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The sophisticated synthetic motor oil used in most modern Ford vehicles performs a remarkable number of important functions. Not only does oil lubricate all the parts in your engine, but it also helps control the temperature, cleans away contaminants, and combats the build-up of acid and corrosion. But motor oil gradually degrades over time, so if you haven't had your oil refreshed recently, consider visiting your local Ford dealership for an oil change soon. If your vehicle uses synthetic oil, it's likely to last from 7,500 to 10,000 miles. To ensure your oil always functions at optimal capacity, it's usually best to have it changed every six months or so. You can also have your tires rotated and brakes checked at the same time. Both of these essential servicing procedures should also be carried out twice a year. more Severe Driving Conditions Wears Oil Down Faster Some driving conditions put more strain on the engine and cause motor oil to degrade at a faster rate. These more severe conditions include making frequent short trips of under five miles in ordinary temperatures or under ten miles in freezing temperatures. Frequent short trips don't give the engine time to warm up properly and therefore put the motor oil under more pressure to lubricate and combat friction. Driving at low speeds puts the engine under more strain, as does prolonged driving in stop-and-go traffic. Towing a trailer or doing anything else to increase the vehicle's weight also puts the engine under more pressure. Driving along dusty, muddy, salty, or sandy roads does the same, as does driving in excessively hot climates. If any of these conditions apply to your regular driving, consider having your car's oil refreshed more frequently. Follow the Schedule Recommended in Your Warranty When under a powertrain warranty, you'll have a straightforward schedule laid out for you for changing your oil. Simply adhere to the intervals stipulated in your warranty to keep the warranty valid, although you may still wish to do it more frequently if you think your usual driving conditions are more severe than those of other drivers. Arrange a Routine Schedule With Your Ford Dealership In our busy modern lives, it can be easy to forget an oil servicing appointment. So it's usually a good idea to ask the technicians at your local dealership how often you should change your oil and then arrange a routine schedule with a system of reminders to help you remember. Visit Chestatee Ford today to have your oil refreshed by our friendly, experienced technicians. We're a community-focused local dealership that treats all our customers like family.

Ford sport utility vehicles are among the most popular vehicles across the nation. If you're looking for a new SUV, you will be happy to learn that there are several Ford SUV options for you to discover. Check out these top SUV models at your Ford dealer today. 1. 2023 Ford Explorer The 2023 Ford Explorer is a full-size, seven-seat SUV perfect for families. The Explorer is designed to be practical, and it can adapt to all of your daily needs. Along with the thoughtful interior features, the Explorer is also equipped with performance ability and sophisticated interior materials. The 2023 model has three engine variations, including a hybrid engine, which are all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The max towing capacity for this SUV is between 5,300 lbs and 5,600 lbs, depending on the powertrain specification. Drivers can upgrade the wheel size from 18 inches to 21 inches. Rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, and Ford's Terrain Management System are all standard features. more 2. 2023 Ford Edge The 2023 Ford Edge is an ideal mid-size crossover SUV. With a max seating capacity of five passengers and an EPA estimation of 28 MPG on the highway, this SUV is built for road trips, commutes, and recreational activities. The base SE model has a 2L twin-scroll EcoBoost engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The handling of this SUV is a breeze because of standard features like Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, traction control, post-collision braking, pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, and hill start assist. This SUV also comes with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 safety suite, SYNC 4A for advanced virtual connectivity, and an optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. 3. 2023 Ford Escape The 2023 Ford Escape is sporty, compact, and available in six trims. The base model has a 1.5L EcoBoost engine with FWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Features such as electronic traction control, power-assisted steering, curve control, and post-collision braking make the handling of this SUV a dream. The 2023 Escape is equipped with wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sliding second-row seats with 60/40 folding capability, and Ford Co-Pilot 360. Other key features include selectable drive modes, an eight-inch instrument cluster, and a six-speaker stereo system. 4. 2023 Ford Bronco Sport If you're looking for a more rugged SUV, then the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is an ideal model. This five-seat SUV has a fuel economy of 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, a standard four-wheel drive for each trim level, and a flip-up rear glass panel for easy access to the cargo area. The base model is equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and automatic start-stop technology. Whether you want an SUV big enough for the entire family or you need an SUV that can take you off the road, Ford has you covered. Stop by Chestatee Ford to test drive one of these great SUV models today.

