Beat the Heat: What to Know About Your Ford Air Conditioning System

One of the reasons the Ford F-150® continues to lead the full-size truck segment is simple: it refuses to force every buyer into the same mold. Some owners need a dependable work truck. If you're shopping for a Ford F-150® in Shallotte, NC, understanding what each trim brings to the table is the best place to begin. more XL and STX: Capability Comes Standard The XL is proof that an entry-level truck no longer feels basic. Most XL configurations come equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost® V6, producing 325 hp and 400 lbs. ft. of torque, while Regular Cab models receive the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 with 400 hp and 410 lbs. ft. of torque. A 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 is also available on select configurations. Every XL includes a 12-inch digital productivity screen, a 12-inch SYNC® 4 touchscreen, Ford Co-Pilot360® 2.0, and a standard Class IV trailer hitch, giving buyers a truck that's ready to get to work from day one. The STX adds a more athletic personality with sport cloth seating, 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, and body-color bumpers. Drivers planning to venture off the pavement can also equip the available STX FX4® Off-Road Package, which adds skid plates, an electronic-locking rear axle, off-road-tuned suspension, and all-terrain tires. XLT and Lariat®: The Heart of the Lineup For many buyers, the XLT strikes the ideal balance between capability and comfort. Available equipment includes heated front seats, remote start, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0, BlueCruise® hands-free highway driving, and an available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®. Engine choices expand as well. The available 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 generates 400 hp and 500 lbs. ft. of torque, while the available 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid V6 produces 430 hp and 570 lbs. ft. of torque with towing capability of up to 11,200 lbs. Properly equipped models with the available 3.5L EcoBoost® engine can tow up to 13,500 lbs. Lariat® adds another layer of refinement through ActiveX® seating surfaces, a 10-way power driver's seat, LED projector headlamps with Dynamic Bending Headlamps, and a heated premium-wrapped steering wheel. BlueCruise® also comes equipped with a 90-day trial, making longer highway journeys noticeably easier. Drivers comparing Ford trucks near Shallotte, NC often find the Lariat® to be one of the lineup's most compelling choices. King Ranch®, Platinum®, and Tremor® Each Have a Different Mission Higher trims become more specialized rather than simply adding features. King Ranch® embraces premium craftsmanship with distinctive leather seating, a 14-speaker B&O® Unleashed Sound System, power-deployable running boards, and standard BlueCruise®. The standard 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 provides 400 hp and 500 lbs. ft. of torque, while the available FX4® Off-Road Package adds extra versatility. Platinum® delivers many of the same premium technologies with its own distinctive styling, multi-contour leather seating, and clever lockable fold-flat interior storage. Tremor® takes the lineup in a completely different direction. Riding on 33-inch all-terrain tires, it features Trail Control™, Trail 1-Pedal Drive, Trail Turn Assist, increased ride height, and unique suspension tuning. Its standard 5.0L V8 produces 400 hp and 410 lbs. ft. of torque, making it equally capable on the trail or the highway. Raptor®: Built for Drivers Who Think Bigger The F-150® Raptor® exists because Ford understands that some adventures require something extraordinary. Its High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 develops 450 hp and 510 lbs. ft. of torque, working alongside FOX™ Dual Live Valve shocks engineered for high-speed off-road performance. The available Raptor® 37 Package adds massive 37-inch all-terrain tires, while the Raptor R raises expectations again with a 5.2L Supercharged V8 producing 720 hp and 640 lbs. ft. of torque. RECARO® seating and Code Orange interior accents complete one of the most focused factory off-road trucks available today. Explore the 2026 Ford F-150® in Shallotte Today Visit Jones Ford to browse our inventory of new Ford F-150® trucks, compare available trim levels and powertrains, or explore our complete selection of new Ford trucks in Shallotte, NC. When you're ready to experience the F-150® firsthand, you can schedule a test drive online and find the truck that's ready for whatever comes next.

