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Your Ford truck is built to work hard, haul heavy loads, and handle demanding tasks. Even the toughest trucks require regular care to stay in top shape. Driving a 2026 F-150 or a Super Duty makes staying on top of maintenance the best way to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs. Visit Koons Silver Spring Ford in Silver Spring, MD, to keep your vehicle performing at its best. more Why Regular Ford Truck Maintenance Matters Ford trucks are engineered for durability, but skipping routine service leads to bigger problems. Regular maintenance keeps your engine running efficiently, extends the life of key components, and helps you catch small issues before they become expensive. If you drive in demanding conditions, such as towing or hauling heavy cargo, your truck may need more frequent attention than the standard schedule suggests. Oil and Filter Changes Keeping up with oil and filter changes remains a vital part of truck maintenance. Fresh oil lubricates engine components, reduces friction, and prevents overheating. Ford recommends following the oil life monitoring system in your truck, which adjusts service intervals based on actual driving conditions. Use the correct oil type and viscosity for your specific engine by consulting your owner manual. Tire Care and Rotation Your tires provide the only point of contact between your truck and the road. Regular tire rotation ensures even wear across all tires, extending their overall life. Check tire pressure at least once a month, as properly inflated tires improve handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. If your truck sees frequent towing or off-road use, inspect your tires more often for signs of uneven wear or damage. Brake Inspections Brakes represent a critical safety system on any vehicle. For drivers in Silver Spring, MD, navigating stop-and-go traffic, brake wear happens faster than expected. As part of routine maintenance, have your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid inspected at least once a year. If you notice squealing, grinding, or increased stopping distances, get your brakes inspected immediately. Fluid Checks and Cooling System Care Your truck relies on several fluids to operate correctly, including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Low or degraded fluids cause serious damage if left unaddressed. The cooling system plays a vital role in preventing engine overheating, especially during summer months or when towing. Monitor fluid levels regularly and follow Ford recommended service intervals for flushes and replacements. Taking Advantage of Ford Service Benefits Ford offers convenient ownership perks that simplify maintenance. Ford Mobile Service allows certified technicians to handle routine tasks, like oil changes, tire rotations, and battery replacements, at your home or office. Ford Pickup and Delivery lets you schedule a pickup time and location while your truck is serviced at Koons Silver Spring Ford and returned to you. These programs save you time without sacrificing quality. Visit our online portal to schedule your next service appointment today.

Ford's Premium Maintenance Plan (PMP) is a great way to control maintenance costs and give you peace of mind. As your Ford dealership, we want to tell you about some of the many advantages of choosing prepaid maintenance. From Your Ford Dealership: 4 Advantages of Ford's Prepaid Maintenance Plan Numerous Plan Options PMP isn't a one-size-fits-all plan, as you can customize the plan length to suit your needs and requirements. Plan durations are measured in years and mileage, allowing you to choose a term from two years or 25,000 miles to ten years or 175,000 miles. You can also choose from three options for the frequency of maintenance based on your driving style and conditions. The Extreme option offers service visits every 5,000 miles, the Normal option provides service visits every 7,500 miles, and the Extended Normal option offers service visits every 10,000 miles. If you regularly drive long distances or spend more time in rush hour traffic than you want to, the Extreme option may be right for you. Conversely, if you drive only short distances and infrequently, Extended Normal could be the way to go. more Fixed Repair Costs Repair costs, sadly, inevitably increase over time due to inflation and part manufacturing costs. In addition, as your vehicle gets older, more complex and expensive systems need maintenance or repair. If you don't have a maintenance plan, you have to budget for these costs. This can be a hassle if your vehicle needs earlier maintenance than planned. When you have a PMP, all your maintenance costs on important components like spark plugs, belts, hoses, tire rotations, and more are covered by your monthly premium. There's a $0 deductible per visit, and all maintenance is performed by Ford-trained technicians using only Ford-approved replacement parts. Fully Transferrable If you have a PMP and decide to sell your Ford, the remaining duration and mileage covered by the plan is fully transferable to the new owner. A small fee is payable for this transfer. A PMP provides another major benefit if you're planning to sell your vehicle, as it shows the buyer your car has been regularly serviced by experts. This can help you get the best price for your old car. Multi-Point Inspections When you bring your Ford in for a scheduled service, you also receive a complimentary multi-point inspection. This is a comprehensive examination of your vehicle, and includes checking and filling fluids like coolant and oil, checking your tires and correcting their pressure if necessary, and examining and testing many other systems to ensure they're working correctly. To learn more about the benefits of a PMP or to choose a plan, contact us today at Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD. Image Via

