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Ford maintenance is crucial to helping your car last longer and provide a smooth ride. Everything from sticking to the service schedule to keeping your car clean adds up to a vehicle you can be proud of. Here is a long list of things you can do to maintain your car, courtesy of your local Ford dealer in Lanham, MD. Follow the Service Schedule for Oil Changes If you want to make sure your Ford stays in good condition long-term, one of the best things to do is be sure you never miss an oil change. Our experts recommend sticking to Ford's guidelines for oil changes, usually every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. more Prioritize Brake System Maintenance Underperforming brakes are a serious hazard. Pay close attention to any changes in noises or stopping power when you apply the brake. These symptoms might point to worn brake pads or discs. Don't Forget Battery Care Your car's battery won't last forever, only about three to five years. Check on your battery regularly, looking for obvious signs of trouble like corrosion, leaks, or a swollen battery case. If your car is having a hard time starting or your battery is getting old, it's a good idea to have it tested. Perform Fluid Level Checks Oil isn't the only fluid your car needs to run correctly. Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all need to be topped up or replaced over time. Replace Your Filters Engine and cabin air filters help prevent contaminants from entering the engine and interior of your car. Over time, filters become clogged, reducing airflow and affecting your car's performance. Get Regular Inspections Routine inspections are vital for catching any potential issues before they escalate into expensive repairs. Regular checks by our professionals can help identify wear and tear or damage that may not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye. Keep It Clean Regular washing and waxing help protect the paintwork and undercarriage of your car, helping to prevent rust and corrosion. Keeping your interior clean makes driving your car more pleasant and helps preserve its resale value. Drive Responsibly Aggressive driving, like rapid acceleration and hard braking, stresses your engine, brakes, and tires unnecessarily. Adopting a smoother driving style can help extend the lifespan of your car. Get Professional Ford Maintenance at Your Ford Dealer in Lanham, MD While there are many things you can do personally for your car, there's no substitute for professional servicing. Our certified Ford technicians have the expertise, tools, and genuine parts to keep your vehicle in top condition. Investing time and care into your Ford is an investment in its future, ensuring it stays with you for many miles to come. If you're ready to take care of your Ford, call to book an appointment or schedule one online with DARCARS Ford of Lanham today.

Investing in a Ford Protection Plan will help give you extra peace of mind and safeguard your budget even after the warranty runs out. The Ford Maintenance Protection Plan, Ford Protect Extended Service Plan, Ford PremiumCARE Extended Service Plan, and the Ford Maintenance Protection Plan with WearCare are all designed to help ensure that your car and bank balance stay in the best shape. What Protection Plans Does Ford Offer? The Ford Maintenance Protection Plan The Maintenance Protection Plan is designed to keep your car in tip-top condition and run smoothly throughout its life. Great maintenance should help ensure that the resale value remains high, so it's one of the best ways to optimize your investment. You can choose the extent of your coverage, from two to eight years, and will be covered for: more • Brake pads, linings, and rotors • Oil changes and filters • Tire rotations • Engine belts • Spark plugs • Wiper blades • Shock absorbers Your car will also receive multipoint inspections, and fluids will be checked, replaced, and refilled. All Ford dealers in the US cover the plan, and you're guaranteed Ford-approved parts and service. The Ford Protect Extended Service Plan An Extended Service Plan covers the cost of parts that need replacing through defects or just normal wear and tear. Coverage comes in four tiers: • PremiumCARE • ExtraCARE • BaseCARE • PowertrainCARE Depending on the tier, these plans can provide coverage for the replacement of hundreds or even thousands of components. Electric vehicle drivers can access the PremiumCARE, ExtraCARE, and BaseCARE packages. The Ford PremiumCARE Extended Service Plan The PremiumCARE package is the most popular and comprehensive of the Extended Service Plans. It covers any necessary replacement parts for the engine, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, transmission, and steering and will help protect you from unexpected expense for 10 years, or 170,000 miles. In total, over 1,000 components are included in the PremiumCARE package. The Ford Maintenance Protection Plan with WearCare No matter how carefully you drive, it's impossible to guarantee that your car won't suffer small amounts of damage and wear. For more general protection with a lease, the WearCare plan provides coverage for a certain amount of normal wear and tear that might occur for the duration of your lease. It's available for up to 48 months and will cover missing parts of up to a certain value. Please check your Lanham Ford dealership for additional details. Ford Protect offers numerous other packages that can be tailored to meet your needs and budget, including TheftCARE, WindshieldCARE, and DentCARE, so you're guaranteed to find just the right level of coverage to provide you with both a car that runs perfectly and complete peace of mind. To learn more, stop by and see us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham, speak to our experts at our Ford Service Center, and discuss your precise needs.

