The warranty on your vehicle can offer a reprieve on out-of-pocket repair costs if a covered vehicle component is defective. Your warranty may even cover the costs of certain maintenance services. For Ford, the factory warranty on a new car is three years or 36,000 miles, while the new powertrain warranty is five years or up to 60,000 miles. But what exactly is covered if you want to get an extended warranty from your Ford dealer?

There are several Ford Protect Extended Service Plans for drivers to consider. These plans include PremiumCARE, ExtraCARE, BaseCARE, and PowertrainCARE. Each of these warranties can last for 10 years or 175,000 miles. Let’s take a closer look at these extended plans. 

PremiumCARE

The most popular warranty plan is PremiumCARE. This is the most comprehensive warranty plan and covers over 1000 key vehicle components. Some of these key components include the front suspension, brakes, engine, transmission, steering, FWD and RWD, emissions, audio, safety features, electrical system, and A/C and heating systems. Even high-tech features, such as rain-sensing wipers, are included in this protection plan.

ExtraCARE

ExtraCARE covers all the vehicle systems that will impact driving, handling, and performance. These 113 covered components include the engine, transmission, drivetrain, steering, brakes, front suspension, and electrical system. Some air conditioning and high-tech components may be covered under this plan.

BaseCARE

BaseCare is the most basic protection plan and only covers 84 components, such as the engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, steering, and front suspension. Some components of the air conditioning and electrical systems may be covered, such as the starter motor and A/C condenser.

PowertrainCARE

PowertrainCARE is designed specifically to improve protection for the components of the powertrain. Only 29 vehicle components are covered under this protection plan, which includes the core parts of the engine, transmission, and RWD or FWD drivetrains. 

Are There Other Benefits?

Each of the Ford Protect Extended Service Plans has perks such as interest-free financing, rental vehicle benefits, 24-hour roadside assistance, and $0 out-of-pocket expenses for covered components after the applicable deductible. These protection plans are also fully transferable.

Can You Get Extended Coverage From Your Ford Dealer?

One of the easiest ways to get extended coverage for your Ford is to work with your local dealership. You can ask your dealership representative about a longer warranty period when you purchase your Ford. In fact, the best time to get extended coverage is when the factory warranty on your Ford is still active, as this will ensure all vehicle components are covered even after the factory warranty ends. 


Extending the terms of your warranty with a protection plan is a great way to avoid unexpected repair costs. With a warranty, repairing or replacing covered components at a Ford-authorized servicer takes some of the stress out of being a car owner. Contact Crain Ford of Jacksonville to learn more about warranty options today. 

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They call it the “Natural State” for a reason. Living near Jacksonville, AR means that you have access to several scenic drives where you can explore all the outdoor beauty that’s around you. You’re not far away from going on an adventure with your friends and family!

1. Greers Ferry Loop

This is one of the most popular places in Arkansas to visit for motorcyclists. Greers Ferry Loop allows you to go on an expedition through the central portion of the state. The entire loop is 225 total miles in length and takes you through Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

There are a lot of sights and sounds for you to behold when you visit the Greers Ferry Loop. The route takes you through the Arkansas River Valley, Fairfield Bay, and part of the Ozarks. The winding road through the Ouachita foothills also allows you to experience the other pleasant and scenic areas of rural Arkansas.

2. Camden Expedition Scenic Byway

The Camden Expedition Scenic Byway takes you on a tour of central Arkansas and commemorates the area’s heritage. The route includes several points of interest where significant events in America’s history took place. The Camden Expedition encompassed several key conflicts during the Civil War, including engagements at Poison Springs and Jenkin’s Ferry.

Overall, you’ll discover that the Camden Expedition is more than just a retelling of American history. The drive takes you through many beautiful and quaint communities in central Arkansas. The entire drive allows you to relax, enjoy yourself, and see what else is out there.

