Cars have a real knack for telling you when it’s time for maintenance. You might have trouble starting, have reduced fuel efficiency, or have problems doing things that used to be easy while driving. Going to your Ford dealership regularly can help prevent many problems, and visiting when your car tells you it’s time for maintenance is essential.
1. It’s Been a Year
It’s important to visit the dealership at least once a year for annual service, as this allows the technicians to check on various components, fix anything that needs to be fixed, and perform essential services such as oil changes and tire rotations.
Really, you should ideally be going to the dealer at least twice a year. Certain services, such as tire rotations, need to be performed every 5,000 miles on average. Many vehicles also need oil changes this frequently.
2. It’s Hard to Start Your Car
When your car starts taking a little longer to get the engine started, then it’s time for a trip to the dealer. It’s important to get there before your car won’t start at all. A car that’s slow to start could have numerous issues. Some things that cause difficulty starting include a faulty battery, a malfunctioning alternator, a bad timing belt, a broken starter motor, and worn-out spark plugs or ignition coils.
3. It’s Challenging to Brake Effectively
Having functioning brakes is essential. After all, they’re your car’s main safety component. That’s why it’s vital to get to the dealer if you notice it’s taking longer for you to stop after you engage the brakes.
You should also be vigilant regarding knowing the other signs that your brakes are in trouble. Listen out for noises when you brake, take note of any feedback on the brake pedal, be wary if your brake pedal lacks resistance when you step on it, and watch out for your car pulling to one side when you brake.
3. It’s Difficult to Change Gears
If your car has problems when you’re changing gears, then there’s probably something wrong with your transmission, so you need maintenance as soon as possible. The type of problems to be aware of include your car having difficulty changing gears, failing to shift gears, slipping gears, and making noises while changing gears.
4. It’s Using More Gas
Cars use more gas when they’re having various problems, as they try to compensate for the issue by working harder. As a result, they burn more fuel. Some problems that cause your car to use more gas include needing a new engine air filter or fuel filter, needing an oil change, having underinflated tires, being out of alignment, and having a dirty oxygen sensor.
These are just a few of the issues that tell you it’s time for maintenance. Come to Columbiana Ford in Columbiana, OH for regular maintenance to help prevent issues from cropping up going forward.