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Owning a Ford means taking care of it, and that includes knowing when to replace the tires. Here are some signs that indicate it's time to visit your Ford dealership for new tires. Not Enough Tread When the tread on your tires wears down to 2/32 of an inch or less, it's legally time to replace them. The penny test is a quick way to check. If you insert a penny upside-down in your tire tread and you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are too worn. more Your Tread Wear Indicators Are at the Surface Most modern tires come with tread wear indicators. These are flat bars between the tire's treads. When your tires are new, the tread wear indicator bars are barely visible down inside the tread groove. As your tires wear down, they rise to the surface. If they are flush with your tire's tread, it needs to be replaced. Low, Leaky Tires It's normal to top up your tires a few times a year, especially if the weather has recently turned cold. Tires that continually lose air pressure might have damage that is causing a slow leak. If your tires have been leaking air, it's important to have them inspected. Tires That Are Too Old Even if they look okay, tires degrade over time. The compounds in rubber break down and become more brittle with age. After six years, even well-kept tires should be replaced for safety. Visible Sidewall Damage Any visible damage to the sidewall of your tire that is more than surface deep is cause for concern. Cracks, cuts, or gouges may mean structural damage. This damage may lead to leaks or blowouts. Blistered, Bulging Tires Bulges or blisters on your tire's surface point to a weak spot. This type of damage is dangerous, increasing your risk of a sudden blowout. Do not drive on blistered tires. Instead, replace them at once. Unusual Noise or Vibration Too much road noise or unusual shaking while driving your car could be a sign of tire trouble. While some noise and vibration are normal on the road, too much may signal uneven wear or problems with your suspension. Poor Traction and Handling Worn or aging tires can lead to poor handling, especially on wet, slippery roads. For safety, tires that can no longer grip the road properly should be replaced. Visit Your Ford Dealership For New Tires Ford-trained technicians understand the needs of your vehicle. We can recommend the best tires for your model, install them, balance them, align them, and send you on your way. Your tires are vital for your car's performance, so if they're not performing well it should be cause for concern. Schedule tire service at Crossroads Ford of Sumter today.

You love your Ford, but what do you do when it starts showing signs of battery trouble? Your car's battery quietly powers everything from the ignition to the lights, so recognizing when you need to head to Crossroads Ford of Sumter for a new car battery is key to keeping your journey smooth. Let's go over some signs that your battery might need to be replaced. Sluggish Starts When you turn the key in the ignition or hit that start button and your Ford struggles to start or only cranks sluggishly, your battery is likely losing its charge. If you notice this happening, the best plan is to replace your battery before it can die completely. more Electrical Issues Dimming headlights or flickering dashboard displays can also signal battery trouble. Your battery powers all kinds of electrical components in your vehicle, so if they aren't performing correctly, there's a good chance your battery isn't either. An Aging Battery Typically, a car battery lasts somewhere between 3 to 5 years. If yours is within this age range, it's a good idea to have it tested to see if it should be replaced. Corroded Battery Connectors A well-functioning battery should be clean. If yours has started sprouting a powdery white layer, that's corrosion. It can lead to a poor connection and unreliable performance; worse, it's a sign that your battery is starting to deteriorate. A corroding battery should be replaced, and soon. A Sulfuric Smell If you notice a smell emanating from your battery that reminds you of rotten eggs, it's a sign that your battery might be leaking acid. Battery acid that gets into your engine can actually corrode wiring or damage components that could make your vehicle unsafe to drive, so a leaky battery needs to be replaced as soon as possible. A Swollen or Bloated Battery Take a look at your battery. Does the case seem to be in good condition, or are the sides bulging outward as if they're bloated? This is a sign of internal damage, often caused by extreme temperatures. A swollen battery needs to be replaced right away. Getting a New Car Battery at the Ford Dealer If you've noticed any of these signs, it's time to take a trip to the dealership to get that battery inspected by the experts. If a new battery is needed, we can help you choose the right one for your model. Our technicians will professionally install your replacement battery and ensure it's working correctly. Then, we'll dispose of your old one for a hassle-free experience. By choosing your local dealership for this service, you're guaranteed quality parts, expert service, and peace of mind. Keep your Ford powered up and ready to take on the road with confidence. Visit Crossroads Ford of Sumter and let us take a look at your battery today!

