Ford Focus Parts & Accessories

In 1998, Ford Motor Company produced a compact car called Ford Focus. It is the replacement for the old Ford Escort. The Focus is a front-wheel drive with a 5-passenger seat capacity. This car is offered in hatchback and sedan form. It has a great grip and handling, has an incredible steering precision and is surprisingly agile. Here are some of the helpful tips on how you can keep your Ford Focus in best form:

• Inspect all the lights such as the headlights, brake lights, taillights, reverse lights and turn signals.

All the lights in your car play a very crucial role when it comes to your safety. They provide illumination that guide you as you hit the road. Your engine lights also alert other drivers and provide you with a nighttime visibility. You can check your own lights by parking your car somewhere else while turning all the lights on. Then, walk around your car to see if every light is working properly. If you detect any burnt bulbs or flickering light bulbs, replace them immediately.

• Inspect your shock absorbers.

The shock absorbers are parts of the suspension system that help in keeping your ride comfortable. Shock absorbers, just like the brakes and tires, are also critical safety features of your vehicle. They are responsible in keeping the tires in permanent contact with the road. They also provide maximum grip when cornering and braking. If you noticed that there's any sign of liquid running down the shock absorber, your shock absorber may be in bad shape. Seek the help of a professional to help you fix the shock absorber. Replace when necessary.

• Make your wheels free of brake dust.

Brake dusts contain contaminants and other substances that can severely damage your wheel if it remained unnoticed for a very long time. It can easily cling to your wheels with static electricity, so washing it regularly is necessary. You can either use a sponge or a rag to clean it all up.

• Do a regular washing and waxing of your car.

Cleaning your sedan regularly is a great way to maintain your car's looks. If you wash your car on your own, remember not to use any household cleaning agents such as dishwashing detergent, hand soap or a glass cleaner because these substances can damage the protective wax of your vehicle. You must use a product designed for cars.

Waxing, on the other hand, protects the outer layer of your car's body. It prevents debris from making contact with your paint. It also blocks out harmful radiation from the sun.

Regular washing and waxing of your car is necessary to maintain its cleanliness and outstanding looks. Your car is a valuable investment, so proper care and maintenance is necessary. It will only take a few minutes to inspect the vehicle.

While some of its competitors outsold it in the American market, the Ford Focus did dethrone Toyota Corolla as the world’s best-selling automobile in 2013. And with a huge demand in China and other markets in Asia, the Focus is now on its way to capping off the year again being on top.

The new generation of Ford Focus is part of the company's "One Ford" global strategy, which aims to produce a handful of cars that sell pretty well around the world.

1998 – 2005: First Generation Focus (MK1)

The Focus debuted in the European market in 1998 to replace the Ford Escort. It seemed like a wise move for Ford as the Focus MK1 bagged the European Car of the Year Award in 1999.

The North American Focus was introduced in October 1999 for the 2000 model year. With a few revisions from the European version, this edition was offered in 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon. A 5-door hatchback joined the lineup two years later.

In 2002, Ford launched its first sport model–the Ford Focus ST 170. A similar version named SVT became available in the U.S. from 2002 to 2004. It was also in 2002 when Ford produced the Focus RS Mk I, which marked the manufacturer’s return to the Rally Sport (RS) after the Escort’s demise.

2005 – 2011: Second Generation Focus (MK II)

The European Focus MK II made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004. It was offered as three and five-door hatchback and as an estate. The 2007-2008 versions of MK II got a facelift and featured Ford’s Kinetic Design philosophy.

It was during the 2007 North American International Auto Show when the Focus MK II for the American market was launched. The hatchback and wagon variants were discontinued, so this restyled generation was sold as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan.

The MK II sport model version, Focus ST, was revealed in 2005 and was offered in three-door or five-door hatchback. In Australia and New Zealand, it was marketed as the XR5 Turbo and offered in five-door hatchback variant only.

2011 – present: Third Generation Focus (MK3)

As part of its “One Ford” marketing strategy, Ford reunited its North American and international models by releasing its winning formula, the Ford Focus Mk3. The 2011 model, which was unveiled at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, was offered as a 5-door hatchback and 5-door estate.

In the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, Ford also unveiled the Ford Focus Electric as a competitor to the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf. A year after, the 2012 Focus ST debuted with a whooping 247 bhp from its 2.0 turbocharged EcoBoost engine.

Since the introduction of MK3, Ford Focus has enjoyed remarkable sales. In fact, it became the world’s best-selling car and most popular car for 2013. With sales of about 1.1 million units, it may be well on its way to outselling Toyota Corolla once again.