1997 Ford Explorer Maintenance

Take care of your Ford Explorer and it'll take care of you. With the right maintenance at the right time, your Explorer could be on the road well past the 200,000 mile mark. So, you want to care for your car, but you’re not sure when to get certain services. Instead of waiting for an issue to arise with your Explorer, you can stay ahead of problems before they even begin. Just follow your 1997 Ford Explorer maintenance schedule!

This recommended maintenance schedule is written by the auto manufacturer, Ford themselves. Scheduled maintenance services can vary depending on driving conditions, climate, and other factors; however, there’s a good chance that your vehicle’s recommended maintenance services will include fluid exchanges, filter changes, new brake pads, oil changes, and tire rotations. Scheduling routine service appointments is one of the best ways to help extend your Explorer's life, keep you safer on the road, and prevent common 1997 Ford Explorer problems.

Head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care in your 1997 Ford Explorer for factory-recommended routine maintenance and our technicians will jump right in with a Courtesy Check. A Courtesy Check helps "set the stage" for your service and catch any small problems before they turn into big repairs. Each Courtesy Check includes a free battery test and an inspection of your Explorer's windshield wiper blades, head and tail lights, filters, fluid levels, tires, and alignment.

Could your 1997 Ford Explorer be ready for a new battery? Batteries generally need to be replaced every three to five years. There’s a chance you’ll need a replacement sooner, but it depends on the climate in your area as well as your driving habits. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can take a toll on your Ford Explorer battery, and so can frequent short drives. Sure, you could wait until your battery is completely dead, but it’s a much wiser decision to replace it before you need to. If you keep driving on a battery that can't hold a charge, you run the risk of being stranded when your battery finally gives out (and no one can predict where that might be!). Your Ford Explorer won't be going anywhere without a strong battery.

In addition to maintaining a strong battery, investing in regular oil changes can help your 1997 Ford Explorer's engine run smoother. To learn how often Ford recommends you have the oil changed in your 1997 Explorer, check out the information table at the beginning of this page. Remember, things like average outside temperature or frequency of trips could increase or decrease this interval for your specific vehicle. A Firestone Complete Auto Care technician will be happy to help you determine the best oil change frequency for your car’s needs. We'll also help you understand what type of oil to use for your 1997 Ford Explorer.

Routine upkeep for your Ford Explorer suspension and steering system can improve ride comfort and help you maintain control of your vehicle. Don’t let a misalignment or pulling steering wheel put you in danger. Trust our technicians to inspect system components and if needed, perform Ford Explorer suspension and steering services. These might include wheel alignment, power steering fluid flushes and replenishments, ball joint lubrication, wheel bearing replacement, and strut replacement. Prevent damage or premature wear and tear on your Ford Explorer's steering system with regular maintenance.

If you fall behind on routine Ford Explorer maintenance (or worse, don’t do it at all!), you (and your engine) could quickly lose your cool when there's a problem on the road–especially if that problem is an overheated engine or broken A/C. Don’t sweat it, though! Our technicians can take care of those issues, too. At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we have what it takes to provide top-notch service for your Ford Explorer engine heating and cooling systems, as well as your air conditioning. Need a new Ford Explorer radiator? We can take care of that. A/C smelling musty? We'll fix it. Firestone Complete Auto Care is your spot for 1997 Ford Explorer maintenance.

So visit us regularly, or visit us urgently. Many locations are open on weekends and in the evening.