How to Tell When Your Ford Needs a Radiator Repair
Is Ford’s engine hotter than usual? Although there are several causes for the increased heat, the most typical is a faulty radiator. Do you want to maintain your car’s peak performance? Watch out for the following signs to know if you need a radiator repair before consulting with your Ford dealer in Jacksonville, AR.
Your Engine Has Temperatures That Are Too High
When your engine’s temperatures rise, your vehicle will
gradually overheat. When this happens, check your Ford’s temperature device on
the dashboard tool panel to determine if its meter has risen above the middle.
Typically, high temperatures imply issues with your radiator.
Inspect the radiator immediately before the temperature rises further. At best,
you may need more coolant. Still, don’t risk damaging your engine permanently
by driving the overheated car. Seek expert inspection.
Your Engine Releases White Smoke
When an abnormal amount of white smoke emanates from your
car’s engine, know there’s an issue worth addressing. In general, white smoke
may indicate leakage in the internal coolant system. This arises when your engine
burns up your coolant, which exits through the exhaust.
Although the issue might not cause alarm, have your dealer inspect the white
smoke’s origin to be safe.
Your Vehicle Has a Poor Heating System
Do you feel like your vehicle heater’s system is compromised?
Is your heater not efficient? If yes, you may have an issue with your radiator.
Hot coolant fluid keeps your car heater power. When your radiator is
compromised, it won’t heat the coolant fluid sufficiently. Apart from
experiencing excess heat, you’ll also experience too much cold, which is more
apparent during the cold season.
Your Coolant Leaks on the Ground
One of the most visible signs of a faulty radiator is having
a coolant leakage underneath your vehicle. Are there drips or puddles of a bright
green substance underneath it? This generally implies a leak in the radiator,
which can cause permanent damage to your engine.
Because the source of the leak could be your hose or other parts of your
vehicle’s cooling system, you shouldn’t diagnose the problem yourself. We can
help you identify whether your radiator is cracked and needs a replacement by
conducting a pressure test.
Your Radiator Discolors and Rusts
When exposed to moisture and fluids for a long time, your radiator will start to look rusty because it’s made up of metal. So, watch out for color changes. In some cases, the rust might be accompanied by sludge.
Note that rust in your radiator can permanently damage your vehicle. The only way to get rid of it is by having your dealer flush your entire system. We not only specialize in flushing but also in replacing the corroded parts in your system. We are well aware that a simple flush is not adequate to fix the problem.
If you’ve spotted any one of these signs, don’t hesitate. Seek expert assessment today. Stop by Crain Ford of Jacksonville today and have your vehicle assessed.
Jacksonville, AR is a great place to live. That’s especially true for sports fans! There are many great stadiums in the area, so keep reading to find out about the best ones.
1. Panther Stadium
Panther Stadium is home to the Cabot Panthers high school
football team. This well-appointed stadium has more than 5,000 seats spread
across two large grandstands. You can enjoy great views of the field from some
of the higher spots.
Panther Stadium lies around 15 minutes away from Jacksonville. It’s a perfect
spot to enjoy Friday night games during the fall. Track events also take place
here in the summer months.
2. Dickey-Stephens Park
Texas League team the Arkansas Travelers play home games out
of Dickey-Stephens Park. This storied team is the double-A affiliate of the
Seattle Mariners from Major League Baseball. They’ve been plying their trade in
the area since the 1960s and their games provide a great day out for local families.
The stadium itself was built in 2006 and can welcome more than 7,000 fans with
almost 5,000 seats available. The grandstand behind home plate offers great
views over the field. It should take around 20 minutes to drive from
Jacksonville to Dickey-Stephens Park.
3. Wildcat Field
Wildcat Field is a favorite with local football fans and for
good reason. The stadium boasts more than 5,000 seats and has other great
facilities too.
It is home to high school teams through the North Little Rock school district,
giving you plenty of opportunities to see games here. Wildcat Field is just a
15-minute drive from Jacksonville.
