4 Services Offered by Your Local Ford Dealer in Lanham, MD

Owning a car is about more than just the joy of driving: it's also about taking pride in the care of your vehicle. You must check tire pressure regularly, perform regular oil changes, regularly clean and detail your car, and maintain proper wheel alignment to enjoy a comfortable, worry-free driving experience in your Ford. Ways to Maintain Your Ford Vehicle's Performance Properly maintaining your vehicle may seem overwhelming, but there are a few simple things that you can do to be sure that your Ford stays in great ​shape. By performing regular, scheduled maintenance and keeping your car clean and in good repair, you should have a reliable ride for years to come. more Check Tire Pressure Regularly One of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks you can perform is checking the tire pressure regularly. Properly inflated tires enhance your vehicle's handling and performance and improve fuel efficiency. Invest in a good quality tire pressure gauge and check the pressure at least once a month or before long drives. You can find the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or inside the driver's door jamb. Remember also to check the spare tire, as it can come in handy in emergencies. Perform Regular Oil Changes Regular oil changes are vital to keep your Ford's engine running smoothly. Engine oil prevents overheating by lubricating the engine's moving parts and reducing friction. Over time, oil can become contaminated and lose effectiveness, so changing your oil at the recommended intervals is crucial. Typically, this is around every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, but you can consult your mechanic about your specific vehicle's needs. Regularly Clean and Detail Your Vehicle Giving your Ford regular cleaning and detailing keeps it looking great and helps protect it, inside and out. Wash your car regularly, especially during the winter when road salt and grime accumulate. Use gentle car wash soap, microfiber cloths, and a soft-bristled brush to clean the exterior. Don't forget about the interior! Vacuum the seats and carpets, wipe down surfaces, and use special products to protect leather or vinyl. Maintain Proper Wheel Alignment Misaligned wheels can cause your tires to wear unevenly, reducing handling and decreasing fuel efficiency. Schedule an alignment to ensure that all four wheels are properly aligned. Some signs of misalignment may include the vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a vibrating steering wheel. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to have your tires checked by a professional. By investing a little time and effort into regular maintenance tasks, you can help extend the life of your Ford, ensure your safety on the road, and enjoy a smoother, more efficient driving experience. Need a little help maintaining your vehicle? Come down to DARCARS Ford of Lanham, where we have everything you need to service your vehicle!

Your brake system is a vital component to the on-road safety of your vehicle, so it's essential to make sure your brakes are always in good condition. If your brakes have too much wear and tear or are not performing correctly, you may not be able to bring your car to an emergency stop in time. Learn everything you need to know about Ford brake maintenance before you visit your local dealership. How to Maintain Your Vehicle’s Brakes Routine brake service is typically performed once a year to help identify wear and tear damage to the brake system. Specifically, Ford mechanics can check the thickness of your brake pads, the condition of brake rotors, and the level of brake fluid. All three of these components must be in good condition in order for your vehicle to operate safely on the road. In general, brake pads and rotors can typically last for a couple of years before they need to be replaced. Similarly, brake fluid usually only needs to be replaced every two years, unless there is an obvious leak. By keeping up with these routine brake services, you can help prevent major damage to the brake system and help avoid costly repairs. more Signs Your Brakes Are Failing There are a few things that can indicate a poorly functioning brake system, like the feel of a soft brake. A soft or spongy brake pedal may be caused by air in the brake line or it could mean that your vehicle has low brake fluid. Brakes that vibrate or squeal when applied can also be a sign of a failing brake system, typically caused by worn-down brake pads or rotors. To help prevent brake damage or excessive wear and tear, it's best to avoid driving habits that can stress your brake system. Constantly riding your brakes, hauling a load too heavy for your vehicle, or driving aggressively can all contribute to wearing down your brake system. Ask Your Ford Dealer in Lanham, MD About Ford Service Offers You can help cut down on the cost of routine Ford service by taking advantage of the limited-time Ford service and parts specials available at our dealership. Before heading in for your next maintenance appointment, see what kind of saving options are available in our current repair and service offers. Routine brake inspection and other services can help your Ford perform safely on the road. Get in touch with DARCARS Ford of Lanham to schedule brake service today.

If you want to keep your Ford running smoothly in the future, you can work with a technician to create a comprehensive maintenance plan. Your Ford maintenance schedule will help keep your car in excellent condition no matter how much you drive. If you'd like to set up a servicing schedule today, we'd be happy to create one that works with your busy life. Services to Check Regularly for Your Ford It’s important to keep your tires at the PSI level that’s listed in your owner's manual. Check tire pressure monthly, and also search each tire for signs of damage. Once a month, it’s a good idea to check the level and condition of your car's fluids, including the brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, motor oil, power steering fluid, differential fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. It’s better for your car if these fluids are not leaking.  If there are issues with your fluids, top them up or flush them if necessary. more Check your owner’s manual for recommendations on oil changes, as well as when your car’s tires should be rotated. Have a technician inspect your brakes routinely as well. With a brake check, they should remove and examine each component while checking for brake fluid leaks. All belts and hoses in your car should also be inspected on a regular basis for signs of fraying, loosening, or leaking. Ask a technician about when a good time for maintenance on spark plugs is. Have them check the ignition coils, fuel injectors, and other components. These parts can be examined, tested, and replaced if necessary. In some cases, the cabin air filter and windshield wipers will need to be replaced once a year. Also have your headlights, taillights, and external lights checked yearly, along with the battery and other parts of the electrical system. The exhaust should be examined each year. In the longer term, your transmission and coolant will need to be serviced. The timing belt and drive belt will eventually need to be replaced, although these belts can last for a number of years. Have Ford Service Questions in Lanham, MD? When to get your Ford serviced can vary depending on a number of things. Our certified Ford technicians can set up a service schedule that works well for you and your car. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today so our experienced technicians can help.