Brake pads are critical components in your car's braking system. When you step on the brake pedal, the pads create friction when pressed against the rotors to slow your car down and bring it to a stop. Replacing the pads before they wear down too much will help give you the stopping power you need to be safe on the roads in and around Lanham, MD. How Often Should Lanham, MD Drivers Get New Brake Pads? Pad Life and Mileage How long pads last varies greatly, from 25,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on how often you use your brakes. The new pads are eight to twelve millimeters thick, and the lining wears thinner every time you step on the brake pedal. If you frequently brake hard, drive-in stop-and-go traffic, or on hilly roads where downhill braking is required, you will likely have to replace the pads more often. To stay safe, consider replacing the pads between 40,000 and 50,000 miles. more Pad Thickness For the pads to work effectively, they must be thicker than 6.4 millimeters to stop your car. Replace the pads when they are between 3.2 and 6.4 millimeters thick to ensure your safety. If they are less than 3.2 millimeters thick, replace them immediately to help prevent your brakes from failing. Inspection Intervals It's a good idea to get the pads checked by a certified technician every 7,500 miles or at least once a year when you take your vehicle for an oil change. When you get the pads routinely inspected and the pad lining thickness measured, the technician will be able to replace them before they wear too thin. This way, you shouldn’t have to worry about brake failure and should be able to stop your car on a dime. Replacement Signs Luckily there are also a few signs that will warn you when it's time to replace the pads. If you notice it takes longer for your vehicle to stop, the linings are worn and not providing the necessary friction to slow your car down. Pads worn unevenly will cause your vehicle to veer to the left or right when you apply the brakes. If you hear high-pitched squealing sounds, they’re coming from the metal burrs or wear indicators built into the pads to warn you it's time to replace the pads. If you don't replace them, they'll eventually wear down completely. When they are completely worn down, you'll start to hear grinding noises from the bare metal scraping against the steel rotors. This will cause them to overheat and eventually warp, which will be expensive to repair. Driving around with worn and thin pads is extremely dangerous. Don't compromise your safety or the safety of your passengers and other motorists. Contact our Ford Service Center at DARCARS Ford of Lanham for a pad inspection, measurement, and top-quality pads to ensure your brakes work properly.

