Interior view of a 2022 Ford Bronco. | Ford service center in Jacksonville, AR.

When you buy a new vehicle you’ll want to know that your investment is protected by a comprehensive warranty package. Ford’s is one of the best there is, with coverage guaranteed to give you peace of mind. We here at your local Ford dealer are proud of the warranty Ford offers on new vehicles, so we wanted to give you this quick guide to the main things included in your Ford new car warranty!

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty is commonly referred to as the “bumper-to-bumper” warranty, because that’s what it covers: pretty much everything on your car between the two bumpers! This warranty covers just about every major component of your vehicle, including the powertrain, suspension, and more. Your new Ford is covered under this warranty for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever of the two comes first.

Powertrain Warranty

Even after your new Ford passes the 3-year mark and is no longer covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, Ford’s warranty package still offers you lots of protection with the Powertrain Warranty, which covers the powertrain of your vehicle (i.e., the engine, transmission, axles, and wheels). These essential components of your vehicle are covered under this warranty for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Corrosion Warranty

The mechanical integrity of your car is important, but drivers know that body rust is another constant threat to a vehicle’s integrity. Luckily, it’s one that Ford’s warranty package accounts for! The Corrosion Warranty covers the cost of any kind of rust perforation in your vehicle’s body panels, and it does so for up to 5 years, with unlimited mileage.

Emissions Defect Warranty

The Emissions Defect Warranty is designed to give drivers peace of mind by guaranteeing that your any repairs or replacements to your vehicle’s catalytic converter, electronic emissions control unit, and onboard emissions diagnostic devices are covered for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Battery Warranty

With so many drivers making the switch to electric or hybrid vehicles, it’s important to ensure there’s coverage for electric and hybrid vehicles, too! This aspect of the warranty package covers electric drivetrains and batteries for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles.

Now that you’ve got an idea of what’s covered by Ford’s top-of-the-line warranty when you buy a new vehicle, it’s time to start checking out Ford’s exciting line-up and figuring out which Ford is the right car for you. Come visit us at Crain Ford Jacksonville, and we’ll help get you in the perfect vehicle that matches your driving needs today.

Image via Ford.

Red 2021 Ford EcoSport being driven on the highway with trees in the background. | Ford service center in Jacksonville, AR.

Just as you go to the doctor to stay healthy, your car needs regular car maintenance to remain in excellent running condition. When you take your Ford F-150, Explorer, or EcoSport for routine maintenance at your Ford dealer, you’ll spend less on fuel and unexpected repair costs, your car will be reliable, and you’ll be much safer behind the wheel.

1. Your Car Will Run at its Best

Regular maintenance services from the qualified Ford technicians at your dealership will ensure your vehicle performs at its best. All the parts and systems will work properly and run smoothly.


2. Your Car Will Be Reliable

When your Ford is well-maintained and in tip-top shape, you will be confident that you can rely on your car and drive anywhere at any time. You will drive to your destination without stressing that your vehicle might break down and leave you stranded on the side of the road.


3. You Will Save Money on Gas

It’s a fact that a well-maintained car in good running condition burns less gas. You will save a ton of cash at the gas pump when every vehicle component is regularly serviced and working properly to ensure your car is running as it should.


4. You’ll Be Safer on the Road

Safe driving is directly linked to your Ford’s operating condition. When you take your car for regular maintenance services, your Ford technician performs specific maintenance tasks, including fluid checks and corrections, inspections, and replacements to ensure your vehicle is properly working. Regular maintenance will prevent unsuspected breakdowns and potentially dangerous situations such as failing brakes or tire blowouts.


5. You’ll Spend Less on Unexpected Repairs

Taking your car for regular maintenance does not only prevent unsuspected mechanical problems but will also save you money on high repair costs. It’s far cheaper to take your vehicle for a regular service than to pay for unsuspected repairs and replacements.

Maintenance at the factory recommended intervals will ensure that all the moving parts are lubricated to reduce friction that causes wear. Your Ford technician will detect issues early and perform the necessary repairs before a minor problem turns into an expensive replacement.


6. Your Car Will Last Longer

Regular services from a qualified Ford technician at your dealership and a little maintenance and care from you will improve your car’s performance. When the oil is changed regularly and your engine runs smoothly, you will drive your Ford for years to come.


7. Regular Maintenance Will Increase the Resale Value

The day you want to trade your car for a new Ford, you will get a higher price if your vehicle is in good condition. A regularly maintained car with an up-to-date service record will have a higher market value. It will preserve the value of your Ford for a more extended period and slow down the depreciation.

