Blog

Summer is the perfect time to load up the family and hit the open road. If you're heading to a national park, the beach, or a mountain cabin, having the right vehicle makes all the difference. If you're shopping for Ford SUVs in Belleville, IL, you're already on the right track, Ford's current lineup has something that works for nearly every type of summer adventure. Why Ford SUVs Are Built for Summer Travel Ford has earned a strong reputation for building vehicles that balance everyday practicality with capability. J.D. Power recently recognized Ford as America's Most Awarded Brand for new-vehicle quality, which speaks to how well these vehicles are built and how reliably they perform. When you're planning a long drive with the whole family on board, that kind of dependability is important. Fords are designed with comfort, space, and technology in mind everything you need when you have a long way to go, and passengers need to stay entertained and comfortable. The 2026 Ford Explorer - A Family Road Trip Favorite The 2026 Ford Explorer Active 4WD is one of the most well-rounded Fords on the market today. It offers generous passenger space, a stylish interior, and available technology features that keep everyone connected and comfortable on long drives. Ford's available Connectivity Package includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, connected navigation, and media streaming features that are especially useful when you're hours from home. The available Ford Co-Pilot360® technology also gives drivers added confidence on the highway, with driver-assist features designed to help reduce fatigue on extended trips. The 2026 Ford Bronco - Adventure-Ready for the Weekend If your summer plans include off-road trails, camping sites, or rugged terrain, the 2026 Ford Bronco is built to go where you want. Its trail-capable design and available four-wheel-drive system make it a solid choice for adventurous families who want to get off the highway and into nature. The Bronco is available with the same 0% APR financing for 36 months and deferred payment options currently offered across select Ford SUVs in Belleville, IL, making it easier to drive home in the vehicle you actually want this summer. It also comes with a complimentary 2-year Premium Maintenance Plan on eligible models, which covers oil and filter changes and other routine services. Technology That Keeps the Trip Moving Ford's available BlueCruise® hands-free highway driving system works on 97% of controlled-access highways across the U.S. and Canada. For families logging serious miles this summer, that kind of driver-assist technology can make a difference in comfort and focus. The Ford app also connects owners to Ford Rewards, where you can earn points on service, parts, and accessories. And with Ford Mobile Service and Ford Pickup and Delivery options (where available), maintaining your vehicle doesn't have to interrupt your plans. Find Your Ford SUV Before Summer Gets Away There's no better time to explore the Ford lineup than right now. Current offers include 0% APR financing, deferred payment options, and a complimentary 2-year Premium Maintenance Plan on select models - all available through the end of August. If you're ready to make this summer's road trips the best ones yet, stop by and explore Ford SUVs in Belleville, IL at Auffenberg Ford Belleville. The right vehicle is out there, and the right deal might be waiting for you right now.

