As the leaves begin to fall and the smell of pumpkin spice fills the streets, plenty of opportunities arise to go on fantastic adventures and enjoy your favorite fall activities. Whether you are into hiking, camping, or wildlife watching, here are some great ideas to make the best of this season and spend some quality time with your loved ones without driving too far from Little Rock, AR.
1. Camping at Ouachita National Forest
A sprawling nature reserve spanning nearly two million acres
across the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma, Ouachita National Forest is a true
paradise for nature lovers and a fantastic spot for a camping trip with
friends. Established in the early 20th century by the U.S. Forest Service, this
place is considered one of the most scenic areas in the southern United States.
Boasting extensive woodlands crisscrossed by a large network of hiking trails,
Ouachita National Forest is a wonderful place to admire the changing colors of
the trees and breath some of the clean and crisp air that the season brings.
This public nature reserve features several different campgrounds with
facilities including picnic areas, flush toilets, hot showers, and fire pits.
2. Birdwatching at White River National Wildlife Refuge
Located a little under 90 miles east of downtown Little
Rock, White River National Wildlife Refuge can be reached in about one hour and
45 minutes via route US-165 and is a top-rated destination among local birders
and wildlife watchers. This nature reserve was established in the 1930s and
covers an area of over 160,000 acres on the banks of the White River.
White River National Wildlife Refuge is home to several different species of
birds including bald eagles, Canada geese, great blue herons, great egrets,
wood storks, gadwalls, rusty blackbirds, and wood ducks. Crisscrossed by
several miles of hiking and biking trails, this wildlife refuge is a place
where you can easily spend an entire weekend exploring its different areas.
3. Hiking at Lake Catherine State Park
Sitting on the shores of a 2,240-acre body of water, Lake Catherine State Park was established in the 1930s and is an excellent destination to go hiking and take a break from the routine. This public recreation area features not only an extensive network of multi-use trails but also great amenities for visitors, including boat rental shops, a horseback riding stable, picnic areas, cabins, and campsites.
If you are planning a memorable adventure this fall, the spacious and comfortable 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum has everything you need to keep you and your passengers comfortable while on the road. Visit us today at Crain Ford of Little Rock and check out this and other fantastic vehicles we have available for you.
Image via Pixabay.
Car AC Not Working? Visit Your Ford Dealer Today
If you find your car AC not working and you don’t know what to do, it can be easy to get frustrated. That’s why the team at your local Ford dealer, Crain Ford of Little Rock, has put together a quick guide on some of the reasons why your Ford’s air conditioning may be experiencing problems and what you can do to resolve your air conditioning woes.
Refrigerant Leak
One common problem that can cause your car’s AC to stop
operating effectively is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant keeps your cabin cool
when being used properly in the air conditioning unit. However, if your car
meets an unexpected accident or otherwise suffers from damage, it can cause
issues with the car air conditioning unit’s hose connections, leaving the AC
hose to leak refrigerant from the hose’s joints and connections.
Without refrigerant running through your air conditioning system, the unit
lacks what it needs to cool your Ford’s cabin. If you notice that an oily
substance has gathered around your AC’s hose connection, chances are a
refrigerant leak is the cause of your air conditioning issues.
Burnt Fuse
Another cause of a failing car AC is a burnt fuse. If your
car air conditioning unit’s fuse is burnt, it causes the compressor to stop
working and can also cause damage to the healthy switches in the circuit board
of your car. To determine whether or not a burnt fuse is the cause of your
car’s air conditioning failure, you’ll need to replace the AC’s fuse and see if
your issues are resolved.
Faulty Compressor
The last common cause we’ll discuss here is a faulty compressor.
Your car’s compressor circulates refrigerant throughout your air conditioning
system. Without it, the refrigerant cannot circulate through the system and
you’ll never get any cold air. A car’s compressor typically goes bad due to
long periods of time without use.
