Whether you’re driving and hear a screeching sound when you hit the brake pedal, or it’s been a few years since you’ve had new brake pads installed, many drivers wonder when the appropriate time to replace their brakes is.

Unless you are having noticeable brake issues, the answer isn’t always straight-forward. Here are some ways to determine whether or not your Ford Focus in Costa Mesa needs new brakes, and what kind of driving will wear them prematurely.

Factors That Impact Brake Replacement

The average set of brake pads typically last 35,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and what your vehicle is used for. Here are a few things that can impact how often you need to have your brakes replaced:

• Driving Habits: Cautious driving can extend the longevity of your brakes and allow you to go for longer in between replacements. However, if you are a driver that frequently speeds and then hits the brakes and frequently subjects their vehicle to hard cornering, you are going to wear your brakes out prematurely.
• Type of Brake Pads: What type of brake pads does your vehicle currently have? Depending on the manufacturer and the material that your pads are made from (ceramic vs. semi-metallic pads, for example) your wear rate is going to differ.
• Towing Frequency: Do you use your vehicle to tow heavy loads or frequently drive on steep hills? These driving habits require extra braking force, which can wear out your brake pads quickly.

When You Need New Brakes

In addition to the length of time you’ve had your brakes, there are certain warning signs that let drivers know it’s time to have your brake pads changed. This includes:

• Longer Reaction Time: Does it take a longer distance for your car to come to a complete stop? Your pads are likely worn and require more force in order to engage.
• Pedal Feeling: Does your brake pedal feel soft or spongey when you press down? This includes needing to push your pedal almost to the floor before the brakes engage.
• Strange Sounds: Do you hear a screeching, grinding or otherwise loud sound when hitting the brakes? This happens when your brake pads are worn thing, and the metal is scraping against your rotors and calipers.
• Vehicle Reaction: Is your car pulling to one side while braking, or do you feel an intense vibration coming from your steering wheel or brakes? This can also signal a wheel misalignment or suspension issues, often caused by faulty brakes.

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Regular preventative maintenance is the secret to getting the best performance and longevity out of your Ford F150 in Costa Mesa. However, for many drivers, keeping up with these routine tasks is easier said than done. From oil change to tire rotations, it might seem impossible to keep your car maintenance to do list organized. To help ensure your Ford Flex in Costa Mesa receives the TLC it needs, here are the items you should be prioritizing.

Skipping Fluid Checks

If you lift the hood of your vehicle, you’ll see more under there than just the engine. From your radiator to your transmission, your car relies on several different components and fluids in order to get you from Point A to Point B. Don’t neglect having regular fluid checks performed in order to make sure all of these parts are operating at their optimal performance. At the minimum, you should regularly be checking and topping off (when necessary):

• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Motor oil
• Engine coolant

Ignoring Brake Noises

Are your brakes making a squealing or screeching sound whenever you bring your vehicle to a stop? This is just one of the signs that your brake pads are worn down and need to be changed. If you neglect checking your brake pads, you pose the risk of damaging your system or getting into a crash.

Skipping Oil Changes

While some older cars need to have the oil changed every 3,000 miles, newer models often need to have the oil changed every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. When you neglect oil changes, you are putting your car at risk for engine overheating, diminished performance, engine damage and more. Old oil can also cause sludge deposits to appear on your engine, which can damage parts and lead to pricey repairs down the road.

Ignoring the Check Engine Light

Many drivers are guilty of ignoring the Check Engine light when it pops up on their dashboard. However, this warning indicator is trying to tell you that something is amiss in your vehicle. Driving with possible engine problems can lead to a larger and more expensive issue, so it’s important to have your car checked out as soon as possible.

Not Changing Windshield Wipers

Your windshield wipers should be replaced every six months. Over time, the rubber will degrade and lead to streaking on your windshield. Your wipers will also have a harder time clearing away rain, snow and other things that impact your vision while on the road.

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If you’re in the market for a Ford Explorer in Costa Mesa, you might be considering financing as a purchasing option. This is a common choice for many shoppers, since it allows them to pay off their car in monthly installments. However, if you are trying to keep costs low or do not have a strong credit score or history, this part of the purchasing experience can sometimes feel like a major hurdle.

Luckily, there are several tips and tricks for finding financing for your vehicle. Here are some tips to keep in mind while preparing for your purchase and driving away in a car that you can comfortably afford.

1. Know Your Credit Score

Your credit score will have an impact on the interest rate that you receive on your car loan. If you have a low credit score, or little to no credit history, you might end up receiving a higher interest rate than someone with an established history or higher score. A favorable FICO credit score tends to be 700 or higher, though having a lower score doesn’t mean you’ll be denied a loan.

