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You need a full Ford service at least once a year. If you drive more frequently than most people, then you should strive to get a full service every 10,000 miles, even if every 10,000 miles equates to getting a service more than once per year. Visit your local Ford dealership to get your service performed by our factory-trained Ford technicians. 1. General Checks A full service includes some general checks, such as checking the condition of your external lights, horn, and instrument warning lamps. These checks are to ensure that these parts of your vehicle are working as they should. If they're not working well, then the technician will tweak them until they're fully functional. more 2. Special Inspections and Quality Checks The technician will inspect parts of your vehicle such as the seat belts, number plates, mirrors, windshield, pollen filter, and, windshield wipers. The technician will then ensure that these look visually okay, then they'll make sure that the parts are still working and performing as strongly as they should. The technician will then replace your pollen filter if needed, repair any cracks and chips in the windshield, and replace your seat belts if they are frayed and seemed like they could snap. All in all, the technician makes sure that your vehicle looks wonderful and is as high-quality as the day you bought it. 3. Filter Changes It's not just your pollen filter that may need to be replaced, but your oil filter and air filter may need replacing, too. The technician will check the quality of these filters and make any necessary changes. 4. Fluid Changes and Top-Ups During the full service, your vehicle's fluid levels will be checked and topped off if required. This includes coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, screenwash, and AdBlue for diesel vehicles. You also receive an oil change, and the technician will check for any leaks in your fluid systems. 5. Brake Services Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle, so your brakes will receive a full service that includes: Checking the brake pads for signs of wear Checking the brake discs for signs of wear Checking that the handbrake is fully functional Checking the brake pipes and hoses for signs of damage Checking the calipers for security and leaks Brake fluid replacement, if needed 6. Wheels and Tire Checks Your tires will be rotated and your wheels will be balanced, and the technician will check the condition and depth of your tire treads. The technician will also check the pressure in your tires and adjust as necessary. If you need new tires, then your technician can help you select new, suitable tires for your vehicle. 7.  Drive System Checks The security of your gaiters will be checked, and any leaks will be reported and fixed. A transmission oil check is included in drive system checks, too. If applicable, the technician will also check your clutch fluid level. A full service involves all of the above and more. Is it time for your next service? Come and see us at Chestatee Ford or call our service department at 833-518-7574.

Keeping your brakes in peak condition is vital. You want to be sure that every component of them is functioning. If you neglect the health of your brakes, you may run into dangerous consequences down the line. Knowing when it's time to get a brake repair is part of being a responsible driver - in fact, it could save your life. So, look out for these signs to know when you need to stop into your dealer for service. more 1. The Brake Light Switches On The first and most obvious sign that you need your brakes repaired is your brake light switching on. This won't tell you what's wrong with your brakes, and your vehicle may not have symptoms of brake issues yet. Despite this, you should get your vehicle in for service immediately. Get your brakes checked out and fixed ASAP to prevent a bigger issue later on. 2. Your Vehicle Makes Weird Sounds Hearing a new, unusual noise is always a cause for concern in your vehicle. It could be a sign of a fault in the engine, the brakes, or elsewhere. If the noises occur when you use your brakes, though, then that's where the issue most likely lies. Listen for squeaking, grinding, or metallic shriek-like sounds. These high-pitched noises are typically a sign that you need to replace your brake pads soon. Generally, any new and unexpected sound, even if not the ones described above, is a sign you should get your vehicle checked out overall. You don't want to ignore it, then one day break down in the middle of traffic because you didn't fix your vehicle at the first sign of a fault. 3. There Are Steering Wheel Vibrations If you hit the brakes and your steering wheel vibrates, or perhaps it feels like it's trying to pull to the side, then it's a rotor issue. A highly skilled mechanic can take a look and get that fixed for you no problem, but get your vehicle into the shop fast. A vibrating or wobbly wheel can throw off your concentration when driving, resulting in an accident. 4. The Pedal Feels Wrong If you notice a change in how the brake pedal feels when activated, that's a sign that something is wrong. Often it'll feel squishy, like there's no resistance; sometimes it'll feel like you need to apply more force to get the pedal to work. This is a sign of several different faults, from moisture in the system to master cylinder trouble. These are both issues you want to get fixed straight away, so don't delay. Ready to have your brakes repaired? Come and see us at Chestatee Ford. We'll make sure you get top-quality service and the best brake parts we can offer you. If your brakes seem fine, why not come in for a service anyway? Regular servicing can ensure you catch problems early, preventing a more serious issue later on.