To keep your drives safe, especially at night, it's crucial to ensure your headlights are as bright as they should be. Let's shine a light on some signs you may need to head to Crossroads Ford of Sumter for new headlights. 6 Signs Your Ford Needs New Headlights 1. Your Lights Keep Getting Dimmer If your headlights seem dimmer than usual, they're probably telling you something. Dimming headlights are often a sign that your bulbs are wearing out, so you should have them replaced with fresh, bright ones. more 2. One Headlight Has Burned Out It might seem obvious, but if one of your headlights is out, it's time for a replacement. Driving with one headlight makes it harder to see the road at night or in bad weather, and it also makes it harder for others to see you. Plus, if your bulbs were replaced at the same time, the second one might burn out soon, too! 3. Your Headlights Flicker On and Off Flickering headlights are both annoying and a safety hazard. Lights that flicker on and off could be a sign of a loose connection, a dying bulb, or electrical problems in your car. You should visit the dealer to have flickering lights diagnosed before they fail completely and leave you in the dark. 4. You Have to Keep Changing the Bulbs If you find yourself replacing your Ford's headlight bulbs frequently, it's a sign that you might have an underlying issue. While headlight bulbs have a lifespan, they shouldn't need to be replaced too often. Frequent changes could point to a problem with your headlight assembly or electrical system. 5. There's Visible Damage or Moisture Take a minute to look closely at your headlights. Any cracks, chips, or damage can impact their performance. Additionally, if you notice water or fogging inside the headlight lens, rest assured it's not supposed to be there. Water inside the headlight can cause your bulbs to burn out or other electrical problems. 6. The Lights Have Changed Colors As headlights age, they can sometimes change color, often becoming more yellow than white. This discoloration can make it harder to see the road at night, so fresh bulbs are likely your best option. Fix Up Those Headlights with a Trip to the Ford Dealership If you notice any of these issues, it's advisable to visit your local dealer. We can check out your headlights and replace them if needed, ensuring that you can continue to drive safely. Not only that, but our expert technicians can check your vehicle for electrical problems or issues that may affect your headlights' performance. Remember, your Ford's headlights are essential to safety on the road. Paying attention to these signs can ensure that your headlights are always working at their best. Call Crossroads Ford of Sumter to schedule your headlight inspection today!

You'll generally visit Crossroads Ford of Sumter at least once a year for a standard service check, but you'll often need to stop by more often. This is all part of keeping your Ford in the best shape possible for as long as you can. If you're wondering what you should expect from this standard checkup, then let us fill you in. What to Expect from a Standard Service Check at Your Sumter, SC, Ford Dealer Oil Change You'll need to get your motor oil and oil filter changed every so often. Ford vehicles need it done approximately every six months, or after every 7,500 miles. Changing your motor oil is essential, as you need high-quality oil to lubricate your engine's parts and keep it running well. more Brake Service Brakes won't always need tune-ups or repairs when you stop by for regular service, but the entire braking system will be checked out. You can expect your mechanic to check how much brake fluid you have left, and they'll check on your brake pads and rotors. Rotors can become warped, and brake pads need to be replaced after driving 25,000 miles to 65,000 miles. Fluid Level Checks There are numerous fluids that help keep the car running smoothly from the ones under your hood, such as transmission fluid, to fluids such as windshield washer fluid. Your mechanic will check the level of every fluid and top off each one as necessary. The mechanics will also check the quality of all the fluids and replace any fluid that's too low-quality. Small Parts Replacements Your car has lots of different small parts that need to be replaced every so often. Filters, such as the air filter, should be changed one or more times per year to avoid them becoming clogged. Spark plugs should be replaced every few years. Your headlights and other exterior lights need to be replaced if they've become dim or hazy. Tire Checkups The mechanic will check on your tires to see how the tread is wearing down. If the tread is too worn down, then they'll recommend you replace your tires. They'll also do a tire rotation, which is necessary after every 5,000 to 7,500 miles driven. This is to make sure the tread wears down evenly. Multipoint Inspection All the critical safety components of your car will be checked to make sure they're in full working order. If there are any issues, no matter how small they are, then your mechanic will repair them for you. Repairing these minor issues early prevents them from getting worse and causing more damage to the car over time. Visit Crossroads Ford of Sumter to get regular service. We'll check out your car, tweak what needs to be tweaked, and get it back to you in no time.