Ford Tires and Alignment in Whitesboro, TX: Check Them After Winter

Ford check engine light The light tells you something changed, and a scan tells you what. The check engine light comes on without warning, usually on the way to work. The truck seems fine, so you wonder whether to keep going or pull over. The answer depends on how the light looks. This post explains the difference between a steady and a flashing light, the most common causes, what a diagnostic scan does and how to decide how quickly to act. It also covers the simple check you can do in the driveway before you call. Quick answer: A steady check engine light means the vehicle has stored a fault, and you should schedule a scan soon. A flashing light means a serious misfire, so reduce speed, stop driving when you safely can and call the shop. A technician reads the stored code and tests the system to find the real cause. At a glance Steady light Schedule a scan soon Flashing light Stop driving and call First check Gas cap tight Where 1003 US 82, Whitesboro In this post What does a steady check engine light mean? What does a flashing check engine light mean? What are the most common causes of a check engine light? How does a diagnostic scan work? Should you wait to get it checked? What does a steady check engine light mean? A steady light means the engine control system detected a fault and stored a code. The vehicle can often keep running, and the fault may be small. Still, a problem left alone can grow, and some faults hurt fuel economy and raise emissions in the meantime. Texas heat and long drives make some faults show up in the afternoon and disappear overnight, which is why a light that came on and went off still deserves a scan. Treat a steady light as a reminder to schedule service within a few days. Reduce towing and hard driving until it's checked. If the vehicle runs rough, loses power or gives off a smell, don't wait. Whitesboro driver tip Tighten the gas cap until it clicks, then drive normally for a day or two. A loose cap is a common cause, and the light may clear by itself. If it doesn't, schedule the scan. What does a flashing check engine light mean? A flashing light signals a severe misfire. Unburned fuel is entering the exhaust, and it can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, which is an expensive part. The vehicle may shake, hesitate or lose power. Flashing light Slow down, find a safe place and stop. Don't keep driving hard. Shaking or loss of power Treat it as urgent and call the shop or Ford Roadside. Smell of fuel or burning Stop and shut the engine off. Get help. If the light flashes and then goes steady, the misfire may have stopped, but the cause is still there. Get it scanned soon. Note what you felt when the light came on. A hesitation under load, a rough idle at a stoplight, a drop in mileage or a new noise all help the technician narrow the search. Write it down or tell the service team when you book, because small details save diagnostic time. What are the most common causes of a check engine light? The list is long, and a few causes show up again and again. A loose or damaged gas cap tops the list because it's simple. Oxygen sensors wear out and send bad readings. Spark plugs and ignition coils fail and cause misfires. A dirty mass airflow sensor throws off the fuel mix. A failing catalytic converter often follows a longer ignored problem. The light never tells you the cause, and only the code and a test do. Two vehicles with the same code can have different problems, so guessing and swapping parts gets expensive. The light never tells you the cause, and only the code and a test do. How does a diagnostic scan work? The technician connects a scan tool to the vehicle and reads the stored codes. A code points to the system that has the fault, not to the part to replace. The next step is testing, which may include checking live data, inspecting wiring and testing the sensor or component. 1 Read the codes The scan tool shows what the vehicle stored and when. 2 Check the data Live readings show how the system behaves in real time. 3 Test the suspect Sensors, coils and wiring are tested before anything is replaced. 4 Explain the repair You get the cause, the repair and the cost before work begins. Mobile Service lists diagnostic scanning among its services. See the Mobile Service page for how it works, along with the availability and distance limits that apply. A repair that needs a lift or a larger component happens at the shop. Should you wait to get it checked? A short wait is fine for a steady light on a vehicle that runs normally. A long wait isn't, because a small fault can turn into a larger one. In places that require emissions testing, an active light can also fail the test. If you aren't sure how serious it is, ask. The Ask a Tech page sends your question to the service team, and they can tell you whether to come in now or schedule for later in the week. Schedule Service See Service Specials Ford Pickup & Delivery We'll pick it up. We'll service it. We'll drop it off. If your Ford still drives normally, Holiday Ford offers complimentary Ford Pickup & Delivery for service. Complimentary at participating dealers. Availability and distance limits apply. Does not include parts or repair charges. A nonoperational vehicle is not eligible. Learn About Pickup & Delivery Ford check engine light questions The light Can I keep driving with the check engine light on? + If it's steady and the vehicle runs normally, a short drive to the shop is usually fine. If it flashes, stop driving. Why is my check engine light flashing? + A flashing light signals a severe misfire. Slow down, stop