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Originally Posted by jodi
I have been wondering what type of preventive maintenance I should be getting for my 2000 Ford Windstar (85k miles).
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It really depends on what your objective is.
If all you want is something that can you run into the ground then all you really need is to change the oil often, replace the tyres, and give it new brakes every 2-3 years or so.
On the other extreme, I recommend you contact your local Ford dealer and ask for the factory recommended list of items to be serviced. Ask for the "severe" schedule because the way Americans typically drive is considered to be "severe". Don't get suckered in by the dealer. Anybody can do the job just as well as the dealer can. There is nothing special that the dealer knows that nobody else knows.
Then take that list to an independent shop that you trust. Usually it will be 20-30% cheaper than what a dealer would charge you. On top of what the dealer recommends, I recommend every BG service that applies to your vehicle.
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The BG services are great if you want to keep your vehicle for a long time.
You can take classes at your local community college and see what you can do on your own to save money. Just be careful with brakes until you fully understand what's going on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jodi
I assume I should probably have a tune-up since I have never had one?
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Between the 2 extremes above, you should probably get some of the minor "tune-up" stuff replaced as preventive maintenance. Typically this involves flushing out of all your fluids, replacing all filters, spark plugs, etc. You should top it off with checking the overall health of the engine and setting the engine back to factory specs. It should cost you about several hundred bucks at a good shop.
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Originally Posted by jodi
Anything else I should look at given its age?
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I don't know that specific model so I am unable to recommend a specific item. Please contact your local dealer as discussed above.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jodi
It has two snow tires that were new last year, but left on over the summer (blush). They were just rotated to the back. The other tires are still in good shape.
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I recommend that you remove those snow tyres ASAP. Snow tyres are meant only for snow, hence the name. They should not be used when there is no snow. The reason is that the tyres will be worn very rapidly. On top of that, snow tyres offer no traction on dry pavement, which makes it very unsafe since you have it on the back of the car. When the back tyres lose traction, you're more likely to lose control.
Make sure all 4 tyres are of the same make, model, size, and type.
Please do this ASAP because what you're doing is unsafe.