Preventive maintenance

[JBeezy]

My car is running fine at the moment. No CEL... Is there anything you all can recommend I do as preventive maintenance or to insure that it keeps running good and smooth. It has 34xxx miles as of now. I just had the tranny flushed a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks In advance

[thathotrodlincn]

Check the cooling system for PH. Very important for aluminum heads and block. Check rear end lubricant level. Keep oil changed - use Motorcraft FL-820S filter and good synthetic oil (Mobil !, Royal Purple, Amsoil, Castroil full synthetic, etc)

[fastblackmerc]

Regular and preventative maintenance is a must!

Regular oil & filter changes - use quality oil & filters. I change my oil & filter every 5k. Once a year send an oil sample for analysis - I used Blackstone Labs - they will send you a report on the condition of your engine internally and recommendations.

Check, clean or replace the air filter (if needed) everytime you change the oil. Check and top off all the fluids while your changing the oil.

Clean the battery terminals when needed.

Inspect the belts and hoses everytime you open the hood, replace any that need it, in fact if one hose needs it they all need it so do them all at the same time.

Change spark plugs once a year, plugs are cheap, getting bad gas mileage or stuck on the side of the road isn't. Run a can of Seafoam through the engine before replacing the plugs. Clean the MAF and IAT after you change the plugs. Use MAF cleaner for the MAF and carb cleaner for the IAT.

As stated in a previous post, check the PH of your antifreeze, flush and replace it when needed. Also replace the thermostat while your working on the cooling system.

Check tire pressures regularly. Rotate tires every other oil change.

At least once a year get under the car and check brakes, rear end fluid, tires, brake lines, shocks. Lube everything you can - for instance I have greaseable sway bar bushings and Metco upper & lower control arms and a Metco Watts link, they have grease fittings.

You can also check the PH of your brake fluid. Flush the system when needed.

Always check the ground under your car when you pull out.

Wash & wax regularly. Clean the door jams and weatherstripping everytime you wash your car.

Lube all the hinges, latches, etc. twice a year.

Vacuum the interior, clean & treat the leather and vinyl surfaces multiple times a year. I usually do mine before a car show so that's at least once a month.

Fix any problems found as soon as you can. Little problems lead to BIG problems.

[MERCMAN]

all good SUGGESTIONS with the exception of replacing spark plugs every year.

With the technology in todays plugs, and the fact that he only has 34K on the clock,,, he would just be throwing money away IMHO

[JOEMERC]

also clean throttle body every 5000 miles or so you be suprised how carboned up it gets.will keep it running smooth.make sure you use throttle body cleaner and not carb cleaner .they also have for mass air cleaner too.

[fastblackmerc]

all good SUGGESTIONS with the exception of replacing spark plugs every year.

With the technology in todays plugs, and the fact that he only has 34K on the clock,,, he would just be throwing money away IMHO

Throw away what.... $25.00?

[SpartaPerformance]

all good SUGGESTIONS with the exception of replacing spark plugs every year.

With the technology in todays plugs, and the fact that he only has 34K on the clock,,, he would just be throwing money away IMHO

I agree, engines run so clean compared to even 15 years ago, plugs changed at 34K is not required especially if it stock or relatively stock.

Here is Fords normal service guide for 30,000mi

Inspect
• Ball Joint Brakes and Traction Control Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines & hoses, and parking brake system.
• Cooling System Inspect cooling system and hoses.
• Drive/Propeller Shaft Inspect half shafts, driveshaft and U-joints, if equipped.
• Exhaust System Heat Shield, Exhaust
• Steering and Suspension Inspect steering linkage and suspension.
• Wheel Bearing Inspect wheel ends for endplay and noise.
Replace
• Air Filter Element Engine Oil Fluid -
• A/T Change automatic transmission/transaxle fluid on all vehicles equipped with AX4S, 4F50N, 4R100, 4F27E. Inspect automatic transmission fluid level on all other vehicles, if equipped with dipstick.
• Fuel Filter Oil Filter, Engine
Rotate
• Tires

[JBeezy]

Well I'm about to run to the parts store and get some TB cleaner and clean my IAC on the MM and the Mustang. The Mustangs is new, bought last year with not many miles, and it's acting up