Ford asks: Is your vehicle roadworthy after the lockdowns?

As more parts of the country are downgraded to Alert Level 1 due to the drop of COVID-19 cases, mobility is expected to return to normal as more people come back to office and drive out for leisure.

With months of restricted travel, your vehicle may have been idle for a longer period of time, putting it at heightened risk if left unchecked or unmaintained. So, when you get back on the road, make sure you inspect your vehicle thoroughly before spending long hours behind the wheel.

Fortunately, on-road vehicle problems and long-term damage can be avoided entirely if you take the proper precautions for everyday driving. So, before you go out and get stuck in traffic again, be sure to follow these tips from Ford Philippines to guarantee that your vehicle is ready:

Perform basic checks

There are basic checks that you can do before hitting the road to help get your car ready for daily use. Check the oil, coolant, and windscreen wiper fluid levels, and give your wipers a quick check to see if they are functioning, and inspect your windscreen for any cracks or chips.

Tires are frequently overlooked, so double-check the pressure, as well as your spare tire's.

Have your vehicle inspected

Due to the lockdown restrictions, many people did not have the opportunity to get their vehicle checked out and maintained. A general best ownership practice that vehicle manufacturers strongly encourage is to bring your vehicle to regular check-ups to guarantee that it performs as expected.

Ford vehicle owners are encouraged to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended periodic maintenance service (PMS) schedule. Ford technicians use Ford quality-standard lubricant, fluids, and service parts during these inspections.

You will receive a Vehicle Report Card (VRC) every time you bring your vehicle to a Ford dealership for scheduled service. The VRC is a comprehensive health check summary of your vehicle's key wear-and-tear parts and systems.

Leave vehicle repair and maintenance to the professionals

Being thrifty has its benefits, but not when it comes to your vehicle. While getting service from non-authorized service centers may give a quick remedy at a lesser cost, it also raises the risk of long-term damage and vehicle issues, potentially costing you more money in the long run.

Instead, bring your vehicle to authorized dealers and technicians with the right qualifications to service your vehicle. The only people who truly understand your Ford and how to service it while adhering to all regular inspection protocols are Ford technicians. You are guaranteed with top-notch service and genuine Ford parts at every service visit to a Ford authorized dealer.

Examine the status of wear-and-tear parts during each service

It is important to maintain your vehicle's wear-and-tear parts, as these, unlike other components such as the engine, must be replaced on a regular basis. You may make the most of your service visits by having wear-and-tear parts inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

Ford vehicle owners can take advantage of the brand's all-in-one battery package and cabin air filter offerings. Customers who own a Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Ford EcoSport, Ford Ranger, or Ford Everest can get an all-in battery package that includes parts and labor for a discounted price of P6,300. All parts of eligible Ford vehicles automatically include a 24-month warranty.

Furthermore, owners of Ford Ranger and Ford Everest models between 2015 to 2021 can get the Motorcraft micronAir proTect Cabin Filter, a premium cabin filter with improved filtering capability at a low price. The micronAir filter is nearly 100% effective against allergens with a diameter of two microns or bigger, as well as bacteria and fungal spores. It may also filter out threats inside the car, inactivating viruses like Swine Flu (H1N1) and HCov-229E that come into contact with the special active layer.

“Taking the time to care for your vehicle goes a long way in ensuring a worry-free ownership experience, especially with the return of mobility in the new normal,” Ford Customer Service Division Director Patrick Manigbas stated. “Our service offerings are designed to keep our customers safe as they go back on the road. One of our advocacies at Ford is road safety, so we encourage our customers to visit a Ford dealership to have their vehicles checked to ensure their optimal performance.”

To learn more about Ford’s after-sales offerings, visit any Ford dealership nationwide or log on to the Ford Philippines website.

Photos from Ford Philippines