Important Considerations for Maintaining Your Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has long been a standard-bearer for SUV excellence. Had it not been for the Escape proving how practical the SUV could be in the early 1990s, we might not have experienced the boom period of the early 2000s that’s still going strong today. The Ford Escape has been in production for decades, and no matter what trim or model year you drive, taking proper care of it is crucial for its longevity.

Finding pros to perform the proper maintenance at regular intervals is easy when you visit the experts at McCluskey Chevrolet. We’re the premier Ford service center near Florence and can perform all the tasks needed to keep your new or used Ford Escape on the road. From oil changes to diagnostic tests, we have the means to do it all. Knowing when you need to bring your Escape in for upkeep is essential, though, and this guide will let you know how often certain repairs need to be performed at regular intervals and how crucial they are.

Every 5,000 Miles

Depending on how often you drive your Ford Escape and the strain you put it through, these tasks should be done every three to six months or every 5,000 miles—whichever comes first. These are the most basic repairs to have performed and are crucial for sustaining the lifespan of your Escape.

Oil Change and Filter: Changing the oil and its filter is one of the most essential maintenance tasks. Any vehicle requires a healthy powertrain to propel it forward, and especially to perform in areas like off-roading and towing. These undertakings create a lot of undue strain on the engine. The oil in your Ford Escape keeps the many parts of the engine properly lubricated and reduces the heat caused by friction. The Ford Escape has an oil-life monitor that will notify you when it’s time to change your oil. These intervals vary based on what you use the SUV for. Casual driving will necessitate an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, whereas more strenuous activity will require a change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Tire Rotation: Many mechanics recommend you have your tires rotated whenever you bring your vehicle in for an oil change; there’s a good reason for this. Rotating your tires ensures that the tread wears evenly. Tread that wears unevenly can cause loss of traction and can even result in a blowout. Depending on the quality of your tires, you should get them replaced about every 50,000 miles or four years—whichever comes first. Driving habits will impact the lifespan of your tires, and having them rotated every 5,000 miles will ensure they last a long time.

Belts and Hoses Inspection: As we mentioned, the engine in your Escape undergoes a lot of strain, and the oil keeps the parts properly lubricated. Your engine is in a mass of moving parts working in unison, and a system of belts and hoses allows many of these parts to function properly. When you bring your vehicle in for an oil change, we’ll inspect your belts and hoses to ensure they’re connected properly and have no leaks. A faulty hose or belt can impact devices such as your alternator, radiator, and HVAC system.

Every 30,000 Miles

Hitting 30,000 miles on your Ford Escape is an important milestone. Whether you’re driving around Florence or more frequently off-roading, some important maintenance items need tending to at 30,000 miles.

Brake Pads and Rotors: The braking system in your Ford Escape gets used every time you drive it. Depending on your driving habits and what you use your Escape for, its brake pads might need to be replaced more often. The average driver will require their pads replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while off-roaders might need to get them replaced more often. The rotors are an essential part of your Escape’s braking system, and these should be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

Engine Filter: The frequency at which you have your engine filter changed will also depend on whether you’re a city driver or an avid off-roader. Your engine filter helps keep dirt and dust out of the engine block, which can harm your powertrain. Naturally, off-roaders might need this item replaced more frequently, but on average, it should be taken care of every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter: Not all of your Ford Escape routine maintenance pertains to the engine. The interior also needs proper care. Having the cabin air filter replaced every 20,000 miles will ensure consistent air quality from your HVAC system. The cabin air filter removes pollen, dust, and other allergens and keeps them from entering your cabin. You could certainly wait to time this with the engine air filter, but you might not want to.

Fuel Filter: Because dust and debris accumulate in your Ford Escape, safeguarding every part of the powertrain is crucial. Like the cabin or engine filter, your fuel filter removes harmful contaminants that can hinder performance. The fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles to avoid issues like engine stalling or idling, though that might be needed as early as 20,000 miles or as late as 150,000 miles. Neglecting fuel filter replacement can lead to larger problems that require costly repairs.

Past 90,000 Miles

Drivers in Florence who have eclipsed the 90,000-mile mark in a Ford Escape should give themselves a pat on the back for maintaining their SUV so diligently. Once you’ve passed this mileage threshold, even more crucial items should be attended to.

Spark Plugs: The spark plugs in your Ford Escape are crucial for your ignition system to work properly. They ignite the air and fuel, allowing the engine to turn over and begin operation. While these typically do not need to be replaced until the 100,000-mile mark, they’re as crucial as any other item related to the powertrain.

Transmission Fluid: While some Ford Escape owners enjoy changing their oil by themselves, the fluid in your transmission should always be changed and checked by a professional. The transmission in your Escape is a crucial part of the drivetrain, and getting the fluid checked every 150,000 miles will ensure it continues to run in excellent condition.

Drive Belt: The drive belt is the life force that keeps your engine working properly. It is responsible for delivering power to many of the mechanisms in your powertrain, such as the alternator, HVAC compressor, and power steering. Luckily, the drive belt only needs to be replaced every 150,000 miles, but it’s essential for your Escape’s longevity.

Cooling System: As we’ve discussed previously, the engine in an SUV like the Ford Escape undergoes a lot of strain depending on its use. The cooling system provides coolant (sometimes called antifreeze) to the engine and radiator, which is crucial to prevent overheating. Having the cooling system inspected and flushed at about 200,000 miles ensures that it keeps the engine from overheating or freezing when the temperature drops. Flushing the system also ensures that any accumulated harmful deposits are expelled.

Getting the Most Out of Your Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is a highly competent and versatile SUV, so it’s essential you know what its various components are responsible for and have them addressed at regular intervals. Florence drivers who enjoy everything the Ford Escape offers can get theirs serviced at McCluskey Chevrolet. From the periodic oil change and tire rotation to having belts and spark plugs replaced, we’re the location that keeps drivers in Florence on the road.