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After investing a sizable chunk of change in your Ford, you'll want to keep it running trouble-free for as long as possible. Proper transmission maintenance is essential for this. Here's how to keep your gearbox shifting smoothly with the help of your local Ford dealership. Book Yearly Inspections Transmissions have always been one of the most complex car parts, and these days they're more sophisticated than ever before. They're also very durable, especially in a Ford. However, small issues can sometimes develop that need to be identified and repaired early on. Annual inspections help with this; have an experienced Ford technician check and test your transmission at least once a year. more Have Your Transmission Fluid Flushed The fluid keeps your transmission running and shifting smoothly. Transmission fluid lubricates, cleans, and also maintains a high level of hydraulic pressure. When occasional gearbox problems happen, it's usually due to leaking or aging transmission fluid. You'll probably need to have yours flushed every 30,000 miles or so. Our technicians can help you choose the right servicing interval for your model and fluid type. Check Your Transmission Fluid Regularly Transmission fluid can sometimes leak or degrade prematurely, so make sure to include the transmission fluid in your monthly fluid checks. Use the dipstick to ensure it's at a suitable level and doesn't look too degraded or burned. Keep Your Cooling System Healthy It's interesting to know that a car's cooling system doesn't only protect the engine. It also often helps keep the transmission cool. Also, if your car's engine ever overheats because of a faulty cooling system, the resulting malfunctions can damage the gearbox. With this in mind, always keep your cooling system in great shape with regular inspections and timely coolant flushes. Let Your Gearbox Warm Up Modern Ford engines and transmissions don't require much time to warm up to optimal performance temperatures. However, it's still slightly harmful to switch on the engine and start driving immediately, which gets the gears grinding before the fluid is at an ideal lubricating temperature. Instead, give your transmission and gearbox a minute or two to warm up first; they'll thank you with a longer lifespan. Visit Your Ford Dealership for Help With Your Transmission The transmission is one of the most costly car parts to repair in the case of a serious fault. Allow us to prevent this with routine inspections, timely fluid flushes, and prompt repairs for minor issues. Bring your Ford to Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, today for transmission service.

If you're looking for a bold vehicle that's always ready for the open road, the 2025 Ford Maverick is an inspired choice. With powerful performance, a fantastic suite of safety features, and a roomy interior, it's a true game-changer. 1. Outstanding Performance and Build Nothing is off-limits when you're behind the wheel of these vehicles, with electronic power-assist steering and all-season tires that keep you firmly in control even on slippery or unpaved roads. Other features, like four-wheel disc brakes, help you stop quickly and effectively, and LED reflector headlights give you total visibility always. Plus, these vehicles come with six bed tie-downs, so you can bring larger gear with you and rest assured that it stays put on the ride. From everyday driving to that great family road trip, these vehicles deliver when it comes to power and precision. more 2. Smart Safety Features Safety is always top-of-mind when you're riding in these new Ford models with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of features. It comes with pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, which lets you know if there are problems ahead and can stop your vehicle as needed. A rearview camera and automatic high beams give you unobscured visibility of what's happening in front of and behind you and are great for both city driving and rural roads. Additionally, you'll find several built-in features, like a tire pressure monitoring system that lets you know the vehicle is in good condition to hit the road. Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags shield you and your passengers if there's an emergency, and the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system gives you peace of mind that your vehicle is safe. 3. Modern and Comfortable Interior These vehicles are excellent family rides, with space for up to five people and plenty of convenience features, like multiple USB ports, rear under-seat storage bins, an air filtration system, and single-zone manual air conditioning for the ideal temperature. Drivers will love the six-way adjustable seat, and everyone will enjoy Ford SYNC 4, which comes with a speedy Wi-Fi hotspot and real-time navigation directions. If it's time to upgrade your ride, these vehicles are a fantastic option. They're rugged on the outside, modern inside, and have safety features that will allow you to rest easy on your journey. Stop by Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, and take one for a test drive today.