safely and call for help. Will the light turn off by itself? + Sometimes, after a minor fault clears. The code stays stored, so a scan is still worth doing. Causes Can a loose gas cap cause the light? + Yes. Tighten it until it clicks and drive normally for a day or two. What do oxygen sensors do? + They measure exhaust to help the engine manage the fuel mix. A failing one sends bad readings. Can bad spark plugs trigger the light? + Yes. Worn plugs and failing coils cause misfires. Diagnosis What is a diagnostic scan? + The technician reads stored codes with a scan tool, then tests the system to find the cause. Does a code tell me what part to replace? + No. A code points to a system, and testing finds the part. How long does diagnosis take? + It varies with the fault. Ask the team when you book. Mobile Service and pickup Can Mobile Service scan my Ford? + Diagnostic scanning is on the Mobile Service list. It runs through participating dealers with availability and distance limits. Does Mobile Service include parts? + No. The service doesn't include parts or repair charges. Can you pick up my Ford if the light is on? + If the vehicle can be driven safely, complimentary Ford Pickup & Delivery may be available. A vehicle that can't be driven isn't eligible. Booking Does the light affect emissions testing? + In places that require emissions testing, an active light can fail the test. Are service specials available? + Offers change. Check the service specials page and ask what applies. Where is Holiday Ford service? + We're at 1003 US 82 in Whitesboro, Texas. Schedule online or call ahead. Talk to the Service Team Describe the light and get guidance. Contact Us Plan Your Visit Check shop hours before you head over. View Hours

Ford maintenance in Whitesboro Routine service costs a little now, and it keeps a big repair from showing up later. Most Ford problems that end in a tow truck started as a missed oil change, a worn belt or a fluid nobody checked. The schedule in the owner manual exists to prevent that, and Texas driving adds a few reasons to follow it closely. This post covers what an oil change involves, how to read your Ford's maintenance schedule, which conditions count as hard use and what the service team looks at on every visit. Quick answer: Follow the maintenance schedule in your Ford's manual, and shorten the intervals if you tow, drive short trips, sit in traffic or run in dusty or hot conditions. An oil change is the base of the schedule, and tire rotation, filters and fluid checks ride along with it. Book ahead and ask about Mobile Service and Pickup & Delivery. At a glance Base service Oil and filter change Add ons Rotation, filters, fluid checks Shorten the interval Towing, heat and short trips Where 1003 US 82, Whitesboro In this post What happens during a Ford oil change? How do you read your Ford's maintenance schedule? When does hard use change the schedule? Can Holiday Ford handle oil changes where you are? What records should you keep? What happens during a Ford oil change? The technician drains the old oil, replaces the filter and refills the engine with the oil type and amount your Ford calls for. That sounds simple, and the details matter. The wrong grade or too little oil can hurt the engine, and a loose drain plug causes leaks. A good visit includes a quick inspection, too. The technician looks at the tires, brakes, belts, hoses, filters and fluid levels while the vehicle is in the bay. Small problems show up here before they turn into breakdowns. Ask for a summary of what was checked and what needs attention. Synthetic oil and conventional oil aren't interchangeable choices. Your manual names the specification your engine needs, and the shop follows it. Trucks that tow and engines with turbochargers tend to ask the most of the oil, so don't improvise here. Whitesboro driver tip Check your oil level yourself once a month with the engine cold and the vehicle on level ground. A quart low is easy to fix, and it tells you early if the engine is burning or leaking oil. How do you read your Ford's maintenance schedule? Your manual lists what to do and when, by mileage or time. Many Fords also have a system that tracks oil life based on how you drive, so the display tells you when service is due. Follow the display and the manual together, and don't stretch either one. 1 Oil and filter The base service. Follow the oil life reading and the manual. 2 Tire rotation Usually done with the oil change to even out wear. 3 Air and cabin filters Dust and Texas pollen clog them faster than you expect. 4 Brake and fluid checks Brake fluid, coolant and other fluids lose their protection over time. 5 Belts, hoses and battery These age with heat, and a check catches weak ones early. Larger services come at higher mileage and may include spark plugs, transmission fluid and other items. Your manual lists them, and the service team can explain what applies to your Ford. When does hard use change the schedule? Manuals describe a more demanding schedule for hard use, and North Texas meets the definition more often than you might think. Towing, hauling, frequent short trips, stop and go traffic, dusty roads and extreme heat all wear oil and parts faster. Towing or hauling More load means more heat. Shorten the oil change interval. Short trips The engine never fully warms up, so moisture builds in the oil. Dusty roads Air filters clog faster and dirt gets into the oil. Summer heat High temperatures break oil down faster. Heavy idling Long idling adds engine hours without adding miles. A schedule written for gentle driving is a minimum for a Texas truck. If your week looks like any item