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The suspension of your vehicle allows your Ford to drive smoothly and gives you that pleasant driving experience which makes getting from A to B so nice. If you need suspension repair from your Ford dealership, your car will throw up some signals to let you know it's time. Knowing It's Time for Suspension Repair From Your Ford Dealership Suspension issues are not always as obvious as you might think. Sometimes they will announce themselves, but more often, they creep up over time. Here's a few things to look out for: Rough or Bumpy Ride If your ride is progressively getting more bumpy, this could be because the shocks or the strut are getting worn out. These are the components of your suspension that are made to dampen the impact of all those bumps. As they fail, you'll slowly begin to feel it more and more. You'll especially notice this problem on roads that you previously assumed were quite smooth. more Uneven Tire Wear When parts of your suspension are misaligned, it can cause your tires to start wearing unevenly. If you see bald spots on your tire, or they're wearing unevenly, there are a number of issues that could be in play, but you should definitely get the suspension checked out just in case. Pulling or Drifting When you make a turn, your vehicle should turn with you, smoothly. When you brake, the whole vehicle should brake as one. If you're feeling pulling or drifting in either of these situations, there could be something wrong with the control arms, ball joints, or spring tension of your suspension system. However, veering to one side when you brake could also be a problem with the brakes themselves. Either way, it needs to be checked. Clunking or Knocking Noises Weird noises are never good, but if you hear strange sounds whenever you go over a bump, you might have some loose component somewhere, like a bushing or sway bar link. Nose Diving or Swaying When you brake, pay attention to whether your vehicle does an extreme front end nose dive. If it does this, or if it sways heavily as you go around the corner, you probably have weak springs or struts that will need to be replaced soon. Whether you're noticing these signs or you want to proactively make sure you don't experience them, we can help. Visit Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA today for help.

Is it time for new headlights? Here's how to tell if you need to head over to the Ford dealer to brighten up your drive. You Think You Need Glasses If you are starting to think that maybe you need glasses, or maybe you're not cut out for driving at night, this could actually be because your headlights are starting to grow dim. It's not something that's immediately obvious. Instead, you usually just start feeling that you're having to squint a lot at night. Before you worry that the problem is you, have your headlights checked out at the dealership to make sure they're shining the way they should and providing you with enough light to drive. You Notice Flickering Sometimes, a light doesn't actually burn out, but it does start flickering. This usually means you have a loose connection in there somewhere, and it is liable to flicker out completely at the worst possible moment. Come see us, and we'll take care of this to make sure you can rely on your headlights whenever you need them. more One Light Is Out It's frustrating when one light goes out, and it's very tempting to just ignore it until the second light goes out. For one thing, this is illegal. Not only do you not have enough light to see if you've only got one headlight, but one burnt out bulb makes you confusing to oncoming drivers. They are likely to think you're a motorcycle, and that means they're going to misjudge your width and where you are on the road. More than that, however, once one light goes out, it becomes very likely that the second will go out. That's because bulbs are installed in pairs. Just bring it by and we'll quickly give you a new set. Things Are Looking Hazy If you take a look at your lights during the day and notice that they look hazy and yellowed, the problem could be the lights to themselves or it could just be your headlight covers. When you drop it by, we can see if the covers can be cleaned. If that's possible, that might be all that needs to happen. If the covers have gotten too damaged by exposure to the elements, we can replace them or replace the bulbs as necessary. ​Schedule service with us at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA today for headlight service.

