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Summer heat puts real stress on your vehicle. From scorching pavement to long road trips and stop-and-go traffic, the warmer months can take a toll on even the most reliable Ford. Staying on top of Ford maintenance before and during the summer season helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and keeps your ride performing at its best. The combination of heat and humidity makes seasonal upkeep more important than ever. If you drive a Ford F-150, a Ford Explorer, or a Ford Bronco, a few proactive steps can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Check Your Cooling System One of the most critical things to watch during summer is your cooling system. High temperatures cause your engine to work harder, and if your coolant levels are low or your radiator isn't functioning properly, overheating becomes a real risk. Have your coolant flushed and refilled according to your owner's manual schedule. Also inspect hoses and belts for cracks, swelling, or any signs of wear. These components can degrade faster in extreme heat and are worth checking before summer kicks into full gear. Inspect Your Tires Hot pavement raises tire pressure, which can increase your risk of a blowout if your tires are already overinflated or worn. As part of your summer car care routine, check tire pressure at least once a month and always when tires are cold for an accurate reading. Also look at your tread depth and overall tire condition. Uneven wear could point to alignment or suspension issues that are worth addressing before a long summer drive. Rotating your tires regularly extends their life and keeps handling consistent. Test Your Battery and Electrical System Extreme heat is actually harder on car batteries than cold weather. Heat accelerates the chemical reactions inside a battery, which can shorten its lifespan significantly. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested. Your Ford's electrical system including the air conditioning compressor works overtime during summer months. A weak battery combined with heavy A/C use is a common recipe for getting stranded. A quick test at your local service center can tell you whether your battery is still holding a strong charge. Change Your Fluids and Filters Ford summer car care isn't complete without a look at your fluids and filters. Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid all play a role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Heat causes fluids to break down faster, so staying current on your service intervals is especially important in summer. Your cabin air filter and engine air filter should also be checked. A clogged filter reduces airflow and makes your A/C system and engine work harder, which can hurt both comfort and fuel efficiency. Use Ford Mobile Service and Ford Pickup and Delivery Ford makes it easy to stay on top of maintenance without rearranging your schedule. Ford Mobile Service (where available) allows certified technicians to perform many routine services at your home or workplace. Ford Pickup and Delivery (where available) lets you hand off your vehicle from a location that's convenient for you. These options make it simple to keep your Ford in top shape all summer long without disrupting your day. Trust Auffenberg Ford North With Your Ford Staying ahead of Ford maintenance during the summer months protects your car and keeps you and your passengers safe on every drive. From cooling system checks to tire inspections and fluid changes, a little preparation goes a long way. Drivers throughout O'Fallon, Illinois, can count on certified Ford service from Auffenberg Ford North to handle all their Ford summer car care needs. Schedule your appointment today and head into the season with confidence.

Summer is the ideal time to pack your vehicle and explore the open road. From heading to the lake to crossing state lines, proper preparation ensures a smooth journey. Preparing your vehicle prevents small issues from becoming major headaches far from home. For personalized assistance and to guarantee your vehicle is ready, reach out to the experts at Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon. Check Your Ford's Fluid Levels Before You Leave A thorough fluid check is vital for summer road trips. Ensure your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid sit at proper levels before leaving. Summer heat stresses your engine and cooling system. Low coolant causes overheating during long highway stretches. If you drive a model with a 2.0L or 3.5L engine, clean oil remains especially critical. Complete any due oil changes prior to departure. Inspect Your Tires for Summer Driving Conditions Tires act as your primary defense on the road. Hot pavement causes underinflated tires to wear unevenly or blow out. Check the pressure on all four tires and the spare before leaving. The tire placard inside the driver's door lists the correct pressure rating for your specific Ford model. Inspect the tread depth to ensure it remains above 2/32" for safe driving. Have a professional review any worn or cracked tires. Make the Most of Ford's Technology Features on the Road Modern Ford vehicles feature technology designed to ease long drives. Driver-assist features maintain your alertness during extended highway travel. Systems like Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto© keep you connected and entertained. The Ford Connectivity Package provides a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and media streaming. These integrated tools transform a basic drive into an exceptional trip. Pack Smart and Load Your Ford the Right Way Vehicle loading significantly impacts handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Avoid overloading your Ford beyond its payload capacity. Consult your owner's manual for exact weight limits. Place heavy items low and centered in the cargo area. Pack a compact roadside emergency kit containing a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and basic tools to handle unexpected situations efficiently. Schedule a Pre-Trip Service Visit A pre-trip service appointment provides ultimate peace of mind. Ford Mobile Service handles many routine maintenance tasks at your home or workplace. A quick multi-point inspection confirms your brakes, belts, and filters remain ready for the miles ahead. Proper preparation guarantees safe and enjoyable summer travels. Stop by Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL to let our expert team prepare your vehicle for your next adventure.