above, ask the service team what interval fits. A schedule written for gentle driving is a minimum for a Texas truck. Can Holiday Ford handle oil changes where you are? Oil and filter service is on the Mobile Service list, alongside tire rotation, fluids and filters, batteries and brake services. Details are on the Mobile Service page. It runs through participating dealers with availability and distance limits, and it doesn't include parts or repair charges. If your Ford needs more than routine work, Pickup & Delivery can take it to the shop and bring it back. Either way, you spend less time waiting and more time on the day you planned. Schedule Service See Service Specials What records should you keep? Keep a record of every service. Receipts, dates and mileage show that you followed the schedule, which matters if a warranty question comes up and when you sell or trade the vehicle. A buyer pays more for a vehicle with a clear service history, and you spend less time hunting for paperwork when a question comes up. Many service departments keep a record on their side, too. Ask for a copy when you pick up the vehicle. If you have a question about an item on the schedule, the Ask a Tech form is a quick way to reach the team. Ford Pickup & Delivery We'll pick it up. We'll service it. We'll drop it off. When maintenance comes due and the week is full, Holiday Ford offers complimentary Ford Pickup & Delivery for service. Complimentary at participating dealers. Availability and distance limits apply. Does not include parts or repair charges. A nonoperational vehicle is not eligible. Learn About Pickup & Delivery Ford oil change and maintenance questions Oil changes How often should I change my oil? + Follow your manual and the oil life reading on your display. Shorten the interval for towing, heat and short trips. What oil does my Ford need? + The type and grade are listed in your manual. The service team uses what your vehicle calls for. Can I check my own oil? + Yes. Check it monthly with the engine cold and the vehicle level. The schedule What else is done at an oil change? + Often a tire rotation and an inspection of tires, brakes, belts, hoses and fluids. When are the bigger services due? + Your manual lists them by mileage or time. The service team can explain what applies to your Ford. Does skipping service void my warranty? + Skipped maintenance can affect warranty coverage. Keep records and ask the service team about your coverage. Hard use Does towing change the schedule? + Yes. Towing adds load and heat, so shorten the interval. Are short trips hard on oil? + Yes. The engine doesn't fully warm up, and moisture builds in the oil. Does Texas heat matter? + High temperatures break down oil faster, so follow the demanding schedule when it applies. Mobile Service and pickup Does Mobile Service do oil changes? + Oil and filter service is on the Mobile Service list. It runs through participating dealers with availability and distance limits. Does Mobile Service include parts? + No. The service doesn't include parts or repair charges. Can you pick up my Ford for service? + If the vehicle is drivable, complimentary Ford Pickup & Delivery may be available with dealer and distance limits. Records and booking Should I keep service records? + Yes. They help with warranty questions and raise the value when you sell or trade. Are service specials available? + Offers change. Check the service specials page and ask what applies. Where is Holiday Ford service? + We're at 1003 US 82 in Whitesboro, Texas. Schedule online or call ahead. Talk to the Service Team Ask about the schedule for your Ford. Contact Us Plan Your Visit Check shop hours before you head over. View Hours

Ford cooling system service July heat finds the weak spot in a cooling system, and the temperature gauge tells you first. A hot July afternoon on US 82 is hard on an engine. Traffic slows, the AC runs flat out, the trailer is behind you and the temperature gauge starts to creep. That creep is the cooling system asking for help. This post covers the warning signs of a cooling system problem, what to do if your Ford starts to overheat, and what a technician checks during service. It also covers the habits that keep a cooling system healthy through a Texas summer. Quick answer: If your Ford's temperature gauge rises or a warning light comes on, pull over safely, turn off the AC, let the engine cool and don't open the radiator cap while it's hot. Low coolant from a leak is the most common cause, and a technician can find it with a pressure test. Have the cooling system checked before summer travel. At a glance First sign Gauge climbs above normal First move Pull over and shut off the AC Common cause Low coolant from a leak Where 1003 US 82, Whitesboro In this post What are the warning signs of a cooling system problem? What should you do if your Ford starts to overheat? What causes a Ford to overheat? What does a cooling system service include? How do you keep a cooling system healthy through summer? What are the warning signs of a cooling system problem? The engine produces a lot of heat, and the cooling system moves that heat away through coolant, a pump, a radiator, fans and a thermostat. When one part fails, the whole system struggles, and the signs show up in the cab first. Temperature gauge above normal Even a small rise on a hot day deserves attention. A fast rise means pull over. Warning light or message Don't ignore it. It can mean low coolant or a high engine temperature. Sweet smell or steam Coolant smells sweet. Steam from under the hood means it's escaping. Puddles under the vehicle Bright green, orange or pink fluid points to a leak. Heater blows cold Low coolant or a stuck thermostat can leave the heater without hot water. Any of these is a reason to stop driving hard and get the system checked. Engines can be damaged within minutes of running too hot. What should you do if your Ford starts to overheat? Act early, because the first minutes decide how much damage the engine takes. Follow the same steps every time and you won't have to think under pressure. 