How Often Should You Get a Ford Oil Change?

March 25, 2022 · 3 min read

You need a Ford oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles, so visit your Madison, VA Ford dealer for this at least once a year. Vehicles made before 2007 need oil changes more often, and you also need more frequent oil changes if you regularly tow, use your vehicle for commercial purposes or go off-roading a lot.

Signs That You Need a Ford Oil Change from Your Madison, VA Dealer ASAP

Dark Vehicle Exhaust Fumes

These days, vehicles don't have visible exhaust fumes. However, if it looks like there's smoke coming out of your tailpipe, then you know something is wrong. Dark exhaust fumes are a sign that your oil is no longer high-quality. Dark fumes can also indicate a cracked gasket and various other engine issues, so be sure to get your vehicle checked out by an expert technician.

Rapidly Falling Oil Level

You need to check your oil level frequently. This ensures you know how quickly your oil level usually drops, and it lets you know when you need to top off your oil between changes. Checking your oil level regularly also ensures you notice when the level is falling faster than usual. A rapidly losing oil level is a sign you leak into your system, so get to the dealership is sooner you can.

Your Engine Is Suddenly Noisy

Oil lubricates your engine's parts, And this keeps the noise level to a minimum. However, if your engine noise has suddenly increased, it may be down to a problem with your oil. The oil level may be too low, or your oil may be low quality. Either way, it's time to visit your dealer for an oil change.

Your Oil Is Irregularly Textured

Your oil should be amber in color, and it should have an even texture and a slightly translucent appearance. If you notice that your oil texture is irregular, your oil is gritty, or your oil is almost black, you need new oil as soon as possible. Please note that your oil will darken as it cycles through your engine, but it should always remain slightly translucent with an amber hue.

Your Vehicle Is Sticking While Starting

The oil starts circulating sooner you switch on your vehicle, but if your oil is textured irregularly, then circulating becomes more difficult. This can lead to a ticking sound when your engine attempts to warm up. The valves that move the oil around are the pieces that make this noise, and hearing the noise indicates that the valves are working overtime because your oil is difficult to circulate.

The Vehicle Shakes While Idling

Low-quality oil can impact the quality of your ride. One sign that your oil is harming your ride quality is if your vehicle starts vibrating while idling. Avoid idling as much as possible until you can get your oil changed. Come by Madison Ford when you need an oil change. We'll handle all the maintenance that your vehicle requires.

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Dec 02, 2022 in Madison Ford Dealer

3 Fun Fall Activities You Can Drive to Near Madison, VA

Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Madison offers a great variety of fall activities that you can drive to. No matter what type of activity you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful time exploring the beauty of Madison, VA, this fall. Apple Picking at Hollin Farms If you have little ones that love apples, you'll want to make a stop at the Hollin Farms to explore their huge selection of apples. This farm is a wonderful place where families can enjoy picking apples and find plenty of other family-friendly activities. At Hollin Farms, you can also pick blackberries, peaches, pumpkins, and more. If you don't have your own containers, don't worry! They have all you need. Hollin Farms is located at 6237 Allen Road, The Plains. Enjoy the Fall Foliage at the Sky Meadows State Park Located at 3350 Jeruselum Mill Road, WirtzSky Meadows State Park is the perfect place to visit when the fall foliage is in full bloom. At Sky Meadows State Park, you can hike a wide variety of trails to enjoy the fall foliage. The best time to visit Sky Meadows is in October when the leaves begin changing colors and covering the trees with splashes of reds, oranges, and yellows. There are many places to stop along these hiking trails to take pictures or just admire nature at its finest! If you're looking for something a little more active, then horseback riding in Sky Meadows might be just what you need! This park offers both guided and unguided horseback rides through its many scenic trails, where riders can enjoy breathtaking scenery while learning about local wildlife and plants along the way. Visiting the Graves Mountain Lodge Apple Festival The Graves Mountain Lodge Apple Festival is a wonderful annual event that you will not want to miss this fall. At the apple festival, you can enjoy a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Graves Mountain Lodge Apple Festival is located at 15397 State Route 644, The Plains. You can take a hayride, explore the whimsical corn maze, visit the apple orchard, and much more. At the apple festival, you can also sample delicious apple treats and purchase beautiful apple-themed items. This is a great way to celebrate the harvest season and have fun with your family. These three fun activities near Madison are great for all ages, and the allure of the season should make any of these outings even better. Rising gas prices can certainly put a damper on any trips you plan to make around Madison, so it's a good thing your new Ford Escape is fuel-efficient on both city and highways! Stop by Madison Ford to test drive one of our fuel-efficient cars for yourself. Photo by Zen Chung

