The vast majority of the Patrol's fleet consists of Ford Crown Victorias, which are primarily driven by Troopers and Capitol Police Officers. However, the agency routinely purchases various makes of pickup trucks that are used by Motor Carrier Inspectors. Additionally, a small number of specialty vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, or Dodge Charger are purchased, as well.
Most of the Patrol's vehicles are removed from service prior to reaching 49,900 miles, and every vehicle sold is subjected to a stringent maintenance schedule. Below is the maintenance schedule for the Ford Crown Victoria. All other makes and models of retired vehicles are maintained in a similar manner.
Crown Victoria Maintenance Schedule
Lubrication of joints, steering, and upper and lower control arm ball joints with zerk fittings, if equipped, should be included.
- Always change filter when changing oil (capacity is five quarts).
2. Tire Rotation/Maintenance/Replacement
Rotate tires on four-tire rotation basis: Right front to left rear, left front to right rear, right rear to right front, left rear to left front.
- Visually inspect brakes when rotating tires.
- Check tire pressure regularly – maintain at 35-44 PSI cold.
- When wheels are taken off for any reason, have mechanic use torque wrench when replacing and torque to 85 lbs. Over tightening or uneven tightening of lug bolts may cause warped brake rotors.
3. Air Filters
- Replace air filter element at 15,000 mile intervals.
- Filter should be replaced immediately if the vehicle is exposed to severe dust storm conditions for even short periods of time.
4. Fuel Filter and Other 15,000 Mile Adjustments
- Change at 15,000 mile intervals.
- Inspect steering linkage, suspension, driveshaft, and ball joints.
5. Spark Plugs
- Champion Double Platinum plugs should be replaced at 60,000 miles. Police package vehicles are equipped and programmed to use the Double Platinum plugs only. Use a quality anti-seize compound on the spark plug threads when installing.
- Check ignition timing when plugs are changed.
6. Cooling System
- Flush and fill cooling system (100,000 miles).
- Use antifreeze all year round, and check frequently during winter months. Protect to at least 30 degrees below zero all year round.
- Use only antifreeze that is yellow or green in color. Do not mix orange antifreeze with original yellow or green.
7. Transmission
- A complete flush of all fluid with filter change is required for vehicles every 24,000 miles. The Crown Victoria is equipped with low gear lockout; do not remove.
- Vehicles exceeding 49,000 miles will require a flush and filter change every 24,000 miles thereafter, or follow the manufacturer's recommendations for that vehicle.
Other Related Policies and Guidelines
- DO NOT overfill crankcase.
- DO NOT use gas-saving devices or gadgets.
- DO NOT use gadgets that supposedly increase power.
- Use jumper cables rather than trying to push or tow your car to start it.
- BRAKE FLUID SPECIAL NOTICE: Use only High Performance DOT 3 brake fluid that meets or exceeds Ford Motor Company specifications. Use of other brake fluids may permanently damage the brake system. Due to heat from application of disc brakes, inferior brake fluids tend to boil, break lines, and burn.
- If battery warranty has expired, replace with a current contract replacement battery.
- Operate the air conditioner at least once monthly during the winter to lubricate seals.