2. Keep the Terms Short

Even though you’ll receive a higher monthly loan amount, choosing a loan with short term agreements will help you save money in the long run. When you stretch out your payment over several years, you’ll end up paying more in interest. Your Ford Fiesta in Costa Mesa might end up being worth much less than what you paid for it by the time your loan is paid off as well.

3. Put Down a High Down Payment

When purchasing a car, try to put as much money down as you can upfront. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for a down payment that is at least 20% of the total price of the car. This will help decrease your monthly payments and can also help you secure a lower interest rate.

4. Pay Fees and Taxes in Cash

Whenever possible, try to pay for fees and taxes in cash instead of including them in your loan. While it might seem more convenient at the time, this will end up increasing the amount of money that you owe, as well as the interest that you need to pay.

5. Consider a Co-Signer

For someone with little to no credit, it might be difficult to find a car loan without a sky-high interest rate. To increase your chances of finding an affordable financing offer, consider finding a co-signer who has a good credit history.

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Do you find yourself constantly stopping at the gas station to fuel up your Ford Escape in Costa Mesa? Unfortunately, it often seems like the cost of fuel will never stop going up. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks that can help you improve your vehicle’s gas consumption and ease the burden on your wallet. Here are a few.

1. Go the Speed Limit

Did you know that many drivers often go five to ten miles faster than the posted speed limit while on local roads or the highway? Take your foot off that gas pedal! Slowing down and going the speed limit has a major impact on your fuel economy.

2. Clean Your Car

Are you constantly hauling around a lot of cargo? Cleaning out your car and getting rid of excess weight puts less strain on your vehicle, which can improve fuel economy immensely. Be honest with yourself about the things that you need to keep in your trunk – do you really always need to haul around your golf clubs?

3. Be Strategic About Filling Up

There’s no need to top off your gas tank to keep it constantly at the full marker. Driving around with less fuel means you’ll have less weight in your car, which helps conserve the fuel you do have. It also allows you to wait until you find a gas station with a good deal on fuel. On average, you should wait until you have about a quarter tank of gas left in order to refuel.

4. Keep Tires Inflated

Check your tire pressure regularly to make sure that you have enough air. When your tires are properly inflated, your car will have less resistance when in motion. The less resistance and friction your car experiences, the less hard it will have to work. As a plus, this also extends the lifespan of your tires and lets you go longer between replacements.

5. Regular Car Maintenance

Keeping your car properly maintained will help you save money on constantly fueling up. Bring your vehicle to the service center of your local Ford dealership in Costa Mesa to have regular maintenance tasks like oil changes, air filter replacements and tune-ups performed. You’ll see a vast improvement in your engine performance, which means your car doesn’t need to work as hard in order to operate. This often translates into improved fuel economy and less gas station trips.

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When getting ready to head to your Ford dealer in Costa Mesa, it’s important to be prepared. After all, a car is the second most expensive purchase someone can make (with the first being a home). You need to consider not only your budget, but your lifestyle requirements and aesthetic as well. Whether you’re searching for a Ford Edge in Costa Mesa or another vehicle, here are some things to keep in mind when buying a car.

Figure Out Your Budget

As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to spend no more than 25% of your monthly household income on every car in your household. This includes not just your monthly loan payment, but vehicle costs like car insurance and fuel as well. You should also factor in the costs of registration, maintenance tasks and repairs as well when figuring out how much car you can afford.

How Will You Buy?

There several different types of cars available to you when considering which one to go for. Do you want a car that’s brand new, or would you rather drive away in a certified pre-owned car? Do you want to take out a loan to ultimately own your car, or would you rather lease your vehicle instead? Weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine which better suits your budget and lifestyle needs.

Research Online

Before heading to the dealership, you should have an idea of what kind of car you want. Narrow down your choices to a few cars that meet your minimum specifications, such as safety features, budget, and tech features. Take a look at resources like Kelley Blue Book to learn more about each car’s official ratings and price ranges, as well as what past drivers have had to say about their experience with the vehicle.

Always Test Drive

Regardless of which car you have your eye on, you should always take it for a test drive before committing to a purchase. This will give you an idea of what it will be like to drive each day. Take the car on local roads as well as the highway, spend time adjusting the seats and experimenting with the controls, inspect the cargo space and be realistic when it comes to how comfortable you and your passengers will be.

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Even though summer is over, that doesn’t mean your road trip adventures are over quite yet. Fall brings the beginning of the holiday season, which means you’ll likely be jumping in your Ford in Costa Mesa to spend time with family and friends in other cities. In order to make sure your car is ready for your next adventure, keep this advice in mind.