4. James B Abraham Stadium
James B Abraham Stadium is home to the Lonoke High School
Jackrabbits teams. Hosting football, soccer, track, and more, it offers sports
fans of all stripes the chance to get close to the action.
Located in the town of Lonoke, James B Abraham Stadium is about half an hour’s
drive from Jacksonville.
5. Hornet Stadium
Hornet Stadium is around half an hour’s drive from Jacksonville but it’s well worth the trip to enjoy the great facilities here. The home of the Maumelle Hornets high school teams, this stadium hosts both football and soccer. But it doesn’t have a track around the outside of the field, giving it a compact feel and allowing spectators to get close to the action.
Hornet Stadium is located in Maumelle. This venue is sometimes referred to as Bobby Tiner Stadium. If you’re having trouble finding it, just input the different names, as different GPS systems may have it registered differently.
There are lots more opportunities to enjoy sporting events just a short drive from Jacksonville. But you’ll need a reliable vehicle to discover them all. Come on down to Crain Ford of Jacksonville and get your hands on a quality new or used car.
Image via Pixabay.
The Top 6 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil
While on the road, ignition coils turn the relatively low voltage of a car’s battery into a whopping 30,000 to 40,000 volts to ignite the combustion process. Each of your coils should last 100,000 miles or more, but eventually, all ignition coils start to falter. Here are the symptoms of a faulty ignition coil to look out for. If you notice the following issues, visit your local Ford dealer to have the malfunctioning coil cleaned or replaced.
Misfiring Engine
A spark plug relies on its ignition coil to keep firing more
than 30 times per second. This steady stream of sparks continually ignites the
fuel-air mixture inside each combustion chamber, powering your engine.
If one of your ignition coils stops doing its job properly, the corresponding
combustion chamber will start misfiring. You’re likely to hear the engine
coughing and sputtering. It might also jolt and shudder.
Rough Idling
Even with just one failing ignition coil, your engine will
begin to struggle when idling. Rough idling feels like the engine might fail
altogether at any moment. And if more than one of your ignition coils falters,
you might indeed stall while pausing at a traffic light.
Loss of Power
While working less efficiently, your engine will lose some
of its power. This is often most noticeable when attempting to accelerate. It
becomes dangerous to overtake other vehicles as you might not have access to
the necessary burst of speed.
Falling Gas Mileage
When a coil breaks down, your engine keeps injecting fuel
into the cylinders at the same rate. But this fuel is no longer combusting as
efficiently as it should. The result is reduced fuel efficiency and less bang
for your buck at the gas station.
Backfiring
When the fuel-air mixture inside a combustion chamber stops
burning away properly, an excess of fuel can build up in the chamber. This
excess fuel can build up and then suddenly be released into the scorching-hot
exhaust headers. This sometimes causes a bang as it ignites and you’ll often
see black smoke emitting from your tailpipe.
Car Won’t Start
With one failing ignition coil, you’ll often find it harder
to start your engine in the morning. If more than one ignition coil has bitten
the dust, you might not be able to start your car at all.
How a Ford Dealer Inspects Your Coils
When a technician takes a look at an ignition coil, they can check the voltage with a multimeter tool and also with a spark test. They can also swap out the coil with a new one to see if that clears up the engine trouble. A failed ignition coil can sometimes be cleaned to restore functionality. But more often, it will need to be replaced.
Visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville today to have your ignition coils examined, cleaned, or replaced. Our courteous, knowledgeable staff can guide you through our extensive range of vehicles and services.
Image via Ford.
Car brakes undergo a lot of daily pressure on the road, which inevitably wears them down. But it’s unwise to wait until something goes wrong with your brakes before you take them in for servicing. Let’s look at the key reasons to visit your local Ford dealer for routine brake service regularly and how often to have it done.
Avoid Brake Failure
Above all else, periodical brake servicing saves you from
the danger of catastrophic brake failure. Over 300,000 road accidents happen
each year because of bad brakes. Many of these crashes could no doubt have been
avoided with more frequent brake servicing.