If you feel more vibrations from the road and your steering has become less sure, your car may have misaligned wheels. Misalignment damages the tires and worsens your handling. You can prevent it with routine wheel alignment services at your Ford dealership. How Often to Schedule Alignments It's generally recommended to book an alignment check each time you have your tires rotated, which should be twice a year for most drivers. The three angles of your wheels (camber, caster, and toe) will first be measured precisely. A full realignment is only necessary if the wheels are found to be crooked. How Alignments Are Carried Out Firstly, your car's suspension will be examined, as suspension components hold the wheels in place. Any worn-out parts will be replaced. Then, a device is clamped onto the wheel to measure alignment. This machine is connected to a computer, which shows the measurements for each wheel angle with precision. The technician can use these readouts to make careful adjustments to each wheel until all four are perfectly parallel as the manufacturer intended. The steering system may also be checked and centered. Once this process is completed, you're likely to notice an improvement in the smoothness and accuracy of your handling. more How to Identify Misaligned Wheels Misalignment leads to all kinds of problems. Along with heightened vibrations and road noise, you'll also feel less confident in your steering as the crooked wheels put pressure on the steering column. Your steering wheel may become looser with more free play and might even become pushed off-center. Your car could start to pull to the side when you're on a straight road. The tires will also suffer. As misaligned tires are pressed awkwardly against the tarmac, they'll wear down unevenly, which you'll notice if you check them regularly. Misaligned tires might also start to squeal noisily when you corner. Check Your Alignment Today at Your Ford Dealership How long has it been since your last alignment? If the answer is more than six months, or you've noticed the above symptoms, schedule an alignment with our experienced Ford technicians. We can set your wheels and tires straight again in no time. Visit Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, for prompt, professional tire and wheel services. Whether you're in need of a vehicle, routine maintenance, or emergency repairs, you're in the right place.

If you've been looking for an ideal SUV for both daily commutes and long-distance journeys with the family, look no further than the 2025 Ford Explorer, a popular three-row SUV. Sporty Engine Performance The 2025 Explorer comes in four different trim levels, with two different engines offered among them. The first is a 2.3-liter I-4 engine that churns out an impressive 300 horsepower thanks to an integrated turbocharger. This engine can be found in the Active, Platinum, and ST-Line trims. The second engine is a 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 400 horses and comes exclusively with the sporty ST trim. Both engines come with Auto Start/Stop technology, which helps to conserve fuel. more Versatility You Can Rely On Also providing impressive versatility, this SUV has many optional features for off-road journeys, including an available Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive system that can detect terrain changes while adapting to them. Both a non-limited-slip rear axle and Selectable Drive Modes come standard to help provide optimized traction and performance. The latter feature allows you to switch between multiple driving modes at any time, such as Slippery, Trail, Tow/Haul, and Sport, giving you more hands-on control over the vehicle's performance settings. Comfy and Spacious Inside Inside the Explorer's spacious three-row cabin you'll find standard tri-zone climate control, seating for up to eight passengers, and available rear-seat auxiliary controls. There are also split-folding third-row seats that come standard, as well as split-folding second-row seats in select trim levels. Plush leather, easy-to-clean ActiveX material, and unique cloth are offered as seating material options, depending on the trim, and some upper trims come with thermal settings for the first two rows of seating. Advanced Tech Throughout This is also the first edition to feature the all-new Ford Digital Experience, a multi-function infotainment system that comes standard with entertainment options, apps, hands-free calling, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a full-color touchscreen. Other tech highlights include a 12.3-inch instrument panel cluster behind the wheel, a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that can be accessed with a data plan, and driver-assist standouts like Pre-Collision Assist, the Rear View Camera, the Lane-Keeping System, and rear parking sensors, all standard. Ready for a closer look? Come experience the adventurous and reliable 2025 Explorer for yourself by contacting us today at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA to schedule a test drive with any of our friendly staff members.

