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The Importance of a Transmission Flush

When is the last time you had a transmission flush? Have you ever had a transmission flush? If cars aren't your thing, you might be a little lost about maintenance other than regular oil changes and tire rotations. A transmission flush is something that you should do regularly (we'll cover how often below) as transmission fluid serves as both an oil and a hydraulic, helping your transmission work effectively. You really want your transmission to work properly, as a new one can cost thousands of dollars. Read on to learn more about the importance of a transmission flush and how often to do it. What Does Transmission Fluid Do?  There are a lot of fluids in your car. Gas, oil, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, just to name a few. Transmission fluid is arguably one of the most important. It's a type of oil that works to cool and lubricate the gears of your transmission. It deteriorates over time, so if it isn't replaced regularly, your transmission may overheat and fail. If you drive your car hard—stop-and-go city traffic, towing a boat or other large items on trailers, or hauling heavy loads, your transmission fluid will deteriorate faster. Being tough on your car means that the transmission temperature increases, putting a strain on the transmission and its fluid. The more miles you drive, the heat of your transmission will break down the fluid, causing it to discolor and burn. If it gets to the point of burning, you run the risk of transmission damage or failure. A few hundred dollars on a transmission flush could save you thousands on repairing your transmission. What Is a Transmission Flush?  A transmission flush replaces the old transmission fluid with new fluids and also cleans the transmission. Using special equipment, the old fluid is flushed out and new, clean fluid is pumped in. The fluid may also include cleaning agents. There is some debate about whether a full flush or a drain and replacement of fluid is preferable. A full flush removes contaminants and any dirt or debris that builds up in your transmission over time. Just draining the fluid does not do this and it also can't get all of the fluid out. Draining leaves some of the old fluid in the transmission, while flushing gets rid of it all. Recommendations from Ford include a full flush rather than just a drain and replace. Signs You Need a Transmission Flush  If you find that your car is slipping out of gear, it may be time for a transmission flush. If you are driving at a high rate of speed, such as on the highway, and feel the car lurch, this could mean it is slipping out of gear. If you find that shifting gears is rough, slow, or delayed, your transmission fluid could be low. If you try to shift into reverse or drive and you find that your gears are sticking, that's another indication that it's time for a transmission flush. You can also check your Ford's transmission fluid by checking the levels with the dipstick. There is a transmission fluid dipstick (often marked ATF) where you can check to see if the fluid is at the proper level. If that's not something you feel comfortable with, you can also do a quick visual where you park your car for any dark red or brown stains. These stains could be caused by leaking transmission fluid. Always check your owner's manual to determine how to check the transmission fluid properly and safely. How Often Do I Need a Transmission Flush?  Checking the transmission fluid regularly is important, especially if you notice your car slipping out of gear or difficulty shifting gears. However, just because you don't have any issues with your gears doesn't mean you should ignore the transmission fluid. Your owner's manual should tell you how often it should be flushed, but a good rule of thumb is every two years or 30,000 miles. If you are particularly hard on your car, like we described above, and pull heavy loads or drive in stop-and-go traffic often, you might need it sooner. There are also some cars that have sealed transmissions and the fluid is meant to last the life of the car. Again, check your owner's manual to learn more about what your particular vehicle requires. It's a good idea to have your fluids checked and topped off if you're not sure about their levels, especially if you're heading out on a road trip or hit high mileage on your car. Having the fluids checked and topped off is usually a quick trip to the dealership, but if you need a full flush, it might take half a day or more, so plan accordingly. When Was Your Last Transmission Flush? If you've had your car for a while and know that you've never had a transmission flush, it's time to take a look under the hood or ask your mechanic to put it on a lift to check the transmission fluid. Spending a few hundred dollars on a flush is much easier on your wallet than spending thousands replacing your transmission. In some cases, replacing the transmission may cost more than the car is even worth. Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your car and reduce your expenses over time. If you know you need your transmission flushed, or you just want a professional mechanic to check it out, get in touch with us today. We offer a convenient online scheduling tool and offer a full range of services for your vehicle.

