Winter Maintenance for your Ford
When Old Man Winter descends upon Pittsburgh, things can get messy in a hurry. And while you’ll be in a better spot to tackle it all with a vehicle like the rugged Bronco with standard 4×4 or an F-150 with 4WD, you’ll want to make sure your ride is in tip-top shape to ensure safer travels. Shults Ford Harmarville can help you stay on top of winter maintenance for your car, truck, or SUV in Pittsburgh, including some of the most essential tasks for cold-weather driving.
Oil & Filter Change
Regular oil and filter changes are like the bread and butter of vehicle maintenance no matter the season. A few quarts of fresh oil and a clean filter can work wonders for your Ford Escape, Edge, or Explorer, keeping your ride on the road and forging ahead. Not following the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil and filter changes will drag down engine performance in the short term and can lead to significant damage over the long term. If you don’t take care of your engine, it won’t last as long, and you could find yourself looking at a hefty repair bill or an outright replacement.
Windshield Wipers
Don’t wait until the next snowstorm before you realize that your windshield wipers are not doing their job. You should be changing your wiper blades out about every 6-12 months, so if it’s been a while since your last replacement, now is the time. A new set of windshield wiper blades will ensure better visibility so that you can hit the road with greater confidence when the flakes start falling.
Brakes
If keeping your tires healthy is one of the most important things you can do for your vehicle come winter, taking good care of your brakes is right there alongside it. When your brakes aren’t in good shape, you have a harder time coming to a stop quickly. That’s dangerous on a sunny spring day, never mind when there’s an inch of snow and slush on the ground. When you notice signs like squealing or shrieking, strange vibrations, pulling to one side, or a lack of response when you apply the brakes, bring your Ford to Shults Ford Hamarville for a brake inspection ASAP.
Tire Care
Tire health is of the utmost importance in the winter when snow and ice can make it hard to get a grip. During the winter months, it’s imperative that your tires have enough tread for safe driving. If you’re not sure, you can perform a quick test with a penny. Place a penny between the grooves of your tires with President Lincoln’s head facing downward. If you can see the top of his head, there’s not enough tread for safe driving and you should consider replacement as soon as possible. In addition to checking tread levels, you should make sure that your tires are all properly inflated and not showing any other signs of wear.
Another great idea to consider during the winter is swapping in a set of winter tires. These unique tires use cold-weather-specific compounds and tread patterns for optimal grip and traction, giving you better command when the weather takes a turn. Plus, this helps prolong the life of your regular tires. Speaking of prolonging the life of your tires, regular rotations and balancing are all-season essentials.
These and other critical winter vehicle maintenance tasks will help you keep your Ford Maverick, Bronco Sport, or Expedition on the road and in solid shape during the coldest months of the year. And Shults Ford Harmarville can help you get to where you need to be. Not only do we offer extended service hours, but you can also take advantage of our Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center, Mobile Service, and Pickup & Delivery options. However we can help, Shults Ford Hamarville is here for you in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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