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Car oil being poured into engine.

What Kind of Oil Does Your Ford Need?

There are various types of motor oil with different properties that can enhance the use of your car or truck. Understanding the purpose of motor oil can explain why one type may be better than another for your vehicle.  Educating yourself about the various types of oils can help you narrow down the choices, and your South Bay Ford pros are here to make sure you pick the best oil suitable for your Ford vehicle. Motor oil moves throughout your engine to cool and lubricate the various parts that run it. Good quality motor oil can suspend harmful chemicals and prevent damage to your car’s engine. Therefore, finding the right motor oil for your vehicle is crucial. The 4 Classes of Engine Oil 1. Conventional Motor Oil Conventional motor oil is the most common and least expensive type of motor oil. It is a refined version of base or crude oil, cleared of many impurities, with additives to reduce sludge, prevent corrosion, and enhance lubrication. Conventional oil generally works best for light-duty, late-model cars with low mileage and simple engines and drivers with typical driving patterns. 2. Synthetic Motor Oil Manufacturers create synthetic oil by extensively refining and removing impurities found in conventional oil. They also include different additives to improve the oil’s performance to clean and lubricate the engine. Synthetic motor oil works well for drivers who put more stress on their engines. For example, you probably need full synthetic motor oil if you tow an RV or car with your Ford Super-Duty or frequently drive with your Ford Explorer on dirt roads. This type of motor oil is more expensive than conventional oil due to the additional processing. 3. Synthetic Blend Motor Oil Synthetic blend motor oil is a mixture of conventional oil and synthetic oil. It typically has less than 30% of synthetic oil, but it includes additives that offer additional protection to engines by decreasing the chances of oil evaporation. This gives drivers a lower-cost alternative to full synthetic motor oils while having a higher grade than conventional oil. 4. High-Mileage Motor Oil High-mileage motor oil may be your best bet if you have a vehicle with 75,000 miles or more on the odometer. This type of oil has additives that decrease leaks by expanding seals and gaskets. This formula can also have detergents to reduce sludge in the engine and wear friction additives to help prevent major engine breakdowns and car maintenance problems in older cars. Oil Changes at South Bay Ford Worried your Ford vehicle may need an oil change? Not sure what type of oil is best? Leave it to the experts at our dealership located just off the 405 in Hawthorne. Schedule your next dealership oil change appointment today! We’ve even got you covered with a Ford oil change coupon! South Bay Ford is here for your oil changes and all of your servicing needs.

