Everyone needs to visit a service center now and then to keep their car running smoothly. Performing maintenance operations in due time not only makes a vehicle more reliable but also helps drivers get a great price if they ever want to sell it. When drivers do decide to service their car, they naturally want to ensure that the people taking care of it are experts in their field. Here at Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield, California, our certified technicians can handle any task, from basic maintenance operations to more complex repair jobs.

Service Drivers Can Trust

A business won’t survive for more than a century without making its customers a top priority. In addition to providing the local community of Bakersfield with a large variety of new and pre-owned vehicles for decades, Jim Burke Ford is the go-to place for any repair and maintenance job.

Our factory-trained technicians use their expertise and modern tech tools to diagnose any issues that a vehicle may have and exclusively use original parts to replace worn-out components. We also understand that our customers have busy lives, and no one enjoys taking time out of their day to have their car serviced. Our technicians aren’t only effective but also efficient, meaning that our customers spend as little time as possible waiting for technicians to make repairs.

Multipoint Vehicle Inspection

The best way to avoid expensive repairs, and cars breaking down when they’re needed most, is to take a proactive approach. Bringing the car to Jim Burke Ford and having us perform a multipoint inspection is one way to do just that. This preventive vehicle maintenance operation involves our technicians checking the components that are most likely to fail. The situations where a multipoint inspection is highly recommended include:

• Before taking a long road trip: Car issues can take the fun out of a road trip. Before going on a long drive with friends or family, there should be no underlying issues with the car that may cause a breakdown on the highway or in the middle of nowhere.
• When buying a used vehicle: It’s easy to fall for a great-looking used vehicle, but keep in mind that things that seem too good to be true often aren’t. Drivers can ensure that they’re getting a good deal by either performing a multipoint vehicle inspection or buying from a certified used-car dealer such as Jim Burke Ford.
• Before selling a car: Having the car checked before selling it isn’t only the right thing to do but can also help drivers get a better price.

Oil Change

Changing a vehicle’s oil is one of the most common and basic maintenance operations. Motor oil helps reduce friction between the engine’s moving parts, preventing overheating and keeping them in good condition for many years. However, oil tends to become thicker and dirtier over time, which diminishes its lubricating properties. Changing it at regular intervals can boost the car’s performance and reduce its fuel consumption. It also protects the environment by limiting the polluting agents that release into the atmosphere.

An oil change at Jim Burke Ford is a quick and smooth operation. Our technicians will drain the existing oil and replace it with new oil while also changing the oil filters. Drivers can check their owners manual to determine which type of oil it uses and how often they have to change it.

Brake Repair

A car’s braking system is one of its most important components. Faulty brakes can be a major issue, as it makes the vehicle harder to stop. Brakes tend to gradually wear down over time, meaning that drivers may not even notice that it takes them longer to stop than it did a while ago. This is why ensuring that certified technicians check the brakes at regular intervals is essential for safe driving.

When drivers bring their cars to Jim Burke Ford for brake service, our technicians will inspect the parts of the braking system that are most likely to need replacing after a while, such as the brake pads and rotors. These are the parts that rub against each other to generate the friction that reduces the car’s speed, and if they get too thin, they’ll lose their effectiveness. Our technicians may also replace the brake fluid if it’s been a few years since the last brake fluid replacement or if they find a leak in the brake lines.

Car Battery Repair

Even gas-powered cars need batteries. Although the engine uses internal combustion to generate power, the car’s electric motor is the one that sets it in motion when drivers start the ignition. The vehicle’s battery also keeps all electrical components running, such as the headlights and audio system. Although cars have an alternator that charges the battery when the engine is running, it will gradually lose its properties, and drivers will have to replace it after a few years.

Several signs can indicate a dying battery. They include the engine not starting as quickly as it did before, having dimmer headlights than usual, and even sensing a strange smell coming from the engine area. Although drivers could wait for one of these signs before they replace the battery, we recommend taking the proactive approach and having certified technicians such as those at Jim Burke Ford inspect the car regularly. We use specialized tools to detect a failing battery and then swiftly replace it with a new one.

Schedule Your Next Appointment Today

If you have an issue with your vehicle or simply want to prevent one, it’s a good idea to have our certified technicians inspect it. Here at Jim Burke Ford, we’re committed to offering a full range of services for our customers. Our sales team will assist you in finding the right car for your needs and preferences, and our service department will keep it running smoothly for many years to come. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.