Check Your Engine Fluids

When you lift the hood of your F150 in Costa Mesa, you’ll see several different components that are crucial to helping your vehicle run smoothly. From your radiator to your engine, all of these parts rely on fluid in order to function. You’ll want to check the following:

• Motor oil
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Radiator fluid
• Windshield wiper fluid
•    Power steering fluid
• Clutch fluid (if you drive a manual vehicle)

You want to make sure that all of your fluids are clean and that they are full. Check your owner’s manual to learn the location of each of these fluids’ respective reservoirs.

Inspect Belts & Hoses

After you’re done checking your fluid levels, you’ll want to inspect all belts and hoses next. Check for any signs of wear, tearing, deterioration or leaks. If you notice any damage, take your car to a mechanic to have them checked and potentially replaced before hitting the road.

Check Your Battery

The last thing you want to deal with while in an unfamiliar city is a dead battery. Have your battery checked with a voltmeter to see how strong it is, and consider having it replaced if the charge is dropping below 12 volts.

Check Your Tires

Your tires are crucial for your safety while on the road. Make sure your tire tread isn’t worn too far down – they should have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread left in order to minimize your risk of slipping while on the road. Measure your air pressure as well to make sure your tires aren’t over or underinflated.

Check Your Air Filters

Your engine air filter is responsible for catching contaminants before they entire your engine, providing you with optimal performance and improved fuel efficiency. If the filter looks torn or dirty, have it replaced before your trip.

Test Lights & Signals

Your turning signal and headlights are important safety features for both you and your fellow drivers on the road. Make sure that all of your lights, including your brake lights, turning signals, emergency flashers, tag lights and headlights, are shining bright and working correctly.

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If you want to have a fun weekend getaway in Costa Mesa, drive your Ford Focus in here and start exploring the city. This city is located somewhere in between San Diego and Los Angeles in California. It is relatively near the beach so if you want to spend some time in the water, you can also do so. This city has a lot to offer its friendly travelers and if you are looking for something to do here then here are some suggestions.

1. Fairview Park

Contrary to what most people know, this city has a lovely 208-acre public park that offers a scenic view of rolling hills, green fields, and forest sanctuaries. There is even a beautiful beach near Fairview Park. You can just drive down there and chill on the luscious greens or by the beach with your friends. If you want to sweat it out a bit, you can rent a bike or hike around the park. You can also have a picnic with friends because the park has an area for this kind of activity.

2. TeWinkle Park

Another park located in this city but has a more modern vibe compared to Fairview Park is the TeWinkle Park. This park has contemporary amenities perfect for millennial travelers. You can find here picnic areas, shaded coves, and barbecue areas for optimum resting and relaxation with your buddies. There is even a full-sized field in this park where you can play a round of baseball or softball with your friends.

3. South Coast Plaza

If you want to go on a shopping spree and splurge a bit, you can head to the South Coast Plaza. This place is known as a premium shopping area that houses a lot of brand stores, boutiques, restaurants, and other facilities. You can also buy sports good from South Coast Plaza if you are looking for athletic items. You can have lunch or dinner here because it offers a plethora of dining amenities of different cuisines. 

4. Segerstrom Center for the Arts

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts was opened in 1986 and it is considered as one of the best places travelers visit in this city. It serves as the house of three companies namely the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the Pacific Symphony, and the Pacific Chorale. So, if you want to watch the performances of any of these three companies, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is the place to go. The iconic building of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts was designed by legendary architect Cesar Pelli. Therefore, even if you aren’t there to watch a show, you can drop a visit to this place just to marvel at the grandeur of the building. 

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Ford is known for providing different cars of all shapes, sizes, and functionalities. If you have a need for a big car, you can be sure that you can depend on this American automotive brand. If you need something huge that has a massive towing power or you need a sturdy vehicle with a ton of space for luggage, there is definitely a car from this automaker. Here are some of the best big cars you can choose from this car manufacturer.

1. Ford F150

Known as one of the best-selling trucks in Costa Mesa and beyond, the Ford F150 is a powerful pickup truck with a potent towing capability. It can be used for personal purposes and even for hauling equipment for a small business. It is excellent and efficient that you can be sure that it can get the job done. It arrives with a 10-speed automatic that provides raw towing power. You can customize it in every way you want and add accessories to it that can help it perform its tasks. If you prefer a turbo-diesel version, there is a model available that offers such. 

2. Ford Flex

For your growing family in Costa Mesa, the Ford Flex is a great car of choice. This vehicle offers a ton of space for your passengers and the stuff they need to bring for the trip. Under the hood, this vehicle is powered by a potent V6 engine that you can truly rely on for long-distance drives. It has amazing and ergonomically-designed seats that guarantee premium comfort even when driving long distances. It is a superb family car especially for those who love going on cross-country adventures.