Most brake problems develop slowly over time due to poor maintenance. When you
take your car in for a checkup, a technician can spot an early warning sign of
brake trouble and nip it in the bud.
Know the Condition of Your Brake Pads
The brake pads are the part of your brake mechanism that
wear down the quickest. Under ordinary driving conditions, brake pads need to
be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles.
While inspecting your brakes, a technician can tell you roughly how much longer
your pads have, so you’ll be ready when the time comes. This might save you
from suddenly needing pads just as you’re beginning a long journey.
Replace Damaged Rotors or Drums
The rotor discs of modern cars are remarkably durable, as
are drums, which are still used in the rear braking mechanisms of some Ford
models. But overheating and other issues can sometimes cause both rotors and
drums to warp or come slightly out of alignment.
If you have a damaged rotor or drum, your braking force will be diminished. But
you might not notice the problem until a technician takes a look.
Catch Potential Leaks Early
Leaking brake fluid is among the most dangerous brake
problems. When brake fluid leaks out of its hoses, hydraulic force is lost. The
brake pedal will feel spongy underfoot, and you’ll lose stopping power.
A leak is usually caused by a loose or misaligned part of the braking
mechanism. It might be a problematic brake line, master cylinder, piston, ABS
module, rotor, drum, or caliper assembly. During a brake servicing visit, your
technician will find any such problem and fix it before it leads to a leak.
Have Brake Servicing at Your Local Ford Dealer
Most drivers have their brakes serviced each time they have their motor oil changed and their tires rotated. This should all be done twice a year under normal driving conditions. And if you commute in rush hour traffic every day, with lots of stop-and-go driving, you might need to have your brakes inspected a little more often.
Visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville today for an in-depth brake inspection by qualified technicians. We have an excellent range of new and used vehicles and courteous, knowledgeable staff ready to help.
Image via Ford.
Your Guide to the 2023 Ford Bronco
When it comes to off-road adventures, few SUVs are quite as versatile as the 2023 Ford Bronco, thanks to its standard four-wheel drive and advanced suspension system. It’s also a comfortable everyday commuter, as it offers modern technology with a stylish interior that seats up to five. If you haven’t test-driven this rugged SUV yet, here’s a quick snapshot of some of its many highlights.
Performance
Among the Bronco’s several trim level options are three
powerful engines, as well as your choice of either a 7-speed manual or 10-speed
automatic transmission. While most trims come standard with a 2.3-liter,
4-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower, others come stocked with a
330-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6.
The rugged Raptor model, however, has a 3.0-liter V6 that generates 418 horses:
perfect for high-speed off-road racing scenarios. In addition to 4WD, it comes
with an adaptive terrain management system called G.O.A.T. mode and offers both
front and rear-locking differentials for improved surface grip in challenging
scenarios.
Interior
With both two-door and four-door models available, this
vehicle can accommodate between four and five passengers inside its cabin,
depending on which design you go with. To make room for cargo when you have
fewer passengers, you can flip down one or both sides of the 50/50
split-folding rear seat.
Heated, leather-trimmed front seats are available to make every drive more
comfortable, and you can easily wash mud and dirt out after off-road
adventures, thanks to the convenient floor drains. The MOLLE Panel System is
affixed to the front seatbacks in select trims and allows you to store outdoor
gear at arm’s reach conveniently.
Technology
Keeping you entertained on long drives is the SYNC 4
infotainment system, which also offers turn-by-turn navigation instructions,
smartphone connectivity with a hands-free calling function, and a 12-inch
touchscreen with an option to save customized menus under different user
profiles.
To check your social media accounts or emails while away from home, there’s a
mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as a wireless charging pad if you need to charge
your phone. A 360-degree camera system is also available, which provides
unparalleled views of the terrain around you.
Safety
As a modern Ford vehicle, this edition comes with Co-Pilot 360, a tech-based suite of safety features. Pre-collision Assist and the Auto High-Beam Headlamps work together to reduce the risk of collisions by warning you before they happen while adapting your headlights to changing lighting conditions.