Ford cars are high-quality and long-lasting, but they do need some help with lasting as long as possible. That's why you need to regularly head to your Ford dealer for Ford maintenance. There are certain services your car needs to prevent breakdowns and premature wear and tear. Let's take a look at some of the most essential ones. Get Regular Oil Changes Check your owner's manual; in there, you'll find instructions regarding how often you need an oil change. Make sure you abide by the timeframe given and never miss an oil change appointment. Going too long without an oil change can cause premature wear and tear and even make your engine seize up. more Check Your Fluid Levels Monitor fluid levels at home so you'll notice as soon as the levels get low. Visit the dealer when any of the fluid levels get low, including the oil. You may need oil top-ups in between your regular oil changes. Get Interim, Full, and Major Service Interim service is done as needed, usually every 6 months. During interim service, you may have your battery checked, various filters replaced, and fluid levels checked. You'll also likely get a tire rotation during interim service, too, as tire rotations and oil changes often need to be done at the same frequency. These things will also be done during full service, which is more comprehensive and needs to be done annually. During a full or annual service, the technicians will perform more extensive checks on your vehicle. In total, 80 or more different parts of your car may be checked during your full service appointment. Lastly, major service is done every other year, and even more parts of your car are inspected during it. Wear-and-tear parts such as your brake discs and fuel lines are typically replaced during this service. Get Your Fluids Exchanged The fluid levels in your car don't just need to be topped up. You also need to exchange the old fluid for fresh fluid at different intervals, similar to getting an oil change. Check your owner's manual to see how often it says you need to have different fluids drained and replaced. You can also talk to your technician about having fluid exchanges during your regularly scheduled interim, full, and major service. Stop by Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA for all your vehicle's maintenance needs. Contact our service department at 706-919-9244 or head to our website to schedule service now.

The engine is the most complex and expensive part of your Ford. It contains numerous systems that work together to deliver the power that moves your vehicle. As time passes, components will wear out or become damaged, reducing engine performance and potentially causing additional issues. As your Ford dealer, we want to give you a few examples of the types of engine maintenance we provide. Examples of Engine Maintenance Available at Your Ford Dealer Engine Mount Replacement The engine is securely connected to the frame by two engine mounts. These mounts are constructed from toughened rubber and are filled with liquid. The liquid acts as a shock absorber, preventing your engine from moving and protecting it against vibrations caused when driving. These mounts can wear out due to age, causing them to crack, and the liquid will seep out. more The loss of liquid from the mounts causes the engine to move slightly up and down, which can cause vibration damage to engine components. You'll hear a dull thudding noise, particularly when driving over bumpy terrain, which can be unnerving. Your engine can't break free from the frame, but the mounts need replacement to prevent engine damage. We'll replace the mounts, and the noise will stop. Damaged Ignition Coils An ignition coil is connected to each spark plug to boost the spark plug's power. A spark plug produces 12 volts, which is insufficient to ignite the fuel-air mixture in its cylinder. The coil boosts the voltage to 30,000 volts, ensuring efficient combustion. The coils eventually wear out and are usually replaced after 80,000 to 100,000 miles. A failed coil prevents its spark plug from igniting the fuel-air mixture in its cylinder, causing a misfire. Misfiring produces a jerking sensation and a temporary drop in engine power. If the misfiring continues, the pistons and cylinders can be damaged. Our technicians will quickly replace any damaged coils. Water Pump Replacement The water pump is part of the cooling system. When your engine's temperature hits a pre-set level, coolant is released into the engine. The water pump activates and pumps the coolant through your engine at high speed to absorb the heat radiating from hot engine components. Once the heat is absorbed, the coolant transports it to the radiator for removal by heat exchange. A failed water pump prevents the coolant from moving, causing your engine to rapidly overheat and suffer major damage. We'll replace the pump, and the engine temperature will return to normal. Contact our service department today at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA, to book your Ford's maintenance.

