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A well-maintained braking system allows you to control your speed and stop at any time. Brake components wear out over time and can become damaged by rust or hard objects thrown up from the surface, and this makes braking more difficult. As your Ford dealer, we want to tell you some signs you need to visit us for a brake repair. 3 Signs You Need a Brake Repair at Your Ford Dealer Glazed Brake Pads The brake pads produce friction when pushed against the wheel rotors and the friction slows and stops your Ford. The pads have a rough material covering that generates this friction. A glazed pad produces no friction, as its material covering has changed to a smooth, glass-like surface. Glazing occurs when a pad is kept in contact with the rotor. This can happen if you ride your brakes, or if a jammed caliper doesn't withdraw as it should when you release the brakes. Our technicians will replace any glazed pads and check your rotors for damage. If a rotor is worn, we can resurface it to turn it smooth again. Hard Brake Pedal You expect resistance when you step on the brake pedal, and this resistance is generated by the pressurized brake fluid. If you push down on the pedal and it barely moves, this is a sign that the brake pedal booster has failed. The booster is located between the brake pedal and the rest of the braking system and is designed to make braking easier. The booster uses a vacuum system to magnify the pressure exerted on the pedal by 10 x, reducing the effort necessary to force the braking system to engage. If the vacuum system has been damaged, air will enter, preventing it from supplying the power to assist braking. We'll test the booster and install a new one if the original is damaged. Grinding Noises Harsh grinding sounds from the brakes can be caused by worn brake pads or debris lodged in a caliper. The calipers are located above the wheel rotors, and a small stone or other hard object can be thrown up from the surface and stuck in a caliper. As the caliper moves when you brake, the object will grind against the caliper and potentially damage it. When a pad needs replacement, you'll hear high-pitched screeching noises when you brake. If a worn pad isn't replaced, its material covering will wear off completely. When this happens, the bare metal of the brake pad will grind against the rotor, causing damage in the process. We'll replace any worn pads and repair or replace the rotors if they've been damaged. If you suspect something is wrong with your brakes, contact our service department right away at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL.

Your dashboard warning lights illuminate in response to potential issues affecting your Ford's performance or safety. Some lights refer to specific issues, like the brake light, while others refer to more general situations, like the check engine light. As your Ford dealer, we want to tell you more about some of these lights. From Your Ford Dealer: Understanding Your Dashboard Warning Lights ABS Light The ABS light looks like a circle surrounded by brackets with the letters ABS inside it. It refers to your anti-lock braking system that prevents your wheels from locking if your car gets into a skid. You can still drive with an illuminated ABS warning light, but it does make driving more dangerous until the fault is repaired. Battery Light This light looks like a line drawing of a battery. It illuminates if any problem occurs with the battery, alternator, voltage regulator, or any other part of the electrical system. Electrical system problems can result in a dead battery, starting problems, or random electrical issues. Our technicians can easily trace and repair electrical issues and this warning light will go out. Brake Warning Light Depending on your Ford model, this light appears as the word BRAKE or a circle enclosed with brackets with an exclamation point inside. It illuminates if your parking brake is still engaged or if sensors in the braking system detect a problem. Brake system issues can range from worn brake pads to a brake fluid leak. Driving with an illuminated brake light risks an accident. Coolant Temperature Light This light appears as a dipstick with three horizontal bars inserted into wavy lines. It warns that your coolant temperature is hotter than it should be. Coolant is responsible for removing heat from your engine to control the engine temperature. If this light illuminates, pull over ASAP and allow your engine to cool. Contact us right away so we can investigate and fix the problem. Engine Oil Light This light looks like an oil can with a drop of liquid falling from it. It lights up if there's a problem with your engine oil or its circulation through the engine. The oil might be old and need replacement, or the oil pump might have failed. Oil problems can cause your engine to seize up. We'll investigate and fix the problem. Powertrain Fault This warning light is only found on Ford models with a 4WD or AWD drivetrain, and it looks like a wrench. It illuminates if any fault is detected with this system. We advise against driving if this light is illuminated, as controlling your vehicle may be very difficult depending on the problem. Our technicians will find the cause of the trouble and repair it. If you have an illuminated warning light, contact our service department today at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL.

It may be tempting to buy aftermarket parts for your Ford, either to save money or try for a performance bump, but such endeavors can backfire. Your vehicle is carefully designed using OEM parts that work in perfect harmony, extracting the best blend of performance and efficiency. By letting your Ford dealer service your car or truck, you can be sure only the best parts are used. Why OEM Parts Are Crucial for Your Ford's Performance Quality and Reliability OEM components are precisely engineered to meet the specifications and standards set by Ford. They're typically made by companies with substantial R&D departments and/or stringent quality-control procedures. By using original parts, you'll have confidence in their durability and reliability, knowing they are the same parts factory-fitted into your vehicle when it was new. Ford uses numerous OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to supply parts, including its in-house Motorcraft division. Aftermarket parts, not being made or fitted in cooperation with Ford, are often reverse-engineered or poorly made with cheap materials to minimize their price. They could end up costing you far more money than you initially saved, or worse. Compatibility Using original parts ensures they will integrate seamlessly with the existing systems in your Ford. This compatibility is vital for maintaining optimal performance. Aftermarket parts don't always have the same compatibility, which can lead to issues with fitment and functionality. For instance, poorly fitting parts for air intake systems (e.g., air filters, intake tubes), exhaust systems, or suspension systems can seriously harm performance. Aftermarket ECUs are often installed for performance reasons (e.g., enhanced fuel mapping or throttle response, increased power), but that can lead to compatibility issues with existing systems and adversely affect both performance and reliability. Improper tuning can also accelerate wear on engine parts and often increase emissions while reducing fuel efficiency. Safety Concerns Performance and safety are closely linked aspects of driving. Suspension affects the way a car handles, for example, in its cornering, weight distribution, and ride quality. Installing substandard or poorly fitting suspension parts could compromise the vehicle's handling, especially in an emergency when flaws are placed under strain. All parts that influence steering, handling, or the car's ability to stop must fit and work perfectly. Let Your Ford Dealer Service Your Ford A qualified technician at your local Ford center will only ever install OEM components in your vehicle. Not only does that ensure optimum performance and reliability, but it also keeps any Ford warranty valid. You can legally install an aftermarket part without voiding your warranty, the problem being it will invalidate a claim if it's the root cause of a problem. Contact Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL for all maintenance inquiries or to schedule your next service using genuine Ford parts.

