How often do I need to get an oil change?

It depends on how exactly you're using your car and what your owner's manual says, but a general rule of thumb is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, which for many drivers is about every 4-6 months. Go too long between oil changes and significant oil degradation can begin to set in, which increases risk the likelihood of sludge and other engine issues developing.

Do car brakes need regular service?

Yes, brakes are a maintenance item and will need to be done on any car at one point or another. A great thing about the braking system, though, is that the brake pads are engineered so that they'll start to squeal when they've reached the end of their life. If you hear any odd noises or sense any change of performance from your brake system -- be it squealing brakes, a spongy brake pedal or poor stopping distances -- book an appointment with us immediately. Brakes are a critical safety system and not something to neglect.

Why do I need to do car maintenance?

Routine servicing is how you keep your car reliable and trouble-free in the long term. If you neglect basic car maintenance like tire rotations, oil changes and brake inspections, you're setting yourself for issues in the not-so-distant future. The best way to get more life from your car is to perform all the recommended maintenance items in your model's service schedule at the intervals stated.

When should I replace my car battery?

Car batteries have a typical life of three to five years, though some report their batteries lasting even longer than that. As your battery gets old, it gradually loses its potency. Eventually it will no longer be able to maintain enough of a charge to reliably start your car, especially if your car hasn't been used in several days. If your battery is more than a few years old, we suggest having our team perform a voltage test and determine its condition. If it tests poorly, we can help you buy and install a new Ford battery.

Do Ford commercial trucks need different maintenance than regular cars?

That depends. Light-duty trucks like the F-150 and even most Super Duty® models under the F-450 will have similar service needs regardless of whether they're used in a personal or commercial capacity. Beyond the F-450, you're getting into Ford commercial trucks that use engines and transmissions not found in the brand's standard passenger vehicle lineup; these trucks may have unique service intervals or require a more rigorous maintenance regimen. Our Ford fleet specialists can tell you more about Ford commercial service schedules once you share with them the specifics of your fleet.

What is the Ford Quick Lane®?

The Ford Quick Lane® is the express service option offered at Ford dealers like ours. With Ford Quick Lane®, you don't need to make an appointment -- just stop in and let our team get to work. We do all kinds of simple, fast car maintenance at our Quick Lane®, including oil changes and tire rotations.

Ask a Heller Ford Service Expert Your FAQs

Cars are complicated things. They contain thousands of parts powering dozens of major systems, all of which aim to keep your vehicle the reliable, comfortable, efficient machine it is. So when it comes time to get your ride serviced, it's natural to have questions for the experts who will be popping the hood, grabbing their wrenches and getting to work.

Here at our El Paso Ford dealership, our foremost automotive service expert is Pat Jordan, Director of Fixed Operations. Pat has been in the car business for four decades and counting, and in that time, he's seen it all. If it has an engine and four wheels, he can fix it.

Now, Pat is answering your most common Ford service questions, bringing you the knowledge he's gleaned over his many years as a Ford Service Professional. And if you have more questions than what we've addressed here, just reach out to Pat or anyone else from our Ford service center. We'll help you schedule Ford service and get your questions answered today.

Schedule Service Service offers

Mechanic tightening lug nuts on a car wheel with a power tool.

Meet Your Expert, Pat Jordan

Pat started out in the car business when he was still in high school, washing cars, running parts and plowing snow. When he left the Air Force in 1986, Pat started working as a service advisor at a Ford dealership and has been in the parts, service, and body shop end of the business ever since. Pat has worked for the No. 1 Ford dealership in the country as well as the largest dealer group in the country. Pat joined us from sunny North Carolina to become part of the Heller Ford family and use his years of expertise to oversee all of our Fixed Operations at our dealership!

Pat and his wife Teri spend time with their blended family of five kids, seven grand-children and their German Shepherd Dog. They enjoy cruising the Caribbean whenever they get a chance and hanging out at local eateries. They can be found rooting for the Bills and the Browns on Sunday afternoons during football season.