Special rates offered on repair of water-damaged Ford and Mazda vehicles

MANILA, Philippines - Ford Group Philippines (FGP) and its network of dealers stepped up efforts to respond to the large number of requests for repair of Ford and Mazda vehicles damaged by rain and floodwater at the height of Typhoon Ondoy.

“We are experiencing a marked increase in the number of servicing appointments resulting from the last few weeks and are confident that our team and dealer network can respond to our customers’ needs with the highest level of service and quality,” says Anika Salceda, FGP AVP for Corporate Communications. She adds that FGP has gone one step further to assist their customers with a special service promotion.

Between September 26 and October 31, Ford and Mazda customers whose vehicles have been damaged by floodwater caused by Typhoon Ondoy can enjoy a special 20% discount on selected flood-related parts plus a 10% discount on labor at authorized Ford and Mazda dealerships nationwide. To be eligible, the vehicles for repair must have been purchased from an authorized Ford/Mazda dealer; and must be received by the dealer from September 26, 2009 to October 31, 2009. Parts discounts are not applicable to parts sold over-the counter. Program discounts are not convertible to cash.

Motorists whose vehicles have been damaged by water are advised to follow this advice from FGP’s technical and service experts:

1. Do not attempt to start a flooded vehicle until thorough inspection and cleaning have been conducted. Try to disconnect battery terminals starting with the negative terminal.

2. Take immediate steps to dry the vehicle as much as possible to reduce the time its components are exposed to water.

3. Record the highest level of water exposure on the flooded vehicle. This will aid a qualified technician in the evaluation process as well as taking the necessary steps to correct any damage.

4. Contact any of the 20 Ford or seven Mazda dealerships to arrange for an inspection and evaluation of the flooded vehicle. More information and contact details can be found at www.ford.com.ph.

5. Contact your insurance carrier or agent and promptly report the exposure of your vehicle to water or flood. Have basic information ready such as your name, address, contact numbers (landline/cellular phone), car make and plate number, policy number, and whether policy covers “acts of god”.

6. Have a qualified technician:

a. inspect all mechanical components, including the engine, transmission, axles, brakes and fuel system for water contamination.

b. flush and replace all fluids, oils and lubricants, and replace all filters and gaskets for components exposed to water. While a vehicle may drive with fluids that have experienced water intrusion, extended internal exposure to water will increase the level of damage to the engine and other vehicle components.

c. conduct a thorough cleaning of brake parts and repacking of bearings, particularly for rear-end drive vehicles. In front-wheel drive vehicles, bearings are sealed.

d. inspect all wiring and electrical components exposed to water. While many components are protected from casual water exposure, extended flood exposure may have lingering effects. In some instances, difficulty due to water exposure will not surface earlier than 90 days, when computer and other electrical components begin to corrode.

After thorough inspection, detail the interior and exterior compartment of the vehicle.