When it comes to finding the perfect Ford dealership in O’Fallon IL, Auffenberg Ford North stands out as a trusted destination for drivers in search of quality vehicles and exceptional service. With a rich tradition of serving the O’Fallon, Illinois community and surrounding areas, Auffenberg Ford North combines top-tier customer service with a comprehensive inventory of Ford's latest models. Whether you're looking for a rugged Ford F-150, an adventurous Bronco, or the innovative Mustang Mach-E, this dealership is equipped to meet your needs. Additionally, their convenient location makes it easy for local drivers to explore their extensive selection without hassle. New Ford Specials in December If you're shopping for a new vehicle, December is an excellent time to take advantage of exclusive deals and incentives at Auffenberg Ford North. The dealership is known for offering irresistible new Ford specials in December, making it the perfect season to upgrade your ride. From limited-time financing options to vehicle-specific discounts, customers can enjoy significant savings on Ford’s award-winning lineup. Popular models like the Ford Escape, Super Duty trucks, and Mustang are often included in these promotions, so there's something for everyone. Be sure to check out their current offers to see how you can maximize your budget during the holiday season. Award-Winning Vehicles and Innovative Features Ford continues to dominate the automotive industry with a range of models that cater to various lifestyles and needs. At Auffenberg Ford North, you'll find vehicles backed by prestigious accolades, such as J.D. Power awards for new vehicle quality. Icons like the Ford F-150, Mustang, and Escape have been recognized as leaders in their respective segments. In addition to quality, Ford vehicles come equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enhance comfort, safety, and connectivity. Features like BlueCruise™, Ford Co-Pilot360®, and in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots make every drive more enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you're commuting in O’Fallon, IL or embarking on a cross-country adventure, these innovations ensure you're always in control. Exceptional Customer Experience Auffenberg Ford North provides more than just cars; they deliver a seamless buying experience tailored to each customer. From the moment you step onto their lot, their knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in finding the right vehicle, arranging financing, and even scheduling regular maintenance. Additionally, services like Ford Mobile Service and Ford Pickup & Delivery make it easier than ever to keep your vehicle in top condition without disrupting your busy schedule. Combine this with FordPass® Rewards, and you'll find that owning a Ford is both convenient and rewarding. Experience the Holiday Cheer at Auffenberg Ford North For those searching for a reliable Ford dealership in O’Fallon IL, Auffenberg Ford North offers everything you need to drive away in your dream car. With an impressive inventory, innovative features, and new Ford specials in December, now is the perfect time to visit. Stop by Auffenberg Ford North in O’Fallon, IL, or browse their website to learn more about their latest deals and award-winning lineup. Your next adventure starts at Auffenberg Ford North!

