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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.

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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