Maintaining your vehicle
Regular maintenance is important for your vehicle. This includes oil changes, checking and flushing fluids, and tune-ups. It can improve performance, reliability, and extend the life of your vehicle. Neglecting to service your vehicle can lead to higher repair costs and decrease its value for future sale or trade-in.
Oil Change
Today's vehicle engines generally have extended oil‐change intervals beyond 3,000 miles, so it is recommended that you consult the specific maintenance schedule interval in your vehicle's owner manual.
At Bailey Ford of Plattsburgh, an oil change is so much more than just an oil change. When you come in for The Works,® you receive a complete vehicle checkup that includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi‐Point Inspection, fluid top‐off, battery test, and filter, belts and hoses check – all for a very competitive price.
Fluid Levels
Getting your fluids filled is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes. The fluids to check and top off include oil, radiator, transmission, power steering, windshield washer, and brake fluid.
Filters
Your vehicle's filters need to be changed every 15K-30K miles. They can be inspected and replaced while doing a standard oil change. This includes the engine air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, and cabin air filter.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs should be changed every 100K miles. The time and cost of this procedure will depend on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and it is slightly more complicated than a routine oil change.
Belts and Hoses
Belts and hoses play an integral part in your vehicle’s performance. As belts age, the rubber becomes brittle, causing it to crack. If the belt is showing signs of wear on its outer edge, this is also a sign that it will need to be replaced.
Since coolant temperature is about 200 degrees, the hoses that carry it are extremely important. A belt or hose failure can cause loss of both power steering and the electrical charging system, as well as an overheated engine. If your engine overheats, this can cause the cylinder heads to warp, resulting in a very expensive repair.
Hoses are generally inspected for softness and swelling, hardening, cracks, chafing and heat damage. If any of these issues are detected, your hoses will need to be replaced.
Brakes
Brake issues can start out small but worsen over time. Waiting to have them repaired can greatly increase the costs involved. Having your brakes inspected during a routine maintenance visit can help save you both time and money.
Discs should be inspected for rough spots, warping or damage. If they are shiny and show little signs of wear, maintenance is likely not needed. If they are damaged or warped, these parts should be resurfaced or replaced immediately.
Your vehicle has rubber and metal brake lines and both can crack and leak. Our technicians will first examine the rubber hoses to ensure they are soft and don’t have cracks. They’ll then check the hard metal brake lines for corrosion and leaking. If either is damaged, replacement is recommended.
Batteries
Vehicles today have a lot of technology. This makes it very important to have a battery that works well. At Bailey Ford of Plattsburgh, we know what battery your specific vehicle needs. We can help you through the process, which can sometimes be complicated.
Tires
Maintaining your tires not only helps keep you safe, it also helps your vehicle run more efficiently and extends the life of the tires themselves. Following these simple steps will help ensure you get the most out of your tires:
- Have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles – see tire manufacturer for specific recommendations.
- Check the pressure of all tires, including your spare, at least once a month when the tires are "cold," meaning that the vehicle hasn't been driven for at least three hours. Recommended air pressure for your tires can be found on the placard typically placed on the driver's side doorjamb.
- Have your tires inspected during every service visit.
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