Every car needs a little TLC occasionally to deliver the best possible performance. A brake fluid flush is a simple maintenance task that becomes necessary when your brake fluid is low or contaminated. It can be carried out at your local Ford dealership either on its own or as part of a more general maintenance check. 1: Pulling to One Side If your car starts pulling to one side while braking, your first instinct may be to suspect a problem with the steering. However, if the brake fluid is low or contaminated, it can create a difference in pressure distribution. This can lead to uneven braking and cause your car to start pulling to either the left or the right. 2: Grinding or Scraping Noises Loud noises when you brake are never a good sign, but it may simply be that your brake fluid is low. Although a lack of fluid won't cause any noises directly, it can cause the pressure to drop, making it difficult for the braking mechanisms to clamp tightly. This uneven contact can create a scraping or grinding noise as you brake. 3: Spongy Pressure As brake fluid levels drop, it's easier for air to enter the system. If the pressure feels spongy or softer when you press the brake pedal, this suggests that your brake fluid needs flushing. 4: Poor Braking Performance Your brakes should respond instantly, slowing the car down as soon as you press the brake pedal. If you notice your car takes longer to slow down, or you have to pump the brake pedal, it's a sign that brake fluid is not being distributed evenly through the braking system. 5: Dashboard Warning Lights There isn't a specific warning light for brake fluid on your dash, but there is one for ABS faults. If this lights up, it could indicate a problem with your brake fluid rather than with the rest of the braking system. 6: Vibrating Brakes Braking should always feel smooth and even, but if the brake fluid is low or contaminated this might not be the case. Tiny particles or air cushions can prevent force from being transmitted cleanly, causing components such as caliper pistons or master cylinder seals to grab intermittently, resulting in a vibrating sensation. Visit Your Local Ford Dealership Brakes are a critical part of your car, so it's important not to take any risks. If you notice any of the above signs or if anything else doesn't look quite right, it's always better to get your car checked out. Flushing the brake fluid is an easy maintenance task for Ford technicians to carry out and will ensure your brakes work properly. Our Ford-trained technicians are highly skilled professionals who have the expertise to deal with all routine and emergency repairs. Schedule an appointment with us here at Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL, and we'd be happy to help.

Your brakes allow you to control your speed and stop anytime. They depend on friction, heat, and pressure to work effectively, and over time, components will age or become damaged. Since all the system parts work together, any damage reduces braking efficiency and could cause an accident. As your Ford dealer, we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to keep your car running strong. With that in mind, check out a few signs you need to visit us for a brake repair. Pulling to One Side When you hit the brakes, the calipers descend on the wheel rotors and clamp against them. The brake pads inside the calipers generate friction against the spinning rotors, stopping your wheels. All four calipers grab the rotors simultaneously, ensuring your vehicle stops as quickly as possible. If you brake and feel your Ford turning toward one side, this is a sign of brake trouble. The problem is caused by a caliper failing to grab its rotor, and the affected wheel continues to move until stopped by the other wheels. The fault could be caused by a rusted caliper or a blockage in the brake hose leading to the caliper. A blocked hose prevents brake fluid from reaching the caliper and forcing it to close as it should. We'll investigate and clear the blockage or replace the caliper to fix this problem. Hard Brake Pedal When you push down on the brake pedal, you expect resistance. This resistance is generated by the pressurized brake fluid, and the harder you press down the more resistance. A hard brake pedal is a situation where the pedal refuses to move unless you apply significant force. This can be tiring, and it's dangerous as it prevents you from engaging your brakes as quickly as you may need. The extreme resistance is caused by a brake pedal booster failure. The booster is positioned between your pedal and the rest of the braking system. It uses vacuum pressure to magnify the force exerted on the pedal by 10x. This extra power enables you to easily press the pedal when needed. Damage to the vacuum prevents the booster from working. We'll examine the booster and repair or replace it, so your brakes will work smoothly again. Brake Fluid Leak As we've seen, brakes depend on brake fluid to deliver the hydraulic pressure to force them to engage. If your brakes aren't regularly serviced, brake lines can rust, and brake hoses can leak. As the system loses brake fluid, you'll feel less resistance from the pedal, the braking distance will increase, and your brakes will become less responsive. Our technicians will examine your braking system, repair the leak, and then refill the fluid, so your brakes will work effectively again. If you have a brake problem, contact our service department ASAP at Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL.

