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The many wedding locations in San Jose, CA offer couples everything they need to create their dream wedding, from elegant settings with panoramic views and a beautiful hilltop retreat to an impressive and enormous historic ballroom and a sophisticated and modern hotel. Load your family and friends in a Ford Bronco or Escape to view the spectacular venues below. 1. The Ranch at Silver Creek by Wedgewood Weddings If you want an elegant venue with spectacular views of the San Jose skyline and rolling hills, The Ranch at Silver Creek by Wedgewood Weddings at 4601 Hill Top View Lane in San Jose is perfect. The luxurious Mediterranean-style stone retreat on the hilltop can comfortably accommodate 250 wedding guests indoors and outdoors. The stylish ballroom has massive windows, stacked stone pillars, and chandeliers, providing 360-degree views of the San Jose and San Fransico skyline. The spacious patio offers far-flung views over the surrounding area. The venue offers four all-inclusive wedding packages with comprehensive planning services, decor, and top-class catering. 2. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club The incredible Cinnabar Hills Golf Club at 23600 McKean Road in San Jose offers couples everything they need for a spectacular wedding, from breathtaking views and top-quality service to exquisite cuisine. There are multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, from stylish rooms with towering skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows to spots in beautiful landscape gardens between lush greenery and white roses. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club offers full-service wedding packages, which include hand-passed hors d'oeuvres and plated or buffet-style gourmet cuisine. It caters to small intimate gatherings and larger weddings with up to 250 guests. 3. Corinthian Event Center The impressive neoclassical Corinthian Event Center at 196 North Third Street in downtown San Jose is a historic venue built in 1924 with broad granite steps and soaring Corinthian columns. The magnificent venue is elegantly decorated and can be easily customized to your own unique style. The enormous ballroom has 50-foot ceilings, massive wooden beams, blue glass panes, gold leaf grillwork, a carved granite balcony, and a stage with a carved stone proscenium arch. The venue can seat up to 300 wedding guests and includes banquet tables, chairs, linens, glassware, and silverware in the rental. 4. Hilton San Jose Host your dream wedding at the sophisticated and stylish Hilton San Jose at 300 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, which provides a level of luxury designed to exceed all expectations. Choose between the ballrooms and smaller event spaces with eye-catching details such as floor-to-ceiling windows and impressive chandeliers that can comfortably accommodate weddings of any size. There are private get-ready facilities and overnight accommodations for your wedding guests in the many lavish suites. Hilton San Jose offers various wedding packages with a range of catering options, a professional event team, and seasoned and attentive staff who will ensure your wedding is spectacular. These fantastic venues provide everything you need to create a dream celebration. Before you start driving around looking for the ideal venue, make sure your vehicle is in top shape. Stop at Mission Valley Ford today, and the certified Ford technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle to ensure it's safe on the road.

If you're tired of eating at the same family restaurants, we've compiled our list of the best places you need to try next. Here are our top choices for your next family meal in San Jose, CA. 1. The Funny Farm Restaurant This local restaurant is so popular that we now have two locations in San Jose. They both feature fun decor and friendly staff. These restaurants are located at 3245 Stevens Creek Blvd and 4898 San Felipe Rd. When you get here, you'll see poles wrapped in fur, slinkies hanging from the ceiling, and lots of colorful graffiti. Their meals focus on taking everyday foods and then twisting them into something fun and unexpected. This makes for a great kid-friendly restaurant. And kids and adults enjoy burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and poutine for the table to share. 2. Casa Villa The menu at this Mexican restaurant is long. It's meant to help you serve a family with unique needs like vegan diets, allergies, or picky eaters. You can find exciting items like grilled spicy shrimp, tortas, and pozole. You'll also find an amazing chile relleno, complete with a vegan version as well. The kid's menu includes breakfast items like three mini pancakes or a breakfast burrito. For lunch and dinner, children can choose from cheeseburgers, burritos, chicken tenders, tacos, and quesadillas. Casa Villa is located at 840 Willow St Suite 400. 3. Jackie's Place If your family loves soul food done Texas-style, we have the local place for you. You'll want to get everyone into your Ford Escape SE with its keyless ignition system and head to Jackie's Place. It's centrally located at 840 N First St. The menu here is a quick read. They have a kid's plate option with one rib or wing or fried fish fillet with their choice of side and cornbread. Don't skip the appetizers menu, where you can choose from five different flavor options for wings for the table. Adults will love the chicken and waffles, of their barbecue plates with pulled pork or brisket. 4. Bossman's Pizza When it's pizza night, we love a place that also has great garlic bread with lots of cheese and boneless chicken wings. On top of that, Bossman's Pizza also has gluten-free options, vegan options, and Indian-style pizzas. Their menu is seriously long for a pizza place, so you have tons of options. You can find Bossman's Pizza located at 418 W Capitol Expy. San Jose families have no shortage of options when it comes to kid-friendly restaurants. We also have a lot of great choices when it comes to great cars. Visit Mission Valley Ford Truck Center to see our new vehicles.