3. Highway 365

Just outside of Little Rock is Highway 365, which is perhaps one of the most underrated roads to travel upon. It’s situated along the western edge of Lake Conway and offers you plenty of breathtaking views. You can stop and take as many pictures as you want of the lake. The area is also a great place to visit for anyone who enjoys bird-watching.

You should also know that Highway 365 is regarded as one of the most haunted roads in Arkansas. There’s an old story about a female hitchhiker who disappears after the driver takes her to the requested destination. The story also contends that this very same occurrence happens every year on the anniversary of the hitchhiker’s death.

4. Bayou Bartholomew Rowher Memorial Loop

Towards the southeastern corner of Arkansas is the Bayou Bartholomew Rowher Memorial Loop. You’ll spend your entire day enjoying the endless natural beauty that’s all around you. The route takes you through a variety of attractions, so you better bring your camera with you and snap some pictures!

Are you ready to travel around central Arkansas and visit the most scenic places in the state? Contact Crain Ford of Jacksonville today, and we can help you find a car that gets you from one destination to the next. Our job is to ensure that your new vehicle will suit your needs while traveling. 

Image via Pixabay.

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When you’re looking for parts for your Ford, you’ll always have the choice between OEM and aftermarket. OEM stands for the original equipment manufacturer, which means the parts are designed and built by Ford. As your Ford dealer in Jacksonville, AR, we want to tell you about some of the reasons to choose OEM parts for your car.

Reliability

When you want a replacement part, you want to know that it’s reliable and will work exactly as it’s supposed to. When you choose OEM, you’re buying a part manufactured by Ford. These parts are identical to the ones that went into building your car, and this means they will last for the same length of time and will always work effectively.

If you choose an aftermarket part, there is no guarantee of a part’s longevity or reliability. Aftermarket parts are manufactured by international companies to varying standards. Since it’s impossible to determine how the part was made, you can’t be certain how it will work when it’s installed in your car.

High-Quality Materials

Genuine Ford parts are made to the highest standards and use only high-quality materials. Quality is essential as each component is backed by the reputation and quality assurance of Ford. These parts must undergo stringent tests to ensure that they make the grade. The testing and materials that go into OEM components mean you can feel safe installing them in your car.

Aftermarket parts, in contrast, are cheaper. One of the main reasons for the reduced cost is using inferior materials in their manufacture. Using cheaper materials will reduce the cost you pay but will affect the longevity of the component and make it less safe. Depending on the component, using aftermarket parts risks anything from a minor issue to a major problem and increased repair costs to replace it.

Maintain Your Car’s Value

When you use OEM components, you maintain your car’s value. Genuine parts will fit seamlessly into your car and always work correctly. Maintaining your car’s value is important as you may want to sell or trade it in in the future. In either of these circumstances, the knowledge your car contains only genuine parts will allow it to command a higher price or value.

Aftermarket parts can be a question mark for many buyers. Since these parts have no recognized standard, it’s impossible to determine when they may fail or how efficient or effective they will be. This uncertainty will mean your car will have a lower value than necessary.

As a dealer, we only use and supply genuine parts. This ensures you’ll always receive safe, reliable, high-quality parts that perform perfectly. Ordering new parts is as easy as calling or visiting us today at Crain Ford Jacksonville.

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Modern Ford vehicles are more tech-savvy than ever before. When you’re out and about on your daily driving tasks, you’re extremely well-supported, entertained, and protected in your Ford. Here are a few of the best tech features Ford has to offer today, and if you’d like to see more, you can always ask at your nearest Ford dealership.

Wireless Phone Charging

While driving, your Ford is generating a steady voltage of electricity. Why not make use of that to charge your phone whenever you get behind the wheel? Simply place your phone on the central charging pad, and your car will start recharging its battery automatically.

Seamless Smartphone Connectivity

While charging your smartphone, you can also have it seamlessly connect to your car. Modern Ford vehicles are compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Once connected, you can access almost all of your phone apps from your car’s large center-stack touchscreen. Make calls, send messages, post on social media, play music, listen to podcasts, or even watch movies and play games when safely parked. And if you like, all of this can be controlled with voice commands using built-in Amazon Alexa technology. 

