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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.

Find out if you need your tires rotated with Jack Madden Ford's service department. Rotating your tires is an important maintenance task to help ensure your vehicle's performance. You might be wondering what difference it makes, and why you need to shuffle your tires around when they all touch the road. Turns out, there are many important benefits to getting a tire rotation at your Ford dealer in Norwood. 1. Even Tire Wear First and foremost, rotating your tires helps to ensure that they wear down evenly. Your front and rear tires do different jobs and therefore, they tend to wear down at different rates. The front tires carry more of your car's weight, and more weight means more wear. more Plus, tires tend to wear more on the outer edges because they lean over when you turn. Rotating your tires helps to balance these natural wear patterns and avoid having them wear out prematurely. 2. Smoother Ride and Better Handling When your tires have been properly rotated, it can lead to a smoother ride and better handling of your vehicle. Imbalanced tires can lead to vibrations or wobbling on the road. They may even cause your car to pull to one side or the other. 3. Longer Tire Life Tires are not cheap, so you'll want to make them last as long as possible. Rotating your tires regularly helps to extend their lifespan by ensuring that they wear down evenly. This way, you won't have to replace them as frequently, saving you money in the long run and helping you get the most bang for your buck. 4. Safety First Last, but certainly not least, is safety. Uneven tire wear can lead to a decrease in traction, which can be especially dangerous in wet or icy conditions. It can also make your vehicle more prone to flat tires and blowouts. Regularly rotating your tires helps maintain proper traction and reduce the risk of tire-related accidents. Plus, it gives our technicians a chance to check your tires for any other potential issues, like leaks or damage. Get Your Tires Rotated at Jack Madden Ford Rotating your tires is generally recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but you should check your Ford's owner's manual for more specific recommendations. And where should you get it done? Your local dealership is a great place to start. We know your vehicle better than anyone else, and we'll make sure your tires are rotated correctly. Take care of your tires and keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road by rotating your tires regularly. It's crucial for a smooth ride and long-lasting tires, and it even saves you money. Don't put it off any longer. Make an appointment at Jack Madden Ford and treat your tires to a rotation today.

When you're driving your Ford, the last thing you want to second-guess is the efficiency of your brakes. While the importance of fully functional brakes is universally acknowledged, not all of us automatically know all the signs that a vehicle needs brake repair from your Ford dealer. Here's what to watch out for. Unusual Noises One of the most common signs is unusual noises. If you hear a screeching, grinding, or squealing sound when you apply the brakes, it's time to have them inspected. These noises often indicate worn-out brake pads or debris caught in the brake mechanism. more Pulling to One Side If your Ford seems to skitter to one side whenever you're braking, it may mean that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that brake fluid is leaking. This can affect the car's ability to stop evenly and safely. Vibrations in the Pedal Feeling a pulsation or vibration in the brake pedal when you press down on it can indicate warped rotors. Warped rotors can cause the brakes to respond unevenly, which can be especially noticeable during high-speed braking. Increased Stopping Distance If you've noticed that your Ford takes longer to come to a complete stop than it used to, your brakes might be deteriorating. Worn-out brake components or decreased brake fluid can lead to a noticeable difference in stopping distances. Brake Warning Light This one might seem obvious, but if your brake warning light on the dashboard is illuminated, it's a clear indication that something is not right. It could be as simple as low brake fluid or as serious as a malfunction within the brake system. Don't just assume it's a mistake. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal If the brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or it goes down further than usual, it's likely there's some air in the brake lines or a problem with the master cylinder. This compromises the effectiveness of the brakes and can make it harder to stop your car. Unpleasant Odor If you get a whiff of a burning or acrid smell after heavy brake use, it's a sign that your brakes are overheating. If you keep driving, you're going to get brake fade and eventually, your brakes won't perform as you expect (and when you least expect it!). Remember, while these signs can be indicators of brake issues, they can also manifest due to other factors related to your vehicle's overall condition, so it's always best to get a professional opinion if you notice any of these symptoms. If you've noticed any of these signs or if it's been a while since your last brake check, visit Jack Madden Ford to get your brake repair in Norwood. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring your Ford stays in top-notch condition.