Like other automakers, Ford offers a number of vehicles offering great gas mileage. However, it sets itself apart by combining its economical powertrains with stunning performance, lots of creature comforts, and cutting-edge technology. If fuel efficiency is high on your list when shopping for a new ride at your local Ford dealership, then you should definitely check out these models! 1. 2023 Ford Escape This compact SUV offers several powerplants that promise to save you cash at the pump. The turbocharged options consist of a 180-hp 1.5L inline-3 and a 250-hp 2.0L inline-4, with respective highway fuel economies of 32 MPG and 31 MPG. There's also a hybrid 2.5L inline-4 that produces a total of 192 hp while achieving 36 highway MPG. 210-hp plug-in hybrid models get a whopping 101 combined MPGe. more Despite its small size, the Escape's attractive cabin can comfortably seat five people and provide over 40 inches of legroom for front and rear passengers. When the 60/40 split-folding seats are down, you can make use of up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The intuitive Sync 4 infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. 2. 2023 Ford Bronco Sport As the legendary Bronco's more compact sibling, the Bronco Sport is a true performer on rugged trails while achieving up to an EPA-rated 28 highway MPG. Buyers can choose between a 181-hp 1.5L inline-3 engine or a 250-hp 2.0L inline-4 that also produces 277 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle excels off-road with the help of an all-wheel drive system featuring several drive modes for different types of terrain. The Bronco Sport's cabin grants generous headroom thanks to its safari-style roof. The tall ceiling also means that you can fit especially large pieces of cargo, and there's extra storage available in the form of a compartment hidden under the rear seats. Thanks to available rubberized mats and rear seats, the interior is very durable and easy to clean. 3. 2024 Ford Mustang The iconic Mustang's claim to fame may be its stirring performance, but its latest iteration can deliver surprisingly good efficiency, as well. At up to 33 MPG highway, the 2.3L turbo inline-4 will get you the most mileage while providing thrills with its 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Even the GT model's powerful 480-hp 5.0L V8 provides 24 MPG highway. Quite impressive for a car with a 0 to 60 time of well under five seconds! Inside, the new Mustang's redesigned interior keeps the classic pony car feel while introducing advanced features. These include a 12.4-inch LCD digital cluster and an electronic parking brake that can be turned into a drift brake with the help of a track-oriented app that's accessible from the touchscreen. Along with a choice of cloth and vinyl, ActiveX, or leather trim, the interior offers several striking color schemes like Carmine Red and Black Onyx. As you can tell from this list, Ford boasts a varied lineup of efficient automobiles. Get in touch with Chestatee Ford today and we'll be happy to set you up with a test drive!

You're probably familiar with the Ford F-150, but you may not know the Ford F-150 Lightning. This all-electric version of the classic F-150 has charged onto the scene, so you should head to your local Ford dealership to check it out. Fantastic Towing Capacity The new electric powertrain on the Lightning is just as strong as a combustion engine. Producing a whopping 775 lb-ft of torque, it's ready for whatever you throw at it. The sturdy truck has a maximum towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds when equipped with 18-inch wheels and a standard-range battery. If you need to fill up the truck bed instead of towing, then you can load up to 2,235 pounds of cargo in the truck bed to take with you. more Up-to-Date Infotainment System Need to stay connected while on the road? There's a 15.5-inch screen available for the Lightning, letting you access various smartphone apps through wireless connectivity with Apple and Android devices. You'll get seamless software updates thanks to Ford PowerUp, so you never have to worry about out-of-date technology. Cloud-Based Navigation One of the most useful features you can access through your 15.5-inch screen is navigation. Stay up to date on how to get to your destinations, no matter how new they are to you. The navigation is connected to the cloud, so you always have the latest and most accurate, helpful directions when trying to reach new and exciting areas. Top-Notch Safety System Ford Co-Pilot 360 is one of the most jam packed safety systems on the market. It equips your truck with an array of advanced technology to help boost safety and security on the road. BlueCruise hands-free driving enables you to take your hands off the wheel on over 130,000 miles of highways across North America. A camera facing you scans you to make sure you're focused on the road. A lane centering system, pre-and post-collision braking, and active park assist all strive to make every journey a little safer. Luxurious and Secure Cabin Zone lighting is available in the Lightning's cabin to help set the mood for each journey, making all of your passengers feel like they're in a very luxurious vehicle indeed. A parameter anti-theft alarm alerts passers-by if anybody is attempting to breach your vehicle while you're not in it, making the cabin secure. The cabin is also highly spacious with lots of power outlets to keep you happy on long drives. Ready to buy your first electric Ford pickup and see all it has to offer? Come to Chestatee Ford to see what we can do for you today. Call us up at 833-246-2685 if you have any questions.

