1986 Ford Thunderbird Scheduled Maintenance

Maintain Your Ford Thunderbird

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

1986 Ford Thunderbird Maintenance Schedule

What is the maintenance schedule for the 1986 Ford Thunderbird?

Here’s Why 1986 Ford Thunderbird Scheduled Maintenance Matters

When it comes to your Ford Thunderbird, how you treat your car makes all the difference in its performance. With proactive maintenance, your Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird, 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird!

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; in most cases, though, recommended maintenance will consist of 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 Thunderbird running for longer, keep you safer on the road, and prevent common 1986 Ford Thunderbird problems.

Learn About Vital Maintenance Needs for Your Ford Thunderbird

Come to Firestone Complete Auto Care for manufacturer-recommended routine maintenance on your 1986 Ford Thunderbird and an expert technician will begin by performing a Courtesy Check. A Courtesy Check helps "set the stage" for your service and catch any small problems before they turn into big repairs. Every Courtesy Check will include a visual inspection of your Thunderbird. We’ll check your head and tail lights, fluid levels, filters, tires (and their alignment!), and windshield wiper blades. We’ll also perform a free battery check to determine your battery’s charge level.

Could your 1986 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird battery, and so can frequent short drives. 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 Thunderbird) stuck in the middle of nowhere. Your Ford Thunderbird 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird running newer, longer. See Ford's recommendations for oil change intervals for your 1986 Thunderbird in the chart at the top of this page. Keep in mind that your oil change interval could be different given your driving style and climate. Talk to a Firestone Complete Auto Care technician to know when to change your oil. Not sure what type of oil to use for your 1986 Ford Thunderbird? We can help with that, too!

Maintaining your Ford Thunderbird steering and suspension 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! Trust our technicians to inspect system components and if needed, perform Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird's steering system with regular maintenance.

If you skip recommended Ford Thunderbird services, 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 Thunderbird’s engine, and we can service your A/C system, too. Need a new Ford Thunderbird radiator? We got it. Got a funny smell coming from your A/C? We’re here to fix that, too. Firestone Complete Auto Care is your spot for 1986 Ford Thunderbird maintenance.

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

1986 Ford Thunderbird Maintenance Q&A

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

  • What do I do if I hit a pothole in my Ford Thunderbird? 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 should I use high mileage oil in my Ford Thunderbird? If your Ford Thunderbird 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? Because there might be a problem under the hood. Those warning lights are there for a reason! As soon as you notice that one’s illuminated, take your Ford Thunderbird to Firestone Complete Auto Care so you can address any small problems long before they worsen.