Did you know car batteries get heatstroke, too? Well, not exactly heatstroke, but the summer's heat can certainly take them out. Without summer battery service at your local Ford dealership, you might struggle to start your car one day. Here's a guide to Ford battery service and timely battery replacement. Ford Battery Service and Replacement: Don't Get Stranded This Summer Have Your Battery Tested Routinely Once or twice a year, drivers should have their batteries tested along with an inspection of the car's entire electrical system. A good time to do this is at the start of both winter and summer, and certainly before any long journeys, such as a summer road trip. Car batteries typically last three to five years; it's particularly important to book a battery checkup once yours passes three years of age. more Pop the Hood to Check Your Battery As your battery ages, it's a good idea to make a habit of checking how it looks. The terminals on top should remain corrosion-free at all times. A slight patina of green-white corrosion can often be cleaned away, but once serious corrosion sets in, the battery can no longer conduct electricity reliably and will need to be replaced. The battery casing should also look fine at all times. If its walls start to warp out of shape and are no longer perfectly straight, the battery has to go. Needless to say, if your battery ever cracks open and starts leaking, get rid of it immediately. Signs It's Time for Battery Replacement Slowing cabin electronics usually means the battery can no longer hold or deliver voltage properly. When a battery's bad, even the headlights and dashboard dials may falter. The battery warning light will eventually come to life. Most worrisome of all, your engine starts will grow sluggish, and your car may refuse to start one day, potentially stranding you somewhere unfamiliar on a sweltering day. How Heat Harms a Car Battery During a hot summer, the temperature inside an engine compartment can reach very high levels. This heat starts to evaporate the liquid catalyst electrolyte inside the battery, weakening its structure and shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, try parking in the shade and have your battery checked as the warm months begin. Books Summer Battery Service Today at Your Ford Dealership Let's find out how healthy your car battery is. We can test your battery and also make sure your alternator and wiring are in good shape. If your battery is showing signs of decline, we can promptly install a brand-new one, saving you from the problems created when a car battery dies unexpectedly. Come to Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD, to have your battery tested or replaced. Image Via

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 check engine light comes on when sensors detect something that affects engine performance. As time passes, parts wear due to age or damage, leading to engine problems and potentially serious damage. As your Ford dealer in Silver Spring, MD, we'd like you to know some reasons you need to visit us for Ford maintenance. Ford Maintenance: Possible Reasons the Check Engine Light Comes On Blocked Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter is a vital part of the exhaust system. Combustion produces numerous dangerous, toxic gases, and the converter changes these gases into harmless ones before they exit the tailpipe. The conversion process uses immense pressure, chemical reactions, and intense heat, producing carbon as a byproduct. Carbon can build up inside the converter and block the exit to the exhaust system. A blockage forces the gases back into the engine. Their arrival increases pressure inside the engine, which can cause it to shut down without warning. A blocked converter can also cause your engine to fail within seconds of starting. We'll clear the blockage to fix this issue. more Worn Spark Plugs A spark plug screws into each engine cylinder and provides the ignition source for the cylinder contents. Air and fuel mix in a precise ratio in the intake manifold and are drawn into the cylinders. The cylinders close, and the pistons move upward at high speed to compress the fuel-air mixture. Once the mixture is sufficiently compressed, a spark plug ignites it to produce compression. Spark plugs wear out over time and can be damaged by issues like worn ignition coils or a fuel-rich engine. A damaged spark plug won't ignite its cylinder contents successfully, causing a misfire. Engine sensors will detect the misfire and its cause and inform your computer, causing the engine light to come on. We'll test the plugs and replace any damaged ones to fix this problem. Damaged Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS) The MAS monitors airflow into the engine and sends this information to the computer. The computer then determines how much fuel must be added to the mixture for successful combustion. A MAS can be damaged by an oil leak, water, or dirt, and it can also wear out over time. A worn or damaged MAS prevents the computer from accurately calculating how much air is in the engine. Without information from the MAS, your computer has to guess. If too much air is added, the fuel-air mixture will be lean, causing rough idling, reduced acceleration, and decreased engine power. If insufficient air is added, the mixture becomes fuel-rich, causing misfiring, damage to the spark plugs, and increased fuel usage. All these issues will trigger the engine light. We'll repair or replace the MAS, and your engine will work normally. Contact our service department today at 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.