You're probably overwhelmed with choices every time you visit your local Ford dealer. Don't worry; let us direct you toward the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This SUV has several desirable features that will benefit you and your family while making you very happy. Let's take a closer look at what it has to offer. No More Gas If you're ready to take the plunge and go all-electric, then the Mach-E is the perfect way to do that. It has expansive range and can get you from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, all while producing no omissions and saving you money on gas. more Plenty of Power You might be worried that an electric engine won't provide as much power as a combustion one, but that's where you're wrong. At peak battery power, your Mach-E can produce 480 hp and 634 lb-ft. of torque. However, the MagneRide damping system improves comfort and handling, so you'll have a smooth ride despite all the power that the dual motor provides you with. And don't worry: the Brembo brake calipers are definitely strong enough to smoothly decelerate despite the power the engine can produce. Go Hands-Free Ford Blue Cruise availability allows you to drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of roads in North America. If you're heading for any Hands-Free Blue Zones on the highway, then you can use this feature to enjoy your journey more by letting go of the steering wheel. You have to keep your eyes on the road and always be attentive, but you'll give your arms a break and get to experience innovative technology like never before. Feel Safe with Your Co-Pilot Ford Co-Pilot 360 has many safety features to help you stay secure. If you don't get to the brakes in time when your car detects an imminent collision, then it'll hit the brakes for you and brake again after a collision if necessary. A blind spot information system makes sure you're up-to-date on all the spots you can't see. Several lane-keeping help features stop you from accidentally drifting into the next lane. Explore Sync 4A The new infotainment system on the Mach-E provides a high-tech ride experience with predictive destinations, smartphone integration, voice recognition, and access to your favorite music streaming services. Make every ride feel personalized and exciting with the variety of features the infotainment system has to offer. How excited are you to check out the features above and all the rest we didn't even have time to tell you about? Stop by Chestatee Ford and ask us to set you up on a test drive today.

Today's cutting-edge technology and innovative automotive engineering can make modern vehicles stun you with their standout features. The 2023 Ford F-250 is no exception! This truck is packed to the brim with a wide range of features that can enhance safety, improve performance, maximize comfort, and take your driving experience to a whole new level while being used as a rugged work truck or a durable family vehicle. 1. Seven Grille Options Whether you are looking for a bold an imposing wraparound grille, or one that offers a sleek and refined appearance, this Super Duty comes with a variety of grille options for you to choose from. One of the grille options even wraps around the C-clamp headlights, making the front of your truck look aggressive and oversized with a more pronounced hood. 2. Larger Standard Engine As a step up from the previous versions, the 2023 model will offer a 6.8 liter V-8, with the option of upgrading to the massive 7.3 liter V-8 known as Godzilla. All of the engines have been retuned and received upgrades to their turbochargers and exhaust manifolds. If you're looking for high horsepower and incredible torque levels, these engines can deliver it! more 3. Improved Towing and Payload If you love towing and hauling your toys around, this Super Duty will not disappoint. With its impressive 40,000 pound tow rating and a payload rating of 8,000 pounds, you'll be able to move just about anything without hassle. If that wasn't enough, you'll also find a range of towing assistance technology including exterior cameras, Smart Hitch onboard scales, and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist for both fifth wheel and gooseneck setups. 4. Redesigned Interior While you can still enjoy a basic cabin, there are options for an improved and luxurious interior as well. The dashboard has been redesigned with a more horizontal border to help emphasize the placement of the integrated air vents. You'll also find ergonomic armrests and a variety of redesigned controls on the door panels. The Max Recline seats can also make it easy for you to enjoy a quick and comfortable nap during a long haul. 5. Driver Assistance Technology Safety might be the bottom of this list, but it's never overlooked with Ford. This impressive Super Duty offers adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and departure alerts, parking sensors, and automated emergency brakes to help keep you safe behind the wheel. Whether you are just driving the truck or towing a trailer behind, this Super Duty model offers a range of technology to get you and those around you to your destinations safely. Everything about this truck offers safety, confidence, and maximizes productivity. From hauling a load of bricks to do some landscaping on your property to towing a 40-foot gooseneck horse trailer to an out of state equine show, this truck can absolutely get you there in comfort and style. If you're ready to get behind the wheel for a test drive, reach out to the Chestatee Ford team today!

