Ford’s Maintenance Minder Simplifies Vehicle Service

Ford is using connected-vehicle data to improve customer experience by making it easier for owners to stay on top of vehicle maintenance. The new Maintenance Minder feature, available in the FordPass and Lincoln Way Apps, allows Ford and Lincoln owners more flexibility to make an appointment with their preferred dealer. The feature was previously available on Ford electric vehicles and is now rolling out for gas- and diesel-powered vehicles in the Ford and Lincoln lineups.

Maintenance made easy

In addition to the Oil Life Time and Distance Estimator, which notifies customers 30 days ahead of an oil change, the Maintenance Minder is also helping Ford build trust with its customers by giving them a better understanding of their vehicle’s required scheduled maintenance, such as servicing of air filters, fluids, belts, and more. The feature sends owners alerts beginning 30 days prior and at other intervals before their next required service. Owners then have the option of scheduling their service appointment in the FordPass and Lincoln Way Apps.

Scheduled Maintenance Minder utilizes the vehicle’s odometer in conjunction with vehicle usage data to predict upcoming scheduled maintenance needs and can also calculate the miles remaining before required maintenance, as well as a due date for maintenance.

So long to “soon”

Michael Kan, chief of vehicle health management, said customers have appreciated the improved oil change reminders, which have been active for a couple years, and a similar reaction is anticipated for the maintenance alerts.   

“Most customers understand that regular oil changes and proper maintenance are important to keep their vehicles performing optimally, and our new features help them to better plan ahead for those events,” he said.

Now with this improvement, owners receive an alert in the FordPass app that provides mileage remaining and an estimated date for the oil change based on customer driving habits. Kan said that customers trust messaging that comes from Ford, adding that referring owners to their preferred dealer makes them more likely to act on the notice. 

The alerts, in conjunction with the existing Vehicle Health Alerts and other notifications available in the FordPass and Lincoln Way apps, not only inform owners about what they can expect when they go in for service, but it also offers our Ford and Lincoln Dealers an opportunity to improve customer experience on their end by creating a rapport with customers. 

“The goal is not only transparency around the vehicle needs, but building trust between the customer and that dealer,” Kan said.

No more flying blind

Kan credited connected vehicle data for enabling this customer service breakthrough.

Click here for more information about Maintenance Minder.