4 Benefits of Replacing Your Car Air Filter
A car air filter prevents dust, road dirt, and debris from reaching the engine. When you regularly replace your car’s old and dirty air filter with a new one at your Ford dealer, you will reap many benefits, including better gas mileage and reduced emissions. Best of all, your engine will last longer.
1. Better Gas Mileage
If you want to spend less cash on gas, replace your car’s
dirty and clogged air filter with a new one, and we guarantee you will have to fill
up less often at the pump. An air filter that is clogged up prevents clean air
from flowing through to the engine, and your car makes up for it by guzzling
more gas. A new air filter will increase the airflow to the engine, lowering
your car’s fuel consumption. Improve your gas mileage by asking your Ford
technician to replace the filter.
2. Lower Emissions
To avoid a lot of car trouble that will lead to costly
repairs and to minimize your car’s emissions, have your air filter replaced by
your Ford technician regularly. When leaves, bugs, dust, and dirt block the air
filter, not enough clean air can flow through, causing an improper air-fuel
mixture.
Deposits accumulate on the engine, a soot residue will foul the spark plugs,
and your car will shake, vibrate, and idle roughly. You might even find it hard
to start your vehicle, and in extreme cases, your vehicle will misfire. Fuel
that is not burned properly might even cause black smoke to billow out of your
exhaust.
3. Longer Engine Life
An air filter’s most important job is to keep dust and dirt,
and other harmful contaminants that could damage components away from your
engine. A clogged and dirty air filter causes poor engine performance, leading
to poor gas mileage, loss of power, and increased emissions.
Regularly replacing your car’s air filter will make your engine last longer.
When an air filter is new, the right amount of clean and fresh air flows
through to the engine, ensuring optimal engine performance.
4. Increased Vehicle Performance
If you want your Ford to perform at its best, your engine needs clean air. A dirty and clogged air filter will prevent the engine from running smoothly. You will hear all sorts of horrible noises coming from under the hood, from spluttering and popping sounds to coughing noises. Worse of all, your car will feel slow and sluggish when you step on the accelerator.
To ensure your vehicle is performing optimally, stick to your service schedule. Your Ford technicians will replace your car’s air filter at the factory-recommended intervals to avoid car troubles that could lead to expensive repairs and replacements. Â
Replace your car’s air filter regularly, and you will save money on gas, reduce your car’s emissions, and your Ford will run smoothly and be a pleasure to drive. Contact Crain Ford of Little Rock today and schedule a maintenance appointment. Our qualified Ford technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and ensure it performs at its best.
Image via Ford.
So, you’re in the market for a new vehicle, but you don’t have quite enough cash on hand to pay for it outright. Financing the vehicle means you can drive it home today, and fortunately, your local dealer can help. Here’s why you should look no further than your local Ford dealer for car financing.Â
1. It’s Usually the Fastest Option
Financing your new car or truck through the dealership is
usually the fastest and most convenient approach. You can pick out a vehicle,
negotiate the price, and arrange financing without ever leaving the dealership.
We know you’ll be excited about your new vehicle, and arranging the financing
through your dealership is the fastest way of getting behind the wheel.
2. It’s a Great Deal
Most dealerships have large financing departments that work
on getting each buyer a competitive interest rate. Once you’ve filled out a
financing application, your dealer will shop it around to multiple lenders and
bring a set of offers back for you to select from. The fact that you’ll have
various offers to choose from guarantees that you’ll find a financing package
that suits your financial situation.
3. It’s a Solution for Those With Poor Credit
If you’ve got poor credit and are worried about your ability
to qualify for financing, a dealership that offers in-house financing is the
perfect place to go. When you take advantage of in-house financing, you’re
borrowing directly from the auto dealership, not from an independent financial
institution. You then pay back the amount you borrowed, plus interest fees, to
the dealership.
A dealership with in-house financing may take a more lenient approach when
evaluating your credit score and your overall financial picture. Even if your
credit isn’t great, you still stand a good chance of being offered financing
when you work with a dealer that offers in-house financing.
4. It May Open Up a Special Offer
Some buyers who finance through the dealership qualify for
special promotional financing, which usually carries an ultra-low interest rate
or, in some cases, no interest rate at all. These offers are usually available
only to customers with excellent credit scores. If you’re able to score
promotional financing, you can rest assured that you’re being offered extremely
low-cost financing.
5. It Won’t Matter Who You Know
One of the great things about financing through a dealership is that it doesn’t matter who you are or who you know. Dealerships will work with anyone to get a great financing package. It doesn’t matter how much money you make or if you’ve purchased cars from that dealership before. A good dealer will partner with you and advocate on your behalf when reaching out to lenders.