With its roomy interior and impressive performance, the 2025 Ford Escape is a top pick for any driver considering a compact SUV. To learn more about the many outstanding features or to book a test drive, visit your local Ford dealership. 1: Varied Powertrain Options Whether your focus is on eco-friendly driving or fuel economy, the Escape has plenty to offer. The Active and ST-Line trims include the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine as standard, which increases to a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine on the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims. All EcoBoost engines include automatic Stop-Start technology. more There is also a dedicated Plug-In Hybrid Escape as well as a hybrid option on all other trim levels apart from the Active. 2: Flexible Interior Design When it comes to versatility, the Escape delivers with both comfortable space for passengers and room for cargo. Up front, there are 40 inches of legroom, so you won't feel cramped on long journeys. In the rear, the 60/40 split seat can be moved further back to provide an extra 5.9 inches of space. If cargo is your priority, the back seats can be folded flat to provide an impressive 65.4 cubic feet to meet your loading needs. 3: Convenient Connectivity The advanced SYNC 4 system provides the ultimate connectivity, offering both information and seamless entertainment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are included as standard, giving you access to your smartphone functions while on the move. The 8-inch touchscreen is an intuitive interface, but there's also a 13.2-inch touchscreen available for those who prefer a larger screen. FordPass Connect provides a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot in the vehicle that is capable of connecting up to 10 devices. This includes delivering real-time traffic updates, weather reports, and navigation. USB multimedia charging ports are included as standard, but there's also an optional wireless charging pad available. 4: Advanced Safety Functions The Ford Co-Pilot360 technology keeps you safe while on the road. This comprehensive suite of features provides superior protection and powerful assistance while both stationary and driving. Some of the features in the standard package include: Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) Rear Cross-Traffic Braking Pre-Collision Assist including Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, and Forward Collision Warning Roll Stability Control SOS Post-Crash Alert System Post-Collision Braking Further safety features can be added with the available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+. On the ST-Line Elite and Platinum, the Assist+ is included as standard. There are many more features to discover in the 2025 Escape from Ford. To take a look for yourself, get in touch with us here at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA today.

After sixty years of outrunning just about every rival, the Mustang is eyeing the biggest names in the performance world. To get there, the Blue Oval took the Mustang GT3 race car and turned it into the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD. The result? Wild. The GTD is only the sixth production vehicle to run a certified Nürburgring lap in under seven minutes. It's the fifth fastest in its class. And it's the first American car to pull it off. Powertrain The Mustang GTD uses a modified version of the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 from the Shelby GT500. Upgrades include a smaller supercharger pulley and revised intake and exhaust. That all adds up to a ridiculous 815 horsepower, 664 lb-ft of torque, and a screaming 7,650-rpm redline. more For the first time, the Mustang gets a dry-sump oiling system that keeps the engine fed under brutal cornering. To balance the weight of the heavy, front-mounted V8, the Mustang GTD comes with a rear-mounted transaxle and carbon fiber driveshaft. Carbon Fiber Almost Everywhere A fast car comes down to two things: having a strong engine and keeping the weight low. The GTD's Predator V8, the most powerful Mustang engine ever, easily takes care of the first part. Ford takes care of the second part by using carbon fiber for a lot of the body parts, like the hood, fenders, roof, trunk cover, and even the front splitter and rear diffuser. Other Features Out back, the GTD's suspension uses a pushrod setup with a perfect 1:1 motion ratio between the wheel and damper, meaning every bump, dip, and corner is directly translated to the suspension without delay. Up front, it swaps out the standard Mustang's struts for race-inspired unequal-length control arms. A drag reduction system is standard. Stopping power comes from carbon ceramic brakes. The tires are serious, too, coming in at 325mm wide in the front and 345mm in the back. They are wrapped around 20-inch forged aluminum wheels or optional forged magnesium ones if you want to shave even more weight. Ford's Variable Traction system lets you adjust how much your car helps you out. This allows you to dial in just the right amount of support as you get more confident behind the wheel. For more information about the Mustang GTD or any other Mustang, reach out Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.