Every Ford is built to last, but even the toughest vehicle needs a little care and attention to stay in tip-top shape. If vehicle longevity is important to you, it's wise to learn the essential maintenance that your car requires and never miss a beat when it comes to these services. Your local Ford dealer can set up a routine schedule for all Ford maintenance services and help ensure you enjoy your car for many, many years to come. Oil and Coolant Protect Your Car's Engine As the beating heart of your car, the engine should always be looked after with great care. If you allow this ticker to wear out, your entire car may also give up the ghost prematurely. The number one factor determining engine lifespan is how well you keep up with oil changes; by keeping the engine lubricated, clean, and corrosion-free, motor oil minimizes friction and deterioration. If you forget to refresh the motor oil once every six months or so, your engine will experience rapid and irreversible wear and tear. Coolant plays just as important a role in engine maintenance. By protecting against overheating, the coolant keeps the engine alive. Coolant needs to be regularly checked, topped up, and flushed. All Vehicle Fluids Must Frequently Be Refreshed The other fluids in your vehicle also play a vital role and must be periodically checked to ensure they're not too low or degraded. This includes the brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, differential fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Brakes Components Must Be Inspected and Replaced Nothing will ruin your car's longevity quicker than a collision. The condition of your brakes is key to staying safe and avoiding road accidents. Each brake component should ideally be inspected by a professional twice a year and worn-out parts replaced without delay. Tires Need Routine Pressure Checks and Rotations Your tires play an equally important part in your road safety. Regular air pressure checks and tire rotations keep you safer on the road, while also extending tire lifespan. It's usually optimal to check tire pressure once a month and take your car in for tire rotations twice a year. Book All Ford Maintenance at Your Local Ford Dealer These and several other vital car maintenance services can promptly be carried out at your local dealership. Even one missed oil change can harm your engine, reduce its longevity, and diminish the car's resale value. Avoid any such mishap by scheduling your important maintenance services in advance; our technicians can then remind you whenever it's time for a visit. Have your car serviced today at Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL. We're a trusted local dealership providing an extensive range of new and pre-owned vehicles, comprehensive maintenance services, and courteous, personalized customer care.

A dead car battery can ruin a great day. However, batteries usually don't die without any warning. At Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL, we have a checklist of indicators that your vehicle needs a new car battery. Check out these seven signs you need battery service, and when to visit your Ford dealership for help. 1. Headlights Are Dim If you think your headlights aren't as bright as they have been, it may be time for a new battery. If the lights seem to dim while idling, but they perk up when you accelerate, your battery may not be holding a charge. The service department here at Auffenberg Ford North can check your battery's voltage to determine whether you need a new battery. 2. Interior Lights Are Dim Even if the headlights seem normal, dim interior lights, including dashboard lights, can also indicate the battery life is growing short. As with the headlights, if the interior or dash lights get brighter when you start the car, it's likely a battery issue. Visit your Ford dealer to check whether you need a battery. 3. Engine is Slow to Turn If your car's engine seems sluggish when starting, don't panic. It could be the battery. There may be other causes for this, but a bad battery is the most obvious place to start, along with checking the alternator and wiring. 4. Windows Are Slow Although it may sound odd, if the electric windows in your car are sluggish when you roll them down, the battery may need to be replaced. If your windows operate normally when the engine is running, but slow down when using just battery power, they may be telling you it's time for a new battery. 5. Battery Posts Are Corroded If you raise the hood on your Ford and see corrosion (white or greenish powder) coating the battery posts, it's time to head to the dealership. No matter what you've heard from a friend or relative, don't pour a can of soda on the posts, or try baking soda and vinegar to clean the corrosion. Your battery could be undercharging, which can cause this issue. It needs to be resolved before it damages the vehicle. 6. Headlights Were Left On This may be the most frequent cause of a suddenly dead battery. If the car won't start and the interior dome light won't come on, check the headlight switch. If your car doesn't feature automatic-off headlights and the lights (even the parking lights) were left on, they probably killed the battery. 7. Battery Has Aged Out Even with good maintenance, every battery eventually dies. It depends on several variables, but most batteries last from three to five years. At the three-year mark, it's time to have the battery checked regularly. Whether your battery has some age on it, or you just want peace of mind while on the road, contact our service department here at Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL and schedule an appointment. We'll have you on the road again in no time.

