Why Ford Maintenance Matters So Much

The braking system in your Ford is critical for the safety of you and your car. An efficient, well-maintained braking system can mean the difference between a near-miss and an accident. The components of the braking system gradually wear out or get damaged, and your braking ability will suffer. Fortunately, your Ford dealer can perform any level of brake repair required. These are signs that your brakes may need repair. The Brake Light Comes On The brake light on your dash provides a warning of any problems in the braking system. There are numerous components in this system, including calipers, hoses, and brake pads. Each of these components has a sensor connected to it that monitors the component's health and effectiveness. Other parts of the system like the brake master cylinder and the brake fluid reservoir, are also connected to this network of sensors. These sensors connect to your Ford's computer and keep the computer constantly updated. If one of these sensors detects a problem, it will immediately inform your computer, and the light will come on. The computer generates an error code that pinpoints the cause of the failure. We'll connect your computer to our diagnostic system to find the cause of the problem. Damaged Rotors The rotors are smooth, flat discs placed just behind your wheels. When you hit the brakes, the brake calipers positioned above the rotors clamp onto the rotors. Brake pads inside the calipers generate friction which stops your car. To be effective, the rotors must be smooth. A smooth rotor surface allows the calipers to easily clamp on both sides. Rotors can get damaged over time for several reasons, including overheating, damaged brake pads, and environmental factors. Older rotors can develop slight cracks due to the heat and pressure generated by the braking process. These cracks can widen and produce wobbling or vibrations when you brake. Our technicians will examine your rotors and repair or replace them depending on the situation. Brake Fluid Leak Brake fluid provides the hydraulic pressure that allows your brakes to work effectively. This fluid flows through the system in rubber brake hoses and metal brake lines. Time, environmental conditions, and system pressure can produce cracks, rust, or holes in lines and hoses. Since the system is highly-pressurized, a tiny hole can cause a major loss of fluid very quickly. As your braking system loses fluid, your brakes will become less responsive. The brake pedal will become softer and produce less resistance when you step on it. These problems also increase your braking distance. We will trace the leak and repair or replace any damaged components. If your brakes show signs of wear, call us today at Koons Woodbridge Ford.

Your Ford's cooling system consists of a radiator, a water pump, and a thermostat to keep the parts cool and prevent overheating. When there's a problem with your car's radiator and you don't get it repaired fast, it could cause damage to your engine and other critical components. The following signs will warn you when it's time to take your EcoSport, Escape, or Bronco to your Ford dealer for a radiator repair. tor 1. Your Car Is Leaking Coolant If you suddenly have to top off the coolant more than usual, there might be a leak. Check the ground under your car; it's a coolant leak if you spot bright yellow, orange, pink, or green puddles. Ask your Ford technician to check where the leak is coming from and perform the necessary repairs before it causes damage to your engine. 2. Your Car Is Overheating When there's a cooling system malfunction, your car will overheat. If the coolant level is low or there's a leak, there's not enough fluid to keep the parts cool. A faulty thermostat releasing an incorrect amount of fluid will cause overheating issues. If your vehicle overheats when idling, the culprit could be a broken or defective radiator fan that isn't pulling air into the radiator to cool it down and causing your car to overheat. 3. The Radiator Is Rusty A rusty radiator could also cause your car to overheat. Rust creates holes that will cause fluid leaks. Check the color of your coolant, and if it is brownish, it's contaminated with rust. Over time the contaminated coolant will cause your radiator to malfunction. 4. The Radiator Is Blocked Your car's radiator and cooling system can get blocked with a thick sludgy slime formed by corrosion and scale build-up. The thick substance will prevent the coolant from flowing through the lines to the engine, causing overheating. 5. The Radiator Fins are Clogged or Damaged The radiator fins can get clogged or damaged by road dirt and debris, such as leaves, insects, or stones. Clogged or damaged fins will prevent the necessary airflow from reducing the temperature of the hot coolant, and your car will overheat. 6. You See Smoke Your car's radiator cools down the fluid to lower the engine heat. You will see smoke when the radiator malfunctions and gets too hot under the hood. Pull over immediately, wait for your vehicle to cool down, and call your dealer for assistance. Overheating is a typical sign of radiator problems and should be taken care of immediately to prevent further damage to your car. If your Ford shows any of the above signs, call Koons Woodbridge Ford today for repairs before more damage occurs that could cost you a heap of money to fix.

Replacing your Ford parts when they are worn out boosts performance, improves fuel economy, prolongs your car's life, and most importantly, promotes your safety while on the road. There are many places you can take your car for repair and parts replacement, but here are several reasons to choose an authorized dealership: 1. OEM Parts Just like with vehicles, authorized dealerships get their parts directly from the manufacturer. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are designed by the same engineers that created the parts your car came with. Since these parts are made with your specific car model in mind, they are a perfect replacement and fit. They do not require any modification or adjustment to work properly, though that is often the case with many generic parts sold at regular auto repair shops. While some people may consider aftermarket parts to save on replacement costs, they often spend more in the end because those parts do not offer the quality and reliability found in OEM parts. 2. Ford-Trained Technicians All technicians receive training to help them diagnose and address technical and mechanical failures in different types of cars. In addition to this general training, technicians at authorized dealerships receive additional training and regular updates from the automaker. This ensures the technicians have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of your vehicle, allowing them to detect some problems that a general mechanic might miss. Additionally, since they spend their day doing replacements and repairs on other Ford cars, trucks and SUVs they can replace damaged parts in minutes, ensuring minimal interference in your schedule. 3. Safeguards the Warranty The warranty helps you take care of your car by covering some repair and maintenance services for a specified period. However, it comes with certain terms and conditions. Failure to meet these conditions can void your warranty, preventing you from enjoying the covered services. Some of the things that can void your warranty include damages caused by generic parts or those suffered at an unauthorized auto repair shop. Since dealerships use OEM parts and have certified technicians, you do not have to worry about violating the warranty terms. 4. Special Tools and Equipment Each year, automakers include additional technological features and mechanical parts to ensure they meet their customer's ever-changing demands. Technological and mechanical hardware is prone to wear and tear or failure. While many regular repair centers have the necessary tools to replace general parts, a significant number do not have tools to diagnose the failure and replace some of Fords unique parts. Authorized dealerships have the tools and equipment to help replace even the most delicate and unique parts. 5. Service History Record Dealerships keep a record of all replacements and adjustments made on your car. A clear service history record helps you fetch a higher price when you sell your car, helps the dealership remind you of scheduled maintenance, and can get you lower insurance rates. Taking your Ford to an authorized dealership gives you access to certified mechanics, OEM parts, and special tools and equipment. Dealerships also help you preserve your warranty and keep a detailed service history record. Visit Koons Woodbridge Ford in Woodbr i dge, VA for all your replacements and repairs. Image courtesy of Pexels