Car shopping is fun, and getting comfortable with the financing process helps you relax and enjoy picking out your next car or truck. What are you waiting for? Head to Crain Ford of Little Rock and pick out a brand new vehicle today!
Image via Ford.
Is your car overheating? Don’t stress. The qualified and experienced technicians at your Ford dealer will quickly determine the cause and expertly fix your vehicle’s overheating problem in no time at all.
Signs Your Car is Overheating
You will know your car is overheating when the engine
temperature gauge is in the red. You will also hear a ticking sound coming from
under the hood and might even get a whiff of leaking coolant or burnt oil. Your
car will also overheat when there is not enough coolant and engine oil. Check
under your car for telltale puddles to see if oil or coolant is leaking.
If you see steam or smoke pouring out from under the hood, it indicates that
the engine is getting too hot. Whatever is causing your car to overheat,
contact your Ford technician immediately for assistance.
The Causes of Overheating
A wide range of issues cause overheating to occur. It could
be anything from low coolant, a broken thermostat, and poor airflow to leaks in
the cooling system, a malfunctioning radiator fan, and blocked hoses. When your
car overheats, it’s vital to get professional assistance. Ignoring overheating
issues could lead to severe engine damage that will cost a bundle of cash to
repair or replace. Contact your dealership ASAP to ask for help.
What To Do When Your Car Is Overheating
When you notice your car is overheating, avoid further damage
with the following tips until your Ford technician fixes the problem.
Turn Off the A/C and Turn On the Heat
The moment you notice your car is overheating, switch off
the air conditioner and turn up the heat. In doing so, you will pull the heat
away from the engine.
Pull Over
When your car overheats, it’s best not to drive any further. You need to stop in a safe place and switch your car off to allow the engine to cool down. Wait 15 minutes or so before you pop the hood to avoid being injured by the steam.
Phone for Assistance
While you wait for your car to cool down, phone your dealership for assistance. Watch the temperature gauge, and when the temperature is back to normal, you can pop the hood.
Check the Coolant Level
If the coolant is low, top it off. You still need to get your car to your Ford technician to get it checked out thoroughly. You don’t want more damage to occur and fork out cash for costly repairs.
Switch the Engine On
Start the engine when the temperature is back to normal. Keep a watchful eye on the temperature gauge while driving to the dealership. If your car overheats again, pull over and contact your dealership to tow your vehicle.
How To Prevent Your Car From Overheating
Regular maintenance is essential to avoid overheating issues. That is why sticking to the factory prescribed maintenance intervals and relying on top-quality maintenance services are important. During a maintenance inspection, your Ford technician will check every system and component and ensure that all the fluids are topped off to the correct levels.
During maintenance services, issues will be detected early, and major repairs will be avoided down the line. The maintenance schedule and the recommended maintenance intervals are in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or you can speak to your Ford technician.
When your Ford overheats, the best cause of action is to contact your dealership as soon as possible and allow a qualified Ford technician to determine what is causing the problem. Contact Crain Ford of Little Rock today. Our team of highly-trained Ford technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition.
Image via Ford.
Little Rock, AR, is a beautiful city with fantastic restaurants, world-class museums, and stunning architecture. The city has a fabulous landscape of mountains, rivers, woodlands, and parks, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. Spend your sunny days exploring nature and hiking through the city’s hiking trails and paths.
Allsopp Park
Allsopp Park, located near the city center, has 3.7 miles of
intermediate earthen and paved trails ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The
trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for hikers of all levels and
ages. It is also pet-friendly, but you must keep your pet on a leash. After a
short hike, you can relax on the picnic tables and take in the scenery while
sipping a cold drink.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park has a variety of trails that
provide an excellent workout. You can embark on a daring adventure on the
mountain’s East Summit Trail, which is highly technical but rewarding in terms
of scenery, or you can enjoy the steady trail on the West Summit Trail. Both
trails lead to the mountain’s summit, where you can take in breathtaking views
of the Arkansas River Valley, Lake Maumelle, and the Ouachita Mountains.
River Mountain Park
The River Mountain Park trail will bring you closer to the
beautiful and relaxing sights and sounds of nature, especially in the spring
and summer. The park is located in the center of Little Rock and can be
accessed through the Connor and Two River Parks.
The nature trail is 2.9 miles long and loops around a well-shaded creek. If you
plan to hike on the trail, make sure you have the proper hiking gear because,
while the trail is easy to navigate, the terrain can be challenging at times.
How Often Should You Get a Ford Safety Inspection?