Both the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Lane-Keeping System make lane changes safer by ensuring that there are no hidden vehicles nearby and that every lane change is an intentional one.
While the Bronco has long been known for its versatility, the 2023 edition is also being praised by drivers for its strong performance, comfortable interior, and advanced tech features. To test-drive this exciting trail-ready SUV, contact us today at Crain Ford of Jacksonville.
Image via Ford.
Does Your Ford Need New Brake Pads?
Brake pads serve a vital role in your car’s braking system. They generate friction against the wheel rotors that bring your car to a stop. This friction they generate also means they slowly wear out and need replacement. As your Ford dealer, we’d like to tell you about some signs that you need to see us for replacement pads ASAP.
Screeching Pads
Loud screeching noises when you brake are almost always
caused by worn pads. Each pad has a 1/2″ thick friction material cover.
The material wears down slightly each time you apply the brakes. The pads can
also wear due to other problems with the brakes, for example, a jammed brake
caliper. As the pads wear down, you’ll notice your braking system will take an
increasingly longer time to engage.
Once the pads reach 1/4″ thick, they are due for replacement. As a
reminder, the manufacturers install a metal spike in each pad. This spike
becomes visible and will scratch against the smooth rotor surface. The spike
doesn’t cause damage, but it does mean your pads need to be replaced.
Grinding Pads
If the pads are not replaced when they start to screech,
they will continue to wear down. The spike will break off, and the last of the
friction material will flake off. When this happens, the bare metal of the pads
will be pushed against the rotors the next time you brake. You’ll begin to hear
a grinding sound that becomes louder as time passes.
The grinding sound is caused by the rough metal of the pads scouring the smooth
surfaces of the rotors. The longer this continues, the more damage the pads
will do to the rotors. This damage may even require the replacement of the
rotors depending on the level of damage they sustain. Our technicians can replace
the pads, and we’ll examine the rotors to assess the damage. Once we’ve
examined the rotors, we will repair or replace them.
Glazed Pads
As we’ve seen, the pads are pushed against the rotors to bring them to a stop. As soon as you take your foot off the brake, the calipers retract and the pads are automatically withdrawn. Glazing occurs when the pads are kept in contact with the rotor surface for an extended period. This can be caused by riding your brakes or by a damaged caliper that doesn’t fully withdraw.
Extended contact with the rotors turns the friction material smooth and glass-like. Smooth pads are very dangerous, as they can’t generate friction to stop your wheels. Glazed pads need to be replaced immediately.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, call us right away at Crain Ford Jacksonville.
Image via Ford.
Does Your Ford Need a New Car Air Filter?
A car air filter cleans the air that flows to the engine to ensure optimal engine efficiency. Over time the air filter collects dirt and particles and prevents clean airflow. A dirty and clogged air filter will cause various problems and could ultimately damage your car’s engine. Below your Ford dealer tells you what to look out for when it’s time to replace the air filter in your F-150, EcoSport, or Edge.
The Check Engine Light Is On
A dirty and clogged air filter will not allow enough
filtered air to flow to the engine, triggering the check engine light. Always
pay attention to the check engine light to avoid damage to your car’s engine
and other components. When the check engine light is on, schedule a maintenance
service at your dealer as soon as possible.
Your Car Guzzles Gas
A filthy air filter might be why you suddenly have to fill
up more often, even when driving the same distance. A dirty air filter prevents
clean airflow, and your car uses more gas to compensate for the shortage of
clean air, causing you to spend more money at the gas station.
Your Car Feels Sluggish and Slow
When the engine does not get sufficient clean air due to a
dirty and clogged air filter, it will impact your car’s engine efficiency. Your
engine will not run as smoothly, causing your car to feel sluggish and slow
when you step on the accelerator.
You Hear Unusual Noises
When the airflow to the engine is restricted, you will hear
popping noises or spluttering and coughing sounds coming from under the hood.
