If there’s one thing most of us can agree on, it’s the love we have for our trusty Fords. Whether it’s the rugged F-150, the classic Mustang, or the family-friendly Escape, we rely on these beauties to get us from A to B and everywhere in between. And, just like how we need our morning coffee to start the day, our beloved cars need regular oil changes at the Ford dealer to keep running smoothly.

Ford technician pouring new oil into a Ford vehicle after after an oil change.
Image obtained from Shutterstock

How Often is “Regularly?”

Back in the day, the golden rule was every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. However, with advancements in engine design and improvements in oil, the timeline has shifted quite a bit. For many modern Fords, you can avoid changing the oil for 5,000 to 7,500 miles. The time between changes can vary based on your driving habits, so it’s always best to check your owner’s manual for guidelines.

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Driving with old or burned-out headlights makes navigating challenging, and it puts you and other drivers at risk. But how do you know when it’s time to have your Ford Service Department install new headlights? There are several signs you can look for.

close up of Ford sedan headlights

Your Lights Seem Dimmer

Headlights that seem dimmer than they used to be are the most obvious sign that your lights will soon be due for replacement. You may also notice that you’re struggling to see the road or that your headlights emit only a glow instead of a clear beam of light. Sometimes it’s difficult to gauge the strength of your headlights on your own, but our dealership can test your lights to see if they need to be replaced.

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Your vehicle’s tires are a critical component that plays a vital role in ensuring your safety and providing a smooth, comfortable ride. To maximize the lifespan of your tires and ensure optimal performance, regular tire rotations are essential. In this blog, we’ll explore why tire rotations are important and how they contribute to extending the life of your tires, enhancing your vehicle’s handling, and improving overall safety.

up close shot of a technician performing a tire rotation at North County Ford

Even Tire Wear

Tire wear isn’t uniform. The front and rear tires on your vehicle can experience different wear patterns. Front-wheel-drive vehicles, for example, tend to wear out their front tires faster due to the engine’s weight being over the front axle. This uneven wear can lead to premature tire replacement.

Regular tire rotations involve moving the tires to different positions on your vehicle. By doing so, you distribute the wear evenly across all four tires, extending their life. This simple maintenance task can save you money by delaying the need for new tires.

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Without a fully functioning car battery, all kinds of parts in your car will start to fail. It’s best to watch out for early signs of battery trouble and head to your local Ford dealer for a new car battery before you become stranded somewhere, unable to start your engine. Here are the most common symptoms of a dying battery to look out for. 

close up of a Ford Technician working on a battery

Bulging Battery Casing

Batteries tend to last from three to five years. At the three-year mark, it’s a good idea to start visually inspecting your battery every now and then for signs of damage. 

Excessive road vibrations or extremely cold temperatures can sometimes cause a battery’s casing to warp or crack. If you find any cracks or bulges, you’ll need to replace the whole battery. 

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The cabin air filter in your Ford freshens up your vehicle’s interior, while the engine air filter traps contaminants before they enter the engine. A worn filter, especially the engine air filter, can cause numerous issues, including decreasing the effectiveness of your catalytic converter. So watch out for these signs indicating you should get a new cabin and engine filter from your local Ford dealer.

photo of a clean and dirty air filter showcasing when a filter should get maintenanced
Image obtain from Shutterstock

1. Difficulty Starting the Vehicle

If your Ford is failing to start smoothly or requiring extended cranking for the engine to fire, it might have a worn engine air filter. Clogged or worn-out filters prevent air from mixing properly with the fuel in the combustion chamber.

This disrupts the air-fuel ratio and makes ignition difficult. Replacing the worn-out filter with new ones will improve airflow to the engine, allowing an easier and smoother startup.

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Few drivers realize how much of an impact the condition of their tires has on the quality of their handling, braking, road safety, and overall driving pleasure. When your tires begin to show signs of damage or excessive wear, it’s usually best to have them replaced without delay. Here are a few signs that indicate you should visit your local Ford dealer for new tires today.