Car AC Not Working? Your Local Ford Dealer Can Help
Inspecting your air conditioning unit’s hose system, fuse, and compressor and replacing them can be difficult tasks if you don’t have experience. Fortunately, whether you’re driving the popular 2022 Ford Explorer or the powerful 2022 Ford Mustang, your local Ford service center has a dedicated team of specialists who have plenty of experience dealing with these issues. These professionals also have access to replacement parts to get your air conditioning problem solved as quickly as possible.
Your family deserves a high-quality air-conditioned experience as you drive around in the family Ford. Now that you know how to deal with some of the most common car air conditioning issues, you can provide them with a cool and comfortable experience that they’ll enjoy. To get your air conditioning issues sorted, come on down to Crain Ford of Little Rock today!
Image via Ford.
A tire rotation involves swapping each tire on your Ford Explorer, Ecosport, or F-150 to a different position to increase even wear and make the tires last longer. Regular rotations at your Ford dealer have many benefits, including saving you a bundle of cash.
1. Your Tires Will Last Longer
Switching all four tires on your Ford to different positions
will ensure that the tires wear down evenly. For example, if your car’s a
front-wheel drive, the tires are used for turning and braking and wear faster
than the rear tires. Swapping the front tires to the rear, crossing the rear
tires, and mounting them to the front of your car, will ensure the tires wear
down more evenly and last longer.
Different types of cars require different rotation patterns. Your Ford
technician knows which rotation pattern to use for your specific vehicle.
You’ll also find information on rotations in your car’s owner’s manual.
2. You’ll Be Safer on the Road
The best thing about regularly switching your tires is that
it will make your car safer on the road. Regular rotations ensure the tread
depth is the same and the wear is even across all four tires. When your tires
wear evenly, and the tread depth is the same on all the tires, it will increase
traction when you accelerate, brake, and turn, especially on wet and slippery
roads.
3. You’ll Have a Smoother Ride
The tires on your car don’t wear down at the same rate, and
when they are not rotated regularly, they wear unevenly. Uneven wear causes
vibrations that you will feel through your steering wheel.
If you don’t swap your tires, the vibrations will cause damage to your car’s
components and affect the wheel alignment and balancing. To reduce the risk of
vibrations and damage to your vehicle, ask your Ford technician to switch your
tires every time you take your vehicle for an oil change.
4. You’ll Save Money
To save money, rotate your tires at regular intervals to
make them last longer. All four tires will wear down at the same rate, and you
will not have to replace them as often, saving you a lot of money in the long
run.
5. Your Tires Will Be Thoroughly Checked
Another great benefit of regular rotations is tire inspections. The Ford technician will check each tire, including your spare, to determine the condition of the tires. The technician will check the tire tread depth, inspect each tire for cuts, cracks, and bulges, and inflate your tires to the proper pressure levels.
Ask your Ford technician to rotate your tires regularly; they’ll last longer, increase your vehicle’s performance, and make you safer on the road. Best of all, you’ll save a ton of cash on tires. Drive to Crain Ford of Little Rock today to reap the benefits of a regular rotation.
Image via Ford.
Little Rock, AR has a lot to offer when it comes to theaters and performance venues. But if you’ve exhausted all of them and want to check out someplace new, the towns just outside of this capital city have just as much entertainment and excitement to offer.
The Weekend
This small black-box non-profit community theater in Little
Rock offers NYC vibes and weekend performances. The Weekend promises to make
you: “Laugh, Cry, Think, Act” with its socially conscious live performances
that aim to foster kindness, respect, and honor for one another. This unique
venue is entirely run by volunteers and also offers acting classes and youth
educational seminars that teach acting skills and build confidence.
The Studio
The Studio is another Little Rock performance venue with a
purpose that seeks to “grow” each member of their audience. The Studio isn’t
you’re average theatrical venue and often puts a spin on classical works with
re-imagined settings and scenery.
They hand pick new and diverse Broadway shows that draw local crowds in to
experience laughter, great music, and the kind of creative energy that makes
them feel like they belong.
