Ford engines are highly reliable, but all engines require regular maintenance. A lack of maintenance can lead to engine problems. Fortunately, if you’re in the area of Lanham, MD, your friendly Ford dealer can help fix these problems for you. These are some of the signs that your engine may have a problem.
3 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Ford Dealer
1. Overheating Engine
Your engine runs at a high temperature, enabling it to operate efficiently. The heat, however, will become a problem if it’s allowed to build up. An engine that’s running too hot can suffer catastrophic damage. Your Ford is protected against overheating by a state-of-the-art cooling system. The liquid coolant absorbs the heat and transfers it to the radiator for removal.
If you see your engine temperature climbing for no apparent reason, your car could be overheating. We advise pulling over ASAP and allowing your engine to cool. Once the engine has cooled, call our service department right away. Our Ford-trained technicians will investigate the cause of the high temperature and attempt to fix it.
2. Worn Spark Plugs
A spark plug is attached to each of your engine’s cylinders. The combustion process requires air, fuel, and a spark plug to ignite the mix. Once they’re correctly mixed, the mixture is injected into the cylinders. The fuel-air in the cylinders is compressed under pressure and ignited by the spark plugs. The resulting series of explosions move your car.
Spark plugs can wear out over time. The failure of other engine components can also damage them. If a spark plug can’t spark, the contents of its cylinder won’t ignite, and this causes a misfire in the cylinder. Repeated misfiring can damage your cylinders. Our technicians can easily test each spark plug for you and replace any damaged ones.
3. Damaged Gas Cap
The gas cap provides the essential seal that protects your gas tank against water, dirt, and other contaminants. It also helps to remove dangerous fuel vapors from your car. A gas cap is a frequently-used part of your car, as you open and close it each time you fill up. Over time, the seal can become damaged, which reduces the pressure in your fuel system.
The lack of pressure will cause performance issues for your engine, as the fuel injectors require a pressurized system to work. You’ll also notice problems when your car is idling. We’ll check the gas cap and replace the seal or install a new cap for you.
If you have an engine issue, you need an expert repair. Call us today at DARCARS Ford of Lanham so we can help you get your engine issues fixed.
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Many drivers don’t think about their transmission. A smoothly running transmission, however, is just as vital to your car as a smoothly working engine. The transmission is highly complex and consists of hundreds of moving parts. Many of these parts depend on friction to work, and friction causes damage. As your Ford dealer, we’d like to tell you about some of the benefits of routine transmission service.
3 Benefits of Getting Routine Transmission Service at Your Ford Dealer
1. Your Transmission Will Last Longer
The transmission is built to last. It does, however, contain numerous parts that can wear or get damaged. Servicing the transmission allows our technicians to check it for unnoticed wear or possible damage. Our Ford-trained technicians are experts, allowing us to anticipate potential issues before they arise.
During the service, we replace the transmission filter, drain and replace transmission fluid, and perform all other necessary maintenance work. Clean, new transmission fluid, for example, will improve transmission cooling and increase the hydraulic power for shifting gears. Regular maintenance improves the health and lifespan of your transmission. Read the rest of this entry »
Electric vehicles are taking the world by storm right now. Coming in various options (including all-electric and hybrid), these cars produce almost no noise as they drive along due to their battery-powered engine. However, it’s not just the quietness of these cars that makes them so useful in the modern world; there are tons of reasons you should switch to an electric vehicle, especially if you live in Lanham, MD.
3 Benefits of Getting an Electric Vehicle If You Live in Lanham, MD
1. Environmental Impact
Of course, this is the benefit everyone is talking about now. These last few years have shown just how much impact humanity has on this planet, and people are beginning to understand the importance of reducing carbon emissions. Although the electricity they use is still mainly generated by fossil fuels, EVs on average produce much fewer carbon emissions in their lifetimes than gas-powered cars. Read the rest of this entry »
Every time you get into your car and head down the road, you expect to get from one place to another without issues. However, it’s possible that at any moment, your vehicle can experience a breakdown. Not only is this frustrating, but it can be hazardous as well. If you find yourself in a car breakdown in Lanham, MD, there are some things you’ll need to do.
What to Do During a Car Breakdown in Lanham, MD
Turn on Your Emergency Lights
Once you realize something is wrong with your vehicle, you first must warn other drivers on the road. Turn on your emergency lights to let them know they need to be cautious around you.
Slow Down and Pull Over
If possible, you want to head to the right-hand side of the road. This ensures you aren’t crossing in front of other vehicles and blocking their path. You also want to find a safe, flat location and get as far away from the moving traffic as possible. Read the rest of this entry »
Driving in Lanham, MD: 3 Benefits of Buying a Hybrid
Are you thinking of buying a hybrid in Lanham, MD? Consider these great incentives when making your big decision.