Fords are built to last, but regular maintenance is still essential to keeping your vehicle in great shape for the long haul. Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, and other Ford maintenance services ensure that your vehicle runs well and safely on the road. Here's why working with your local Ford dealer to have these services performed is so important. Importance of Regular Ford Maintenance From Your Ford Dealer It Extends the Life of Your Vehicle Routine maintenance extends the life of the major components of your vehicle as well as the vehicle itself. Small mechanical issues will be addressed early, and everything on the vehicle will last longer. This means you'll spend less money on major repairs, and you'll be able to look forward to enjoying your vehicle for years to come. Having a well-maintained vehicle puts you in a great position. It Gives You the Best Performance Possible Keeping the fluids in your vehicle topped off, regularly changing the oil, and staying on top of other preventative maintenance checks guarantees the best possible performance by your Ford. It also ensures that your vehicle is operating efficiently and that you're not wasting fuel. It Minimizes the Risk of Unexpected Breakdowns There's nothing more frustrating or dangerous than being stranded on the side of the road by an unexpected breakdown. By proactively adhering to a schedule of regular vehicle maintenance, you'll minimize breakdowns because you'll be addressing potential issues before they become big problems. Having service performed at our dealership is a lot easier and more convenient than dealing with a maintenance issue on the side of the road. It Helps Build a Complete Vehicle Maintenance Record Consistently coming to our dealership for service is a great way of documenting your vehicle's complete service history. Each time you come, we'll make a note of the service performed. The records we keep on your car will help us make recommendations about needed services. And if you eventually decide to sell the vehicle, you'll have a complete maintenance history to share with potential buyers. It Means You're Getting Top-Notch Service When you bring your Ford in for service at our dealership, your vehicle will be in the hands of one of our factory-trained technicians. Our technicians are highly qualified, undergo continuous education, and know everything there is to know about Ford models. You can rest assured that your vehicle will receive expert service. If you love your Ford and want to keep it on the road long-term, commit to a schedule of regular maintenance at our dealership. Doing so ensures that you'll get the best performance out of your vehicle, and you'll save money in the process. When you're ready to schedule your next service appointment, give us a call at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL.

When it comes to car maintenance and mechanical repairs, the service provider plays a major role in the longevity and performance of your vehicle. For Ford owners, there is no better place to turn than the service department here at your local Ford dealer. Our technicians have specialized training, state-of-the-art equipment, and resources that are specific to Ford vehicles, ensuring the workmanship and parts, and quality all meet Ford service standards. 5 Services Offered at Your Ford Dealer Preventative Maintenance Preventative vehicle maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle in good working condition and preventing the need for expensive repairs in the future. Whether you are driving a Mustang, an Explorer, or F-150 Raptor, our mechanics know the unique needs of your Ford vehicle. Preventative maintenance services include: Oil and filer changes Fluid checks Brake inspections Battery testing Tune-ups (spark plugs, oxygen sensor) Belts & Hoses checks Engine Diagnostic When it comes to engine performance issues, some symptoms can represent a host of possible causes. You can go the old-fashioned traditional route of manual troubleshooting, which with all of the testing and part-checking can run into some serious labor costs. Or, you can rely on modern technology and get an engine diagnostic from Ford. With a Ford engine diagnostic, our mechanics are able to find and repair the problem promptly, while the other guys are still guessing. Air Conditioning and Heating Services Trusting just any garage to work on your vehicle's air conditioner and/or heater can result in subpar repairs or further damage. A vehicle's heating and/or cooling equipment is made up of intricate components that require specialized knowledge and training to repair or service. Here at the dealership, our Ford heating and cooling technicians have the experience and expertise to repair any air conditioner or heater issue, from a faulty compressor to a malfunctioning blower motor. Battery Replacements at Your Ford Service Department A quality battery provides reliable and consistent power, ensuring a smooth start every time. For a hassle-free battery replacement, our expert techs can help you choose a battery that is the perfect fit for your Ford vehicle and your budget. Transmission Services A car's transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. When transmission issues strike, it only makes sense to seek repairs from the manufacturer who built it. From a transmission flush or fluid change to faulty solenoids or a malfunctioning torque converter, our mechanics are equipped to handle all of your Ford's transmission needs. From preventative maintenance to engine repair, our service department is committed to providing top-quality vehicle care. The next time you need auto service for your Ford, contact us here at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL to schedule an appointment.