Bob Maxey Ford of Howell

Mar 11, 2022
ford car service in howell, mi

Regular maintenance on your vehicle will not only make it run better but also provide the car with longer life. Your local Ford dealership provides services that are essential for your vehicle’s health.

1. General Automotive Care

General automotive care ensures a dependable vehicle when you need it. These services help to keep all motorists safe.

General services provided may include:

  • Wiper blade replacement
  • Replenishing windshield wiper fluid
  • Adding anti-freeze
  • Replacing the headlights and taillights
  • Remove corrosion from the battery 
  • Replacing tires

2. Preventative Car Maintenance

Preventative car maintenance helps keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Preventative care will improve the car’s mileage, stop serious damage, and increase the safety of not only you and your passengers but also other motorists.

Preventative car maintenance may include:

  • Air filter checks and changes
  • Tire rotations
  • Inspect tire pressure
  • Wheel alignment
  • Checking battery
  • Flushing of fluids (power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid)

3. Air Conditioning and Heater Maintenance

Air conditioning and heating services will keep you comfortable on the coldest and hottest days. A mechanic will be able to evaluate your car, making sure no hoses are cracked or dried out. This system can be checked to see if the radiator is working properly or if it needs a radiator or coolant flush.

Problems your automobile may face with the air conditioning and heating system include.

  • The air conditioner blows warm air
  • Air blown in has an odd smell (musty, mildew, damp, or moldy)
  • Highest fan setting provides little air
  • The defroster does not work

4. Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement

Your vehicle needs an oil change regularly. You can refer to your automobile’s manual for what is best for your car. Some manufacturers recommend having an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Newer models may say 5,000 or even 10,000 miles. Scheduled oil changes can prolong the life of your motor, preventing untimely breakdowns.

Motor oil is a lifeline for your car. It decreases friction and wear on the engine while cooling and cleaning it. When your mechanic changes the oil, the filter and lube should also be changed.

5. Engine Diagnostics

There may be times when your car needs an engine diagnostic performed. By doing this, a code can be generated, which helps the mechanic diagnose the issue. This diagnostic saves the mechanic time and you money.

An engine diagnostic can tell the mechanic:

  • Engine RMP levels
  • Positions of the crankshaft and camshaft
  • Ignition timing problems
  • Fuel injector performance
  • Coolant and air temperatures
  • Amount of buildup in combustion engine

6. Brake Problems

Brake problems can be very scary when they occur. You should know how your brakes normally sound and feel. If you suspect anything is off, a trip to the mechanic is a necessity.

Common brake issues include:

  1. Squealing brakes may mean your vehicle needs new brake pads.
  2. Rattling signals that one of the rotors needs to be replaced.
  3. Brake sounds that are not heard all the time may mean overheating in the brake pads, brake fluid, or rotors.


Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule for both general and preventative care can save you money and time. Stop by Bob Maxey Ford-Howell to schedule an appointment today.