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Owning a Ford means relying on it to get you where you need to go each day. But how can you be sure your ride is dependable if its battery is wearing down? An older or failing battery could leave you stranded when you least expect it. Make sure you and your Ford stay powered up with a new car battery from your local Ford dealer. Here are warning signs it may be time for an upgrade: more Dim Interior Lights Cabin lights that seem noticeably dimmer than before could mean the battery is struggling to keep essential systems running optimally. A new battery ensures your Ford's lighting performs as designed. Battery Is Cracked or Leaking Fluid leaks or cracks in the case expose the battery to corrosion inside. Replacing a damaged battery prevents potential electrical issues down the line. Unusual Noises When Starting If starting your Ford results in grinding or clicking noises from the starter motor, the battery may no longer be supplying adequate voltage on demand. A new battery solves this annoyance and ensures smooth ignition each time. Surging/Fluctuating Electricals Problems like a fluctuating radio, unstable air conditioning, or surging power windows are clues the battery isn't regulating voltage properly anymore. A new battery restores smooth operations. Poor Cranking on Cold Starts A battery that seems to take longer than usual to turn the engine over points to diminished reserves. Frigid winter mornings especially highlight this issue. Make sure your Ford fires up fast with a fresh car battery. Battery Terminal Corrosion Over the years, battery terminals can build up corrosive deposits that increase resistance and further weaken electrical flow. Look for signs of white or green crust around the terminals. Cleaning may provide temporary relief but is not a fix for an old battery. New car batteries come with clean terminals to ensure solid connections. Excessive Drain When Vehicle Sits All batteries will naturally lose some charge when sitting unused for a long period. But a good battery should hold its charge for several days of non-use. If you find the Ford cannot start after only a couple of days, the battery is not holding charge properly. Replace it with a new one so your vehicle is always ready to go, even after sitting. Battery Tests Weak Any battery test your Ford dealer conducts should indicate a battery's charge level and health. A battery testing weak or borderline suggests it can no longer be fully relied upon. Replace it to restore optimum performance. Don't gamble with your driving needs by ignoring warning signs. Visit us today at Berkeley Ford in Moncks Corner, SC, to schedule your battery's health check. Our trusted technicians will assess it and swap in a new, longer-lasting battery if needed. Maintain your Ford's power source with an OME-quality replacement.

Nearly three hundred million vehicles start up and drive off several times a week in the United States, making the oil change service industry invaluable. You may be due for an oil maintenance appointment at your local Ford dealer; but have you ever wondered why regular changes are so important? more 1. Clean Oil Keeps Your Engine Running Smoothly It's often said that oil is the "lifeblood" of a vehicle. Regular changes can improve your engine's overall function and keep your car operating at peak performance. This is especially important as the vehicle ages and mileage increases. 2. Clean Oil Improves Gas Mileage Speaking of mileage, regularly changing your oil improves your gas mileage. Dirty oil, clogged filters, and other problems resulting from old oil can affect the vehicle's gas economy. Saving money by avoiding oil maintenance will backfire because gas costs more on poorly maintained vehicles. 3. Clean Oil Protects the Engine from Wear and Tear Since oil lubricates vital engine parts, it protects your vehicle from wear and tear. Regular maintenance can prevent overheating, contaminants from getting stuck inside parts, or parts grinding together and wearing out because of low oil. 4. A Damaged Engine Is More Expensive to Fix Old oil means deteriorated oil. Since dirty oil can no longer break down contaminants and filters can only do so much, the engine could be very clogged by now. In some cases, ignored vehicles might already be too far gone to repair. How Often Should You Bring Your Ford In for Maintenance? Newer Ford vehicles (using synthetic oil) have upped the mileage standard to 5,000 or even 7,500 in some cases. It's best to ask us how often oil maintenance is recommended, since Ford models from 2007 and before require slightly more attention, while Ford cars and trucks newer than 2008 need less. Do You Still Need to Visit a Ford Dealer If You Hardly Ever Drive? It's best to bring your car or truck in two to three times a year, even if you haven't been driving very much. Vehicles left in a garage for months on end don't have clean oil. Over time, stagnant oil can lose its capacity to cool and lubricate the engine. Factors such as year and model, temperature, terrain, and how long the car has been inactive could also affect the oil quality, so it's always best to ask. Play it safe and always come in sooner rather than later. Visit us at Berkeley Ford, located at 2829 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC, and let us help you keep your vehicle in top shape.