Camp Fire Surrounded by Friends | Madison, VA

Sep 02, 2022 in Madison Ford Dealer

Take the Ford and Discover These 3 Camping Spots Near Madison, VA

Are you ready to take your Ford F-150 on a family vacation near Madison, VA? This spectacular region features excellent camping spots, whether you're looking for a rugged adventure with a tent or an RV resort with great amenities. 1. Madison Vines RV Resort & Cottages This fantastic campsite is the ultimate destination for RVs and cottage rentals. Madison Vines RV Resort & Cottages offers a scenic place for your next weekend getaway, or a family vacation, with convenient access to nearby attractions and outdoor activities. This top-notch resort features excellent amenities during your stay, including laundry facilities, private restrooms, showers, and indoor entertainment, including a gym, billiard room, and TVs. There are cottages available for rent, catch and release fishing, an outdoor pool, and great family-friendly activities. Madison Vines RV Resort & Cottages is perfect for families and visitors of all ages, and pets are welcome. more 2. Graves Mountain Farm Campground Graves Mountain Farm Campground is the perfect escape from the city if you're looking for a beautiful, secluded place to set up your tent or RV or rent a cabin for your next trip. This wonderful campground features a variety of activities, including hiking and equestrian trails, fishing ponds and streams, an on-site market, lodge rooms, and seasonal events. There are plenty of facilities, including an outdoor pool, hookups for RVs, and live music and performances. This fantastic place provides a venue for private functions and group events, which is available year-round. When you book your stay at Graves Mountain Farm Campground, you can choose from various packages, including fly fishing, storytelling, horseback riding, hiking, and much more. It's a popular destination for group travel and school trips, with fantastic educational opportunities and access to nearby natural wonders. 3. Cedar Mountain Campground Cedar Mountain Campground is a scenic place to book your next vacation in your RV or tent. There are plenty of tent and RV sites, a propane station, full RV hookups, local social activities, access to a fishing pond, and nearby attractions, including the Luray Caverns, Skyline Drive, and Mt. Vernon. If you're visiting with a group of friends or the whole family, there is a large pavilion available for picnics and outdoor parties. If you enjoy hiking or boating, Cedar Mountain Campground is close to the Rappahannock River, which is ideal for canoeing, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are fantastic for a scenic drive or hike. On your next drive through Madison, you'll find spectacular campsites, outdoor excursions, and breathtaking scenery. Visit us at Madison Ford and discover what deals we have to offer you from our fantastic showroom of new and pre-owned vehicles today.

Jul 01, 2022 in Madison Ford Dealer

Hit the Road! 5 Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Madison, VA

From fall apple picking to exploring the area's two Civil War battlefields, there's plenty to do in Madison VA. But if you want to roam a little further and explore all the region has to offer, it may be time to plan a road trip. Fortunately, there are many day trips you can take in this part of Virginia. 5 Amazing Day Trips To Take Near Madison, VA 1. Shenandoah National Park The amazing Shenandoah National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and parts of it can be easily accessed from Madison. Pack a picnic and plan to spend the full day in this park, which offers waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and a large network of trails. Skyline Drive is a scenic drive that runs the length of the park, allowing you to enjoy beautiful vistas without ever leaving your car. Shenandoah National Park can be reached in about 30 minutes when traveling by car from Madison. The push-button start and cruise control on your Ford Explorer XLT will make this an easy and enjoyable ride. 2. Fredericksburg History buffs will love Fredericksburg, a city of nearly 30,000 located on the Rappahannock River. Only an hour's drive from Madison, Fredericksburg is well-known for its colonial and Civil War history. Check out one of the four local battlefields and spend a couple of hours at the Fredericksburg Area Museum, which documents the history of the region. Then check out the restaurants and boutiques in Fredericksburg's 40-block National Historic District. more 3. Washington, D.C. If the big city is beckoning, Washington, D.C. offers no shortage of historic and cultural opportunities. The Smithsonian Institution offers an impressive lineup of museums and galleries, and Georgetown, the city's oldest neighborhood, is a great place to spend a few hours browsing shops. Don't miss the pandas at the National Zoo. Washington is about a two-hour drive from Madison, and the rear parking sensors and rear-view camera on your Ford Edge SEL will make navigating city streets a breeze. 4. Leesburg Leesburg is another great destination for history buffs. But this city of 54,000 also is home to several wineries. For those who drink responsibly, Fabbioli Cellars offers tastings with a great view of the vineyard. The family-owned Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek is known for pairing its distinctively Virginia wines with culinary offerings at its onsite dining facility. Stone Tower Winery is another popular spot. 5. Charlottesville Home to the University of Virginia, the city of Charlottesville offers historic sites, hiking, outdoor recreation, and golf courses. Some of the family-run orchards in the area sell freshly picked strawberries, apples, peaches, and pumpkins onsite. And no trip to Charlottesville is complete without a visit to Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson. Now that you've got plenty of ideas about road trips to take in this part of Virginia, you'll want to make sure you've got a good set of wheels for your upcoming adventures. Head on over to Madison Ford to pick out your new car or truck today!

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