If you’ve ever wondered when you should bring your Ford in for maintenance, you’re not alone. Many drivers wait until something feels “off,” but the truth is that keeping up with regular service can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road.

At Capitol Ford in Santa Fe, we see it all—from brand-new rides getting their first Ford oil change to seasoned trucks hitting that 150,000-mile mark. We’re here to make the process simple, straightforward, and, dare we say, a little less intimidating.

At this stage, you’ll repeat your oil change and tire rotation, but we’ll also replace the cabin air filter to keep your heating and A/C working efficiently—and to keep you breathing clean air. We’ll take another look at your brakes and might recommend a brake fluid check if needed.

30,000 Miles

Now we’re getting into bigger territory. Along with the basics, this is when we often replace the engine air filter and inspect the fuel filter. We’ll also inspect your belts, hoses, and cooling system to ensure there are no hidden issues. If you’ve been keeping up with your Ford service, you should breeze through this one without any significant problems.

50,000 Miles

Fifty thousand miles is a significant milestone for any vehicle. At this point, we’ll take a closer look at your suspension and steering components. If you’ve got an automatic transmission, it’s a good idea to have the fluid inspected (and possibly replaced) depending on your driving conditions. We’ll also recheck the cooling system to ensure your Ford stays at the perfect temperature—especially important here in New Mexico's heat.

100,000 Miles

Welcome to the six-figure club. This is where preventive care matters. Your spark plugs will likely need replacement to keep your engine running smoothly. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of all major systems, including brakes, suspension, cooling, transmission, and drivetrain. At this point, many drivers also opt to replace hoses, belts, and maybe even the water pump, especially if they’re original.

120,000 Miles

This is almost like the 30,000-mile service but with a more thorough eye. You’ll likely need a replacement set of spark plugs, depending on your model. We’ll also take a close look at the timing belt or chain (if your Ford has one) and replace it if needed—because you do not want to find out the hard way what happens when one of those fails.

150,000 Miles

Hitting 150,000 miles is a badge of honor. At this stage, it’s all about keeping things going for the long haul. We’ll inspect your transmission fluid, coolant, brake lines, and other critical components. We might suggest a more comprehensive flush of specific systems. It’s not just about fixing things—it’s about making sure your Ford keeps running well into the 200,000-mile range.

Why Following the Schedule Matters

FAQs – Ford Scheduled Maintenance

Q: How often should I get a Ford oil change?

Answer: Most newer Fords can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes, but your driving habits matter. If you drive in heat, tow heavy loads, or make frequent short trips, you may require more frequent service.

Q: Can I skip a maintenance interval if my car seems fine?

Answer: Technically, yes—but it’s risky. Problems can develop before you notice symptoms. Preventive Ford service costs less than major repairs.

Q: Is the maintenance schedule different for trucks vs. cars?

Answer: Slightly. Heavy-duty trucks may have different fluid and filter change intervals, especially if they are frequently used for towing. We can provide you with a personalized schedule when you visit Capitol Ford Santa Fe.

Q: Why bring my vehicle to Capitol Ford?

Answer: Because we know your Ford, from the correct oil type to the proper torque on your lug nuts, every detail matters. And at our oil stop in Santa Fe, you’ll get more than just fresh oil—you’ll get a complete health check for your vehicle.

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