Getting car financing for your dream car can be, tough, but when you come to the dealership, you can simplify this journey. Securing financing through your Ford dealer can mean a number of benefits. more Access to a Variety of Lenders We have established connections with a wide range of lending institutions, and this large network makes it possible to present our customers with multiple financing options. Having access to a variety of lenders means that we can find the most suitable terms and rates that align with your financial situation, ensuring that you get a deal that best suits your needs. Expert Financial Guidance Our team includes experienced finance professionals who offer expert guidance throughout the financing process. They are adept at explaining the nuances of different financing options, helping you understand the terms, and assisting you in making an informed decision. Their expertise is invaluable, especially for first-time buyers or those unfamiliar with auto financing intricacies. Convenience and Time-Saving Opting for dealership financing is not only convenient, but also can save you a great deal of time. You can choose your vehicle and arrange the financing in one location, eliminating the need to visit multiple banks or lenders. This integration of services streamlines the buying process and also significantly reduces the time from selection to ownership. Flexible Financing Solutions Understanding that each customer's financial situation is unique, our dealership offers flexible financing solutions. Whether it's adjusting the down payment, altering the loan term, or finding the right balance between monthly payments and interest rates, we are committed to customizing the financing to fit your individual budget and preferences. Special Promotions and Incentives Advantages to dealership financing are the special promotions and incentives that are offered only by the dealer. These might include reduced interest rates, cash-back offers, or special terms for certain models. These exclusive dealership incentives can make financing more affordable and are a compelling reason to choose dealership financing. Benefit Exclusive to Your Ford Dealership: Loyalty Programs A unique advantage of financing your vehicle through the dealer is our FordPass loyalty program. Customers who finance with us may be eligible for future discounts, such as reduced rates on their next vehicle purchase or service discounts. This loyalty program adds long-term value, fostering a rewarding relationship between the customer and the dealership. We are committed to offering an enjoyable financing experience. With access to a variety of lenders, expert financial guidance, convenient and time-saving processes, flexible solutions, special promotions, and unique loyalty programs, we ensure that your financing experience is tailored to your needs. When you're ready to take the next step towards owning your dream car, come in to Berkeley Ford here in Moncks Corner.

The 2023 Ford Explorer has three rows of seating, an amazing infotainment system, and comes with a hybrid option. As a Ford dealer, we've gotten the chance to really get to know this amazing vehicle. Read on for more details about why we love this family SUV so much. more Powerful Performance Drivers can choose from three different engines for the 2023 Explorer. The standard engine in the entry-level model is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powerful design generates up to 300 horsepower. The higher trims have an available 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates up to 400 horsepower. Additionally, there is a hybrid option. The hybrid system helps your Explorer avoid the gas station for as long as possible, while still generating an impressive 318 horsepower. The hybrid option is standard on the top-tier Platinum trim. A Spacious Interior The Explorer comfortably seats up to seven passengers. The driver will enjoy an eight-way power driver's seat in the entry-level Explorer, while higher trims enhance this even further with a 10-way power seat. In the second row, passengers will have plenty of space, with 39 inches of legroom. In the higher trim levels, like the Platinum, passengers will enjoy second-row heated captain seats. If you're looking to bring along more cargo, your Explorer makes that easy. Behind the third-row seats, there is 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space. When you easily fold down the second and third-row seats, you'll have a maximum cargo volume of 87.8 cubic feet. Impressive Safety Assist Features Your standard Explorer comes equipped with adaptive cruise control. When activated, this feature can handle accelerating and braking for you to help you maintain a preset following distance. Additionally, your Explorer comes standard with a rearview camera with backup assist grid lines, making it easier than ever to handle busy parking lots. When in reverse, your rear parking sensors will alert you when you're getting close to an obstacle behind your SUV. Your Ford will also have a lane-keeping assist system, as well as a pre-collision assist. You're going to love the convenience of your automatic high beam feature. Your Explorer will handle adjusting your high beams for oncoming traffic so you can stay focused on the road. Advanced Infotainment The 2023 Explorer is a great option for drivers who love a quality infotainment system. This vehicle comes equipped with a 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen as standard. This system is loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This makes smoothly connecting your smartphone apps a breeze. Upgrading to the top-tier Platinum means your infotainment system will come with navigation at the ready. You'll also enjoy a 12-speaker sound system paired with a subwoofer for excellent sound quality. The Explorer is a spacious vehicle with impressive features. If you're looking for a great family road trip vehicle, you've found it. Visit Berkeley Ford now to see our wide selection of new vehicles.

