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A service technician performing an oil change on a vehicle that is up on racks in a bay.

Is Your Ford Due for an Oil Change?

If there's one vehicle service you wouldn't want to miss, it's changing the oil. Even slight degradation in motor oil diminishes its ability to lubricate, clean, and protect your car's engine. This means permanent wear and tear to the engine's internal components, which hinders the power, performance, and longevity of your car. If you notice the following indications of engine trouble, head to your local Ford dealer right away for an oil change. more Your Indicator Light Every modern vehicle has a dashboard indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to get your oil serviced. For most vehicles, it appears every 10,000 miles or so, but this can vary widely depending on the individual vehicle’s make or model. If you see the oil change indicator light (which looks like an oil can), get in for service. Knocking Sounds The primary job of motor oil is to keep the many moving parts fully lubricated. But as oil ages and fills with contaminants, it starts to thicken and turn into sludge, compromising its viscosity and losing its lubricating properties. This causes the pistons, rods, shafts, pushrods, and valves to rub and knock against each other, generating friction and knocking noises. If you hear tapping, banging, or knocking coming from your car's engine compartment, pull over and check the oil; it may need to be changed at once. Strange Vibrations When an unlubricated engine starts to struggle, you'll feel the car vibrating strangely. These excess vibrations are likely to be more noticeable when you're idling. Smell of Burning If your motor oil leaks, you may smell it burning as it drips onto heated engine parts. Low or degraded oil can cause overheating as well, which may also generate a burning smell. Overheating Engine The motor oil aids the coolant in controlling the engine's temperature. Therefore, if your oil reduces, leaks, or deteriorates, your car is more likely to overheat. This will cause the engine power to plummet and the dashboard's engine temperature gauge to shoot up. You might also hear loud ticking sounds and see white vapor rising from under the hood. Blue Exhaust Smoke Sometimes, oxidized oil can leak past the valve seals or piston rings into the combustion chambers. Therein, it burns alongside the fuel, potentially causing strange bluish smoke to escape from the tailpipe. Thick, Grimy Oil It's wise to periodically inspect your motor oil. If the oil is darkened and grimy, clearly filled with dirt and particles, have it refreshed. Motor oil continually collects contaminants from the engine, sweeping all debris into the oil filter. This filter needs to be changed before it fills up; otherwise, the collected debris will reenter the oil, leading to rapid degradation. Change Oil Twice a Year at Your Ford Dealer Even the most diligent drivers might occasionally forget to change their oil during a busy period. We can help you avoid this risk. When you schedule oil servicing with us, we can remind you whenever your next servicing call is approaching. Visit Auffenberg Ford, Inc. in Belleville, IL, for prompt, courteous vehicle maintenance and repairs. We offer a one-stop shop for all your Ford-related needs, whatever they are.

A man holding a door for a woman as she gets out of the driver's side of a black 2024 Ford Expedition in front of a hotel.

Family Expeditions Redefined: The 2024 Ford Expedition

The 2024 Ford Expedition is one of the most impressive family hauler sport utility vehicles on the market right now. It has an expanse of interior space, a commendable towing capacity, and plenty of safety features to keep the whole family secure. Let’s take a deep dive into what to expect from the 2024 Ford Expedition and how it exemplifies family expeditions redefined. more Space for Everyone and Everything The regular 2024 Ford Expedition trims seat five, while MAX trims seat seven or eight people. Both the regular and MAX trims have a vast amount of interior space to accommodate people and cargo comfortably. There are over 60 inches of shoulder room in every row, 40 inches of legroom in every row with the seats fully forward, and over 60 inches of hip room in the first and second rows. The third row has 51.4 inches of hip room. The regular trims and MAX trims have 104.6 and 121.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, respectively. You get to use all of this space by folding down the third and second rows. There are also several ways you can configure the seating to transport both cargo and passengers; the second row has a 40/20/40 split fold-flat bench with CenterSlide. A Towing Capacity to Be Proud Of The MAX is a large and sturdy vehicle with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This gives it a very impressive towing capacity. The MAX trims can tow up to 9,000 pounds. The strongest Expedition models are the regular 4x2 models, towing up to 9,300 pounds. The regular 4x4 Expedition models come in second, towing up to 9,200 pounds. Navigation To Help You Find Your Way The Expedition comes with a standard 1-year Connected Navigation plan. This lets you get a feel for how helpful it is without having to upgrade to a higher trim or pay any extra fees. Safety for Every Situation Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on the Expedition. Its features are a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, a rearview camera, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and a Lane-Keeping System. These features aim to keep you safe at the front, rear, and sides of your car and in every driving situation. The safety suite also has Hill Descent Control, enhancing your safety on steep inclines. Technology and Connectivity at All Times The Expedition's 12-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system has a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, letting you go online anywhere. There are smart-charging USB ports to keep your devices charged on the road, too. There are two USB ports in the front and two in the second row in regular models. Some MAX trims also have two in the third row. Looking for a new vehicle to take you on your next expedition? Come check out the Ford Expedition at Auffenberg Ford Belleville.

