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As time passes, your braking system suffers wear and tear due to the heat and pressure generated by braking. As parts wear or become damaged, the braking system will work less effectively, and this can cause an accident. As your Ford dealer, we'd like you to know a few signs you need to visit us for a brake service. Signs You Need To Visit Your Ford Dealer for a Brake Service Spare parts for the car. Suspension details. In the hands of an auto mechanic brake pads. There is a brake disc and a set of brake pads on the table.; Shutterstock ID 2124130121; purchase_order: 01176200; client: Barker Kia Screeching Noises Loud screeching noises from the brakes are a sign of worn brake pads. The pads fit into the calipers, which are forced against the wheel rotors when you hit the brakes. They have rough material coverings that generate friction against the smooth brake pads, and this action stops the wheels. As time passes, the material covering a pad will wear off. A healthy pad has a 1/2" thick material covering, which needs replacement when the material drops to 1/4". Pad manufacturers install a metal spike inside the material as a warning that the material has worn down. The spike scratches against the rotor, producing a loud screeching noise. We can replace any worn pads in minutes, and the noise will stop. Soft Brake Pedal The braking system uses pressurized brake fluid to generate the hydraulic pressure that forces the calipers against the rotors. You can feel this pressure as resistance when you push down on the pedal. The resistance grows as you apply more pressure, meaning your brakes work correctly. If you push on the brake pedal and feel little resistance, something is wrong with your brakes. The lack of resistance can be caused by an air bubble or other blockage in the brake system, or it could be due to low brake fluid. An air bubble can form over time, preventing brake fluid from moving through the system. Likewise, a lack of brake fluid prevents the brakes from engaging. Our technicians will investigate and fix the problem. Old Brake Fluid Brake fluid ages like all other fluids in your vehicle. Older fluid is susceptible to water absorption, and this can cause serious problems. As we've seen, braking generates heat. If you hit the brakes frequently over a short distance, for example, driving downhill, the fluid can overheat, and the water inside will boil. If this happens, you'll smell a harsh chemical stench, and brake responsiveness will drop. The fluid won't burn, but it loses its ability to generate hydraulic pressure. Without this pressure, your brakes can fail. We'll drain and replace the old fluid, and your brakes will work effectively again. Braking problems will worsen if not repaired, increasing your stopping distance and decreasing braking speed. Contact our service department today at Fernelius Ford, Inc. in Cheboygan, MI.

The exhaust system is a vital yet often overlooked car part that must function properly at all times. If you neglect to maintain the various components of your Ford exhaust, your engine could become damaged and your road safety may be threatened. Ford Exhaust System Care: Ensuring Maximum Performance Check Your Exhaust for Rust or Damage It's a good idea to periodically inspect your exhaust for signs of rust or any kind of corrosion. Clean away rust as best you can; have it professionally removed if necessary. But take note: you should always wait until the underside of your car has completely cooled down before going anywhere near it. The exhaust is also susceptible to damage from potholes, curbs, parking stanchions, and other road obstacles you unintentionally drive over. Keep an eye out for dents or loosened manifold bolts, hangers, and pipes. Take Longer Drives To Evaporate Moisture Rust is often the death knell for components of an exhaust system. The condensation created inside every exhaust generates moisture, which is usually the primary cause of rust. This moisture causes rust, but if you mostly use your car for short drives of five or ten minutes, your exhaust might not heat up long enough to evaporate all the moisture; taking occasional longer drives will ensure your exhaust is properly dried out. Clean Your Exhaust Often, Especially During Winter When cleaning your car, don't neglect to clean the undercarriage thoroughly, including every inch of the exhaust. This is particularly important in winter when clumps of salty snow can rapidly corrode the metal of exhaust pipes. Watch Out for Signs of Exhaust Trouble One of the best things you can do is learn the warning signs of exhaust trouble so you can nip problems in the bud early, avoiding far more expensive repair jobs. If you hear clunking or rattling from below, something may have come loose or the catalytic converter might be damaged. Foul smells in the cabin could also indicate issues with the cat, which is no longer properly clearing the fumes. Problems with the engine can sometimes point to a clogged exhaust, which would hamper the flow of oxygen and gases through the vehicle. If your engine loses power or starts to misfire, have your exhaust checked. Schedule Routine Inspections at Your Ford Dealership As with many car parts, regular inspections are the key to a healthy exhaust system. It's advisable to visit for an exhaust checkup at least once a year. Our technicians will quickly identify and repair any nascent problems before they get worse. Maximizing the performance of your exhaust usually takes an expert eye. Visit Fernelius Ford, Inc. in Cheboygan, MI, today for a comprehensive exhaust inspection.