Next time you head to the Ford dealership in search of a new vehicle, you should consider the 2023 Ford Edge. It's a spacious SUV with seating for up to 5, and its incredibly appealing design makes it stand out from some of the other SUVs on the market. If you like a practical yet stylish car, then you'll certainly enjoy the Edge and want to learn more about its features. more 1. Its Eye-Catching Design Ford really wanted people to take notice of anyone driving by in an Edge. Its design is striking as well as sleek. Its bold headlamps and grille create a very in-command look when the Edge drives by, while its smooth and aerodynamic body gives it a modern appearance. Inside, it's stunning as well as comfortable. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good under your hands and gives the cabin an incredibly sophisticated appearance. Meanwhile, the 12-inch touchscreen gives the cabin a high-tech feel while also being incredibly functional. 2. Its Driver Assistance Suite Ford's co-pilot technology really is one of the best suites of driver assistance features on the market today. It makes sure you remain aware of every single thing that's happening around your vehicle, helping you stay as safe as possible. For example, the blind spot information system makes it easier than ever to keep track of what's going on in those areas you can't quite see. Smart sensors on your vehicle let you know if you're about to collide with something, and an alert pops up on your dash to make sure you brake ASAP. If you don't have enough time to react before a potential collision, then your Edge will bring you to a stop by itself. Many more incredible features make driving feel safer than ever before. 3. Its SYNC 4A Technology The 12-inch infotainment system is loaded with advanced features that keep you connected to the world outside the car. There's a navigation feature available for when you're heading off into new areas, and you can access a digital owner's manual through the system when you need to check something about the car. There's also a whole lot more where that came from. 4. Its Enjoyable Driving Experience The Edge has a sport mode you can switch on during those times when you want a more dynamic driving experience. Intelligent four-wheel-drive kicks in when you need more traction, and autostart-stop technology shuts off the engine when you stop in traffic. Overall, it's a really enjoyable vehicle to drive, and there's lots of technology that makes the experience even better. If these features are exactly what you're looking for in a new car, then come by Berkeley Ford. We'll talk you through anything you want to know about this SUV and get you out for a test drive today.

