Signs Your Ford Needs an Alternator Repair

Has your engine begun to cough and sputter? Is it taking longer to start in the morning? It may be time to replace one or more of your spark plugs, which are crucial for the combustion process to work. Here's a guide to Ford spark plug replacement and how long each type of spark plug lasts. Copper Spark Plugs The most widely used spark plugs are made of copper, typically with nickel alloy at the electrodes. These metals are wonderfully conductive for electricity but also have the broadest electrode diameter, which requires more current draw for each spark. As copper and nickel alloy are softer metals, copper plugs wear down fastest and will usually need to be replaced every two years (20,000 to 30,000 miles). more Platinum Spark Plugs While platinum is less conductive than copper, it's far more durable. Spark plugs with platinum electrodes can be expected to last 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or four to seven years. They sometimes have slightly worse sparking performance than copper plugs but make up for this in lifespan. Iridium Spark Plugs The gold standard of spark plugs are made from iridium, which is highly conductive and also has a much lower melting point than both copper and platinum. Your iridium plugs should last for 75,000 to 125,000 miles (five to nine years) and sometimes longer. The hardness of iridium allows for very narrow electrode tips and a highly concentrated spark, which equates to excellent engine performance. Signs of Worn-Out Spark Plugs If one or more of your spark plugs is fouled or faulty, your engine will misfire. This means the spark plug is no longer igniting the fuel properly inside the cylinder. Your car will lose power, making it harder to accelerate, and also idle roughly, sputtering and shaking as it clearly struggles to stay alive. You may also experience backfiring and see smoke emerge from the tailpipe as unburned fuel leaks back into the exhaust system. Misfiring spark plugs can rapidly lead to other problems, such as unburned fuel in the exhaust damaging or destroying the catalytic converter. With the engine failing to combust fuel effectively, you might also find yourself suddenly stranded at an inopportune moment, unable to start your car. Always have failing spark plugs repaired or replaced as soon as you notice signs of misfiring. Plan for Ford Spark Plug Replacement in Your Maintenance Schedule Preventative maintenance will allow you to predict when your spark plugs are likely to need replacing. Our technicians can inspect each plug during your routine engine tune-ups, installing replacements as required. Visit Coughlin Ford of Circleville in Circleville, OH, today to have your spark plugs and engine checked by experienced technicians. Whatever your automotive needs, we provide prompt solutions with courteous customer service.

Even excellently maintained vehicles need repairs sometimes. The local Ford dealership can take care of all the repairs your vehicle needs. This includes brake repairs. The dealership can also perform preventative maintenance on your brakes so they're less likely to fall into disrepair. How Often You Should Visit the Ford Dealership for Brake Service You need to have your brakes inspected at the Ford dealer at least once a year. That way, your dealer can make sure there's nothing wrong with the braking system. If there are problems, then you can have them repaired before they start causing major issues with how your braking system works. There are some forms of brake maintenance you need regularly, too. You'll need to top up your brake fluid level if it becomes too low, and you should have the brake fluid replaced every two years. The brake pads also need to be replaced regularly. Typically, they're replaced after every 20,000 to 70,000 miles you drive. more Signs You Need to Head to the Dealer for a Brake Repair You Notice Issues with Your Brake Pedal When there's a problem with your braking system, your brake pedal may feel different. If you notice that the pedal has started to sit lower than usual, then you should definitely head to the dealer for a checkup. Sometimes you'll notice a lack of resistance or a spongy feeling when you step on the brake pedal, too. This also indicates a problem. You Feel Vibrations When Using the Brake Pedal You shouldn't feel your brake pedal move when you step on it to activate the brakes. The only time it should vibrate is if you have anti-lock brakes and you have to brake aggressively in an emergency stop. If the pedal vibrates during normal braking, then it can be a sign your rotors are warped. You Notice Your Vehicle Pulling to One Side Sometimes your brake linings can wear down unevenly. This may result in your vehicle pulling to one side when you step on the brake pedal. However, this pulling isn't always caused by unevenly worn brake linings; it can indicate that you need to have your brake fluid replaced, too. You Notice Reduced Responsiveness Reduced responsiveness can be very dangerous and requires immediate attention. You may find that it takes a little longer than normal for your car to stop after you step on the brake pedal. The problem may not be very serious at first, but if it gets worse, then it could lead to you getting into some dangerous situations. If your brakes are faulty, then you need to visit the dealer ASAP. Stop by Coughlin Ford of Circleville in Circleville, OH so we can take care of the problem.

Got a Ford in your garage? To keep it running smoothly there's no better move than sticking with parts made by the Original Equipment Manufacturer: that's OEM parts, for short. These parts come straight from Ford and are tailored specifically for your ride. Choosing these parts from the local Ford dealer in Circleville, OH is a smart play to keep your vehicle at its best. The Perfect Fit, Every Time Genuine parts and your Ford are best buddies. These parts are the spitting image of the ones your car originally came with, ensuring they fit and function seamlessly with your vehicle. No crossing your fingers hoping a part fits right. This snug fit is key for keeping everything running smoothly and your Ford performing like a dream. more Top-Shelf Quality By going with brand-name parts, you're treating your Ford to top-notch quality. These parts have been tested and retested specifically for your model, so you know they're up to the challenge. It's not just about keeping your car running, it's about ensuring the way it runs brings a smile to your face every time you hit the gas. No More Warranty Worries Ever worry about messing up your warranty? With genuine parts, that worry takes a backseat. Using aftermarket parts can sometimes void your warranty, especially if they cause any issues. Stick with brand-name parts to keep your warranty safe and sound. Plus, genuine Ford parts usually come with a warranty of their own, giving you an extra layer of security. Genuine Parts for Name-Brand Performance It can be difficult to find an aftermarket part that fits your ride in the sea of options. It's even harder to find one that fits and performs as perfectly as the original. Genuine parts from Ford eliminate performance problems. Since it is the same part your ride was designed to use, it performs exactly as well as the piece your car was built with. Aftermarket parts can't say the same. Peace of Mind is Priceless Knowing your Ford is kitted out with pieces made just for it, backed by Ford's seals of approval, lets you drive with confidence. It's one of the biggest perks! This extra reassurance can sometimes even translate into a higher price tag for your Ford when you finally decide to part ways. Car buyers know that genuine parts are worth a little extra, too. Find Ford Parts at the Coughlin Ford of Circleville in Circleville, OH Are you ready to go OEM? Your local dealership is your go-to spot. We have the direct line to genuine Ford parts that'll fit your model like a glove. When you weigh up the benefits, genuine parts are worth the investment, which is why your dealer won't use any other kind. Call Coughlin Ford of Circleville in Circleville, OH, and let us help you find parts for your Ford.