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Knowing when your Ford needs an alternator repair can be tricky. The signs are often unclear, and the issue could be something else entirely. Once your alternator starts malfunctioning, it can cause some serious problems with everything else on the car. Therefore, you shouldn't ignore an alternator diagnostic the next time you visit your local Little Rock, AR dealer. This guide will discuss six warning signs that indicate when your car may need a new alternator. 1. Warning Indicator Light on Dashboard The warning indicator light signals there isn't enough voltage in the battery and current levels are low. This means that it's harder to start your vehicle and makes driving dangerous because of the increased risk of sudden engine stall. If you ignore this warning, your vehicle will eventually lack enough power to operate its components and can even stop running altogether. It's crucial for drivers to take their vehicle in for service as soon as they notice this warning. 2. Weak or Dead Battery The alternator is what charges the battery in your car. If you have a weak or dead battery, this could be a sign that your car's alternator needs an inspection. Alternators also typically fail slowly and gradually, so if you are experiencing these signs, go for an inspection right away! nextpage 3. Failure of Electric Accessories When the alternator is not working correctly, it can affect other electrical systems on your vehicle, such as windshield wipers or headlights. For example, if you are driving at night and suddenly your lights go out, then chances are you have an issue with the alternator. These problems will typically be intermittent, so you may have to drive for a while before the problem appears again. 4. Difficulty Starting Your Car Difficulty starting your car could indicate that you are experiencing low battery power due to the loss of electricity from the alternator. In addition, if your car's alternator is not functioning, you may notice that the engine does not start or hesitates when you accelerate. This could be a sign of trouble with the alternator's function to provide power for starting up the vehicle. 5.Strange Smell and Sounds A strange smell coming from the vents or a burning smell under the hood can indicate that your alternator needs service.  A buzzing sound is also one of the first signs of trouble, as it's caused by power surges in the system. 6. Flickering or Dim Headlights The lights on your vehicle are powered by the battery, which then gets its power from the engine, and a charging system called an alternator. The alternator is responsible for regulating voltage output as well as powering the lights in your vehicle. If your car's headlights are dimming or flickering intermittently, this could signal an issue with the alternator requiring repair. If you notice any of the above signs, your car's alternator is probably defective and requires repair. Stop by Crain Ford of Little Rock today to have your car inspected by certified professionals.

An engine diagnostic is one of the most important services you can get for your car at your local Little Rock, AR dealer. It helps to find out what sort of condition your engine is in and identify any problems that might need fixing. This guide will look at some key signs you should watch out for to let you know when your car's engine needs a diagnostic. 5 Signs You Should Get an Engine Diagnostic for Your Ford in Little Rock, AR 1. Check Engine Light One of the simplest warning signs to spot when you may have engine trouble is the appearance of the "Check Engine" light. This light will illuminate automatically on your dashboard when your car detects an engine problem. It might only be something minor, but it could also be a sign of a serious problem, so it's important to not ignore this light if and when it appears. 2. Slow Starts If you use your car on a regular basis, you're probably used to the way the engine feels and you know how long it takes to start your car when you turn the key in the ignition. So it should be quite easy to notice if your car starts up slower than usual. If you have to turn the key a few extra seconds, this might be more than a minor inconvenience - it could be a sign of an engine problem that needs fixing. 3. Random Stalls Cars can stall for various reasons, and some of them might be because of driver error. But if your car stalls randomly and without any explanation, you might need to get a diagnostic to find out what's wrong. When engine problems occur, cars can sometimes start to stall when driving at high speeds or when heading uphill. 4. Smoke It's definitely not good to see smoke pouring out of your exhaust or coming out from under the hood of your car. This usually means that there's a serious engine issue, and you can pay attention to the color of the smoke to find out what might be wrong. Blue smoke is usually caused by burning oil, white smoke is often caused by low levels of antifreeze, and black smoke may be a sign that your engine's filters need replacing. 5. Strange Sounds Cars naturally make a wide range of sounds due to their many moving parts, but if you notice the appearance of some new, strange, or very loud sounds, you might need to send your car for a diagnostic. Knocking sounds can be associated with loose bearings in the engine, for example, while squealing or grinding sounds can also be connected to engine problems. If you notice any of the signs listed above or any other issues with your engine, the best course of action is to visit your local dealer for a diagnostic to figure out what's going on. The sooner you act, the better, because if you wait too long, the problem might get much worse. Call Crain Ford of Little Rock toda y to schedule your next diagnostic.