Bang & Olufsen Sound System

If you enjoy music while driving, you’re in for a treat with the optional high-grade Bang & Olufsen Sound System. With ten speakers and a powerful subwoofer carefully placed around the cabin, you have immersive, crystal-clear surround sound. Voices from music, movies, or podcasts will sound like the speakers or singers are sitting in the cabin beside you. 

Ford CoPilot360 Safety Suite

You’re also protected in a modern Ford car by the fantastic selection of safety features included in the Ford CoPilot360 suite. Among these sophisticated safety systems, you have Pre-Collision Assist, Blind-Spot Information System, Cruise Control, Evasive Steering Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist, Auto High-Beam, and more. Whatever manner of collision threat you come across, your car is designed to avoid or at least greatly mitigate the possible harm. 

Precision Park Assist Systems

One of the most practical technological features in a modern Ford car is Active Park Assist 2.0. Never again will you have to fear tight parallel parking spots, dreaded reverse-perpendicular maneuvers, or returning to your car to find someone else has boxed you in. 

When you activate Active Park Assist 2.0, your car takes over the entire parking maneuver for you, no matter how tricky it is. Your car steers, shifts gears, brakes, and accelerates as required in precise movements until you’re safely parked or escaped from a tight spot. All you need to do is hold down the button and watch the magic happen. 

Enjoy a Demo at Your Local Ford Dealer

Have a demonstration of Active Park Assist 2.0 and all of Ford’s other fantastic technological features at your nearest dealership. When it comes to learning how car features work in the real world, nothing beats a test drive. 

Visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville today to take your preferred Ford model or a spin. Our dedicated team of sales, support, and vehicle service staff always put customer satisfaction first and foremost.

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Along with reliability and value, an automobile’s fuel efficiency has become an important consideration for many buyers. That’s why Ford has taken the initiative to offer vehicles with lightweight hybrid powertrains and eco driving modes, resulting in greatly improved gas mileage. If you’re hoping to spend less time at the pump, then consider these models—available at your local Ford dealer!

1. 2023 Ford Escape

This stylish compact SUV is available with several engines that have received excellent EPA fuel economy ratings. These include a 180-horsepower 1.5L turbo inline-3 and a 250-horsepower 2.0L turbo inline-4. With these engines under the hood, you can expect up to 34 and 31 MPG highway, respectively. There’s even a plug-in hybrid version of the Escape that generates 210 horsepower while providing a range of close to 560 miles.

In addition to its efficient performance, the Escape offers a sleek cabin with plenty of room for five occupants, including close to 40 inches of legroom for those seated in the rear. It comes standard with Ford’s outstanding 8-inch Sync 4 touchscreen infotainment system providing wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and support for a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

2. 2023 Ford Explorer

Though larger SUVs have a reputation for their gas-guzzling engines, Ford’s Explorer bucks the trend with its available turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost inline-4 and hybrid 3.3L V6. At 300 horsepower, the grunt generated by the 2.3L is considerable, but it can also get an estimated 28 MPG highway. In its hybrid form, the mid-sized SUV benefits from 318 horsepower and a fuel economy of up to 27 MPG combined.

The Explorer comes standard in a rear-wheel drive layout, but Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system and its multiple drive modes are available with every trim. ST models feature a sport-tuned independent suspension for a more exciting driving experience. As for the interior, you’ll find three rows of seating and creature comforts like tri-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and a twin-panel moonroof.

3. 2023 Ford Maverick

One of the most efficient compact pickups you can find, the Maverick features a hybrid 2.5L inline-4 powertrain that can achieve a total horsepower of 191 and an EPA-rated 40 MPG city. 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque are available from the optional 2.0L engine, which also continues to provide good gas mileage at up to 26 MPG highway. When equipped with this motor and the available 4K Tow Package, the truck can tow up to 4,000 pounds.