After purchasing your new or used vehicle at the Ford dealer, the in-house technicians will invite you back to the service center for your annual car safety inspection. But is it necessary for you to attend this? And if so, is once a year a good interval? Today, we will have a closer look at when you should visit your dealership for car maintenance and why it’s important to always work with qualified mechanics.
How Often Is a Car Safety Inspection Necessary?
Most Ford vehicles will run well if you come to the
dealership once a year or every 10,000 miles for your maintenance appointment.
However, we sell many models, including hybrid cars, which work differently
from traditional ones. For this reason, it’s best to check out your service
manual or ask your local technicians about the optimal frequency of service.
If you notice a problem with your vehicle, you shouldn’t delay getting in touch
with a qualified mechanic, even if your last service appointment is recent.
Indications of serious issues could include strange sounds and smells, a change
in the way your Ford drives, or one of the warning lights on your dashboard
lighting up.
What Are the Benefits of Such an Inspection?
As the term “safety inspection” suggests, the main
reason to visit your dealer and have your car serviced is to make sure the
vehicle is still safe to drive. Every year, there are hundreds of thousands of
accidents on US roads, and many of them occur due to a fault in a car’s brakes
or engine. By having your Ford checked out regularly, you are preventing
serious or even life-threatening accidents.
But your maintenance appointment also has other benefits. Small problems with
your vehicle will be spotted early, which means that they won’t develop into
larger, more costly issues. In the long run, this saves you a lot of money.
What’s more, a great service record can significantly increase the resale value
of your car, so you can trade it in or sell it on for more.
When it comes to automobile maintenance, few things are as important as having the right tires. Although we tend to take our tires for granted, they play a vital role in our cars’ performance and safety. Here are a few signs from your Ford dealer that you need new tires.
1. Uneven Tire Tread
Your car’s safety depends on the tread on your tires. Tires
encounter huge amounts of pressure, heat, and abrasion. It’s essential to check
your tires regularly for safety and performance reasons.
A tire with uneven tread wear is dangerous and should be replaced
immediately. Uneven tread wear can be caused by improper inflation, a car out
of alignment, or problems with the suspension. If your tires have uneven tread
and are worn or dry-rotted, your vehicle may be dangerous to drive.
2. Worn Down Tires
Car tires generate the traction that makes it possible for
you to accelerate, stop, or turn. Tread helps tires grip the road and prevents
hydroplaning. It’s best to have your tires checked by a technician to avoid
potential problems.
It’s also easy to determine if your tread is too low by running the penny test.
With Lincoln’s head pointing down, place a penny in the grooves between your
tires’ treads. When you can still see Lincoln’s head, the tire tread is too
shallow, and it’s time to replace your tires.
4 Signs Your Ford Needs New Headlights
Your headlights keep you out of harm’s way on the road, and they make sure other motorists are safe when you’re driving, too. However, you’ll eventually need new headlights, as they’re one of the components that can wear out in your vehicle. Don’t worry when it’s time to replace your headlights, as your Little Rock, AR Ford dealer can take care of it for you. The signs below will let you know when it’s time to stop by.
1. Your Headlights Stop Working
Sometimes your headlights won’t warn you that the end is
near, and they’ll simply stop working. They need to be replaced ASAP. You can’t
drive in dark conditions of any kind until you replace your headlights, so
getting them replaced should be right at the top of your to-do list.
Make sure you replace both headlights even if only one is dead. Having one new
and one old headlight will lead to inconsistent brightness, as one may be
brighter than the other. It’s also more convenient to replace them together, as
replacing individual headlights when they need it means you’ll need to take
more trips to the dealer. That can seriously disrupt your day.
2. Your Headlights Become Hazy
Dirt, salt, and other contaminants can lead to your
headlights producing yellowish or hazy light. This means you’ll need to get a
technician to clean your headlight covers in a cleanser designed for them. You
shouldn’t attempt to remove your headlight covers yourself, as you can easily
slip up and damage them if you’re not a professional.
Sometimes cleaning your headlight covers won’t do the trick to repair your hazy
headlights. That’s another reason you should let a professional take a look at
your lights if they become hazy. You might need to replace your headlights
entirely, so make sure you visit the dealer for all headlight cleaning and
repair services.
3 of the Best Museums to Visit Near Little Rock, AR
In the summer, we can enjoy many activities, like swimming; however, it is sometimes harder to keep ourselves busy when the weather turns cold. So this winter, entertain yourself and your family by visiting the best museums that Little Rock, AR, has to offer.
1. Museum of Discovery
Located at 500 President Clinton Ave, the Museum of Discover
is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm, and on Sundays from 1 – 5 pm,
they are closed, however, on Mondays. The entry fee for children 12 years and
younger is just $8, while adults are $10. Here at the Discovery Museum, you can
take virtual or in-person field trips. Additionally, you can schedule to host
your next birthday party here.