Your Car Vibrates and Idles Roughly
A dirty air filter limits the amount of air that flows to
the combustion chamber. Your car will begin to vibrate and idle roughly.
You Struggle To Start Your Car
Another symptom of a dirty and clogged air filter is when
you struggle to get your car going. The limited amount of airflow causes
unburnt fuel to change into soot, preventing a spark and causing starting
issues and misfires.
Black Smoke Pours Out of Your Car’s Tailpipe
Black smoke from your car’s tailpipe is due to a dirty air filter causing an incorrect air-fuel mixture. When you see smoke in your rearview mirror, call your dealer to schedule a maintenance appointment immediately to prevent engine damage.
Ford recommends replacing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on your model, to prevent damage to your car’s engine. You can find the air filter replacement intervals for your specific model in your Ford owner’s manual. Call Crain Ford Jacksonville today to schedule a maintenance service, and our certified Ford technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in top-running condition.
Image via Ford.
Get to Know the 2023 Ford F-150
The 2023 Ford F-150 is the perfect pickup for drivers looking for a truck that’s just as powerful off-road as it is on highways. In addition to its versatility and strong performance, it offers a comfortable, spacious cabin with cutting-edge tech features, as well as some of the most advanced safety systems on the market today. As a proper introduction, here are some of the many standout features you’ll find in this edition of the F-150.
Performance
Available four-wheel drive, a multi-mode terrain management
system, and several impressive engines are just some of the 2023 F-150’s
offerings when it comes to performance. Among its engine options, there’s a
high-output 3.5-liter V6 that produces 450 horsepower and a full hybrid
3.5-liter engine that not only conserves fuel but also churns out 430 horses.
On the extreme end, a 700-horsepower 5.2-liter V8 is also available, for
drivers who thrive on adrenaline, while even the smallest engine, a 2.7-liter
V6, delivers impressive strength with 325 horsepower. As for towing, you’ll
have no problems hauling recreational vehicles or a boat behind this truck with
its 14,000-pound maximum tow rating.
Interior
The F-150’s interior blends luxury and productivity features
together for a comfortable environment that seats as many as six passengers.
The stowaway gear shifter hides itself to make room for the fold-out work
surface, while the ambient lighting and heated leather seats can help make
every drive more relaxing.
The front seats can also be fully reclined, and you can accommodate both
passengers and cargo in the rear of the cabin with the available 60/40
split-folding bench seat.
Technology
Long known for its innovative technology, the F-150 has
always been a pioneer, and this edition certainly doesn’t disappoint with the
SYNC infotainment system and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Connect your smartphone
wirelessly to the vehicle, make hands-free calls, get up-to-date traffic
information, or connect multiple personal devices to the Internet with these
two features.
There’s also Pro Power Onboard and the Onboard Scales feature. The first is a
mobile generator that allows you to plug in power tools, while the latter lets
you weigh cargo as you’re loading it into the bed of the truck.
Safety
Top-notch safety features are also found in this pickup, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which can detect both vehicles and pedestrians in your path while stopping the vehicle if you fail to yield in time.
To keep you more secure while on steep inclines, there’s Hill Start Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control keeps the truck distanced from other vehicles on the road while controlling both acceleration and braking.
The 2023 F-150 is a must-drive pickup, thanks to its impressive performance options, trail-tackling versatility, and dazzling tech features. To schedule a test drive, contact us today at Crain Ford of Jacksonville, and we’ll be here ready to show you everything else this legendary pickup has to offer.
Image via Ford.
You’ve probably heard of rotating your tires, but do you know why it’s so important? Here are six benefits of a tire rotation so you can know when to visit your Ford dealer.
1. Prolongs the Life of Your Tires
Tires aren’t cheap, so you want to get as much use out of
them as possible. Unfortunately, tires tend to wear down unevenly, with the
front sustaining more wear and tear than the rear ones. Over time, this uneven
wear will cause your tires to become bald and need replacing. Getting your
tires rotated regularly will help to distribute the wear evenly and prolong the
life of your tires.