The Rep
This 34–seat venue in downtown Little Rock offers culture
and joy through its performances that aim to help the audiences interpret and
make peace with the world around them and those who inhabit it.
The Rep was founded in 1976 to present the quality theatrical performance
produced by award-winning local and national artists that uphold the highest
artistic standards.
The Joint
There’s something for everyone plus a lot of laughs each
month at The Joint, located in North Little Rock’s downtown Argenta Arts
District. You’ll find regular comedic theater productions by The Main Thing
comedy troupe.
This three-person team performs two-act comedy shows on Friday and Saturday
nights. The Joint also features stand-up comedy nights, improv shows, cabaret,
and musical acts throughout the week.
Simmons Bank Arena
Also located in North Little Rock, Simmon Bank Arena
features some of the biggest acts in America and has become a significant
destination along the Arkansas River. You’ll find the hottest musical, comedy,
and children’s performers featured here.
The 18,000-seat arena has featured acts like The Rolling Stones, Bruce
Springsteen, and Faith Hill. Simmons Bank Arena, originally opened in 1999 as
Alltel Arena, also has an additional 28,000 sq. ft. of conference space that
can be rented for meetings, exhibitions, or conventions.
The Ford Mustang’s sleek look is a great way to get around town in style while
visiting these hip entertainment venues. Stop by Crain Ford of Little Rock
and ask one of our attentive associates to take you on a test drive today.
5 Impressive Features of the 2022 Ford F150
Discover why the 2022 Ford F-150 is the best-selling overall vehicle in the United States. At Crain Ford of Little Rock, we feel proud knowing that more Ford F-Series trucks stay on the road after 250,000 miles than any other line of pickups. Find the features that allow the Ford F-150 to maintain dominance in the automobile market below
1. Proven Reliability
Designed to perform under all weather and road conditions,
the 2022 F-150 continues to impress. With a fully boxed high-strength steel frame
and a military-grade aluminum-alloy body, the F-150 delivers the toughest truck
yet.
Whether you are hauling and towing or going off-roading, the F-150’s top-class
durability can handle it all – keeping it at the top of the pack.
2. Superb Hauling and Towing
The F-150 features best-in-class hauling and towing. Ford
proudly offers seven available engines for the F-150, including the new
3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, which puts out 430 horsepower and 570
lb-ft of torque.
With up to 14,000 lbs of available towing and 3,325 lbs of payload capacity,
the 2022 F-150 will handle today’s job better than any other pickup.
3. Innovative Versatility
Customize the perfect F-150 to meet your needs and reflect your personal style. The F-150 offers three different cab styles — regular, extended, and crew — along with three different bed lengths: 5.5′, 6.5′, and 8′. Additional options include:
- Automated parking
- Retractable running boards
- Tailgate and box-side steps
- Rear proximity sensor array
- Integrated trailer brake controller for towing
The new 2022 F-150 also introduces innovative onboard scales, a smart hitch
feature, and BlueCruise.
4. Pro Power Onboard™
Turn your truck into a mobile power generator with Pro Power
Onboard™. The 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine delivers up to 7.2kW
of transferable power. Whether you’re on the job or out for recreation, your
new F-150 will enable you to operate any compatible tool or device.
5. Advanced Safety System
The F-150’s five-star safety rating allows you to tackle any obstacle with confidence. Ford Co-Pilot360™ controls all of your driving assistance features, such as:
- Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera functional with dynamic hitch assist
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
- Lane-changing indicators
An Anti-Lock Braking System, traction and stability control, and an array of advanced airbags round out the standard safety features for the F-150.
Experience for yourself why the new F-150 consistently dominates the competition. Designed and tested for every imaginable situation a truck can encounter, the 2022 F-150 offers you a rugged, adaptable, and customizable vehicle that delivers everything you could possibly need. Call Crain Ford of Little Rock today at 501-436-4461 to schedule a test drive!