3. Ford Explorer 

If you need a lot of room in your car and a lot more versatility then the Explorer is an amazing car to get. This car has a traditional vibe but can perform at par other modern vehicles. It guarantees amazing handling, which makes it a perfect car for both city and country driving. With its great handling, you can easily maneuver this vehicle even in tight streets and you can also take it a little off-road. So, if you are fond of going on adventures in the wild with your buddies then the Explorer is the best companion to bring on any trip.

4. Ford Expedition

The Expedition offers a ginormous space in its cabin and has a super fast acceleration. Therefore, even with its massive size, it can race other cars when needed. Its open highway is its own race track, which makes it a perfect weekend getaway car when you want to go for a drive across different states. Even if it is big, it drives like a small car, which means it is easy to operate even by new drivers. The Expedition offers top-notch driving safety, which makes it a great family car and an amazing car even for inexperienced drivers. 

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Ford is known for producing precision and performance instruments of speed and agility. If you want a fast car that you can truly rely on then you shouldn’t look anywhere else because this brand has got your back. Some of the best performance cars in Costa Mesa and beyond include the Ford Mustang, the GT, the Escort, and more. Read on to know more about these performance cars that can catch up with you on your fast-paced drive.

1. Ford Mustang

The Mustang is one of the legendary cars that is truly reminiscent of this automaker. The prancing horse was first released in the wild in 1979, and since then, it has become one of the best-selling cars from this brand. When it was first released, it innovated the world of performance cars. Back then, most drivers didn’t care about performance driving until they experienced the Mustang. This car is known to always carry a potent V8 engine, and with its aerodynamic design, it truly rockets in the open highway. Even after decades since it was first made known to the world, this car is still highly sought-after in the world of performance drivers.

2. Ford GT

When it comes to daring designs, this automaker isn’t one to take the backseat. The GT is the best example of its amazing leap in engineering with the aerodynamic blueprint turned into reality in this car. The GT is loosely based on the iconic GT40 that carries a brawny V8 engine. Its supercharged engine allows it to accelerate fast and performance at top speed almost all the time. Driving is really fun on the GT and agility is something to really look forward when riding this performance breed of a car.

3. Ford Escort

The Escort is one of the most attractive performance cars that doesn’t come with bells and whistles, and that comes in a good way. It is a straightforward performer on the streets with a front-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration. The Escort is popular as a top performer in rally races and it is a legend in the world of circuit racing. 

4. Ford Capri

A bit old but still an admired performance car, the Capri was a take on the Mustang back in the day. To many, it is a sexier prancing horse but still with the capability to race. Moreover, it came with a more affordable base, which made performance cars more accessible to many. In the US, the Capri is best known as the Mercury and it was sold for over two generations until newer prancing horses replaced it.

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Driving in the city of Costa Mesa on a daily basis, you definitely have your set of needs and requirements for an everyday car. Although you would want to get a big car because of the huge cabin room it offers and bigger engine power, sometimes it is best to go for a reliable sedan. A trustworthy sedan can easily bring your to and from work with ease. It is something that you can depend on despite getting stuck in traffic on a daily basis. Moreover, since driving in the city means driving in tight streets and parking in limited areas, a compact sedan is something perfect for you. If you are looking for a sedan, here are some reliable models from Ford.

1. Ford Focus Sedan 

The Focus Sedan is a sweet ride you can bring daily in the city. It is an attractive car that makes heads turn when seen on the street. The Focus Sedan isn’t only about the looks because, in terms of performance, it ensures an amazing ride quality that premium cars offer. It is an economical car with a great fuel efficiency. Therefore, even if you get stuck in traffic, you won’t have to worry too much about it. The base Focus Sedan is already amazing on its own but if you want something even more amazing, this car comes with lots of great premium options that you can choose from.

2. Ford Fusion

Driving around Costa Mesa on the daily, the Ford Fusion is a great car of choice because it is compact yet efficient. This car comes with a lean body that can easily squeeze through traffic. It has an amazingly responsive handling that allows you to park it in a tight space with ease. The Fusion is packed with lots of safety tech that makes driving easy even for the newbie city driver. Inside the car, it has an improved interior that promises utmost riding comfort.

3. Ford Taurus

The Taurus is a flagship ride because of the amazing things it offers. It is a great car for the city driver because of its premium ride experience, comfortable seats, ample cabin space, good fuel efficiency, and great infotainment system option. Everything you need for a city car can be found on the Taurus. Moreover, it is a durable vehicle such that even if you buy a pre-owned Taurus, you can be sure that it has a lot of years left for you to enjoy it. Overall, it is a good investment for a city car whether you get it brand-new or pre-loved. 

4. Ford Escort Sedan

The Escort Sedan is a compact sedan that is perfect for the city dweller because it is a solid economy car. Even if it is no longer under production at present, you can still get a good deal for a used Escort Sedan. Therefore, if you are in the market for the first car that you want to practice driving around the city, this is the best car to get. 

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