A red 2024 Ford Maverick towing a camper trailer. The road lines and background are blurred to give the impression of motion.

Urban Explorer: The 2024 Ford Maverick

The 2024 Ford Maverick is an exciting and powerful compact pickup truck ready to take on whatever comes its way. It boasts excellent handling, cutting-edge features, and an unbeatable design. Here's your guide to the all-new Ford Maverick, so you can see for yourself how it’s the ultimate Urban Explorer when you need to get the job done around town. more 1. Performance and Versatility Discover unparalleled performance in the all-new 2024 Ford Maverick. It impresses with its cutting-edge performance features and robust engines, making it ideal for various needs. Its unibody construction ensures smooth rides, minimizes rollovers, and promotes better fuel economy. Under the hood is a 250-horsepower two-cylinder EcoBoost powertrain. With this engine, you can opt for the available 4K Tow Package, which includes a trailer hitch receiver with a 7-pin connector that makes it easy to bring your boat on a weekend getaway. There is also a 2.5-liter hybrid engine, generating a combined 191-horsepower while working with an automatic continuously variable transmission. Available all-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels for improved traction. When adequately equipped, the Ford Maverick has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. 2. Comfort and Entertainment The Ford Maverick comes equipped with advanced cabin tech and comfortable design elements to make every trip enjoyable. It has ample seating space for five passengers, and outward visibility is top-notch thanks to its high seating position. Every Maverick model features a 4-foot 6-inch bed, and the cabin has several storage options for drinks, laptops, and other smaller equipment. The Maverick comes standard with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth technology, and six speakers. There is also a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen that provides essential information about the vehicle's operation and status. The standard FordPass Connect app enables drivers to access remote features like start/stop, car location, fuel levels, and oil life: all from their smartphones. 3. Safety and Driver Assistance When it comes to safety, rest assured that you'll be well covered in the 2024 Maverick, with features like automatic emergency brakes that can detect a possible car crash and automatically apply the brakes. There is also cruise control, which allows you to set your car to a particular speed, letting you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. The auto high beam headlamps automatically adjust between low and high beams depending on the outside lighting conditions. The rearview camera will help you see the area behind your vehicle when backing up. Additional safety features include smart occupant sensing airbags, safety canopy side-curtain airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2024 Maverick is a fantastic, budget-friendly pickup truck. It has several off-road features and five drive modes to suit different driving conditions. Ready to explore its excellent features? Stop by Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL, today to take the versatile Ford Maverick for a test drive.

A service technician removing a tire.

