1996 Ford Ranger Scheduled Maintenance

Get Work Done on Your Ford Ranger

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

1996 Ford Ranger Maintenance Schedule

What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the 1996 Ford Ranger?

Here’s Why 1996 Ford Ranger Scheduled Maintenance Matters

You want your Ford Ranger to last as long as possible. If you put in the effort to keep up with proper maintenance, your Ranger has a good chance of hitting 200,000 miles or more. But how do you know what service to get and when? Instead of waiting for an issue to arise with your Ranger, you can stay ahead of problems before they even begin. It’s as easy as following the recommended maintenance schedule that’s been written specifically for your 1996 Ford Ranger!

The recommended maintenance schedule is put together by Ford, your vehicle manufacturer. Depending on driving conditions and climate in your area (as well as other contributing factors, like your personal travel habits), your car’s scheduled maintenance needs may vary; however, there’s a good chance that your vehicle’s recommended maintenance services will include oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacement, filter changes, and fluid checks and exchanges. Staying on track with routine service appointments can help your Ranger perform better, decrease your risk of dangerous malfunctions on the road, and maybe even save you the headache of dealing with common 1996 Ford Ranger problems in the future.

Learn About Vital Maintenance Needs for Your Ford Ranger

Head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care in your 1996 Ford Ranger for factory-recommended routine maintenance and a skilled technician will start the appointment with a Courtesy Check. This Courtesy Check can establish a baseline of what may need to be addressed during your service appointment. 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.

Maybe it's time to find a new auto battery for your 1996 Ford Ranger. Batteries generally need to be replaced every three to five years. Yours may need to be replaced sooner depending on your driving habits and climate. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can take a toll on your Ford Ranger battery, and so can frequent short drives. It can be tempting to try and get as much life out of your battery as possible, but it’s smart to check it regularly and replace it before it gets too weak. Otherwise, you may find yourself (and your trusty Ranger) stuck in the middle of nowhere. Your Ford Ranger could quickly go from being a trusty ride to a source of stress in a matter of minutes.

In addition to maintaining a strong battery, investing in regular oil changes can support your engine’s overall performance and keep your 1996 Ford Ranger running newer, longer. Reference the chart toward the top of the page if you're not sure about the optimal oil change intervals for your 1996 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. We'll also help you understand what type of oil to use for your 1996 Ford Ranger.

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. That's important if you plan on taking the road less traveled! 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. Prevent damage or premature wear and tear on your Ford Ranger's steering system with regular maintenance.

If you fall behind on routine Ford Ranger 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. 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 Ranger’s engine, and we can service your A/C system, too. Is your Ford Ranger radiator in need of replacement? We can take care of that. A/C smelling musty? We'll fix it. Firestone Complete Auto Care is your one-stop shop for 1996 Ford Ranger maintenance and repairs.

We can help you keep your vehicle (and your life!) running smoothly. Many of our locations have weekend and evening hours for your convenience.

1996 Ford Ranger Maintenance Q&A

Take an active role in maintaining your 1996 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? It's better to get them addressed as soon as possible. An illuminated dashboard light means something in your vehicle isn't functioning like it should. Letting problems linger can mean bad news for your Ford Ranger, so be sure to take your car in for service as soon as you notice an illuminated dashboard light