The 2023 Ford Bronco packs a serious punch when it comes to both on-road comfort and off-road capability. This rugged yet refined SUV combines retro-inspired design and innovative interior features with advanced technologies for conquering tough terrains. Let's look at the features that make this vehicle a top contender in the 4x4 segment. more 1. Rugged Exterior The 2023 Bronco's bold exterior pairs its old-school looks with serious off-road components. It boasts a heavy-duty front bumper and suspension with available skid plates that equip it for rugged terrain. The removable doors and roof allow for open-air driving, while the optional hoop-design step makes it easy to get in and out. Whether you are cruising downtown or cresting a rocky trail, these features let the Bronco make a stylish and functional statement. 2. Powerful Engine Options The 2023 Bronco offers two powerful engine options: a standard 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder pumping out 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, or a 330hp 2.7L twin-turbo V6 producing 400 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 4-cylinder comes with either the 10-speed or a 7-speed manual for added driver engagement. This muscle gives the Bronco plenty of punch both on the highway and rough terrain. 3. Unbeatable Off-Roading Capabilities When it's time to go off-road, the 2023 Bronco brings some serious capability to conquer tough terrain. The advanced 4x4 system features different G.O.A.T drive modes to optimize performance for conditions like mud, sand, and rock crawling. The Trail Toolbox builds on this with features like electronic locking differentials and disconnecting sway bars. The Bronco's off-road tires and wheels provide even more grip and control in treacherous terrain. Add in the removable body panels that let the outdoors in, and this SUV creates exciting possibilities for adventure in the wild. 4. Comfortable and Functional Interior Inside, the 2023 Bronco offers plenty of passenger space, with comfortable front seats and ample legroom in the back. The SUV boasts a Sync 4 infotainment system that provides intuitive controls for undistracted driving. It comes with an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity, and satellite radio. Over-the-air updates are also available. 5. Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology To keep you safe on and off-road, the 2023 Bronco comes equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver assistance technologies. The key features include: Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking Blind spot information system Rear cross traffic alert Lane keeping assist Hill descent assist Automatic high-beam headlights These technologies use a mix of radar, cameras, and sensors to monitor the road, help you stay in control, and prevent collisions. The 2023 Bronco has what it takes to handle both paved roads and rugged trails with capability and comfort. If you want to experience these and more impressive features firsthand, stop by Berkeley Ford to test-drive the 2023 Bronco.

Moncks Corner, SC can be a hidden gem for java lovers. With its charming atmosphere and friendly locals, this town is home to a variety of unique coffee shops worth exploring. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cup of joe or a specialty drink, you're sure to find it in this town. more Essentials Coffee If you're in the mood for a cup that's a bean above the rest, Essentials Coffee is where you want to go. This comfy coffee shop is located at 117 Foxbank Plantation Blvd. and is warm and inviting enough to curl up with a cup and a book.  They offer a classic menu of lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and more made to perfection. You can also grab a signature sandwich, smoothie, tea, or pastry-delivered fresh pastry from Saffron Bakery. Essentials Coffee is known for its hefty bagel sandwiches. After seven years in business, this java joint is a town favorite. The Rustic Muffin The Rustic Muffin is another gourmet coffee house where you can get a top-of-the-line caffeine boost. While you'll also find the classics, The Rustic Muffin also offers lesser-known cups like a Hot Long Fog. You can always count on trying something new in the shop with its offerings of seasonal lattes. Along with various cups of java, The Rustin Muffin, naturally serves an array of muffins with unique bites like the Cannoli Muffin and Chunky Monkey Muffin. Breakfast at The Rustic Muffin also includes a variety of flavored doughnuts and bagels, like the Pizza Bagel or Jalapeno Bagel. For lunch, try their wide variety of overstuffed bagel sandwiches, salads, wraps, or cookies. There's something sure to please everyone at The Rustic Muffin at 202 N Live Oak Drive. The Barony House If you're hungry AND want a cup of joe with your meal, The Barony House is a prime option. When it comes to java variety, The Barony House has few options. It's coffee or tea. Still, it will deliver the caffeine jolt you'll need. And variety really won't matter that much when you check out their menu. The Barony House serves a hearty menu for lunch and dinner. At The Barony House, you'll find light and fresh salads like the Harvest Pear Salad, succulent seafood dishes, and finger-licking sandwiches like the Barony House Club Melt. The restaurant is also known for its exceptionally delicious desserts. Just be sure to save room for that cup of joe. No matter where you choose to go for a cup of coffee, Berkeley Ford can help you find a new vehicle with plenty of cup holders, like the 2023 Ford Expedition XLT. Stop by Berkley Ford and let our friendly staff show you what we have in stock today.

