Ford is popular, so a 2025-ready checklist is valuable. Millions of F-150s, Explorers, Mustangs, Escapes need regular maintenance to stay reliable. Understanding what to check and when keeps Ford vehicles running strong.
Monthly tasks (tire pressure, fluids)
Check tire pressure when tires are cold, before driving. Ford’s door jamb stickers list correct pressures for front and rear tires. Wrong pressure affects handling, fuel economy, tire wear.
Glance at fluid levels monthly. Engine oil should stay between marks on the dipstick. Coolant reservoir should show proper level when cold. Brake fluid shouldn’t drop noticeably between services. Power steering fluid, if your model has it, needs to stay at the correct mark.
Watch for leaks under the vehicle. Drips after running the air conditioner are normal condensation. Oil spots, coolant puddles, transmission fluid stains indicate problems needing attention.
Every 6 months (oil, filters, brakes)
Oil change intervals depend on your driving conditions. Ford’s oil monitoring system tracks this, but if you idle frequently, tow heavy loads, or drive in extreme temperatures, change oil more often than the system suggests.
Replace engine air filters every 6-12 months depending on driving environment. Dusty conditions clog filters faster. Inspect the filter by holding it up to light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.
Inspect brakes every six months. Look through wheel spokes at rotor condition. Check pad thickness. Listen for squealing, grinding, or pulsing when braking. Catching brake wear early prevents rotor damage, reducing repair costs.
Annual (transmission, suspension, battery)
Transmission fluid on Ford vehicles doesn’t last forever despite some marketing. Check fluid color annually. Dark brown or burnt-smelling fluid needs changing. Most Ford transmissions benefit from service every 60,000-80,000 miles.
Suspension components wear gradually. Inspect shock absorbers for leaks, bounce each corner to check damping, listen for clunks over bumps. Worn suspension affects handling, tire wear, braking performance.
Battery testing catches failures before they happen. Most auto parts stores test batteries free. Test annually after the battery reaches three years old. Replace when it fails testing, not when it leaves you stranded.
2025 focus: software updates, sensors, electronics
Modern Ford vehicles receive over-the-air updates for certain systems. Check your FordPass app for available updates. Some updates require dealer visits, others download automatically.
Sensor calibration matters on vehicles with driver assistance features. After windshield replacement, camera calibration ensures lane keeping and automatic braking work correctly. After wheel alignment, steering angle sensors need resetting.
Electronics in 2025 Ford vehicles control more than entertainment. They manage engine timing, transmission shifts, fuel delivery, emissions systems. When warning lights appear, diagnose them promptly. Small issues become expensive when ignored.
How manuals support this maintenance
Knowing what to maintain is one thing. Understanding how to do it correctly is another. Generic advice doesn’t account for model-specific differences, special tools, proper procedures.
Ford repair manual online resources provide exact procedures for your specific vehicle. They show you where to find drain plugs, how many quarts of fluid to add, what torque specs to use, when special tools are required.
You learn what Ford engineers consider important maintenance, not what dealers simplified for general audiences. You understand which services prevent problems, which extend component life, which are optional based on your driving.
With this checklist and Ford manuals, maintenance becomes simple and affordable. You handle routine work yourself, save money on labor, maintain your vehicle correctly. You avoid the expensive problems that come from skipped maintenance while not overspending on unnecessary services.
