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Regular maintenance is essential to keep your Ford vehicle running smoothly, safely and efficiently on Hilo streets for years to come. While you have many options for auto service, there are several key benefits to bringing your car to Orchid Isle Ford for all your maintenance and repair needs. Expert Technicians and Advanced Diagnostics Our service center is staffed by a team of factory trained and certified Ford technicians. We have years of experience working specifically on Ford vehicles, so we know your car inside and out. Whether you need a routine oil change or a more complex repair, you can trust that the job will be done right the first time. We also utilize the latest in diagnostic equipment and software to accurately identify any issues and make the necessary fixes. Many of our loyal customers come from the nearby town of Papaikou to have their vehicles serviced by our skilled technicians. They know they can count on us for top-notch workmanship and customer service. Genuine Ford Parts When it comes to replacement parts, we only use genuine OEM Ford parts. These are the same high-quality components used in the original manufacture of your vehicle, ensuring a precise fit and reliable performance. Aftermarket parts may be cheaper, but they aren't held to the same standards. Drivers appreciate that we don't cut corners when it comes to the parts we use. Amenities and Services We aim to make your service visit as easy and hassle-free as possible with a range of amenities and courtesies. Relax in our comfortable customer lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi, TV and refreshments while you wait. If you need to be on the go, take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service or loaner vehicles. We'll even wash your car for you after any service appointment. Schedule Your Next Service Appointment Online With our expert technicians, genuine Ford parts, convenient location, and customer-first amenities, there's no reason to take your vehicle anywhere else for maintenance or repairs. If you're due for service, schedule an appointment online at Orchid Isle Ford. We look forward to helping you keep your Ford model in optimal condition for a smooth, safe ride around Pepeekeo and beyond.

If you made any new year's resolutions this year, you know that they're made to impact your life in a positive way. At Orchid Isle Auto Center, we want to reminder you of some car maintenance tips that you can make your new year's resolutions and that your vehicle will thank you for. Regularly servicing your vehicle is the best way to keep it performing at the highest level and avoiding larger problems. That's why we encourage you to make these tips your new year's resolution and visit our service center for all your auto maintenance and repair needs this year. Change Your Oil and Filter Having your motor oil and filter changed within the recommended mileage or time intervals that're outlined in your owner's manual is the best and easiest way to keep your vehicle performing in like-new condition for longer. The motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, as its what's responsible for keeping your engine clean, lubricated, and cool, allowing the many moving parts to perform as the engine was engineered to for as long as you want to drive it. When you don't change your motor oil and filter within the recommended mileage or time intervals, the oil can get dirty, which causes it to move slower and create wear on the moving parts in your engine. Overtime, this will lead to expensive engine problems. That's why we encourage you to advise your vehicle's owner's manual and the maintenance schedule that's outlined in it. We offer quick, convenient, and professional oil changes on all vehicles, using your choice of conventional or synthetic motor oil to keep your engine clean, cool, and lubricated on all your travels this year. Get Your Brakes Repaired Your vehicle's braking system features many different components, including pads, calipers, drums, brake lines, and more. When one part of your braking system is compromised, the other parts are soon to follow. That's why it's important to bring your vehicle in for a brake repair at the first sign that something's wrong. The brake pads are commonly the first component of the braking system to get worn out, as the pads are the first point of contact between your wheels and your braking system. The most obvious sign that your brake pads are worn out is if you hear a squeaking or squealing noise when you apply the brakes. That means that the pad is gone and metal is now rubbing on metal. We can change your brake pads for you quickly and conveniently, allowing you to drive with confidence knowing that your braking system is functioning properly. Check and Change Your Tires You want your tires to last as long as possible, and the best way to prolong their lifespan is by ensuring that they're properly filled and have the right amount of tread on them. If you have low air pressure in your tires, it will cause uneven wear on your tires. If you drive on them like this for too long, it will damage your tires, causing you to need to purchase new ones. That's why you should always drive with the right amount of air pressure in your tires. If you notice that your front tires tread is looking lower than the rear tires, it might be time for a tire rotation. By switching the position of the front and rear tires, you'll promote equal tire wear and enjoy better traction, handling, acceleration, stopping, and fuel economy. Schedule a Service Appointment at Orchid Isle Auto Center Today If you need servicing or repairs on your vehicle this year, we encourage you to schedule a service appointment online or come see us in our service center at Orchid Isle Auto Center today.

Today's cars are made much differently than those earlier models. Back then, Rear-wheel drive was the only way that manufacturers built drivetrains, but it's completely changed now. RWD is actually used more for power, so vehicles that have a need for turbo speed such as American muscle cars will tend to have RWD. Front-wheel drive developed out of a need for fuel-efficient commuter vehicles, which is why most sedans and compact cars have FWD. In some cases, they may have AWD, which is better for power and dealing with icy road conditions. Newer models are coming out with transitioning drivetrains under xDrive, which is a way to combine fuel efficiency with power by changing the drivetrain setup on the fly. No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, you can find a ton of inventory available at Orchid Isle Auto Center. They have the best service department and a variety of vehicles perfect for whatever you're looking for. Visit Our Service Center Today!

