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Various issues could signal problems in your Ford's emission system. Learn why strange smoke, odd exhaust smells, and other factors may be a sign that it's time to visit the service department at our Ford dealership for emission control service. 1. Check Engine Light The check engine light is often the first indicator of various engine issues. Using an OBD-II code reader, mechanics can determine if the check engine light came on due to an issue with the catalytic converter, an oxygen sensor, or the EVAP system. more 2. Failed Emission A failed emission test may be the clearest indicator that there's an issue in the emission system. Common causes of a failed emission test are similar to what triggers a check engine light, including malfunctioning oxygen sensors or a faulty catalytic converter. Issues with exhaust gas recirculation valves can also cause a failed emission test. 3. Rough Idling or Stalling If you notice that your Ford is idling rough or even stalling, it could be due to vacuum leaks. Like failed emission tests, a faulty EGR valve may also be the culprit in this scenario. 4. Poor Fuel Economy A variety of reasons could result in reduced fuel economy on your Ford, but a couple are directly related to the emission control system. If your Ford's oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor has started failing or failed completely, it can result in your engine creating an incorrect air/fuel mixture. This will lead to your engine burning more fuel than required. Other signs of a bad air/fuel mixture are black exhaust smoke, rough idling, and a loss of power. 5. Hissing or Ticking Noises Unfamiliar hissing or ticking noises can be hard to pinpoint, but if you've noticed other symptoms of a faulty emission system, start checking vacuum hoses for leaks. This includes cracked hoses within the evaporative emissions system. 6. Excessive Fuel Smell If you're noticing a strong gas or diesel smell in your Ford, it could be because of a bad charcoal canister or a failure within the EVAP system. However, excessive fuel odors aren't always due to malfunctions within the emission system. It can also be the result of damaged fuel lines or fuel injectors. Incomplete combustion can also cause an excessive fuel smell in your Ford. If you have a faulty spark plug, unburned fuel can end up in the tailpipe, causing the unwanted fuel odor. When to Visit Our Ford Dealership in Silver Spring, Maryland If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, and especially if you've noticed several of them, stop by our dealership as soon as it's convenient. Continuing to run your Ford with faults in the emission system could lead to additional problems resulting in costly repairs. To learn if your Ford's emission system needs repair, visit Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD.

The cabin air filter in a vehicle keeps pollen, debris, and dirt out of your vehicle's cabin. It also keeps pollutants at bay, making the air in your Ford safe and clean. You need to get this filter replaced at your Ford dealership once or twice a year to make sure you always have a clean and functional filter in the vehicle. 1. The Cabin Smells Bad If your air filter is clogged, then you may smell something musty or moldy in your cabin. The smell may seem like it's coming from the vents, and it'll probably get worse when the heat is turned on. more 2. The Windows Stay Fogged Up The windows and windshields in a vehicle will fog up if there are differences in humidity and temperature outside and inside the vehicle. Vehicles need strong airflow from the blower motor to clear fogged-up windows and windshields. If the cabin filter is clogged, then the airflow might not be strong enough to clear the fog. 3. The HVAC Is Slow Your vehicle's HVAC (climate control) may seem like it's broken when the air filter is clogged, as there's not enough airflow to let it heat up or cool down your vehicle quickly. The problem should go away as soon as the filter is replaced. 4. The Cabin Is Dusty Clogged filters can't catch dust and debris effectively. More of it will get into your cabin, making the cabin look dusty and dirtier overall. If you're having to wipe down the dashboard and other surfaces more frequently, then you might need a new air filter. 5. The Vents Are Noisy Your vehicle's air vents will start getting noisy if your air filter is clogged. Usually, hearing a whistling noise coming from the vents tells you there's something large stuck in the air filter. It could be something like litter or a leaf. This piece of debris will flatter as air comes through the fence, creating that tell-tale noise that means it's time for a new filter. 6. The Cabin Contains Allergens and Pollutants If you have any allergies or your breathing is sensitive in any other way, then you may begin coughing, sneezing, or experiencing your eyes watering while you're driving. You need to get the filter replaced ASAP if these things are happening, because it's not just allergens like pollen that can get into the cabin when the filter is clogged. Filters have a layer designed to block exhaust fumes, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which are all very harmful. Whether you need a simple filter replacement or a substantial repair, come to Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD. You can easily schedule service on our website at any time.

