HOW CAN WE HELP?
Any car can break down, so we’ve a range of support services to help get your Ford back on the road as quickly as possible. With our Ford Assistance service we might even be able to fix your car there and then.
As prevention is better than cure, we’ve also included some tips to help you avoid breaking down in the first place.
If you do break down, we aim to get you moving again as soon as we can. And if we can’t solve your problem by the roadside, you can be sure our dealers will do the best repair job possible.
Ford Assistance. Help 24/7 anywhere in Europe
Our roadside rescue, repair and recovery service comes free with all new vehicles and Ford Direct used vehicles. It’s free for one year with all new Ford cars, for two years with Ford Direct used cars and for three years with our commercial vehicles. When the initial period runs out, you can extend Ford Assistance too.
If you break down any time, anywhere in Europe, call us and we’ll have one of our people with you as soon as possible. They’ll attempt to fix your vehicle there and then but, if not, they’ll take it to one of our dealers. And don’t worry, we won’t leave you stranded – there are lots of other ways we can help you in a breakdown situation.
Find out more about Ford Assistance
Fast, efficient and effective breakdown repairs from your Ford Dealer
If Ford Assistance can’t solve your problem, they’ll take your car to a Ford Dealer so our technicians can go to work on your car.
The technicians are fully Ford-trained, so they’ll know your vehicle inside out. Not only that, but they’ll also use Ford Original Parts – spare parts produced to the same exacting standards as the components used to build your car in the first place. No other spares fit your car or perform as well as these.
Find out more about Ford original parts
Repairs and your warranty
Breaking down is never a good thing, but at least you’ll know that if it happens during your warranty period, the cost of the repairs will be covered. How long your warranty lasts depends on what type of vehicle you’ve bought, and whether new or used. However, even when the initial period runs out, you can extend it if you wish.
We’ve put together the most common causes of breakdowns and some useful tips to help you avoid them.
However, the single most important thing to remember if you want to minimise the chances of breaking down, is to have your car serviced by your Ford Dealer at the recommended intervals.
Find out more about servicing your Ford
Top 10 breakdown causes
These are the most common problems dealt with by roadside assistance patrols. Many can be fixed at the roadside and, better still, most can be avoided with the right preventive measures.
Top 10 checks
Making these 10 simple checks will make driving both worry-free and safer.
In case you do find yourself in trouble, make sure you know the location of the basic toolkit (you’ll find this information in the owner’s manual) and that it contains a jack and wheel removal tools, including the key for locking wheelnuts. Familiarise yourself with the jacking points used to lift the car safely too.
1. Battery
Check that the fluid’s not low.
2. Tyres
Know the correct tyre pressures for your car and check them at least fortnightly using a good-quality gauge or garage air line.
Look for cuts on sidewalls. If any one tyre needs regular top-ups, it may have a slow puncture.
Check tyres are not below minimum legal tread depth.
3. Engine oil
Check the dipstick at least every fortnight and before any long journey.
Have the oil and filter changed at recommended service intervals.
High oil consumption can indicate engine problems.
4. Water
Check the coolant level regularly and top up as necessary, but only when the engine is cold.
Have the antifreeze concentration checked before winter.
Antifreeze not only prevents the coolant from freezing but also prevents the build-up of corrosion within the cooling system, so it’s important all year round.
5. Wipers
Wiper blades wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn.
Replace them at least once a year for best performance.
6. Screenwash
Check and top up regularly – it’s a legal requirement that the system works.
Check the washers work and use a good screenwash additive through summer and winter – water alone won’t clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in winter.
7. Windscreen
Inspect the screen regularly for stone damage and always replace a cracked or chipped screen as soon as possible.
Any damage may impair vision or distract attention.
Minor chips may grow and crack the glass but many can be repaired by a windscreen specialist.
8. Lights
Check all lights weekly. Don’t forget indicators, brake and fog lights.
Clean lights regularly. In bad weather, wipe them over with a damp cloth during driving breaks.
9. Power steering
Ensure that the fluid reservoir is checked at every service and check it yourself once a month.
Top up only using the correct hydraulic fluid as advised in your owner’s manual.
10. Bodywork
Deal promptly with damage to bodywork to prevent rust setting in.
Many cars have extended bodywork warranty schemes, which may require annual inspection at the dealer. Check that any previous owner has kept records up to date.
Finally…
It’s easy to forget but, if you’re setting out on a long journey, please check there’s enough fuel in your tank!
Please consult your vehicle manual before any maintenance is carried out or consult a qualified professional.
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