As the trees shed their leaves and temperatures begin to drop, it's time to think about preparing your car for the winter. Colder temperatures together with rain, ice, and snow can all take their toll on a vehicle. We can help you get ready for all that winter has to offer with a list of our top tips for optimal Ford maintenance. Check Your Tires The state of your tires is important all year round, but never more so than in the winter. Wet roads and icy surfaces can impair the grip so if your tires are already nearing the limit, you could find your car slipping around. You should therefore check your tires to make sure they're in good condition and not heavily worn. You might also want to consider switching to winter tires until around Easter. Winter tires are made from a softer rubber that stays more flexible in cold temperatures, helping them to retain their grip. The tread is also deeper and has a pattern that's designed to cut up snow and ice, making it safer to drive in difficult conditions. more Test Your Brakes Brakes can be more sluggish in freezing temperatures, plus they are more likely to suffer a buildup of debris due to moisture and ice from the road surface. If there are any signs that your brakes aren't performing optimally, consider getting them checked before winter arrives. Signs to be vigilant for include: a spongy sensation when braking, a vibrating brake pedal, grinding noises, or squealing when applying the brake. Consider a New Battery If you've noticed that your car has been slower to start or that your headlights are dimmer, your battery may be on its last legs. Low temperatures typically require more power from the battery and chemical reactions may be slower, affecting the performance. It's a good idea to get your Ford dealership to run a few checks on your battery to see if it needs replacing. You can help to protect your battery during winter by limiting your car's exposure to the cold weather. If you don't have access to a suitable garage, try covering your car overnight instead. This will minimize the impact of any snow or ice and provide a barrier against the cold. Book a Service A pre-winter service is the best way to make sure your car is ready for the winter. As well as looking at all the major areas, Ford technicians can carry out routine maintenance such as replacing coolant, oil, and checking windscreen wiper blades. All of this will ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle the very worst of the winter weather! With a dedicated service and auto parts department, we can help your car perform at its best throughout the winter months. To arrange a service, give us a call here at Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD today.

As drivers, we rely on our brakes every time we get behind the wheel, but they are a complicated mechanism. In addition to the brake pads and discs, the braking system also relies on brake fluid carried by brake lines. Your local Ford dealership can carry out a brake lines service if you think there might be a problem, or if they're just overdue a check. If you're not sure whether a service is needed, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. 1: Spongy Sensation The pressure you feel in your brake pedal is created by the brake fluid travelling down the brake lines. If air gets into the brake lines, or the metal corrodes and a hole develops, it can affect the hydraulic pressure. You'll experience this as a spongy sensation on the brake. If it's just air in the brakes, a technician will be able to bleed the brake lines during the service to correct the problem. However, if the brake lines have corroded, they will need to be replaced. more 2: Leaks Under the Car If you see fluid pooling under your car, you might assume that you have a water or oil leak because these are two of the most common fluids. However, if the brake lines have been damaged or become corroded, they can spring a leak. This will result in a small puddle of brake fluid collecting on the floor under the engine. To check whether any fluid is likely to be brake fluid, take a closer look. Brake fluid is typically clear to pale yellow and has a slightly oily consistency. This makes it easy to differentiate from both water and oil. 3: Uneven Wear On Your Brake Pads Brake lines and brake pads are closely aligned, and a problem with the former may cause uneven wear in the latter. It's often possible to see the brake pads by looking through the spokes of the wheel. This makes it easy to immediately spot any uneven wear. However, if you can't see the brake pads without removing the wheel there are some other signs to look out for. This includes squealing brakes, grinding noises, a vibrating pedal, or an illuminated brake warning light on your dashboard. There are other possible causes of uneven wear on brake pads but it's important to rule out any issues with your brake lines. Brake lines are such a critical part of your car, it's essential for the service to be carried out by experienced technicians. Our team of skilled technicians are always happy to help with a service or an inspection. Get in touch with us here at Koons Ford Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD to book your car in or just to get some advice.