Is your AC not working? The air conditioner in your car is a relatively complex component that continuously transforms the refrigerant from gas to liquid form and back again as it flows through the compressor, condenser, accumulator, and evaporator. To keep your cabin cool and comfy, you'll need to have your AC serviced periodically. And if you already have an AC issue, have it promptly repaired at your local Ford dealership. Get a Full AC Service Once a Year Preventive maintenance will ensure your AC has a long lifespan. With annual inspections, our technicians can check for leaks and test the whole system, making on-the-spot repairs with any minor faults that would otherwise become worse over time. more Respond Quickly To Air-Con Problems If your AC starts blowing only warm air, you might have a refrigerant leak on your hands. Further symptoms of a malfunction include no air blowing out of the vents, which typically indicates a fault with the blower or blower motor, and bad-smelling AC air, which means mold or mildew is accumulating inside the system. Strange noises are another sign of AC trouble; rattling sounds may mean a leaf is trapped in the blower or that the compressor's clutch is malfunctioning. Knocking, grinding, and whining noises are also possible when an air conditioner fails. Finally, if the drain line becomes clogged, a buildup of moisture could cause water to drip under the dashboard. Run Defrost Mode Weekly Even in the heat of summer, it's a good idea to run defrost mode at full power once a week for ten minutes. This combats humidity, removing the moisture that creates a breeding ground for mold. It also helps the system to maintain a suitable refrigerant gas pressure. Keep Your Cabin Clean and Dust-Free The cleaner the interior of your car, the less dirt and mold spores will get into the AC. Keeping your car clean not only makes it more pleasant for you and your passengers but also helps your AC last longer. Is Your AC Not Working? Visit Your Ford Dealership for Repairs If you already have an AC problem, you can have it quickly repaired with us. Our technicians can diagnose the underlying cause of whatever symptom you're experiencing and get the system reliably cooling your cabin. Visit Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, today to have your air conditioner serviced or repaired.

Getting a battery replacement every few years is all part of being a responsible car owner. Without visiting the Ford dealership for a new battery regularly, your car will become difficult, and then impossible, to drive. This applies to combustion engine cars more than electric or hybrid ones, so let's go into more detail. Why Battery Replacement Is Necessary Although a combustion engine vehicle is powered by gas or diesel, the battery plays a crucial part in starting the car and keeping it running. It powers all the electrical parts of your car, from the infotainment system to the dashboard lights. The vehicle also needs electrical power to get the engine to turn over, and the battery is responsible for that, too. more So, without a fully functioning car battery, you sometimes won't be able to start your car. Even if your car does start, a failing battery can cause lots of electrical problems and potentially performance problems. That's why it's essential to replace your battery when or before it starts failing. How Often a New Battery Is Needed Combustion engine cars need new batteries every three to five years on average. So, once you've had your battery for three years, you should ask the technicians at the dealership if it needs to be replaced sooner rather than later. Visiting the dealership for regular battery health checks is important, too. The battery in hybrid and electric vehicles is designed to last closer to a decade. Ford's warranty on electric cars lasts eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty also covers your battery, so if it does need replacing sooner than expected, then your warranty should cover it. How To Know When To Visit the Ford Dealership When Your Electrical Parts Malfunction If any of the electrical components in your car start acting strangely, then it's usually a sign that there's something wrong with the battery or something else in the electrical system. The headlights may become dim or start flickering. Your heated seats may not get warm. Your phone may no longer charge when plugged into your Ford's USB ports. When Your Car Struggles to Start A faulty battery can make your car take longer to start or prevent your vehicle from starting at all. Visit the dealer if it's taking longer than usual to start your vehicle. Try jump-starting the battery if you can't get the engine to turn over at all. If the car starts and stays on when jump-started, then your battery needs to be inspected ASAP. Is your battery faulty or on the older side? Come get it replaced at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.