Whether your Ford truck or car has an automatic or manual transmission, you'll occasionally need to have it repaired. With proper upkeep and prompt repair work, your transmission can last for the lifetime of your vehicle. The following indications of trouble are good reasons to visit your local Ford dealer for transmission repair. The sooner you respond to problems, the less likely they are to develop into anything worse. Any leak in transmission fluid means your gears will rapidly overheat. Without lubrication, they'll grind against each other roughly. This will rapidly lead to parts breaking and jamming up. Leaks need to be located and fixed quickly, so the fluid can be topped up and your transmission saved. Grinding Sounds When transmission fluid is low, leaking, or growing too old to properly perform its function, you'll hear gears grinding noisily against each other when you try to shift. Grinding sounds are often the first sign of gearbox trouble before you experience the more troublesome symptoms. Gears Refusing To Change A transmission that's really begun to wear down will stop you from shifting gears altogether. This is a certain sign that you need to see a technician immediately. Gears Slipping The most disconcerting result of a failing gearbox is slipping gears. You'll initially experience this as loud revving when you shift. Later, your gears might begin to shift all on their own. This can be due to worn-down gear teeth, a faulty solenoid, a malfunctioning torque converter, or something else. Needless to say, gear slippage puts you in danger while on the road. Dragging Clutch A dragging clutch is a clutch that fails to properly engage or disengage, inhibiting your ability to change gears smoothly. You might feel sponginess and hear squeaking sounds when you apply the clutch. It might also get stuck, causing your vehicle to lurch suddenly as you change gears. A worn clutch is only a problem that drivers with manual transmissions are likely to notice, as they're operating the clutch themselves. But automatic transmissions can also develop clutch trouble. Have your Ford vehicle's transmission inspected today by qualified professionals at Mission Valley Ford Truck Center. We provide top-notch Ford trucks at affordable prices with excellent customer care.

Wintertime in San Jose, CA can be a magical experience, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun! If you're looking for a way to make the most out of the winter season, why not take a drive to one of the many activities the area has to offer? Whether you're traveling with friends or family, you're sure to have a blast at one of these three fun winter activities near San Jose. Snow Tubing at Bear Valley Ski Resort Starting off our list is snow tubing at Bear Valley Ski Resort! What makes snow tubing so great is that you don't have to be an experienced skier or snowboarder to participate. Anyone of any skill level can have a great time in the snow! While snow tubing, you are pulled down an iced-over hill on a large sled. It is a blast for kids and adults alike. Bear Valley Ski Resort is conveniently located just one hour from San Jose in Bear Valley. This winter activity is the perfect way to make the most out of a cold day. When you visit, make sure to check out the resort's many other activities, like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding! Cross-Country Skiing at Mission Peak Regional Preserve Next on our list is cross-country skiing at Mission Peak Regional Preserve! If you're looking for a change from the usual winter sports, cross-country skiing is a great option. It is a relatively low-impact activity that is suitable for people of all skill levels. What's great about this activity is that you can explore the outdoors as you glide through the snow. Mission Peak Regional Preserve is a wonderful place to cross-country ski. The trails are beginner friendly, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. The preserve is also conveniently located just an hour from San Jose at 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont. Ice Skating at the San Jose Ice Center Last but not least, we have ice skating at the San Jose Ice Center! Ice skating is a classic winter activity, but it is also perfect for those who are not used to being outdoors. The San Jose Ice Center offers both public skating and private lessons. What's great about the public skating sessions is that they are open to people of all skill levels. If you are looking for a more structured experience, private skating lessons are a great option. The San Jose Ice Center is conveniently located just 30 minutes from San Jose at 1500 S 10th St, San Jose. Grab your coat, hat, and gloves, and get ready to make some fun memories! Pack your gear in your vehicle, and hit the road to enjoy loads of amazing activities outdoors. Before you hit the road, pop in at Mission Valley Ford, and take a closer look at the new Ford Ranger XLT, the perfect car for an outdoor adventure.

