10-10-2015, 09:13 AM
(09-10-2015, 12:28 PM)Mark Hennessy Wrote: I don't know about the current service schedules, but for my 2001 Focus (also 1.8, and doing much better than yours by the sound of things - touch wood), it's 12,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. That's pretty unambiguous. What does the handbook say?
I've been searching around since writing that earlier, and am becoming persuaded that the 12,500 miles or 12 months also applies to 2011 models as well - I did ask Terry to check his book, but we've not heard the answer yet. Because, quite simply, that is the answer. Case closed.
Avoiding an annual service is a false economy IMHO. You might assume now that you'll be keeping the car until it is worthless, but you never know what life is going to throw at you, and a large gap in the service history will seriously affect the resale value, as well as eliminating any hope of goodwill from the manufacturer.
Oh, the brake fluid interval for a Ford is 2 years. Your car is 4 years old. If you have a accident because you were unable to stop in time, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the insurance company tried to use that as an excuse to wriggle out of settling - we all know what they're like. Remember also that in general, automatics rely on brakes more than a manual...
As you've just got the car, having someone go over it with a fine tooth-comb while you're still within the warranty from the dealer (it did come with one, right?) is surely a sensible idea?
Just do it. It is a no-brainer. You've got until January to save up for it
Mark