One of the most important ways to keep your Ford vehicle running well is an oil change. While newer engines don't need this service as frequently as older ones, you should still come to the dealership regularly to prevent any problems while driving. Read on to find out how often you should get a Ford oil change and what benefits this will have for your car. more How Often Is a Ford Oil Change Necessary? To find out exactly how frequently you should change your oil and filters, consult the manual your Ford vehicle came with. There might be slight differences between the models. Because newer engines work differently from older ones and the quality of the oil we use has improved, you don't necessarily need to come in every three months or 3,000 miles anymore. Most likely, the manual of a modern Ford vehicle will suggest changing the oil every 7,500 miles. However, this should be a minimum and you might need to come in more often if you often drive on uneven terrain or during the warmer summer months. If you regularly check your oil, you will see when it gets black and gritty and needs to be changed. The Benefits of Regular Oil Change: New Ford drivers may wonder why it's important to come to the dealership for an oil change on a regular basis. Couldn't you simply do this at your annual service appointment? Unfortunately, this isn't enough in many cases, especially if you drive daily. Let's now examine what benefits a regular oil change brings. Better Driving Experience As the quality of your oil decreases, you will notice a lot of changes to the way your car functions. There may be more exhaust, your engine will start to make noises, and your car might start to shake when you're idling. What's more, you'll have to pay more for gas because your engine won't be able to function as well as previously. To prevent all this, visit your local Ford dealership frequently and get your oil changed. Longer Car Life Maybe the most important advantage of always having fresh, high-quality oil in your car is that this will prolong its life and prevent you from having to pay hefty repair costs. Oil helps to lubricate your engine and prevent its parts from warping and breaking. People who let their car run on old oil for a prolonged period of time risk severe damage to their vehicle. Less Risk of Breaking Down With damage comes the risk of breaking down on the road. If you rely on your car to get you to and from work or other commitments, it's crucial that you maintain it well. Otherwise, you will most likely get stuck at some point and waste valuable time waiting for someone to come pick you up. In addition, you risk causing an accident, especially if your car stops running while on a highway or in a spot with low visibility. Make sure to consult your manual about how often you need your oil changed, then make an appointment at your local Ford dealership to benefit from the highest-quality service. This can help you to prevent problems with your engine and the risk of breaking down on the road. In the Norwood, MA area, contact Jack Madden Ford, and we can get you booked in for your oil change. Photo courtesy of Pexels

Ford vehicles are popular on American roads due to their performance and durability. But did you know you can make your vehicle last longer by getting some services from your Ford dealership? Here are some ways they can help. Oil Changing Oil changes are vital to giving your Ford's engine a new lease of life. We fill the motor with the best lubricant to keep the internal parts clean and running smoothly for a long time. Additionally, we accompany this with free multi-point inspection. Our certified Ford technicians will check all the critical parts to ensure your vehicle is given a clean bill of health. Filter Changing Apart from lubricating, oil also cleans the engine. All the debris is trapped in the oil filter, which clogs over time. If this component is not replaced in due time, the particles will head back to the engine, causing wear and tear. We do oil filter replacements to maximize motor durability. Another critical component we change is the air filter, which traps dust and particles from the engine intake. If these are breathed in, your Ford will have a lower power output and fuel efficiency. As a result, the motor will have to overwork to compensate for the reduced performance, which will reduce its durability. Fluid Level Checks and Flush Outs Engine oil is just one of the fluids that require level checking or flushing. Others that are critical to improving your car's durability are: Coolant Brake fluid Transmission fluid Power steering fluid Tire Repairs and Replacements Tire treads give a good grip on the road, which keeps you and your vehicle from getting into accidents. We check the tires and do replacements to ensure you drive safely. Additionally, you can search the recommended tires by vehicle or size on our website to get a new set. Another service we do relating to tires is rotation. Treads do not wear evenly on the four sides, which means some will last for a shorter period. Tire rotation takes care of this by ensuring even wear. Brake Repair Brake service/repair entails checking and tuning the brake pads and linings. You should bring your car for this service if you spot the following issues when braking: Squeaking sounds Leaking brake fluid Pedal pulsing or vibration Increased stopping distance Vehicle vibrations Cooling System and Radiator Repair If you notice the temperature gauge on the dashboard going towards the red side, something might be wrong with the cooling system. Prolonged high-temperature levels can lead to engine damage, so you should bring the vehicle to us as soon as possible. Battery Service A battery is responsible for providing power to start the vehicle and run all electrical systems. We do battery servicing to keep it functioning effectively for as long as possible. The process mainly involves scrubbing corrosion from the terminals. As you can see, we have several ways to maximize your vehicle's durability. Visit Jack Madden Ford to get your car examined as soon as possible. Photo courtesy of Ford

