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Automatic transmissions in modern Ford vehicles are remarkably sophisticated. This means they're also expensive to replace – sometimes almost as costly as replacing the engine – so it's crucial to catch possible gearbox problems early and fix them before they grow into something worse. With this in mind, the following six signs of trouble should prompt you to visit your local Ford dealer without delay for transmission repair. Leaking Transmission Fluid The intricate mechanical components inside your gearbox are kept in fully functioning form in large part by the transmission fluid. The fluid lubricates, reduces heat, combats corrosion, and cleans out metal debris. On the rare occasion when a Ford car's transmission develops a problem, some sort of fluid issue is usually to blame. If your transmission ever springs a leak, the transmission can rapidly break down. So it's important to notice and repair leaks quickly. Watch out for any red or brown sweet-smelling fluid pooling under your car. If you ever suspect leaking transmission fluid, don't drive any farther than to reach your nearest technician. more Aging Transmission Fluid When transmission fluid gets too old, it breaks down, thickens, and burns, losing its function. As a result, your transmission will begin to overheat, potentially leading to a cascade of costly problems. Aging transmission fluid starts to burn in the growing heat of the gearbox. In this case, you're likely to detect a burning smell. You'll also quickly experience the other warning signs listed below. Sounds of Grinding Gears A struggling gearbox will begin to emit awkward grinding sounds while shifting. This is very noticeable as a Ford car's transmission is usually smooth and silent. Delayed Gear Shifting When gears wear down or valves stick to valve shafts, you might notice a strange delay of several seconds after shifting before the new gear properly engages. In more severe cases, the gears might refuse to change altogether. Unexpected Gear Slippage The most worrisome sign of gearbox issues is when gears begin to slip all on their own. This might be caused by a faulty torque converter or rounded-out gears losing their grip. Needless to say, you'll need to have slipping gears repaired right away. Engine Revving While Shifting When gears fail to shift properly, the engine sometimes responds by boosting RPMs. This sudden revving while shifting gears is another surefire indication that your gearbox needs professional attention. Change Transmission Fluid at Your Local Ford Dealer You can prevent most gearbox problems by flushing fluid frequently. Transmission fluid should usually be flushed every 60,000 miles or so. Consider doing this more often if you drive under more challenging road conditions than the average driver. Manual transmissions also need more frequent flushing: every 30,000 miles or so. Visit Coughlin Ford of Heath today to have your transmission fluid flushed, or your gearbox inspected and repaired. We're a trusted local dealership providing personalized customer service and top-of-the-range used and new Ford vehicles.

Brakes are arguably your car's most important safety feature. They allow you to fully control your car and to slow down and stop exactly when you need to. Any problem with your brakes is dangerous, as it removes some of your control over your car. As your Ford dealer, we can fix any braking problem for you. These are a few signs that you may need to visit Coughlin Ford of Circleville for a brake repair. Your Car Pulls to One Side Your braking system depends on friction generated between the brake pads and the rotors, and this friction slows and stops your wheels. The brakes are designed to operate instantaneously on all four wheels. If your car is pulling to one side when you brake, this means that one of your brakes is failing. This problem could be caused by a damaged caliper or a fault in the brake hose. Your car will automatically pull towards the side that has a working brake, and this makes it easy to determine which section of your brake has a problem. A damaged caliper on the affected side of your car may not be engaging, which prevents the affected wheel from stopping. A blockage in the brake hose could be preventing the brake fluid from exerting the hydraulic pressure to slow the wheel. We'll examine the affected brake and repair the problem. more Screeching and Grinding Harsh noises from the brakes are unnerving, and any driver immediately suspects a possible brake failure. The high-pitched screeching from the brakes is caused by worn-out brake pads. The brake pads fit inside the calipers, and they generate friction to stop the wheels. These pads gradually wear down and will screech when they're due for replacement. If the pads aren't replaced, the pads will wear out completely. When this happens, you'll hear a harsh grinding noise. This sound is generated by the metal brake calipers gouging the surface of the rotors. This can lead to serious damage to the rotors if it's not prevented. Our technicians will replace the pads and we'll also examine the rotors for signs of damage. Soft Brake Pedal Your braking system depends on pressure to work effectively. You can feel this pressure when you step on the brakes. As you press harder on the pedal, you should feel more resistance. If you're experiencing little resistance from the pedal, you could have a brake fluid leak, or there may be an air bubble in the braking system. A lack of pressure is dangerous, as it reduces the response time for the brakes and can even prevent them from engaging. We'll examine your braking system to find and fix this problem. If your brakes aren't working as effectively as they should, call us right away at Coughlin Ford of Heath.

No driver wants to experience the dreaded knocking sounds, steaming hood, or power loss from an overheating engine. But if your radiator ever stops functioning, there's nothing to keep your engine safely cool while out on the road. So let's take a look at five warning signs that your radiator is in trouble. If you notice any of these issues, visit Coughlin Ford of Heath at once for radiator repair. Coolant Light Stays On Modern Ford vehicles have sophisticated sensors that will quickly let you know if anything goes wrong. The coolant level light on your dashboard tells you when the coolant is below the level of the sensor, which is insufficiently low. This light comes on when you start your car because it takes a few minutes for the coolant to start flowing, whereupon it reaches the sensor.  But if this light doesn't turn off after five minutes of driving, then you might have a coolant problem, such as a leak in your radiator. more Temperature Gauge Shoots Up Something else to keep an eye on is the engine temperature gauge. When operating properly, your Ford's engine will be within the safe range of 195 to 220 degrees. When radiators malfunction and stop cooling the coolant, the engine will rapidly heat up. If you ever see the temperature dial jump higher than 220 degrees, pull over right away. Driving with even slight overheating can cause damage to your engine. Coolant Puddling Under Your Car When coolant leaks, it usually stems from a radiator hose, a connection between a hose and the radiator, or the body of the radiator itself. You're likely to notice leaking coolant dripping and pooling under your car. Coolant is usually a bright red, blue, green, or yellow color, and it smells sweet. If you suspect leaking coolant, check the coolant reservoir to see if the level is low. The container will have clear "min" and "max" level marks to help you do this. Your Ford Dealer Can Pressure Test Your Radiator When inspecting your cooling system, a technician at your local dealership can identify potential leaks. One process they use is a pressure-testing system to check that your radiator's hoses, fan, cap, and thermostat are all in good working order. Internal or External Radiator Rust In cold or humid environments, rust can be a devastating factor for radiators and other engine parts. If left untreated, rust will eventually wear a hole in the radiator, causing it to leak. Usually, the regular engine's heat evaporates away the moisture that leads to rust. So the risk of rust is greatly enhanced if you leave your car for long periods of time without driving it. Inspect your radiator every now and then, and if you spot a little rust, you can usually clean it away with WD-40 or another effective rust remover. Internal rust is harder to spot. When you check your coolant reservoir, any brown discoloration to the coolant means your radiator has internal rust. This will only happen if you use poor-quality coolant lacking in anti-rust properties or if you allow your coolant to grow too old without refreshing it. Have your radiator examined, repaired, or replaced today at Coughlin Ford of Heath. We're a well-established dealership offering top-notch deals and service to all the region's Ford drivers.