7 Ways to Keep Your Car Chill This Summer

Ford Senior Technician Jim Twitchell answers some common AC questions—because sunny-day driving shouldn’t make you sweat.

Question No. 1: Why is my AC blowing lukewarm air?

A: Your vehicle’s cooling system can affect your AC performance. So first, make sure your car isn’t overheating. Check the level of your radiator coolant, which helps cool your engine. If it’s low, you may have a leak and should have your cooling system tested. Then look to make sure you haven’t picked up something on the road—including but not limited to a plastic bag—that is sticking to the front of the car and obstructing airflow into the vehicle.


Question No. 2: Why is my AC making a clicking or rumbling sound?

A: Anytime you hear an odd noise, you’ll want to have it checked out by your local Ford Dealer Service Center. Rumbling may indicate a problem with a bearing in either the AC system or in another area of the vehicle. Clicking may indicate that the AC compressor is cycling on and off too quickly because of a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant—not to be confused with coolant—is a gas used to make your AC blow cold and should be added only by a trained technician.


Question No. 3: I see some cracks in a hose connected to my AC system. What should I do?

A: Hoses can develop cracks over time due to age, how often you drive, environmental conditions and whether you park inside or outside. Minor cracks in a hose could be the first sign of a leak in your closed AC system. Look for signs of moisture or dirt—grime from the road often accumulates on areas of the hose where moisture is present. Have your hose checked out at a Ford Dealer Service Center.


Question No. 4: I see some small puddles of fluid on the ground. Does this indicate an AC problem?

A: What color is the fluid? If the puddle is black, it’s likely an oil leak. If it’s colorful—orange, green or yellow—the coolant may be leaking. If it’s clear, like water, the AC condenser may simply be dripping condensation. While condensation is not a problem, leaks should be checked out by a Ford technician.


Question No. 5: How do I test my AC’s air temperature?

A: Some people simply use a standard thermometer to check the temperature of the airflow. When testing, use the center register, not the side registers. Please note that the humidity level outside can dramatically affect the AC air temperature, so you may want to measure the temperature several days in a row to account for fluctuating humidity. In the end, though, it’s all about how you feel. Are you comfortable? Great. Do you suddenly sense that the AC isn’t doing its usual job? Then it’s time for a checkup.


Question No. 6: How can I get rid of the musty smell in my vehicle when I turn on the AC?

A: An odor can be caused by normal condensation that hasn’t dried out in the evaporator core of the AC unit. If this moisture sits, it can develop a musty smell. Your Ford Dealer Service Center can deodorize your AC system from within the core to eliminate the odor.


Question No. 7: How can I make my AC’s airflow stronger?

A: A dirty cabin air filter can sometimes cause weak AC flow. Air moves through this filter for both heating and air conditioning, so dust gradually accumulates and then the filter must be replaced. A visual inspection of the cabin air filter is part of Ford’s The Works Vehicle Checkup, which is generally recommended about every 5,000 miles. (Check your owner’s manual for the recommendation for your model, make and year.) The checkup includes a synthetic-blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, multi-point inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, filter check, and belts/hoses check. With regular inspection and occasional maintenance of your AC system, you should be able to cruise through summer in total comfort.

If your vehicle is in need of AC service, call Hilbish Ford at (704) 938-3121 or stop by our dealership at 2600 S. Cannon Blvd in Kannapolis, NC.

Top 5 Car Care Tips for Spring and Summer Travel

With summer just around the corner, spring is a great time to make sure your vehicle is geared up for those summer road trips you’ve been looking forward to taking. Make sure your car is ready to roll this summer by checking out our top five car care tips.

1. Maintain engine efficiency with an oil change.

When you think of vehicle maintenance, one of the first things that comes to mind is probably changing your oil, right? Well, regularly scheduled oil changes are a big deal when it comes to the well-being of your engine, because keeping a well-oiled motor lubricates the engine’s moving parts and allows it to function efficiently. It also helps filter debris and prevent the motor from overheating.

Ford advises that if you drive a vehicle of model year 2008 or newer, you should change your oil every 7,500 miles or every six months (whichever comes first). If your vehicle was made in 2007 or before, it’s recommended that you get an oil change every 5,000 miles or every six months. 

2. Measure tire pressure to ensure a smooth ride.

Nothing knocks a summer road trip off course like a flat tire. Make sure your wheels are in good shape all year long by checking your tire pressure regularly. A tire gauge is a great tool you can use to do this easily, but keep in mind that recommended tire pressure can vary depending on the weather and vehicle. 

Click here to see Service Manager Tommy Moore’s tips for checking tire tread using a penny!

