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Keeping your Ford running like new is as easy as ensuring it gets serviced as often as recommended by the manufacturer; however, you don't want to trust your Ford with just any mechanic. At your Ford dealer, you'll find all the essential services you need from factory-trained technicians who will treat your vehicle like it was their own. more Oil Changes This is the service that is most associated with a dealership service center, and for good reason. It's the single best service you can get for your Ford on a regular basis to ensure your engine is properly lubricated. When you have your car's oil changed at an authorized service center, you'll know you're getting genuine Ford parts that are installed by factory-trained technicians who know Ford vehicles better than mechanics that don't specialize in any one manufacturer. Tire Services No matter what kind of tire service you need for your Ford, you'll find it at your dealership. Tire rotations are usually scheduled along with oil changes, as most tire manufacturers recommend you have your tires rotated at least twice a year. Tire pressure checks are also performed at every oil change appointment to make sure your tires are properly inflated for the area's driving conditions. Of course, if you need new tires, they can handle that as well. Wheel Alignment If your car is pulling to one side or the other when you're holding the steering wheel straight, you probably need a wheel alignment. Not only can misaligned wheels make it difficult to steer, but they can also put additional pressure and wear on your tires. Ford technicians take great care to properly align wheels so that the car is safer on the road. They'll check the camber, toe, and caster on all four wheels to straighten out your drive. Battery Services Today's car batteries are taxed more than ever, what will all the technology that they have to power. You never want to find yourself with a dead car battery, not only because it would leave you stranded, but also because you may not be able to charge your devices. Having your battery tested at a dealership will make sure your battery always has enough juice. If you need a new battery, they'll choose the exact one designed for your car. Wiper Blades Your windshield wiper blades may not be the first component of your car that you think of when you're considering its maintenance needs. However, if you get stuck in a rain or snowstorm with bad blades, you'll wish you paid them more attention. Your blades will be checked during your oil change appointment, and if they need to be replaced, you'll be given the blades that are recommended by Ford for your specific make and model. Brakes Obviously, your braking system is critical for your safety, so you need to have it inspected on a regular basis. Getting your brake pads replaced and your rotors resurfaced when needed will go a long way in making sure you can stop your vehicle when you need to. Regardless of the service you need for your Ford, you'll find it at your dealership, and your car will be in the best mechanical hands possible. Call our experts at Palm Coast Ford today to schedule your service appointment.

Repair costs are an aspect of car ownership that can easily catch any driver unawares. Proper, consistent maintenance is the most effective method to prevent these costs from building up. Here are 6 useful Ford maintenance tips that will save your car: more 1. Regularly Change Engine Oil Wear and tear is an unavoidable consequence of long-term driving, but regular oil changes are a simple way to ensure this degradation is kept to a minimum. With Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life monitor, all you have to do is input your driving habits for an automated reminder when your next oil change is due. 2. Change Transmission Fluid Similar to engine oil, your car's transmission fluid should be changed periodically to avoid future issues, especially if you often drive under high-stress conditions and put your gears to hard use. You can assess if your car is in need of a transmission fluid change by checking your transmission fluid dipstick, or by heading to a mechanic for more specialized service if your car does not come with a dipstick. 3. Rotate Tires A tip that is often neglected by drivers, despite being on Ford's own basic maintenance checklist, is to rotate your tires approximately every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This provides both greater fuel economy and smoother handling for your vehicle, while also extending the lifespan of your tires. 4. Washing and Waxing Every car owner wants their vehicle to not only perform well but to look good at the same time. An easy way to keep your car looking brand new is with frequent car washes to remove accumulated dirt and grime, which can often cause minor scratches and damages that add up over time. An annual or biannual wax job will also provide your car with additional protection from the elements 5. Using Genuine Ford Parts Another essential guideline when engaging in vehicle maintenance is to always use genuine OEM Ford parts. This means that the quality and performance of these parts are guaranteed by Ford, often contractually through warranties, and that they will fit perfectly with your vehicle. Settling for cheaper aftermarket parts will only sacrifice your peace of mind and possibly lead to more expensive repair jobs in the future. 6. Consistent Maintenance A common thread in the above tips is regularity in carrying out car maintenance, which is the most essential advice we can give. While it can be tempting to hold off on maintenance jobs when you are preoccupied with work or family, the costs of doing so can often be astronomical. Putting aside some time to frequently maintain the condition of your vehicle is undoubtedly the most effective way to save your car for years or even decades to come. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of car maintenance steps we've discussed? Not to worry! Schedule an appointment at Palm Coast Ford today, and our highly qualified mechanics will handle any maintenance or repair jobs your vehicle requires, using only genuine Ford parts and accessories for every step of the process.