9 Favorite Features of the Bronco Sport Badlands

Summary: See all our favorite features on the Ford Bronco sport Badlands Edition. This list includes: 5-star safety ratings Drive modes (GOAT modes) Full light-up display and LCD screen Touch screen with apps Front and rear cameras Comfortable power adjustable seats with a secure storage area Push start button with Auto Stop start feature Easy-to-open tailgate Plug in the back Transcript: Here's some of my favorite things about the Ford Bronco sport Badlands Edition. So this is the Ford Bronco sport that I'm talking about. It is a 2022 Badlands four-wheel drive, has the 2.0 liter ecoboost engine. This is one of my very favorite things right off the bat is your government five-star safety ratings you're getting five stars on almost everything they have. This Bronco sport has the goat modes and we did a full explanation on what the goat modes are but basically this is one of my favorite features on this because it allows you different drive modes. So you can see as I toggle through these you have your normal, your Eco, your sport mode, your slippery mode, ice a lot of rain, mud and rut, sand and rock craw. Now lets control simply by just turning the knob here. All right so you normally shouldn't get geeked out about an instrument cluster right but this one here having the ability to fully light up and look at that even give you a little LCD screen. I'm good with that I like that. I have the ability to kind of flush through all your settings as well, if you're coming from an older car it doesn't have this stuff it's nice. It's fun. All right then we have the touch screen which I like. I love touch screens. I can't mess with it right now because this car has not been sold yet and we don't want to take this tape off it secures it but with the touchscreen you can do a lot of stuff has apps all that kind of stuff which is cool I do like that it's a great feature but it's a feature in a lot of these cars. But this thing also has the front camera view that's looking in front of me so if I turn this in the reverse, see that's behind me, and then go back in the drive, click the button, and you can see that Ford Bronco that's in front of me there. I do like to have both front and rear cameras. That's a nice addition. I am also a big fan of these seats. I love that it has a Bronco emblem right there in the seats but more than that I like the feel of it. You know this is where you're going to be spending all of your time and so to have the power adjustable seats to get that thing situated just right where you are is important. And then look right, look at this look how comfortable that looks and it is as comfortable as it looks. And this subtle blue stripe that it has on the seat matches the blue on the door. I mentioned the front of the seats where it was all comfortable but here's kind of a geeky thing that I like. On the back of the seats for the people sitting in the back here you can unzip the hat and it opens up and it's actually really padded so if you had a cell phone or something in there you knew that it was both secure and also the ability to zip it up so you don't lose it doesn't fly around the back here. So I'm gonna preference this next one before I get going. I drive with an older car that still uses one of these it's an actual key. Not with a Bronco you have the push start button to where you hold the key fob wherever you want to. And boom all you have to do is push it and it starts right on up. So the Bronco sport also comes with Auto Stop start which helps get you better gas mileage whenever you stop it like a red light the engine will basically shut down to save you gas. But some people don't like it so this one has this Auto feature that if you push this button boom it deactivates it so you can activate it or deactivate it with a simple push of a switch. All right here's a simple one we know that if we push the button the whole tailgate opens, but check this out down here we have it a simple button open and now you have just that top part now when you use that a lot it's nice to have it because if you don't want to have to lift that entire tailgate just pop that button and then just the top opens up so if you're holding groceries or whatever you can just drop them right in the back without having this like I said that whole tailgate open. And finally another little geeky thing I like it's a small ad but I love that they have an actual plug in the back if you're gonna go camping that can come in handy alright. So there you have it, my favorite features on the Bronco sport 2022. Thanks for watching South Bay Ford. Get the latest deals on the  2022 Bronco Sport Badlands  at South Bay Ford today!

Mechanic working on a car battery.

What Kind of Battery Does Your Ford Need?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” battery suitable for every car. Different car batteries are compatible with different vehicle specifications. In general, batteries are year, make, and model-specific. A healthy battery is one of many critical components for proper vehicle operation. The battery helps start the engine and keeps the electronics running. It also lets you charge your phone and play music even when the engine is off. However, automotive batteries gradually lose power over time, and cold weather is tough on them. If you are at all concerned about your battery, South Bay Ford will test it for free. When does your Ford battery need to be replaced? One of the most common vehicle problems is a dead battery. We have all been there. Maybe you left your lights on or didn’t completely close the door. Now your battery is drained. In addition to these painful accidents, you can proactively look for indications that you may need a South Bay Ford mechanic to look at or replace your battery. Here are a few signs: Delayed Engine Crank - when you attempt to start the car, it takes longer than usual to roll over or start Check Engine Light - the check engine light usually turns on when your battery is losing charge Low Battery Fluid Level - if the fluid level is low, you need to have the battery and charging system tested immediately Fluid Leaks or Corrosion –over time, corrosion will build naturally and may cause fluid leaks, which can be cleaned to prolong the life of your Ford battery What to consider when choosing a new battery? If you notice any of these issues, your battery should be tested at South Bay Ford. When you need a new battery, here’s what you should know to get the right one. Like everything else you buy, you can do a little research about batteries. After all, according to online review statistics, 95% of consumers read reviews before they buy a product. There are only five main things to review when picking a battery that’s right for your car. 1. Battery Group Size This is just the size of the battery- the length, width, and height. Many vehicles can accept more than one group size. Ask your Ford mechanic or check your owner’s manual to find which battery group sizes fit. 2. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) CCA is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. It is easier to start an engine in a warm environment than in a cold one. Your new battery’s CCA number should match the CCA number in your owner’s manual or the CCA of the vehicle’s original battery. A slightly higher CCA rating may benefit your vehicle’s cold-starting performance if you frequently travel by car to any of our wintery locals in California and our neighboring states. 3. Reserve Capacity (RC) RC helps to power your vehicle's electrical system if the alternator fails. It identifies how many minutes the battery can supply ample power without falling below the minimum voltage needed to run your vehicle. With RC, the higher the number, the better. This is an important factor to consider if you will operate electrical equipment on your vehicle while the engine is off. 4. Battery Date Code The date code is the date when the battery was made. Date codes come in the form of a sticker, or the code may be branded into the battery itself. On your original Ford battery, the first two characters in the code are a letter and a number. The letter is the month: A is for January, B is for February, and so on. The number is the last digit of the year of manufacture. So, a code starting with A9 would mean the battery was made in January 2019. 5. Warranty Ford offers battery warranties. If for some reason, the battery turns out to be bad, Ford will give you a new battery with the same amount of power for free. Battery Replacement at South Bay Ford Worried your Ford vehicle may be in need of a new battery? Not sure what kind of battery your Ford needs? Leave it to the experts at our dealership located just off the 405 in Hawthorne. Schedule your next service appointment for your Ford battery replacement today! South Bay Ford is here for your battery and all of your servicing needs.

