Ford Service Intervals: Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

Published Date: 13th Mar 2023

Regular servicing is essential to keep your car running smoothly and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Following the manufacturer's service intervals is recommended to maintain your vehicle well. Regular servicing not only protects your car's warranty but can also help maintain its potential resale value.

Block Exemption:

In the past, car owners had to get their vehicles serviced or repaired at a main dealer to avoid invalidating the warranty, which led to monopolistic pricing practices. However, the EC Block Exemption Regulation introduced in 2003 provided more flexibility in selecting service providers. This regulation covers all maintenance and service during the warranty period and prohibits manufacturers from requiring maintenance to be carried out by their dealer network or using only their original spare parts. As a result, car owners can choose independent garages that use original equipment and quality parts, and save up to 60% on servicing costs compared to main franchise dealers.

Scheduled servicing with a qualified technician ensures that your car receives expert attention using genuine parts. An annual health check can identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems. An experienced technician can also identify parts that are prone to wear and tear, ensuring they are replaced before they cause any further damage.

Maintaining your car's oil levels is crucial to its performance. It's important to regularly monitor the oil levels and follow the recommended oil change intervals. Many cars now have an intelligent oil-life monitor that alerts drivers when an oil change is needed.

Keeping up with your car's service schedule can help maximise fuel economy and minimise the risk of extra costs from inadequate servicing. It's especially important for new cars as it helps maintain the warranty and increases the resale value. A scheduled service includes a comprehensive check of all important components, such as wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, headlights, and filters.

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To ensure your car stays in good condition, it's recommended to avoid leaving the engine running when it is at a standstill, as it increases fuel consumption and causes unnecessary wear. If you don't use your car regularly, running it for at least 15 minutes weekly is important to prevent the battery from going flat. If the "oil change required" message is displayed, contacting your local dealer to schedule a service inspection is important.

In conclusion, regular servicing is essential to keep your car running smoothly and prevent costly repairs. Following the manufacturer's service intervals and scheduling regular services with qualified technicians can help maintain your car's value and keep it in top condition.

Most Ford vehicles suggest an 18,000 Miles or two years first service interval (whichever comes first). However, we suggest an annual oil check inspection - an oil and filter change, especially if you plan to keep your vehicle for many years.

It is always worth checking your vehicle service book or call us on 0161 946 3500; we will be happy to check and advise based on your model and mileage.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR 18,000 MILES OR 2-YEAR VEHICLE CHECKUP:

Driving the Vehicle into the Workshop:

Windscreen, washers, wipers -- Check operation and condition, if necessary, adjust/repair/renew (separate repair order required), Instrument gauges, warning control lights and horn -- Check operation

Inside Vehicle:

Image of a socket set used for car repairs Service Interval Indicator / Oil Service Indicator or Intelligent Oil Life Monitor (IOLM) -- Reset after an Oil change on all vehicles equipped with IOLM irrespective of whether cluster messaging is displayed, Odour filter -- Renew, Warning triangle -- Check availability - if applicable, Parking brake -- Check operation/adjust, if necessary (where applicable), Exterior and respective control lights; instrument cluster illumination -- Check operation/condition, First aid kit -- Check availability and expiry date - if applicable, Seat belts, buckles and stalks -- Check operation/condition, Warning vest -- Check availability - if applicable.

Outside Vehicle:

Road (MOT) test -- Check regarding the next road (MOT) test due date - if applicable. Hood latch/safety catch & hinges -- Check operation/grease, Emission test -- Check regarding next emission test due - if applicable, Luggage compartment lamp -- Check operation - if applicable

Service record and MicronAir Filter reminder stickers -- Update vehicle service record (Service book/Digital Service Record (DSR) and affix stickers to driver side B pillar), Tires -- Adjust pressure, Spare wheel -- Adjust pressure, check wear - condition (note tread depth)~ ________mm, Instant mobility system -- Check best before date on tire sealant - if applicable, Wheel covers -- Check for damages, especially at the retainer system, Engine -- Refill engine oil, Tire pressure monitoring system -- Adjust tyre pressures, reset - if applicable, Wheel nuts -- Tighten to correct torque and check for the correct type. Check for rim damage and report.

Under the Bonnet:

Battery terminals -- Clean, if necessary/grease, Coolant -- Check anti-freeze concentration: _____ °C, Coolant expansion tank and washer reservoirs -- Check/top up fluid levels as necessary - in case of abnormal fluid loss, a separate order is required to investigate and rectify, Headlamp alignment -- Check - adjust alignment, if necessary, Engine, vacuum pump, heater and radiator -- Check for damage and leaks, Wiring, pipes, hoses, oil and fuel feed lines -- Check for routing, damage, chafing and leaks, Brake fluid -- Check/top up fluid levels as necessary - in case of abnormal fluid loss, a separate order is required to investigate and rectify.

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Under the Vehicle:

Engine, transmission, rear axle -- Check for damage and leaks; steering, suspension linkages, ball joints, side shaft joints, and gaiters -- Check for damage, wear, security and rubber deterioration; brake system -- With wheels off, check brake pads, discs, linings for wear and check brake cylinders the condition: check rubber components for deterioration. Pipes, hoses, wiring, oil and fuel feed lines, exhaust -- Check for routing, damage, chafing and leaks; Underbody -- Check the condition of PVC coating, Tires -- Check wear and condition, especially at tyre wall, note tread depth ^~RF ___ mm, LF ___ mm, LR ___ mm, RR ___ mm, Engine -- Drain oil and renew oil filter $("(use torque ", oil-filter-torque, " Nm)")

Regular servicing of your car is crucial for maintaining its performance and avoiding costly repairs. Ford recommends regular service intervals, which protect your vehicle's manufacturer warranty and maintain its future resale value. Ford-trained experts use genuine Ford-approved parts and offer attractive pricing and convenient appointment bookings. The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) in Ford vehicles monitors engine oil and alerts you when an oil change is needed. Following the recommended service schedule helps maximise fuel economy and enhances the value of your vehicle. It's essential to keep up with your vehicle's service schedule to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your car.