Blog

As your Ford dealer, we offer a complete range of services to keep your vehicle in good condition. Regular maintenance reduces vehicle operating costs and extends its life so you can enjoy your Ford for many years to come. We want to tell you more about a few examples of the Ford maintenance we provide. more Examples of Ford Maintenance Available at Your Ford Dealer Wheel Balancing Correct wheel balancing is important as it lets them grip the surface firmly, making driving safer and easier. In addition, balanced tires suffer less wear and tear as surface friction damage is equalized across the tread. As time passes, your tires can become unbalanced due to lost tire weights or other issues. We correct this problem by attaching each tire to our computerized balancing machine. This machine spins the tire at high speed to mimic driving and then analyzes the results. A balanced tire's center of gravity should be located around its hub. The machine will identify balance issues, which our technicians correct by adding weight to the affected areas to bring them back into line. Timing Belt Replacement Your Ford has several belts, but the timing belt is the most important. This belt, made from tough, reinforced rubber, connects the camshaft at the top of the engine to the crankshaft at the bottom. The belt moves at a precisely timed speed, synchronizing the movements of the two engine sections. As time passes, the belt can become worn or damaged. It can also partially slip off its pulley, disrupting the engine timing. If the belt is damaged or not working correctly, you'll hear ticking noises, feel engine vibrations, or suffer repeated engine misfiring. Once the belt is replaced, your engine will work efficiently again. Brake Servicing The brakes are one of your most important safety systems, giving you full control over your speed. The braking system is mechanical, depending on force and pressure to work effectively. Force and pressure generate heat, and these conditions increase wear and tear on system components. In addition, brake components, like the pads, gradually wear out and become less effective. Our technicians examine and test all braking components to ensure they're in good condition and working efficiently. The system is checked for leaks and tested to ensure it operates at the correct pressure. Your brake fluid is also drained and replaced. Book your maintenance by contacting us at Cloninger Ford in Salisbury, NC.

Few things are as frustrating as dealing with a failing car battery. Fortunately, you can visit your local Ford dealership for a tune-up, and if necessary, you can obtain a new car battery. In some cases, the problem might lie elsewhere. more How to Tell You Need a New Car Battery From Your Ford Dealership Dim Lighting One of the first signs that your Ford's battery is dying is when the lights are too dim. Normally, lighting should appear bright when a door or the trunk is open. However, a failing battery can cause flickering headlights or dim interior and exterior lights. Engine Starts Slowly or Not at All Your engine should turn upon start-up, but if it starts slowly while making a clicking sound, your battery might be failing. You can also tell that it needs to be replaced if your engine fails to start up at all. Your ignition needs sufficient energy to start up your Ford, but it can't do that with a bad battery. Electrical Issues All of the electrical components of your Ford should immediately work, but this is not the case with a failing battery. You can tell that it's dying when you have issues like your infotainment system not booting up, your phone not charging when plugged in, or your windows not opening or closing at the press of a button, among others. If only one of these is an issue, check under your vehicle's hood to be sure of the culprit. Connectors Have Corrosion Over time, batteries go bad, and their connectors may show corrosion. Look under your car's hood and check them; if you notice a greenish or whitish powdery substance, this is indeed the case. Get a replacement as soon as possible. Warping on the Battery Case When a car battery is worn and failing, its case may start to warp and bulge. This is a sign that you need to replace it immediately to prevent it from exploding, which can cause battery acid to leak inside your engine. Normally, car batteries are rectangular, but your guard should be up if you notice its shape protruding. If your vehicle isn't running smoothly, a new battery might be the solution. Contact us at Cloninger Ford in Salisbury, NC to get a replacement. We're here to provide you with everything you need for your wheels.