10 Things You Should Know If You Own a Ford Mustang
If you are a first time Mustang owner, congratulations. You have got your hands on the best-selling muscle car of all time. We know you’re excited to drive around the car of your dreams. But there are a few things that you might not be aware of as a first time Mustang owner.
We want you to get the most out of your new ride. Therefore, we are going to tell you a few things that you won’t hear from anyone else. Keep reading as we unveil the top tips to keep your Mustang brand new and get the best bang for your buck.
Understand the importance of the right tyres
If you are a new Mustang owner, you need to choose tyres that suit the road conditions in your area and your driving goals. Therefore, understanding the importance of selecting the right tyres is crucial.
For example, use summer tyres in the hot summer months if you live in a climate where the temperature is usually high. However, these tyres won’t give you optimal performance and safety if you add snow as a factor.
If you have a racing event coming up and you want to utilise the full power of your Mustang, you’ll swap the regular tyres with ultra-high-performance tyres to cope with the extreme conditions of competition. Although these soft tyres will give you extra grip on the road, they only have a short lifespan. This is where having an extra pair of wheels would come in handy.
Take your time to learn about the different tyres, their construction, compound and sizes before you decide to buy new tyres for your Mustang. The right set of wheels can take your driving experience to the next level while the wrong ones can be dangerous.
Beware of oil leak issues
The oil gasket of the Ford Mustang has been in trouble over the years due to owner complaints. Most of them are related to a leaking rear main seal, which invites repairs including the transmission, torque converter, starter, and flexplate removal.
This rear main seal leak problem is more likely to occur as the vehicle gets old. It is easy to detect this issue at the time of routine maintenance. So it’s rare that you’ll have to splurge on expensive repairs. But you must watch out for any oil leaks as they can quickly turn into a fire hazard.
The most common reason behind this problem leak is worn-out or damaged gaskets. If you experience engine overheating or a burning smell or you see a puddle under your car, it’s better to take it to a mechanic and get it checked. Low engine oil levels can also cause the oil filter gasket to leak. Although this is rare, it has bothered some Ford owners in the past.
Watch out for rust and corrosion
No car is immune to rust. 2002-2009 Ford Mustangs have aluminium hoods which are prone to rust. It even led to a lawsuit against Ford where customers claimed that the company did not insulate the hood to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Rust might not sound like a serious problem, but when you take longer to repaint the rust, it can spread to other parts of your car and damage your vehicle.
If you wish to keep your Mustang in top shape, be ready to set aside some money for rust repairs. Some Mustang drivers have the opinion that Mustang don’t have an undercoating which is the primary cause of the rust. Moreover, road salt can rust out the wheel axles and undercarriage over time.
You may not experience this issue with every Ford Mustang as some year models are less prone to rusting.
Modifications and aftermarket equipment
No matter which model or year Mustang you purchase, you can easily give it a personal touch with some upgrades and aftermarket parts. Although there is nothing wrong with using a stock car, it’s just more fun to have a car that is tailored to your needs.
As all Ford Mustangs are created different, you will have to find modifications that fit your car’s make and model. However, some common mods can enhance the performance, look and driving experience of your Mustang while leaving every other car in the dust.
But do not make the mistake of going overboard with these modifications as changing your car excessively can adversely affect its performance, reliability and warranty.
It’s an investment
Although it is said that cars are a depreciating asset, investing in classics such as a Mustang can be a lucrative investment. There is a high demand for well-maintained Mustangs among car collectors and enthusiasts.
Classic Mustangs are rare, they have high-performance features, unique components and individual aesthetics which help them retain their value over time. But they also require vintage parts and consistent care. With regular maintenance, you can increase the value of your Mustang and resell it when it’s in high demand.
Fuel efficiency considerations
Ford Mustang is a true muscle car when it comes to power, performance and style. It gives you unparalleled driving experience. However, there is one downside: you might have to spend a little extra at the gas station.
Mustang is not known to be the most fuel-effiicent car. And with the rising fuel prices in the UAE, it’s good to keep track of your Mustang’s fuel consumption and manage your fuel expenses wisely.
Even though your Mustang can be a bit costly to drive, it surely is a stunner on the road making people jealous of you.
Drive gentle at first
For most people, buying Mustang is a dream. And when they do buy it, they become ecstatic and hit high speeds. If you are a new Mustang owner, please don’t do this. Give it the recommended break-in period of 1000 miles.
Before you take it for a spin and push it to its limit, take your time to become familiar with its handling. Start slow and pay attention to how the car responds to accelerating, braking and steering. Take yout time to get used to it. And as you become more comfortable, you can up the speed and test its performance. Being patient with help you stay safe while enjoying your new Mustang to the fullest.
Regular maintenance is a must for your Mustang
With great cars come great responsibility. Owning a Ford Mustang is exciting and everything until you’re taking care of it regularly. To keep it running strong for years, you need to follow the recommended service schedule. This includes routine oil changes, tire rotations and fluid top-offs.
Moreover, look out for any weird noises, vibrations, leaks or warning lights indicating any underlying trouble. Address any issue while it’s still ne and nip it in the bud to avoid any significant trouble down the road.
Connect with pro Mustang mechanics to gain knowledge on how to take the best care of your Mustang. Please note that proper maintenance not only increases the lifespan of your Mustang but also presernves its warranty coverage.
Celebrate April 17th
April 17th is special for every Mustang owner as it is the date when the first model went on sale in 1964. As soon as it was launched in the market, it became an instant hit among the car enthusiasts with over 22,000 cars sold on the very first day. 417,000 cars were sold in total in the first year of launch itself.
So, to celebrate the long heritage of Ford Mustang, we celebrate April 17 as National Mustang Day. Mustang owners gather around for car shows, parades and club meetings to honour its legacy.
Independent rear suspension changed the Mustang forever
If you have a 2015 or newer Mustang, you’ll notice a big difference in how it drives, thanks to the independent rear suspension (IRS). Before this, Mustangs used a solid rear axle.
IRS means that each of the back wheels can move up and down separately. This helps the car handle bumps and turns better, providing a more stable and easier-to-control experience. The ride is smoother, offering more comfort compared to the older models. The newer Mustangs feel more agile and responsive, especially in turns.
Owners of these newer Mustangs say they handle much better than the older models. The car turns more sharply, rolls less in corners, and feels more balanced. This change has made the Mustang a top-notch sports car.
