Improving The Ride And Handling Of your Ford Focus
Since it’s introduction in Europe, Ford Focus has become an iconic compact car for urban landscapes. The primary concern with this type of vehicles is how to make your mark on it. No matter how well it’s put together, we all want to add a personal touch. Regular scheduled maintenance is an important part of keeping your Focus operation and in fresh state. Some parts require inspection more often than others, and you’ve got to remain on top of servicing them. Vital engine components sit high on the priority list, but you should check other aspects pertaining to in cabin comfort and driving experience as well.
Brake System Maintenance
There’s no workaround for this issue, at least not yet. Regardless of the actual make of the brakes, cars stop by friction. This constant pressure on the moving parts (more on that later) brings the temperature up and eventually results in worn out components. It’s how every car works and the Ford Focus is no exception.
The driver applies pressure to the brake pedal and this activates the brake cylinders. Brake fluid is then pushed through the brake lines and the force is delivered to the wheels. Rotors on the wheel receive the pressure from brake pads and this eventually stops the car. This system was developed with regular servicing of brake pads in mind.
If you are looking for good Ford Focus brake pads, then check the warranty. Everything over 20 000km is a great offer. Compatibility of the aftermarket parts is of concern to many, so you can make sure you get the right pads by comparing diameter of disks and number of studs. If you are still not confident enough you have the right part, your safest bet is to speak to a retailer or mechanic.
Your Ford Focus brake pads should be inspected at least twice a year. Depending on your driving style, you might need to check them more frequently than that. In general, try to avoid forceful braking (give your best to make it gradual), and don’t do it for a prolonged periods of time (downhill). And, of course, don’t overload the cargo booth.
Roof Rails
Speaking of cargo, tweaking your luggage capacity by adding another storage option is something a lot of owners do. The roof sits idly anyhow, so why not transform it into useful space. The typical upgrade of cargo space on the roof entails installing roof rails. They can be fitted either lengthwise or sideways and they are good for handling extra luggage. If this basic setup doesn’t satisfy all of your requirements, i.e. if your cargo doesn’t always come within a proper bag, you might consider adding a roof cage. It’s actually almost the same layout, the only difference being mesh netting.
Since the Ford Focus is fairly small vehicle, you should go for a lightweight, but strong material for a roof rack. Aluminium alloys do a great job in this regard. Heavy-duty stainless steel frames can be easily found on the market, but they might not be a perfect fit (in technical and aesthetic terms).
Universal roof rails are probably the best choice, though installation may require additional drilling. Alternatively, you can hire an experienced fitter to complete this task. Although not readily apparent, this contraption on the roof has to be secure, otherwise you risk exposing yourself and others to road hazards and accidents.
Roof racks are very handy for weekend getaways because they can hold bulky, odd-shaped equipment. Bicycles, skis, surfboards and similar extreme sports gear can sit comfortably up there. Sometimes, the roof is the only spot you can use to transport such items.
Window Shades
Much thought is put into the design of the Ford Focus. Our environment down under is somewhat specific and any car should welcome a tweak that makes it more comfortable. Protection from the harmful sun might not be a priority in Europe or North America, but here we appreciate every bit of extra layer of protection.
And we definitely need it. Skin cancer affects thousands of Aussie families every year. Research shows that adopting new habits can significantly help in combating this kind of disease. We can’t do much to stop the harmful UV rays blistering down on us at high noon. But we can limit the exposure of our skin.
The Ford Focus cabin is a great place to start this change. We spend a lot of time sitting at traffic stop, parking lots or driving without proper protection. Installing window shades can play an important role in filtering out the harmful rays. There is no window tint that’s able to totally block the sun. However, some can provide up to 80% protection. Wearing a long sleeve shirt, hat, and sunglasses or applying sun screen can further enhance the effect of the car shades.
Retailers are keen on presenting their car window shades as superb. Put their sweet talk to the test – there is an official facility in Australia entrusted with testing for UVA and UVB protection (ARPANSA). Inquire if the shades offered to you comply with such standards and you will receive a straight answer. Additional features include: magnetic clips for easy installation, and the ability of the windows to be rolled up or down after the contraption has been installed. It’s simply a great way to fight the uncomfortable glare from the sun.