5 Ways the 2024 Ford Escape Enhances Your Drive

People often overlook their wheel alignment when they think about their vehicle maintenance. However, it's vital that your wheels remain aligned so your driving experience is safe and smooth. In this comprehensive guide, we dive into everything you need to know about the alignment of your wheels, including signs they're misaligned and when you should bring your vehicle to your local Ford dealership for an alignment. more Wheel Alignment: Symptoms, Solutions, and Services at Your Local Ford Dealership Importance of Keeping Your Wheels Aligned Maintaining the proper alignment of your wheels is vital for your safety, especially when you're driving on wet roads. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, seriously affecting your vehicle's stopping distance. Aligned wheels also help keep you safe by positively affecting your handling and vehicle stability. Additionally, aligned wheels extend the longevity of your tires, suspension, and steering components. Symptoms of Misaligned Wheels Some of the most common signs of misaligned wheels include uneven tire wear, a dysfunctional steering system, and significant vibrations while you're driving. However, these aren't the only signs that your wheels require a realignment. Your wheels also may need to be realigned if your vehicle pulls to the left or right when you drive at highway speeds. Also, you should have your wheels realigned if your vehicle feels unstable. What to Do When Your Wheels Are Misaligned If you feel or see any indicators that your wheels are misaligned, you should schedule a service appointment at your local Ford dealer. It's possible to check the camber and toe of your vehicle with a handful of tools you may have around the house, including a scissor jack, angle finder, wrenches, and white spray paint. However, you can't measure your vehicle's castor accurately unless you have an alignment rack. Since the alignment of your wheels is so important, you should leave the adjustments to the certified Ford mechanics. How Often an Alignment Is Necessary Typically, you should visit your local Ford dealer every two to three years to have your wheels aligned. However, you should not put off this essential service if you see any signs that your wheels are misaligned. The alignment of your wheels significantly affects your driving experience, safety, and tire lifespan. If it's been a couple of years since your wheels were last aligned, book a service appointment at Dowling Ford in Cheshire, CT now.

Powered by strong engines and filled with thoughtful features, the 2024 Ford F-150 is one of the most popular everyday trucks. With a huge range of models, finding the perfect configuration for your needs and budget is a breeze. more XL Powered by a robust 325-hp 2.7L V6 engine, the F-150's base trim is anything but basic. It boasts a towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs and comes standard with a Class IV trailer hitch for effortless trailering. STX The STX trim builds on the XL and comes with exciting upgrades, such as standard 20-inch wheels for enhanced traction on city streets and dirt paths alike. Selectable drive modes, including options for various terrains, make it easy to adjust performance to the driving conditions. XLT The XLT trim comes standard with the base 2.7L engine, but it can be had with a 3.5L EcoBoost full-hybrid V6 engine for enhanced performance and fuel economy. Another available upgrade is the BlueCruise technology that enables hands-free driving on compatible roads. TREMOR Designed for off-road adventures, the TREMOR comes standard with a 400-hp 5.0L V8 engine that delivers 410 lb-ft of torque. Standard 4x4 drive pairs with aggressive-looking 18-inch wheels and 33-inch tires so you can easily tackle all terrains. An optional modular front bumper can enhance the trim with integrated fog lamps and forged tow hooks. LARIAT A great choice for long-distance driving, the LARIAT trim comes standard with adaptive cruise control and a 90-day Ford BlueCruise trial. A wealth of optional upgrades can enhance your driving experience with features like a premium B&O sound system, a 7.2kW Pro Power On Board panel, and a head-up display. King Ranch The King Ranch trim is all about luxurious driving, offering standard leather-trimmed multi-contour bucket seats designed for ultimate comfort. Another highlight is the innovative swing-out tailgate designed for easier access to the truck bed. Platinum Exclusive styling accents make the Platinum trim a true stunner, while a wealth of standard features can elevate your driving experience. Highlights include a 14-speaker B&O sound system and a 2.0kW Pro Power On Board panel. For effortless driving, it comes standard with Ford BlueCruise. Raptor Sport-tuned and incredibly capable, the Raptor trim is ready to power all your adventures. It comes standard with a 3.5L High Output V6 engine, but if you need more power, you can upgrade to a massive 720-hp 5.2L Supercharged V8 engine that is sure to stir up all sorts of excitement. The 2024 F-150 is a great choice for everyday driving and adventures alike. Visit us at Dowling Ford, Inc. in Cheshire, CT to explore our inventory and schedule your test drive.

A healthy brake system is one of your Ford's most important safety systems. It gives you complete control over your speed and enables you to slow down or stop whenever you need to. As time passes, braking components will wear or or get damaged, and you'll need a repair. As your Ford dealership, we'd like you to know a few signs that you need to visit us ASAP for new brakes. more Soft Brake Pedal The braking system is highly pressurized, and this pressure is essential as your brakes must be able to bring your Ford to a complete stop almost instantly, even when it's moving at speed. When you push down on the brake pedal, you should feel resistance, and this resistance increases as you exert more pressure on the pedal. If you feel very little response from the brake pedal, something is wrong. The lack of response could be caused by an air bubble in the system restricting the fluid's flow or by a brake fluid leak. This problem needs to be investigated and repaired ASAP, as low pressure in the braking system means your brakes will be far less responsive, and this can cause an accident. We'll locate the source of the fault and repair it. Glazed Brake Pads The brake pads fit into the brake calipers, which are located above each of the wheel rotors. When you hit the brakes, the calipers grab the spinning rotors, and the pads generate friction against the rotors. This friction should bring the rotors to a stop within seconds. Once you release the brake pedal, the calipers withdraw. Glazing occurs when the pads are kept in contact with the rotors for an extended period. This could be due to you riding your brakes, or a faulty caliper might not withdraw completely. In either situation, the pads skim across the rotors, and their friction material covering turns smooth and glass-like. A glazed pad generates no friction, and the brakes become less efficient. We can remedy this situation by removing and replacing the glazed pads. Brake Fluid Leak Brake fluid is transported through the system by rubber hoses and metal brake lines. Over time, leaks can develop if your braking system hasn't been regularly checked. A leak is difficult to notice, as brake fluid is thin, yellowish, and looks like cooking oil. A leak in the system reduces the brake system pressure, which slows down its response time and increases your stopping distance. We'll examine your brakes, find the leak source, and permanently seal it. Once the system is airtight, we'll refill your brake fluid. Damaged brakes are dangerous. Contact us today at Dowling Ford Inc. in Cheshire, CT, and we'll fix them for you.