Need New Tires? Visit Your Ford Dealership

When it comes to road safety, the condition of your tires is all important. As the only point of your car in direct contact with the road, your tires need to handle a great deal of pressure while maintaining firm traction on all surfaces, at all speeds. So if you ever experience one of the following issues, visit your local Ford dealership right away for new tires. more Treads Too Shallow for Safe Driving When the treads of your tires near 2/32 of an inch, the legal minimum in most states including Illinois, it's time for replacements. It's a good idea to check the depths of your tire treads each time you check the air pressure. That way, you'll also notice uneven tread wear, which usually means you need to rotate your tires.  You can do this with the “Abe” test. Put a penny into your tire, head down, and if you see the top of Abe’s head, your tread is too low! Bubbles, Bulges, or Blisters in the Rubber If one of your tires suddenly sports a strange bulge, bubble, or blister, it probably needs to go. External bulges often indicate serious internal damage caused by a heavy knock against a curb or pothole. When the internal tubing ruptures, air can escape and become trapped under the outer layer of rubber, forming a bulge. Cracks, Cuts, or Embedded Objects With most tires, tiny cracks appear in the sidewalls over time as the rubber steadily dries out. These cracks become hazardous when they grow noticeably deeper and longer. Deep cuts anywhere on a tire might also mean it's no longer safe to drive on. Likewise, embedded objects should be removed to see how deeply the tire has been punctured. Ask a technician to diagnose the severity of any such damage. Mysteriously Dropping Air Pressure If your car's automatic air pressure monitor indicates that one of your tires is continuously losing pressure, you'll probably need to have that tire replaced. Inexplicable air loss may point to a hidden puncture or some other fault with your tire, air valve, or wheel rim. Odd Vibrations or Road Noise When tires become excessively uneven or damaged, you're likely to notice strange vibrations, especially when driving at higher speeds. You may also hear a change in the quality of road noise. Always trust your senses in this matter, and ask a technician to check your tires. Rotate Your Tires Twice a Year or More One of the most important tire maintenance services is to have tires rotated twice a year. This evens out tire wear and keeps your tires in great shape for longer. It also gives the technicians a chance to inspect your tires for potential problems that might be causing your tires to wear unevenly. Have your car tires rotated or replaced today at Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL. We're a local full-service dealership offering a one-stop shop for all your vehicle-related needs, whatever they may be.

An image of jumper cables being affixed to a car battery.

3 Signs Your Ford Needs a New Car Battery

It's no surprise to anyone that a car's battery might give out, and though we all hope that it doesn't happen at a bad time, it's important to stay ahead of potential dangers by knowing the signs. While warnings may differ from model to model, here are a few ways to tell when you should come down to see us at your local Ford dealer and pick up a new car battery. more Electrical Difficulties First off, weakening batteries can weaken the vehicle's electrical systems. These problems can be totally car-related, like slowed headlights or slowed interior lights, or battery-based, like in the case of overcharging. Batteries that overcharge are then far more prone to becoming damaged; the amount of power running through them is massive, and, if not reduced by the assistance of the alternator, at risk of boiling the solution inside the battery. In the same vein but on the opposite end, weakening batteries require more jump-starts than strong ones do as they just can't hold a strong charge anymore. While many cars demand a jump-start now and then, if it's happening all the time then your battery is probably dying. There's also the slow-crank problem; an engine that sounds like it's toiling to start is another sign that you need a new battery, as battery-drain is one of the major causes. Visible Damage While a little bit of corrosion can be easily handled through cleaning, more significant cases of wear-and-tear are another good sign that a battery's time has come. A battery that has become damaged enough to lose its original shape (or a battery that has become swollen, and is therefore notably deformed) is not only at risk of breaking down, but could also totally rupture, presenting a danger to the car's systems as well. Time and Age In some cases, it's helpful to replace the battery by just staying ahead of the curve! A Ford battery can generally be expected to last some three to five years, and batteries that have been in use longer than that need constant looking out for.  An experienced technician may be able to glance at your battery's voltage and keep you informed about its health, or lack thereof, and thus help you to determine when it ought to be replaced. Think you may have a damaged or defunct battery but aren't entirely sure? Come see us at Auffenberg Ford Belleville and let our service department give your battery a check-up. Our technicians are experienced, friendly, and well-prepared to give both your battery and your vehicle any help that they might need.

A cutaway photograph of a car transmission, showing all the working parts.