Sometimes, you need a little help staying cool on the hottest days. If you're feeling the heat and need a cold treat to help you get through it, you can't do better than the ice cream and frozen yogurt served up at the local spots we highlighted below. You'll find all of them in the San Jose, CA area, giving you plenty of local options to pick from next time you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. 5 of the Best Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Places Near San Jose, CA 1. Sweet Fix Creamery All-natural, premium frozen yogurt created from fresh and locally sourced ingredients makes every visit to Sweet Fix an absolute delight. They've got dozens of flavors of frozen yogurt and Italian ice for you to choose from, letting you try something new each time you come in for a visit. They also bake plenty of goodies right on their site, giving you the option of having your favorite scoops sandwiched between two fresh-baked cookies. 2. Icicles If you've never had your frozen yogurt rolled before, come on down to Icicles to experience this trendy new way to eat your dessert for yourself. They have a wide selection of different flavors for you to get the confection of your dreams, from the zen-inducing Gotcha Matcha to the fruity taste of their It's a Rasp flavor. In addition to their dessert options, they also offer a selection of craft tea drinks that make a refreshing beverage any time. 3. Smitten We can see how this place got its name; after just a few bites, we think we might be in love too. Unique flavors like American Pie or Equator Coffee make for some one-of-a-kind cold treats unlike anything you'll find anywhere else. Get yours by the pint to take home with you or order it on a cone to get a handheld way of enjoying a frozen confection. 4. Sweet Rendezvous Magical scoops and tasty memories are waiting for you at Sweet Rendezvous. Their Heaven flavor is appropriately named because every spoonful of vanilla mixed with brownie pieces and peanut butter took us to paradise. Don't miss out on their fresh-baked goods, because the s'mores bar we tried here was a snack worth coming back for. 5. Willow Glen Creamery Ever since opening in 2002, Willow Glen Creamery has been working tirelessly towards its goal of putting smiles on the faces of their neighbors in their community with the treats they serve up. We were sure smiling ear to ear by the time our visit here was done. Do yourself a favor and order their classic sundaes, giving you all the toppings you could dream of served on top of your favorite scoops. You're sure to walk away smiling when you try the desserts from these local spots. For a car buying or service experience that will have you walking away with a smile, trust your needs to our team. Experience our friendly service at Mission Valley Ford Truck Sales today!