Image via Ford.
Without its engine, your car wouldn’t really be your car anymore, so it makes sense to be vigilant about its health. However, acting on engine issues can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about big repair bills. The good news is that by promptly getting your car to the Ford dealer, you can prevent small engine problems from turning into big ones, so check out our list of signs that it’s time to schedule a diagnostic check.
1. Overheating
Your car has a variety of ways of letting you know when the
engine is too hot, the most obvious being the temperature gauge and warning
light on the dashboard. There are many potential causes for this, including
problems with the coolant levels, thermostat, water pump, radiator, or cooling
fan, but the important thing is getting it checked out before it seizes up.
2. Difficulty Starting
If your car won’t start, it could indicate a problem with
the battery or alternator, or perhaps an issue with the fuel pump and ignition
process. A malfunctioning catalytic converter can also affect the fuel-air
ratio and make it difficult for the engine to turn over.
3. Stalling
Sudden stalling of the car engine is the last thing that you
want when you’re navigating a busy or tricky piece of road and could signal
issues with the fuel filter, fuel line, or spark plugs. There are other
possible causes, but either way, it’s important to get it checked out.
4. Odd Noises
As the person who knows the sound of your car the best,
you’ll probably be the first person to notice that things might be awry under
the hood. If the fuel in the engine cylinders is burning unevenly, it can cause
knocking, a pinging or tapping sound that increases in volume as you
accelerate. Other causes for concern include squeaking, rumbling, or unusual
vibrations, which could indicate a worn timing belt or a host of other
problems.
5. Leaks
Pay attention to any puddles that form under your car on the driveway, as they really shouldn’t be there. If the leak is an amber or dark brown color, then your engine has an oil leak, which could suggest a cracked engine block, poor oil filter, or malfunctioning pans, caps, or plugs. Alternatively, it might be coolant from a damaged radiator system or even gas. Any of these will affect the longevity and safety of your car.
Your engine is filled with delicate precision instruments that might be difficult, expensive, or even impossible to fix if they get broken, so it really does pay to be vigilant and proactive. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, or just for the peace of mind of knowing that your car is in good shape, schedule a service at Crain Ford of Little Rock and let our trained mechanics give your car the best diagnosis and repair.
Image via Ford.
Sitting along the banks of the Arkansas River and surrounded
by numerous lakes and reservoirs, the city of Little Rock, AR, is not far from several
excellent boating, kayaking, and canoeing destinations. If you are looking for
places to explore with your family in your brand-new 2022 Ford Edge, these are
some nearby spots you should not miss while in the area.
1. Lake Maumelle
Covering a surface area of a little under 9,000 acres, Lake
Maumelle is an artificial reservoir created in the 1950s as a result of the
damming of the Big Maumelle River. Serving as one of the primary sources of
drinking water for the city of Little Rock and other nearby towns, Lake
Maumelle is also a popular destination among water sports enthusiasts from all
over central Arkansas.
The main public boat ramp available in Lake Maumelle is located along its
southern shores, in an area known as WestRock Landing. This body of water is
also a great spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, as it is home to large
populations of largemouth bass, spotted bass, and other popular species.
Located just 20 miles northwest of downtown Little Rock, Lake Maumelle can be
reached in under half an hour by car.
2. Lake Conway
Completed in 1948 and spanning a surface area of around
6,700 acres, Lake Conway is the first and largest body of water created by the
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Home to numerous species of fish, this lake
has been a great fishing destination since its early days, as well as a popular
spot for boaters, paddlers, kayakers, and canoers.
Getting from the Little Rock city center to Lake Conway takes about half an
hour by car, driving north along route I-40. Once you make your way here, most
of the public boat ramps are located along the eastern shores of the lake in
the Cherokee Creek area and within the territory of the Camp Robinson State
Wildlife Management Area.