Recognizing When It's Time for Transmission Service for Your Ford

Have you noticed strange grinding or whining sounds from below when you shift gears? Are your gears less smooth, delayed, or even refusing to shift at all? Is there a puddle of red fluid under the front of your car? If you're experiencing any of the transmission problems laid out below, it's time to visit your local Ford dealer for prompt transmission service and repair. more Whining or Grinding Sounds When in good shape, transmissions should shift smoothly and silently. If you hear whining sounds, your gearbox might have insufficient lubrication. You'll need to have the transmission fluid, lines, filter, and pump inspected for faults. Metallic grinding might indicate more serious trouble as gears or other moving parts are rubbing roughly against each other. Clunking or gurgling sounds also shouldn't be ignored. Delayed Gear Engagement Delayed engagement means that the gears take a few seconds longer than usual to fully engage after you shift. As gear shifting should be instantaneous, any delay indicates a potentially serious problem. There might be an issue with the solenoid, seals, bands, pump, filter, or gear sets. A technician will need to diagnose and repair the fault. Slipping or Sticking Gears If your engine starts revving loudly when you shift gears, or you find it hard to accelerate, then your gears might be slipping. A slipping transmission can also cause the gears to suddenly slip into neutral all on their own, which is hazardous while on the road. Slipping might be caused by a worn-out clutch, or by a number of other malfunctions. Likewise, gears that stick and refuse to shift at all are usually a serious sign of gearbox trouble. Leaking Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid is essential for proper gearbox performance. If your transmission fluid ever leaks, you might notice a clear, pink, red, or light brown fluid pooling under your car. You can use the dipstick to check the level of transmission fluid. If it's low, you'll need to have it topped up. If it's a dirty brown color, you'll probably need to flush and replace it with fresh fluid. Burning Smells in the Cabin Transmission fluid is very durable but gradually wears down over time and can eventually start to burn in the heat of the transmission. If this occurs, you might detect a burning smell in the cabin above. Your burning transmission fluid will need to be changed. How Often to Have Transmission Servicing at Your Ford Dealer Transmission fluid typically needs to be flushed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles for most drivers of automatic vehicles. If you have a manual car, you'll need to flush your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 6,000 miles. During your routine maintenance visits, ask a trusted technician to keep an eye on the condition and level of your transmission fluid. Visit Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL, today to have your transmission checked and serviced by qualified professionals. We're a local full-service dealership offering the region's drivers high-quality vehicles, deals, and customer service.

A Ford Bronco with the side doors removed, tackling dusty, rocky desert terrain backed by a hill with scrub grass.

Trim Levels of the 2024 Ford Bronco

The 2024 Ford Bronco is a rugged, compact SUV with a spacious interior and powerful engine options. You can choose from two doors or four as well as nine trail-ready trims. This makes for a supremely customizable vehicle that can suit almost any need or budget, as well as one of the most powerful off-roading beasts on the market today. Let’s explore each of the 2024 Ford Bronco Trim Levels. more 1. Big Ben The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Ben is loaded with standard features, including the full Ford CoPilot360 suite of driver assistance tech, a 12-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, and a seven-speaker stereo system. The base powertrain incorporates four-wheel drive, a seven-speed manual transmission, and the Ford EcoBoost engine, which gets 275 horsepower. It also boasts wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with standard satellite radio. 2. Black Diamond The Black Diamond trim is ready for anything with rubberized flooring that has integrated drain plugs. You'll be able to hose your interior clean in minutes. This Bronco model also adds rock rails, auxiliary lighting, skid plates, and steel bumpers. 3. Outer Banks The Outer Banks trim gives you additional safety features such as a lane-keeping system. You'll also notice sporty exterior additions like the body-colored fender flares, which match the body-colored door handles. This Bronco has leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control. 4. Heritage Edition Consider the Heritage Edition for the control of a terrain management system with six different G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes as well as full-time four-wheel drive. It has a distinctive interior look with ambient LED lighting and a special edition console badge, and a unique two-tone color scheme that stands out in the lineup. 5. Badlands The Badlands trim gives you an extra driving mode for a total of seven G.O.A.T. Modes, as well as raised suspension, upgraded shocks, and larger tires. You can also keep all your passengers connected with two additional USB ports, bringing the complete count to six. 6. Everglades Like the Badlands trim, the Bronco Everglades has marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and this trim adds the comfort of heated front seats. If you select the 10-speed automatic transmission, this model also incorporates Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control. 7. Wildtrak The Bronco Wildtrak is built for tough terrain. It has a steel front bumper with integrated fog lamps, electronic locking front and rear axle, high ground clearance, and Fox internal bypass dampers for superior performance when trailblazing. 8. Heritage Limited Edition This Bronco model adds safety features including adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and forward and reverse parking sensors. You'll also appreciate the sound of a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. 9. Raptor With the top-tier Raptor trim, you get a larger, more powerful engine that delivers 418 hp. It also has rugged features like a front stabilizer bar disconnect and trailer sway control to take your ability to tackle off-road and difficult terrain to an entirely new level. If you're ready for adventure, you need the 2024 Bronco in your life. Visit Auffenberg Ford, Inc. in Belleville, IL to test drive any of these distinctive models.

