Ford Explorer Maintenance Schedule
Hines Park Ford is your trusted partner in keeping your Ford Explorer running at peak performance. This article will give you a glimpse into your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, so you’ll know what to expect when your ride hits specific mileage intervals.
Drivers in New Hudson, Livonia, and Novi, MI, can contact us today to book a service appointment.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Keeping your Ford Explorer on its recommended service schedule protects your investment in many ways. First, preventive care avoids costly repairs—catching a minor coolant leak before it damages the engine can save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. Second, maintained vehicles hold their value better; buyers pay a premium for well-documented service histories.
Finally, regular tune-ups maximize safety: properly functioning brakes, tires, and steering components mean you stay in control on Michigan’s varied roads, from Novi to Livonia.
Following Ford’s Normal Scheduled Maintenance, your Explorer benefits from factory-tested intervals for oils, filters, and critical inspections. For example, the cabin air filter keeps your HVAC system clean and your passengers comfortable by preventing dust buildup every 20,000 miles. Likewise, replacing the engine air filter at 30,000 miles ensures crisp acceleration and optimal fuel economy.
A regularly serviced Explorer with detailed service records stands out on trade-in day. Prospective buyers and dealerships look favorably upon vehicles with consistent oil changes, documented fluid service, and scheduled inspections, translating into higher offers when you’re ready for an upgrade.
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor
Your Explorer’s Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor calculates oil-change needs based on real-world driving factors—temperature, RPM, trip duration and more—so you don’t have to guess when to change it. Under normal driving, expect oil-change prompts between 7,500 and 10,000 miles; in severe conditions (towing, stop-and-go city driving), intervals may fall closer to 5,000–7,500 miles.
Brake Fluid and Coolant
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time, which can corrode internal components and reduce braking performance. Ford recommends a brake-fluid change every three years—you’ll get a service reminder when that interval approaches. For engine coolant, an initial flush at 100,000 miles or 10 years, then every five years or 100,000 miles thereafter, helps prevent overheating and prolongs water-pump life.
Transmission and Power Steering Fluids
While many modern Ford Explorers have sealed transmissions, a fluid replacement around 150,000 miles can protect against gear wear in high-mileage use. Power steering fluid should be checked at each scheduled service and topped up as needed; a complete flush every 50,000 miles ensures smooth steering response.
Other Components We Check
Properly maintained tires are vital for traction, ride comfort, and fuel economy. Hines Park Ford recommends:
- Monthly pressure checks to match the placard pressure in your door jamb (not the max on the tire sidewall).
- Tire rotations every 7,500 miles to promote even wear and extend tread life.
- Alignment checks at 30,000 miles or if you notice steering pull or uneven wear.
Beyond fluids and filters, periodic multi-point inspections catch wear items early. At Hines Park Ford, our 30,000-mile service includes:
- Brake-pad thickness and rotor condition checks
- Battery voltage and terminal inspection
- Accessory drive-belt tension and wear assessment
- Exhaust system leaks or heat-shield integrity
- Suspension joints and steering linkage evaluation
At 60,000 miles, we’ll also inspect spark-plug condition and engine-mount integrity, ensuring smooth starts and efficient power delivery.
Scheduling Your Next Service
Now that you know when to service critical components of your Ford Explorer, you can easily schedule your next service appointment at Hines Park Ford. Book one online and hit the roads of New Hudson, Livonia, and Novi, MI, in a fully functional ride today!