Every driver can expect to experience a few flat tires in their lifetime. There are 220 million punctures annually in the US alone, about one every seven seconds. Punctures usually come out of the blue and surprise us, but if you ever get a puncture in or around Lanham, MD, it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Follow the guidance below, and you should be safely back on the road in no time. What To Do if You Get a Flat Tire in Lanham, MD Stay Calm and Pull Over When one of your tires blows out, it's crucial to react calmly. Don't slam on the brakes, which might cause a skid or rear-end collision. Gradually slow down and get your car safely off the road. Only drive as far as it takes to reach a safe spot away from traffic on level ground. more The Dangers of Driving With a Puncture A punctured tire greatly disrupts a vehicle's handling. Continuing to drive puts you at risk of an accident and irreparably damages the tire, and causes serious damage to your wheels, suspension, and brakes. Only continue driving if you have special tires designed to keep working safely for up to 50 miles, even with a puncture. These run-flat types of tires are becoming increasingly common with modern cars. Option One: Call Roadside Assistance Once safely pulled over, it's time to fix the problem. Hopefully, you've planned ahead with a roadside assistance package through your insurance policy. Roadside assistance might also be included in your vehicle or tire warranty. Once you've called them, wait in a safe area for help to arrive. Option Two: Repair the Tire Yourself If you don't have roadside assistance (or you feel like trying your hand at a little DIY), you can attempt to repair a minor puncture with tire sealant and an air pump. Some modern cars come equipped with a tire inflation kit instead of a spare tire to save space. These repair kits are only usually suited to very small punctures within the tire treads. The kits work first by pumping sealant into the tire and then pumping in compressed air, enabling you to reach your nearest dealership safely. Option Three: Replace the Tire Yourself If you have a spare tire, you can change it yourself or ask a friend, family member, or roadside mechanic to help. Before you begin, turn your car's hazard lights on and apply the parking brake. Use your tire iron on the wheel with the puncture to loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise. Then place the jack under the strong area of the frame beside the punctured tire. Make sure the jack is perfectly vertical, then raise your car until the tire leaves the ground. Remove the lug nuts and wheel, then slide the new wheel on. Only tighten the lug nuts by hand, lower the car, remove the jack, and use your tire iron to finish tightening the nuts. If you need any advice on how to deal with a puncture, contact DARCARS Ford of Lanham today. We're a local dealership proudly servicing the region's drivers with great cars, excellent service, and quality tires.

You need a Ford oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles, so visit your Lanham, MD, Ford dealer for this at least once a year. Vehicles made before 2007 need oil changes more often, and you also need more frequent oil changes if you tow regularly, use your vehicle for commercial purposes or go off-roading a lot. Signs That You Need a Ford Oil Change from Your Lanham, MD Dealer ASAP Dark Vehicle Exhaust Fumes These days, vehicles don't have visible exhaust fumes. However, if it looks like smoke is coming out of your tailpipe, you know something is wrong. Dark exhaust fumes are a sign that your oil is no longer high-quality. Dark fumes can also indicate a cracked gasket and various other engine issues, so be sure to get your vehicle checked out by an expert technician. more Rapidly Falling Oil Level You need to check your oil level frequently. This ensures you know how quickly your oil level usually drops, and it lets you know when you need to top off your oil between changes. Checking your oil level regularly also ensures you notice when the level is falling faster than usual. A rapidly falling oil level is a sign you might have a leak in your system, so get to the dealership as soon as you can. Your Engine Is Suddenly Noisy Oil lubricates your engine's parts, which helps keep the noise level minimal. However, if your engine noise has suddenly increased, it may be a problem with your oil. The oil level may be too low, or your oil may be low quality. Either way, it's time to visit your dealer for an oil change. Your Oil Is Irregularly Textured Your oil should be amber in color and have an even texture and a slightly translucent appearance. If you notice that your oil texture is irregular, your oil is gritty, or almost black; you need new oil as soon as possible. Please note that your oil will darken as it cycles through your engine, but it should always remain slightly translucent with an amber hue. Your Vehicle Is Sticking While Starting The oil starts circulating as soon as you switch on your vehicle, but if your oil is textured irregularly, then circulating becomes more difficult. This can lead to a ticking sound when your engine attempts to warm up. The valves that move the oil around are the pieces that make this noise, and hearing the noise indicates that the valves are working overtime because your oil is difficult to circulate. The Vehicle Shakes While Idling Low-quality oil can impact the quality of your ride. One sign that your oil harms your ride quality is if your vehicle starts vibrating while idling. Avoid idling as much as possible until you can get your oil changed. Come by DARCARS Ford of Lanham when you need an oil change. We'll handle all the maintenance that your vehicle requires.