Healthy brakes are your Ford's most important safety system, as they enable you to control your speed. This can often mean the difference between avoiding an accident and being part of the accident. As your Ford dealer, we want to tell you a few signs you may need to visit us for a brake service very soon. Pulling to One Side Pressurized brake fluid is pumped to the calipers when you hit the brakes, forcing them to close on the rotors. The brake pads in the calipers generate friction, which brings them to a stop. All four calipers are engineered to clamp against the rotors simultaneously. If your Ford pulls to one side when braking, one of the calipers isn't engaging when it should. more The two main reasons for a caliper not engaging are a blockage in the brake hose leading to it or it could be rusted. Air can enter even the sealed braking system and form a bubble. If a bubble forms in a hose, it prevents the brake fluid from reaching the caliper. Rust can jam a caliper, preventing it from closing when it should. We'll investigate and fix the problem. Leaking Brake Fluid Brake fluid is highly pressurized, which generates heat. As time passes, the heat and pressure can cause a leak in the system. Unlike your other car fluids, brake fluid isn't easy to spot if it leaks as it's slightly yellowish and looks like cooking oil. While you might not see the leak, you'll feel its effects as the pressure in the braking system drops. When you push down on the pedal, it produces less resistance than it should. The brakes will also take longer to respond. We can trace a fluid leak and repair it then we'll refill the brake fluid. Glazed Brake Pads Brake pads play a vital role in braking, as we've seen. When you take your foot off the brake, the calipers withdraw. Glazing occurs when a pad is held too close to the spinning rotor for a prolonged period. This damages the pad and turns it smooth and glass-like. A glazed pad is dangerous, as it can't produce the friction needed to stop the rotor. A pad can become glazed if you repeatedly ride your brakes or a damaged caliper doesn't withdraw when it should. We can't repair glazed pads, but we can install replacements, and your brakes will work correctly again. If you have a brake problem, contact us ASAP at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.

Road trips are one of the most pleasantly exciting things in life; but only when they go well! A comprehensive trip check at your Ford dealer gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on the key thing: having fun! Here's some of what's on our service checklist when you're ready for a trip. Ford Dealer Service Checklist for Your Next Journey Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection The trip check begins with a thorough inspection of your vehicle's key systems and components. Our certified Ford technicians examine the engine performance, checking for any warning codes, unusual noises, or performance issues that might indicate underlying problems. They make sure the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid are all at optimal levels for your journey (and fresh). more Tire Evaluation and Maintenance Our technicians will check the tread and wear on your tires and adjust the tire pressure according to Ford's specifications, including the spare tire. They look carefully for any cuts, bulges, or other damage that could lead to tire failure. Wheel alignment and balancing can also be done to prevent uneven wear and improve your handling. Brake System Examination We'll take a look at the brake pads and check the rotors for any unusual wear. We'll also look at the brake lines and hoses for leaks or damage and test the brake fluid for moisture content. The parking brake is also tested to ensure it operates correctly. Lights and Electrical Systems Check Visibility and communication with other drivers require your vehicle's lighting and signals to be working. We'll test all exterior lights, including headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals, to ensure they function properly. HVAC System Assessment Comfort during your trip is important. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is tested to make sure everything is working as it should. Cabin and engine air filters are inspected and replaced if necessary, so both you and your engine can breathe. Wiper Blades and Windshield Care We'll check your wiper blades for wear or damage and replace them if needed. The windshield is examined for chips or cracks that could obstruct your view or worsen over time. Safety Systems Verification Modern Ford vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, like the Ford CoPilot360 system. Our technicians know how to check these systems and ensure that all driver-assistance features, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, operate as intended. Before setting off on your next adventure, contact us at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA today.