Lincoln offers free maintenance for three years on new cars

If you buy or lease a new Lincoln, forget about paying for routine maintenance for awhile.

Lincoln announced a promotion starting Friday that offers free scheduled maintenance for three years or 45,000 miles. The incentive runs through Sept. 7.

The deal covers the basics, including oil changes, tire rotation, inspections, and some replacement parts, like wiper blades and brake linings. Engine belts and hoses are also part of the plan.

Ford Motor Company is trying to raise awareness and prestige for its venerable luxury brand--especially in the wake of plans to shutter Mercury. The MKZ hybrid and updated MKX crossover join the Lincoln lineup later this year.

“Our free scheduled maintenance offer marks only the first step in our plans to further upgrade the Lincoln experience,” said Ken Czubay, Ford's vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service.

Lincoln will also be fortified with new technologies, including MyLincoln Touch, EcoBoost engines available across the lineup, a new V6 engine and a compact car in the coming years.

By Greg Migliore