When you need a Ford oil change, you need to get that dealt with as soon as you can. Visit your Little Rock, AR Ford dealer, because if you don't, you could damage your Ford vehicle. You should learn the signs that your oil needs to be changed, and you should learn about how often you should change your oil in general, too. How Often Do You Need a Ford Oil Change? You generally need to change the oil in your Ford every 7,500 miles. If your vehicle was manufactured before 2007, then Ford recommends that you change your oil every 5,000 miles. Both of these figures, of course, depend on your vehicle's model and your driving habits. Check your manual, as it should be able to provide advice that's more specific to your vehicle's model. You could also ask your technician for their recommendation for your oil change frequency. They'll be able to factor in your driving habits and provide personalized advice. Where Should You Get an Oil Change in Little Rock, AR? The best place to find a top-notch technician is at a Ford dealership. Dealership technicians are experts on the vehicles that the dealership sells. Finding a Ford expert is the best choice because they'll know more than any general technician that you meet. Dealership technicians often have access to genuine Ford parts, too. Neglecting an oil change can damage your engine, and sometimes you'll need to have components of it replaced. It's best to get genuine parts used in new-build Ford vehicles, and going to a dealership is your best chance at getting those original parts. Signs You Need to Change Your Oil 1. Your Engine Gets Loud If your engine starts getting louder, then you should head to your local dealership to get it checked out. An increase in engine noise can indicate several faults, and old oil is included in that list of faults. When your oil becomes old and badly textured, then it can't lubricate your engine effectively. This makes the engine get louder. It may also cause a knocking sound. 2. Dark Tailpipe Emissions Your vehicle's exhaust fumes shouldn't be dark. Instead, the tailpipe emissions should be invisible. If you notice that the emissions have become smoky, then your oil may be past its prime. 3. You Smell Oil If you can smell oil in your cabin, then you most likely have an oil leak. You'll need to get your system repaired, and then you'll need an oil change. You may also notice an oil leak if you see oil pooling near your vehicle. If you notice that your oil level is dropping unusually quickly, then that can indicate an oil leak, too. If you need an oil change, visit us at Crain Ford of Little Rock. We're happy to change your oil for you. If you need a service or have any questions about what we can do for you, then don't hesitate to ask us about it. You can contact us at 501-221-3673 to inquire about our services.