Your car's alternator is a key part of your vehicle's electrical system, as it turns the energy from the crankshaft into electricity to power the electric components and charges your battery. Without a functional alternator, your car will be dead on the side of the road, so make sure you understand these signs that your car needs an alternator repair. more Warning Light Comes On The first main indicator of a failing alternator in a car is the warning light that illuminates on your dashboard. It might say "alt" or "gen," but they both mean the same thing: your alternator needs attention. Even if you don't notice any other signs that your alternator is going bad, pay attention to this warning light and have your car serviced right away. Ignoring this light could leave you stranded when your battery can't charge. Flickering or Dimming Headlights Your headlights are connected to your vehicle's electrical system, which means if the alternator starts acting up, it will affect your headlights, either making them dimmer than usual or causing them to flicker. You might also notice problems with the lights in your cabin, radio, or other electrical components as well. You'll want to get your car into a service center as soon as you can because eventually, they'll stop working altogether when your alternator fails. Unusual Sounds While this is a vague sign, bearings that are rattling around in your engine could indicate an alternator failure. You may not know what a specific sound means, but any time you hear something out of the ordinary, it could mean there's a problem with one of your car's components. If it is your alternator making these sounds, you probably don't have very long before it fails entirely, so have your car inspected to find the source of the sound. Car Stalls or Doesn't Want to Start Your car runs on more than just fuel; it also needs the electricity that is generated by the alternator to power your spark plugs, which then ignites the fuel. If your alternator is not capable of generating enough electricity needed to run the car, it's possible you'll have trouble starting it or it may even stall while you're driving it. This could cause an unsafe situation, especially if you're in the middle of traffic when your car stalls. Battery Dies The alternator is responsible for using the electricity it generates to charge your battery, and while batteries can certainly fail on their own, you'll want to make sure the alternator isn't the cause before investing in a new battery. Otherwise, the new one will drain as well and you'll have to get your alternator fixed anyway. Have both your battery and alternator checked at your service center at the same time to pinpoint the actual problem. If you ignore the signs of a failing alternator long enough, you're bound to be stuck on the side of the road when your car won't start. Come by Palm Coast Ford to have your alternator and battery inspected to ensure your car keeps running the way it should.

Just like you schedule your physicals and routine dental appointments, you should also take the time to schedule routine maintenance for your car. It's very easy to forget the last time you had your oil changed, or maybe you're not sure if the fluid you're seeing on your driveway is normal or if it's just a leak. It's best to go to the pros for all your service needs at your local Ford dealership. more 1. Oil Change Almost all cars require regular oil changes, though each car has different requirements. Some cars need to have their oil changed every 3,000 miles while others are every 10,000. And while this is something that you may be able to do yourself, it would be much easier to just head down to your local dealership and allow them to do all the messy work for you. 2. Battery Services Do you know how old your battery is or how much life it has left? Sometimes it's easy to tell if your battery is failing, like when your car struggles to start up or when the battery or check engine light turns on. Maybe you smell rotten eggs after your car is started, or maybe you go to start your car to find out that your battery is completely dead. A trained service technician will be able to tell you if your battery is good or if it will need to be replaced soon. Let us replace your battery with one that's perfect for your car so you only have to use the excuse of "My battery died" for when the line at the coffee shop is a little too long. 3. Tire Rotation Remembering to have your tires rotated is like remembering when you last had your teeth cleaned. Was it six months ago? Last year? Longer? Wait, don't they rotate every time you drive? Not the same thing, though you could tell your mechanic friend that to see the reaction. Rotating your tires helps prolong their life and even helps to prevent a flat tire from happening while you're on the highway. 4. Headlight Replacement and Restoration Have you ever driven down a dark road and wondered if your lights seemed dimmer than you remember? Over time, the lens covers on your headlights can get foggy and need to be restored. Maybe your headlights aren't dim, just one of them is burnt out. While you could make it home with one headlight, you really shouldn't. Driving with one or even no headlights is dangerous and could result in something worse than a ticket. Changing it on your own, while feasible, might be more trouble than it's worth. Allow the pros at your local dealership to change it for you. 5. Vehicle Inspection Sometimes you just don't know what's wrong with your car. Maybe the check engine light has been on for a couple of weeks or you start seeing a mystery puddle under your car that wasn't there before. Rather than pretending that you don't see the light or the mystery puddle, it would be best to take it to a dealership. If your car needs some