Stick to your Ford’s service schedule and maintenance intervals, and you will enjoy every mile behind the wheel. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to routine vehicle maintenance. Call Crain Ford Jacksonville today to schedule a maintenance appointment to reap all the benefits of a smooth-running engine.

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A black 2022 Ford Bronco parked on rocks in a deserted area. | Ford dealer in Jacksonville, AR.

Catalytic converters were invented as a means to save the environment from pollutants, keep our cities free of smog, and ensure our air stays fresh and breathable. Not only is this device legally mandated to be included in your fuel system, but it can also benefit you through improved fuel economy and increased horsepower. If you suspect your converter is going out, this list will offer you some hints to decide if it’s time for an update.


1. Loud Noise Beneath the Vehicle

The purpose of the converter is to trap harmful gases from your exhaust and use a catalyst, usually a precious metal, to change the molecule into a harmless form. Along with the catalyst, this is accomplished through a ceramic base and layers of mesh. When degraded, the mesh can fall apart and bounce around within the metal casing, resulting in a rattling sound. This noise will become especially apparent as the engine turns over.

If the noise is exceptionally loud you may have lost your converter completely. A situation like this may be accompanied by a sulfur smell and will sound like a roar when you accelerate the engine.

2. The Engine Light Turns On

Having the engine light turn on can mean a variety of issues, and a damaged converter may be one of them. When the device’s film becomes clogged, air is unable to pass through the engine as it should. This results in an incorrect mixture of fuel and air, which may be picked up by your ratio and oxygen sensor. A mechanic should be able to run the error codes and let you know if your engine light relates to your airflow.
 

3. Decreased Performance

Engines are designed to run with an ideal mixture of air to fuel, and when the converter is clogged or damaged that ratio will be incorrectly balanced. When you attempt to accelerate, gas will be added to the engine but have no air to actually burn with it, resulting in more trips to the pump and more money wasted.

These days converters can improve your fuel economy and horsepower beyond serving their usual function. A high-flow converter contains more of the precious material than the basic version as well as a wider mesh film, resulting in faster conversion of the pollutants with an increase in the volume of air your engine can pass.

If you want to get the most out of your vehicle you’re going to want a converter that is functioning at its best. Keeping this device clean and operational ensures the safety of everyone on the road. Visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville and be certain you are getting the best fuel economy and horsepower from your engine.

Image via Ford.

Silver 2022 Ford Explorer parked on a gravel road. | Ford Explorer in Jacksonville, AR.

Your car AC not working won’t prevent you from driving. It can, however, it does make driving more unpleasant. As your Ford dealer, we want you to enjoy every minute of your Ford. We can fix your AC problem very quickly. These are a few signs that your AC is on the fritz.


Damaged Expansion Valve

The expansion valve in your AC regulates the flow of refrigerant. Refrigerant is the gas that enables your AC to work by cooling the air. The valve receives signals to open or close depending on the amount of refrigerant in the system. When the valve opens, the compressor will pump refrigerant, and the compressor shuts down when the valve closes.

The valve is a vital part of the system, and if it’s damaged your AC will develop problems. If the valve jams open, too much refrigerant will be released. This will damage the compressor and freeze the evaporator. If the valve jams closed, no refrigerant will be released, and your AC could overheat and suffer damage. Our technicians will test the valve and replace it if it’s jammed.

Leaking Refrigerant

The refrigerant gas is essential for your AC. This highly-pressurized gas changes between gas and liquid states to cool the air for your AC. As the AC operates, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air. The heat is then removed, and the refrigerant is chilled to cool the air in your cabin. This process will continue as long as your AC is on.

A refrigerant leak will not only produce hot air from your AC, but it will also lead to damage to the compressor and other AC components. This makes finding the leak a priority. Our technicians are highly-skilled at tracing AC leaks using UV dye and scanners. Once we’ve pinpointed the leak, we’ll seal it and refill the refrigerant. You’ll have cold air blowing through the system in no time.

Blocked Drain Line

Your AC produces water as part of the cooling process. This water has to be removed, and that’s where the drain line comes in. Water collects in the evaporator heater tank and drains out the drain line. This line is the cause of the water you see pooled under your car when the AC has been running.

The drain line runs behind the dash on the passenger side of the cabin and exits through the floor. A blocked drain line will cause the heater tank to fill up, and eventually overflow. The water will then run out onto the passenger carpet. Our technicians can unblock the drain line to fix this problem.

If your AC lets you down, call us at Crain Ford Jacksonville. Our technicians will fix the problem for you.