As a Ford owner, knowing when to get an oil change is essential for preserving your engine's health. But how do you know when it's time to visit your Ford dealer for a service? Once upon a time the common wisdom was every three months or 3,000 miles. Those days, however are long gone. Most vehicles made in the past couple of decades average around 6 months or 6,000 miles for oil changes, but every car is unique. Here’s how to determine whether your Ford is due for an oil change. Is Your Ford Due for an Oil Change? Here's How to Tell Newer Ford models are equipped with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM), which takes the guesswork out of oil service intervals. This advanced system monitors your driving habits and operating conditions and calculates the percentage of oil life remaining. You will get an alert on the dashboard when it's time to change the oil. If your Ford is an older model that doesn't have the IOLM system, consult your owner's manual for recommended service intervals. Also, watch for these signs that indicate your vehicle needs an oil service: Dark or dirty oil Illuminated check engine light Unusual engine noises Excessive exhaust smoke Oil smell inside the car Change the oil as soon as you notice these signs to keep the engine running smoothly. Benefits of Timely Oil Services at Your Ford Dealer Lubricate the Engine Fresh oil provides essential lubrication for your Ford's engine components. It creates a protective film between moving parts, reducing friction and wear. As the engine operates, this lubrication allows the pistons, valves, and other parts to move smoothly within the engine block. This prevents unnecessary strain and potential damage. Cool Down Engine Parts Oil plays a critical role in regulating engine temperatures. As it circulates through the system, it absorbs heat generated by moving parts. This heat transfer helps prevent overheating and maintains an optimal operating temperature. Get Rid of Sludge Buildup Over time, oil collects dirt, debris, and metal particles as it circulates through the engine. This accumulation can lead to sludge buildup, which clogs vital engine parts and reduces efficiency. Sludge also prevents the oil from properly lubricating and cooling down the engine. Changing the oil removes the old, sludgy oil along with dirt and other contaminants, keeping the engine clean. Optimize Engine Performance An oil service allows your Ford's engine to operate at peak efficiency. It reduces internal friction, ensures smooth component movement, and helps maintain proper combustion. This translates to better fuel economy, improved acceleration, and smoother operation. If you use your Ford for towing and off-road adventures, timely oil services will help maintain optimal capability. Extend the Life of Components Changing your engine oil regularly can extend the lifespan of your engine's components. If your Ford is running on old oil, there will be premature component damage due to increased heat and friction. Fresh oil provides superior protection against wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of premature component failure. This can save you from costly repairs and help maintain your Ford's value over time. When you change your engine oil on time, you are taking an important step in preserving your Ford's performance and longevity. Contact Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL to schedule an oil service today!

Skids and blowouts are an ever-present threat for all drivers. If your tires lose traction with the road, even for a moment, a catastrophic accident may ensue. Healthy tires are in many ways the first line of defense in your vehicle’s safety systems. Learn some tips, tricks, and signs that you may need new tires, as well as what to do, to determine if you need new tires if you experience any of the following issues. Worn-Out Tread Depths To maintain proper traction, the treads of your tires should always remain deeper than 2/32 of an inch. Whenever you check your tire air pressure, also take note of the tread depths. If any of your tires are nearing 2/32 of an inch in depth, it's time for a new set of tires. Bulging Tire Rubber Internal damage to tires can cause outer bulges and blisters. These kinds of internal ruptures can be caused by impacts with curbs, parking stanchions, or potholes. A tire with an external bulge or blister will usually need to be replaced. Cracked Tire Sidewalls As your tires age and gradually dry out, the sidewalls are likely to develop cracks. When these cracks grow noticeably long and deep, they might weaken the tire; it's best to have a technician take a look. Deep Cuts or Gashes All kinds of objects on the road can cut or gash tire rubber. Very small cuts in the thickest portion of tire treads might be harmless, but deeper cuts in thinner areas like the sidewalls or inside the tread voids can sometimes spell the end for the tire unless a repair is possible. Embedded Objects If you find an embedded nail, screw, metal fragment, piece of glass, or other object in one of your tires, remove it to see if the tire is seriously punctured. You might be able to have a minor puncture repaired, but it could also mean the tire is no longer safe to drive on. Diminishing Air Pressure Any tire that consistently loses air is hazardous to use. Ask a technician to diagnose the source of mysteriously falling air pressure, which might be a hidden puncture or a dented wheel rim. Strange Road Vibrations When tires become uneven, damaged, or excessively worn, you might notice an increase in vibrations and road noise. This is likely to become more apparent when driving at high speeds. Reduced Traction on Water If you sense a monetary loss of traction when traversing a wet road surface, you might have a serious problem with your tires. Even if you can't detect a tire fault, consider having your tires replaced; all drivers should feel absolute confidence in their tires at all times. Need New Tires? Visit Your Local Ford Dealer Have your tires repaired or replaced today at Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL. We offer an impressive lineup of new and pre-owned vehicles along with courteous, personalized customer service, whatever your car-related needs might be.