Check Engine light indicator.

Check Engine Light On? South Bay Ford Can Help

One of Ford's most commonly misunderstood lights or indicators is the check engine light. The check engine light is part of your onboard diagnostics system, and the display can look slightly different depending on your model. The light can say "Check Engine," or it can be a symbol of an engine, or it can be a combination of both. The light can be amber or red. What causes the check engine light to come on in a Ford? Onboard computers increasingly control and monitor your vehicle’s performance, and the check engine light can mean various things. It can be as simple as your gas cap being loose or as critical as an engine problem that can cause severe damage. Depending on your model, the check engine light will illuminate or blink. A steady glow typically means something less serious, but a flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle’s engine is in trouble and you need service immediately. If your check engine light is flashing, we recommend you not drive the car and schedule service at South Bay Ford today. Ford Check Engine Light Codes The check engine light turning on can be pretty intimidating. You don’t necessarily need to panic, and it’s helpful to understand what might be going on. If you hear the term diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), this is the name for the check engine light codes. These are automotive computer codes stored in your car's onboard computer diagnostic system. There are hundreds of different codes that your check engine light can represent. While it may seem overwhelming, you can have peace of mind knowing that your check engine light is doing what it’s supposed to - warn you of problems. Obvious vehicle symptoms do not always accompany an illuminated check engine light. Since there are hundreds of possible codes, there are also hundreds of possible reasons for the light, including: Transmission issues Emissions control issues Ignition system faults Loose Gas Cap or Missing Gas Cap Fuel and air metering systems problems Computer output circuit issues Bad Spark Plugs Old Battery O2 Sensor Your car’s computer will store this trouble code. Our South Bay Ford-certified mechanic can read the code with an electronic scan tool to diagnose and repair the issue. Is it safe to drive your Ford with the check engine light on? This is a complex question. The answer is that it depends. It depends on the severity of the issue. If the cause is a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, it should be safe to drive. If you notice a difference in the car's performance, it could indicate a more troubling problem. If the check engine light is flashing, it means that there is a significant enough problem that you should call us right away and describe the issue. Will the check engine light reset itself? The check engine light on your Ford will usually shut itself off if the issue or code that caused it to turn on is fixed. For example, if the cause of your check engine light coming on was a loose gas cap, the light will turn itself off if it's tightened. In most cases, your Ford light will go off after about 20-40 miles. If you drive over that amount and the light is still on, you will need to bring it into South Bay Ford so the light and code can be double-checked and reset. How many miles can you drive with the check engine light? If you check engine light is flashing, we suggest you pull over and contact South Bay Ford to determine if your vehicle may be secure to drive in or if we recommend a tow truck. Since each check engine code has its own severity level, it is difficult to predict how many miles you can drive with the warning light on. It could be anything from a bad sensor to plug wires needing to be replaced. The safest bet is to contact us. Turn Off Your Check Engine Light with South Bay Ford If you have any issues with your check engine light, call South Bay Ford. We are here if you need us. Add us as a contact on your phone at (888) 426-9096.