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A dark red 2022 Ford Escape being parallel parked in front of a building. | Ford service center in Jacksonville, AR

Your Ford’s battery provides the power to start your engine, and it maintains all of your car’s electrical systems. A battery, however, has a relatively short lifespan. On average, your battery will need to be replaced in three to five years. As your Ford dealer, we’d like you to know some of the signs that we need to fit a new car battery for you.

Rotten Egg Smell

A rotten egg smell wafting from your engine compartment means that your battery is failing. Your battery contains a variety of chemicals, and the chemical reactions allow your battery to store electricity. One of the main chemicals is sulfuric acid. This acid is essential for your battery, but it will break down over time and release hydrogen gas.

Hydrogen gas can escape from the battery, and it will mix with other chemicals in the air. The hydrogen will form hydrogen sulfide, a dangerous and colorless gas. Hydrogen sulfide has a characteristic smell of rotten eggs. When you smell this, your battery is starting to fail. We can’t repair the battery, but we can fit a new one for you.


Corroded Terminals

Your battery has positive and negative terminals which allow it to transfer and receive electricity. These terminals are a prime candidate for corrosion by the hydrogen sulfide mentioned above. Hydrogen sulfide gas is drawn to the battery terminals, and it will produce an acidic salt on them. This acidic salt slowly degrades the terminals.

The hydrogen sulfide from a worn battery can also corrode other parts of your car, including the battery cables. As the terminals and cables begin to corrode, your battery will become even weaker. Our technicians will need to replace your battery and check the cables and other parts for signs of corrosion.


A Worn Alternator

A battery stores electricity, but doesn’t produce it. Your alternator is responsible for recharging your battery. If your alternator is working as it should, your battery will always be at full capacity. When your alternator starts to fail, it will begin producing less electricity. The lack of velocity affects all of your Ford’s electrical systems, and it will also affect your battery recharging.

As the power supply from the alternator drops, your battery will receive less electricity when it’s being recharged. As the amount of power in starting your car remains the same, this means your battery will become steadily weaker in time. If the alternator isn’t fixed, your battery will eventually die.

A dead battery can easily leave you stranded. If you suspect you have a battery problem, call our service department right away at Crain Ford Jacksonville. Our Ford-trained technicians will fix it for you.

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Profile view of a blue 2022 Ford Edge being driven on the road. | Ford dealer in Jacksonville, AR.

It can take a long time to get on the road if you’re saving up to pay for your vehicle in cash. Luckily there’s a solution: first-class car financing through your local Ford dealer! By choosing to get your new ride on credit, you can be on the road much sooner, and there are lots of other benefits as well. Read on to find out the ways auto financing through your dealership is the best option for you.

1. You Could Afford a Better Car

Auto financing means that you won’t have to pay for your new vehicle all in one go; the cost is spread over a certain amount of time that you and your dealership will agree on. This means that you might be able to afford a better car than you would otherwise. Why settle for second best when you could have the car of your dreams?

Getting a newer car could also save you money further on down the road, as costly repairs can crop up quickly in used cars. However, if you’ve bought the latest high-quality model on finance, you could be looking forward to many years of happy driving before you need to come back for repairs.

2. It’s Great for Your Credit Score

Getting a car with auto financing could be a great way to quickly improve your credit score. Even if your rating is less than perfect, we’ll still be happy to work with you to find great value financing to get you on the road. So long as you keep on top of your payments, your credit score could be back on track in no time.


3. Protect Your Savings

Getting auto financing for your new Ford means you won’t have to shell out large amounts of cash. By choosing credit instead, you can hold onto your hard-earned savings for a rainy day, while still driving the car you deserve. Why spend money you don’t have to?


4. Make Budgeting Easy

Budgeting can be difficult, especially when money is tight. But with a great value car loan from your dealership, you’ll be able to budget your monthly costs effectively. When you reach an agreement with your dealer, you’ll agree on a monthly payment plan that works well for you, so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be paying every month. This means you won’t be overspending, and you’ll be able to plan and budget effectively for other areas of your life with ease.

So what are you waiting for? Just head on down to Crain Ford Jacksonville today, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you get car finance that works for you!

Image via Ford.

A silver 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning being driven on the wet highway. | Ford dealer in Jacksonville, AR.

Accidents are always unexpected. If you are involved in an accident, the most important thing is that you and any passengers are safe. Once the initial shock is over, your next thoughts are likely to be where and how your car can be repaired. As your Ford dealer, we have expert knowledge of all Ford vehicles, and the ability to produce the quality collision repair you and your Ford deserve. This is how we’ll proceed to repair your car.


Assessment

When your vehicle arrives at our repair center, one of our expert technicians will be assigned to assess the damage. The technician will document all of the visible damage, both interior, and exterior. While your car is being inspected, other members of our team will help you with the check-in. We keep a complete record of all of our clients, and we’ll update your details.

