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Many people entirely rely on their vehicles to get them to work, school, or beyond. They may also have invested a lot of money in their set of wheels and will want to do everything they can to keep it in tip-top shape. So as the new year begins and you think about your own vehicle, it may be time to perform some additional Ford maintenance tasks. What should you consider to help you look after your vehicle? Fix Wipers and Nozzles In the early part of the year, you may have to drive in darkness and poor Georgia weather conditions and should pay a lot of attention to visibility. With this in mind and if it’s been a while since you did so, clean your windshield washer nozzles. The tiny holes may trap some debris, hindering your ability to clean the windshield. Also, replace your wiper blades so they don't smear. Clean Cabin Filters You probably know that your engine relies on a high-quality air filter in order to perform, but did you know that the passenger cabin has its own air filter? It's part of the A/C system and helps to improve the air quality inside the vehicle. So, replace or clean it to get rid of debris or allergens and enjoy a more comfortable ride. Align and Calibrate Sensors The modern vehicle has a large number of electronic sensors that are crucial to help manage vehicle performance. Some of the most important ones control the advanced driver assistance systems and are therefore very important from a safety point of view as well. Some people think that you can “set it and forget it” when it comes to sensors, but it's important to align and calibrate them from time to time. Polish and Protect Headlights Most vehicles today feature the latest headlight technology, but the LED bulbs will not perform as they should if the headlight casing itself is not optimal. Often, the casing will cloud over and could even adopt a “yellowish” appearance. If you have an older car and this is the case, use a restoration kit to polish the headlights and apply a protectant at the same time. Deep Clean the Engine Bay If you think that an engine bay must always be dirty, think again. There's no reason for it to be this way if you maintain your engine and avoid leaks. So, deep clean the engine bay now using a degreaser product. It will help you to detect any leaks if they appear in the future and it may also prevent some overheating issues. Come to Lithia Springs Ford if You Need Any Help These are just a few of the often-overlooked tasks that could extend your car's life, help with safety issues, or improve performance. As such, you should consider tackling these tasks now and while they're on your mind. Of course, it's not always easy to perform some of this work especially if you don't have the time, facilities, or the ability. This is why Lithia Springs Ford maintains an active Ford service center, with experienced and helpful staff at the ready. Get in touch with our Ford maintenance team today so they can schedule your next visit.

Most tires last between 60,000 and 75,000 miles, and you should change your tires as soon as the tread depth drops below 2/32nds of an inch. However, there are reasons to seek out Ford tire services other than tread depth. Tires are consumable items that perish over time. That's why the recommended Ford tire replacement interval is at least every six years, regardless of how much you drive. Why Ford Tire Services are Important Your tires are critical safety components of your vehicle. They're the last connection between you and the road. Worn tires can cause longer braking distances, which increases the risk of accidents. Older tires offer less grip and traction on wet or slippery roads. How Do I Know It's Time for a Ford Tire Replacement? Treadwear and age are just two reasons to change your tires. Other reasons include: Tires losing pressure: If your tires no longer hold air or have a slow leak, consider replacing them at your nearest Ford tire services center. Cracks in the sidewall: Often caused by sun damage or lack of use, the sidewall of your tire can become brittle and show cracking. This is a sign the structure of the tire is compromised and should be replaced. Bulges or bumps: Any irregular shape in your tire is a sign of damage. Tire blisters usually form when a curb or pothole impacts the tire. A tire with one of these bumps or blisters is at risk of failure and can also affect vehicle handling. Tips for Tire Replacement Always replace all four tires simultaneously, as uneven tire wear can impact handling and steering, making your vehicle unstable and shortening the life of your tires. Rotate your tires regularly to increase their lifespan. In front-wheel drive cars, your front tires will wear faster than your rear tires because they take the force of braking, acceleration, and turning. Rotating your tires during every scheduled oil change can help to distribute the wear evenly across all four tires. How to Check Tire Tread Depth The best way to assess your vehicle tires is by taking your car to a local Ford dealership for an inspection. You can also check the treadwear using a tread depth gauge. You can use a penny to check your treadwear if you don't have access to a tool. Put the penny inside the groove on the tire. If you can see Abraham Lincoln's entire head, your tread is below 2/32s of an inch, and you should replace the tire. Make sure you check the whole tire width, as wear might be uneven. Ford Tire Replacement at Lithia Springs Ford Are you looking for tire replacement for your Ford car, truck, or SUV? Lithia Springs Ford is your certified Ford service center for Atlanta, Dallas, Douglasville, and Smyrna drivers. Our expert technicians are experienced in Ford service and repairs and can recommend the right tire for your vehicle and lifestyle. We even offer regular sales and specials on Ford tire services and mobile Ford servicing. Use our convenient online form to schedule your Ford tire replacement appointment today.

An end-of-year checklist is a good way to stay on top of your Ford maintenance schedule and gives you an annual reminder to inspect some of the lesser-known parts on your car, truck, or SUV. Regular maintenance is especially important during the holiday season as Georgia drivers spend more time on the roads visiting loved ones. Here's how to build an end-of-year checklist for your Ford. Regular Ford Maintenance Items As a certified Ford service center with years of experience and expertise, Lithia Springs Ford is well-equipped to care for your vehicle. We know your vehicle's maintenance schedule better than anyone. End-of-Year Maintenance Checklist Most drivers already know the importance of conducting scheduled maintenance as written in an owner's manual. Your Ford oil change is the most common and well-known maintenance item to check off. However, even if you follow the oil change schedule in your owner's manual, conducting an annual inspection of your vehicle is a good practice. Here are some things you should include in that checklist. 1. Tire pressure and treadwear You may already check your tire pressure regularly, but the end of the year is a good time to examine your tire wear more closely. Use a tire depth gauge to check the tread depth, and inspect your wheels and tires for signs of damage, cracking, or other potential issues. This includes any bulges or bumps in the tire—similar to a blister on a basketball—which are signs of tire damage that can cause a failure. 2. Electrical System Checks The winter months can be harder on car batteries and are often when problems with your vehicle lighting system tend to show up. Inspect all your lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and parking lights, to ensure they work properly. As your local certified Ford service center, Lithia Springs Ford has the proper diagnostic equipment to check your car's battery and charging system to ensure it's operating correctly. 3. Cabin Air Filter If your Ford has a cabin air filter, it must be changed regularly. Add this to your end-of-year checklist to keep your HVAC system working properly. 4. Windshield Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid Make sure you have the best possible visibility in snow or rain by replacing worn wiper blades and topping up your washer fluid. The new year is the perfect time to do this. Schedule a Multi-Point Inspection A multi-point inspection is a simple and stress-free way to ensure your Ford is in tip-top shape for the new year. During this procedure, the expert Ford technicians at Lithia Springs Ford will go over your vehicle from bumper to bumper, checking a list of things, including: Tires and suspension Brake pads and rotors Engine exhaust Timing belts and pulleys Electrical system Fluids like oil, coolant, transmission, power steering, and brake fluid Trust Lithia Springs Ford with Your Vehicles If you're looking for a "Ford service near me" in Lithia Springs, Georgia, you've come to the right place. Lithia Springs Ford even offers mobile servicing, which is where we come to you. Contact our service department to schedule your end-of-year Ford maintenance today.