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Your car battery provides the power to start your car and powers everything from the ignition system and computer to the windows and lights. When a battery is weak or failing, you will notice all sorts of issues. Here are telltale signs that'll warn you when it's time to visit your Ford dealer for a new car battery. more Signs Your Ford Might Need a New Car Battery Battery Lifespan Batteries have a limited life cycle. On average, a car battery lasts between three to five years. When your battery is three years old, regular battery tests are essential to determine if it's still going strong and if it's time for a replacement. The last thing you need is to get stuck next to the road with a dead car battery. Dashboard Warning Lights If there is a problem with your car's battery, the engine light or the battery light will go on. Neither warning lights should be ignored because a faulty charging system could get you stuck. When you notice these warning lights are on, get it checked out by your Ford technician as soon as you can. Electric Issues When your battery loses charge, it will affect the lights, seats, heaters, and electric windows. The lights will be dimmer and weaker, and the windows will move slower or not at all. It won't be long before the battery stops working altogether. Get the battery tested to determine if it needs replacing before you have to ask a good Samaritan to help you jump-start your car. Trouble Starting Your Car You know your car and how quickly it starts. When there is suddenly a problem starting your vehicle, a weak battery could be the culprit. When the engine is cranking slower than usual and takes longer to start, don't risk ignoring the issue. Ask your Ford technician to inspect the battery before your car doesn't start at all. Clicking Sounds If you turn your key in the ignition or press the start button and hear a clicking sound, your battery is too weak to start the engine. It means you will have to jump-start your car. If your vehicle needs a jump start to get going, it's best to get a new battery as soon as possible. Sulfurous Odor If you pop your head under the hood and you smell a sulfurous odor, much like that of rotten eggs, you have a battery leak. Leaks form when a battery is old, warped, or cracked. Take care of the issue fast before the leaking chemicals cause damage to other components. Damaged Battery Case A battery case that is swollen or warped or has cracks must be replaced. The chemical content inside the battery can leak out, damaging anything it touches. If the battery case is damaged in any way, get a new battery at your dealership where the damaged one can be disposed of correctly and safely. Jump Starts Jump starting a car indicates that something is wrong with the battery. If you have to jump-start the battery often, better be safe than sorry, and get a new quality battery from your dealership. Don't ignore battery problems and get it checked out by your Ford technician as soon as you can. If you experience battery issues, visit Boyd Brothers Ford today for expert battery tests and a range of high-quality batteries.

Do you hear a squealing sound when braking? Have you had to use the brake pedal harder than usual to stop the car? Do you live in or near Granville County? If you answered yes to those questions, then it's time for a brake repair in Oxford. These are just some of the signs that indicate your brakes need attention at your Ford dealer. more Unusual Noises The following are some of the most common eardrum-piercing noises that your brake pads may make: squealing, grinding, squeaking, rubbing, and other ear-piercing sounds. This should be addressed at the soonest possible time as worn pads may cause damage to other components, which might end in more expensive repairs. If you hear any of the sounds mentioned above while you're putting on the brakes, immediately make an appointment for a check-up with your mechanic at your local dealer. Vibrations in the Brake Pedal If this is a recurring sensation, your brake system is giving you a message that you must not ignore. If you wait any longer, the metal-on-metal rubbing could cause your rotors to warp, resulting in significant expenses due to extensive repairs. Stop by your local service center and consult with a professional to determine how to fix this issue. Pressing Harder to Stop Your Car If you're applying more pressure to stop your automobile than usual, you've reached the first stage and indication of brake pad wear. Don't fool around with your brake pedal, as it's only possible to push so far before you find yourself in a frightening "I have no brakes" scenario. Head on over to your local dealer and have your brakes inspected properly to keep you, your passengers, and other people safe on the road while you're driving. Burning Smell Stop what you're doing and call or visit your local service center if toxic fumes are emanating from your tires. Unpleasant and pungent smells, such as the ones you're encountering, aren't typical and might compromise your safety if you continue to drive in these hazardous conditions. Brake Warning Light Is On If your vehicle's brake warning light is illuminated, it's a sign of an issue with your brake system. You should not, under any circumstances, ignore this warning.  Make sure you schedule a brake check-up at your local dealer as soon as possible, as driving under such dubious conditions is not safe and may result in an accident. Slow Brakes Excessively worn brake pads will not provide enough friction on the rotors to stop the car swiftly. To put it another way, when you step on the brake pedal, you'll notice a delayed reaction each time. This is a clear indication of issues with your brake pads. If you don't want to find yourself in an accident, visit the service center at the dealer closest to you for immediate assistance. You can keep yourself from becoming part of the accident statistics by having your brakes regularly inspected instead of waiting for the telltale signs to show up before making an appointment. If you have questions or comments, schedule an appointment at Boyd Brothers Ford in Oxford to have your brakes checked out.