An image of four ignition coils

4 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil

Ignition coils perform the impressive feat of transforming the battery's meager 12 volts into an enormous surge of 25,000 to 45,000 volts for the spark plugs. If your car’s ignition coil malfunctions, its connected spark plug won't be able to keep sparking and all kinds of engine trouble will ensue. Here are four clear warning signs that you may have a faulty ignition coil in your Ford car, truck, or SUV, and what to do if you think you may need a new coil. more Weakened Acceleration As most engine cylinders have just one ignition coil, when that coil fails, that cylinder can no longer produce power for your car. This weakens the engine, reducing acceleration and making it harder to overtake other vehicles. With a bad coil, you might also find it harder to reach and maintain high speeds on the highway. Reduced Fuel Efficiency With one cylinder failing to fire properly because of a faulty coil, your engine won't be able to carry your car as much distance for each mile of gas it guzzles. You'll need to stop for gas more often and unless you have a new coil installed, you'll soon need to increase your weekly gas budget. Coughing, Shuddering Engine The usual smooth rumble of your engine is generated by all four, six, or eight cylinders firing in a finely tuned rhythm. When one cylinder's spark plug fails to ignite the fuel because of a malfunctioning coil, this rhythm is broken; your engine will cough and shudder as it struggles to keep going. The symptoms of misfiring become most noticeable when the car slows down or rests in idle, which can strain the engine at the best of times. While idling, your engine will sputter alarmingly and may stall. Backfiring and Exhaust Smoke It's important to repair or change a bad coil immediately because, given time, misfiring can cause further damage to other car parts. The unburned fuel in the misfiring cylinder can ignite as the valve opens, creating a loud bang. The fuel can then leak back into the exhaust pipes, causing more backfiring, generating smoke, and potentially destroying the catalytic converter. How Often to Replace Coils at Your Ford Dealer As with almost every car part, your coils need to be routinely replaced. They're normally long-lasting components with lifespans of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, coils can occasionally become damaged prematurely by faults with the wiring or spark plugs. Excessive heat and vibrations, or carbon fouling, can also harm your engine's coils. Visit Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL, to have your coils repaired, refurbished, or replaced today. We're a locally trusted dealership offering a broad range of new and pre-owned vehicles, prompt maintenance services, and attentive customer care.

An image of a collection of new car parts sitting on a wooden table or bench.

Why OEM Parts Are Crucial for Your Ford's Performance

When facing a vehicle repair job, it's seldom wise to cut corners with a sub-par aftermarket car part. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are higher quality, more durable, more compatible with your car, have better warranties, and can save you money in the long run. Here's a detailed guide to not only why OEM parts are crucial for your Ford’s performance, but the many other benefits of opting for genuine OEM parts at your local Ford dealership. more Your Peace of Mind Is Protected by a Superior Warranty Let's talk about warranties. Many drivers appreciate the reassurance offered by a robust and generous warranty when purchasing a new car part. You can probably guess the reason why OEM warranties are usually far superior to the warranties that (occasionally) come with generic parts. It's because OEM car parts are simply better and more reliable in every way. The manufacturer, Ford, is happy to guarantee that they'll handle any defects or issues directly because faults are so rare. OEM Car Parts Are Perfectly Compatible with Your Car With an OEM car part, you're installing exactly the same component that came with the original vehicle. You're guaranteed a perfect fit, just as Ford's engineers intended. By contrast, with generic car parts, the technical specifications are often slightly off, which can lead to all kinds of problems later on. You Get Consistently High Quality with OEM Components OEM car parts meet Ford's high production standards, just like all the parts of your car when it was first assembled. With generic parts, there are no such standards of quality. And once a poor-quality aftermarket part is installed, it often won't take long to notice the difference. Your Vehicle's Longevity Is Bolstered by OEM Components Over time, wear and tear are minimized when all the parts are genuine Ford parts. This is because when you use all OEM parts, they work in perfect unison as designed. When you start installing random generic car parts, on the other hand, wear and tear is often increased. This can shorten the overall lifespan of your vehicle. You Save Money in the Long Run with OEM Car Parts Some drivers are tempted to cut short-term costs with cheaper generic car parts. However, this can often lead to greater expenses over time because these cheaper parts don't last as long as OEM components, meaning you need to replace them more frequently. Aftermarket parts can also increase the number of required repair jobs with other connected car components. Learn More at Your Local Ford Dealership You can find out more about the superior quality of OEM car parts at your local dealership. The technicians will be happy to explain why it makes sense to install a new part that's stamped with the reputable Ford brand. Visit Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL, today to have genuine car parts installed in your vehicle by qualified professionals. We're a local full-service dealership offering excellent vehicles, deals, financing options, and customer care.