Ford service member greeting a customer in front of a red Ford SUV.

7 Reasons to Service Your Vehicle at South Bay Ford

We are proud to be your local Ford dealer and meet your service, new car sales and used car sales needs. As a family-owned and operated dealership for 30 years, we are honored winners of many top awards from Ford Motor Company, including 16 President’s Awards for Sales and Service – now, ten years in a row. If your Ford needs servicing, South Bay Ford is the place to go, and here are some reasons why: 1. Protect the Value of Your Car According to Kelly Blue Book, the average new car price tops $49,500, so you’ll want to rely on top professionals to work on your vehicle. New car dealerships offer the highest level of technical training, state-of-the-art equipment and factory-specified parts to protect your investment. 2. Support from Trained Technicians Technicians must be electronic experts and excellent mechanics. Dealers and manufacturers spend considerable money on continuous training to ensure that technicians are up-to-date on today's increasingly complex vehicles. Our technicians are Ford Certified; they have the latest credentials and tools from Ford Motor Company to best service all Ford models, including those out of production. 3. Superior Equipment The value of automobile diagnostic equipment is over $100,000. As an official Ford-authorized dealership, we are required to use and maintain this high-end equipment which also has connectivity to Ford factory service experts and databases. 4. Bigger is Better Dealerships are bigger than independent shops, so we have more bandwidth to get you in for an appointment and finish the work on your car. We take the proper time to properly service your car and get the job done right the first time. Many independent shops prioritize emergencies while they wait for parts. Rushed jobs can lead to imperfect work that may lead to inferior work. 5. Particular Parts Servicing your vehicle with South Bay Ford is the best way to ensure you receive genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. We carry an inventory of parts to cover servicing and repairs assuring a faster turn-around time in addition to the following: Compatibility: Because the same manufacturer makes OEM parts, they are guaranteed to fit in your car and work like they are supposed to with your car’s systems. Longer life: OEM parts are manufactured the same way as the original parts in your car, so they tend to be more reliable than aftermarket parts and last longer. Warranty: OEM parts have a warranty to protect you if the part is defective or doesn’t work correctly. The specific warranty will differ by part and model. 6. Preserve Your Warranty All new Fords vehicles have a manufacturer warranty that specifies maintenance schedules and repair procedures. Servicing at South Bay Ford eliminates the possibility of voiding the warranty for failure to meet requirements. Extended service contract policies can also be purchased from us for added protection. Learn more about South Bay Ford’s Extended Service Plan (ESP). 7. Complimentary Convenience To ensure convenient service, we offer extended service hours that include Saturdays. Quick Lane service is available for routine maintenance and simple repairs without the need to schedule an appointment. We also provide amenities, including an in-house bistro, free wi-fi, complimentary shuttle service, a comfortable waiting room, personal workstations, and loaner cars available upon request, depending on the nature and duration of your service visit. World Class Service Department South Bay Ford offers a premier service experience that is backed by our principles of respect and integrity. Have your car serviced in our state-of-the-art service bays by certified technicians as you wait comfortably. You can count on our experts at South Bay Ford for your vehicle service and repairs. Schedule your next service appointment, or contact us today for a consultation!

Two Ford Service crew members working on Ford vehicles in a garage.