Your Ford dealer offers a lot of services that will be beneficial to you and your car. You can, of course, buy a new car and trade in your old one at the dealership, and we also offer car financing to help with your purchase. On top of that, we can also provide Ford service to keep your car in fantastic shape and prevent breakdowns. Check out four important services offered by your Ford Dealer that you may not find at a neighborhood garage. 1. Regular Routine Maintenance We provide every service your Ford needs to stay in great shape, including the important regular routine maintenance that keeps your car running like new for many years. You need a full scheduled maintenance service at least once a year, during which we'll check on all the components of your vehicle, change your oil, replace the oil filter, and top off any low fluid levels. Then, roughly every two years, you should consider a major service, where we'll perform all the checks and replacements involved in a full-service as well as additional checks and replacements. Components that may need to be replaced during a major service include the fuel filter and spark plugs. Your owner’s manual or dealer service department can help you get on the proper schedule. 2. General Automotive Repair Your dealership can offer everything from a basic tune-up to swapping out your whole engine. Well-maintained cars typically run smoothly, but they can still have issues from time to time. If your car is having problems, you should head straight to your local dealer to get the problem diagnosed and get the car repaired. We perform general automotive repairs on any aspect of your car, from replacing your spark plugs to rebuilding a transmission. So, if your engine is making weird noises, if your brakes are less responsive than usual, or if you're having trouble shifting gears, then we can take on that repair. We'll run an engine diagnostic to figure out what the problem is, if necessary, and then get to work on fixing the issue. 3. Headlight Checks Car headlights tend to last a very long time, but eventually, they will need to be replaced. In fact, all of the exterior and interior lights in your vehicle may need to be replaced at some point. We can test your headlights to see if they're working at full capacity and replace them if they're too dim to safely illuminate the road. 4. Battery Replacements We can check your car battery to see if it should be replaced now or in the near future. If your car is slow to turn over or even worse, if you can't get your car started without jumping it, then it may be the battery. If it is, we can replace your battery with a brand-new one that gets your car working as it should again. Get in touch with Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL for routine maintenance or any other service you might need for your car. Our technicians can take care of any job, no matter how large or small, and get you back on the road and running like new in no time at all.