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2022 Ford Maverick

Overview of the 2022 Ford Maverick: Specs, Stats, and What to Expect

Ford has been making trucks since 1917 and their pickups remain one of the top vehicle choices today. Now the 2022 Ford Maverick is changing the pickup game by making the dream of truck ownership more attainable for everyone. If you're interested in Ford's newest pickup, continue reading for the 2022 Ford Maverick specs and what makes it a top player in today's truck market. Overview The 2022 Ford Maverick isn't a revival of the compact car from the 1970s, but rather a new truck on the scene. The Maverick is a compact hybrid pickup truck developed to rival Ford competitors rolling out small pickups. The Ford Maverick manages to bring style, practicality, and function to the table. Folks trust a Ford to be "built Ford tough". Though the Maverick is smaller than other Ford counterparts, it holds its own with everything you'd expect from the Ford name. A New Look As America's first standard hybrid pickup truck, the Ford Maverick has a smaller size and look that appeals to more than your average truck owner. This compact truck has a sleek design without losing the masculine boxy shape trucks are known for. The Maverick is a four-door truck with curved features at the nose, stacked headlights, a rectangular grille, and black base trim. This truck comes in smaller than its predecessor in compact lightweight pickups, the Ford Ranger. Ford Maverick Price If you've been dreaming of a truck of your own, but the price has held you back, buying a Ford Maverick is an option that won't break the bank. The base model starts at $19,995, but you'll pay more if you opt for a different model or upgraded features. The average truck in 2020 was over $38,000 so even if you opt for bells and whistles, you can't beat the Ford Maverick's price. Model Options The 2022 Ford Maverick is available in three levels of trim. Each model has the same standard Hybrid powertrain, cab size, and bed length. Maverick XL The Maverick XL is the base option with the standard hybrid Maverick powertrain and FWD. Despite being the base, you still won't find yourself lacking in features. This affordable truck comes with an eight-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and forward-collision warning. Maverick XLT With all the same features as the XL, the Maverick XLT takes it up a notch. The XLT features a high-quality interior, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a bed storage cubby. For added luxury, the XLT upgrades include heated seats, LED lights, and Bedliner. Maverick Lariat If you want all the bells and whistles, the Lariat is it. The Lariat boasts all the features with 18-inch wheels, push start, vinyl seating, adjustable driver seat, LED headlamps, and temperature control. The Lariat's luxury package includes added safety features, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker stereo. Performance The Maverick's performance is well-suited for everyday driving. It's easily maneuverable, accelerates smoothly with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, brakes responsively, and provides sturdy suspension to handle imperfections in the road. Under The Hood It's what's on the inside that counts when it comes to a vehicle's overall performance. Under the hood of the Ford Maverick base model you'll find: Standard 2.5L Hybrid (FWD) Engine 191 Horsepower Four-Cylinder Continuously Variable Transmission Upgrades available are a 250 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This option is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and has an eight-speed auto transmission. Interior The Ford Maverick has a roomy back seat with ample space for up to five passengers. The base model comes equipped with cloth bucket seats, a rotary gear shift, lumbar support in the front seats, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, and storage bins throughout the cabin. Other models offer climate control, a 6.5-inch instrument cluster screen, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The color options for the seats in these models are navy or slate with orange accents, and desert brown. Standout 2022 Ford Maverick Specs Several features allow the Ford Maverick to stand out against other Ford pickups and Ford competitors. These specs draw in a new wave of truck owners while holding to those features lifelong pickup users value. Size With a length of 199.7 inches, the Ford Maverick is the smallest pickup truck on the market. The smaller size makes it more convenient to own trucks in the city and has the perks of an F150 without taking up all the driveways space. Gas Mileage Great gas mileage isn't always what you think of when shopping for a truck, but the Ford Maverick averages 40 MPG. The affordable price tag with the practical gas mileage makes the Maverick easier on the wallet than comparable pickups. Towing Capacity Though the Ford Maverick is small, it is still mighty. This truck has a 1500 pound standard payload capacity and a 2000 pound base towing capacity. With the eco-boost tow package, the towing capacity increases to 4000 pounds. FLEXBED™ The Ford Maverick features FLEXBED™, one of the most innovative truck beds created by Ford. The FLEXBED™ is a multifunctional cargo space that allows easy transporting and storage, no matter the project. The FLEXBED™ features two 12 volt outlets, low bed sides, storage pockets four threaded bed holes, eight bed tie-downs, and a tailgate bottle opener. Discover the New 2022 Ford Maverick Whether you're from the city or country, it only takes one look at the 2022 Ford Maverick specs to know that it's a pickup for everyone. With a maneuverable compact size, a 2.5L hybrid engine, excellent gas mileage, affordable price, and a mighty towing capacity, the Maverick is a new breed of truck. If you'd like to see for yourself, stop by Homer Skelton Millington Ford for a test drive. Not sure if that's what you're looking for? Contact us today to help you find your next vehicle.