There are many places you can find a mechanic. However, the cost of vehicle maintenance can be expensive and you don't want to pay for work that isn't done properly. Taking your Ford to a trusted mechanic is the only way to ensure the service will be done right. You want the best care for your vehicle, so here are a few tips for finding a quality Ford mechanic that will save you time and money in the long run. Quality Mechanics Use Quality Parts Ford vehicles are strong and reliable because they are made with high-quality parts. When you are looking for a mechanic you need to make sure that they will only use OEM parts as replacements. OEM parts are exactly the same as the ones your Ford was built with, they are the only parts that fit right, and will keep your vehicle running its best the longest. At Crain Ford of Little Rock, our factory-trained mechanics will only use OEM parts for replacements on your Ford car or truck. We know the high performance of your vehicle is partially due to the quality equipment it's built with, so we don't ever use aftermarket parts in our shop. Choose a Factory Trained Ford Mechanic The mechanics at Crain Ford of Little Rock are ASE Certified and Ford factory-trained, therefore they know the most about Ford vehicles. Our technicians have the most experience with Ford cars and trucks, so when it comes to spotting a common problem or providing preventative maintenance service, they will get the job done right the first time. The Ford expert mechanics at Crain will use the most up-to-date technology to diagnose and fix any part of your vehicle. Their comprehensive training and extensive knowledge of Ford vehicles mean that you will always receive the highest quality service in the least amount of time. Look for Competitive Pricing At Crain Ford, we always price services as low as possible. We research prices at independent garages so that we can keep our rates competitive and you don't have to question where you will get the best price. A minimal difference in the price of our services is because we employ only the best Master Mechanics who specialize in Ford repairs. Ask About Warranty Compliance Ford dealers are the only place you want to take your vehicle, especially if it is still under warranty. Ford Certified mechanics will always comply with the terms of your warranty when you bring your vehicle for maintenance or repair. This way you don't have to worry about voiding your warranty for something as simple as having the oil replaced with the wrong type without your knowledge. At Crain Ford, we aim to give you the fullest benefits of your warranty including helping you to figure out what services you are eligible for at no cost. Additionally, our Ford Warranty on replacement parts and repairs is the best you can find in any shop. Not only will we always utilize the benefits of your current warranty but we also provide a supplemental warranty on most of our replacement parts and services. Quality mechanics can be hard to find, but above all, it is important to make sure the work is being done right and with the correct parts.  When you need service in Little Rock, bring your vehicle to Crain Ford for a free estimate or an in-depth diagnostic by one of our ASE Certified expert mechanics. Contact Crain Ford of Little Rock for more information.

Ford is one of the best-selling vehicle brands in the world. With the release of the 2020 ford F150, the automaker continues to cement its repute as an industry leader. This model is available in six trims, offering buyers options that suit their unique budgets. So, if you're interested in owning the F150, here are features that make this powerful pickup stand out. 4 Incredible Features of the 2020 Ford F150 1. Auto High-Beam Headlamps Turning the high beams on and off every time can be somewhat bothersome. Ford has addressed this through the use of auto high-beam headlamps. These lamps automatically turn on when you approach dark peripheries and unlit roads. They then automatically turn off when there's an oncoming vehicle to avoid blinding other drivers. They work by sensing the lighting conditions ahead of you and automatically turn on or off. This allows you to keep your focus on the road with both hands on the steering wheel for optimal control. 2. Lane-Keeping System Drifting out of the lane is something that happens to most drivers. But it can be a dangerous thing, especially when driving on the interstate. Thanks to the Lane-Keeping System, it's easy to stay in your lane, even when you're distracted. more This smart feature functions by scanning your vehicle's position between the lines and warns you when you begin drifting out of your lane. If you edge out of the lane several times during your trip, the system will encourage you to stop and take a break. 3. BLIS With Trailer Coverage Hauling a boat or trailer can be quite tricky, particularly when you're on a busy road and you want to change lanes. Luckily, BLIS with Trailer Coverage on the 2020 Ford F150 lets you tow with confidence. The system scans the blind spots of both the truck and trailer. When it detects a vehicle in the blind spot of the trailer or truck, a light on the corresponding side-view mirror will blink to alert you. As such, you can quickly and easily change lanes when the road is clear. 4. Adaptative Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go You can also activate the Adaptative Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go feature, which makes driving less stressful and smooth. When turned on, the feature maintains a constant speed, and this is helpful in slow-moving traffic. It also reduces speed as needed to maintain a certain distance with the vehicle ahead without the driver working the brake pedals. The system can also stop the vehicle and resume acceleration if you don't stop for more than three seconds. In case you stop for more than three seconds, you'll need to press the "RES" button or push the accelerator pedal to resume the operation. If you're looking for a powerful and feature-packed truck, the 2020 F150 makes a compelling option for everyday driving. Whether you want to use it for work or recreation, this aluminum-bodied truck has plenty of technology offerings and optimal power to handle almost any real-world situation. If you ever want to own the F150, be sure to contact Crain Ford of Little Rock today for a test-drive or questions.