Motor oil is vital for the health of your car's engine. The type and quality of oil you choose will impact the performance and longevity of your Ford. To help you understand the difference between conventional and synthetic motor oil, here's a breakdown of both options plus guidance on how to decide what to use when next having an oil change service at your local Ford dealership. What Does Motor Oil Do? Motor oil serves a variety of functions. Primarily, it lubricates the many moving parts inside the engine, preventing a buildup of friction and heat that could rapidly lead to a breakdown. The oil also cleans metal fragments, dirt, and other debris away from the various internal components, sweeping contaminants along to the oil filter, which needs to be frequently replaced. Motor oil can also combat rust and corrosion. more When To Use Synthetic Motor Oil Synthetic oil is highly refined for fewer impurities and better, longer-lasting lubrication than conventional oil. During the refinement process, synthetic oil is also imbued with more additives, such as anti-oxidizers, cleansers, and anti-gumming agents. All in all, it's vastly superior to conventional oil in every way, and typically enjoys more than double the lifespan, saving you on the cost of oil changes each year. Almost all modern Ford vehicles should use synthetic motor oil because it protects the engine better from harm. Synthetic oil prevents clogging and corrosion far better and is also more resistant to changes in temperature, protecting your engine better during winter. When To Use Conventional Motor Oil Conventional oil is derived from crude oil and refined to lubricate automotive engines well. Additives are also included in conventional oil, but not nearly to the same extent as synthetic motor oil, which has a more refined molecular structure allowing for more precise formulation. As conventional oil can't compete with synthetic oil in terms of performance, its only advantage is considered to be price. However, when using synthetic oil, you need less frequent oil changes (two per year rather than four for most drivers) and will usually experience less engine trouble down the road. Your engine and car are also likely to last longer. These factors tend to even out the cost difference. But if you have an older Ford model with a simpler engine design and you don't drive it much, conventional oil might be a reasonable cost-effective option. Book Routine Oil Change Services at Your Ford Dealership Allow us to help determine the ideal motor oil for your car. When you schedule routine oil changes with us, our technicians can ensure that your engine is always running smoothly with the best oil possible. Visit Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD, today to have your oil refreshed by courteous, efficient professionals. We offer great vehicles, deals, financing, car maintenance, and customer service.

The fuel pump in your car delivers gas from the tank to the engine. These hardy components tend to last from 100,000 to 200,000 miles, but most drivers will eventually require a new pump. If you notice the following signs that you need fuel pump replacement, head to your local Ford dealership without delay. We can promptly install a new one. Sputtering Engine A clogged or faulty fuel pump will fail to pump the necessary amount of gas into the combustion chambers. This throws off the fuel-air mixture, causing the spark plugs to misfire and the engine to sputter and shudder. Plummeting Power With a failing fuel delivery system, your engine suddenly has less gas to burn. Naturally, this leads to a loss of power. You're likely to struggle to accelerate as quickly or gain and maintain top speeds on the highway. Stalling Engine Depending on how badly the fuel pump is failing, the misfiring could rapidly lead to a complete loss of engine power. Your car could stall, potentially leaving you stuck in an awkward position on the road. Refusal To Start Your engine might crank but refuse to start with a bad fuel pump. If your engine is still starting but takes more cranks to get there, have a trusted technician take a look at the pump before it fails to start at all. Surging Engine Power Sometimes failing fuel pumps deliver an excessive amount of fuel into the cylinders. This could cause the engine power to suddenly surge. Your engine may gain and then lose power erratically, speeding up and slowing down by itself. Poor Gas Mileage With a malfunctioning fuel pump, your engine is no longer running as efficiently as usual. Either too little or too much fuel is going into the engine, both of which can cause gas mileage problems. Whining Sounds Behind You A faulty fuel pump might emit a whining sound as it struggles to keep going. You'll probably hear this sound from behind you while at the same time experiencing the other issues outlined above. Get Fuel Pump Replacement at Your Ford Dealership With problems closely connected to the engine like this, it's never wise to delay repairs. You can have your faulty fuel pump promptly replaced in our service center. Our seasoned technicians are highly experienced with all Ford vehicles and can quickly diagnose and fix any faults you have. Visit Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD, today to have your car's fuel delivery system repaired and working like new once more. Our courteous staff is dedicated to delivering an excellent level of customer service, whether you're purchasing a car, struggling with a fault, or looking to schedule routine maintenance.

Winters in the DC area can be unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to realize you need a new battery or wipers right before a storm hits. Snow and ice can also make it more difficult to venture out to your local dealership for routine maintenance. Luckily, if you drive a Ford, the Ford Mobile Service eases winter anxieties by providing services right in your driveway. Available Services While we can't bring all our service equipment to your home, mobile service can cover routine maintenance, including oil and filter changes, brake services, batteries, and tire rotations. We can also replace your wipers, replenish fluids, change cabin filters, and replace lamps and bulbs. If you're having vehicle trouble and aren't sure of the cause, we can perform diagnostic scanning, update your software, and provide powertrain systems analysis. Accessory installation and recall service are also available. more Convenient Scheduling and Rewards Scheduling is simple: you can either give us a call directly, fill out our online contact form, or use the FordPass app on your smartphone to confirm availability and schedule your appointment. Once your appointment is confirmed, all you have to do is sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home until a Ford factory-trained and certified technician shows up to perform your service. Using the FordPass app also lets you join FordPass Rewards, which earns you points on all your service and maintenance, including mobile service. You can also use Ford Service rebates and offers to help cover your service costs. Ford Pickup and Delivery If your location isn't eligible for mobile service, or you need more extensive service than we can provide remotely, Ford Pickup and Delivery gives you another option for service without leaving your home or work. As long as your vehicle is drivable, all you have to do is tell us where you want us to pick it up, and we'll come get it, service it at our dealership, and bring it back to you when the work is complete. Whether you need mobile service, pick up and delivery, or are looking for your next Ford, we have you covered. Contact Koons Ford of Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD today to check service availability and schedule your appointment, or stop by to browse our inventory and test drive a new model if you need a reliable vehicle to get you through the winter.