If you're stopping by Orchid Isle Auto Center for a new battery in the fall or early winter, you may want to pay special attention to a new battery's cold cranking amps rating. This rating illustrates how many amps a new battery can cope with in extremely cold temperatures. Why is this important? When Jack Frost comes calling in the dead of winter, it means that your car is in for some extra heavy-duty work. As the temperature drops so does a battery's overall capacity, and at the same time, the amps required for a starter motor to get enough juice to turn over the motor increases. A battery with higher CCAs means that you may be less likely to find yourself with a dead battery in the middle of winter. Avoid being stranded this winter in Hilo. Our service experts would happy to recommend a high CCA battery or simply ensure that your current battery ready for the cold.

Your tires are one of the most important and most expensive to replace pieces of equipment on your vehicle. So it is only natural to want to get the most out of them when you buy a set. That is what makes your vehicle's alignment so critical. If your vehicle is out of alignment, then you will certainly notice faster and more uneven wear on your tire tread. This will be most prevalent on the front tires since that is where the alignment is done. Another sign of your vehicle being out of alignment is if you have to hold the steering wheel off-kilter in order to get it to drive straight. Your suspension is a complex system that requires some periodic maintenance done in order to continue to function properly, and an alignment check is one of the things that you can do to help achieve that. If your car, truck, or SUV is in need of an alignment, then bring it into the experts in our service center at Orchid Isle Auto Center.

Your brakes are something that you rely on every time you get behind the wheel to keep you safe on the road. Unless something goes wrong, it can be difficult to remember the importance of replacing your brake fluid about once a year. If you notice something off about your brakes, then you should have your brake fluid checked immediately. Brake fluid is what allows all of the moving parts in the brake system of your vehicle to operate in sync. When you press down on a brake pedal, the brake fluid flows to the part that connects to your car's wheels to get everything to stop moving. The more your brake fluid is exposed to the elements, the quicker it will break down and need to be replaced. Come by Orchid Isle Auto Center to have your brake fluid checked so that you can get back to driving with confidence.

At your next oil change appointment at Orchid Isle Auto Center, you might want to think carefully about the kind of oil you are using in your vehicle's motor. With both conventional and synthetic oils available, it helps to understand the difference so you can choose the very best oil to keep your motor in top condition. Basically, conventional oil is regular, naturally occurring oil. It comes from the earth, and it is suitable for most older motors and for driving in easy conditions. Motor oil that is formulated by scientists from specially chosen chemicals is called synthetic oil. Synthetic oil, because it has been designed specifically with motors in mind, offers the best quality performance and motor lubrication possible. Most newly manufactured motors are made to only be used with synthetic oil, so be sure to read your owner's manual carefully. For more information about motor oil and deciding which kind is right for you, give our service department a visit today!

How many of us pay attention to our headlights? They could save our lives one day. The little lights that light up the road are there for our safety and information. There are some lights that can be potentially more informative than others. Here is a list of a few. The ideal ratings for headlight safety are given be comparing the visibility measurement of a set of headlights. The glare of headlights also plays a part in this. If there is too much glare, then the lights will receive point demerits for inadequate lighting and safety. Now that you're just a little more familiar with proper headlight care, you can be more confident on those city streets. The best method of keeping your car in shape is to have regular service and checkups done. When you have more questions, feel free to contact our service team at Orchid Isle Auto Center. https://twitter.com/therealautoblog/status/933802586632634368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E933802586632634368%7Ctwgr%5E196340e746b5237aa31cb61ece28f425a824419e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fordhawaii.com%2Fblog%2F2017%2Fnovember%2F30%2Fheadlight-maintenance-road-safety-from-the-people-who-care.htm

To word it most simply, without the many fluids that exist in your vehicle, it wouldn't stand a chance of running. Without exaggerating, your vehicle likely wouldn't roll an inch without engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and other fluids necessary for regular function. You should check motor oil, also called engine oil, about every 3,000 miles. However, your vehicle may require an oil change to 5,000 miles, or even longer. Checking your owner's manual to learn more. Transmission fluid helps the gears in your transmission shift like they're supposed to. Check it every month, replace it no later than every 100,000 miles. Coolant is also called antifreeze, and is found in the radiator, a contraption that houses a larger fan to cool the vehicle off. If brakes aren't functioning well, check the brake fluid, you should replace it every two years. Need help determining what fluids you need, when, and why? Contact us, Orchid Isle Auto Center.