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Rear-Wheel Drive vs. Front-Wheel Drive: Understand the Difference

If you own a vehicle, you may or may not know if it offers a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive transmission system. It may not seem necessary, but knowing which is in your vehicle and the difference between the two can help your car stay in optimal condition. Read further to learn the differences between the front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. A front-wheel drive transmission system pulls a vehicle through the front wheels, and a rear-wheel transmission system pushes the car with the rear wheels. A front-wheel drive transmission system is more cost-effective than a rear-wheel drive system, which is why many vehicles are offered with front-wheel drive. In addition, rear-wheel drive provides more capability on off-road excursions, but the front-wheel drive is safer in situations where drivers encounter adverse weather conditions. To keep your transmission system in tip-top shape, maintain routine transmission inspections at Formula Ford Lincoln.

Preventative Maintenance Tips: Replace the Timing Belt

Replacing a timing belt is a preventative treatment for the health of your vehicle. Just like people, preventing a problem is much easier and cheaper than dealing with it after the matter. Car manufacturers post replacement schedules in the owner's manual, or you can check with the staff at Formula Ford Lincoln. Timing belts turn and synchronize the camshaft and crankshaft. The belts work under heavy pressure and a lot of force. If you are driving your car and the timing belt breaks, you will have to repair or completely replace it. Knowing when it is time to replace a timing belt and other vital components in the car will save time, money, and headaches. It is impossible to guess when a timing belt will break. Some signs of a failing timing belt are tapping and ticking sounds coming from the motor. Oil leaking out of the front of the engine may also be an early warning signal too. If you need to know when it is time to change your timing belt, then contact our service center in Rutland, VT. We will be glad to help you.

Clean Brake Fluid Supports Hydraulic System

Brake fluid is used for the hydraulic system to operate effectively. The primary goal of brake fluid is to transfer force through pressure and to simultaneously increase braking force. The brake fluid is highly effective in this process because of a non-compressible component. With distinctive molecules in the brake fluid, there are greater bulk forces that help to transfer the fluid directly through the hydraulic system. Most brake fluid is classified as DOT 3 and DOT 4 (Department of Transportation). The DOT rating is designed for manufactures of brake fluid to meet stringent quality standards. While it’s important to keep a full level of brake fluid, it’s just as important to have clean brake fluid. The fluid is exposed to extremely high temperatures and needs to maintain its effectiveness which can be lost over time. Schedule an appointment with our service center at Formula Ford Lincoln to have your brake fluid thoroughly inspected!

Maintaining Your Headlights Is a Safety Issue

Your headlights are much more than just another piece of equipment on your car, truck, or SUV. When it comes right down to it, they are actually a part of your safety equipment. They allow not only to see but to be seen as well. That is why when they start to dim it is important to get that remedied. https://twitter.com/i/status/927732345976733697 Dimming usually starts because of the plastic housings. These can get fogged over with time due to sun damage. There are many compounds and polishes that can help this, but the best way to deal with it is really to just change them out with a new set. That solves the problem long term. Your bulbs will also naturally wear out and dim over time. If you are changing out your headlight housings that is the perfect time to change the bulbs as well. Often times drivers will take this opportunity to switch to a high intensity LED bulb that is brighter and will last longer. So if you are in need of some headlight maintenance then head on down to the service center here at Formula Ford Lincoln and let us do that upgrade for you today.

Mechanic installing a car battery under the hood. The battery is black with labels. The mechanic wears a blue uniform, conveying focus and precision.

Signs That Your Battery Needs Replacing

Replacing a battery is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Without the battery powering all of the electrical gizmos in your car it wouldn't even start. In other words: no battery, no movement. It's easier than you may think to tell when your battery needs to be replaced. All you have to do is pay attention to your car. Here are a few signs that can tell you it's time to replace your battery. 1. The sound when it starts. When you start your car, you may notice a sound like choking or a slow chirp sound. This is the sound of a starter that's unable to turn over quickly enough to create a spark. This is a telltale sign that a battery needs to be replaced. 2. The horn isn't loud enough. When you honk your horn, you should be able to hear it in your vehicle. If the battery's a little weak or needs to be replaced, you may notice the horn growing lower and quieter. The headlights might also be dimmer than usual. If any of this happens, pay a visit to the service center at Formula Ford Lincoln in Rutland, VT. We'd be happy to help you determine if your battery needs to be replaced. We can then do the job and replace it, if necessary.

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