3. Inspect your brake system for passenger safety.

Making sure your brakes are in good shape is important no matter what season it is, but it’s crucial when traveling longer distances than usual. Keeping up with the maintenance of your vehicle’s brake system is paramount for ensuring the safety of your passengers and yourself, as well as preserving the condition of your vehicle overall. Make sure you’ve had your brake pads, rotors, and fluids inspected before hitting the road for vacation.

4. Replace your air filter for a smooth ride.

If your engine isn’t running smoothly, it’s going to be a bumpy ride, whether you’re trekking cross-country or just making your morning commute to work. Keep your engine free of dirt and other harmful debris by keeping a clean air filter. For many Ford engines, it’s recommended that you change air filters every 30,000 miles.

5. Have your car battery checked before hitting the road.

It’s probably not too much of a stretch to say that most people would not head out on a road trip without charging their cell phone first, right? Your car battery isn’t quite the same thing, but you won’t get very far on a battery in poor condition.

When a car battery gets low on charge, you may start noticing signs like your car taking longer to start, the dimming of interior lights, or the appearance of your check engine light. Skip the hassle this summer by keeping an eye out for these warning signs and having your battery checked before you head out on any road trips.

Before you hit the road for vacation, be sure to get your vehicle the maintenance it needs to keep you from making any unnecessary detours. 

Get The Works!

We are giving you the chance to save big on a premium vehicle maintenance program, The Works, so you can get your car ready for the road this summer in only one visit. For just $39.95, you get a complete vehicle checkup including a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid-top off, battery test, filter check plus belts, hoses check, and more.

All you need to do is ask for The Works! Click here to conveniently request a service appointment online or call our Service Center in Kannapolis, North Carolina at (877) 843-6193 and one of our friendly customer service representatives will get you started!

How to Maximize Your Ford's Fuel Economy While Driving

You may think that your vehicle’s fuel economy is set, based on its combined MPG rating.

 

But did you know that how you drive, as well as how you maintain your vehicle, can make a big difference in your vehicle’s fuel consumption?

 

Use the following tips to help maximize your fuel economy while driving:

 

Drive smoothly

Aggressive driving wastes fuel—especially while driving at highway speeds. So accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it’s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they can also prolong the life of your brakes and tires.

Slow down

Speeding wastes lots of fuel. Your fuel mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. That equates to paying an additional 26 cents per gallon for every 5 mph above 50 that you drive.

Only use A/C on the highway

Your fuel economy drops when you use the air conditioner at low speeds—by up to 15%. So if it isn’t too hot, turn off the A/C around town, and roll down your windows instead. However, at 55 mph or higher, using the A/C is preferable to open windows for two reasons: Your vehicle has much lower wind resistance with the windows closed. And because the engine makes more power at higher revs, it’s able to run accessories like the A/C compressor more efficiently.

Remove the rooftop carrier

Your vehicle was designed for good aerodynamics—but attaching a huge carrier or bike to the roof adds more wind resistance. So if you spend lots of time on the highway or are planning a long trip, try to transport extra items inside the vehicle, or attached to the rear. Washing and waxing your vehicle can actually lower wind resistance too.

Remove excess weight

Carrying around an extra 100 pounds in your trunk or back seat can reduce your mileage by up to 4%. To travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.

Keep the convertible top up

As much fun as your convertible is, you should put the top up during highway trips. You’ll have less wind resistance, less turbulence, and a better hairdo.

Keep the windows and sunroof closed

Take advantage of mild weather by leaving the A/C off, using vent air, and keeping the windows and sunroof closed. You will have less drag, and better fuel economy.

Use cruise control

Activating your cruise helps you save fuel in two ways: It keeps you from mindlessly driving at faster—and less fuel-efficient—speeds. And it maintains a constant speed, and won’t use additional fuel while accelerating.

Note that many modern vehicles will let you monitor your miles per gallon while you’re driving. Try to set your cruise control at your vehicle’s most fuel-efficient speed, as long as it’s at or below the legal limit.

Stay in gear when stopping

While shifting into Neutral and coasting to a stop sounds like it would save fuel, the opposite is true: Many modern fuel-injected vehicles go into a “fuel cutoff” mode when the engine senses that the vehicle is in gear, the rpm is above idle, and the throttle is closed. Shifting to Neutral may cancel that mode, so keep it in gear.

Turn off the engine while waiting

If your non-hybrid vehicle is safely parked, and will be stopped for more than a couple of minutes, turn off the engine. This is even more effective if your vehicle is powered by a large 6- or 8-cylinder engine, as they typically will waste more fuel at idle than smaller engines.

Combine trips

Your engine is more efficient when it’s warmed up. Many short trips that start with a cool engine will use more fuel than a single, longer trip. So when you have to drive for errands, get as many accomplished as you can in one trip to maximize your fuel economy.

 

Get more tips about going further in your Ford by visiting www.hilbishford.com.