The fuel system delivers fuel from the tank to the intake manifold, where it mixes with air. Once the fuel and air mix in a precise ratio, they're drawn into the engine cylinders and ignited to produce combustion. Regular fuel system cleaning ensures your vehicle continues to deliver top performance. As your Ford dealership, we want to tell you how the cleaning process works. From Your Ford Dealership: How Fuel System Cleaning Works Why It Needs Cleaning As time passes, fuel residue, dirt, and other contaminants build up in the system and cause blockages. These blockages restrict fuel delivery to the intake manifold and can cause the engine to run fuel-lean. If this happens, you'll experience rough idling, backfiring, and poor acceleration. The fuel system should be cleaned every 30,000 miles, but this can vary depending on your Ford model. more Steps in the Fuel Cleaning Process. Clean the Injectors The fuel injectors spray fuel into the intake manifold, where it mixes with the air. Fuel residue can build up on the injectors and block them. Our technicians carefully clean the injectors to ensure they can spray the right amount of fuel into the intake manifold. Clean the Throttle Body The throttle body is a flat valve that controls airflow into the engine. This is important, as we saw above, as combustion requires a precise fuel-air mix. Oxygen sensors measure the amount of air in the manifold and inform your computer. The computer will then open the valve to allow more air in or keep it closed and adjust the amount of fuel sprayed into the manifold to compensate. A dirty throttle body can alter the fuel-air mixture, resulting in reduced acceleration and poor idling. Clean the Valves The valves control the amount of fuel that enters the injectors. Fuel contains volatile molecules, some of which evaporate over time even if stored in the fuel tank. This natural decay leaves behind a sticky substance called fuel varnish that clogs the valves and reduces the amount of fuel delivered to the injectors. Once they've been cleaned, the correct amount of fuel will pass through to the injectors. Change the Fuel Filter The fuel filter traps dirt and other contaminants that can enter the fuel tank, preventing them from reaching the engine. As time passes, the filter can become blocked, and your Ford might struggle to start or suffer misfiring or stalling. We replace the filter so the fuel can flow freely on demand. Contact our service department today at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.

When you're looking for the ultimate adventure ride, the 2025 Ford Expedition stands out. This full-size three-row SUV has room for up to eight people, a powerful engine under the hood, and a wealth of versatile features designed to redefine your tailgating experience. Massive Power Ready to handle whatever the day brings, the 2025 Expedition can follow any trail. Its standard engine is a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. With the standard rear-wheel drive, this engine provides a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. For added off-road confidence, you can opt for four-wheel drive, a system that comes with six selectable drive modes to help you tackle all terrains. more On select trim levels, a high-output version of this engine provides 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. You can also enhance the SUV with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package to pull trailers up to 9,600 pounds. Room for Your Whole Crew When you want to enjoy epic road trips with your kids, pets, and a couple of friends, the Expedition has room for everyone and their things. The cavernous interior has a standard eight-seat layout with a 40/20/40 split-folding second row and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench. Seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs is available. Behind the rear seats, you get 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which can expand up to 69.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats or up to 108.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. If you need more room for stuff, the Expedition MAX offers between 37.4 and 123.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Cargo Tailgate Manager Designed for active families with lots of things to carry and plenty of needs at the campsite, the 2025 Expedition comes with a unique Split Gate with power upper and lower halves. This design allows you to accommodate long items and also allows you to transform the lower half into a bench or work surface. The included cargo tailgate manager has a capacity of 35 pounds and triples as a shelf, table, or backrest. With available 360-degree zone lighting, this versatile SUV can become the highlight of all your outdoor adventures. To discover all the features the 2025 Expedition offers and try them on the road, schedule your test drive at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA. We will be here to help with anything you need.