3. Lake Winona
Located about 35 miles west of downtown Little Rock, Lake Winona is another great destination to go on a day trip with your friends, launch your boat, and enjoy some time fishing or simply taking in the beautiful surroundings. Covering a surface area of about 1,200 acres, this body of water is located within the Ouachita National Forest and features two public boat ramps on its southern and northeastern shores.
If you are looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle with which you can easily and safely tow your boat to one of these fantastic destinations, visit us today at Crain Ford of Little Rock! Check out our latest deals, talk to one of our friendly agents, and take home a car that adapts to your needs.
Image via Pixabay.
What’s Included in the Ford Car Warranty in 2022?
You’ve been eyeing the new Ford EcoSport SE, and you’re almost ready to hand over your money. You’re wondering about the car warranty details and length of coverage. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give a breakdown of the Ford warranty for new vehicles, including coverage length and exclusions, but we recommend you ask your Ford dealer for specifics.
Ford Warranty
All new Fords cover the repair or replacement of defective
parts and materials. Ford’s warranty coverage and protection can change
depending on age, mileage, and different parts of the car. The main protection
depends on the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties. We will go through
all of the details below.
Bumper-to-Bumper
This protects almost all mechanical and electrical components. However, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover any labor required for general maintenance of the vehicle or parts that need replacement due to normal wear and tear. You are responsible for:
- Oil changes
- Oil and air filter cleaning
- Tire rotation and wheel alignment
- Tire inflation
- Car cleaning
- Clutch linings
- Brake pad maintenance
- Wiper blades
Powertrain
This covers your car’s essential components, including the
engine, transmission, front-wheel and rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive or
all-wheel drive. Take note that the warranty is voided in cases of damage
caused by accidents, vandalism, improper maintenance, theft, or improper fuel
use.
Corrosion
Your corrosion warranty covers your car’s sheet metal panels
and aluminum body panels against rust. Corrosion can occur after a collision or
as a result of salt, water, and other environmental factors, so make sure to
act fast if you’re in an accident to protect yourself and keep your warranty
valid.
Safety Restraint
This covers your Ford’s airbag Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) and safety belts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Emissions
Emissions covers your onboard emissions diagnostic devices,
catalytic converters, and the electronic emissions control unit for passenger
cars and light-duty trucks. This warranty generally lasts eight years or 80,000
miles, but read the fine print in case any parts have a different coverage time
frame.
Diesel Engine Coverage
Ford’s warranty in 2022 protects direct injection diesel
engines. This means that your water pump, seals, sensors, and gaskets are
covered. However, any environmental damage will make you ineligible, so make
sure to keep your Ford covered up in extreme weather if you don’t want to fork
out tons of cash for repairs.
Is My Warranty Good at Any Ford Dealer?
Warranty repair work must be completed at a Ford-authorized dealership. Note that only specially-trained mechanics can perform some warranty work, so, depending on the work that you need to be done, your vehicle may need to be taken to a specialized dealership.
We understand that buying a new car can be daunting! If you have any other questions about the specific details of a particular Ford model, come on down to Crain Ford of Little Rock, and we’d be happy to assist you.
Image via Ford.
How We Provide a Quality Collision Repair
Collision repair is a specialized service. It involves completely restoring a vehicle that’s been involved in an accident. A vehicle that’s been restored will be in the same condition as it was when it was originally purchased. This type of repair requires specialist training and equipment. As your Ford dealer in Little Rock, AR, we can provide quality repair for you. This is the procedure we will use to restore a car.
Schedule a Repair
This part of the process can vary depending on where you or
your insurance are arranging the repair. Either you or your insurance company
will contact us to schedule the repair.
Visual Inspection
Once your Ford has arrived at any of our three repair
centers, one of our expert technicians will perform a visual inspection of your
car. This inspection is videoed and thoroughly documented. This inspection will
reveal the extent of the damage. The report will be used to produce the repair
plan.
