Three Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil

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.

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.