When your car is experiencing mechanical issues, you might wonder whether you will be better off taking it back to the dealer or to an independent repair shop. There are a few good reasons you should always get your Ford parts replaced at a trusted dealership rather than relying on aftermarket parts from another vendor. more 1. Get the Right Part the First Time Aftermarket parts manufacturers generally try to save time and money by making parts that can fit a wide range of vehicle years and models. On the front end, this makes the parts a little cheaper to buy, but it can create a number of problems for an unsuspecting vehicle owner. You may find that there are dozens of aftermarket parts that claim to fit your vehicle, often with varying brand names and minor modifications that could affect your car's performance. By contrast, when you go straight to the dealership for your parts, they will be able to point you to the correct part number to match your vehicle right away. This saves you time and money and ensures that once the part is installed, it will function exactly the way it is supposed to, preventing further damage to other components in your vehicle. 2. Higher Quality Parts The original vehicle manufacturer knows exactly what kind of parts they need to keep their cars running. Each and every part they sell is precision fit to the vehicle it belongs to. With aftermarket parts, there can be great variances in the quality and construction of the replacement parts, and there is no way to know what you're getting until it breaks again. Again, aftermarket manufacturers are trying to kill multiple birds with a single stone, so it is common to find that their replacement parts look very different from the originals. The Original Equipment Manufacturer, or the dealership, holds their parts to a much higher quality standard to protect their customers and their brand reputation, so you can count on getting the very best from them. 3. Warranty Protection Finally, if your vehicle is under any kind of warranty, you will definitely want to take it to the dealership for repairs and replacement parts. Using aftermarket parts that are not approved by the manufacturer could void the warranty on the part itself and on any other parts that might be affected by poor performance of the replacement. Warranties are a valuable way to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs, so you don't want to do anything that could result in voiding the manufacturer's original warranty. When it comes to keeping your Ford running, you can put your trust in the dealership to provide you with quality Ford parts that fit your vehicle just right. Don't waste time on aftermarket parts that could lead to more problems down the road. To schedule your service appointment, visit Chestatee Ford today or go online and use our online calendar to book right away.

Ford continues to amaze car enthusiasts with each model year. With an incredible lineup of vehicles currently on the market, what will Ford come up with next? Here's a look at some of the most exciting future vehicles from Ford. 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 According to Ford, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will be the fastest Mustang model in its lineup. This new Mustang will include an upgraded 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine and a dual-clutch transmission. more Additional standard features for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 include an enormous digital instrument cluster, a MagneRide damping system, and an active valve exhaust system. These features, as well as the optional add-ons, are sure to make the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 the most impressive Mustang to date. 2021 Bronco With availability beginning in 2020, Ford is bringing back the Bronco SUV. This new-and-improved Bronco will include a completely redesigned exterior and interior. It's safe to assume that the new Bronco will feature plenty of up-to-date interior technology as well as multiple advanced safety and security features. You can bet that Ford will offer numerous ways to customize the Bronco by offering an abundance of add-on packages. Not much else is known about the 2021 Bronco so far, but Ford has promised that there will be more information to come soon. 2020 Super Duty Ford is well-known for its line of reliable and rugged trucks that can tackle any challenge easily and efficiently. For 2020, Ford is releasing a new 2020 Super Duty truck that will feature exterior and interior design enhancements. The upgraded 2020 Super Duty will come equipped with a 10-speed transmission and a choice of a 7.3-liter V-8 engine or a 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine. Advanced driver-assist technologies for the 2020 Super Duty include a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, trailer reverse guidance, pro-trailer backup assist, a 360-degree camera, and FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot. 2020 Transit Specifically designed for businesses, the 2020 Transit is so much more than just a van. The 2020 Transit is completely customizable with three engine options and various sizes of body lengths and roof heights. The engine configurations for the new 2020 Transit include a 3.5-liter port fuel and direct injection V-6 engine, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, and a direct injection 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine. In addition to these innovative engine options, the Transit also sports a 10-speed automatic transmission. New available driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, automatic high beam headlamps, and a rearview camera. Additionally, available intelligent all-wheel-drive can help drivers maintain control of the vehicle in adverse weather conditions. With these brand-new vehicles on the way from Ford, it's clear that the automaker has a bright future ahead. Stop by Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, Georgia, to inquire about Ford vehicles: past, present, or future. 2020 Ford Shelby via Ford

