Ford Services & Parts FAQ

GENERAL

Ford Motor Company has provided a dedicated 24-hour help line at 1-800-241-3673.
Ford will notify you by direct mail if there are upcoming recalls or changes in information such as parts availability. Call the Bell Ford Service Department with your 17 digit vehicle i.d. number and we will be happy to provide you with information pertaining to your specific vehicle.
There are many sensors and computers that manage your vehicle's reliability and emissions systems. If one of these fails, the "check engine light" will come on. Although your car may act and drive normally, it is important to address this issue in a timely manner to avoid future problems.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

Consult your Owner's Manual and it will tell you which fuel grade is correct for your vehicle. Normally, high performance vehicles require Premium Unleaded fuel, while some others may just recommend a higher octane for increased performance and fuel mileage.
No single test can simulate all possible combinations of climate and driver behavior. The actual vehicle mileage depends on factors such as how, when and where the vehicle is driven. Maintaining proper air pressure in your tires and clean air filters can help increase gas mileage.

TIRES

Nitrogen permeates (seeps) less than regular air, so tires should stay inflated longer. Nitrogen also contains less moisture, which helps reduce corrosion on the wheels and interior damage to the tires.
Yes, you can add regular air at any time
The recommended tire pressure (PSI) can be found on the inside of the driver's door or your Owner's Manual. Use a good quality tire gauge, and check the pressure when the tires are cold. Add or reduce pressure to achieve the recommended level. If you are not sure of the correct pressure for your tires, bring your car into Bell Ford and we will check it for you.
While the Tire Pressure Monitoring System will detect tire under-inflation once it reaches a pre-determined threshold, the tires may be prematurely wearing in the meantime. Low tire pressure can result in decreased fuel economy, and is the most common cause of tire wear. Bell Ford recommends checking the tire pressure at least once per month.
Tires should be balanced any time they are replaced, and as needed after that. An indicator that tires may be out of balance is a vibration felt in the steering, especially at higher speeds. A Bell Ford Service Advisor can determine if balancing is needed.
Your vehicle's alignment can be affected by everyday driving conditions such as potholes or hitting curbs. Indicators of a possible wheel alignment concern are the steering wheel pulling to the left or right, and abnormal tire wear. When the alignment is affected, so is the wear of your tires. Bell Ford recommends having your alignment checked every other oil change, or when purchasing new tires. If it has been a while since you've had your tires aligned, a Bell Ford Service Advisor can determine if an alignment is required.
Tires have built in tread wear indicators or wear bars that run perpendicular to tire tread. The wear bars are thin strips of rubber spread out every few inches. When the tread level becomes even with the wear bar, it is most likely time to replace the tires. Depending on your driving habits, you may need to replace the tires sooner. Tires may also need to be replaced if they are physically damaged, showing abnormal wear or have unusual bulges or cracks. A Bell Ford Advisor can help determine if new tires are needed.

BATTERY

In extreme climates like Arizona, it is recommended to inspect your battery at least once per year. An average battery can last 3-5 years. You should also have the battery checked if your starter is lagging, or if the car will not start at all. Bell Ford will check you battery when any minor or major service is performed.
A maintenance-free battery is designed to capture and return evaporated fluids to the battery reservoir. Water may not be added because the battery cells are sealed closed.
There is no rhyme or reason as to when a battery will fail. With temperatures consistently above 90 degrees, heat can play havoc with the internals of a battery. It is not uncommon for batteries to test good one day and fail within the next few days.

MAINTENANCE

Bell Ford recommends the use of Fabric Guard-type products on polyester material to help repel fluids, which could help keep liquids from soaking in and drying between the polyester fibers. Fabric Guard-type treatments are applied to the surface and will wear off and need to be re-applied. For more information on carpet care for your vehicle, please contact your Bell Ford Service Advisor.
Yes! The wiper blades are constantly exposed to the weather, which affects the life of your blades. Once they have been battling the elements long enough, they will start to lose flexibility and become brittle, becoming useless. If they are leaving streaks or the rubber is coming off, these are signs that they should be replaced.
Yes, checking your car's coolant level is a fairly easy process. Always check the coolant when the car is cold. Look for the opaque coolant overflow tank located next to the radiator. The tank is made of white plastic, which allows you to see inside without opening it. You will find markings on the side to let you know if the level is high or low.
If you find your coolant level below the "Full" mark you will need to add coolant. Your engine requires a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. You can purchase this pre-mixed. On a cold engine, unscrew the cap of the overflow reservoir and add coolant until it reaches the full mark. Then replace the cap and make sure you have a tight fit.