We’ll ask for the details of your insurance company if your insurance is handling the repair. We can also assist with a rental car if you need one.


Report and Insurance

Once our technician has finished the assessment, we’ll prepare a quotation. If you’re arranging the repair yourself, we’ll give you a copy and await your instructions.

If your insurance company is arranging the repair, we’ll send the quote to them. Our team will liaise with your insurance company to provide any information they require. Your insurance company may also send one of their assessors to examine the extent of the damage.


Approval and Disassembly

Once the repair work is approved by you or your insurance company, our repair team will remove all of the damaged parts. Our parts department will have already ordered and assembled replacement parts for your car. We only use genuine Ford parts, as they will fit perfectly and work exactly like the original parts on your car.

If any parts need to be painted, they will be sent to our painting department where your Ford’s color will be matched.


Repair

Depending on the extent of the damage, we may assign several teams to work on your car. Our customer service members will keep you informed on the progress. Our Ford-trained technicians can handle any repairs from structural reshaping to installing ornamental panels. All of the work will follow Ford’s strict repair procedures.


Quality Check and Return

Once the repairs are complete, your car will be checked again by our quality control. Once this requirement is passed, your car will be ready for collection. Your car will now look identical to how it was when you first saw it in our showroom.

When you need any repairs, call the experts at your local Ford dealer at Crain Ford Jacksonville.

Image via Ford.

A blue 2022 Ford F-250 parked on large rocks with trees behind it. | Ford dealer in Jacksonville, AR.

The 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a class-leading pickup truck that is available with a huge array of configurable options. If you are looking for a capable work truck, a fully-loaded luxury truck, or an off-roading pickup, the 2022 F-250 is for you. Here is a look at some of the reasons for test-driving the F-250.

1. Driving Performance

All models of the 2022 F-250 have plenty of power and are easy to drive. The pickup provides smooth and strong acceleration in all situations. The braking is excellent and the steering is direct. The F-250 handles well in the city or on the open roads.
 

2. Comfortable Ride

The 2022 F-250 is comfortable for the driver and the passengers. Wind and road noise are barely noticeable, and the air-conditioning system keeps all passengers cool in any of the cabin configurations. The seats are comfortable and allow for extra legroom in the rear.
 

3. Cabin

No matter your choice of cabin, the F-250 provides everyone with ample space. Drivers can adjust the driver’s seat and steering wheel to their liking. The large windows provide excellent visibility, adding to the spacious nature of the F-250. The 2022 F-250 comes with the choice between a regular cab, an extended cab (SuperCab), and a crew cab.
 

4. Towing and Hauling

The 2022 F-250 offers awesome towing and hauling capability. The pickup can take on extra payload due to weight savings from the aluminum frame. Towing and payload numbers greatly depend on the configuration and equipment list, but the conventional towing capacity measures 20,000 pounds. Additionally, the F-250 Super Duty will carry up to 4,260 pounds of payload when fully equipped.
 

5. Storage

The rear of the crew cab offers excellent space for storage and personal items. Buyers have the choice of two bed sizes; a 6.75-foot or an 8-foot box.
 

6. Trim Options

There is a 2022 F-250 to suit everyone’s needs. The pickup is available in six trim levels. Those trim levels include the XL, the XLT, the Lariat, the King Ranch, the Platinum, and the Limited.
 

7. Drivetrain Options

The XL, the XLT, and the Lariat trims come with rear-wheel drive as standard. Four-wheel drive is available as an option. The advanced four-wheel-drive system is standard on the King Ranch, the Platinum, and the Limited trims.
 

8. Driver Safety

The 2022 F-250 range is equipped with extensive driver-assistance technology as standard as well as advanced optional extras. Notable advanced safety features include automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
 
The 2022 F-250 has many configurations to choose from, including a choice of engine and a host of advanced packages. Get to know the F-250 in person. Get in touch with Crain Ford Jacksonville now to book your test drive.

Image via Ford.

A man fishing on a boat with the sun setting in the background. | Fishing | Boating around Jacksonville, AR.

If you want to enjoy a day out on the water, Jacksonville, AR, has a choice of excellent lakes for boating. Towing your boat to the best lakes in the area will be more fun in a 2022 Ford Explorer with a large cargo hold for all your equipment and a powerful engine.


1. Lake Maumelle

If you’re looking for the ultimate spot to boat, sail, and paddle, head to West Rock Landing, 34 miles away in Roland, at 11800 Maumelle Harbour Road. The marina will give you access to the beautiful 8,900-acre Lake Maumelle, which hosts several sailing regattas yearly.