The 2025 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV ​with advanced technology, spacious comfort, and impressive performance. Whether you're driving to the grocery store, taking a road trip, or towing a boat, the Explorer ​has the features to make the journey enjoyable. ​ Powerful Performance The Explorer is equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination, along with the standard Class III trailer tow package, enables it to tow up to 5,000 pounds. It also comes with trailer sway control. The Explorer comes with rear-wheel drive and a terrain management system, but the available intelligent four-wheel drive is a good option if you do off-road driving. more If you need even more power, the ST trim comes with a 400-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine. Rugged, Functional Style You can tell at a glance that the Explorer is strong and capable. Its sleek lines, wide stance, and bold grille enhance its commanding presence. It has LED headlights, which increase visibility, and a power liftgate to grant easy access to the cargo area. Other functional features include black roof rails, skid plate elements, and heated side mirrors. There are several unique wheel options, including the 18-inch silver wheels that come standard on the base model. Spacious and Comfortable Interior The Explorer seats seven, and it offers abundant space for everyone. Its push button start, power driver's seat, available heated steering wheel, and heated front seats create a pleasant driving experience. The tri-zone electronic automatic climate control allows the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to set their own temperature. The second and third rows fold flat, allowing you to extend your cargo capacity to 85.8 cubic feet when needed. Modern Technology and Connectivity The Explorer's infotainment system comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you can easily integrate your vehicle and your phone. It comes with the Ford Digital Experience, which allows you to access Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play through the 13.2-inch touchscreen. It also has Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which makes staying connected effortless. There are USB ports on all three rows, so all passengers can charge their phones, and higher trims have wireless charging too. ​ Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance The Explorer comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, so it's loaded with features that take some of the stress out of driving. For example, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors come standard. Higher trims also have front parking sensors. Other standard features include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and driver alert. With its powerful engine options, advanced driver assistance features, and spacious comfort, the Explorer ​is the ideal SUV for a wide range of drivers. Are you ready to see if it's a good fit for you? Come see us at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA for a test drive.

A regularly scheduled brake inspection ensures your brakes are always in condition. It's also essential for your and your passengers' safety, as brake components can become worn or damaged and could result in an accident. As your Ford dealership, we'd like you to know a few signs you need to visit us for a brake repair. Signs You Need a Brake Inspection or Brake Repair at Your Ford Dealership Soft Brake Pedal Brake fluid is highly pressurized and provides the hydraulic power that allows the braking system to work.  If you feel little pedal resistance when you push on the brake pedal, you could have a fluid leak or air bubbles in the brake system that prevent it from working correctly. more If the system leaks, our technicians will find and seal the leak and replace the fluid. Air bubbles can form if air enters any hole in the braking system or if your brake fluid is old, as water absorbed by older fluid can overheat and boil, creating bubbles. We will bleed the brakes to remove trapped air or replace the old fluid to prevent overheating. Illuminated Brake Light There are several brake-related lights on your dashboard. The first looks like the letter P inside a circle within brackets. This represents the parking brake, and it lights up if the cable is loose instead of taut, or the brake is malfunctioning. We can replace the worn cable or repair the brake. An exclamation point inside a circle within brackets means your brake fluid is low. This warning is usually due to a leak, and we'll fix the leak and refill the fluid. An empty circle within dash brackets is the brake pad wear indicator. It indicates if one or more brake pads are worn and need replacement. The brake pads fit into the calipers and provide the essential friction against the rotors that stops your wheels. If you have a worn brake pad, you'll also hear a loud screeching when you brake. We'll examine the pads and replace any that are damaged. Once the issue is resolved, the warning light will go out. Increased Stopping Distance When you hit the brakes, the system should stop your Ford within seconds. If your brakes take longer to work than they used to, something is wrong. We need to investigate, as this problem could be due to low brake fluid or a mechanical issue, but it could also mean your tire tread is worn. Once we find the source of the problem, we'll fix it. If you have a brake problem, c ontact us at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.