Among SUVs, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a unique one that offers excellent handling both on and off-road, thanks to its smaller size and standard four-wheel drive. With up to 250 horsepower offered in its strongest engine, as well as excellent fuel economy and a first-class cabin you'll love spending time in, this adventurous crossover has something for everyone and is ready for both long-distance journeys and off-road challenges. more Rugged Performance The 2023 Bronco Sport's two impressive turbocharged engine options and four-wheel drive deliver all the strength and versatility you need to venture further and off the beaten path when nature calls. The base engine is a 1.5-liter that generates 181 horsepower with integrated EcoBoost technology, getting you an estimated 28 mpg on highways and 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The other engine, a 2.0-liter that also offers EcoBoost technology, produces 250 horsepower while still providing an impressive 26 mpg in estimated highway mileage, giving you the perfect balance of muscle and fuel efficiency. A Sophisticated Cabin Inside this crossover's cabin, you can warm up on colder days with the heated leather seats, while the dual-zone climate control can heat or cool the cabin with two separate temperature zones. If you get dirt or mud inside the cabin, the moisture-resistant flooring and drain plugs integrated into the floor can make it easy to clean up without worrying about water damage. The innovative SYNC 3 system is the vehicle's infotainment center, and when pairing this feature with the 180-degree Trail Cam, you have everything you need to stay entertained while using turn-by-turn navigation instructions while on highways and expansive on-screen visuals to maneuver your way through off-road settings. Smart Safety Monitoring Intelligent safety features can also be found throughout this edition, with features like Auto High-Beam Headlamps and Pre-Collision Assist both helping you avoid frontal collisions, and a blind spot awareness system called BLIS that can watch out for vehicles on your sides or those that are crossing your lane nearby from behind. There are also many features that can monitor your driving behavior, including the Lane Keeping System, which uses alerts and automatic steering torque to warn you and assist you in getting you back to the center of your lane if you start to drift from it unintentionally. The 2023 Bronco Sport is a one-of-kind crossover SUV that you can comfortably venture off-road with when you need to, while it enhances daily drives around town with its many interior luxuries and impressive tech features. Come see all the other features that have helped make this edition the most exciting one yet by stopping by for a test drive today at Berkeley Ford.

Making an early morning return to Moncks Corner, SC after a weekend of adventuring in your versatile Ford Bronco Sport? There are several great breakfast places around town to choose from. Whether you prefer a classic diner or a hip coffee shop, these joints are sure to deliver! more 1. The Rustic Muffin The Rustic Muffin's Moncks Corner location can be found on 202 N. Live Oak Drive where it's one of the community's most popular coffee shops. As its name implies, this restaurant's big selling point is its wide selection of homemade muffins, including flavors like pumpkin cream cheese, pistachio, chocolate vanilla swirl, and much more. You'll also find a similarly varied list of bagels in both sweet and savory flavors. Any of the rich and flavorful drinks, from the Cinnfully Nutty-flavored hot coffee to the frappes and cold brews, will go great with your breakfast. The Rustic Muffin also boasts a beautiful outdoor dining area with its charming wooden deck and furnishings. 2. Rosetta's Soul Food There's nothing like some good soul food to warm you up during the cool mornings, and Rosetta's on 411 Corner Square Plaza provides some of the best. Served from 7AM to 10:30AM, its breakfast menu includes southern classics like the crispy, juicy chicken and waffles, crunchy rice pudding, and beef liver with onions. Of course, there's also their fluffy pancakes and applewood-smoked bacon. If you like the idea of seafood for breakfast, you can order shrimp and gravy, fried fish, or a salmon patty. To complete your southern meal, wash it all down with some homemade sweet tea or strawberry lemonade. 3. Page's Okra Grill In addition to its restaurant location in Mt. Pleasant, Page's maintains a permanent location for its food truck at 219 Carolina Avenue. The business prides itself on the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and fisheries. Ashley's shrimp & cheddar cheese grits with andouille sausage and the Shem Creek omelet, made with fresh blue crab, pepper jack cheese, and scallions are the breakfast menu's star dishes. Other unique items include sweet potato pancakes, caramel sauce-topped buttermilk pancakes stuffed with pineapple and maraschino cherries, and the cinnamon bun waffle breakfast, served with candied peaches, eggs, and your choice of meat. The delicious, deeply flavored coffee comes from King Bean Coffee in Charleston, where they roast their beans with Italian Petroncini roasters. You can have the perfect start to your day when you head to any of these fine breakfast establishments! After filling your belly, make a stop at Berkeley Ford and browse an amazing inventory of new and certified pre-owned vehicles!