If you angle from your boat, the water is teeming with bass, crappie, bream, stripers, and catfish. The marina is open Tuesday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers boat rentals and fishing supplies.


2. Lake Conway

The 6,700-acre Lake Conway is a short 31-mile drive from Jacksonville. Whether you’ve got your own boat or rent one at the lake, spending a day on Lake Conway is always a treat. Explore the banks on one of the many well-marked water trails and fish for blue and flathead catfish, crappie, bluegill, and bass. Several free public boat launches around the lake and plenty of scenic picnic spots along the shores.

Take Exit 135 (Mayflower) on Interstate 40 via Arkansas Highway 365 to access the docks on the lake’s west side, and Arkansas Highway 89 and Clinton Road will take you to the docks on the east side. To reach the upper lake, you can use the marked roads branching off Arkansas Highway 286.


4. Beaverfork Lake Park

The scenic 964-acre Beaverfork Lake in Beaverfork Lake Park at 20 Kinley Drive in Conway, about 42 miles from Jacksonville, is one of the region’s most popular recreational lakes. Pine, oak, and maple trees surround the lake, and the boat ramps provide easy access. Anglers come to the lake to fish for bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie from the water’s edge and boats.

There is boat access on the west end of the lake and a fishing pier on the northwest end. The park has lovely picnic areas, grills, a concession stand, and restroom facilities.


5. Paradise Lake

You don’t have to head out of town to enjoy a day on the water. Paradise Lake in Paradise Park right here in Jacksonville has an asphalt launching ramp and is also a great place to wet your hook. The 17.8-acre park has picnic tables, grills, restroom facilities, and ample parking. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Spend a peaceful day on your boat, enjoying the scenery, fishing, and exploring the banks of these beautiful lakes. Call Crain Ford of Jacksonville today and schedule an appointment to test drive the new 2022 Ford Explorer, the best SUV on the road and great value for money.

Image via Pixabay.

Since returning after a 25-year hiatus, the Ford Bronco has re-emerged as a rugged mid-size SUV that combines modern technology and comfort with classic design and toughness. The 2022 Ford Bronco, recently named the 2022 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, continues that tradition with a number of great features that give drivers the versatility that they need to hit both the streets and the trails. Here are a few of our favorites:


Performance That Can Handle Whatever You Throw at It

As with any performance vehicle, the Bronco’s innovation begins under the hood, where it features a powerful 2.3L EcoBoost engine and either a 7-speed manual (standard on the 2-door model) or 10-speed automatic transmission (standard on the 4-door model and optional on the 2-door). For the performance junkies out there, the engine can be upgraded to a 2.7L EcoBoost for even more power and versatility.

Following in the tradition of the Broncos that came before it, the 2022 model features rugged 4×4 capability with Part Time Selectable Engagement standard on both 2-door and 4-door models. If you plan on taking your Bronco off-road often, you can opt for the advanced 4×4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement and such features as Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, and Trail One-Pedal Drive, making the Bronco the most advanced 4×4 vehicle on the market.


Stay Connected While Riding in Comfort

Inside, the Bronco is loaded with technology that keeps you connected without sacrificing comfort. Featuring a state-of-the-art 6-speaker stereo system with full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, it’s a breeze to enjoy your favorite music or make hands-free calls on-the-go, all without having to take your hands off the wheel. And with the SYNC LCD touchscreen displaying your favorite navigation app, you’ll never get lost even on the most remote of adventures.

Other modern conveniences that come standard on the 2022 Bronco include push-button start, a rearview mirror with daytime and nighttime modes, two 12V outlets, and smart charging USB ports in both the front and the rear, ensuring that even when enjoying the great outdoors, you’re able to stay connected with the outside world.


Classically-Inspired Design With Modern Flair

Inspired by the exterior of the 1976 model, the Bronco is one of the most instantly-recognizable vehicles on the road thanks to its classic design. That doesn’t mean that the 2022 model is outdated by any means, though, thanks to rounded edges, configurable daytime running lamps, and a modernized grill that brings the Bronco’s old-school ruggedness into the 21st century.

Both the 2-door and 4-door models come standard with a removable top, in either hard (standard on 2-door, optional on 4-door) or soft (standard on 4-door) variations, making it easy to take in the breeze and sunshine in style.

All in all, the 2022 Bronco is the perfect mid-size SUV for adventure-seekers who need the reliability of an every-day vehicle with the option to let loose and hit the trails on the weekends. Stop on in to Crain Ford of Jacksonville to test drive one of these impressive machines today!

Image via Ford.