A smiling African-American automotive service professional in coveralls and holding two ratchets, standing in front of two vehicles in a repair bay.

5 Services Offered by Your Ford Dealer

As your local Ford dealer, we're the experts on Ford service and maintenance needs for your vehicle. Whether you need a routine oil change or a new alternator, we can help. From keeping you on a regular maintenance plan to run like new for many years, to taking care of you post-accident or for major recalls and repairs, learn five services offered by your local Ford dealer, and where you can go to get your car back in shape. more 1. Ford Service and Maintenance Our Ford service department can take care of your Ford whether you need repairs, preventative maintenance, or a vehicle inspection. We offer oil changes, brake pad and rotor replacements, fluid top-ups, engine air filter changes, and tire rotations. When an indicator light comes on or your Ford isn't driving like normal, we're here to help you get back on the road. Our technicians provide AC and heater services, cooling system and radiator repairs, transmission services, and repairs and replacements for alternators, starters, and struts. When you need a new battery, we can help with that, too. 2. Oil Change Service Oil changes are a fact of life when you own a vehicle. Many Ford vehicle manuals suggest changing it every 7,500 miles. Instead of guessing, let your Ford tell you when it's time for an oil change. Your Ford may be equipped with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor System. You'll see a message on your dash when you need to schedule an oil change. You can also talk to our service center about getting on a routine maintenance schedule so you never have to worry about it. 3. FordPass FordPass is a smartphone app that lets you stay connected to your Ford vehicle, no matter where you are. While it offers plenty of remote functions like starting your vehicle and locking and unlocking your doors, it's also designed to help keep your Ford running well. From the FordPass app, you can check your fuel level and the oil life in your Ford. You can receive vehicle health alerts in the app, and contact Ford's Roadside Assistance if you get stuck on the side of the road. 4. Ford Pick-Up and Delivery Our dealership participates in Ford Pick Up and Delivery, a complimentary service for Ford owners. Depending on where you live, we'll pick up your Ford and bring it to the service department. When we're done working on it, we'll drop it back off to you. Your vehicle must be operational to be eligible for this service. 5. Tire Service When you bring your Ford in for routine maintenance, we'll rotate your tires to extend their life as long as possible. We'll also check your tire treads each time to let you know how much life is left in them. Depending on what you drive, your tires could last as long as 70,000 miles before they need to be replaced. When it's time for new tires, we'll recommend the best options for your driving needs and install them for you. Taking care of your Ford with routine maintenance and repairs as needed will keep it on the road longer. Call Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL to find out how we can get your Ford running like new.

An image of a Ford Expedition hauling and towing a boat and kayak on a family vacation with the father securing the kayak and a youth on a bicycle standing at the back.

