At Hawk Ford, home of the Ford F-150 in Elgin, we like to say that the F-150 is a tough act to follow. The F-150 is not only known for handling daily chores, but it’s also great for road trips as well, able to handle just about any challenge you throw at it.
If an F-150 road trip is in your future, here are some quick preparation tips.
Exterior
Give your F-150 a good washing and then apply a coat of a high-quality polymer sealant to the front half of the truck to protect against bugs and assorted road grime.
Fluids
These are the lifeblood of any vehicle, and you or your mechanic should check all essential fluids, including oil, coolant, and brake, power steering and transmission fluids. And don’t forget windshield fluid.
Belts and hoses
Under the hood check your belts by squeezing them to make sure there’s very little slack, and look for cracks, fraying or missing teeth, indicating a need for replacement. Make sure the hoses are not leaking.
Tires
Use the penny test to check for tread wear and replace if necessary. Gas mileage is affected by either over- or under-inflated tires, so check the pressure about every 1,000 miles.
With these basic preparations, along with a jack and lug wrench, flashlight and basic tools, you’re ready to hit the road. And when you’re ready for a new Ford F-150 in Elgin, come to Hawk Ford.