Check-In
While the inspection is underway, our customer service team
will check your car in. If your insurance is handling the repair, we’ll ask you
for their details. Different insurance companies have different procedures, and
we will work with your insurance to expedite the proceedings. If you would like
a lift home, or you would like to rent a car, we can also help you with this.
Disassembly
Our skilled technicians will disassemble your Ford by
removing any damaged parts. Removing these parts will allow our technicians to
check the underlying structure for any signs of damage. Your insurance company
may also send one of their representatives to examine the damage.
Notification
Once we’ve confirmed the full extent of the damage, we’ll
prepare a quote for the repairs. We will also send a copy to your insurance
company if they arrange the repairs. Once we receive confirmation from either
you or your insurance company, that we can proceed, we’ll begin the repair
process.
Repairs
All our technicians are Ford-trained, which makes them experts
in repairing any Ford vehicle. We only use genuine Ford parts in all repairs to
ensure the highest standard of quality. In addition, we have the most
up-to-date technology available to ensure that all repairs meet Ford’s
high-quality standards.
Quality Control
Once the repairs are complete, our quality control team will
reexamine your car. They will check the repairs have been completed according
to the standards set by Ford.
Collection
We’ll let you know that your car is ready for collection. Once you’ve confirmed that you’re happy with the repairs, you’ll drive off in a perfectly restored car.
If you need any repairs to your Ford, call the experts at Crain Ford of Little Rock.
Image via Ford.
No matter how much you enjoy the hustle and bustle, everyone benefits from the chance to take a moment and appreciate the glory of the world around them. Whether you’re the sort of person who immediately reaches for the camera or just stands still and breathes it in, Little Rock, AR has some of the best views around. Check out our list of places that’ll give your eyes a real treat.
1. Maumelle Park
This park is close enough to Little Rock for all
conveniences but sufficiently secluded to give a true sense of getting away
from it all. Visitors can walk and camp while reveling in the open spaces and
the beauty of their surroundings.
Whether you’re watching the stunning sunsets across the river or contemplating
the uplifting harmony of the natural world, Maumelle Park gives you the chance
to truly savor the great outdoors. It’s a great excuse to pack a picnic and
take your Ford Bronco out for an adventure.
2. Riverfront Park
This park, which runs along the north shore of the Arkansas
River, contains a plethora of great views. Visitors can cross Junction Bridge
to gaze at the vista across the river or enjoy the striking view of the bridge
itself, especially when illuminated by night.
The park itself offers a fusion of urban and natural views, with sculptures and
beautiful flowerbeds to appreciate. Whether you enjoy artwork, industrial
structures, or the beauty of the river itself, Riverfront Park offers some of
the best views in the city.
3. The Old Mill
Located in TR Pugh Memorial Park, this is another treat for
anyone who loves a view with a historical flavor. Combining a beautiful, serene
location with distinctive bridges and sculptures, the center point of this
trail is a quaint water mill that was originally built in 1880. This striking
building features in the iconic scenery of “Gone With The Wind”, and
gives visitors plenty to explore while they absorb the rustic scenery.
4. Two Rivers Park
Located on an island, with the Arkansas River flowing all
around, this park has wonderful views of the water and Pinnacle Mountain. A
great site for walkers and cyclists, there are also benches and picnic tables
where you can enjoy the plentiful wildlife and beautiful, varied foliage.
5. Campbell Lake Park
Located on the outskirts of Little Rock, this rambling park has a choice of views for the runners, cyclists, and walkers who love to explore the outdoors on the wide paved trails. With plenty of leafy vistas across the water, it’s a serene and peaceful place to connect with nature.
There’s plenty of wildlife around, and it’s possible to spot deer, storks, and armadillos while absorbing the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Nothing beats a dazzling view. Whether you prefer imposing industrial architecture or the allure of the wilds, Little Rock gives you plenty of chances to take in some breathtaking scenes. And while you’re exploring, remember to visit Crain Ford of Little Rock to appreciate the beauty in our range of new and used vehicles.
Image via Pixabay.
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