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Overheating is a huge threat to any car's engine. The radiator plays a key role in keeping the engine cool by drawing heat from the coolant as it circulates throughout the system. If your radiator runs into trouble, head to your local Ford dealer right away for radiator repair. If you notice but ignore any of the following signs of a malfunctioning radiator, your engine could rapidly overheat and undergo permanent damage. more 5 Signs Your Ford Needs a Radiator Repair Overheating Engine The most urgent indication of a bad radiator is an overheating engine. If your cooling system fails and the engine heats up, you'll see the engine temperature gauge rising into the red on your dashboard. Never ignore this gauge; pull over at once, allow your engine to cool down, and call for professional assistance. Further signs of overheating include ticking or knocking sounds, white vapor coming from under the hood, and plummeting engine power. The hood will also become hot to the touch. Damaged Radiator Fins It's a good idea to visually check your radiator once in a while. If you find leaves and other debris clogging the radiator's fins, clean it all away as the airflow between the fins is vital for dispersing the heat. If any of the fins are bent or cracked, you may need a new radiator. Low or Leaking Coolant You can check the level and condition of your coolant by looking at the coolant reservoir, which is typically transparent. If the coolant has sunk below the minimum level marker, top it up at once. If your coolant keeps declining in volume, you may have a leak; check under your car for puddles of fluid that matches the color of the coolant inside the reservoir. If it's coolant, the fluid will also have a sweet smell. Rust Inside the Radiator When coolant grows old and deteriorates, it loses its anti-corrosion properties. As a result, it's possible for rust to form inside the radiator. If this occurs, your coolant will gradually become discolored, fading to a rusty brown color inside the reservoir. Rust on the Radiator You can also look for patches of rust on the outside of the radiator. A little rust can often be cleaned away before harm is done. But if you find extensive rust, the radiator may soon leak and will probably have to go. Your Ford Dealer Can Inspect Your Cooling System It's wise to have your radiator and entire cooling system inspected every 30,000 miles (you can check the recommended interval for your vehicle in the owner's manual). Our experienced technicians can visually inspect and pressure-test various elements of your radiator, examine the rest of the cooling system, and flush the coolant if need be. Visit Jack Madden Ford Sales Inc in Norwood, MA, today to have your radiator promptly repaired or replaced. We've been providing top-notch service to the region's drivers for over 70 years.

Is it time for an oil change at your Ford dealer? Obviously, if your oil change light has come on or you've noticed a big puddle of oil in your driveway, it's probably time. Here are some of the other, less obvious ways to tell. more How to Tell You Need an Oil Change from Your Ford Dealer It's Been At Least Six Months Depending on the exact model you have and how old it is, as well as whether you're using regular oil or synthetic, you'll usually want to have the oil changed every six months to one year. If you have a newer model, you have synthetic oil, and you don't drive under difficult conditions, you may be able to go as long as a year. But if you do a lot of towing or hauling, if you drive in particularly dirty and dusty environments, or if most of your drives are short drives of 5 miles or less, you're putting extra strain on the engine and you'll want to change out the oil on time. It's Been Around 7,500 Miles You'll notice that your owner's manual tells you to change the oil every X number of miles or Y number of months. That's because some people will drive 5000 miles in just three months while others will take six or eight months to get there. Check your owner's manual to know for sure what's right for you, but, in general, most modern Fords need the oil changed right around 7,500 miles. Once you have come to see us a few times, we'll have a good idea of your engine and driving habits and will be able to give you even more specific advice. There's New Noises You drive all the time, so you should be very familiar with the sounds your car makes. If you notice some strange new ones, and particularly any knocking or grinding, this could be happening because the oil is old. Basically, it is losing some of its protective properties and is no longer lubricating the way it should. You Smell Burning in the Cabin If there's oil leaking within the engine, it won't necessarily all go out onto the ground. Sometimes the oil leaks onto the engine itself, and then it burns away as the engine heats up. When this happens, you'll smell burning. If it's time to swap out your oil for a fresh new batch, come see our experts at Jack Madden Ford in Norwood, MA today.