Top 3 Reasons for Multi-Point Inspections

We enjoy our cars’ latest technologies, features and materials. Although vehicles are more durable and reliable than ever, they are not invincible. Even newer cars require multi-point inspections (MPI) every other year to ensure that important systems and components don’t fail. Why Should I Get a Multi-Point Inspection? There are plenty of reasons to get a multi-point inspection. Here are the top three reasons: Safety: For starters, you want to catch any potential issues before they result in a breakdown. You don’t want to be stuck in a dangerous situation anywhere, especially not on a freeway, or out in the middle of nowhere alone, or with loved ones in the car. Cost Savings & Budgeting: Multi-point inspections evaluate your vehicle on a rating scale (green = good; yellow = needs repaired soon; red = needs repaired now); it provides you with the information needed to plan and budget for repairs in the future. No one wants to be caught off guard by an unexpected bill, no matter how large or small. Longevity & Value: This type of in-depth inspection can actually increase your vehicle’s longevity because it ensures your car is running at its best. Proper service records are key to preserve the resale value of any vehicle. MPIs are an important element of your car’s full history. What is a Multi-Point Inspection? With a multi-point inspection, a certified mechanic performs an in-depth, front-to-back inspection of your vehicle. The specific number of inspection points can vary by vehicle. The inspection may include dozens of points. Typically, multi-point inspection points fall into these categories, including but not limited to these items. Under the hood: engine, transmission, drive train, fluids, suspensions, drive belts, cooling system hoses, heater/AC hoses and connections, radiator core & cap, filter check; fluid top-off: Coolant, power steering, windshield washer, automatic transmission On the road: brakes, tires, rotors, ABS, tire rotation & pressure check, brake fluid check, check rotor condition; measure pad thickness Safety: airbags, seat belts, recalls Electrical: battery, lights, locks, windows, terminals, cables, mounting; capacity test Exterior: body, scratches, dents, rust Interior: upholstery, seats, carpets After a mechanic reviews all of these critical parts of your car, they can recommend the level and timing of any repairs or maintenance. Here at South Bay Ford, we pride ourselves on certified Ford technicians that provide the best service Los Angeles can find. Our service department is well experienced to administer the best care in your vehicle’s class. Go Far with South Bay Ford Has it been a while since your Ford vehicle had a multi-point inspection, or do you notice any signs of problems? At our service center, we help drivers around Los Angeles keep their beloved Fords in tip-top shape. Improve safety, cost savings, and the longevity of your vehicle by getting a multi point inspection from South Bay Ford and schedule your Ford service appointment today!

Ford F-150 Lightning work truck with people beside it.

Why Buy A Ford Electric Vehicle

Is Buying An Electric Vehicle Worth It? With so many new electric vehicles hitting the market, and concerns about the long term benefits of owning an electric vehicle, one begins to ask is it really worth it? Here at South Bay Ford we offer the best in class deals on the newest Ford models including the F150 Lighting Electric Truck and the all new electric Mustang Mach E. Read more to understand the benefits of electric vehicles. Are Electric Cars 100% Efficient? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Electric vehicles (EVs) are more efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts. An EV electric drive system is only responsible for a 15% to 20% energy loss compared to 64% to 75% for a gasoline engine. EVs also use regenerative braking to recapture and reuse energy that normally would be lost in braking and waste no energy idling. See All-Electric Vehicles for details. Is It Hard to Find Charging Stations for Electric Cars in California? Depending on where you live, there are a growing amount of electric charging stations across California. As more and more people start to transition to electric vehicles, there will be an ever growing demand and therefore availability of these stations. Currently, there are over 4,500 EV charging stations throughout Los Angeles alone. Our Ford Electric Vehicle Models Ford F-150 Lightning The Ford F-150 Lightning is the smartest truck Ford has ever built. With customer reservations for the Ford F-150 Lightning nearing 200,000, there is clear demand for an electric pickup truck. To meet high customer demand, Ford is planning to nearly double production capacity to 150,000 trucks by the end of 2023. EPA-estimated range of 320 miles on LARIAT and XLT with the available extended-range battery. Models with extended-range batteries are targeted to go from 0-60 mph in the mid-4-second range. Mega Power Frunk – washable, lockable, and 400L. Ford Mustang Mach-E The all-electric, Ford Mustang Mach-E creates a unique driving experience while retaining the Mustang feel. Ford brought the Mustang Mach-E to life through a development process concentrated entirely on customer needs and desires. With strong consumer demand, we are tripling the production of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and expect to reach more than 200,000 units per year by the end of 2023. EPA-estimated range of 314 miles for the CA Route 1 Extended Range Model with extended-range battery and RWD. GT Performance Edition 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Seamless connectivity. Ford Power-Up software updates. FAQs What is The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)? The mission of the project is to offer financial compensation to individuals who purchase economical vehicles in California. Depending on the model, you can receive rebates from $1,000 to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles. Are Ford Electric Vehicles Eligible for The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)? Yes! Both the Ford F-150 Lighting and Mustang Mach E are eligible Zero-Emission Vehicles with a rebate of $2,000. Look for other vehicles eligible at the CVRP website or here. How Can I Lease a New Ford Electric Vehicle? Visit our Ford dealership today and our salespersons will be able to answer all of your questions on financing new vehicles. View our new vehicle inventory to see what models we currently have in stock. Learn if you pre-qualify now!

