Comprehensive Guide to Ford Mustang Maintenance

Ford Mustang

No matter how old is your Mustang, properly maintaining your Ford Mustang is crucial to ensure it continues running smoothly. Instead of waiting to react to a problem with your vehicle, head off any issues by implementing a Mustang service schedule. It will keep you on track for routine maintenance and replacement of any worn or damaged parts.

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to the Ford Mustang service schedule, considering both kilometers (km) and miles and Special Tips for Caring for your FORD. Owning a Ford Mustang is an exhilarating experience, marked by high-performance driving and luxurious design. To ensure your Mustang maintains its optimal condition, Ford offers a detailed service schedule that spans three to five years, covering standard and optional maintenance checks, fluid changes, and spare parts replacement.

Ford Mustang GT Repair

Standard Maintenance Schedule for Ford Mustang

To give you an idea of when to service your mustang, we’ve provided the recommended maintenance schedule for a new Ford Mustang. Come to the maintenance, our specialists, based on the model, mileage, design, and condition of your car, will consult and offer solutions for repair and maintenance. These are schedules for Mustang maintenance which can keep your luxury car in top condition with the help of additional Checks. 

Every 5,000 miles (or 8,000 km):

Spare Parts: Oil filter

Fluid Changes: Engine oil

Checks: Safety inspection including tires, brakes, lights, fluids (levels and condition)

Every 15,000 miles (or 24,000 km):

Spare Parts: Oil filter, engine air filter, cabin air filter (depending on driving conditions)

Fluid Changes: Engine oil

Checks: More comprehensive inspection including brakes, tires, suspension, belts, hoses, fluids (levels and condition)

Every 30,000 miles (or 48,000 km):

Spare Parts: Varies depending on inspection findings. May include spark plugs, brake pads, or other parts.

Fluid Changes: Engine oil, brake fluid (depending on manufacturer recommendation)

Checks: Thorough inspection of all major systems including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust

Every 45,000 miles (or 72,000 km) and beyond:

Spare Parts: As needed based on inspection

Fluid Changes: Engine oil, transmission fluid (depending on manufacturer recommendation)

Checks: Very detailed inspection for signs of wear and tear

Important Note: This is a general guideline, and the exact maintenance schedule for your Ford Mustang may vary depending on the model year, engine type, and driving conditions. It’s always best to consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate information

Mustang Repair

Tips for Caring for your Ford Mustang

Maintaining your Mustang shouldn’t be confusing or difficult. It only becomes overwhelming if you go too long without conducting routine checks and replacing parts when necessary. To care for your Mustang properly, start by implementing these tips that should apply to every generation:

1. Change Transmission Fluid

Whenever your Ford Mustang maintenance manual states you should change your transmission fluid, do so to make sure your car continues running smoothly. Look in your owner’s manual to find when it recommends you should change the fluid, as the mileage may vary by model.

For example, the 2020 1 Owner’s Manual recommends the car should have its transmission fluid changed at 150,0000 miles, while the 1996 Ford Mustang’s General Information manual states the fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles.

2. Lubricate Suspension Components

Suspension components, like ball joints and rods, come equipped with grease Zerks. These Zerks need to be greased anytime you take your Mustang in to be serviced — this keeps them as lubricated as possible. If you don’t lubricate your suspension components, the joints can wear down faster and lead to additional maintenance on your vehicle.

3. Change Engine Oil

One of the most important actions you can take to protect your Mustang is to change your engine oil. Most Fords have a warning system that will tell you when you need to change the oil, giving you a signal when it’s time. Get in the habit of heeding this warning sign and taking the car in as soon as you can after it turns on.

Mustang Engine Oil

If you don’t change your oil, your Mustang’s engine will start having problems. The main issue you’ll run into is your engine running too hot, which can lead to engine components wearing out or warping. Going too long without an oil change will eventually cause your engine to shut down. If this happens, you’ll have to replace it, costing you a significant amount of money.