Your Ford's ignition coil is a crucial engine component providing the spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture that powers your ride. If this coil fails, it can cause a range of issues that can significantly impact your vehicle's performance. Here are five common symptoms of a faulty ignition coil, so you can catch the issue at your Ford dealer before it becomes a more significant problem. If You Recognize these 5 Signs Contact Your Ford Dealer Hard Starts A bad or failing ignition coil can cause hard starts in any make of vehicle: not just your Ford. A bad or failing coil results in a weakened spark that cannot fully combust the fuel in your engine's cylinders. This may cause the engine to struggle to turn over, misfire, or stall. If hard starts are your problem, especially if they occur with some of the other symptoms listed here, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. more Rough Running Is your Ford's engine running rough? It might mean your ignition coil is wonky. When spark plugs don't get enough voltage to ignite the fuel/air mix, a rough idle is likely. This can cause more than just a rough engine: it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, higher emissions, and excessive vibrations or strange noises. Don't wait for a rough-running engine to rattle your fillings. Have a professional check out the ignition system ASAP. Misfires and Backfires Misfires or backfires are yet another sign of a bad ignition coil. Think of misfires as an internal combustion hiccup when your engine isn't getting enough juice from the coil to fire the spark plugs for complete fuel combustion. A full-fledged burp is a backfire that can produce loud popping or banging sounds from the exhaust system. Both mean it's time to have a qualified mechanic check out your car's ignition system, including the all-important coil. Poor Mileage Is your Ford suffering from a dip in fuel efficiency? When an ignition coil functions improperly, incomplete combustion may occur, resulting in wasted fuel and lower fuel efficiency. Additionally, the engine may run rich, meaning it uses more fuel than necessary. You'll need to fill up more often, busting your budget regarding gas costs. To avoid pain at the pump, have a qualified mechanic inspect your ignition coil if your gas mileage drops. Check Engine Light The bane of every auto owner's existence, the "Check Engine" light can light up for many reasons. While a bad ignition coil is at or near the top of every mechanic's list of possible culprits, it usually requires some technology to diagnose the exact issue. If you are staring at the "Check Engine" light, have a certified Ford technician identify the problem using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve stored trouble codes in the vehicle's computer system. There you have it: five telltale signs, from hard starts to poor gas mileage, that could mean an issue with your car's ignition coil. If you have a problem, head over to DARCARS Ford of Lanham, where a certified mechanic can get you back on the road as soon as possible. Don't wait - schedule an appointment today!

You'd be surprised at the number of drivers in Lanham, MD, who think a chipped windshield is a minor annoyance they can live with, significantly if the damage does not impair vision. But that tiny crack can become a major problem, causing costly repairs and possibly risking people's lives. Why You Should Never Ignore a Chipped Windshield A cracked windshield will eventually weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle and could result in shattering upon slight impact or extreme weather. The repair will also become more expensive as the damage spreads. In some cases, a broken windshield can also impact your vehicle's airbag deployment system, reducing its effectiveness in case of a crash. Your vision could also be impaired, as the chip can cause a glare on the glass that obscures your view of the road. more Leaks Small cracks in the glass will allow water to pass through, leading to rust that can compromise your vehicle's structure. However, not all leaks are obvious, and you'll need an expert to inspect your windshield and tell you if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Most leaks can be stopped with a sealant, which is much cheaper than a full windshield replacement. But it's also worth mentioning that the sealant can only be used on small chips. Legality in Lanham, MD In addition to the safety concerns, it's also possible that your cracked windshield could land you in legal trouble. In MD, a chip or crack over three inches long is considered unsafe and can lead to a ticket from law enforcement. This means that you not only have an unsafe car, but you'll also have to pay a hefty fine. Resale Value Even if you avoid a ticket or additional issues, potential buyers may feel uncomfortable purchasing a vehicle with damaged glass. This is especially true for luxury cars where buyers expect perfection. Selling a car with a cracked windshield is possible, but you won't get the same price as an undamaged vehicle. However, this assumes you have a replaceable windshield. Classic car glass is harder to find and can be expensive. As you can see, ignoring a damaged windshield is a bad idea for multiple reasons. You could end up dealing with an enormous repair bill or put yourself and other drivers in grave danger. Contact DARCARS Ford of Lanham today and take advantage of our comprehensive care of your cracked windshield. Your safety is too important to put at risk, so fix those chips now and drive with peace of mind. Image by Dibyendu Joarda r from Pixabay

