How Often Should Your Ford Get an Oil Change?
An oil change is an essential part of your Ford’s maintenance. A regular oil and filter change will lubricate and protect your engine, increase fuel efficiency and performance, and extend the life of your engine. Plus, your Ford dealer offers The Works, which includes numerous inspections, checks, and tests to ensure your Ford runs at its best.
How Often Should Your Ford Get an Oil Change From Your Ford Dealer?
Ford Oil and Filter Changes
If you want to care for your Ford, follow the recommended oil and filter change intervals or pay attention to the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) alert. The oil in your Ford lubricates the moving parts and reduces friction, which can lead to heat and wear. Keeping your oil clean can protect your engine, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure your car lasts longer.
The Recommended Oil and Filter Change Intervals
Generally, Ford recommends oil and filter changes every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. If you have a 2007 or older model, replacing the oil every 5,000 miles or six months is best. To determine your Ford model’s specific oil and filter change intervals, check your owner’s manual or ask your Ford technician for information.
The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM)
The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) is a feature available in many newer Ford models. It uses various data points, such as the speed, mileage, temperature, and driving and road conditions, to determine when your Ford needs an oil and filter change.
Keep an eye on the IOLM, which counts from 100 to 0 percent. Once it reaches 15 percent, it’s time to schedule an oil and filter change. Avoid waiting until it’s at 0 percent, as that could damage your engine. Your Ford technician will reset the IOLM after every oil and filter change.
The Recommended Oil and Filters
Ford recommends using Motorcraft motor oil to improve your engine performance. When your Ford technician replaces your car’s oil, the filter will be changed with a Motorcraft oil filter to keep the oil cleaner longer and prevent impurities from reaching the engine. Check your Ford owner’s manual for the recommended oil for your specific model, or ask your Ford technician.
When you get an oil and filter change at your dealer, you get The Works. Your Ford will receive a comprehensive multipoint inspection, including a brake, filter, and hoses check, a fluid top-off, battery test, and tire rotation, and your tires will be inflated to the proper pressure levels, all at a competitive price.
The Works
The Ford technicians at your dealer know precisely what your engine needs. Call Kory Hooks Ford today for The Works and take advantage of expert oil and filter changes by certified Ford technicians who only use top-quality Motorcraft oil and filters.
4 Signs Your Ford Needs a Transmission Repair
Cars are sturdy pieces of machinery that last a long time, but they do occasionally need repairs. If you know what happens when your car needs a transmission repair, then you know to head to the Ford dealer quickly to get the problem fixed. Fixing issues ASAP stops them from getting too serious and costing you a lot of time and money to repair.
4 Signs You Need a Transmission Repair From Your Ford Dealer
1. Strange Engine Noises
Problems with the transmission are often accompanied by clanking or humming noises coming from the engine. These noises will be obvious when you’re changing gears. Even if the noise is faint, it’s generally a sign of trouble. Cars don’t start making new noises for no reason, so hearing new sounds means you should get right to the dealer.
If you’re also noticing noises while your car is in neutral, then it’s definitely a sign that there’s something wrong with the transmission. You might just need some new transmission fluid, or maybe a small part needs to be replaced.
2. Trouble Shifting Gears
If you can’t shift from one gear into another, then your transmission is most definitely in trouble. Even if you can shift but your car takes a little more time than usual to respond after shifting, then there’s a problem. People with manual transmissions may also notice it’s very hard to get the gear shifter into place, and it might pop out of place a few times before you can get it to stay.
3. Transmission Fluid Leaks
The car is full of different fluids, so it’s always a good idea to check the area around the car before you drive off. If you spot any mysterious puddles that seem to be coming up from underneath your car, then one of those fluids might be leaking out. Transmission fluid is one of the easiest to recognize, as it’s red. Although, if the fluid is a little older, then it might be light brown instead.
You should also keep an eye on your fluid levels and take note if you seem to be losing fluid rapidly. Falling fluid levels indicate a leak.
4. Burning Odor
If it smells like there’s something burning in the cabin of your car, then your transmission fluid might be overheating and burning up. The smell won’t necessarily be noticeable in the cabin, but it may be noticeable if you pop the hood. Either way, it’s a sign that you should get your transmission checked out as soon as you can.
Come by Kory Hooks Ford if your car or truck is displaying any of the signs we’ve talked about above. Transmission problems are generally pretty easy to fix if caught early, so you’ll be driving again in no time.
Does Your Ford Need New Tires?
Maintaining your Ford at peak performance requires giving attention to all components, and that includes the tires. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of wear and when you need to make a visit to your local Ford dealer for some new tires.
Do You Need New Tires From Your Ford Dealer?
Are You Seeing Uneven Wear?
Patterns of uneven wear can tell you a lot about your tires. Here’s what to look for:
- Cupping: A series of scalloped dips appearing around the edge of the tread
- Patchy Wear: Random bald spots around the tire
- Feathering: When the edge of each tread rib develops a slightly rounded edge on one side and a sharp edge on the other
These uneven wear patterns might point to issues with alignment, suspension, or even the tire itself. They mean the tires aren’t all being worn down evenly, so something is awry.
Can You See Damage?
Look for cuts, punctures, or stones trapped in the tread. Any foreign object can cause slow leaks or, if deep enough, weaken the tire’s structure.
Are You Getting Frequent Loss of Pressure?
Consistent drops in tire pressure over short periods could hint at punctures, leaks, or problems with the tire bead, even if you can’t see anything wrong. This isn’t just about keeping the tire inflated; low pressure affects fuel efficiency, handling, and the overall life span of the tire.
Is Your Tread Depth Getting Low?
The depth of the tread is important: tread ensures a firm grip on the road, especially in bad weather. Use the penny test to check your tires quickly. Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head facing downward into the tread, and if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tread depth is likely below 2/32 inch and you need a replacement.
Are There Sidewall Cracks or Bulges?
Resulting from age, exposure, or other environmental factors, cracks on the sidewall can grow over time, endangering the tire’s structural integrity. Bulges are usually caused by internal damage, and these weak spots can lead to sudden blowouts. A bulge implies that the tire’s inner layer has been compromised, allowing air to reach the outer layers.
Are You Feeling Excessive Vibration?
Minor vibrations are expected, but if your Ford starts shaking more than it used to, especially at certain speeds, it could be an internal tire issue or problems with alignment. These vibrations aren’t just uncomfortable: they can be a precursor to much bigger problems if left unfixed.
How Old Are Your Tires?
Regardless of tread appearance or mileage, tires have a shelf life. With time, rubber degrades, so even if a tire looks pristine, if it’s over six years old, consider an inspection or replacement.
Being proactive in spotting tire issues can save you from unexpected expenses and dangers on the road. If you’re ever in doubt, contact Kory Hooks Ford right away.
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