TLC, come visit us at Palm Coast Ford. Our trained technicians are available Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Windshield wipers are a critical safety feature of your car, and they are often neglected. If you don't take care of your wipers, they might not work correctly when you need them. There is nothing worse than getting caught in a sudden downpour with wipers that won't keep your windshield clean. Check out these helpful tips for taking care of your windshield wipers, so they last longer and work better. more Keep the Windshield Clean One way you can keep your wipers in good condition is by keeping the windshield clean. If the blades have to move over lots of grit and grime, they will wear down faster. A good way to make sure you have a clean windshield is to clean it every time you get gas. Use the washer fluid and squeegee that the gas station keeps right at the pumps and give it a good once over while the tank fills up. Clean the Wiper Blades You also want to make sure there is no dirt or grit on the rubber blades. Keep them clean by using a rubber squeegee or damp cloth to remove any loose dirt. Make sure you do this frequently, so it doesn't build up and stick to the rubber. If you wait too long, it could damage the blade when you wipe it down. Don't Use Wipers on a Dry Windshield Wiper blades are meant to be used on wet glass. If you turn them on when the windshield is dry, it causes a lot of friction and drag than can damage the rubber and wear them down. If you need to clear pollen or other debris from your windshield, either get out and wipe it down with a cloth or spray the windshield wiper fluid first, so the glass is wet before the wipers pass over. Also, don't use the wipers to clean dirt from the windshield. If you try to do this, it can damage them. Keep Them Out of the Sun The hot rays of the sun cause damage to the rubber on the blades. If you can park in an area where the car is in the shade, it will help to make the wipers last longer. You can also use a car cover if you have one to keep them out of the sun. Replace the Blades Regularly Wiper blades have a limited life span. You should replace them every six months to ensure that you have a good wiper blade when you need it. Once the rubber starts to crack or get brittle, it won't make good contact with the windshield, and you'll get spots where the water won't clear. This can be dangerous if you have to drive during a storm. If you put the wipers through a lot of wear and tear, they might need replacing more often. Inspect your windshield wipers regularly to make sure they are in good shape, clean or replace them as needed, and follow these tips to keep you safe and your windshield clean and clear while you're on the road. Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels

When you have a little one, nothing is more important than ensuring their safety. Here is a list of helpful hints for all who wish to keep their children as safe as possible when driving. more Secure Your Baby and Their Stuff Make sure you know the proper method for installing and using your baby's car seat. Go with a seat that allows you to tie your kid's pacifier and other items to the seat itself so that you don't have to hunt for these things if they are cast aside. They'll be much calmer if they can quickly grab items when they want to. You will be too because you won't have to do it over and over again. Stay Focused on the Road Your child is cute and will do sweet things that could be distracting. Your child can also be loud and startling when upset. Your natural impulse will be to take a look in the rearview mirror to see what is going on. Avoid this impulse at all costs. Looking away at the wrong moment can lead to the worst of disasters. It just isn't worth it. Keep your eyes on the road; it's the best way to keep your little one safe. Plan Your Trips Around Your Baby's Needs If you plan to travel a long distance, make sure that you figure in times for feedings, changings, and playtimes. Failing to do this will cause your child to become increasingly irritated. Pack everything that you regularly use for all three tasks and don't leave out the last. Play is an excellent way to change the mood of a baby from angry or upset to happy or sleepy. The best kind of drive is the sort where your baby is either calm and friendly or sleeping through your journey. Brake Very Carefully Before you put your new child in the car for a drive practice breaking as softly as possible. Hard or broken braking will irritate your kid at best and injure them at worst, regardless of how well strapped-in they are. Braking too hard also tends to send unsecured items flying, which can do a different kind of harm. Make sure your braking system is well-tended. Brakes that jam and lock are dangerous for everyone in the vehicle. Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Vehicle Never, ever leave your child in a vehicle alone. It doesn't matter if you think it will only be for a moment. It doesn't matter if it is in your own driveway or in another place you feel is secure. Don't do it. Your baby could be harmed by the increased temperatures commonly found in vehicles sitting in the sun, and far worse is possible. It is often illegal to leave a baby or older child in a vehicle alone. Avoid harming them and earning yourself years of jail time by taking them with you wherever you go. Follow these tips and research others. Make sure your little one is as safe as can be when you hit the road. Image via Flickr by Ryan Polei | www.ryanpolei.com used under CC BY-ND 2. 0