Woman getting her gear out of her 2025 Ford Bronco.

How to Save Money With a Ford Hybrid Vehicle

Gas prices have risen significantly over the past year leaving many people wondering how they can save on gas and get better fuel efficiency. Depending on where you live, residents of Los Angeles county have been paying over $5 a gallon for the last year. One of the best ways is to switch to a more economical vehicle that uses less gas and relies on electricity. A new wave of the future, hybrid vehicles. What is the increase in Miles Per Gallon for Hybrids? Hybrid vehicles offer the best of both worlds when it comes to fuel efficiency as you have the capabilities of a gas powered vehicle, with the extra push of electricity. Most hybrids have an EPA estimated over 40 MPGe city driving, which is often a 100% increase in fuel efficiency compared to most models under 20 MPGe. When thinking about the cost at the pump, imagine cutting your gas bill in HALF! Ford F-150 PowerBoost - Hybrid Engine The PowerBoost engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but four-wheel drive is always an option. Every F-150 trim model (base XL, mid-grade XLT, classy Lariat, Western-themed King Ranch, posh Platinum, and top-tier Limited) is available with the PowerBoost hybrid engine. However, it’s only offered with the SuperCrew body style. However, shoppers can still choose between the 5.5-foot and 6.5-foot bed sizes. A total output of 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. (That’s 30 more horses and 70 more pound-feet of torque than the non-hybrid EcoBoost V6 makes.) Ford Explorer Platinum With an EPA estimated MPGe CITY/ HIGHWAY 21/28 and seating for 7, this high powered engine offers fuel efficiency for modern day exploration. 3.3L Hybrid Engine SYNC with voice activated Navigation System Rear view camera with washer Ford Maverick This first ever standard full hybrid pickup truck offers a payload of up to 1,500 pounds and endless customization opportunities. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for seamless shifting EPA estimated MPGe CITY/ HIGHWAY 40/33 and 37 combined mpg. Ford Escape SE Hybrid Built with Ford Co-Pilot 360 and SYNC 3 Technology, the SE Hybrid is an affordable fuel efficient vehicle with an EPA estimated MPGe CITY/ HIGHWAY 44/37 and seating for 5. Hybrid 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine Second row sliding seats 60/40 split fold down What is The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)? The mission of the project is to offer financial compensation to individuals who purchase economical vehicles in California. Depending on the model, you can receive rebates from $1,000 to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles. Is My Hybrid Vehicle Eligible for The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)? Currently the only Ford hybrids eligible for the The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) are the 2020 - 2022 Escape Plugin Hybrid models with a rebate of $1,000. Look for other vehicles eligible at the CVRP website or here. How Can I Lease a New Ford Hybrid Vehicle? Visit our Ford dealership today and our salespersons will be able to answer all of your questions on financing new vehicles. View our new vehicle inventory to see what models we currently have in stock. Learn if you pre-qualify now!

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