4. Rotate Your Tires 

Although most car owners tend to not rotate their tires, you should make sure to rotate your Mustang’s wheels regularly. Many Mustang owners get their tires rotated at their regularly scheduled oil change to keep the treadwear even. Greater treadwear consistency gives drivers better handling over their Mustang, which is especially helpful when you’re on a poorly kept road.

5. Change the Brake Fluid

Brake fluid absorbs water to prevent corrosion inside your brakes. Like any other fluids, you’ll need to change it for a fresh batch at the recommended periods in your owner’s manual. Failing to change your brake fluids at the appropriate times can lead to moisture contamination, debris buildup, and brake failure.

6. Diagnose Dashboard Warning Lights 

If any lights on your dash come on, take your car into a shop and get it checked out. It could be nothing, but you always want to play it safe for your safety as well as your Mustang’s.

You should always take care of a malfunction indicator light (MIL), airbag light, brake warning light, antilock braking system (ABS) light, or any other kind of indicator on your dash as soon as it comes on. Use your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with what each one means.

7. Replace the Wires, Coils, and Spark Plugs

Though spark plugs tend to last longer for modern-day Mustangs, you’ll still need to replace them. The more mileage your Mustang racks up, the more likely it is your spark plugs will start wearing down. A worn-down spark plug can cause a strain on the Mustang’s ignition system and waste fuel. To prevent this, periodically check for any wear on your spark plugs, replacing them as you need to.

Any spark plug check should also include wires and coils. While your coil packs will not usually need regular replacement, it’s best to be safe and inspect them. Check if the connections are still firm and have no contaminants on them. Spark plug wires don’t need to be replaced for a long time, but they should still be inspected. Keep an eye out for the condition of their insulation, ends, and jackets.

Mustang Repair Services

8. Flush the Cooling System

Your coolant ensures your engine runs cool even when the mercury levels increase. Additionally, it provides corrosion protection for the engine’s internal components. Since the coolant significantly impacts the vehicle’s performance, it’s vital to keep up with it. Follow your owner’s manual’s recommendations for when to flush your Mustang’s coolant.

9. Tire inspection

One of the simplest steps you can take to keep your Mustang running well is inspecting the tires. Begin by checking for sharp objects like nails or glass buried into it, which could cause a flat. Next, look at the valve stems to make sure they aren’t leaking. To check, you can simply move them back and forth, listening for any air leaks.

If you think there might be a slow leak in your tire, you can do a quick check to see if your suspicions are correct. One method you can use to confirm a leak is to spray the suspected area with soapy water. If you leak, you’ll notice large bubbles forming where the puncture is.

Along with checking for damage, you should also investigate your tire pressure. Find your owner’s manual through Ford’s site to see at which level they recommend you keep your pressure. If you don’t keep the tires at optimal pressure, your Mustang may start to get less gas mileage and experience uneven tire wear.

You May Need: Most Reliable Ford Repair and Maintenance

Advantages of Following Ford Mustang’s Service Schedule:

Extended Longevity: Regular maintenance ensures the Mustang’s longevity and sustained performance.

Optimal Performance: Adhering to the service schedule maintains the SUV’s optimal performance and driving dynamics.

Resale Value: A well-maintained Ford Mustang retains higher resale value in the market.

Mustang Repair and Maintenance Service at Hytec Auto Center

Following Ford’s detailed service schedule for the Mustang, encompassing both standard and optional maintenance checks is crucial for preserving the SUV’s excellence. Whether driving 15,000 km in a year or opting for additional yearly checks, Ford owners can ensure a seamless and luxurious driving experience throughout the SUV’s lifecycle. 

Summary

When it comes to Ford maintenance and repairs, the quality of the mechanic in charge makes a big difference in whether or not the result is satisfactory. Of course, it’s important to keep costs low, but it’s also important to find a garage that can respond quickly and has a good track record of maintenance and repairs. Call us today and speak with a Ford Specialist today.

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