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.
2026 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity: What Can It Actually Haul?
When people talk about Ford F-150 towing capacity, they're usually asking a pretty practical question how much weight can this truck actually pull? The F-150 has earned its reputation as a capable, reliable truck for a reason. No matter if you're towing a boat to the lake, pulling a horse trailer, or moving a camper for a weekend trip, the F-150 is designed to handle the job. J.D. Power even recognized it as the No. 1 full-size truck for new-vehicle quality, which tells you something about the level of engineering that goes into every model year. What Drives Ford F-150's Towing Capacity The Ford F-150's towing capacity varies depending on the engine, configuration, and available tow packages you choose. The 2026 F-150 offers a range of powertrain options, so matching the right setup to your towing needs matters more than most buyers realize. Engine choice plays a big role. A properly equipped 2026 F-150 can tow up to 13,500 lbs when configured correctly, making it one of the most capable half-ton trucks available. To reach that number, you'll typically need the right engine, the Max Trailer Tow Package, and the correct cab and bed configuration. Not every build will hit that ceiling, so it's worth knowing what you need before you buy. Understanding the F-150 Tow Rating by Configuration The F-150 tow rating isn't a single number that applies to every truck on the lot. It's a range that shifts based on several factors - engine choice, drivetrain, axle ratio, and whether you've added the tow package. Here's a general breakdown to keep in mind. Lighter configurations, like a regular cab with a smaller engine, will fall on the lower end of the tow rating range. Extended or crew cab models with a larger engine and the tow package are where you start approaching the higher numbers. If you're planning to regularly tow anything over 8,000 lbs, it's a good idea to start the conversation with a knowledgeable sales consultant who can walk you through the exact specs for your intended use. Available features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and an integrated trailer brake controller can also make towing safer and more manageable, regardless of how much you're pulling. Matching Your Towing Needs to the Right F-150 Understanding the Ford F-150's towing capacity means thinking about what you plan to tow, not just the maximum number on a spec sheet. A loaded camping trailer might weigh 6,000 to 7,000 lbs. A midsize boat with its trailer could be around 5,000 to 6,000 lbs. A larger fifth-wheel RV or a heavy equipment trailer is where you'd want to push toward maximum capability. If you're planning to use your truck for weekend recreation or everyday work towing, the 2026 F-150 offers a flexible range of configurations to match almost any need. The key is knowing your tongue weight, your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating, and how often you plan to tow at or near capacity. What Comes Standard to Support Towing Ford didn't just build the 2026 F-150 for raw pulling power. It also includes technology that is incredibly useful when you're towing. Ford Co-Pilot360® technology brings driver-assist features that help when you're managing a heavy load. The available trailer sway control works in the background to keep your rig stable on the highway. And if you opt into the available connectivity features through the Ford Connectivity Package, you get added tools to help you stay on top of vehicle performance. The F-150 tow rating is also backed by features like payload monitoring and a trailer light check function that saves time before you hit the road. Visit Auffenberg Ford North to Find Your F-150 If you're ready to find the 2026 F-150 with the right towing capacity for your needs, the truck experts at Auffenberg Ford North are here to help you. We have a full inventory to explore, and current offers include 0% APR financing for 36 months plus up to 90 days deferred payments on qualifying purchases. Stop by, browse the inventory online, or ask about building the exact F-150 configuration that fits your hauling lifestyle.
