Maintenance Tips for Your Unused Ford
Whether you’re storing your vehicle for a long period of time or just haven’t been driving as much as you used to, we at Gilland Ford have some vital information about how to care for it. Even when you’re not behind the wheel, your car, truck, or SUV requires regular upkeep and proper treatment so it can return to the roads without delay. Our Service Department can tell you more!
Short-Term Storage
If you’re only looking to keep your Ford in a good condition due to short-term limited use, then you’ll want to handle the following tasks. First, try to park the car somewhere with a level grade so you don’t need to apply the parking brake. When this component is engaged for a long period of time, the gears can become jammed and leave it stuck in place. Furthermore, if possible, try to at least move it slightly every few days to avoid flat spots in your tires. Once you’re ready to drive it again, take the time to inspect everything under the hood, as animals often burrow by the mechanics and can chew through wires.
Long-Term Storage
Generally, vehicles that are being stored for longer than 30 days need some additional care in order to remain in good operating conditions. If possible, park the car inside a garage or under some sort of cover, as this prevents exterior damage from the sun, rain, and other weather conditions that affect the paint and cause rust. In addition, even though it’s not being driven, you’ll still want to keep up with oil changes, as this fluid will continue to degrade over time. Before you take it out for regular use again, it’s important to check the tire pressure, windshield wipers, and battery levels, as there’s a good chance that these will require some maintenance.
Visit Us Today!
If you’re ready to take your stored Ford out for regular driving again, feel free to ask our Service Department for assistance. Along with changing the oil, rotating the tires, priming the battery, and examining the brakes, we’ll also perform a road test to confirm that it operates like it should. While you’re here, we’ll also be happy to provide a few more tips about how to properly store a vehicle, so you know what needs to be done if you ever need to return it to the garage. To help ease your mind about the cost of these repairs, we’re constantly updating our competitive service specials.
For additional maintenance tips for your unused Ford near Dothan, AL, get in touch with the knowledgeable technicians at Gilland Ford. If you have any pressing questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call for assistance or to schedule an appointment.