Your new Ford is the apple of your eye. Still, the sad truth is that while all Ford vehicles are capable of so much, like a pet, or a small child, they don’t take care of themselves. That’s why Ford Motor Company has published a service schedule for all its vehicles. Whether you have leased or purchase your new vehicle, it is your responsibility to properly maintain it.

Ford Maintenance Guidelines

Many Ford models are equipped with a vehicle message center that alerts you to significant events regarding your vehicle’s health. It could be something as simple as an alert to an upcoming service or a non-functioning sensor somewhere on the vehicle. An Intelligent Oil Life Monitor calculates optimal oil change intervals, and when needed, flash a message saying “Change Engine Oil Soon” when 5 percent of the oil’s life remains. And there’s a message that flashes “Oil Change Required,” when it reaches 0 percent.

The rest of the service schedule comes directly from the Explorer’s Owner’s Manual. Here is just a few examples of what to expect:

10,000 Miles

At 10,000 miles, it’s time to rotate and inspect the tires. By this time the vehicle message center light should have alerted you that it’s also time to change the oil and to replace the oil filter with a high-performance synthetic oil. At the same time, inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors and drums, brake lines and hoses as well as the parking brake system. Inspect the cooling system and hoses, the rear axle lubricant, all non-sealed steering linkage, and to wrap it all up, perform a multi-point inspection.

20,000 Miles

Twenty-thousand miles in, Ford recommends more of the same, starting with an oil and oil filter change, and replacing of the cabin air filter. Rotate the tires, and if needed, perform a wheel alignment to insure even tire wear at all four corners. A multi-point inspection is recommended to check the cooling system and hoses, the exhaust system, the automatic transmission fluid, brake system, including brake pads and rotors.

30,000 miles

At 30,000 miles, replace the engine air filter, rotate and inspect tires, change the oil and oil filter when indicated on the vehicle message center, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Inspect all hoses, connections and fittings under hood. Inspect the complete exhaust system and all heat shields for damage or possible leaks. Check the automatic transmission fluid level, and the rear axle lubricant. Inspect brake pads, rotors, brake lines and hoses, along with the parking brake system. Inspect and lubricate all non-sealed steering linkage and suspension joints, half- and drive-shafts and universal joints.

40,000 miles

At 40,000 miles change the engine oil and oil filter, replace the cabin air filter, rotate and inspect tires, inspect spare tire (if equipped), inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if dipstick equipped), inspect rear axle lubricant, brake pads and rotors and the parking brake system. Check all hoses, fittings, exhaust system and suspension parts and steering linkage, ball joints, half and drive-shafts and universal joints.

The cycle continues as the mileage increases, but by staying with the program, you will continue to receive miles and years of service and reliability from your vehicle.

If you subject your Ford to extreme, high-stress driving, stop and go traffic, dusty, desert-like surroundings, or high-speed runs and travel along mountainous grades, Ford recommends a more frequent oil and filter changes. As always, your mileage may vary.

Extended Service/Extended Warranty

For buyers planning to keep their Ford vehicles for extended periods of time, the company offers the prepaid Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plan which varies in lengths ranging from 5,000, 7500, 10,000, all the way to 8 years and 150,000. It provides basic servicing like oil coolant and transmission fluid changes and rotations, as well as replacement of normal “wear and tear” items including brake pads, shock absorbers and struts, spark plugs, engine belts and wiper blades among others, at pricing today to protect against future increases.

PremiumCARE Service Plans

Ford also offers various PremiumCARE Service Plans, which cover more than 1,000 components (less a $100 deductible) and includes coverage of engine, transmission, electrical, braking, suspension, drivetrain, HVAC, safety and emissions components. Durations are from 36 months/48,000 miles, to 96 months/150,000 miles. Not to be confused with third-party extended warranty plans, service can be received at any Ford dealership. The plans cover many parts included in the original warranty plan, for a longer period. It is transferable, but pricing varies.