We know getting your car serviced isn't your favorite thing to do. And when you're in need of more than just a minor repair, the experience can be downright stressful. That's why dealers like Jack Madden Ford work hard to create a Ford repair experience that provides you with the highest quality and the least worry. With so much to offer, why go anywhere else when deciding where to take your Ford for repair? more We're the Experts It's simple enough – Ford service technicians are experts on Ford vehicles. All Ford service technicians are specially trained in Ford vehicle repair. We participate in ongoing training that ensures we're on top of any technical issues, new model specifics, and new features. What's more, if there have been any recalls or technical service bulletins posted for your Ford model, we know. We'll make sure any outstanding issues are addressed when you visit, even if you don't bring it to our attention first. Quality Parts When you bring your vehicle to a Ford dealer for repair, you're sure to get genuine Ford parts backed by the manufacturer. That means quality is guaranteed. Most genuine Ford parts have a one-year warranty. With aftermarket parts, you can't always be certain you're getting quality goods. At a Ford dealer's repair shop, you'll also get the relief of knowing that the part you need is probably already in stock. So you don't have to wait until the part comes in to start the repair. Your Warranty May Cover Costs If your vehicle is still under the original or an extended warranty, the repair cost may be covered. A basic original warranty is typically good for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. You might also get a warranty on any repair made at a Ford service center. Either way, with Ford's national network of service centers, your warranty is good anywhere your vehicle might need it. Convenience Our larger shop size makes it more likely that you'll be able to get your vehicle in and out in a timely fashion. And Ford service centers offer clean, comfortable accommodations should you choose to wait for your vehicle's service to be completed. Everything in One Place When you consistently visit the service center at a Ford dealership, all vehicle information is in one place. And you can take advantage of Ford Pass,™ a smartphone app that charts your vehicle's maintenance information. You can get vehicle alerts, schedule a repair, and even earn complimentary maintenance services. You've put your trust in us with the purchase of your Ford vehicle. We return that trust by offering the highest quality service, whether you're due for an oil change or are having engine trouble. Jack Madden Ford has helped Boston-area residents maintain their vehicles for more than 60 years. Schedule your repair or maintenance at Jack Madden Ford's state-of-the-art service center. Photo courtesy of Ford

Servicing your Ford regularly is the best way to keep it safe, reliable, and in top condition. But knowing when to schedule routine Ford service can be quite confusing sometimes, right? Well, experts at Jack Madden Ford are here to give you a comprehensive guide on when to schedule routine service; read on! more Most service schedules are based on mileage, weather conditions, and vehicle age. Experts recommend scheduling a Ford checkup after 5000 to 7000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Although these recommended intervals may help, your best bet is to check your car's manual to know when to take your car for service. If you drive on dusty or rough roads or busy streets, you should consider taking your car for routine maintenance more often than normal. What Should You Expect During Routine Maintenance? Here's a list of some of things you should expect when you visit a Ford dealer for routine maintenance. Oil and Filter Change Your oil and filter will be replaced to keep your engine in top condition. Fluid Check and Top-Up A Ford expert will check and refill your essential fluids to ensure your car continues to run smoothly. Air Filter Check The condition of your air filter will be checked to make sure your engine is not working harder due to blocked filters. This will help to improve the fuel economy of your car. Ford Video Check This will enable you to observe what your expert sees during your car service. Moreover, a free report on your vehicle's health will be shared straight to your phone. Computerized Service Record No more service paperwork! All your service records will be recorded in the Ford portal where you can easily access them in case you want to sell your car. Spark Plug Replacement Has your car been vibrating a lot or taking time to start? Worry no more. During your visit to a Ford dealer, the dealer will help you replace old plugs with new ones. New spark plugs will not only maintain the efficiency and performance of your engine but boost cold starting capability. Tire Inspection and Wheel Alignment If your car has been giving your trouble with its instability and poor handling, you should have your tires checked the next time you schedule routine maintenance. The dealer will inspect your tires for wear and advice you on replacement and rotation for a safer drive. Properly aligned wheels will improve your car's handling for a more comfortable and smooth ride. When you service your Ford more often, you will have assurance against the cost of unplanned repairs and maintain your car's resale price. Don't wait till your car breaks down; breakdowns are costly! Whenever you need trusted hands to check your Ford, put your trust in the technicians at Jack Madden Ford; contact Jack Madden Ford today and book an appointment. Photo courtesy of Ford