1. Big Savings
Numerous credits and potential discounts are available to hybrid vehicle drivers, particularly if you own a plug-in hybrid. For one, you can score a federal tax credit worth thousands of dollars by driving a new fuel-efficient vehicle like a hybrid. Maryland, as a member of the Transportation & Climate Initiative of the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic States, also offers several incentives at the state level.
You could secure a Maryland excise tax credit of up to 3,000 dollars if you drive a plug-in hybrid. In addition, an electric vehicle supply equipment credit is up for grabs that will pay as much as 40 percent of your costs if you install a charging station at home for your plug-in hybrid. Better yet, many Maryland power companies and insurance providers build discounts for drivers of electric vehicles and hybrids. Read the rest of this entry »
At a Glance: The 2022 Ford F-450
When we think of trucks, we think of Ford. With best-in-class horsepower, GCWR, payload, and the best 5th-wheel and conventional towing in its class, the Ford F-450 Super Duty is a truck that gets the job done.
Basics of the F-450
The F-450 boasts an incredible maximum gooseneck towing capacity of 37,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 7,850 pounds. The truck comes standard with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 Turbo Diesel. The diesel engine is required to achieve the maximum towing capacity and features 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The other engines are a 6.2- liter V-8 gas and a 7.3- liter V-8 gas.
The F-450’s trim levels are XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Most models have additional cosmetic options, wheel designs, and engine choices. Read the rest of this entry »
The lights on the front of your car are essential to keep you safe as you drive from one place to another. Making sure they are in good working order is imperative. If you’re wondering if it’s time to get new headlights from your local Ford dealer, there are some signs you need to look for.
5 Signs You Need New Headlights From a Ford Dealer
1. The Lights Appear Dim
When driving at night, if your lights seem dimmer than they used to be, this could indicate that they need to be replaced. It could also be an indication that the covers are dirty. If, after cleaning the covers, the lights still appear dim, it’s in your best interest to get new ones installed.
2. The Lights Flicker
A flickering light means that the bulb’s filament is damaged or worn, or it could mean that there is a loose connection somewhere in your vehicle. No matter the reason, if you notice your lights flickering, you need to get your car to a professional as soon as possible to discover the issue and get it fixed. Read the rest of this entry »
Car AC Not Working? Visit Your Ford Dealer Today
In summer, having working AC is essential. A car AC not working becomes even more of a problem when the temperatures start to climb. Your AC needs regular service and maintenance to keep it working effectively. As your Ford dealer, we’d like to tell you about some possible signs that your AC needs to be repaired.
Damaged Condenser
Your AC system consists of several different components. Each of these components needs to work together in order for your AC to work. The condenser is responsible for cooling the refrigerant and changing it from a gas into a liquid. Other parts of the AC system will then use this cold liquid to provide the cold air you need in your cabin.
The condenser is located at the front of your car near the radiator. It can, unfortunately, get dirty due to dust and other pollutants drawn into your vehicle. A blocked or damaged condenser won’t be able to cool the air for your AC. We routinely check your condenser during its regular service, and our technicians can clean it and remove any blockage causing the problem. Read the rest of this entry »
A well-stocked car first aid kit in the trunk of your Ford Edge, Escape, or Super Duty is essential for any emergency on the roads in and around Lanham, MD. You only need crucial first aid supplies to respond fast to injuries until help arrives.
Lanham, MD, Drivers: 10 Items Maryland Drivers Should Have in a Car First Aid Kit
1. Emergency First Aid Manual
An easy-to-follow emergency first aid manual with step-by-step instructions will guide you through an emergency. You can buy one or download a free copy from various reputable websites. Print one out and keep it in your first aid kit.
2. Over-the-Counter Medication
Your pharmacist can assist you with a range of over-the-counter-medication. Make sure you can treat minor ailments from insect bites and stings to headaches, nausea, and allergies. Read the rest of this entry »
Planning for any big purchase is an increasingly important task whether you live in Lanham or Seabrook, Maryland. If you’re budgeting for a vehicle, keep these handy tips in mind.
Key Considerations in Budgeting for a Vehicle in Lanham, MD
A central component of any budgeting endeavor is a catalog of your expenses. You should consider costs like total price, fees, financing loans, insurance, and future maintenance for an auto purchase. Take a closer look at some of the top auto budgeting elements.
Price
Several factors impact the starting price of a car, from make and model to year. Comparison-shopping is therefore vital if you have a set price you want to pay. You should also factor in sales taxes for the overall cost. In Maryland, for example, the sales tax is typically six percent.
Fees
Titling and registration are the most common fees associated with purchasing a new vehicle. In Maryland, the Certificate of Title for a new or used vehicle will cost $100. A two-year registration for passenger cars costs $135 or $187, depending on the vehicle’s weight. The state also requires a vehicle emissions inspection on most new cars. This test costs about $14. Read the rest of this entry »
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