5 Essential Auto Maintenance Tasks for Optimal Vehicle Performance

To keep your Ford F-15O in Costa Mesa running at optimal performance, routine maintenance is important. It’s not enough to just keep your vehicle filled up and make sure that the exterior gets washed – you also need to perform tasks such as checking your fluid levels regularly and taking it in for a tune-up. But with a lengthy list of possible maintenance tasks you can perform, which ones take priority? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Oil Change

Think of motor oil as the lifeblood of your Ford Flex in Costa Mesa. Your engine relies on oil to keep all of the moving metal parts lubricated (helping it operate smoothly while preventing damage) and to keep your engine cool. Follow your vehicle’s guidelines to determine when you need to have your oil changed. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to bring your vehicle in for an oil change every six months or 6,000 miles.

2. Tire Pressure

Your tires are responsible for carrying your vehicle from Point A to Point B. To keep your vehicle running optimally and improve fuel efficiency, it’s important to keep your tires properly inflated. Tires that don’t have enough air pressure will not roll as easily, resulting in greater drag that will force your car to use more fuel to move forward.

3. Tire Tread

In addition to checking your air pressure regularly, get into the habit of inspecting your tread. When your tires are worn, you run a greater risk of slipping while on the road since they are lacking in traction. Use the penny test to determine whether you need new tires. To do this, stick a penny in your tire grooves, with the head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread has worn too low.

4. Spark Plug Replacement

Your spark plugs are responsible for giving your engine the literal spark it needs in order to operate. These parts should generally be replaced every 45,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Having fresh spark plugs put in will reduce the likelihood of your engine misfiring, surges, and difficulties starting. You’ll also benefit from better gas mileage, improved acceleration and a better-performing vehicle overall.

5. Brake Check

Your brakes are arguably the most important safety component of your car. To make sure your vehicle is able to stop properly, have your brake pads inspected every 6,000 miles. Take your car in sooner if you hear a squealing or grinding sound when stopping, as this is a sign that your pads are scraping against your rotors.

 

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