How Often Should You Schedule Ford Maintenance Service?

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.

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. more 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.

A Ford test drive is one of the most important steps in the car-buying process, and it deserves a little preparation. Whether you're eyeing a capable truck, a versatile SUV, or an efficient hybrid, knowing what to look for before you arrive can make a real difference when you’re just so excited it’s hard to think. Here are some practical tips to help drivers in Cheboygan, Michigan, get the most out of their visit. more Know What You Need Before You Go Before scheduling your Ford test drive, take a few minutes to think about how you'll actually use the vehicle—not just what you’re drawn to. Are you hauling gear on the weekends? Commuting daily? Navigating frequent family road trips? Ford's current lineup covers a wide range, from the F-150 and Super Duty trucks to the family-friendly Explorer, trail-ready Bronco, and compact Maverick. Matching your lifestyle to the right segment before you arrive helps narrow your choices and saves time at the dealership. Research Features Ahead of Time Ford offers a range of technology across its vehicles, including BlueCruise® hands-free highway driving, Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assistance tech, and available Wi-Fi® hotspot connectivity through the Ford Connectivity Package. Spending a few minutes on ford.com to build and price your preferred model gives you a clear picture of available trims and packages. The better informed you are walking in, the more useful your test drive will be. That knowledge also contributes to a smoother, more satisfying customer experience overall. Make the Most of Your Time Behind the Wheel During the test drive itself, pay attention to how the vehicle feels in real driving conditions. Test acceleration, braking, and visibility. If you plan to tow or haul, ask specifically about those capabilities. Bring your family along if the vehicle needs to fit everyone comfortably. Pay attention to the interior layout, seat comfort, and how intuitively the touchscreen responds. Drive on multiple surfaces if you can. A well-planned test drive turns into a confident buying decision rather than a rushed one, which is the heart of a positive customer experience. Take Advantage of Available Tools and Offers Ford makes it easy to prepare online before you ever set foot in the showroom. You can search current inventory, pre-qualify for financing with no credit impact, and explore available incentives by ZIP code. Ford may offer programs such as Employee Pricing for All on eligible vehicles during select promotional periods. It is worth checking current offers before your visit to see which incentives may apply. Knowing what offers apply to the vehicles you want to test drive helps you walk in with realistic expectations and a clearer sense of value. Experience the Ford Lineup at Fernelius Ford A Ford test drive is more than just a spin around the block—it's your chance to make sure a vehicle truly fits your life beyond finding the shiniest, prettiest model. By researching your options, understanding the available features, and using Ford's online tools in advance, you'll be ready to make a confident, informed decision. Finding the right vehicle starts with getting behind the wheel. At Fernelius Ford, our team is here to help you find the right one for what you actually do, answer your questions, and make your shopping experience as smooth as possible. Visit our dealership in Cheboygan, MI, and take the next step toward finding a Ford that fits your lifestyle.