Good-looking, dependable, and powerful, the 2023 Ford Ranger is also endlessly versatile. This mid-size pickup comes as an extended cab with a 6-foot bed or a crew cab with a 5-foot bed. Keep reading to learn more about the incredible features of the 2023 Ranger. 1. Well-Crafted Exterior The 2023 Ranger was designed to turn heads wherever you go. It presents XL, XLT, and Lariat trims. Exterior accessories include a tough gray spray-in bed liner, pickup or extender splash guards, and mud flaps. This year, Ford has introduced a new Splash Jungle Edition Package for the Lariat SuperCrew trim, featuring an exclusive eruption green metallic shade and a black mesh grille. more 2. Interior Amenities Keep everyone comfortable in the truck no matter the weather with the dual-zone electronic automatic climate control. The SuperCrew features rear-cloth bench seating with an armrest and under-seat storage, while the SuperCab offers rear-cloth seating with movable cushions and under-seat storage. Standard interior comfort features are black vinyl floor covering, power door locks, fade-to-off lighting, and a flow-through center console. 3. Powerful Performance Ranger's impressive capabilities and a long list of advanced performance features make it stand out from the pack. Each trim is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a 16-valve direct injection system to deliver 270 hp and 310 lb. feet of torque. The powertrain gets an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The available electronic-locking rear differential locks the rear axle to enhance traction at both wheels. Performance features include electronic shift-on-the-fly trailer sway control and an available terrain management system. 4. Modern Infotainment and Connectivity Features The 2023 Ranger comes with SYNC technology that helps drivers stay connected to the truck via the touchscreen and voice-activated features. FordPass app lets you lock/unlock your vehicle, remote start and read all your truck's maintenance records. Enjoy high-quality sound with the B&O sound system, featuring up to 660 watts of amplified power and ten speakers. 5. Safety Technology Ranger's vast range of innovative safety features works hard to ensure you reach your destinations in one piece. Shift into reverse comfortably with the help of the rearview camera. The tire pressure monitoring system will notify you when the pressure drops below the required level. The available lane-keeping system uses tactile and steering torque to help you maintain your lane. Additional safety features are pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, and optional auto high-beam headlights. The 2023 Ranger is ready for all kinds of roads. It boasts an available Trailer Tow Package that maximizes its towing capabilities for your biggest adventures. Visit Chestatee Ford to explore our extensive inventory of new and excellent used Ford cars for sale.

Best-in-class performance features, rugged looks, and premium interior all come together in one complete package of a vehicle: the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. Read on to learn more about this stylish SUV. 1. Exterior Design Ford offers the Bronco Sport in six distinct models to match the way you experience the outdoors. These include the Bronco Sport Base, Big Bend, Badlands, Heritage, Outer Banks, and Heritage Limited. If you're out camping and require to pop the top of your soda, simply open up your tailgate and use the well-fitted bottle opener in the hatch. The safari-style roof provides extra space, and the flip-up rear glass offers easy access to your cargo. more 2. Interior Amenities Whether you're riding solo or bringing your crew along, the all-new Bronco Sport has everything needed to make your travels as thrilling as possible. The cargo tie-down carabiner hooks and loops will ensure your cargo is secure when going over rocky terrain. After long journeys, you can easily remove and clean up the available rubberized cargo floor. Additional standard interior comfort and convenience features include a center floor console with armrest, manual tilt and telescopic steering column, six cupholders, and carpeted floor mats. 3. Performance The new Bronco Sport has the kind of power that you see, hear, and feel. Adjust your drive mode to suit your environment with Bronco Sport's standard drive modes, including sand, slippery, sport, eco, and normal. The optional Ford Trail Control with Split-View will help boost your visibility on the trail. Under the hood, the base engine is a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 190 lb. feet of torque. Badlands and Heritage Limited trims come standard with a 2-liter EcoBoost engine delivering 250 horsepower and 277 lb. feet of torque. 4. Infotainment and Connectivity Get amped for adventures with the optional Bang & Olufsen system with ten speakers. Every Bronco Sport trim offers FordPass Connect, Apple CarPay and Android Auto capability, and SYNC 3 with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen. The available GPS navigation keeps records of your route in case you need help getting back to where you started. 5. Safety The '23 Bronco Sport was created with safety in mind. It comes with an array of advanced safety features, including MYKEY, lane-keeping assist, rearview camera, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Auto high beam headlamps can detect dark, desert highways and turn on the high beams. Get to know everything happening within your blind areas with the blind spot information system. Your all-new Bronco Spot is ready to tackle any challenging road. Each trim features 4×4 capability, which helps to add traction and reduce wheel slip on slippery roads. Stop by Chestatee Ford for the best deals on new and certified used Ford vehicles.