Taking care of your Ford keeps it running longer. Original equipment manufacturer or OEM parts are the best option for your vehicle and can be purchased from your Ford dealer. These are parts that come straight from Ford, and which are designed specifically to work with your vehicle. While sometimes third-party auto parts may advertise solid performance, these are always a risk and can be costly in the long run. Let’s take a look at why OEM parts are vital to maintaining your Ford car, truck, or SUV’s performance, and the benefits of getting them from your local Ford dealership. Built for Your Ford Replacing a part with anything other than OEM means it might not fit, and it may not work the way the original part did. An OEM part is not only made to fit your specific vehicle, it's been made to function like the old part, too. It's just like replacing the old part with a clone. Aftermarket parts can be hit or miss. But with an OEM part, you know it's been made to Ford's standards, designed to work perfectly with your vehicle. It also includes a manufacturer's warranty - typically for one year - to give you peace of mind. Easier and Faster Repairs When you contact us for a replacement part or bring your vehicle in for service, we may already have the part you need. This means you get your part sooner, and we do the repairs quicker. Either way, you're not necessarily waiting for weeks for a part to come in  only to find it doesn't fit or work. You'll be back on the road sooner. This is especially important if the repairs are because of an accident. It's already stressful enough to deal with the claims process. You shouldn't have to stress about how long a repair will take at the same time. Made for Safety Each OEM part from Ford is individually tested to meet safety standards set by the government. They're also tested with the other Ford parts they designed to work with. Some tests include material strength, failure tests, spring strength, tensile strength, and strength of connections between components. Ford parts are also safer because you don't have to worry about an aftermarket part causing damage while driving. In the best-case scenario, you have to repair something under the hood later. Worst case scenario, you have an accident because that aftermarket part failed. Protect the Value of Your Ford Using original equipment parts keeps you from voiding any existing warranties, which keeps future costs down. It also prevents future expensive repairs. Because an aftermarket part isn't guaranteed to fit and function with currently installed parts, it might cause jams, wear and tear, breaks, and other damage. These issues, even if they're only nagging ones, reduce the value of your vehicle. Repairing your Ford vehicle with original equipment manufacturer parts keeps it running longer and better. Importantly, repairs can be less complicated and expensive. Contact Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL to order parts or schedule service for your Ford.

Knowing when it's time for transmission service from your Ford dealer is key to keeping your vehicle in good condition. Your transmission is the key to your vehicle’s smooth running. It’s every bit as important as the engine itself. Without a smooth-functioning transmission, you simply cannot drive your car. You must understand the signs of issues with your transmission. Learn how to recognize that it’s time to head to your local Ford dealership for transmission service. Difficulty Shifting Gears Whether you're driving an automatic or a manual, the transition between gears should be smooth and effortless. If you notice hesitation, resistance, or any abruptness during gear shifting, it's a clear sign something isn't right and you may need transmission service. If you have a manual transmission, you might also notice difficulty putting the gear stick into or out of gear. Unusual Noises Pay attention to your vehicle's sounds; they're often the first hint that something is wrong. A well-functioning transmission should operate without much noise. If you start hearing whining, buzzing, or clunking sounds, it could indicate that your transmission needs professional attention. Leaking Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid is crucial for keeping the parts of your transmission lubricated and cool. If you spot a sweet-smelling liquid under your car that is red or brown, it's likely transmission fluid. A leak reduces the efficiency of your transmission and can also lead to severe damage if not addressed promptly. The key is the smell: transmission fluid will have a sweet smell to it, unlike motor oil. Of course, any fluid leaking from under your car is a reason to get in for service! Check Engine Light The check engine light can activate for numerous reasons, including transmission issues. Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor various systems in the car, including the transmission. Many problems can trigger the check engine light, but it should never be ignored. Slipping Gears A transmission that's in good condition should stay in the selected gear until either the driver or the vehicle's computer initiates a change. If your car’s transmission slips out of gear when it shouldn't, or you notice a slipping or thudding sensation when shifting gears, it's a major safety risk as well as a sign that your transmission requires immediate service. Delayed Engagement When you shift from park to drive, your vehicle should respond immediately. If there's a noticeable delay before your Ford starts moving, it's referred to as delayed engagement, a common symptom of transmission trouble. Burning Smell A burning smell coming from your car is never a good sign. In the case of your transmission, it could mean the transmission fluid is overheating. Overheated fluid can't protect or lubricate the transmission's moving parts effectively, leading to accelerated wear and other potential problems. Visit Your Ford Dealer for Transmission Service Regular maintenance on schedule can help avoid many of these issues. Service for your transmission typically involves changing the transmission fluid, checking for leaks, and ensuring that the transmission is operating correctly. At your local dealership, our certified technicians have the specialized training needed to keep your transmission in top shape. Your transmission is a complex mechanism, so it's best to consult the professionals when you notice any of these symptoms or any time something feels off in any way about your vehicle. Call Auffenberg Ford North in O'Fallon, IL, to schedule your next service today.