The fluids in your Ford F-150 or Ford Explorer help make sure it runs smoothly while also helping to prevent overheating of engine components. Your fluids can last for quite a few miles but they start to break down over time and won't perform as well as they did in the beginning. By flushing and replacing these fluids at the recommended intervals you can help your Ford’s components perform at their best and last longer. Here's a comprehensive guide to replacing the fluids in your Ford in our service center at Burt Watson Ford in Pinconning, MI.
Motor oil
The most important fluid to change in your Ford is the engine oil. Automotive experts consider it the most essential fluid because it helps keep internal engine components cool and lubricates moving parts to minimize metal-to-metal contact. With conventional motor oil, you should get an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. With today's more refined synthetic motor oils, your Ford might be able to go as long as 7,500 miles between oil changes, depending on how you drive. Ask one of our service advisors for a personalized recommendation.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid is essential in helping your Ford car, truck or SUV slow down and stop. Your brakes are part of a hydraulic system that's highly pressurized. When you step on the brake pedal, the brake fluid enters the pistons in the brake calipers and the cylinder at each wheel. That increases the pressure, sending fluid into motion, alerting the brake pads to press down on the rotors to stop your wheel rotation. We recommend changing your brake fluid about every 30,000 miles.
Power steering fluid
With the right level of power steering fluid, you can turn your steering wheel much more easily. A hydraulic pump that's driven by the engine pressurizes that fluid to help keep the internal steering mechanism properly lubricated. The heat that's generated from this pressure can cause issues and the fluid can accumulate fragments of seals, hoses and gaskets over time. That's when the fluid needs to be replaced and we recommend doing that every 30,000 miles.
Transmission fluid
Transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts in your transmission and helps to keep it cool from the heat caused by friction. It also helps keep gaskets and other components properly conditioned for the highest level of efficiency. Many of today's vehicles are equipped with sealed transmissions but that doesn't mean they're inaccessible. The fluid in these transmission systems still need inspection and replacement by a technician using specialized equipment. We recommend changing your transmission fluid every 45,000 miles or every three years.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is also known as coolant and it's a heat transfer fluid that helps keep your engine cool and lubricated while also preventing freezing in frigid temperatures. Antifreeze travels in and around the engine and collects heat when it returns to the radiator. That's where heat is dissolved into the air and continues as your Ford moves ahead. After a period of time, your antifreeze starts accumulating contaminants like dirt and rust particles that reduce the effectiveness of the fluid. We recommend changing your antifreeze, or coolant, every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Differential fluid
The differential on your Ford distributes power generated by the transmission to each wheel and adjusts the difference in speed and direction. Wheels often turn at different speeds especially when you're going around a corner. For example, when you make a turn, the inside wheels have to travel a shorter distance than outside wheels. The differential adjusts for the difference. We recommend changing your differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
We invite you to find out more about Ford fluid replacement and take advantage of our service specials to save money on essential services. We encourage you to schedule service for your Ford vehicle soon at Burt Watson Ford in Pinconning, MI.