2021 Ford Explorer

Overview of the 2021 Ford Explorer

The ever true and reliable Ford Explorer is back and better than ever. The all-new 2021 Ford Explorer needs to be on everyone's shopping list. The 2021 Ford Explorer is a fantastic SUV for those that want to be able to handle off-roading and tricky weather in comfort. Let's look at its great features! Under the Hood Adventure awaits! Over 250,000 Ford Explorers are sold each year because of Ford's amazing ability to take you anywhere around the city and beyond. Many features of the new 2021 Ford Explorer make this car powerful and ready to take on anything that you have planned. Towing and Trailer Sway Control Your Ford Explorer will be able to help you maintain trailer control at all times. The car can now break and change the engine power to make sure that the trailer stays perfectly balanced. With the 3.0L V6 engine the Explorer can carry up to 5,600 pounds! Terrain Management System No matter what adventure you are planning, the new 2021 Ford Explorer can take you there. The terrain management system has seven different driving modes. There is normal, trail, deep snow/sand, slippery, sport, and tow/haul, and eco. V6 Engine Every explorer model comes with a 10-speed transmission with manual shifting mode that gives the car its sporty feel. This car packs a punch with its twin-turbocharged engine. Its 2.3L turbo engine has 300 horsepower and has over 310 pounds/foot of torque. Regardless of if you choose the rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Ford Explorer can jump from 0-60 in 6.8 seconds! The car has iron-and-aluminum block and aluminum heads with direct fuel injection. Making it one powerful engine. Take a Peek Inside What makes the Ford Explorer so comfortable and convenient is its intuitive interior. With three rows of seating, fitting seven people, there is enough room to accommodate your family, your gear, and much more. Some of the new technology features include the following. Available Wireless Charging Ford Explorer offers everyone the opportunity to charge their devices no problem! In the center dash, there is a wireless charging port along with nine other power points. There are USB, USB-C, and even regular plugs! Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 14 Speakers The Bang & Olufsen sound system is available with the premium technology package. There are 14 speakers total in the car and it amounts to 980-watts of power! The sound in your car will make your ride even more enjoyable. Twin-Panel Moonroof Experience the fresh air and stunning views with the twin-panel moonroof. You will be able to see everything in a new light. 10.1-inch LCD Touchscreen and 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Panel Cluster The new touchscreen on the 2021 Ford is positioned so it is used exactly like you would use your smartphone. It is also 10.1 inches which makes your visibility even better. The 12.3-inch customizable instrument panel also allows you to configure your driving information. Safety First Did you know that the 2021 Ford Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration? There are so many new key safety features that make driving the Explorer that much more enjoyable. Auto High Beam Headlamps Now your car will be able to sense when there is not enough light around you and it will automatically switch on your high beams. They can also see oncoming traffic so the lights will automatically dim to make sure that you do not distract the other drivers around you. Rearview Cameras and Reverse Brake Assist There are rearview cameras on the car. You no longer have to worry about not being able to see what is behind you. The reverse brake assist can sense vehicles or pedestrians crossing behind you and apply the breaks if needed. Automatic Emergency Braking This feature scans the road to see if there is anything in your way. The car can stop on a dim if you do not take the necessary action. Lane-Keeping System The lane-keeping system allows you to see exactly where you are in your lane and if you ever start to drift, your Ford Explorer will signal an alert that tells you that you are drifting. Adaptive Cruise Control Cruise control just got even easier! The adaptive cruise control on the new Ford Explorer will keep you paced for your journey with stop-and-go assistance so that you never have to worry about what the other cars are doing. This feature also has speed sign recognition so you do not have to change speeds. Blindspot Protection One of the features that have been noted as the most helpful is the blindspot information system. This system alerts you to any car passing or staying in your blindspot. 2021 Ford Explorer Price The 2021 Ford Explorer has an MSRP of $32,225 for the base model with rear-wheel drive. Of course, there is a wide spectrum of prices to pay with the different trim levels as well as the other upgrades and features that you decide to add to your new vehicle. All in all, with the spacious cargo area, sporty new appearance, and towing and handling power, this car will be well worth your investment. 2021 Ford Explorer Trim Levels One of the unique aspects of the 2021 Ford Explorer is the many trim levels and options available to you. Here is a breakdown of each trim level and what they have to offer. 2021 Ford Explorer The base model of the Ford Explorer starts with an estimated MPG of 27 for city driving and 29 for the highway. Let's look at the other key features of this trim level, Reverse sensing system 4WD Rear-wheel drive Powered liftgate 3L 4 cylinder engine Standard with the 2021 Ford Explorer is tri-zone electronic temperature controls, as well as rear climate control. The seating is going to be cloth. Your choices of color are limited to carbonized gray, agate black, iconic silver, and oxford white. 2021 Ford Explorer XLT We are moving up to the Ford Explorer XLT. This model has an estimated MPG of 21 city miles and 28 highway miles. The key features of the XLT model are, First-row heated seats The terrain management system Reverse sensing system So you are starting to get more of the safety features and more power under the hood. The seats are still going to be cloth, but now you have all of the options for colors that you want. There is an option for seven different colors. Agate black, carbonized gray, iconic silver, infinite blue metallic, rapid red metallic, star white metallic, and stone gray. 2021 Ford Explorer Limited When you get the Ford Explorer Limited trim you are getting an estimated MPG of 21 miles for city driving and 28 miles for highway driving. You are also upgrading to, A 3.3L hybrid engine Leather seating and accent stitching SYNC with voice-activated touchscreen Some of the other comfort items that are included in this trim level are back row heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start. There are also more safety features like forward sensing system, lane-keeping system, and reverse sensing system. 2021 Ford Explorer ST The Ford Explorer ST is known as the sporty model. You are getting the looks and upgrading to some amazing features such as, 0L EcoBoost Engine Intelligent 4WD ST interior with leather seating and stitching 10-inch touch screen is standard One of the most unique features of the Explorer ST model is that the steering wheel comes with paddle shifters and is heated. The third row of seating has PowerFold technology. So you can just press a button to control the seating and cargo areas. 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum Here it is! The Ford Explorer Platinum trim. This is the highest level trim available and comes fully loaded. Key features include Tri-diamond perforated leather seating Twin-panel moonroof B&O sound system with 12 speakers This trim comes with all of the latest and greatest safety features standard and the interior comforts as well. Test Drive the All-New 2021 Ford Explorer Today! If you are looking to buy a new SUV, the all-new 2021 Ford Explorer is going to be the best option for you! At Homer Skelton Ford of Millington, we serve the Arlington, TN and Memphis TN, and Millington, TN areas. We are proud to be an automotive leader in these areas. We honor the commitment we made to our customers and offer the biggest selection of vehicles and make the car buying process as hassle-free as possible for you. Come see for yourself just how incredible the new 2021 Ford Explorer is and give it a test drive today!

