For many car enthusiasts, a vehicle can be very similar to a loved one. This precious and irreplaceable possession, though inanimate, has the innate ability to bring life to daily existence.
You may have heard that a car is a privilege and should be treated as one. Well, that statement couldn’t ring truer if it were a church bell. Whether it’s a trusty hatchback, an SUV, or in this case, a coveted one Ford Mustang, should be respected and properly cared for.
Of course, when you have one muscle car like a Ford Mustang, it’s most likely an indulgence that you’ll definitely love and spoil with care. And while Mustangs are considered very reliable, a lot of that reliability can depend on the owner. So, in light of that, let’s take a look at some tips on how you can keep your Ford Mustang aging like wine instead of milk.
10 Know your Mustang and get it inspected regularly
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to maintaining your vehicle, ignorance can have drastic, rusty consequences. Although the Ford Mustang is often ranked as one of the most reliable muscle cars out there, it still needs to be cared for on a regular basis in order for it to run its best races.
Familiarize yourself with how your Mustang works (the manual can be a good place to start) and do some research on your model’s most publicized flaws. Over the years, some common problems with Ford Mustang ownership have included random engine misfires, transmission problems, and electrical issues. Fortunately, the Ford Mustang frequently appears on lists of sports cars that are much cheaper to own and maintain than you might think, with annual service costs rounding out at an average of $709. Still, treat it well.
9 Replace your Mustang’s spark plugs
When it comes to the best sports car maintenance tips, learning how to read spark plugs is important. Spark plugs occupy a very important position inside the engine of your Ford Mustang, and are essentially what gives it life. By creating an electrical spark (provided by battery voltage), the spark plugs ignite the mixture of fuel and oxygen inside the combustion chamber, which causes your Mustang’s wheels to turn and burn that rubber. Checking the health of the spark plugs is definitely one of the rules of car maintenance that should not be ignored, as they can be good indicators of the overall health of the engine. So keep an eye out for them.
8 Lubricate your Mustang’s suspension components
Your car’s suspension is a very important component that carries a lot of weight on its shoulders, literally; so it is very important to keep it accordingly. Since the Ford Mustang is a vehicle with very sporty leanings, its suspension will play an especially important role in its handling and the overall Mustang experience.
Squeaky noises, sloppy steering and sag can all be signs of significant suspension wear, so lubricating parts like tie rod ends, ball joints and center links can be one of the best tips from muscle car maintenance to ensure its longevity. Applying some Fluorocarbon Gel 880 or Rheolube 393 should do the trick and keep your ride nice and smooth.
7 Change your Mustang’s oil
Obviously, but more often than not, it’s the fundamentals that can make or break a car’s longevity aspirations. Motor oil keeps your engine running smoothly by lubricating components and preventing the build-up of sludge, dirt and other byproducts of internal combustion.
Changing your own oil is easier than you think, but if you’re not too sure about doing it yourself, it’s best to leave it until your annual service visit. Typically, you should be looking to change your oil every 3,500 to 5,000 miles, and this is no different for Mustangs. Sure, you can opt for a high-performance synthetic oil that can last up to 10,000 miles, but you’d benefit from refreshing your Mustang’s power plant more regularly.
6 Change your Mustang’s transmission fluid
Given the Mustang’s propensity for transmission problems, which has even led some owners to file a class-action lawsuit against Ford over the poor performance of some drivetrains, caring for your Mustang’s gears might be a priority
One of the biggest problems with owning a Ford Mustang is the six-speed manual transmission in models produced from 2011 to 2019, which tended to be jerky, slip, or even not engage at all, with some vehicles as recent as the 2021. facing similar problems. While replacing your transmission fluid won’t magically fix all of your vehicle’s possible underlying ailments, it will extend its life and ensure it’s running at its best.
5 Invest in engine additives for your Mustang
From fuel injector cleaners, to oil treatments and power boosters, you’ve got it all these days, and it can be a treat for your Mustang; especially if you’re crawling into high-mileage territory. Engine additives remove contaminants from the engine and protect against corrosion, as wear and oxidation can deplete a machine’s power over time.
There is some debate, of course, about the effectiveness of engine additives and whether they are a good investment. While the world is full of auto products that are a waste of money, these additives can actually be quite beneficial in keeping your engine running smoothly, and adding one to the tank every 4,000 to 6,000 miles doesn’t it’s a bad idea. – unless, of course, your Mustang is new.
4 Clean your Mustang
No one likes getting into a dirty car, inside and out. Regularly cleaning your Ford Mustang will not only alleviate the issue of hygiene, but will also preserve its value and help strengthen your bond with your vehicle as you appreciate it that much more.
Although there are many tricks to keep your car clean, you still have to work. Of course, you don’t always have to decide to wash your car yourself, but there are plenty of arguments why you shouldn’t use an automatic car wash either; some of which include price and poor process quality. Washing your car by hand will also give a sense of satisfaction that only a proud owner will experience. What’s more, the automotive market has many amazing products to keep your car clean, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you to use them.
3 Wax your Mustang
In addition to keeping your Ford Mustang running at peak performance, you also want it to look its best while you’re at it. Just as you take care of your skin by applying sunscreen and moisturizers when needed, waxing your car after you’ve finished bathing is not only a way to pamper it and make it stand out at traffic lights, but to protect him. and make sure it holds up well in the long run.
Car wax forms a protective layer over your car’s finish, removing the elements and giving it a pristine shine. If you don’t have time to continuously apply wax to your prized Mustang, you can opt for the magic of ceramic coating, which will keep your car shiny all the time without the use of excessive elbow grease.
2 Clean your Mustang’s cooling system
When you drive a car like a firecracker, things can get heated. Regardless of its date of birth, the cooling system of a typical Ford Mustang consists of the typical components found in any other vehicle: a water pump, a radiator, various hoses, a cooling fan and coolant, and as it is. in the case of any other vehicle, these parts are also prone to deterioration. While checking your Mustang’s coolant needs is part of the important car maintenance you should have done annually, it would also be relevant to flush the entire cooling system every two years or so, in order to ‘avoid corrosion and the accumulation of waste.
This is especially relevant if your Ford Mustang is of an older generation, and especially during the summer, when the engine suffers additional thermal stress from the weather. So do your Mustang a favor and make sure it stays as cool as it is.
1 Supply your Mustang with high quality parts
While there are many routine car checks that can help prevent costly repairs, sometimes Murphy’s Law will come into play and your Mustang will suffer anyway. When that time comes, your muscle car obviously deserves the best care it can get.
Providing your car with the best aftermarket parts is paramount, as any inferior component can end up causing more damage and cost more in the long run; therefore, it is best to pay more today to pay less in the future. However, while mishaps will certainly occur, it’s best to follow all the recommended services in the owner’s manual to put the odds of the universe in your favor and keep your Ford Mustang in tip-top shape.