As your car piles on the miles, engine leaking becomes a common issue. New and certified pre-owned vehicles won't have this problem, so it's not something that would come up when talking to your Ford dealer about a new ride. However, it can become an issue over time and with enough wear. 5 Common Causes of Engine Leaks According to an Expert Ford Dealer 1.    A Damaged Oil Filter When the engine leaks oil, the first place to look is the oil filter. Check the oil filter if you see a puddle of brown or black oil under the parked car. Other causes of the oil leak could be a cracked gasket, a loose filler cap, a damaged oil pan, or you might have faulty valves. In each one of those cases, you'd need to take the car to the mechanic to have the faulty parts inspected and replaced. more 2.    Radiator Malfunctions Leak Antifreeze Antifreeze is a thin liquid with a sweet smell. It prevents the engine from seizing in frigid temperatures and keeps fluids in the vehicle from freezing. Antifreeze stains are usually found under the front of the car and are either red or green. An antifreeze leak could further damage the engine if not addressed quickly. 3.    Wear and Tear Leads to Transmission Fluid Leaks Transmission fluid is reddish and smells like gasoline. However, unlike gas leaks, transmission fluid puddles are often found under the car's center. The transmission fluid pan could be cracked, or the plugs could be loose or worn out. In any case, you should take the vehicle to the auto repair workshop immediately to have it fixed. 4.    Faulty Engine Components Cause Gas Leaks Different faulty components of the engine could cause gas leaks. Once you identify the leaked fluid as gasoline, get help to find the culprit. It could be the fuel lines, the injectors, the valves, the primer bulb, the tubes, the cap, or a leak in the fuel tank. 5.    Worn-out Seals Leak Power Steering Fluid The power steering system is prone to wear and tear as well. When the seals degrade and the O-rings become less flexible, the fluid leaks from the cracked parts and pools under the front of the car. This makes the power steering less responsive while driving and can lead to an accident. Car engines leak as they age, and their components become damaged or faulty with enough use. You should have the car checked out if you detect leaking auto fluids. Visit us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham to have our service center technicians inspect your vehicle and to see our exclusive Ford service & parts deals.

If you've spent your hard-earned money on a car, you want it to last as long as possible. Engaging in preventative maintenance is important and beneficial because it can increase the lifespan of your vehicle. Not only does the process involve getting your oil and other fluids changed, but it also involves having a professional technician in Lanham, MD inspect any and all parts of your vehicle that could potentially turn into problems in the future. The Importance of Preventative Maintenance in Lanham, MD 1. Find Potential Problems Before They Become Major Issues The last thing anyone wants is to have their car break down on the side of the road. While there are times this can't be prevented, it's possible to reduce the likelihood of it occurring. When you have a professional inspect your car on a frequent basis, they'll be able to find any issues that could cause major problems down the road and get them fixed. more 2. Reduce Emergency Issues From Arising When you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance and have it inspected by a technician, you greatly reduce the chances of emergency issues arising. Not only does this save you from unexpected breakdowns, but it also ensures you don't spend a ton of money getting your vehicle fixed. There are costs associated with maintaining your vehicle, but they are usually more affordable than an emergency. Plus, when you know you have to take your vehicle to a professional, you can budget for that expense to ensure you have the money. 3. Improve Fuel Efficiency The more wear and tear your vehicle experiences, the harder it has to work to get you from one place to another. That means you'll be using more fuel. To save yourself some money at the pump, you need to take care of your vehicle. 4. Prolong the Life of Your Car If you only fix your vehicle after it experiences a breakdown or other major issue, you're exposing it to a lot of wear and tear. This will reduce the life expectancy of your vehicle's components and could lead to more malfunctions and damage. Taking your vehicle to a professional regularly is a great way to ensure your vehicle runs optimally for as long as possible. 5. Give Yourself Peace of Mind Dealing with a breakdown or malfunction can be an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience. If you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance, you'll give yourself peace of mind that your car is in good working order. Working with a professional to maintain your vehicle is important, and having the process done frequently can save you money, time, and stress. Whether you need service or are looking for a new vehicle, visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today!