preventative maintenance at Homer Skelton Ford of Millington

Preventative Car Maintenance: Why It Matters and What You Need to Do

The average American spent an increased 12% of their time in their car per week year-over-year. We now spend almost 11 hours driving every week. With all that time behind the wheel, you'll want to make sure your car is working properly. Otherwise, issues could lead to a car accident or expensive repairs. Instead, you can use preventative car maintenance to extend your car's lifespan. Not sure where to start? Here are the nine preventative maintenance tips you need to keep your car in the best possible shape. The next time you have a long drive ahead, you'll have peace of mind that your car is safe to drive. Avoid breaking down, stress, and costly repairs. Keep your car running smoothly with these easy tips today! Why It Matters It's not enough to keep your car in the best possible shape. It's also important to know why prioritizing your car maintenance is essential. Otherwise, you might see every car maintenance cost as a burden. You could skip essential repairs that are necessary to keep your car in the best possible condition. Convenience How often do you get behind the wheel? How far does your car carry you during any given drive? You're probably not the only person in your household who depends on your car. If you have kids, you'll need to get them to school or extracurricular functions. There are also doctor's appointments, dentist appointments, and other events to consider. How often do you go grocery shopping? What if there's an emergency and you need to get behind the wheel right away? Think about your commute to work, too. About 88% of people above the age of 15 are drivers. Over 90% of Americans rely on their personal cars to get to work. If your car breaks down unexpectedly, it could make life difficult. Save Money Your car is also a lifetime investment. You don't want the money you put into your car to go to waste if it breaks down. By maintaining a regular car maintenance schedule, you can get the most out of your investment without worry. It's cheaper to make small repairs on a schedule than to make huge, expensive repairs (like a new engine). With regular maintenance checks, you can avoid future repairs and save money in the process! Improved Fuel Mileage When was the last time you changed your motor oil or air filters? Neglecting your car could impact your car's gas mileage. Over time, your car's engine will experience wear and tear, too. Scheduling a routine oil change every 3,000 miles and full suspension maintenance every 15,000 can ensure your car is working properly. By improving your car's optimal fuel efficiency, you're saving money! Now that you understand why preventative car maintenance is essential, let's discuss a few ways you can extend your car's lifespan. Easy Maintenance Tips Don't wait until your car breaks down. Instead, take your car to a professional to make sure everything is in working order on a schedule. Here are a few easy maintenance checks you can request regularly to ensure your ride is running smoothly. Power On Have you ever left your lights on overnight, only for your car to refuse to turn on in the morning? Maybe an old battery let you down. Either way, you're not alone. Over 40% of car owners have reported battery failure year-over-year. Consider getting your battery replaced every 5 years. After all, you don't want to find yourself stranded on a dark light without a working battery. Make sure to check your lights as well. It's difficult enough to navigate in the dark. What if you're on a winding road or a storm hits? You'll want to make sure every light bulb is working properly. Have someone help you check your brake lights as well. Otherwise, inoperable lights could lead to an accident. You could get a ticket as well. Oil Change Changing your oil regularly will ensure your engine is working in the best possible condition. You might need to get your oil changed more often if you drive more often, though. Before changing the oil on your own, drain the fluid. Safely discard the old oil as well. If you decide to change the oil alone, make sure to determine what type of motor oil your car needs. You'll also need to look at your car's mileage before choosing between synthetic and non-synthetic oil. Review the oil's viscosity as well. Otherwise, using the wrong oil for