Ford Vehicle Summer Maintenance Tips

What is the best way to keep your Ford Maverick purring all summer long? By following your recommended maintenance schedule and doing a few quick checks before you hit the road and leave behind your Kansas neighborhood of Andover. Vehicles that receive regular service from a certified Ford technician avoid unexpected mishaps during your valuable vacation time.

Quick Summer Checklist for Your Gas-Powered Ford

• Check Your Tire Pressure: Extreme temperatures can cause fluctuations in your tire pressure. An underinflated tire will wear unevenly and possibly suffer a flat. Check the pressure before you leave your home in Derby or Bel Aire for the day, and add air as recommended on the sticker located on the frame of your driver's door.
• Inspect Coolant Levels: When was the last time you had your radiator serviced? If your Ford is more than two years old, it is likely due for a coolant flush. However, the fluid that helps to keep your engine cool can evaporate in hot weather. Just like checking your oil, it takes just a minute to look at the dipstick for your coolant and top it up.
• Service Your Air Conditioning: Before the dog days arrive, give your air conditioning a good test. Is it pumping out cold air? Do the fans operate as expected? In many cases, a quick recharge of your air conditioning coolant will see you through the summer. Have it done before you are sweating out a heat wave.
• Scheduled Oil Change: Is the "Oil Change Required" alert popping up each time you start your Ford Explorer? This is an indication that your oil has lost some of its ability to lubricate your engine and can lead to serious damage under normal operation. Following your recommended oil change schedule prevents overheating by reducing friction as the cylinders move.
• Test Your Battery: As batteries age, they can boil off fluid needed to maintain a good chemical reaction. A poorly performing battery will struggle to start the car and keep all your systems operating, such as the air conditioning. A test takes just a few minutes and can help you avoid getting stranded on a searing day.
• Stock the Roadside Emergency Kit: Even if you complete your summer checklist, accidents do happen. Look in your cargo area and add a gallon of water, some granola bars, and a battery charger/tire compressor to your gear.

Caring for Your Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford Lightning in the Kansas Heat

How can you help your new EV beat the heat? 

While an oil change on an EV is never necessary, the heavier vehicle places added stress on its tires. When you take it through the local car wash, check the tire pressure at the same time.

Help your battery utilize its maximum range by parking in a garage, or at least in the shade. Use your remote start to cool the cabin before you get stuck in afternoon traffic under the blinding sun. Your climate control places a higher demand on power supplies even when sitting at a stop light.

Did you know electric vehicles like warm days? Batteries maintain peak power until temperatures soar into the 90s.

How Do You Keep Your Hybrid Purring All Summer?

Have you been trying to stretch your fuel mileage in your Ford F-150 Hybrid? In hot weather, turning on the air conditioning and ventilated seats will use extra power and limit the assistance your battery pack can provide to the gas engine. Make the most of the powertrain's efficiency by rolling down the windows while tooling around farm roads out towards Haysville. Otherwise, follow the same checklist provided for your gas-powered vehicle.

How do I get my SUV ready for an extended road trip?

You have the hotel room booked and scheduled time off from work. Now, how do you get to your summer destination with the least stress? Start by completing the summer maintenance checklist for your Ford Expedition. Next, it's time to get ready for long days on the road while keeping the kids happy.

• Check Roadside Assistance Service: If your Ford SUV or truck is less than 5 years old or has fewer than 60,000 miles, your warranty includes complimentary roadside assistance. If you are beyond the standard warranty, you may want to activate your FordPass or another service to ensure help will be on the way if you encounter a problem on the road.
• Give Your SUV a Good Cleaning: Spend an afternoon with your vacuum and a trash bag, emptying out all the food wrappers, lost toys, and empty boxes from your ride. Recover under-seat storage and all your cargo space to hold all the luggage and coolers.
• Activate Wi-Fi Hotspot for Easy Entertainment: There are long stretches of highway where the kids will get bored. Your onboard hotspot can provide Wi-Fi for everyone, so they can play a game or watch a video while you drive.
• Stock Up on Accessories: Somebody will forget their charging cord. For a few dollars, stow some extras in the console. Upgrade the floor mats to ones that are ready to handle mud and sand. A cargo organizer may help keep snacks and beach bags under control.
• Load Your Maps: Whether you have navigation included in your SYNC infotainment center, or if you use your smartphone app, take a moment to download directions and maps to your destination. Even if you drive through a zone with no cell service, you will be able to stick to the plan.
• Utilize Ford Connected Services: Locate charging stations, set your BlueCruise system, and remote start your Ford Bronco from your hotel room when you take full advantage of available services.

Pickup and Delivery Service Appointments Help You Get it Done

If you live in the greater Wichita area, Rusty Eck Ford is here to help you knock out that summer maintenance checklist. We can pick up your Ford at your home or place of work within our designated area and bring it back when service is completed. Leave more of your time for playing under the summer sun! Best of all, our Service Department always uses genuine Ford parts and recommended fluids. Call (316) 685-9211 to schedule your summer checkup today.