first.
If you think you need an oil change or fluid check, contact our BC, Canada service centre today.
During Track Day, on June 16, select members of the public can bring their vehicles to BC's Area 27 Motorsports Park. Skaha Ford customers can reserve one of the 45 available spots for this special event. Then, they can head to the service centre to get a tune-up so that their car performs its best on the course.
What maintenance tasks should you consider ahead of Track Day?Â
A technician can inspect your vehicle and tell you exactly what you need to do to maximise performance. They can ensure proper lubricant levels for the engine, transmission, and brakes. Also, a good mechanic will look at more-specialised elements, such as the oxygen sensor and fuel filter.Â
You also may wish to be certain that your tires have enough tread to work at their best. Regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating and aligning wheels, adjusting air pressure, and checking brake pads can go a long way toward ensuring optimal performance.Â
To find out about Track Day or to schedule a maintenance appointment with our auto technicians, contact Skaha Ford today.
If you value safety and performance, you want to be sure that your wheels are in good condition. Most tires will last for between five and 10 years, depending on usage. However, there are also some signs you can look for to tell when it is time to visit a service centre to make an upgrade.Â
First, most new tires have tread bars running across the grooves. These lines shouldn’t be visible when the rubber is new. However, as the wheels wear out, they will appear and serve as a signal to start considering new units.Â
In terms of measurement, when a tread reaches 3.17 mm or less in depth, it is time for replacement. To test this, you can insert a nickel in the groove with the Queen’s head facing down. If the top of her crown is visible, you should go to a service centre for a professional inspection.Â
If you need new tires or want a pro to look at your current wheels, contact our BC, Canada service centre today.
The battery is an essential part of every vehicle. You cannot start your car or truck without a properly functioning one.Â
As these components age, they become less reliable. If you want to avoid getting stranded or having to jumpstart your car often, you need to replace the unit before it gets too old. When is the best time to make such as change?Â
Most batteries last for three to five years. As they reach this age range, you may notice your auto hesitate when starting, corrosion around the connectors, or dimmer-than-normal interior lights.Â
Also, many vehicles, including Fords, have an icon on the dash that illuminates if the onboard system detects electrical issues. This light is a signal to have a trusted service centre technician test the battery during your next maintenance appointment.Â
If you need a new battery, you can schedule a visit at our BC service centre. We can let you know if it is actually time for an upgrade and handle the replacement installation for you.
Tire rotation is a car maintenance procedure that entails changing the position of the wheels on a vehicle. But why is it so important?
As each wheel on your automobile has different responsibilities, individual tires will take on varying degrees of wear. For example, those at the front of a FWD vehicle absorb more torque and drag when braking and accelerating. Eventually, this can create an imbalance, which can lead to a compromised car performance.
Most auto manufacturers suggest that vehicles get a rotation every 5,000 miles. This will overall improve its general safety and handling, most noticeably with braking and cornering. New tires especially need to be regularly serviced, as fresh treads are more vulnerable to irregular wear.
If you think your vehicle’s tires need to be rotated, get in touch with our team at Skaha Ford in Penticton, BC. We will be happy to assist you with any of your car maintenance needs.