The appeal of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport® isn't difficult to understand. It offers the footprint of a compact SUV, standard 4x4 capability, and an impressive collection of off-road technology that encourages drivers to venture beyond the pavement. Yet it never forgets its day job, remaining comfortable, practical, and easy to live with every day. For buyers searching for a Ford Bronco Sport® near Shallotte, NC, it continues to be one of the most capable compact SUVs available. more Five Trims, Each with Its Own Character Ford has given the Bronco Sport® lineup enough variety to appeal to very different buyers. The Big Bend® provides an excellent starting point with its 180 hp 1.5L EcoBoost® engine, standard 4x4, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Heritage® and Free Wheeling™ retain the same capable powertrain while adding distinctive styling that celebrates the Bronco® family's unmistakable personality. Outer Banks® shifts the focus toward comfort with heated front seats, premium-trimmed sport contour bucket seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, and an available Class II Trailer Tow Package capable of towing up to 2,200 lbs. At the top of the lineup, the Badlands® is engineered for drivers who fully intend to leave the pavement behind. Its 250 hp 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, HOSS 2.0 suspension, Advanced 4x4 with a twin-clutch rear drive unit, and standard Class II Trailer Tow Package allow it to tow up to 2,700 lbs. while delivering exceptional confidence on demanding trails. Technology That Makes Every Drive Better The Bronco Sport® has become considerably more sophisticated without losing its rugged personality. Every 2026 model includes a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen powered by SYNC® 4, replacing the previous-generation system with faster responses and a more intuitive interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard throughout the lineup, along with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that presents vehicle information with impressive clarity. Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ is also standard, bringing Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, Predictive Speed Assist, Speed Sign Recognition, and Connected Navigation to every trim. On the Badlands®, available features such as a 360-degree camera with Trail View, front parking sensors, and Reverse Brake Assist add another layer of confidence in challenging environments. Drivers comparing Ford SUVs near Shallotte, NC will appreciate just how much technology comes standard. Built to Leave the Pavement Behind Capability has always been at the heart of the Bronco Sport®. Every model uses Ford's G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), allowing drivers to tailor performance to changing conditions. Big Bend®, Heritage®, Free Wheeling™, and Outer Banks® include five selectable drive modes, while the Badlands® expands that number to seven by adding Rally and Rock Crawl settings. The Badlands® also receives steel skid plates, fuel tank shielding, a canister shield, Trail Control™, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and HOSS 2.0 suspension with Bilstein® rear dampers. For even greater capability, the available Sasquatch® Package adds increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, steel bumpers, recovery hooks, and additional off-road equipment that makes the Bronco Sport® even more trail-ready. A Cabin Designed for Everyday Adventure Inside, the Bronco Sport® balances practicality with thoughtful design. Standard features include a wireless charging pad, SiriusXM® with 360L, FordPass® Connect, dual smart-charging USB ports, Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, and a versatile MOLLE strap system that helps organize outdoor gear. The Badlands® adds leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, durable washout-friendly rubberized flooring, under-seat storage, and available upgrades such as the B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, Connected Navigation, and HD Radio™. It's an interior that feels just as comfortable on the daily commute as it does after a weekend spent exploring trails. Explore the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport® at Jones Ford Visit us today to browse our inventory of new Ford Bronco Sport® models, compare available trim levels and packages, or explore our complete selection of new Ford SUVs in Shallotte, NC. When you're ready to see what the Bronco Sport® can do, you can schedule a test drive online and experience its capability firsthand.

Summer puts real demands on your vehicle. Rising temperatures, longer road trips, and increased time behind the wheel can take a toll on even the most reliable Ford. Staying ahead of maintenance with a Ford Service appointment is one of the best ways to make sure your vehicle handles summer driving without any surprises. So, if you drive a Ford F-150, a Ford Explorer, or anything in between, routine service helps protect your investment and keeps your vehicle performing the way it should all season long. more What Ford Service Covers Before You Hit the Road A comprehensive Ford Service visit covers more than just an oil change. Technicians will inspect your cooling system, which works especially hard in the heat, along with your brakes, battery, tires, and air conditioning system. Each of these components plays a critical role during summer driving conditions. Your battery can be particularly vulnerable in extreme heat, and your tires need to be properly inflated and free of excessive wear before any long-distance travel. Catching these issues early keeps small problems from turning into bigger ones. Cooling System and Air Conditioning Checks One of the most important things to review before summer is your cooling system. Overheating is more common in warm weather, and a system that is low on coolant or has a worn hose can leave you stranded on the side of the road. Ford Service technicians are trained to inspect and service your cooling system to the exact specifications your vehicle requires. Your air conditioning system also deserves attention. Summer driving in North Carolina means heat and humidity, and a properly functioning A/C makes a difference when it comes to driver comfort and focus. Tire and Brake Inspections for Summer Driving Hot pavement accelerates tire wear, and summer driving often involves more miles than any other time of year. During a service visit, technicians will check your tire tread depth, inspect for uneven wear, and verify that inflation levels are correct. Proper tire care improves handling and can help you stay safe on the road. Brakes are equally important. Whether you are navigating stop-and-go traffic or driving through the backroads near Shallotte, North Carolina, your brakes need to be responsive and reliable. A brake inspection during your service appointment allows you to drive without hesitation. Ford Mobile Service and Pickup & Delivery Options Ford makes it easier than ever to keep up with maintenance. Through Ford Mobile Service (where available), a certified technician can come directly to your home or workplace to handle many common service needs, from oil changes to tire rotations. If your vehicle needs more involved work, Ford Pickup & Delivery (where available) lets you schedule a time for your vehicle to be collected, serviced, and returned to you. These convenient options mean that summer driving prep does not have to interrupt your schedule. Staying current on Ford Service has never been more straightforward. Visit Jones Ford for All Your Ford Service Needs Taking care of your Ford before and during the summer season is a smart way to protect both your safety and your vehicle. From cooling system checks to tire inspections, the right service appointment makes all the difference when summer driving demands are at their highest. Drivers throughout the Shallotte, North Carolina area can count on skilled technicians to get the job done right. Come in and see us at Jones Ford or visit us online at jonesfordnc.net to schedule your Ford Service appointment and get ready to enjoy the road ahead.