There's no greater feeling than driving your vehicle on the open road. Like all machines, though, cars need tune-ups every now and then to stay in tip-top form. If you've noticed brake fluid leaks or abnormal pedal vibrations as of late, maybe it's time to bring your vehicle in for a checkup. Here are some common signs your car needs a brake repair. more Abnormal Sounds One of the easiest ways to tell if it's time to get your brakes repaired is simply listening to your car. If your vehicle is making abnormal sounds, like high-pitched squeaks or squeals, it could be your brakes in serious distress. Do your best not to ignore these noises - your vehicle is telling you it needs some work done. Excessive Vehicle Vibrations Have you ever felt intense vibrations in your steering wheel or brake pedal when trying to stop your vehicle? These jarring vibrations are often caused by faulty or worn-down brake pads. Left untreated, these shudders can cause permanent damage to your car's functionality, not to mention your hands! Poor Handling When we drive on the road, we put a lot of trust in our vehicle to get us somewhere safely. When brake pads fail, it can cause serious accidents in the blink of an eye. Faulty brakes make for faulty handling – even something as easy as making a turn requires the ability to slow down gradually. Without that, it's impossible to maintain control of a car. Strange Odors When it comes to car maintenance, any automotive technician will tell you to follow your nose. If you're smelling burning rubber or other noxious fumes while driving your car, it's time to see a professional. Vehicles aren't meant to produce odd smells – this is a serious sign your vehicle is in need of a checkup from an authorized dealer. Brake Fluid Leaks Brake fluid leaks are one of the most dangerous signs your car is in need of a checkup. Without brake fluid, your vehicle cannot brake properly. If you notice puddles of fluid under your car, this could be caused by one of these leaks. Punctures in the lines from too much pressure build-up is usually to blame. Increased Stopping Distance Vehicles right off the assembly line have amazing stopping capacities. Over time, the distance it takes to complete a full stop lengthens. The only way to prevent this from happening is to get your vehicle serviced at the first sign of increased stopping distance. Every extra moment your car takes to stop is a moment that could put you in danger. If you're one of the millions of American drivers who noticed the smell of burning rubber on your way home from work today, or any of the other scenarios listed above, there's no better time than the present to get a full checkup on your car or truck. Visit Jack Madden Ford today to schedule your vehicle's next brake repair service. Photo courtesy of Pexels