Is your AC not working? Driving without good air conditioning is no fun at all on hot summer days. The following maintenance tips will have your AC running at full power in all conditions. And if your AC runs into trouble, head to your local Ford dealer for repairs. Ford Air Conditioning Maintenance: Stay Cool and Comfortable Recharge the Refrigerant The AC works by cycling refrigerant through the condenser, compressor, and evaporator. As it flows, the refrigerants switches between liquid and gaseous states, drawing heat from the air as it does so. To maintain its special properties, the refrigerant will typically need to be recharged every two years. If your AC stops blowing cold air, you may have a refrigerant leak on your hands. As AC refrigerant is transparent, odorless, and evaporates quickly, it's often difficult to locate an AC leak without a special dye skillfully applied by a technician. Clean Your Car's Interior Regularly The quality of the air inside your cabin will impact the AC's long-term performance. With this in mind, clean and vacuum your cabin's surfaces frequently to prevent dust and airborne contaminants from building and clogging up the air conditioner. Replace the Cabin Air Filter The cabin air filter cleans the air entering your car. Without a good air filter, the air inside your car will become dirty, clogging the airways and hindering your AC. Cabin air filters usually need to be replaced once a year. Frequently Use Defrost Mode The AC's defrost mode is often essential on cold winter mornings when the windows are fogged and frosted. Even during the warmer seasons, it's a good idea to run defrost mode for 10 minutes per week. This helps clean out moisture from your cabin and AC system, while also preventing mold and maintaining optimal gas pressure. Set Your AC to the Coldest Setting Over the long run, your AC is put under less strain when used at the coldest setting. When warmer than this, the AC must reheat the air, working harder and burning additional fuel. So unless it's too chilly for comfort, keep your AC running extra cold. AC Not Working? Visit Your Ford Dealer for Repairs If your AC starts rattling, clicking, or making other strange sounds, have it examined and repaired. Any reduction in its ability to cool your car should also prompt repairs. Smelly air blowing out of the vents is often a sign that mold needs to be cleaned, and water dripping under your dashboard may point to a clogged outflow pipe. Whatever problem your AC has, have it fixed quickly before it develops into a more serious repair job. Visit Fernelius Ford, Inc. in Cheboygan, MI, today to have your AC serviced or repaired by experienced, helpful professionals. We seek to provide all our customers with a top-notch vehicle purchasing, financing, or servicing experience.

While you're on the road, the condition of your tires impacts almost every aspect of your driving experience, from handling to fuel efficiency. If you neglect to maintain your tires, you're hindering your driving pleasure, shortening the lifespan of your tires, and also increasing your risk of blowouts and skids. With all this in mind, here's a complete guide to car tire maintenance. You can have all the necessary services promptly carried out at your local Ford dealership. Comprehensive Guide to Ford Tire Care and Maintenance Check the Air Pressure First and foremost, always keep an eye on the air pressure inside each tire. If any of your tires become over or under-inflated, that tire may overheat, lose traction, wear down more rapidly, or even blow out. Check your owner's manual to know the optimal PSI for your tires and check the air pressure at least once a month, adding or releasing air as required. Measure the Tread Depths While checking air pressure, also examine your tires for signs of damage. As the treads become shallower, use a tread depth gauge to measure the depths of the voids in the center of each tire. If the treads reach 2/32 of an inch in depth, it's time for new tires. Rotate Your Tires Frequently Tires become unevenly worn because of slight weight differences at either end of the vehicle, among other factors. This becomes problematic if the tires become too uneven in size, diminishing traction and vehicle handling. Unevenness also shortens tire lifespan. It's broadly considered best to have tires rotated twice a year, which evens out wear and extends tire longevity. Get Your Tires Realigned As tires bump against curbs and over potholes, they tend to become slightly misaligned. This misalignment accelerates tire wear and also causes steering and handling issues. For this reason, it's advisable to have your tires realigned once or twice a year. Have Your Tires Balanced Similarly, individual wheels can gradually become slightly unbalanced in weight, which leads to wobbling or bouncing. Tire balancing is a delicate procedure that the technicians at your local dealership can carry out to ensure each tire is evenly weighted around its circumference. Schedule Routine Tire Maintenance at Your Ford Dealer These essential tire care procedures are often neglected by busy car owners. If you schedule tire services with us, you can relax in the knowledge that your tires will be well maintained over the long run. We'll keep track of each service interval and politely remind you when an upcoming rotation or realignment is due. Visit Fernelius Ford in Cheboygan, MI, today to have your tires serviced by experienced technicians. We're a local full-service dealership providing a broad range of excellent vehicles and services alongside courteous customer care.