All Maverick models come as a crew cab that comfortably seats five and provides extra cargo space when the rear bench is folded up. Lariat models also offer extra storage compartments under the rear seats, a wireless charging station, and luxurious, yet durable ActiveX upholstery.

Whatever your needs, you can count on Ford to deliver a suitable vehicle that boasts exceptional efficiency. Visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville today, where you’ll find these models and much more!

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Are you shopping for the perfect Ford on the new car market? If you can’t find one in stock, don’t settle. A Ford dealer can allow you to customize features and then make your order. Custom-ordering gets you exactly what you want, but prices are often no-haggle. Knowing how to navigate the customization process can help you get the best deal on your new ride.

There are several features and add-ons to choose from when building a custom Ford vehicle. But the best custom features depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider these customization options before ordering your dream Ford.

Exterior Colors

Every year, Ford vehicles come in various standard paint colors. While some paint colors, such as white, black, and gray or silver, are tried and true, more exciting options are available. If you can’t find the perfect color for your Ford, a custom factory paint job can give the vehicle the pizzazz you want. When choosing your preferred paint color, consider if you want your vehicle to stand out or blend in.

A bold, unpopular color like orange or purple may look flashy but you may be forced to leave money on the table to sell it in the future. Think about the vehicle’s purpose and resale value before picking your auto body paint color.

Interiors

While your Ford’s exterior primarily serves to get you noticed on the road, never overlook the significance of a thoughtfully designed car cabin. Customizing the vehicle’s interior trim, fabrics, and colors can help ensure a more comfortable and pleasant in-car experience. A uniquely-designed in-car space can also be an instant attention-grabber when you drive with the windows open.

Modern infotainment features such as phone connectivity, touchscreen displays, and button panels are a crucial customization option for car interiors. Picking the right ones will help you stay informed, connected, and entertained.

Wheels

If your preferred Ford vehicle doesn’t provide enough ground clearance at standard ride height, you may need to invest in larger tires. Larger tires will require custom wheels and rims to ensure a correct fit for performance and safety. When you custom order a Ford, your dealer will provide wheel fitments to match the vehicle’s exact performance and safety requirements. They can spruce up the wheels by adding custom colors and finishes to fit your style and budget.

With the vast array of vehicle makes and customization features available to Ford enthusiasts, creating your custom order can be daunting. But you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Contact us at Crain Ford of Jacksonville to see our new stock and request a custom quote for your new Ford. We can’t wait to turn your dream car into a reality!

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Looking for fun family activities to do in and around Jacksonville, AR? Well, have we got you covered. From comic shops to pools to history museums, Jacksonville has everything you need for a full day of fun for the whole family.

Kapow Comics

Here, it doesn’t matter if you prefer Marvel or DC or if you’d rather buy from indie publishing groups. Kapow Comics at 4047 E. Kiehl Ave has what you need, from comic classics to new editions and even action figures and other novelty items for the whole family. Plus, their trained and comic-loving staff are happy to answer any questions you have or just chat about your favorite comics while you browse.

Whether you’re looking to trade in some old comics, find a hidden gem in their $1 comic bins, or just want to find the newest issue of your family’s favorite superhero collection, Kapow is the place to find it.

Splash Zone

If the family is ready to relax and cool off for an afternoon, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Splash Zone. This fun park is conveniently located at 201 W. Martin St. and is fun for the whole family, and won’t cost a fortune. Their great concession stand means the fun doesn’t have to stop when it’s time to eat. Plus, with the water-resistant seats of your Ford Explorer XLT, you don’t have to worry if the kiddos don’t dry off fully before the trip home.

Then, the kids can race on their dual racer slides, or the whole family can relax in one of their three pools. There is a small play pool for kids under 48 inches, as well as a larger 25-yard pool complete with Jacuzzi jets and a diving board. Splash Zone also features a plunge pool, water slides, dew drop water showers, a splash dome, and a water tunnel, so the kids will never get bored.