The 2023 Ford Maverick is a roomy, powerful, functional pickup truck with a great range of customization options and terrific technological features both inside and out. With a sizable exterior bed, a good deal of towing power, and optional four-wheel drive, the 2023 Maverick is a truck that's up for any driving task you might have. Let's take a closer look at some of this popular pickup's finest features. more 500 Miles on a Single Tank The 2023 Maverick has terrific fuel efficiency as the only pickup with a hybrid powertrain as standard that can reach 500 miles on a single tank of gas. If you're looking to save money on your monthly gas bill, this is the truck for you. EcoBoost Engine With Four-Wheel Drive The Maverick's optional EcoBoost engine has a four-wheel drive capacity and provides 250 horsepower, which is enough to tow a very respectable 4,000 pounds. With considerable engine power, four-wheel drive, and high ground clearance, it's a truck that's ready for all kinds of driving conditions in any season. Adaptable FlexBed System The Maverick's versatile FlexBed System lets you use your truck's bed for all kinds of cargo-carrying, camping, and daily shopping needs. The 4.5-foot bed has a multi-position tailgate and 10 available tie-downs. There are also two 110-volt power outlets and two pre-installed 12V electrical leads that are perfect for lights, mini-fridges, laptops, and televisions. Some of the Maverick's trims even have LED box lighting pre-installed. Seamless Smartphone Compatibility With the Android Auto and ApplePlay features, you can connect your phone to your car and bring many of your phone's apps under control from the dashboard's touchscreen or voice control while you drive. Make calls, send messages, navigate, and listen to music, radio, or podcasts, all without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. FordPass Remote Vehicle Control With the FordPass app installed on your phone, you can control certain aspects of your truck from afar such as remotely starting or stopping the engine. Using FordPass, you can also access quicker roadside assistance should the need ever arise. BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving The 2023 Maverick is a very safe truck to drive, with access to the full Ford Co-Pilot360 suits of excellent safety features. BlueCruise, in particular, makes you safer and comfier on highways, combining Lane Centering, Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop-and-Go, and Automatic Emergency Braking for totally hands-free operation of your truck on certain eligible areas of the highway. You can use BlueCruise to make your driving so much easier in special hands-free Blue Zones of highway that stretch over 130,000 miles throughout the country. And while BlueCruise is activated, a driver-facing camera monitors where your eyes are looking to ensure that you're keeping your attention on the road. Visit Berkeley Ford today to test drive the 2023 Maverick and learn more about this excellent pickup's many top-notch features. We're a local dealership with a broad range of Ford cars and trucks, and attentive staff on hand to help with all your Ford-related needs.