Your local Ford dealership isn't just about selling cars. Of course, putting the right vehicles into the hands of our customers is a key part of what we do, but our true value lies in the expertise we bring to the table. Our team acts as a brain trust for everything Ford, providing in-depth knowledge and first-class Ford service to ensure you get the most out of your car ownership experience. more 4 Ford Services Offered by Your Ford Dealership 1. Selling New and Pre-Owned Cars When you visit our showroom, you'll be greeted by an incredible selection of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles. Before you browse around, one of our trained staff will first listen to your requirements, whether it's a specific vehicle type, feature, or budget consideration. They will then recommend models that best fit your criteria. Throughout the process, they'll answer all your questions and offer expert opinions you won't get anywhere else. Once you have identified a vehicle of interest, you can take it for a test drive and experience its performance firsthand. 2. Trade-in Services When you have a car that you need to offload, selling it to a dealership is one of the fastest and easiest ways to do so. Bring your vehicle to us, and we'll quickly appraise it and make you a fair offer. Then, we'll help you select the next ride for you. You can apply the trade-in value toward your new ride and leave all the paperwork to us. 3. Maintenance and Repair Just about every maintenance and repair service under the sun can be done at your local dealership. But why should you bring your car to us instead of taking it elsewhere?  First, we have experienced Ford-trained technicians who work only on your brand of vehicle. They know your car inside out and can do everything from simple oil changes to advanced diagnosis of all mechanical and electrical systems. Second, we use only genuine parts and Ford-approved repair equipment and tools, giving us the confidence to guarantee all our labor and parts. 4. Financial Options Skip the trip to the bank or credit union for a car loan. Our finance team is here to help you explore competitive rates and flexible terms from multiple lenders. Plus, we often have exclusive promotions and special offers, e.g., zero percent financing and bonus cash, that can make your vehicle-buying experience more affordable. For personalized and expert service, contact Jack Madden Ford Sales Inc. in Norwood, MA.

Jack Madden Ford Sales Inc. has served the greater Boston area for 70 years. We are thrilled to honor the Ford legacy and provide our community with durable, hard-working trucks, cars, and SUVs. As your local Ford dealer, we carry all the best models, including the ultra-popular F-Series, the commercial F-550 Chassis Cab, and the Edge and Explorer to get you through your daily commute. Discover the legacy of your Norwood Ford dealer. more Your Local Ford Dealer: Celebrating 70 Years as Your Norwood Ford Dealer Award-Winning Customer Service Our dedicated car experts are here to help you find the right Ford for your budget and lifestyle. We know these vehicles as well as we know our own cars. Our staff will explain the available features and upgrades, how they can protect you behind the wheel, and help you choose between two models with similar specs. We will ask you about your driving habits, your priorities regarding buying a car, and how much you can afford to spend on the vehicle every month. You can test drive any one of the vehicles on our lot with one of our experts. We will ensure you're using the included features correctly so you can experience these cars and trucks as intended. Unbeatable Selection Nothing beats our selection of new and used Fords. We carry all the major models from the past few years, including trucks for towing heavy loads, compact sedans for driving around town in style, and spacious SUVs for dropping off your loved ones at work or school. These vehicles have the latest safety features to give you more peace of mind, including blind spot monitoring, pre-collision warnings, and lane-keeping assistance. They also have competitive efficiency ratings to help you save on fuel. Convenient Financing Our onsite financing makes buying a car as easy as one, two, three. We can pre-approve you for an auto loan to help you pick out a vehicle you can afford. Once you find the right model, the office will draw up the paperwork, including your estimated monthly payment. Sign on the dotted line and make your down payment to take home your new or pre-owned Ford the same day. Expert Repairs Service We also have everything you need to maintain your Ford. Our onsite technicians service all types of models using the latest parts and manufacturer recommendations. We will get your vehicle up and running again in no time to help you get back on the road. Buying a Ford is much easier when you come to your local Norwood Ford lot. Visit Jack Madden Ford Sales Inc. in Norwood, MA, to browse our expansive selection of Ford