2. Saves You Money
Getting your tires rotated can save you a lot of money in
the long run. As we mentioned, tires are not cheap, and replacing all four at
once can set you back a pretty penny, depending on the make and model of your
vehicle. By getting your tires rotated regularly, you can avoid having to
replace them as often and save yourself some serious cash.
3. Improves Your Vehicle’s Handling
Unevenly worn tires can negatively impact your vehicle’s
handling. When one tire is significantly worn down, it can cause your car or
truck to pull to one side while driving. This can make steering difficult and
dangerous. Getting your tires rotated helps to keep all four in good condition,
which leads to improved handling overall.
4. Helps Maintain Traction
Your tire tread provides traction for your vehicle, which is
necessary for braking, accelerating, and making turns. When one tire is
significantly more worn than the others, it can cause problems while driving.
Again, this can be dangerous and lead to accidents. Maintaining even tread
across all four tires helps ensure good traction at all times.
5. Prevents Uneven Braking
When one tire is excessively worn, it can cause braking
problems. Worn brakes slow down reaction time and make it difficult to stop
smoothly. This could lead to an accident if you’re not careful. Regularly
rotating your tires helps keep them in good condition and ultimately keeps you
safe when you need them the most.
6. Makes Your Vehicle More Fuel-Efficient
The more evenly your tires wear, the better fuel efficiency you’ll experience. When one tire is significantly worn, it can cause drag, leading to decreased fuel efficiency. Rotating your tires regularly can help you save money at the pump which is always a bonus.
Now that you know about the benefits of rotating your tires make it a priority to get yours done regularly! Visit us today at Crain Ford of Jacksonville to have your tires rotated and save yourself time and money down the road!
Image via Ford.
Engines are complex pieces of machinery, filled with numerous interconnected parts. A failure of any of these parts creates a problem that impacts the whole engine. If your Ford is showing signs of engine problems in Jacksonville, FL, come in and see your Ford dealer. These are a few possible problems that our Ford-trained experts can fix for you.
Stalling
If your car suddenly stalls while you’re driving, it could
cause an accident. Engine stalling is caused by the spark plugs failing to
fire, which prevents combustion. Stalling can be caused by several different
issues, including worn spark plugs, a blocked catalytic converter, or a
fuel-rich engine. Our technicians will need to examine your engine to find the
exact cause of the problem.
A blocked catalytic converter, for example, can cause your engine to fail. The
waste products from combustion are dumped into the exhaust system and converted
into harmless chemicals by the converter. If the converter is blocked, these
waste products will flow back into your engine. Their presence will produce a
fuel-rich engine environment that prevents the plugs from firing and stalls
your engine.
Clogged Radiator
Your radiator is responsible for cooling your engine. Liquid
coolant is pumped through the engine, and it absorbs heat as it travels. When
the coolant reaches your radiator, the heat is removed by heat exchange with
the outside air. The coolant is recirculated through the cooling system. The
coolant will continue to circulate until the engine temperature drops below a
preset point.
The coolant absorbs dirt, metal chips, rust, and other debris in its travels
through your engine. This debris is left behind in the radiator by the coolant
when it cools. In time, this debris can build up and block the radiator, tubes,
and hoses. If the radiator is blocked, your engine will rapidly start to overheat.
Our technicians can perform a radiator flush to remove the debris.
Blocked Air Filter
Your engine requires 14x more air then fuel for combustion. All of the air your engine needs enters it via the air filter. This filter traps dirt and dust, ensuring that only clean air enters the engine. In time, however, the filter will become clogged, and this blocks the flow of air. If your engine doesn’t get the air it needs for combustion, it will develop problems.
Misfiring, black exhaust smoke, poor acceleration, and even stalling are just some of the problems caused by a lack of air. Our technicians can quickly and easily install a replacement and all these problems will disappear.
A problem with your engine will grow if it’s not fixed. Call our service department today at Crain Ford Jacksonville.
Image via Ford.
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