How often should I change my oil?

Changing your car, truck, or SUV's oil and oil filter as least as often as your owners manual recommends is one of the most important actions you can take to keep your vehicle in smooth running condition. Oil changes will protect internal parts of your engine from premature wear and tear. Be sure to use the correct grade of oil in order to assure you're getting the best protection and fuel mileage.

How often should I rotate my tires and when should I replace them?

It is recommended that you rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles, or at least every 6 months or so. Tire replacement depends on how much you drive and your driving habits. At any rate, an easy way to see if you need a replacement is use the penny test. Simply take a penny and wedge it into your tire tread so Lincoln's head is upside down. If you can see almost all of honest Abe's head, your tires need to be replaced.

What does the 'check engine light' mean?

The check engine light can be indicative of a variety of issues, from simple fixes like loose gas cap to more serious engine impairment. Regardless, this warning should be addressed ASAP so it does not lead to further problems within the engine. Don't wait, schedule a service appointment with a W-K Ford technician today.

When should I replace my battery?

As a general rule of thumb, batteries should be replaced every three years. Dead batteries can make for a bad day, so bring your vehicle in for a battery test. If your battery needs replacement, W-K Ford technicians can take care of it on site.

How often do I need to replace my brake pads?

Brake pads are normally replaced between the 25,000 and 50,000-mile mark. Again, this depends on how much you drive and your driving habits. While some car problems can remain hidden until its too late, brake pad issues are usually quite obvious. The most typical sign of needing replacements is a definitive squeaking sound that emanates from the wheels when applying the brake. Other signs are a vibrating brake pedal or steering wheel when braking.

When should I replace my wiper blades?

Underperforming wiper blades can be one of the most hazardous road going situations you may find yourself in. Because of this, it is imperative that you ensure your wiper blades are in proper working order during especially snowy or rainy times of the year. If your wiper blades cause streaking or scraping when in use they need to be replaced at your earliest convenience.

When should I replace my air filters?

For the engine air filter, decreases in gas mileage or ignition issues are the most common signs of filters in need of replacement. Generally, air filters should be replaced between 12,000 and 15,000 miles, but you should consult your owner's manual to be certain. Sometimes a simple visual check can be enough to gauge replacement, so if your filters have noticeable grime and dust it is likely they need to be replaced. It should be noted that if you live in an especially dusty or sandy area your filters will need to be replaced much sooner than the 12,000-15,000 mile average.

How do I know I need to replace my shocks & struts?

Your vehicle's shocks and struts are vital to its every day performance. Steering, braking power, and overall stability of your car, truck, or SUV is affected by the condition of your shocks and struts. If you experience usually bumpy ride quality, steering difficultly, unusual tire wear, or braking issues your shocks and struts may need replacement. The 50,000-mile mark is the recommended time to replace your shocks and struts.

Schedule Service Today

If you have noticed any of the aforementioned issues, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. Take a look at our service specials online or contact W-K Ford directly at 660-243-4309.