The 2019 Ford Ranger has been re-imagined and is now better than ever with the technology, design, and performance that you desire at a price you can afford. Chestatee Ford is proud to be able to offer you this newly designed truck with its many best in class features. Read on and discover why the 2019 Ford Ranger is the perfect mid-size pickup. Technology You Crave The 2019 Ford Ranger has many upgraded technology features that consumers have been craving, including the Ford Co-Pilot 360, the voice-activated SYNC 3, and the FordPass Connect. more Drive the highways with confidence and crowded roads with ease with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 offering driver assist technology such as BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear-View Camera to help you navigate the world around you. The SYNC 3 system includes voice-activated communications and entertainment. It is easy to use and consists of an 8-inch center stack touchscreen and a user-friendly interface that allows you to stay connected any time you are in your truck. Finally, the FordPass Connect keeps you connected with LTE Wi-Fi capability. Design Features Inside and Out The design features of the 2019 Ford Ranger are no longer isolated to the just interior; the exterior has just as much to offer now. Starting with a twin dome hood and rounded wheel arches to show off its new off-road design, the exterior also features a newly designed Ford grille and a variety of performance packages that allow you to customize the way your new Ranger will look. Moving inside the 2019 Ford Ranger continues to emphasize function and style while adding the essential element of comfort with supportive and firm seating accommodating up to five in the spacious and versatile four-door SuperCrew. Controls and instruments are easy to operate and read thanks to the optional dual LCD instrument cluster productivity touch screens providing an array of useful operating information and the available 8-inch center touchscreen. Finally, the available Ford navigational and connectivity features, premium Bang & Olufsen audio performance, and driver-assist technologies create an experience everyone will love. Power and Performance The power and performance of the 2019 Ford Ranger are phenomenal, starting with the electronic four-wheel drive easy shift option that allows you to change from two-wheel to four-wheel drive with a simple turn of the dial. Drive comfortably regardless of where you may be thanks to the Terrain Management System, providing four selectable drive modes including normal, grass, gravel, and snow to choose from. Best-In-Class Gas Torque There is nothing like raw torque when tackling the demands of off-road terrains. The 2019 Ranger has you covered thanks to the 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering 310 pound-feet of torque and 270 horsepower while the 10-speed SelectShift optimizes gear progressions offering quick, smooth shifting up and down. With more technology than ever and the power you have come to expect from Ford, the 2019 Ford Ranger indeed may be the perfect mid-size pick-up truck around. Stop into Chestatee Ford to schedule a test drive and experience it for yourself. White Ranger via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Although you may not be a mechanic or know much about cars, problems with your car brakes can easily be detected by being aware of a few warning signs. A car braking system is, of course, a complex process, but it might help to know the basic parts and understand how they relate. Most modern cars make use of two metallic discs, called rotors, placed behind each of the two front wheels. When you push your brake pedals, a clamplike device called a caliper, placed above each of the rotors, starts closing and slowly clamping the rotor. This causes the rotation to slow down until the wheels come to a complete stop. Inside each caliper is a removable brake pad that makes direct contact with the rotors. Over time these pads will wear thin because of friction and will need to be replaced. There are, however, also other elements in the braking system that might need replacement — brake fluid, for instance. Here are a few warning signs you should pay attention to. more Reduced Responsiveness If you notice a decreased responsiveness when you push the brake pedal, it might be an indication of two problems: an air leak or a brake fluid leak. If you see a pool of liquid underneath your car when you are parked, and it's similar to motor oil, a brake fluid leak is most likely causing the problem. High-Pitched Screeching Sound Most brake pads these days come with built-in wear indicators, which are metal inserts found at the top of each pad. When a pad is worn out, this metal indicator will come into direct contact with the rotor, causing a screeching sound. If you start hearing this sound on a regular basis, it is most definitely time for new brake pads! Pulling If you apply the brakes and your car pulls to one side, this is an indicator that your brake pads have not worn evenly on both sides. When this happens, you will, unfortunately, need to replace both pads to ensure that you have two of equal thickness. Left unchecked, this problem could cause damage to other parts of your vehicle, such as the steering rack, wheel bearings, or ball joints. Another possible cause of pulling, however, could also be foreign matter in the brake fluid, which will obviously be solved by replacing the fluid. Vibration If you feel a vibration when you apply the brakes, it could once again be because of the pads. Brake pads contain a binding resin that's transferred onto the rotors when the pads heat up. If the pads, however, get over-heated, the resin may be distributed unevenly over the rotors. This process is called "glazing" by mechanics and would need to be sorted out by them. If you become aware of any of these warning signs, do not ignore them. Remember, as with any other car issue, the sooner you have a brake issue fixed, the better; otherwise, the problem might very well escalate and start involving other parts. Moreover, malfunctioning brakes could cause nasty accidents and even claim lives.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0