Convenience and design are packaged perfectly in the 2023 Edge. In addition, the 5-passenger midsize SUV includes a host of features providing excellent performance for a fantastic driving experience. As your local Ford Dealership, we want to share an overview of the 2023 Ford Edge. 2023 Ford Edge Basics at Your Local Ford Dealership The perfect family-friendly midsize SUV seats five passengers with a maximum cargo space of 74.8 inches, with rear seats folded down. The Edge has a payload of 650 pounds and an impressive towing capacity to bring your belongings on your trips. Advanced tech and design are combined well inside the Edge, with a rearview camera to assist you with parking and an aggressive grille to command the road. In addition, the Edge is a comfortable ride that comes in five trim models and nine bold colors. more Special Design Features Inside and Out A vertical 12-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard is available on the 2023 Edge for infotainment purposes. In addition, bi-LED headlamps and available fog lamps for foggy conditions help brighten the road ahead. A hands-free liftgate is accessible as you place your foot under the rear bumper. The back door will open automatically for more effortless loading and unloading. A specially designed rotary gear shift dial also cuts down on the bulk and provides additional space for other features. Convenient Technology Systems You can drive confidently with a suite of advanced safety technologies through Ford Co-Pilot 360. Some features include pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking and cross-traffic alerts to help guide you through traffic situations. Additionally, convenient technology like an available wireless phone charger and Alexa built-in keeps you hands-free, so you can better focus on the road. SYNC 4 is also available with voice recognition and smartphone integration for the 12-inch touchscreen. Ultimate Performance The Edge SUV features a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with 335 horsepower and 380 feet-pound of torque for ultimate performance. In addition, intelligent all-wheel drive gives you smoother handling with 20-inch bright-machined aluminum wheels. The 2023 Edge also boasts an eco-friendly auto start-stop technology that shuts off your engine when you stop and restart as you lift your foot off the brake and accelerate. Additionally, a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with an available trailer tow package assists in controlling trailer swaying. The 2023 Edge SUV is your ultimate performance partner for the road. With its amazingly convenient features and capabilities, you get a lifetime driving experience. Whether opting for the Ecoboost engine for eco-friendly driving or are intrigued by the auto stop-start technology, the Edge has it all. So visit us at Chestatee Ford to check out the 2023 Edge, especially if you want a powerful vehicle that looks stylish too!

The 2023 Ford Expedition is a workhouse that's ideal for those living busy lifestyles. With three rows of seating, tons of storage space, and the capability to tow more than 9,000 pounds coupled with surprisingly quick acceleration, there's nothing that the Expedition can't handle. Get to Know the Ford Expedition The Expedition is Ford's full-size SUV and comes in two body styles: regular and extended editions. All trim levels come standard with a powerful 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine that can churn out an impressive 380 horsepower and 470 lb-feet of torque. An optional Stealth Performance package is available that tweaks the engine to get an additional 20 horsepower and 10 more lb-feet of torque out of it. One of the main selling points of the 2023 Expedition is the spacious cabin, with three rows of seats that have ample room to fit a full group inside without anyone feeling cramped in the back. The second row comes standard as a three-seat bench, but can be changed to captain's chairs. Both rear rows fold flat to the floor, allowing you to turn the Expedition into a cargo van if you need, with just over 104 cubic feet of space. more What's New in the 2023 Expedition? Towing Capacity The towing capacity of the Expedition varies slightly between the regular and extended body models. The regular body can tow up to 9,300 pounds, while the extended edition can handle almost the same amount at 9,000 pounds. Either way, that's more than enough power to tow a boat, trailer, or whatever else you may want to bring with you. Interior As mentioned already, the interior has more than enough cargo and passenger space to comfortably get around in style. Highlights of the Expedition's cabin include standard power third-row seats that fold themselves into the floor and a massive 12-inch touchscreen infotainment center that can accept wirelessly accept updates. Options to highlight include a premium 22-speaker sound system, an even larger 15.5-inch touchscreen for the center console, a rear seat entertainment system, and a subscription-based wireless hotspot that can keep you connected while on the go. Safety and Warranty Forward collision warning and an automated emergency braking system come standard on all trim levels of the Expedition, and optional lane departure and lane keep assist are available, as well as adaptive cruise control. The standard warranty that comes with all new Expeditions covers the vehicle under a limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, while the powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. Interested in all the 2023 Expedition has to offer? Reach out to the team at Chestatee Ford today to schedule a test drive!

