Summer driving puts real demands on your vehicle. Rising temperatures, longer road trips, and increased time behind the wheel can accelerate wear on critical components. Staying ahead of routine Ford service is one of the smartest things you can do before the season ramps up. For drivers in Hilo, Hawaii, where the weather is warm year-round, but summer travel is still peak season, keeping your vehicle in top shape is especially important. more Check Your Fluids and Cooling System One of the first things to address before summer driving is your cooling system. Overheating becomes a much greater risk when temperatures climb, and a neglected radiator or low coolant level can leave you stranded. Your Ford service appointment should include a full fluid inspection, covering engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. These checks are straightforward but make a significant difference in how your vehicle handles the heat. Don't Overlook Your Tires Tire pressure changes with temperature, and underinflated tires create safety risks and reduce fuel efficiency. Before any summer driving adventure, check that all four tires, including your spare, are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Tire tread should also be inspected - worn tread reduces traction, especially on wet roads. A Ford Service technician can perform a full tire inspection and rotation to help you get even wear and a safer drive. Battery and Electrical System Inspection Heat is actually harder on car batteries than cold weather. Summer temperatures can accelerate battery fluid evaporation and lead to unexpected failures. If your battery is more than three years old, it's worth having it tested during your next Ford Service visit. At the same time, ask your technician to check the charging system and confirm your air conditioning system is operating efficiently - you'll definitely want that working on warm Hawaiian days. Take Advantage of Ford's Owner Benefits Ford makes it easy to stay on top of maintenance. Through Ford Mobile Service (where available), a technician can come to your home or workplace to handle many routine services. Ford Pickup and Delivery (where available) is another convenient option - just schedule a time and your vehicle will be collected, serviced, and returned to you. These benefits are designed to fit your life, so there's no excuse to delay a needed Ford Service appointment this summer driving season. Schedule Your Ford Service at Orchid Isle Ford Keeping your Ford in great shape doesn't have to be complicated. If you drive an F-150, Bronco, Explorer, or any other model in the lineup, staying current on service helps you get the most out of your vehicle. Visit Orchid Isle Ford at fordhawaii.com to schedule your Ford Service appointment and head into the summer driving season with confidence.
Why the 2026 Ford Escape Is Built for the Road Ahead
If you are cruising through town or tackling longer stretches on the Big Island, the 2026 Ford Escape delivers outstanding capability. Available at Orchid Isle Ford in Hilo, Hawaii, this compact SUV offers six distinct trims, four powertrain configurations, and smart technology built for your daily drives and weekend getaways. Contact our team today to find the perfect model for your lifestyle. more Trims and Powertrain Options The lineup starts with the Active trim and advances through the ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid. Every model features five-passenger seating and standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. Engine options include a 1.5L EcoBoost producing 180 horsepower, a 2.0L EcoBoost generating 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, a 2.5L hybrid with 192 total system horsepower, and a 2.5L plug-in hybrid delivering 210 total system horsepower. The plug-in hybrid model provides an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 37 miles alongside a 101 combined MPGe rating. Interior Comfort and Cargo Space Inside, the cabin adapts effortlessly to cargo and passengers. Sliding second-row seats add up to 5.9" of legroom, while total cargo capacity expands to 65.4 cubic feet behind the first row on EcoBoost models. Available amenities include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless charging pad. An available 13.2" center touchscreen powered by SYNC 4 seamlessly integrates wireless Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto© compatibility, connected navigation, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Technology and Driver-Assist Features Safety remains front and center across the lineup. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and BLIS Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Upper trims offer Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control featuring Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering. A 360-degree camera system simplifies parking in tight spaces. Towing Capability and AWD Equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package and the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, the Escape tows up to 3,500 pounds. The 1.5L EcoBoost handles up to 2,000 pounds, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants tow up to 1,500 pounds. All-wheel drive comes standard on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims, and is available on other EcoBoost models. Selectable drive modes allow you to adapt performance to changing road conditions instantly. Schedule Your Test Drive at Orchid Isle Ford Today From efficient hybrid commuting to capable all-wheel-drive performance, the 2026 Ford Escape meets every driving demand. Visit Orchid Isle Ford in Hilo, Hawaii, to test-drive your preferred trim, or explore our online showroom to view current inventory and special offers.