With its beautiful beaches, fun attractions, and warm weather, Palm Coast, Florida, is a popular destination for many people. If you're looking to escape for a romantic getaway around Palm Coast, consider planning your stay at one of these outstanding romantic places in the area. more Hammock Beach Resort Hammock Beach Resort is a stunning luxury vacation resort located at Palm Coast. A stay at this resort will put you 24 miles from fascinating history in Saint Augustine and 32 miles from exciting fun at Daytona Beach. If you decide you don't want to leave this premier oceanfront resort, you'll find plenty of enjoyable activities to keep you and your partner busy. You can spend some time relaxing by the pool or beach, or you can challenge each other to a few rounds on the award-winning golf course. Bayfront Westcott House Bed and Breakfast If you're interested in exploring the fascinating history of the area, plan a stay at Bayfront Westcott House Bed and Breakfast. Located in a historic home right in the heart of downtown Saint Augustine, this charming bed and breakfast offers vintage charm and contemporary conveniences. You can choose from rooms that offer some amazing amenities, such as electric fireplaces, jetted tubs, luxury soaking tubs, and private outdoor seating. Start your morning with the delicious full breakfast before heading out to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center If you're looking for a modern hotel for your romantic escape, consider Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center. You'll enjoy spacious rooms that offer plush beds, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, and an in-room hospitality center. If you and your partner simply want to unwind, spend some time at the outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant that serves freshly prepared breakfasts and dinners. Legacy Vacation Resort Palm Coast Located in Palm Coast, Legacy Vacation Resort Palm Coast makes it easy for you to plan an unforgettable romantic vacation. The two-bedroom suites at the resort offer all the conveniences of home, including a full kitchen, complimentary Wi-Fi, private master bathroom, full guest bathroom, and washer and dryer. The resort also has plenty of amenities to enjoy. Spend some time at the beautiful outdoor heated pool, and then head to the pergola area to take advantage of the outdoor grills and picnic tables. Beachers Lodge Beachers Lodge in Saint Augustine offers lovely accommodations directly on Crescent Beach. Every oceanfront suite has a patio or private balcony where you and your partner can take in stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. During your stay, you'll be steps away from the soft, sandy beach. The hotel also has an outdoor heated pool with great views of the water. Plus, you're just 10 miles from shopping, dining, and entertainment in downtown Saint Augustine. No matter what type of romantic escape you're interested in taking with your partner, you know you can find the perfect accommodations for your stay when you check out one of these top places around Palm Coast. Image via Flickr by Matthew Juzenas used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Although you might not give it much thought, your car battery is a crucial part of your vehicle. If you don't take care of it, you could find yourself stranded in a parking lot when your car won't start. To make sure that never happens to you, be sure to follow these important care tips for your car battery. more Do a Visual Inspection Every few months, pop the hood of your vehicle and do a visual inspection of your battery. This is a very simple way to check the health of your battery. Even though a visual inspection can't tell you what the battery's voltage is, it can tell you if your battery might need replaced because of wear and tear. When you perform a visual inspection, you'll want to look for signs of corrosion around the terminals, bulges or cracks in the battery case, and any fraying in the cables that connect to your battery. Clean Any Corrosion If you do notice corrosion during your visual inspection, taking the time to clean it off is a great way to help extend your car battery's life. To clean corrosion on a car battery, simply use a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the terminals. Then use a spray bottle filled with cold water to rinse off the mixture and thoroughly dry the terminals with a clean cloth. Limit Short Trips Short car rides prevent the car battery from fully charging, so you should try to limit your short trips as much as possible. Additionally, batteries will lose their charge when they sit idle for extended periods of time. This is why cars that stay parked for over a month typically need a jump-start before the engine will start. If you need to leave your vehicle parked for a long time, consider hooking it up to a battery tender, which helps keep the battery powered while the vehicle isn't in use. Double-Check Your Lights Accidentally leaving on an interior light or your headlights when you park your car will usually result in a dead battery when you finally come back. To make sure you never forget to turn off your lights, get in the habit of double-checking to make sure both your headlights and interior lights are off before you walk away. Know the Average Battery Life No matter how well you take care of your battery, it will eventually need to be replaced. That's why it's important to know the average lifespan of a battery. Most car batteries will last between two and seven years. However, the weather where you live plays a big role in this lifespan. A running engine already produces a lot of heat. When you throw in the scorching sun, the fluids in a car battery will evaporate much faster. This is why the average battery life in warmer climates is shorter. When you want to make sure your car battery is always ready when you need it, be sure to keep these important care tips in mind. Image via Flickr by JeepersMedia used under CC BY 2.0