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The radiator is an essential part of your engine as it removes heat. Excessive heat can damage sensitive engine components, and your engine generates large quantities of heat that must be removed. As time passes, the radiator can become worn or damaged, and the engine temperature will increase. As your Ford dealer, we want you to know some signs you need to visit us for a radiator service. Rising Engine Temperature Liquid coolant is pumped through the engine, absorbing heat as it moves. This heat is transported to the radiator, where the coolant enters rows of thin aluminum tubes. Airflow through the radiator grille passes over the tubes and removes the heat by heat exchange. The cooling system can speed up or slow down in response to the rise or fall in engine temperature. more If your temperature gauge shows an increase in engine temperature for no apparent reason, you could have a radiator problem. The radiator could be blocked, the coolant may leak, or the fan may have failed. We advise calling our service department immediately. Our technicians will examine your cooling system and find and repair the problem. Leaking Coolant As we've seen, liquid coolant is vital for your cooling system. It's a mixture of antifreeze and water and can absorb heat. The cooling system is pressurized to enable the coolant to move quickly. As time passes, a hole or other leak site in the system will cause a coolant loss and a resulting drop in system pressure. As the system pressure drops, the coolant's movement will slow down. This increases engine temperature, as the excess heat isn't being removed fast enough. As the heat accumulates, sensitive components like gaskets and seals can fail, and your engine could suffer major damage. We'll find the leak and repair it, then refill the coolant. Jammed Thermostat The thermostat controls the release of coolant. Once the engine temperature hits a pre-set level, the thermostat opens, and releases coolant. Over time, the thermostat can fail, and it will jam. If the thermostat jams open, coolant will be continually released into the engine. This lowers the operating temperature, making your engine less efficient and increasing fuel consumption. A thermostat that jams closed won't release coolant, and this will cause your engine to overheat in minutes. We can quickly replace the thermostat to fix this issue. If you think you have a cooling problem, contact us ASAP at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.

Stand out from the crowd by upgrading your vehicle with genuine Ford accessories. Check out some of our favorite options available now from your neighborhood Ford dealer. Appearance Enhancements Give your Ford a sporty look with upgrades like black body side molding and fender flares. You can also light up the night with an underbody illumination kit. Decals and hood graphics provide another way to personalize your favorite Ford model. Rear spoilers, stainless-steel pillar trim, tailgate trim, and running boards upgrade the look of the vehicle's exterior as well. Storage Solutions Bring your gear anywhere you go with accessories such as a Thule hitch-mounted bike carrier, rack-mounted kayak carrier, or a roof mount for your fishing rods. You can also add cargo boxes and ski or snowboard carriers. Roof rack crossbars provide a flexible, customizable way to expand the available cargo space in your Ford. more Keep valuables secure in your vehicle with an available locking console safe. If you have a truck, consider adding even more utility to your pickup bed with a light kit or cargo management system. Cargo nets and covers are also available for Ford car and crossover models. Protective Upgrades Enhance the appearance of your Ford's cabin while shielding the upholstery from damage with a Neoprene seat cover. Most models are available with full custom car covers that keep the weather out and preserve the exterior paint job. All-weather floor liners protect the carpet of your vehicle, providing a perfect fit for ​any model. Recreation and Tech Go camping in comfort with an available two-person Yakima rooftop tent, offered for several models, including the Bronco. On long rides, keep passengers entertained with a rear-seat infotainment system, which you can get with optional Bluetooth headphones. Add convenience tech like remote start to your Ford. Safety and Security Shield your vehicle from theft with the Perimeter Plus security system. An off-road assistance kit comes in handy if you like to take your Ford truck or SUV out on tough trails. You can also incorporate driver assistance upgrades such as a back-up alarm, a dash cam, or a rear-facing camera. If you have a trailer, consider upgrading your vehicle with a trailer brake controller. Whether you need a sports car, a heavy duty pickup, or anything in between, you'll find it in the Ford lineup. Visit Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA today to build your ideal model.