1 Turn off the AC It takes load off the engine. Turn on the heater and fan to pull heat out of the engine. 2 Pull over safely Find a safe spot off the road and shut the engine off. 3 Wait for it to cool Give it at least thirty minutes. Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap. 4 Check coolant level Once cool, look at the reservoir. Low coolant points to a leak. 5 Call for help If the gauge stays high or you see steam, call for a tow or Ford Roadside. Whitesboro driver tip Keep a gallon of water in the vehicle in summer. It isn't a repair, but in a pinch it can get you to a safe place if coolant is low. What causes a Ford to overheat? Low coolant from a leak is the most common cause. Hoses age, seals dry out and radiators corrode. A leak can be slow, and the first sign may be a small drop in the reservoir each week. A thermostat that sticks closed blocks the flow of coolant. A failing water pump stops moving it. A cooling fan that doesn't switch on leaves the radiator without airflow in traffic. A clogged radiator can't shed heat. A slow coolant leak tells you about itself for weeks before the engine overheats. A slow coolant leak tells you about itself for weeks before the engine overheats. Check the reservoir when the engine is cold, and write down the level. A drop between checks means a leak, even a small one. What does a cooling system service include? A good service looks at the whole system, not only the coolant. The technician checks the level and condition of the coolant, pressure tests the system to find leaks, inspects hoses and belts, and looks at the radiator, cap, fans and thermostat. Old coolant loses its protective additives, and it should be replaced on the schedule in your manual. A flush removes old coolant and deposits, and fresh coolant protects the engine from corrosion and from boiling over. Mobile Service lists fluids and filters among its services, which can cover some routine checks. Read the Mobile Service page for what's included and where. For a pressure test or a repair, the shop is the place. If you want to ask about a symptom first, use the Ask a Tech page. Schedule Service See Service Specials How do you keep a cooling system healthy through summer? Check the coolant level monthly when the engine is cold. Look for puddles where you park. Have the system tested before long trips, and especially before towing. A trailer adds load, and the cooling system has less room for error. Pay attention to how the vehicle runs in traffic. A cooling fan problem often shows up when you sit still at a light, with the gauge creeping up, and clears when you start moving. Tell the service team about that pattern when you book. Ford Pickup & Delivery We'll pick it up. We'll service it. We'll drop it off. If your Ford is still safe to drive but runs warm, Holiday Ford offers complimentary Ford Pickup & Delivery for service. Complimentary at participating dealers. Availability and distance limits apply. Does not include parts or repair charges. A nonoperational vehicle is not eligible. Learn About Pickup & Delivery Ford cooling system questions Overheating basics Why is my Ford overheating? + Low coolant from a leak is the most common cause. A stuck thermostat, a failing water pump, a bad fan or a clogged radiator can also cause it. Can I keep driving if the gauge is high? + No. Pull over safely and shut the engine off. Driving hot can cause serious engine damage. How long should I let it cool? + At least thirty minutes. Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap. Coolant How often should coolant be replaced? + Follow the schedule in your manual. Old coolant loses its protection. Can I add water instead of coolant? + In an emergency, it can help you get to a safe place. Have the system checked and filled properly soon after. What color is Ford coolant? + It varies by vehicle and year. Use the type your manual specifies. Leaks and repairs How do you find a coolant leak? + A technician pressure tests the system and inspects hoses, the radiator, the water pump and the cap. Is a small leak a big deal? + It can become one fast in summer heat. A small leak is the cheapest time to fix it. Why does the heater blow cold? + Low coolant or a stuck thermostat can leave the heater without hot water. Mobile Service and pickup Does Mobile Service check fluids? + Fluids and filters appear on the Mobile Service list. It runs through participating dealers with availability and distance limits. Does Mobile Service include parts? + No. The service doesn't include parts or repair charges. Can you pick up my Ford if it runs hot? + If the vehicle can be driven safely, complimentary Ford Pickup & Delivery may be available. A vehicle that can't be driven isn't eligible. Towing and visiting Does towing make overheating more likely? + Yes. A trailer adds load and heat. Have the cooling system checked before you tow. Are service specials available? + Offers change. Check the service specials page and ask what applies. Where is Holiday Ford? + We're at 1003 US 82 in Whitesboro, Texas. Schedule online or call ahead. Talk to the Service Team Describe the symptom and get guidance. Contact Us Plan Your Visit Check shop hours before you head over. View Hours