Whether your idea of the perfect springtime adventure is a quiet nature walk or a neighborhood party, there's plenty in Moncks Corner, SC to help you make the most of the season. Here's our list of spring activities to try now that the weather is warmer. more 1. Old Santee Canal Park Whether springtime has given you a yearning for the outdoors, or a desire to learn something new, the Old Santee Canal Park is a great place to reconnect with your local environment. Located at 900 Stony Landing Road, the park has 195 acres of natural and local history to explore. You can mosey through four miles of Biggin Creek on the boardwalks, or explore the 1843 Stony Landing House. The park is open every day from 9am to 5pm. 2. Pimlico Plantation Spring Community Yard Sale After a long winter, spring brings the opportunity to streamline your life, clear out the closets, and freshen up tired décor, making it the best time for a yard sale. Pimlico Plantation, located off Cypress Gardens Road between Moncks Corner and Goose Creek, will be hosting a yard sale on April 29. Between 30 to 50 houses will be participating from 8am. Stop by to browse for the best bargains, and remember to leave the bed of your Ford F-150 free so that you can carry your larger purchases home. 3. Cypress Gardens Whether you want to enjoy the swamps and gardens through 3.5 miles of trails, or learn more about wildlife in the butterfly house, aquarium, and bird exhibit, Cypress Gardens is a wonderful place for the whole family to engage with the natural world. Located at 3030 Cypress Gardens Road and open from 9am to 5pm every day, the site also offers a variety of activities, such as the torchlit boat rides on May 12, or the ukelele festival on May 13. Take a look at the schedule and come on down to welcome in the spring. 4. Annual Food Truck Rodeo Nothing says spring like eating in the open air, and you'll have the chance on May 27 from 10am to 6pm with the annual fundraising Food Truck Rodeo in aid of the Berkeley Animal Center. As well as an array of tasty treats from local food vendors, there will be a petting zoo and you'll also be able to meet the adorable residents of two rescue centers. The event will be held at 418 East Main Street, and will feature shopping, craft stalls, activities for the kids, and a dunk tank for local celebrities and politicians. Be sure to come along and join in the fun. Whether you want to explore the wilds or your local community, this spring is a great time to do it. And while you're experiencing the best that Moncks Corner has to offer, don't forget to pay us a visit at Berkeley Ford to find out more about our wide selection of new and used vehicles.

When your car's engine is running, it powers the alternator, which generates electricity for the battery and other electrical components. As the engine's spark plugs also require this steady flow of voltage, a malfunctioning alternator will soon bring your car to a stop. Let's take a look at all the indications of a faulty alternator, so you can identify problems as quickly as possible and visit your local Ford dealership for alternator repair before the problem worsens. more Alternator Warning Light Your vehicle monitors the voltage flowing through it and warns you when there's any disruption. If the alternator fades or stops working, you'll soon see a battery light blink to life in your instrument panel. This battery-shaped light might point to a faltering alternator, a bad battery, or something else related to the electrical power. Some models have a more specific ALT or GEN light that directly monitors and warns of alternator problems. Dimming Headlamps While the engine's running, the alternator powers your headlights. If you're driving after dark and you notice your headlights pulsating, flickering, or dimming, then your alternator might be malfunctioning. Flickering headlights can also be due to a failing bulb or loose wiring. To isolate the underlying problem, you can turn off your engine and use the battery alone to power the headlights: see if the light brightens or the flickering stops. And if only one bulb is problematic, it's probably not an issue with the alternator. Faltering Electronics Car components powered by the alternator include the dashboard lights and dials, power steering, windshield wipers, power seating and windows, air conditioning, and more. Modern Ford vehicles are designed so that in the event of a failing alternator, the least important electrical accessories stop working before the accessories more essential to your driving safety, such as the headlights and power steering. Uncharged Battery If you can't start your car in the morning, then your battery might have failed to charge. This is often because of a faulty alternator that didn't perform its recharging job properly during your last drive. But if your battery is more than three or four years old, then it might simply be time for a new one. Failing Engine Power As mentioned previously, a steady flow of electrical power is necessary for your spark plugs to generate consistent sparks inside the combustion chamber. When a bad alternator stops generating this power, your engine will soon begin to misfire: it will sputter and jolt, struggling to keep going, especially when you slow down and pause in idle. How a Ford Dealer Can Test Your Alternator A healthy Ford alternator should generate around 14.2 to 14.7 volts. This might fall to 14 or even 13 volts when all the electronics are turned on at the same time. A technician at the dealership will use a multimeter to measure this voltage, and if it falls below 13 volts, your alternator might need to be repaired or replaced. Have your alternator inspected and repaired today at Berkeley Ford. We provide local Ford drivers with great vehicles and prompt, courteous service.