Jacksonville Museum of Military History

Is your family full of history buffs? If so, you can’t drive by 100 Veterans Circle and the Military History Museum, where there is a variety of exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. While some exhibits are permanent, the gallery also features different specials throughout the year, so there’s something new to learn every time you visit. Be sure to walk around inside and outside to get the full experience.

If you’re looking to show your kids some local history while not spending a fortune, this is the Museum for you. At less than five dollars a person for entry, with admission going towards restoring their newest addition, a renovated tank, it’s well worth the price.

Whether you’re looking for some new comics, fun-zone swimming and poolside relaxation, or a fun and educational day of learning the local history, you can find plenty of fun things to do while driving around Jacksonville.  Once you’ve finished your ride around, be sure to pop over to Crain Ford of Jacksonville to check out a new vehicle as well.

Image via Pixabay.

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With the 2023 iteration of the Ford Mustang Mach-E you can say goodbye to gas and hello to quiet power. While maintaining all the visual style and character of Ford’s iconic Mustang, the Mustang Mach-E brings things firmly and boldly into the electronic age with hundreds of miles of range, terrific performance capabilities, and plenty of top-notch technological features. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the 2023 Mustang Mach-E. 

Outstanding Acceleration

One of the most impressive features of the Mustang Mach-E is its exhilarating acceleration of up to 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds on the top trim. The GT model provides 480 horsepower and 600 pounds per foot of torque. It’s a heart-pounding ride made all the more pleasurable by its wonderful suspension, steering, and other handling features. 

Long-Lasting Charges

The battery life of the Mach-E is an excellent 250 miles per full charge at the lower end. The GT takes it up to 270 miles and if range is more important to you than speed, you can opt for the Extended Range Battery which provides an excellent 312 miles per full charge, still with a  very respectable 0 to 60 acceleration of 4.8 seconds. 

Fast Charging at Home or Away

You can recharge your Mach-E at home using a Ford Mobile Charger compatible with 120V or 240V outlets. If you want even faster charging, you can have a Ford Connected Charge Station installed in your driveway. While on the road, you have access to North America’s largest charging network: the BuleOval Charge Network, which your FordPass app can help you locate wherever you are. 

Sleek, Powerful Appearance

The gorgeous, world-famous Mustang silhouette with its muscle car contours and aggressive hood and front grill is maintained with Mustang Mach-E. But the Mach-E now has an added element of aerodynamic sleekness that makes it look swift as a bird in flight. It’s a beautiful car that’s almost as nimble and quiet as a bird on the wing as well.

Hands-Free Highway Driving

The cutting-edge Ford BlueCruise system allows for complete hands-free driving on 130,000 miles of prequalified highways across the nation. Sophisticated Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts the brakes and acceleration as required to keep your car constantly at a preset distance from other vehicles, while the lane-keeping assistance keeps you safely centered. There’s even an eye-facing camera that alerts you if you stop paying attention to the road. 

The best way to get to know any car is by settling behind the wheel. Test drive the 2023 Mustang Mach-E today at Crain Ford of Jacksonville. We’re a local one-stop shop for all things Ford, offering excellent customer service, financing, and purchasing deals. 

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As a reliable favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, the Ford Bronco Sport has cemented its place as an adventurous crossover SUV that takes to challenging terrains as easily as it does highways. The 2023 edition offers responsive engine performance, standard four-wheel drive, and plenty of creature comforts inside, as well as hi-tech safety sensor systems outside.

1. A Trail-Ready Engine

Although this edition gives you two engines to choose from, a 1.5-liter I-3 and a 2.0-liter I-4, it’s the latter engine that’s getting the most attention. In addition to pairing with an advanced 4×4 system and offering 249 horsepower, more than enough to tackle both highways and trails, this engine comes with Auto Start-Stop technology, allowing it to conserve fuel when you’re stopped at traffic lights.
 