Image obtained from Shutterstock

Bubbling Sidewalls

If you notice a bubble or blister appearing in the sidewall of a tire, you’ll probably have to replace that tire. Bubbling often indicates air trapped beneath the upper layer of rubber. 

When you see a bubble, the inner layers may have become ruptured by an impact, releasing the air to become trapped under the upper layer. Bubbles may also result from a production defect in the tire that also makes the tire unsafe to drive on.

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The 2023 F-150 Lightning is an all-electric pickup truck with an impressive EPA range and 10,000 pounds of potential towing power. With the F-150, you have a perfect mix of technological sophistication, cost-effective driving, and rugged, versatile workhorse utility. Let’s take a closer look at a few 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning specs that will make you love this truck.

Close up shot of the 2023 Ford F 150 Lightning control panel highlighting its incredible technology features.

Enviable EPA Range

With its optional extended battery, the 2023 F-150 can take you an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles of combined city and highway driving. If you need your truck to drive out to remote jobs far from town, you’ll have more than enough juice in the battery to make it there and back again several times over. 

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Synthetic oil has many terrific benefits over regular oil, one of which is a longer lifespan. But even synthetic motor oil wears down over time and needs to be changed every 7,500 to 15,000 miles. Let’s take a closer at the benefits of synthetic motor oil over regular oil and the main reasons you should regularly visit your nearest Ford service department for an oil change in your Ford. 

close up shot of synthetic oil being poured into an engine

Synthetic vs Regular Oil

In the past, synthetic motor oil was only used in high-end race cars. Today, almost all vehicles can benefit from synthetic motor oil: an artificial lubricant made of chemically modified materials with a base of distilled crude oil. Various additives are also included in synthetic motor oil to make it lubricate even more effectively. 

Synthetic motor oil is more chemically stable than regular oil, breaks down more slowly, and is more resistant to oxidization. Overall, synthetic motor oil provides better engine performance and protection for longer. It’s highly recommended for almost any car.

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Everyone loves summer days, but a hot day in Vista, CA, can mean you need a blast of cold, refreshing air from the AC. Your car AC not working can seriously spoil your day. Fortunately, your friendly Ford dealer can fix the problem for you. These are a few possible causes of a malfunctioning AC.

Close up of AC vents in a Ford
Image From Pixabay

Mold in the AC

If your AC is barely cooling the cabin, and you smell a moist, earthy smell, your AC probably has mold inside it. Mold spores float in the air, and they’re quickly drawn into the AC system. A car AC’s dark and moist ducts are a perfect breeding ground for mold. During the winter, when your AC isn’t being used, these spores can flourish and spread through the system.

Mold growth can block the airflow through the AC system. This decreases the cooling affecting your cabin and also spreads mold spores throughout your car. Our technicians can easily fix a mold problem by pouring an anti-mold solution into the AC and running it on full power. The solution will remove all traces of mold, increase airflow, and leave your cabin smelling fresh at the same time.

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The 2023 Ford Ranger is a standout among pickups, thanks to its versatile performance in off-road scenarios, excellent fuel efficiency on both highways and city streets, and a luxurious cabin that offers seating for up to five passengers. Combine these impressive attributes with today’s latest driver-assist features, and you have the perfect excuse to set out on a road trip or off-road adventure with family or friends.

Handsome man took his brand new red 2023 Ford Ranger out on some mountainous trails to go biking.

Performance and Versatility

The 2023 Ranger’s 2.3-liter engine is a formidable one that gives the competition a run for its money with 270 horsepower, 310 pound-feet of torque, an estimated 26 mpg in fuel economy, and enough strength to haul a trailer with up to 7,500 pounds when fully equipped.

If opting for the FX2 package, you’ll get extras like 17-inch tires, an off-road suspension system, and an electronic-locking rear differential that can keep the vehicle from getting stuck in the mud. There’s also the FX4 Package, which adds steel plates, a specially tuned suspension system, and additional off-roading features.

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