Are you considering joining a roadside assistance club but wondering if it's worth it? You may be surprised to learn that being in an auto club can provide many benefits. From 24/7 roadside assistance to discounts on car rentals and car repairs, joining a club is an excellent way to save money and provide yourself with a little extra peace of mind. We'll look at five benefits of joining an automobile club in Lanham, MD. Driving in Lanham, MD: What Are the Benefits of Being in a Motor Club? 1.    Roadside Assistance One of the primary benefits of being in a club is access to roadside assistance. Whether you are stranded with a flat tire, running out of fuel, or have suffered a breakdown, you can call for help and have a mechanic come to your aid. Most auto clubs offer roadside assistance as part of their services, with some even offering 24-hour coverage. Having access to roadside assistance can save you time and money. more 2.    Towing Services Most auto clubs provide 24/7 towing services to their members. If your car breaks down, you don't have to worry about finding a tow truck or paying for the service out of pocket: the club will take care of it for you. You can choose the towing company you want to use, as some auto clubs offer multiple tow truck companies for their members. 3.    Discounts Car clubs offer members a wide range of discounts on services and products related to cars, such as car rentals, car repairs, car parts, and more. Depending on the club you join, you could get access to discounts only available to members. These discounts can add up quickly and make your membership worthwhile. This could help you save a lot of money over the long term, mainly if you frequently use such services. 4.    Access to Exclusive Events One of the many benefits of being a car club member is having access to exclusive events and experiences. Whether you're looking to attend a car show or participate in a road rally, auto clubs often host special events that non-members may need help to attend. Depending on the particular club, these events can range from day trips to multi-day adventures. 5.    A Sense of Community For many, being an auto club member brings a sense of community that can be hard to find elsewhere. Car clubs often organize car shows, social events, and other activities for their members. This allows members to make new friends and network with like-minded individuals. Joining a car club can be a great experience for drivers. The benefits range from roadside assistance, towing services, discounts, access to exclusive events, and a sense of community. Clubs are a great way to get involved for those who love cars and the lifestyle accompanying them. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham for all your Ford needs.