Get your car battery checked at Jack Madden Ford! When it's working properly, you probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about your car battery. But when your battery starts to slow down and your vehicle becomes difficult to start, you'll quickly be reminded just how essential this part of the car is. Fortunately, getting a new car battery from your Ford dealership is quick and easy, especially if you act before your old battery expires. Why Maintaining Your Battery Is So Important It's pretty obvious why having a good battery in place is important. Without it, you wouldn't be able to start your vehicle. But there are also other benefits associated with a good battery. In addition to providing the power to start your engine, the battery supports the overall performance of your vehicle and helps it run smoothly, efficiently, and at peak performance. more A good battery extends the life of your car and helps it use less fuel. It reduces the likelihood of other mechanical mishaps and allows you to spend more time on the road and less time at the mechanic. What Are the Signs of a Bad Car Battery? A battery that appears warped, corroded, or that smells like rotten eggs is a battery that needs to be checked out. These are all signs that your battery may be leaking acidic fluids. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule service soon because a leaking battery can damage other parts of the vehicle. If the electrical components of your vehicle seem diminished, that's another sign that you may be in need of a new battery. The battery powers the headlights, interior lights, windshield wipers, and stereo. How Long Does a New Battery Last? Multiple factors determine how long your battery lasts, including the model you drive, how frequently you drive, and the climate you live in. In Massachusetts, a new battery typically lasts three or four years. Time on the road helps charge your battery, so if your vehicle usage is primarily limited to short, quick trips, try to get a long drive in every once in a while. Any time you turn off the vehicle's ignition and step away from the car, make sure the interior and exterior lights are all powered off. Leaving these on for an extended period of time while the car is not operating will drain the battery. Monitoring your battery and replacing it before it dies will save you time and headaches. Our service department can check your battery life using state-of-the-art tools. And when it's time for a new battery, we carry a selection of high-quality options that are ready for immediate installation. When it's time to schedule your next service appointment, call Jack Madden Ford.

Our air conditioning systems contribute so much to our comfort while driving. If you find your car AC not working one day, then you might be in for a rather hot ride. It won't take long for someone at your local Ford dealer to fix your AC, but first, they need to diagnose the problem. Here are five common causes of air conditioning faults in cars. more Is Your Car AC Not Working? Visit Your Ford Dealer Today Clogged Condenser While turned on, your air conditioner carries out a remarkably sophisticated process of manipulating refrigerant from a gaseous form into liquid form and then back again into gas. The chemical effect of this process is to cool the refrigerant, which then cools down the air flowing into your cabin. The condenser serves the vital function of liquidizing the refrigerant. Over time, condensers can sometimes become clogged by the gooey remains of high-pressure refrigerant and also by dirt or even algae. This clogging will eventually cause your AC to stop working. You'll need to remove the condenser and clean it. Cracked Condenser The condenser sits at the front of your car behind the grill where small stones and debris from the road can sometimes fly in. If your condenser becomes cracked or broken by such road debris or by other impacts, it will often stop working and you'll need to replace it. A buildup of rust can sometimes cause structural damage to a condenser. Salt from the treated snow of winter roads also leads to erosion. When a condenser becomes badly cracked or damaged, it can even spring a leak. Leaking Refrigerant Refrigerant can sometimes leak from various points in the AC system. Most often, a leak will occur around hose connections. It's difficult to spot leaking refrigerant because it's a colorless and odorless fluid. But you might notice an oily substance accumulating on the hoses or corroded sections of the condenser and compressor. Faulty Cooling Fans Air is drawn into the car by cooling fans which can sometimes become clogged or damaged by other external objects that are also sucked in. Clogged fans will need to be cleaned and cracked fans will need to be replaced, neither of which are expensive jobs. Electrical Problems Any failure in the supply of electricity will also shut down your AC. If your AC is the only component affected in your vehicle, then the problem probably lies with the specific wiring for the AC. The wiring might be damaged or the AC's fuse might have blown. On the other hand, if multiple electrical components aren't functioning, then you can safely assume either your alternator or your battery has run into trouble. Check them both to diagnose the problem. Have a highly qualified technician inspect and repair your air conditioning today at Jack Madden Ford. We offer award-winning service to each and every customer who steps foot through our doors.