Regular Ford maintenance ensures that your car always runs efficiently, saving you money in the long term. Old fluids and worn components will cause problems that grow worse over time. Correct maintenance prevents these problems, as potential issues can be noticed and repaired by our Ford-trained technicians. As your Ford dealer, we'd like you to know about some of the types of maintenance we perform. Types of Ford Maintenance You'll Always Find at Your Ford Dealer Headlight Replacement Good headlight bulbs are invaluable when driving at night or in other low-visibility conditions. They enable you to see the road ahead, and they also ensure that other drivers and pedestrians can see you. A lack of visibility can easily lead to an unnecessary accident. Headlight bulbs have a working lifespan of 500 hours to 30,000 hours, depending on the type of bulbs you have. Old bulbs can start to flicker, grow dim, and eventually blow out. Replacing a bulb is quick and easy, and we recommend replacing both bulbs simultaneously. Headlight bulbs are always installed in pairs. If one has failed, the other will fail in a few days. Replacing both bulbs will allow you to drive safely at night and avoid needing to return to have the second bulb installed. more Radiator Hose Replacement The radiator is responsible for removing engine heat to maintain a safe operating temperature. Liquid coolant is pumped through your engine, and it absorbs heat from the engine components as it passes over them. The coolant's final destination is the radiator, where the now hot coolant enters the aluminum radiator tubes. Airflow over the tubes rapidly removes the heat, and the coolant circulates through the engine again. There are two radiator hoses, one at the top and the other at the bottom of the radiator. They're made of toughened, heat-resistant rubber that can withstand temperatures above 300 F. As time passes, these hoses will become less flexible, which can cause cracks. Cracks can leak, and your engine will overheat as it loses coolant. We'll check the condition of your hoses and replace them if they're damaged. Battery Replacement The battery provides the electrical power that's used to start the engine. It stores electricity as chemical energy. The chemical reactions that allow the battery to supply, store, and recharge will eventually cause the battery to fail as the chemicals break down and become inert. Their breakdown is a gradual process, but over time, the battery will become more difficult to recharge. Our technicians can get your battery's capabilities using a computerized battery tester. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This tester will give a clear indication of the battery's potential remaining lifespan. If your battery is failing, we can quickly and easily replace it. Regular maintenance will keep your Ford in great condition and extend its life. Contact us today at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.

It may seem obvious, but a car's wheels are extremely important to both the safety and performance of your Ford. Many models have different options available from the factory, and your Ford dealer can help you decide what's right for you, whether you're configuring a new vehicle or simply buying new tires. As specialists in Ford vehicles, your local dealer can help you navigate the variables to ensure the best fit for your car, budget, ​and style. Wheel and Tire Size In general, the larger the diameter the wheels are, the lower the profile of the tires needs to be in order to fit within the wheel well. Low profile tires are stiffer, which can enhance handling at the expense of ride comfort. Larger wheels will also put more torque on the road, for better acceleration, but are also heavier and can impact fuel economy. more It's easy to overlook the width of your wheels, since it's not something that's easy to see from the outside of your car. Wider wheels increase the contact patch (the amount of tire actually connecting your car to the road), which improves traction. The downside is that they decrease fuel economy. For this reason, you will often find narrower wheels on cars that target maximum efficiency, such as the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. Tire Speed Rating All tires have a top-rated speed, which can be found on the tire's sidewall markings in the form of a code from A to Z. In general, the further into the alphabet, the higher the speed rating. Each vehicle will have a recommended speed rating listed in the manual and/or decals. Tires with lower speed ratings are generally less expensive, but beware of the lowest ratings, which might not be suitable for sustained highway driving. Seasonal Variation New vehicles usually come equipped with all-season tires. This is fine for the majority of drivers, but you may need to switch to dedicated winter tires as the seasons change, depending on where you go. Winter tires have specialized tread and materials to provide enhanced traction in the cold and snow. Picking the right wheels and tires for your Ford is a choice that should not be overlooked. Wheel size, environmental conditions, and how you drive are all important considerations to make sure you're getting the most out of your vehicle. If you're looking for advice on the best wheels and tires for your Ford, be sure to visit us at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.

