Ford Seasonal Maintenance Guide – Maximize Car Longevity

All Ford drivers understand that maintenance is essential to keep their car running smoothly. However, seasonal car maintenance is also important. Seasonal maintenance refers to a type of service that’s tailored to the needs of your car based on the time of year and climate conditions.

The state of Georgia has four distinct seasons. This means your Ford may require seasonal maintenance to perform at its best during spring, summer, fall, or winter. The team at Riverside Ford put together this guide to explain how seasonal maintenance works.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklists

Here’s a quick checklist of what kind of maintenance your Ford may need according to the seasons:

Spring Ford Maintenance

As spring rolls around, your Ford may need a refresh following a cold winter to prepare for the warmer weather ahead. Tasks include:

• Inspect and replace wipers: Harsh winters can wear out your windshield wipers. Check your wipers for issues like unusual noises or streaks and replace them if needed.
• Clean undercarriage: Salt can build up under your vehicle and cause rust or corrosion in the winter. A professional undercarriage cleaning and rust check can help protect your vehicle.
• Check tire pressure and alignment: It’s not uncommon for cold snaps to make their appearance fast and without warning. Those sudden changes in temperature affect your tire pressure and alignment, ultimately causing uneven wear.

Summer Ford Maintenance

In the summer, temperatures normally go up. While you might relish the sunshine and pool days, your Ford vehicle might not. To keep your Ford primed and ready to go, you can:

• Inspect and rechargethe air-conditioning system: To keep you and your vehicle cool during the scorching summer heat, inspect and recharge your air-conditioning system. This may include topping up the refrigerant or replacing the filter.
• Examine coolant and radiator levels: Your Ford’s cooling system may need help to prevent overheating during the hot Georgia summers. Our maintenance technicians can check your vehicle’s coolant levels, inspect the radiator for leaks, and replace or top up fluids to keep your engine cool.
• Test battery health: Summer heat can impact your battery’s life span. Regularly test your battery and replace it if necessary.

Fall Ford Maintenance Tips

Falling leaves and cooler weather may lead to unpredictable road conditions. Here’s how to prepare your Ford for the fall season:

• Check heating system functionality: Inspect your heating system for any issues before temperatures drop. Update or repair it as needed to make sure you stay warm on the road.
• Examine the brake system and replace worn components: Falling leaves and rainy weather can lead to slippery roads. Check your brakes and replace worn components to make sure you stay safe on the road.
• Inspect and clean light fixtures: Fall means shorter days and longer nights, so your car’s lights are critical to maintain visibility. Check and replace your Ford’s lights to ensure the road is well-lit while you’re driving.

Winter Ford Maintenance Tips

Cold snaps can be tough on your vehicle. Here’s how you can keep your vehicle healthy during the winter months:

• Switch to winter tires if necessary: If the area where you live experiences a lot of ice and snow, it may be worth updating your tires to winter ones to provide more traction and grip on the road.
• Check antifreeze and oil viscosity: Plummeting temperatures may freeze your engine and thicken the oil. Protect your engine with antifreeze and replace your oil with a winter-grade oil to help your engine perform well on icy roads.
• Ensure defrosters and heaters function properly: Make sure your Ford’s defrosters and heaters work properly so that you can have a clear view of the road ahead and stay warm while driving in winter.

Scheduling and Tracking Your Ford Car Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps to prevent costly repairs down the road while helping to maintain your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. A good rule of thumb to follow is to bring your Ford in for routine maintenance every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or every three to four months for seasonal maintenance. You can make appointments and keep track of your maintenance schedules with the FordPass app.

DIY vs. Professional Maintenance: Making the Right Choice

We always suggest getting professional help to keep your car in good repair, but there are some things you can do yourself that are safe. These include monitoring the pressure in your tires, changing your windshield wipers, washer fluid, and cabin air filter.

But we strongly suggest that you let our Ford-certified specialists handle more complicated maintenance procedures. When you send your Ford for servicing with us, we guarantee that our technicians will only use genuine Ford parts to update or fix your vehicle. These visits also help to keep your Ford’s maintenance history documented so your warranty stays intact. Some of the services we provide include brake and battery inspections, oil and engine changes, and more.

Ford-Specific Maintenance Features and Services

Owning a Ford comes with several benefits. If you’re too busy to bring your vehicle in to us, we can personally pick your Ford up and return it to your specified collection point once we’re done with the service. For added convenience, our technicians can travel to you for routine maintenance tasks such as battery replacements or oil changes.

Our [price match guarantee]() ensures that you always enjoy the best prices on your Ford tires. We’ll match any tire price from selected major brands if you can find a lower price within 30 days. Our various plans and deductible options cover unexpected vehicle repair costs after your limited warranty expires.

Schedule Your Ford Servicing With Us Today

Is your Ford ready for seasonal maintenance or servicing? Visit our dealership and speak to our team to find out more, or contact us for an appointment today.

Grey Ford Focus Hatchback by Mike Bird is licensed with Pexels License