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Winter is finally shifting toward spring in the Okanagan, and that means it鈥檚 time to get your vehicle ready for road trip season.
Rain, snow, sleet and the drop of mercury can wreak havoc on your vehicle 鈥� there鈥檚 no better time than the present to counteract any issues, according to Christopher Spanier, operations manager of Skaha Ford in Penticton.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to address the issues that winter has done to our vehicles now鈥� there鈥檚 a lot of wear and tear that happens because of winter driving,鈥� he said.
Whether your plan is to head to the lake and pitch a tent, unplug from technology in the woods, or take refuge in a posh spa resort, it鈥檚 important your vehicle is up for the trek 鈥� we鈥檙e taking about what鈥檚 under the hood and the exterior.
Here are just four effective ways to ensure your vehicle is ready for the warmer weather.
1. Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignments are especially important this time of year, says Spanier.
鈥淎fter a season of rough roads, pot holes and icy driving conditions, your alignment should be checked prior to putting on your summer tires.
鈥淭ires can be costly 鈥� a wheel alignment will help protect wear and tear.鈥�
2. Oil Change
Today鈥檚 vehicles are some of the most technologically advanced machines ever produced. Even an oil change isn鈥檛 as basic as it used to be, notes Spanier.
鈥淥ur expert Ford Service technicians know their stuff and have the right parts to help make sure the job gets done right.鈥�
You want to maintain your vehicle and keep it in great shape. Regular oil and filter changes help your vehicle run with optimum efficiency.
鈥淲hen you use the proper grade of engine oil, you can improve your mpg by as much as two per cent,鈥� he said.
3. Invest in a Truck Box Liner
Let鈥檚 face it 鈥� your truck is so much more than just a mode of transportation. It can be your workhorse, plaything and ticket to adventure on the open road. Whatever its purpose, your truck deserves serious protection every way you use it.
Spanier recommends investing in a truck box liner 鈥� a spray that protects and shields your truck against scratches, dents, paint damage, and rust.
鈥淭his is a heavy, thick rubberized material that is about 录 inch thick,鈥� he explained of the easy-to-clean rubber-like coating.
鈥淵ou can throw your camping supplies in the back 鈥� even a motorcycle or a boat and not have to worry about damaging the paint. It also keeps the truck bed from being slippery when wet.鈥�
With a box truck liner (only $450 at Skaha Ford, compared to the average price of $600), there is no drilling required and it will not crack or break in extreme temperatures.
4. The EXPEL Difference
In winter, snow and road salt take a toll on your car鈥檚 exterior.
Protect your ride鈥檚 paint job with an innovative product called EXPEL, which is designed to prevent rock chips and abrasions from road debris.
鈥淭his paint protection film is invisible, and it goes over the front of your vehicle,鈥� said Spanier of the service that takes around five hours to apply to a standard-sized truck.
鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 yellow or change colour 鈥� it鈥檚 also very durable.鈥�
Skaha Ford is currently offering a special on this service, starting at just $279.
While your vehicle is designed to work safely on the road, if you don鈥檛 maintain it, you鈥檙e increasing the odds of breaking down on the side of the road or getting into a collision 鈥� both can have disastrous consequences.
Next time you find your vehicle needing maintenance done to it, bring it to Skaha Ford at 198 Parkway Place in Penticton.
鈥淥ur repair center has professionally trained car repair technicians with the necessary skills to get your car, truck or SUV into top shape,鈥� said Spanier. From oil changes and alignments; to major repairs on your engine and drive train; the auto repair technicians at Skaha Ford will take care of your vehicle like it was their own.
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