Springtime is the best time to explore the outdoors, and the outdoors near Dahlonega, GA certainly have plenty to offer. Here's our list of some of the most exciting spring activities in the area. 1. Hit the Ziplines The best way to admire the spring skies is to fly through them, and you'll have the chance if you visit the Amicalola Zipline and Aerial Adventure Park at 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road. Open from 9am to 6pm every day of the week, this park features breathtaking zipline rides across the beautiful scenery of the state park. With three levels to test your nerve, this location promises an adventure no matter how many times you visit. more 2. Hike to the Waterfall You can't explore the outdoors near Dahlonega without taking in the area's most stunning natural feature. Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot waterfall with a reflecting pool at its foot. By parking on Amicalola State Park Falls Road, you'll be able to access the paved walkway that takes you along a series of cascades and lets you pause for photographs from the viewing platform. 3. Discover Nature at Elachee The Elachee Nature Science Center turns the outdoors into a learning experience, with reptile and amphibian live animal exhibits, an outdoor aviary that houses Chewy the Great Horned Owl, and demonstration beehives. There are also over 12 miles of hiking trails in the Chicopee Nature Reserve to explore. The Center is located on 2125 Elachee Road and opens from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, closing at 3pm on Saturdays. If you visit on April 15, you'll be able to celebrate Earth Day with a special themed craft class and a guided hike on the Ed Dodd Loop for explorers aged five and over. And in your Ford F-150 Lightning with its 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine, you'll even be able enter into the spirit of Earth Day by producing fewer emissions as you drive there. 4. Go Looking for Gold Not everyone knows that Dahlonega was the site of the country's first gold rush, twenty years before prospectors travelled to California. The 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse at 1 Public Square is now the site of the Gold Museum, where you can see rare coins minted in 1838, the judge's chambers and a 5oz gold nugget. The Museum closes at 4.45pm every day, opening at 10am on Sundays, and 9am every other day. And if you visit from 12pm to 1pm on April 22, the kids will be able to celebrate spring by crafting a pinecone owl at the Hoo's in the Museum event. If you're going to be out and about, you'll need a car that you can rely on to keep you safe and comfortable. Stop by and see us at Chestatee Ford and let us help you find your ideal vehicle.

Most drivers aren't familiar with the ignition coil, but this component plays a vital role in your engine. Ignition coils boost the power of the spark plugs and enable them to ignite the fuel-air mixture to produce combustion. As your Ford dealer, we'd like you to know some signs that you have a faulty ignition coil. Damaged Spark Plugs A spark plug is attached to each engine cylinder, and it ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. A spark plug only produces 12 volts of power, which isn't sufficient to ignite the fuel-air mixture. An ignition coil connects to each spark plug, and a coil produces 50,000 volts of power to boost the strength of the spark plug and enable it to ignite. more Spark plugs will eventually wear out or become damaged, and this affects the attached coil. An ignition coil connected to a damaged spark plug will overwork to compensate for the failed plug. This situation can cause the ignition coil to fail and the contents of the cylinder won't ignite. We can easily test the spark plugs and coils, and we'll replace any damaged ones we find. Backfiring Backfiring will occur if the contents of a cylinder don't completely ignite. Fuel and air mix in the intake manifold and are then drawn into the cylinders. As we've seen, the spark plug will use the power from the ignition coil to ignite the mixture. This produces combustion, and the combustion process will repeat and allow your car to move. A damaged ignition coil won't supply power to its spark plug. Without this power, the cylinder's contents won't ignite. The hot, unburnt fuel in the cylinder will be ejected into the exhaust system. When unburnt fuel molecules touch the hot tailpipe, they can explode with a loud bang and a billow of black smoke. Backfiring can also occur for other reasons, and our technicians will need to examine your engine to identify and repair the cause of the problem. Poor Acceleration The combustion process will continue in a rhythm as long as your engine is running. When you step on the gas, you expect your car to smoothly and quietly increase speed. If you feel that your engine is struggling to accelerat  you could have one or more damaged ignition coils. Worn or damaged coils reduce the power available to ignite the cylinder contents, or they may supply power intermittently if they're failing. In either situation, the lack of constant and consistent power will cause a delay in combustion and reduce your acceleration. We'll investigate, and once we've repaired the problem, your car will accelerate smoothly again. If you experience any of the above signs, call us at Chestatee Ford.