When searching for a reliable Ford dealership in Belleville, IL, Auffenberg Ford stands out as the go-to destination for automotive needs. Whether you’re in the market for a rugged Ford F-150® for work or a family-friendly Ford Escape®, our dealership offers an extensive selection of new and pre-owned models to match every lifestyle. Conveniently located in Belleville, Illinois, we combine exceptional service with a commitment to helping you find the perfect Ford vehicle. If you're considering taking advantage of December Ford incentives in Illinois, now is the ideal time to upgrade your ride. From exclusive financing options to limited-time lease deals, Auffenberg Ford is here to help you drive home in the Ford you’ve been dreaming of. more Extensive Vehicle Inventory At Auffenberg Ford, we pride ourselves on offering an impressive lineup of Ford vehicles to suit every driver’s needs. Looking for an adventure-ready SUV? The Ford Bronco® might be the perfect companion for exploring the great outdoors. Need a reliable truck to handle tough jobs? The Ford Super Duty® series has you covered. Additionally, for those interested in sustainability without compromising performance, the Mustang Mach-E® combines electric innovation with the thrilling experience Ford is known for. Each vehicle in our inventory comes equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as Ford Co-Pilot360® and available BlueCruise™, ensuring you stay connected and safe on the road. Whether you’re purchasing your first car or upgrading your current vehicle, our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the selection process. Make the Most of December Ford Incentives in Illinois December is a fantastic time to visit Auffenberg Ford in Belleville, IL, with exclusive end-of-year savings opportunities. These December Ford incentives in Illinois can include special financing rates, cash-back offers, and reduced lease payments on popular models. Our finance experts are dedicated to helping you navigate these promotions and secure a deal that fits within your budget. By taking advantage of these limited-time offers, you can maximize your savings while driving off in a reliable and stylish Ford vehicle. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make the most of December Ford incentives at our Belleville location. Expert Service and Ownership Benefits Your experience at our Ford dealership in Belleville, IL, doesn’t end with your vehicle purchase. Auffenberg Ford provides ongoing support to ensure your Ford remains in top condition for years to come. Our certified technicians offer a range of services, from oil changes to brake repairs, using genuine Ford parts for optimal performance. Additionally, we offer Ford’s Pickup & Delivery service for added convenience. Simply let us know where and when to pick up your vehicle, and we’ll handle the rest. Don’t forget to join the FordPass® Rewards program to earn points on every service, accessory, and part purchase. Visit Auffenberg Ford in Belleville, IL Today When it comes to finding a reliable Ford dealership in Belleville, IL, Auffenberg Ford has everything you need under one roof. From an extensive inventory of vehicles to exceptional service and December Ford incentives in Illinois, we’re here to make your car-buying experience seamless and enjoyable. Visit Auffenberg Ford in Belleville today and let us help you find your next Ford vehicle.

Spark plugs are at the core of the combustion process, igniting the fuel hundreds of times each minute to generate the engine's power. While modern spark plugs are highly durable, these hard-working little components eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Here are the key warning signs that you should head to your local Ford dealership for prompt spark plug replacement. Falling Engine Power Without all cylinders firing away properly, bad spark plugs cause the engine to rapidly lose power. You'll find it more difficult to accelerate quickly and you'll no longer be able to reach top speeds on the highway. more Coughing and Shaking Engine As a spark plug fails, it ignites the fuel increasingly sporadically, and eventually, not at all. This spark plug failure is misfiring, which makes the engine sputter and shudder strangely, clearly struggling to keep going. Roughness While Idling When waiting at an intersection, your idling engine is under more pressure than usual. If one or more spark plugs are misfiring, this idling will become rough as your engine tries to stay alive. It might even stall. Knocking Sounds When healthy, spark plugs ignite the fuel in perfect rhythm with the opening and closing cylinders. But when a spark plug starts to misfire, the fuel can ignite too early or late, which creates a distinct knocking sound, and sometimes loud backfiring. Hesitant Engine Starts Without all spark plugs working properly, your engine might become slow to start in the mornings. This issue will become even worse during winter when the battery, starter, and engine are already under more strain from the cold. Worsening Fuel Efficiency Bad spark plugs cause an engine to become less efficient overall. You'll be traveling less far for each gallon of gas you use. And over time, your gas mileage will get considerably worse until you have the fault fixed. Smoke in the Exhaust Fumes When a failing spark plug doesn't ignite all the fuel that's being injected into the combustion chamber, this unburned fuel can start leaking back into the exhaust pipes. Therein, the fuel will often ignite or partially ignite, turning into thick black smoke, which you'll notice pouring out of the tailpipe. Get Prompt Spark Plug Replacement at Your Local Ford Dealership If your spark plugs need attention, don't delay with repairs lest the problem worsens and causes more faults in other areas of your car. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose the cause of your failing plugs, carrying out necessary repairs and replacements. Visit Auffenberg Ford, Inc. in Belleville, IL, today to have your spark plugs replaced and your engine tuned up. At our local full-service dealership, you can find a broad inventory of top-notch vehicles plus comprehensive automotive maintenance and repairs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.