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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.

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 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 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.

A green 2024 Ford Bronco sitting in a field, ready to blaze trails.

Unleashing Adventure: The 2024 Ford Bronco

Big, bold, and ready for adventure, the 2024 Ford Bronco can handle whatever's on the agenda. Whether you're crawling over rocks, crossing riverbeds, or driving between campsites, the Bronco – available with two or four doors – brings rugged capability to the job. Here's what you need to know about the Bronco's adventure-focused capabilities. more 2024 Ford Bronco Plenty of Horsepower The Bronco is available with three powertrains, each of which offers plenty of horsepower. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine offers 300 horsepower, and an optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 engine delivers 330 horsepower. The Bronco Raptor runs on a 3-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with 418 horsepower. Seven different driving modes, including Slippery, Sand/Snow, and Mud/Ruts, optimize the Bronco's performance in various conditions. Depending on which configuration you're driving, the Bronco has a maximum towing capacity of anywhere from 3,500 to 4,500 pounds. Trail-Ready Features The Bronco has features that make it easy to ramp up outdoor adventure, including optional 35-inch mud terrain tires and available steel bash plate protection, which guards the undercarriage of the vehicle when driving over rugged surfaces. Trail Control serves as a form of off-road cruise control for low-speed crawling, allowing you to focus on the scenery. The Bronco Trail App puts curated trail maps and topographic maps at your fingertips. Certain off-roading features, like Trail Turn Assist and front-locking and rear-locking differential, which boost traction, can be easily engaged or disengaged from the dash. Sway-bar disconnect, another available feature that boosts traction, can also be easily controlled from the dash. On-the-Road Technology This rugged vehicle is also equipped with helpful technology, including an available 360-degree camera that gives you a full view of your surroundings and makes parking easier. The Bronco's 12-inch touchscreen runs on SYNC 4, which is Ford's onboard infotainment and communication system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard, and built-in navigation is available as an upgrade. Interior Innovation The Bronco's interior is also built to support adventure. Frameless doors are easy to remove, and a rack built into the top of the dashboard offers space for mounting smartphones. Grab handles on the center console and the dash make it easy to climb in and out. Special storage panels built onto the backs of both front seats make it possible to secure water bottles, flashlights, and other outdoor gear. The interior of the Bronco is durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain. Rubberized floor mats with drain plugs can be washed with a basic garden hose and come standard on certain Bronco models. This SUV can be had with either a soft top or a hard top. When it comes to adventure, there's no better vehicle than the Ford Bronco. When you're ready to test drive the Bronco, come see us at Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL.

An image of a factory certified service technician performing routine engine maintenance on a vehicle in a repair bay.

Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Ford's Longevity

Regular maintenance is essential for your Ford, as it ensures that your car is always in good condition. As your Ford dealer, we'd like to tell you more about some of the types of Ford maintenance we can perform. Check out some prime examples of vital regular maintenance to maintain your Ford’s longevity, and learn how Auffenberg Ford of Belleville can help. more Oil Change Regular oil changes are the core of your vehicle’s routine maintenance. Depending on your Ford model, your engine may use either regular or synthetic oil. Your car manual lists the type of oil used and its replacement time. On average, regular oil needs replacement every 5,000 miles, while synthetic oil should be replaced every 10,000 miles. Oil is essential for your engine, as it lubricates all the moving parts, reduces engine deposits, and prevents rust. Older oil gradually degrades and becomes slower-moving and sludge-like due to impurities absorbed by the oil over time. During an oil change, we test the old oil to reveal any hidden issues, and then we drain it and refill the engine with fresh oil. We then replace the oil filter to ensure that the new oil moves more freely. Air Filter Replacement Your Ford has two air filters: the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. The engine air filter is installed behind the radiator grille and removes dirt and other debris from the air so only clean air enters the engine. The cabin air filter performs a similar function, but it strains out harmful particles before they enter the cabin. Both filters will eventually become clogged with dirt and need replacement. A dirty engine air filter reduces the amount of air in your engine. Air is vital for engine performance, as combustion requires a 14:1 mix of air to fuel. A lack of air will turn your engine fuel-rich, and this will damage the spark plugs and can lead to engine stalling and eventual damage. A dirty cabin air filter can allow pollen and other allergens into the cabin. We can quickly replace either filter while you wait. Tire Rotations Tire tread slowly wears down due to abrasion with the surface, and a lower tread depth increases braking distance and reduces road handling. In addition, worn tread increases fuel consumption as your engine has to work harder to make the tires move at the desired speed. Rotating your tires reduces wear and tear by moving each tire to a different position. Tires develop particular wear patterns if they remain in the same position, and constant wear increases the chances of leaks or a blowout. Moving the tires to other positions allows each tire to wear out at a relatively similar rate, which prolongs tire life. These are only a few of the types of maintenance we can provide. Contact us today at Auffenberg Ford, Inc. in Belleville, IL.

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