2002 Ford Explorer Scheduled Maintenance

Maintain Your Ford Explorer

Your Ford Explorer isn’t just a car. It’s a part of your lifestyle. Keep it running newer, longer and schedule your routine maintenance appointment today.

Maintenance for Your 2002 Ford Explorer

How often should I service my 2002 Ford Explorer?

Here’s Why 2002 Ford Explorer Scheduled Maintenance Matters

Take care of your Ford Explorer and it'll take care of you. If you put in the effort to keep up with proper maintenance, your Explorer could be on the road well past the 200,000 mile mark. But how do you know what service to get and when? Instead of waiting for an issue to arise with your Explorer, you can stay ahead of problems before they even begin. Rely on the recommended maintenance schedule that’s been created just for your 2002 Ford Explorer!

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, recommended maintenance usually includes services like fluid exchanges, filter changes, new brake pads, oil changes, and tire rotations. Keeping up with routine service appointments is a great way to keep your Explorer running for longer, increase your vehicle safety, and prevent common 2002 Ford Explorer problems.

Overview of Essential Ford Explorer Maintenance Needs

Bring your 2002 Ford Explorer to Firestone Complete Auto Care for factory-recommended maintenance services and an expert technician will begin by performing a Courtesy Check. The Courtesy Check helps us see what we’re working with under the hood, and allows us to alert you to any potential problems before they worsen. 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.

Maybe it's time to find a new auto battery for your 2002 Ford Explorer. In general, car batteries only last three to five years. Yours may need to be replaced sooner depending on your driving habits and climate. Taking short trips or exposing your car to extreme temperatures (like in the dead of winter or heat of summer) could reduce the life expectancy of your Ford Explorer battery. While you could wait until your battery fails and you hear the dreaded "click," you're better off replacing it before then! Otherwise, you may find yourself (and your trusty Explorer) stuck in the middle of nowhere. Your Ford Explorer won’t even be able to start with a weak battery, much less get you where you need to go.

Staying on schedule for battery replacements and motor oil changes can prevent premature wear on your 2002 Ford Explorer engine. See Ford's recommendations for oil change intervals for your 2002 Explorer in the chart at the top of this page. Don’t forget, though, that weather conditions in your area or your personal driving habits can affect this interval. 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 2002 Ford Explorer.

Routine upkeep for your Ford Explorer suspension and steering system can not only ensure a smooth ride; it can also help you maintain control of your car in compromised road conditions. When it comes to steering and suspension, you want to catch small problems before they turn into big (and expensive) ones. Bring your car to Firestone Complete Auto Care, where our technicians can check your car’s steering components and, if necessary, provide Ford Explorer steering and suspension services including wheel alignment, strut replacement, power steering fluid changes, ball joint lubrication, and wheel bearing replacement. To keep your car running at its best, it’s essential to have regular maintenance services on your Ford Explorer's steering and suspension system.

If you fall behind on routine Ford Explorer maintenance (or worse, don’t do it at all!), you might find yourself with a hot mess on your hands – quite literally. A damaged A/C system is never fun, and an overheated engine can cause significant issues (like a total car breakdown!). We can help you with all those issues. Our technicians have the knowledge and tools to repair and maintain the heating and cooling systems for your Ford Explorer’s engine, and we can service your A/C system, too. Need a new Ford Explorer radiator? We’ve got your back. A/C smelling musty? We'll fix it. Firestone Complete Auto Care is your spot for 2002 Ford Explorer maintenance.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong with your car. Visit your nearest location for proactive maintenance today.

2002 Ford Explorer Maintenance Questions

Take an active role in maintaining your 2002 Ford Explorer. Get answers to common Ford Explorer maintenance questions and learn more about caring for your vehicle.

  • What should I do after hitting a pothole in my Ford Explorer? Check your car for pothole damage! If you’ve recently hit a pothole (or even if you don’t remember hitting one… they can be sneaky!) check your tire treads, tire sidewalls, and wheels for damage. Potholes can also knock your car out of alignment, so have your alignment checked if you suspect you’ve driven over a rough patch of road lately.
  • When does my Ford Explorer need high mileage oil? Got 75,000+ miles on the odometer? Consider high mileage motor oil. High mileage oil is formulated to address the specific problems encountered by high mileage vehicles, or those with more than 75,000 miles. It can help reduce oil consumption, smoke, and emissions from older Ford Explorer engines.
  • Can I ignore dashboard lights on my Ford? Don't ignore dashboard warning lights! Bring your Ford Explorer in for a diagnostic code scan as soon as a dashboard warning light flashes on, whether it's your check engine or battery light. Dashboard lights alert you to trouble under the hood.