your car can have dangerous consequences. Add changing your oil to your car maintenance schedule every 10,000 miles. Otherwise, check your car's manual. Breathe In Remember, a dirty engine air filter can cause damage to your car's engine. When the filter is dirty, tiny particles can reach your engine, causing damage. Your car's efficiency levels could drop as a result. Take the time to check your engine air filter at least once a year. Otherwise, you might have to make expensive repairs to your engine down the road. Check the Pressure Your car's tires experience wear and tear every time you hit the road. Neglecting your car's tire pressure can have a negative effect on your gas mileage. To keep your tires on track, you'll need to make sure your tire pressure is at the recommended level. You can check your car manual to determine the proper PSI. Have you ever hit the road, only to end up with a flat tire before reaching your destination? A flat could cause an accident, causing you to veer off. Thankfully, you can use preventative maintenance to avoid a blowout. First, make sure to check your tire pressure on schedule. Next, look for tire recalls and sure you have the best tires for your vehicle. Otherwise, make sure to rotate your tires every 10,000 miles. Rotating your tires will keep their wear and tear even. Check the Fluids Reviewing your fluid levels is an important step in your preventative maintenance car check as well. When the fluids aren't at the right levels, it could impact your car's functionality and efficiency. Your car might not drive properly, either. These fluids include your: Coolant Engine oil Brake fluid Power steering fluid Transmission fluid Is something leaking from your car? Take it to a professional right away. Belts and Hoses Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, many of your car's parts are out of sight. You might not realize your car needs repairs if you fail to schedule regular maintenance. For example, when was the last time you looked at your car's belts and hoses? Belts wear down over time. If yours is worn, it's important to have a belt replaced right away. Certain systems could begin to fail while you're on the road otherwise. Having the belts and hoses replaced when needed can help you avoid breaking down on the side of the road. Wiper Replacements Do you live in an area that's prone to heavy storms? You never know when one might hit. If your windshield wipers aren't working properly, you could feel blind on the road. Check your windshield wipers regularly to make sure they're functioning properly. If a big storm is about to roll in, check them again (especially during hurricane season). You never know when you might need to evacuate. Otherwise, heavy rain or a snowstorm could impact your visibility on the road. You could get into an accident, which could lead to costly repairs. Wash Up When was the last time you spoiled your car with a thorough clean? You might not realize it, but washing your car is an important maintenance service, too. Over time, your car comes into contact with tree sap, pollen, bugs, and other elements. Whether it's on the road or sitting in your driveway, these elements can cause damage. Your undercarriage and paint could suffer. Don't let the weather outside impact the state and value of your car. Instead, make it part of your routine to wash your car regularly. Washing your car will make sure it's always looking its best. Better yet, it can help you avoid long-term damage as well. Check the Brakes Pay attention to the sounds your car makes during a drive. If it's shuddering and vibrating or your brake pedal feels strange beneath your foot, pull over right away. You might want to have an expert check your car as soon as possible. It's important to make sure your brakes are working properly every time you're on the road. Schedule your brake pads checked during your oil level checks. These tips will give you peace of mind each time you're on the road. Keep Driving Forward: 9 Tips for Ongoing Preventative Car Maintenance Don't hit the road in a worn-out vehicle. Instead, use these ongoing preventative car maintenance tips to make sure your car is in its best shape. With these tips, you can feel safe each time you hit the road. You'll end up extending your car's lifespan, too! Want to keep your car functioning at its best? We can help. Schedule a service with our team today!