Jump-starting a car is easier than it looks, and doing it successfully can be the difference between waiting for a mechanic and driving away in minutes. As your Ford dealer, we'd like to share with you the easy steps to jump-start a car. Position Your Car In this example, you'll be jump-starting another car with a dead battery. Before you position your car, check the location of the battery in the other vehicle. It's usually under the hood, but some vehicles have the battery in the trunk. Once you know where the battery is, park your car so the front of your Ford is as close as possible to the other vehicle's battery. more Connect the Cables When you look at your jumper cables, you'll note that one is black and the other is red, and they have clamps on the ends. The clamps have jagged edges to allow them to grip the terminals securely. The colors of the cables are important, as the red cable connects to the positive terminal, and the black cable connects to the negative terminal. This all sounds easy, and it is, but the two cables must be connected in a precise order. If one of the cables is positioned incorrectly, recharging won't work, and you could start an engine fire. We'll look at the connections step by step. Red Cable Connect one side of the red cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery. It's easy to identify, as the positive terminal has either a red cover or a + sign engraved on it. Ensure the clamp is securely connected so it can't move. Take the other end of the red cable and connect it to the positive terminal on your battery. Black Cable You're halfway there. Next, take one end of the black cable and connect it to the negative terminal on your battery. To make the final connection, attach the last ​clamp on the black cable to any unpolished metal part of the engine in the other vehicle. Time to Jump-Start Switch on your engine and alow it to idle for several minutes. This allows electricity ​to flow from your battery into the dead battery. After a few minutes, try and start the the other vehicle's engine. If it starts successfully, allow it to run for a few minutes before you disconnect the cables. If the other vehicle doesn't start, return to your car and continue to idle for another 10 to 15 minutes. This should give the dead battery enough juice to start its engine. Once the engine starts, ​​​​​​​​​​​​​you've successfully jump-started your first car.​​​​ If you'd like to ​know more about this process, visit us today at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

A Ford engine contains many different fluids, each of which has a specific role in your engine performance. Worn or damaged components can lead to leaks, and fluid loss will cause additional engine damage, depending on the affected system. If you have a car engine leaking, we can fix it at your Ford dealership. These are some of the types of leaks we can repair. Coolant Leaks Coolant is the liquid in the cooling system, and it can absorb heat. Liquid coolant is pumped through the cooling system at high speed, and it absorbs the heat radiating from hot engine components. The heat is transported to the radiator by the coolant, and it enters the radiator tubes, where the heat is removed by airflow over the tubes. Coolant is available in bright colors like pink, green, yellow, and blue. If your Ford is leaking liquid in any of these colors, your engine is in danger of overheating. A lack of coolant means heat can't be removed from your engine, and the increasing temperature will damage engine seals and gaskets. Once we find and seal the leak, we'll refill the coolant, and your engine temperature will return to normal. more Oil Leaks Oil lubricates all the moving parts in your engine as it circulates. Many of these parts depend on friction to work effectively, and the oil allows them to move smoothly rather than grinding against each other. The continuous flow of oil helps to cool the hot engine components, and additives in the oil help to prevent engine rust and break down engine deposits. Oil is usually amber, although it darkens over time as it absorbs dirt in your engine. If oil is leaking, you'll usually spot a puddle of amber, cream, or even black liquid on the ground underneath the engine. A lack of oil means engine components will grind against each other and suffer damage. Your engine temperature will also increase. We'll trace the source of the leak and seal it, then we'll refill your oil. Transmission Leaks The transmission is filled with fluid, and this fluid provides the hydraulic power that allows your gears to shift effortlessly. The fluid also coats transmission components to reduce friction damage, and it cools the components as it passes over them. Transmission fluid is bright or dark red and has a slightly sweet smell. If you have a transmission leak, gear shifting will become rougher and louder, the transmission will start to overheat, and transmission components can seize up. The most common leak spot for transmission fluid is the transmission pan gasket. We'll replace the gasket and also check for any other leaks, then we'll replace the transmission fluid. Leaking fluid can cause serious engine damage if it's not stopped quickly. Call our service department today at Chestatee Ford of Dahlonega, GA.