2. Advanced Infotainment

The SYNC 3 infotainment system provides wireless smartphone connectivity, convenient apps, available access to SiriusXM services, and a breadcrumb navigation assistance program, making every drive more enjoyable. While the system comes with a full-color eight-inch touchscreen display, you also have the option of controlling it using your voice, so you can keep your hands on the wheel while making phone calls or performing other functions.
 

3. Multiple G.O.A.T. Modes

While the 2023 Bronco Sport has plenty of off-road enhancements that can help you take on demanding terrains, including standard four-wheel drive, it’s the G.O.A.T. Modes feature that gets the most limelight. With this terrain management system, you can quickly choose between multiple modes to optimize the vehicle for different surfaces, including rocks, sand, mud, and ruts.
 

4. A Smart Cruise Control

While cruising on highways, you can use the innovative Adaptive Cruise Control to help alleviate some of the pressures of long-distance driving. After setting a specific speed within the system, this feature can keep you moving along at that speed like a traditional cruise control. Where it differs is that it can also keep you distanced from other vehicles in front of you by automatically controlling the vehicle’s acceleration and braking as needed.
 

5. A Moisture-Resistant Cabin

While many luxurious interior features are available, such as leather-trimmed seats, it’s the moisture-resistant features you’ll most appreciate when returning from off-road adventures. Not only does this edition offer both rubberized flooring and rubberized seat backs but also in-floor drain plugs, allowing you to quickly remove mud and dirt with ease.

With a sporty appearance, agile off-road capabilities, and the latest in today’s entertainment and driver-assist features, the 2023 Bronco Sport is more than ready for adventures, on or off-road. To test-drive it today, contact us at Crain Ford of Jacksonville, and get ready to see all of its impressive features in action.

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Are you ready to experience the latest tough-built Ford SUV? The 2023 Ford Explorer is here to impress with a lineup of features, including plenty of power, remarkable towing, and forward-thinking technology. Here’s a buyer’s guide to the all-new 2023 Explorer.

Overview of the 2023 Ford Explorer

The all-new Explorer SUV seats seven passengers with enough room and space for additional equipment for future adventures. In addition, eight trim models provide various options and customizations to fit your family’s needs. For example, a power liftgate is available to open with just one button, and rear parking sensors alert you while you back out of the driveway or parking spots.

Power and Handling

With three available engine options, power is not a problem in the 2023 Explorer. Two Ecoboost engines provide a turbocharger of 300 or 400 horsepower, and a 3.3-liter V6 Hybrid engine on upper trim models produces 318 horsepower and has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

A 10-speed automatic transmission allows for smooth driving and handling, and side-wind stabilization also comes standard on all Explorer models. In addition, the 2023 Explorer comes equipped for off-roader enthusiasts with all-terrain tires. And the Terrain Management System features drive modes like deep snow and trail.

Exclusive Interior

The 2023 Explorer offers a unique 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen with navigation. Special Active Motion front seats, with massage features, provide extra comfort on long travel days. Additionally, ambient lighting with seven color choices accompanies the 12-speaker sound system for an exclusive driving experience.

The cabin’s interior can allow nature in with the twin-panel moonroof. And additional space for your belongings is available with the touch of a button in the PowerFold third-row seat feature.

Impressive Towing Package

Based on the trim model, the Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. When you add the Class IV Trailer Tow package, you’ll get even more accessories to tow your gear. Roof rails are also available to bring along additional equipment. And the Trailer Sway Control feature helps you control what you haul while driving.

Technology Assistance

Amazon Alexa is not just in the home anymore; you can also use the voice command feature in the 2023 Explorer. Stay connected on the road with wireless charging for your smartphone and compatible electronics.

The Explorer SUV features driver assist technology to sure your safety on the road called Ford Co-Pilot360. The auto high beams can automatically detect low lighting, rearview cameras help you park, and pre-collision assist technology helps you avoid potential collisions.

Whether you’re planning a simple weekend adventure or cruising the city streets, the 2023 Explorer is ready for any driving experience. Contact us at Crain Ford of Jacksonville today to schedule a test drive and see the fantastic Explorer SUV first-hand.

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