Maryland has an average of 20.6 inches of snowfall yearly, and Lanham only sees 15 inches. This relatively small amount of snow is still enough to warrant a good set of winter tires. If your tires aren't designed to handle the slippery road surfaces of the colder months, even the smallest amount of snow and ice can cause a skid. Let's look at five ways snow tires can help keep you safer on the roads this winter. Does Your Ford Need Winter Tires for Maryland Weather? Pliable Hydrophilic Rubber The rubber in both summer and all-season tires is primarily designed to maintain a stiff shape. This is ideal for the hotter road surfaces of spring and summer, but when winter comes around, flexibility is key. Snow tires are made from special hydrophilic rubber, which has greater flexibility. This allows it to grip the icy tarmac with more surface area, increasing traction. Even if your all-season tires say "M+S" on the side, indicating suitability for mud and snow, they're rarely made with hydrophilic rubber. more Higher Void-To-Lug Ratio The treads of snow tires have larger gaps between the treads, otherwise known as larger voids between the lugs. This higher void-to-lug ratio means the treads can dig into snow more easily rather than only pressing on top. As the treads dig in, snow scoops into the voids and is thrown out behind the tire. This greatly helps reduce your chance of slipping and skidding on the surface of compacted snow. Sharper Tread Edges Even the shapes of the treads are different in snow tires. There are more edges to them, and the edges are sharper. This also helps the treads dig deep into patches of snow, slush, and ice. Tiny Traction Grooves If you look closely at a snow tire, you'll see thousands of little grooves sliced into the treads. These grooves are called sipes, designed to increase traction further. You can sometimes find sipes on all-season tires and have sipes custom-cut into any kind of tire. But don't count upon sipes alone for your safety. Nothing beats snow tires for maximum winter traction. Ask Your Ford Dealer About Studs Snow tires can also hold little steel studs that break into ice and compact snow. Studs are fantastic for traction, but they can also cause damage to bare road surfaces. For this reason, studs are only legal in five of Maryland's coldest counties: Garrett, Frederick, Washington, Carroll, and Allegheny. And even in these counties, studs are only allowed between November 1 and March 31. As Lanham lies in Prince George's County, local drivers should forgo studs. If you're in doubt about whether or not to get studs, or you have any other queries about snow tires, you can always seek advice at your local Ford dealership. They'll be happy to help. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham to prepare your car for winter. We're a well-established dealership providing the region's drivers with excellent cars, tires, and service.

Harsh winter conditions can have a severe impact on your vehicle. Winterize your Ford to ensure your EcoSport, Escape, or Edge is ready for the cold weather in Lanham, MD. 5 Rules for Protecting Your Car in Cold Weather in Lanham, MD 1.    Winterize Your Ford When winter hits, you want to ensure that your car is ready to handle even the worst icy conditions. The last thing you need in the cold is getting stuck on the side of the road. more Get a Preventative Maintenance Service Take your vehicle to your Ford dealer for a preventative maintenance service. The Ford technicians will check the fluids and every system and component, including the engine, battery, and brakes, to ensure that your car is in tip-top running condition. Change the Oil Protect your car's engine in winter by changing the oil. When the temperature drops, it causes all the fluids in your vehicle to run slower and your engine to work harder. When oil is old and dirty, it will put even more stress on the engine. Check the Radiator Radiator fluid that's old and dirty could partially freeze on frosty winter nights. Ask your Ford technician to inspect your radiator, check the belts and hoses, and replace the fluid to protect your radiator against the winter cold. Inspect the Battery In the winter months, your car's battery works harder. To ensure your battery can withstand freezing weather, check the condition of the battery. Ask your Ford technician to inspect the battery and perform a test to avoid getting stranded in the cold. 2.    Mount Winter Tires Mount a set of winter tires when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to give your car the necessary traction for braking, turning, and accelerating on roads covered in sleet and ice. Regularly Check the Tire Pressure Your car's tire pressure decreases in cold temperatures. Check the pressure regularly and keep your tires inflated to the proper PSI for better handling and fuel efficiency. 3.    Keep the Gas Tank Full Keep your gas tank at least half full to reduce the risk of moisture buildup, frozen gas lines, and other fuel system issues. If your tank is full, you should also be able to avoid running out of gas in the freezing weather. 4.    Protect the Bodywork Wash and wax your car to protect the paint and the bodywork against corrosive salt. If you drive on roads with salt, wash your car every two weeks to eliminate the salt and prevent rust. 5.    Cover Your Car Where possible, keep your car in an enclosed garage. If you leave your vehicle outside, avoid parking under snow-covered trees or eaves and on slopes. Prevent ice buildup by lifting the wipers and using a windshield cover. It's best to use a car cover if you leave your car outside at night to prevent it from getting covered in snow and salt and protect the electrical components. Protect your Ford against the winter cold. Call DARCARS Ford of Lanham today to schedule a preventative maintenance service. The certified Ford technicians will help ensure your vehicle is ready to withstand Maryland's icy weather conditions.