It's important that you visit your Boston area Ford dealer when you need a transmission repair. However, sometimes the signs that your transmission is faulty are difficult to spot. It would be smart for you to learn the various signs that you're having an issue with your transmission, and that way, you can come by at the first sign of trouble. more 1. Your Vehicle Refuses to Switch Gears If your vehicle won't change gears, or if it seems to be having trouble doing so, then you likely have low transmission fluid. Come by, and we'll get the problem dealt with in no time. 2. Something Smells Like It's Burning Burning odors can be a sign that your vehicle is overheating, and the aroma can also indicate that your transmission fluid is burning up due to old age. Bring your vehicle to us, and we'll take a look. 3. Your Vehicle Is Making Noises in Neutral Novel noises are never a good sign when they occur in your vehicle, and when they occur while your vehicle is in neutral, then they most likely indicate a problem with your transmission. This noise can indicate various transmission problems, so this could be a simple fix, or it could be something incredibly serious. Get to us as quickly as you can, as you don't want to let a serious issue go on for too long. 4. Your Vehicle Is Slipping Gears Slipping gears is incredibly dangerous, so stop driving immediately. If you keep driving, then you're putting everyone on the road in danger. Call a tow truck to take you to the dealer, as you need a technician to take a look at your transmission system ASAP. 5. You Have a Transmission Fluid Leak You can spot a transmission fluid leak if there's a red puddle near your vehicle. You can confirm that it's transmission fluid by sniffing it. If it's transmission fluid, then it will smell sweet. You should also check on your fluid levels regularly, and make a note when one of them is dropping faster than usual. Fluid that's dropping faster than usual is a sign of a leak, so let your technician know what's happening. 6. Your Vehicle Starts Shaking and Grinding When your vehicle starts shaking and grinding, then it's almost certainly a sign that there's a problem with your transmission. The shaking and grinding will usually occur when you try to change gears. 7. Your Vehicle Has Started to Hum, Whine, or Clunk When your vehicle starts making a clanking, whining, or humming sound, then your transmission is most likely what's behind it. As we said earlier, new noises are never something you should ignore, but it's a good idea to let your technician know what those noises are when they occur. That way, your technician can get a good idea of what part of your vehicle to examine first, and that will make the diagnosis and repair process more efficient. If you're near Norwood MA or the greater Boston area, come over to Jack Madden Ford if you're having any of the problems described above. We'll make sure your transmission is fixed by our factory-trained Ford Experts.

An alternator charges the battery, and when it malfunctions, all sorts of issues pop up. Worst of all, a failing alternator could get you stranded next to the road. The following signs will warn you if you need an alternator repair from your Massachusetts Ford dealer asap. more 1. The Battery Warning Light Is On The battery warning light goes on when there is a problem with the electrical system. If your car's alternator is failing, the voltage fluctuates, and that's what triggers the battery warning light. It's best to ask your Ford technician to take a look and fix the problem as soon as possible. 2. Dim Headlights It's your alternator that ensures that your headlights and dashboard lights are bright. When you notice that your dashboard lights and headlights are dimmer than usual, the alternator could be the culprit. When your alternator is failing, your car's headlights will also change from bright to dim when you accelerate. 3. Issues With Accessories When the voltage fluctuates, you'll have hassles with the accessories. Suddenly the electric windows and the windshield wipers will operate slower. You will also have issues with the sunroof, heated seats, and power locks. This happens because the computer cuts the power to items that are non-essential items first, such as accessories that are now acting up or not working at all. 4. Strange Noises An alternator is made up of many moving components. When any parts fail or break, you will hear whining, rattling, and grinding sounds coming from under the hood. The noises could be caused by bad or broken bearings or a misaligned belt. Don't ignore strange sounds that you are not familiar with. Get it checked out soon before you start hearing rattling noises, which means the malfunctioning alternator caused damage to the engine. 5. Burning or Electrical Smells An overworked alternator with worn and broken parts will cause unpleasant electrical and burning smells. You will smell an electrical odor when the alternator pushes too much electricity through the wires, heating them up. The alternator's drive belt is close to the engine, and when the drive belts start to wear, there will be a burning smell. 6. Hard Starts It's not always your car's battery preventing your vehicle from starting. If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, there is a problem with the alternator. The alternator is not charging the battery sufficiently. Your car is trying to start from power stored in the battery, but it's not enough to start the engine. Get the problem fixed before your car won't start at all. 7. Battery Problems A failing alternator won't be able to sufficiently charge the battery. Your battery will either be weak or completely dead. Don't assume you have battery problems. Jump-start your car and if the car dies after a jump-start, you know it's the alternator causing the problem and not the battery. When you think your alternator is acting up, ask your Ford technician to perform an inspection and repair the problem asap. Visit Jack Madden Ford today, and our trained Ford technicians will ensure that your car is in excellent running condition.