Maximizing Adventures: The 2024 Ford Expedition Max

The 2024 Ford Expedition MAX has been beautifully designed for large families to go on big adventures together. This spacious SUV provides drivers with impressive performance, and passengers with plenty of space and comfort features. Check out our guide below for an introduction to its excellent features. more Maximizing Adventures: High-Powered Performance Every 2024 Ford Expedition MAX trim comes with 380 horsepower under the hood, generated by a standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This is paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic SelectShift transmission for a smooth ride. Towing Capacity The Expedition MAX is an impressive vehicle for towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds. To get the most from your towing experience, you'll want to add the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. There is also an available Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 feature. This available technology will help you smoothly steer in reverse and attach your trailer. Intelligent 4WD The available intelligent four-wheel drive feature with a terrain management system allows you to optimize your driving experience. This available feature includes seven distinct driving modes optimized for a wide variety of ​road conditions. These modes include Normal, for your everyday commute, and Eco, to help you save money on fuel. There is also the Sport mode, Tow/Haul mode, and the Grass/Gravel/Snow mode designed to help you traverse loose terrain and cold Illinois winters. You'll also have a Sand mode, and Mud/Ruts modes. These optimized modes help you automatically adjust, while also allowing you to take control and make decisions, like switching between 2WD and 4WD in any of the drive modes. Room for Everyone Large families love the high-powered Expedition MAX trims with eight-passenger seating and spacious cargo area. The Expedition MAX trims come with a 131.6-inch wheelbase, which is 9.1 inches longer than other Expedition trims. This adds 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, for 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space in total. Folding the second and third-row seats down creates 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first-row seats. High-Quality Infotainment Features Ford's Sync4 software is incredibly user-friendly, and now accepts over-the-air updates, so drivers always have the latest tech. The 12.0-inch touchscreen has large icons, and is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Expedition MAX has Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, allowing drivers to set up a subscription and keep the whole family connected. There are also available upgrades, including a 15.5-inch touchscreen, and a 22-speaker stereo system. One upgrade that families may be particularly interested in is the new rear-seat entertainment system. This available feature will add touchscreens to the rear of the front seats, giving second-row passengers built-in entertainment for long drives. Families looking for a comfortable road trip vehicle will love the Expedition MAX. Visit Auffenberg Ford, Inc. in Belleville, IL now to see our wide selection of excellent vehicles.

An image of new brakes applied to a vehicle.

5 Signs Your Ford Needs a Brake Repair

The brakes are the single most important safety feature in any car, so you should always contact your Ford dealer ASAP when you need a brake repair. To make sure you always contact the dealer promptly when something is wrong, it's a good idea to learn the signs that your brakes need some attention. more Signs Your Brake Pads Need to Be Changed The brake pads need to be changed periodically, though how frequently yours will need to be changed depends on several factors. There are several signs the pads need to be changed, and they're typically easy to recognize. Here are some signs to look out for: Brake pedal has no resistance or feels soft Squealing or grinding sound when you brake Vibration when you brake Brake pad indicator light comes on The vehicle starts to pull to one side or another 1. The Brake Pedal Has No Resistance When you don't feel resistance when you apply the brake pedal, it means there's a problem with your vehicle. If you activate the parking brake and don't feel any resistance while doing that, either, then it also means there's a problem. Often, a lack of resistance when you apply the brakes indicates a brake fluid leak or an air leak in one of the brake hoses. 2. The Brake Pedal Makes a Squealing or Grinding Sound There are several reasons why a brake might squeal – dust can sometimes get in the pads, for example. But if the squealing is loud and occurs regularly every time you step on the brakes, or worse, you hear (or feel) a grinding when you step on the brakes, it could be a sign your brakes are critically low. 3. The Car Vibrates When You Brake Vibration isn't just a symptom of having worn-out brake pads. It can also be a sign that your brake pads can't grab the rotors' surface evenly due to warped rotors. The vibration will happen during regular braking and not just panic braking, but the vibration may feel similar to the vibration caused by anti-lock braking during emergency stops. 4. The Brake Pad Indicator Lights Up If you see a dash indicator light up that indicates your brakes are low, this is a definite sign it’s time to get them checked. Many new cars have a sensor that triggers such an indicator and when you see it, you should never ignore it. 5. The Vehicle Is Pulling Your car may sometimes pull to one side when you apply the brakes. This is a sign that your brake linings are not wearing down evenly, so you need a brake adjustment as soon as possible. Sometimes foreign matter in the brake fluid can also cause your vehicle to pull to one side when you hit the brakes, so make sure you stay on top of your fluid changes. Pay a visit to Auffenberg Ford, Inc. in Belleville, IL when your brakes are having problems. Be sure to stop by for regular brake service such as fluid changes and brake pad replacements, too.

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