1986 Ford Ranger Maintenance

Get Work Done on Your Ford Ranger

Don’t let unexpected car trouble get the best of you. Stay ahead of potential problems and schedule a routine Ford Ranger maintenance appointment today.

1986 Ford Ranger Maintenance Schedule

How often should I service my 1986 Ford Ranger?

Your Guide to 1986 Ford Ranger Scheduled Maintenance

You want your Ford Ranger to last as long as possible. If you put in the effort to keep up with proper maintenance, you could hit 200,000 miles (or beyond!) in your Ranger. Not an expert in what services your car needs and when? No problem. Instead of waiting for an issue to arise with your Ranger, you can stay ahead of problems before they even begin. Rely on the recommended maintenance schedule that’s been created just for your 1986 Ford Ranger!

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. Staying on track with routine service appointments can help your Ranger perform better, increase your vehicle safety, and help you avoid expensive repairs caused by 1986 Ford Ranger problems later.

Essential Maintenance to Keep Your Ford Ranger Running Newer, Longer

Bring your 1986 Ford Ranger to Firestone Complete Auto Care for factory-recommended maintenance services and a skilled technician will start the appointment 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 Ranger's windshield wiper blades, head and tail lights, filters, fluid levels, tires, and alignment.

Think you could be due for a new battery in your 1986 Ford Ranger? 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 Ranger battery. Sure, you could wait until your battery is completely dead, but it’s a much wiser decision to replace it before you need to. Otherwise, you may find yourself (and your trusty Ranger) stuck in the middle of nowhere. Your Ford Ranger 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 help your 1986 Ford Ranger's engine run smoother. Reference the chart toward the top of the page if you're not sure about the optimal oil change intervals for your 1986 Ranger. Keep in mind that your oil change interval could be different given your driving style and climate. A Firestone Complete Auto Care technician will be happy to help you determine the best oil change frequency for your car’s needs. Not sure what type of oil to use for your 1986 Ford Ranger? We can help with that, too!

Routine upkeep for your Ford Ranger 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 the appropriate Ford Ranger steering and suspension services. This can include things like power steering fluid replacement, wheel alignment adjustments, replacement of struts and wheel bearings, and ball joint lubrication. Components within your Ford Ranger's steering system require regular maintenance.

Without routine Ford Ranger maintenance, 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!). Our technicians have you covered there, too, with the tools and expertise to care for your entire Ford Ranger cooling, heating, and climate control system. Is your Ford Ranger radiator in need of replacement? We can take care of that. Is your A/C blowing hot air? We’re on it. Firestone Complete Auto Care is your one-stop shop for 1986 Ford Ranger maintenance and repairs.

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

1986 Ford Ranger Maintenance Q&A

Take an active role in maintaining your 1986 Ford Ranger. Get answers to common Ford Ranger maintenance questions and learn more about caring for your vehicle.

  • What should I do after hitting a pothole in my Ford Ranger? You know your Ford Ranger better than anyone else, so you’ll know if something doesn’t feel right while driving. Have your alignment checked (and adjusted if necessary) as soon as you notice a pulling steering wheel to prevent suspension damage or uneven tire wear.
  • When does my Ford Ranger need high mileage oil? If your Ford Ranger has ticked past 75,000 miles, consider switching to high mileage oil at your next oil change to give your engine what it needs to go another 75,000 (or more!). High mileage oil: make it a high priority!
  • Can I ignore dashboard lights on my Ford? Don't ignore dashboard warning lights! Bring your Ford Ranger 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.