In addition to its standing exhibits, the Museum of Discovery offers multiple
events during the year. Upcoming events include their Noon Year’s Eve event and
their Wiggle Worms: Pop Ornaments event. This is a fantastic place to bring
your kids for a day of discovery and science. The best part is that you can
visit all year round.
2. Historic Arkansas Museum
The Historic Arkansas Museum, or the HAM, is located at 200
E 3rd St. Their hours of operation are Tuesday thru Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm
and Sundays from 1 – 5 pm; they are closed on Mondays. The HAM offers free
museum parking, perfect for multi-vehicle parties and their galleries are free.
Tours of the grounds are $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for senior citizens, and $1
for anyone under 18.
At the Historic Arkansas Museum, you can enjoy the oldest building in Little
Rock. This 1850s farmstead is on a historic city block; you can also enjoy the
art galleries. In addition to the farmstead and art, at the HAM, you can learn
about indigenous Arkansans, contemporary artists and enjoy their programs and
events throughout the year.
Located almost in the geographic center of the state, the city of Little Rock, AR, is an excellent base to explore the different nature reserves and beautiful scenery of the region. Whether you are into hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, or swimming, these are some beautiful state parks you can reach in less than two hours by car. Fill up your tank, grab some snacks, and hit the road with your family or a group of friends.
1. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Established in 1977 by the Arkansas Department of Parks and
Tourism, Pinnacle Mountain State Park covers an area of a little under 2,500
acres and is located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Little Rock. Managed
by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, this public recreation area
features the second largest natural point in Pulaski County, as well an
8,900-acre reservoir created after the damming of the Big Maumelle River.
Although Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a great spot for picnicking and simply
relaxing in nature, it is also an excellent destination for different
recreational activities and outdoor sports including hiking, mountain biking,
and wildlife photography. In the waters of Lake Maumelle, visitors can practice
fishing, boating, and canoeing. Getting here from the Little Rock downtown area
takes about 20 minutes by car, driving along route I-630 and Pinnacle Valley
Road.
2. Woolly Hollow State Park
Located about 50 miles north of Little Rock, Woolly Hollow
State Park is another great destination for hiking, biking, picnicking,
camping, and other outdoor activities. Getting here takes about an hour by car
along route I-40, making it a good day-trip destination for families and groups
of friends looking for a break from the city routine. This park was established
in 1973 and receives thousands of visitors each year from all over the state.
Without a doubt, the main attraction at Woolly Hollow State Park is Lake
Bennett, a 40-acre body of water that offers great opportunities for fishing,
boating, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Not far from the shore, visitors can
grab a bite or a drink at a small snack bar. Additional facilities include 40
different campsites, a bathhouse with hot showers, as well as well-maintained
toilets, picnic tables, and a small pavilion.
5 Great Models for Energy-Conscious Drivers
Ford hybrid vehicles are great for energy-conscious drivers as they incorporate advanced fuel-saving technology. These innovative vehicles ooze efficiency, simplicity, and style. Plug-in hybrids can be recharged in less than three hours using a 240-volt outlet. Your Ford dealership will be delighted to help you find the best hybrid for your needs.
1. 2021 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid
The Escape Titanium hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated range of
582 miles. This vehicle utilizes an 88kW electric motor and an electronically
controlled continuously variable transmission. To leave more room in the cargo
area the vehicle battery has been moved below the floor of the second row of
seats. This car uses a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. These features
combine to make the Escape an ideal choice for environmentally conscious
drivers.
Ford includes many of its latest features as standard. Ford Co-Pilot 360
Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system ensure
this car meets all modern requirements.
2. 2022 Ford Explorer Limited
Owners of the Ford Explorer can enjoy a no-nonsense hybrid
SUV. The vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds and negotiate off-road driving with
ease. The vehicle features voice-controlled SYNC to optimize every trip you
take and avoid traffic jams!
3. 2021 Ford Escape SE Plug-In Hybrid
Charging the Escape SE is done via a Level 1/Level 2 AC
charging port. Users of a 110-volt Level 1 charger will need to allow up to 11
hours to fully charge the car battery. By switching to a 240-volt Level 2
charger, the charge time can be dramatically cut to approximately 3.5 hours.
Storage of the battery has been moved to underneath the vehicle. This means
there is more space in the cabin and no humps in the cabin from the battery.
The Escape Se includes Co-Pilot 360 to aid when driving. More cargo space can
easily be created thanks to the split-fold seats in the second row. SYNC
technology allows you to use voice controls to make phone calls, play your
favorite music, and much more!
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