Sometimes, you know what's wrong with your car immediately when you hear certain sounds or see fluids on the ground. However, sometimes, you get a warning light that doesn't make sense. This is one of the signs that you need an engine diagnostic, which you can get from your Ford dealership. Here are other signs you need to get your engine diagnosed. more You Hear Sounds You Don't Recognize Even though you might be able to self-diagnose your car if you hear a certain sound, such as squealing brakes, there are some sounds you might not recognize. For example, if you hear a rattling coming from under your hood, it could indicate several different problems. This is an ideal reason to get your car diagnosed at your dealership's service center. They'll be able to tell you right away what's making the rattling noise. You Smell Strange Odors Smelling strange odors is never a good sign when it comes to your car, but sometimes, you can tell where the smell is coming from. For instance, if you're driving down a steep hill and you are riding your brakes, you may smell a burnt odor from the brakes overheating. On other occasions, though, you may smell gas or other odors that you can't identify. Bring your car into your dealership to figure out where the smell is coming from. Your Electronics Aren't Working Properly It can be difficult to determine what causes your electronics to not work properly, as it can be anything from your alternator to your battery to your computer system. A factory-trained technician at your dealership can use their diagnostic tool to determine why your electronics aren't functioning correctly. They'll also be able to repair or replace the part that is causing the issue with genuine manufacturer parts to keep your car performing at its best. Your Car Is Hesitating at Stop Lights Your vehicle should always immediately respond when you press on your accelerator, but if you depress the pedal and nothing happens for a second or two, something is wrong. Again, this can be traced to a number of mechanical issues, so it's hard to diagnose without the proper equipment. A technician can hook your car up to the diagnostic tool for your specific car and be able to tell you what's wrong right away. You Have Smoke Coming Out of Your Tailpipe While steam coming from your tailpipe is normal, especially during cold days, if you see black or blue smoke coming from the tailpipe, there's something not right in your engine. Colored smoke is never a good sign when you're driving a car, so this needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your engine. It's Been More Than a Year Since Service Just as you should get your body examined every year at your doctor's office, you'll want to get your car an annual check-up as well. Having your car diagnosed annually will identify problems early, before they'll require more extensive repairs. If there's nothing wrong, it will give you peace of mind that your car is running just as it should. Don't put off having your engine diagnosed, especially if you notice any of the above signs. Contact Jack Madden Ford to schedule your diagnostic appointment today! Photo courtesy of Ford

Ford owners have three options to choose from when looking to service or repair their vehicle, a Ford dealership, a smaller independent repair shop, or a chain repair shop. While it can sometimes be tempting to service your car at an independent establishment, here a few reasons why a Ford dealership holds a significant advantage over unofficial repair shops. more 1. Free Repairs Under Warranty This is perhaps the biggest reason car owners will choose to have repairs on their car done at a dealership. New (and sometimes used) cars often come with a warranty. Any repair or maintenance work done by a dealership on your car during the period of coverage of the warranty will not cost you a dime. Third-party garages and repair shops do not honor such warranties. Additionally, to avoid voiding your car's warranty, you need to have it serviced according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Voiding your warranty earlier than expected can cost you a lot of time, energy, and money later on, so it's best to have it worked on by the dealership's certified technicians. 2. Manufacturer Certified Technicians The manufacturer's warranty usually requires that you have your car serviced at the dealership. Part of the reason for this is that the mechanics and technicians in a dealership are trained and certified by Ford to work on your car. The manufacturer regularly retrains them, ensuring that they're conversant with the latest technology. Most of the time, these technicians are not only trained to work on all ford models, but are also certified to work on a specific model. Consequently, they know the ins and outs of the vehicle and can fix esoteric problems in the least amount of time possible. This is an important point given that cars at all price points are increasingly featuring complex, computer-controlled mechanical and electrical systems. 3. Quality Parts Ford dealerships are officially supported by the manufacturer, which means that you're sure of getting original (OEM) parts as needed. You'll often get a better price for these parts at the dealership as compared to third party garages, assuming these garages even maintain the appropriate supply chains for such parts. This means that you cannot save money by getting original parts at an independent or a chain repair shop. Of most concern, however, is that using such parts will violate most car warranties. 4. Guarantees on Any Repairs In addition to honoring any outstanding warranties, any work done on your car by a certified ford dealer will be guaranteed. This means that if for some reason the repair fails, you can have additional repairs done for free. Unlike third-party repair shops, a certified dealer is also authorized to sell extended warranties. Such warranties are manufacturer-backed, and at the right time, you can get one at a discounted price. Taking your car to an official dealer ensures that it gets the best possible service. Additionally, having a comprehensive dealer service history increases your car's resale value. Contact Jack Madden Ford today to schedule your next service session.   Image courtesy of Ford.com