Ford service at Mullinax in Mobile
We depend on our vehicles. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to take care of the most basic responsibilities of our lives.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping our trucks, cars, vans, SUVs and commercial vehicles on the road long after we drive them off the lot. And because today’s vehicles are complex and technologically sophisticated, we need to have confidence in the people who work on them.
The Service Center at Mullinax Ford of Mobile is your partner in keeping your vehicle in first-class shape. We’re your most reliable option because our Ford-trained technicians provide quality service you can trust, whether you need a simple oil change or complicated repairs to one of the high-tech systems under the hood. Work is done right, and we always use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Ford parts. When you’re ready, just make an appointment online at a time that is convenient for you.
To keep your vehicle looking as great as it runs, make an appointment with our Body Shop, which can handle anything from scratches or paint dings to full-on frame repair for any make or model.
Our Service Center can handle all of your maintenance and repair needs. Five of the most common areas of concern are: oil, batteries, tires, brakes and air conditioning.
Ford oil change
Today’s vehicles are more efficient than earlier models. They run longer between oil changes – often 5,000 to as many as 10,000 miles – and may require either conventional or synthetic oil. Different vehicles need different grades and types of oil. The most common are 5w20 and 5w30 semi-synthetic. The precise quantity also varies by vehicle, ranging from four quarts for most four-cylinder engines to as much as 12 quarts for high-performance V8s. Our service technicians can advise you on the correct oil for your vehicle.
Customers often have concerns about their car’s oil. For instance, why is my car leaking oil? The cause is probably a failed gasket or seal, something that can be addressed in our Service Center.
Some engines, typically older ones, normally burn some oil as well. More than a little burning could point to a damaged valve seal, cylinder or piston ring, which can also be handled at the Service Center.
Never let your car run out of oil. It’s very bad for your vehicle and can damage rods, bearings and other parts of your engine.
Know your vehicle: Check your oil
Checking your oil is a simple task that should be done periodically between oil changes. Here’s how: Open the hood, look inside and locate the dipstick. Remove it and use a paper towel or lint-free rag to wipe it off. Note the two lines toward the tip of the dipstick. Reinsert the dipstick and push it all the way in, then remove it again.
If you see oil between the two lines, your vehicle is OK. If the oil level is near or below the lower line, you should add a quart or speak to one of our service team members to determine whether you need an oil change or if your engine has another issue that needs to be addressed.
Never overfill your oil – it could cause your car to vibrate, leak oil or burn oil.
Services include:
- Conventional oil change
- Synthetic oil change
- Oil filter replacement
Ford battery replacement & charging
Car batteries here in hot, humid Alabama typically last two to three years. They don’t need to be replaced at set intervals, but drivers should pay attention if the vehicle shows signs of being slow to crank.
A typical car battery has a capacity of 12.6 volts and amperage capacity between 300cca and 760cca. Most car batteries weigh between 10 and 30 pounds and cost about $130 excluding installation.
Batteries can be recharged. Using a dedicated automotive battery charger, the process takes from 30 minutes to an hour.
Know your vehicle: How can you tell if a battery is bad?
Signs that your car battery is going bad include electrical features not functioning correctly or the engine cranking very slowly or not at all. A load-testing device can accurately test the battery’s charge. Contact the Service Center to have your battery tested and, if necessary, a new one installed.
Services include:
- Battery testing
- New battery installation
- Battery charging
Ford tire repair & replacement
The type of tires you need depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Depending on driving conditions, tires can last between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. They don’t need to be replaced at specified times or distances but rather when they are damaged or showing low tread thickness of 3/32 of an inch (2.4 millimeters) or less.
Vehicles commonly come with a temporary spare (known as a donut) that will get you to a service center if you have a blowout. Most tire retailers, including the Mullinax Service Center, sell replacements.
Know your vehicle: What size tires do I need?
To see the correct size tires for your vehicle, look at the label on the driver's side door jamb.
Services include:
- Tire rotation and balancing
- Flat tire repairs
- New tire installation
Ford brakes repair & replacement
Brakes are the most important safety feature on your vehicle. Your car has four of them, one for each wheel, and they have to work well, which requires regular inspection and maintenance.
Depending on driving conditions, your brakes can last anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Changing the brake pads generally costs about $190 per axle. New brakes can cost about $95 per wheel, including professional installation and parts.
If your brake light stays on, you likely have a malfunctioning brake light switch. Mention the issue to your service advisor.
Know your vehicle: Why does my car shake when I brake?
Shaking indicates that the rotors may be warped and damaged. Schedule an appointment with the Service Center today.
Services include:
- Brake pad replacement
- Rotor and caliper repair and replacement
- Brake line repair and replacement
Ford air conditioning repair
In Alabama, a well-functioning air conditioning system is a must! If you’re not feeling cold air, you might have an electrical failure, a coolant leak, a damaged compressor or other issue. Costs vary substantially – from $100 to $3,000. Be sure to discuss the specifics so the Service Center can properly diagnose and fix the problem.
Know your vehicle: Why does my AC only work when the car is moving?
Your cooling fan has probably failed. Contact the Service Center for an appointment.
Services include:
- General air conditioning repair
- Cabin filter replacement
- AC refrigerant recharging
Other Ford maintenance & repair services
Ford owners also can bring their vehicles into the Service Center for a variety of other issues, including:
- Windshield wiper replacement
- Belt and hose replacement
- Wheel alignment
- Spark plug replacement
- Electrical repair
- Transmission repair
- Exhaust repair
- Steering and suspension repair
- Window glass replacement
- Interior upholstery and headliner repairs
Visit The Mullinax Ford Service Center
Keep your Ford in good running order with regular visits to the Service Center. Mullinax Ford of Mobile serves the greater Mobile area as your partner in overall vehicle maintenance. Schedule your appointment online today. Safe travels!
Source: Mullinax Ford Service Center
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