New Owner

[hufasa]

Folks,

I bought an '07 Explorer XLT, 14205 mi on it and boy is she pretty. I REALLY want to take the best care possible so I plan to visit frequently. I don't know much about vehicles aside from driving so any advice is appreciated. I have a few questions that I would like to get an experienced point of view/s on...

1. The tires I have said max psi 44 on the wall. My Low Pressure light was on so I filled the tires (all 4) to 41 psi. Is this recommended / ok?

2. The Explorer feels like I'm doing 90 when I'm doing 65 on a decline, I want to keep the brakes in good shape. What is the proper way to downshift in a 5 speed automatic?

3. Where should I get an oil change? Jiffy Lube? Dealer? Is home the best because I can buy the Ford filter?

4. Should I use synthetic oil now?

If these questions sound ridiculous it's just because I'm a rookie. Thanks for even having this forum to begin with. I look forward to your help.

 

[AndyInFlorida]

Folks,

I bought an '07 Explorer XLT, 14205 mi on it and boy is she pretty. I REALLY want to take the best care possible so I plan to visit frequently. I don't know much about vehicles aside from driving so any advice is appreciated. I have a few questions that I would like to get an experienced point of view/s on...

1. The tires I have said max psi 44 on the wall. My Low Pressure light was on so I filled the tires (all 4) to 41 psi. Is this recommended / ok?

2. The Explorer feels like I'm doing 90 when I'm doing 65 on a decline, I want to keep the brakes in good shape. What is the proper way to downshift in a 5 speed automatic?

3. Where should I get an oil change? Jiffy Lube? Dealer? Is home the best because I can buy the Ford filter?

4. Should I use synthetic oil now?

If these questions sound ridiculous it's just because I'm a rookie. Thanks for even having this forum to begin with. I look forward to your help.

Opinions vary, but here are my answers:
1. 36 psi in all 4 tires seems to be the best balance of performance, traction, and even wear.

2. There is no proper way. Brakes are cheap. Transmissions aren't.

3. Home, if you know how. I'd recommend the K&N Oil filter.

4. Absolutely. I recommend Royal Purple.

Another thing to remember is to keep it clean and was it often. Most people don't realize it, but wax does not last long at all. Apply Turtle Wax Ice Polish to the black plastic parts and they'll stay black and shiny indefinately.

 

[hufasa]

Thanks for the tips. Does it matter If use coolant instead of water or should I use the 50/50 mix? Thanks again.

 

[Country Bumpkin]

Use the 50\50 even though you live where it never frezes it will help keep the engine running cooler, hence the name 'coolent'. Do NOT use synthetic "red" coolent. We just bought an '08 Explorer and even the owners manual said not to use the red. If you have it synthetic in there already leave it in but the next time you have a flush done put in the green stuff. Over time the 'red' stuff will degrade seals and thats not good.

 

[hufasa]

Use the 50\50 even though you live where it never frezes it will help keep the engine running cooler, hence the name 'coolent'. Do NOT use synthetic "red" coolent. We just bought an '08 Explorer and even the owners manual said not to use the red. If you have it synthetic in there already leave it in but the next time you have a flush done put in the green stuff. Over time the 'red' stuff will degrade seals and thats not good.

That's good to know, thanks for the tip.

 

[GregV8]

:ttiwwp:

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

do u got pics of ur 07 xlt