Looking for a fun activity that you and your friends can enjoy together? If you're tired of the same old bar scene or indoor activities, it's time to try something new. Luckily, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can drive to from San Jose, CA. Here is just a sample of some great places where you can spend an afternoon outdoors with friends. 3 Outdoor Activities You Can Drive to From San Jose, CA Guadalupe Oak Grove Park Located in downtown San Jose, this park offers a unique experience — it's the only place in the city where you can see oak trees that were planted by Spanish explorers more than 300 years ago. The park also has a beautiful garden with an abundance of flowers and shrubs, plus there's a large fountain at its center. It's free to visit this park on weekdays during business hours, but there is a charge for parking on weekends and after-hours access. Castle Rock State Park Located just 10 miles east of San Jose, Castle Rock State Park has plenty of hiking trails that are suitable for all skill levels. The park offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum. It's also a great place for rock climbing, as there are over 200 routes available, along with a bouldering area. The park offers several campgrounds, including group campsites and cabins that can be reserved online up to six months in advance. Group campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis until they're full. There are also several picnic areas throughout the park where you can have a family cookout or just enjoy some time relaxing outdoors with friends or family! Almaden Lake Park Almaden Lake Park is a beautiful place to spend a day with the family. Located in South San Jose, the park is a great escape from the city and provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The park features an abundance of hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as a lake that can be used for boating and fishing. There are also several playgrounds and a dog park where your pup can run around off-leash. If you're looking for something even more adventurous, check out the disc golf course or 18-hole mini-golf course. If you're looking for some outdoor fun around the San Jose area, we've got several suggestions for you. You don't have to travel far from home to enjoy a day or two in the sun and fresh air. Some of these destinations are a bit of a drive from San Jose, so make sure you're driving a car with great gas mileage, like the new Ford F-250SD. Check one out at Mission Valley Ford today!

Since it was first introduced back in the 1960s, the Ford Transit has become an icon in the US. As America's most popular cargo van, generations of citizens have grown up seeing these reliable, robust vehicles on every street. This year, there's a new Ford Transit 250 in the range, and it's getting everyone talking with its strikingly good looks and tons of amazing features that keep it head and shoulders above its competition. Need a New Cargo Van? Here Are 3 Reasons to Check Out the New Ford Transit 250 Fully Configurable With a fully configurable cabin, the Ford Transit Passenger boasts seating for up to 15 people; double what you get in large family cars. If you need more space for cargo or tools then the seats can all be fully rearranged and reduced to just the 2 at the front. Whether you're taking your entire team in one van to a job or whether you need to transport tons of goods, the new Transit is versatile enough for any occasion. High-Tech Gadgets Ford is one of the leaders in innovative smart technologies, and the new Ford Transit hasn't missed out on the same treatment. With Ford's CoPilot 360 system with intelligent cruise control, your car will alter its speed to match the car in front and even apply the emergency brakes to avoid a collision. The system also comes with Blind-Spot Alerts that warn you when there is a danger in your blind spot. Not only that, but with a web-based application that comes standard with the new Transit, you can keep an eye on all the vehicles in your business's fleet accurately and in real-time. This van is designed with the American workforce in mind. Maximum Payload and Towing Capabilities The aspect that has always set the Ford Transit ahead of its competition is that it is by far the largest and strongest van on the market. With its spacious cargo area, which can be set up to include shelves and racks, you'll never struggle to move all your work goods. Where other vans may struggle to get around when full of heavy goods, the Transit is never short on power, even when the cargo area is full and you're towing a trailer. Ford is serious about staying at the front of the pack when it comes to utility vans, and with all these amazing features, it's safe to say this new Transit will stay the most popular van this year. With its spacious cargo area, high-tech gadgets, and powerful engine, this van ticks all the boxes. Come on down and visit us at Mission Valley Ford and you can see these great vans for yourself.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and part of one of the largest urban areas in the entire United States, the city of San Jose, CA, is not only a top-rated tourist destination by itself but also a great gateway to explore the natural wonders of the region. If you are searching for new destinations to discover in your 2022 Ford F-150, here are three state parks you can reach in less than one hour from downtown San Jose. 3 State Parks You Can Drive to From San Jose, CA 1. Henry W. Coe State Park Spanning an area of over 87,000 acres, Henry W. Coe State Park is one of the largest nature reserves in the entire state of California and an excellent destination for San Jose locals wanting to spend a weekend away from the city. Located close to the small city of Morgan Hill, this place can be reached in a little under one hour by car from downtown San Jose, driving 35 miles southeast along route US-101. Established in the late 1950s and welcoming almost 35,000 visitors each year, Henry W. Coe State Park is a true oasis of nature that offers plenty of opportunities for all kinds of outdoor sports and recreational activities. This state park is a top-rated destination for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching and photography, and picnicking. Fully equipped campgrounds are available for those wanting to spend the night in the area. 2. Wilder Ranch State Park Sitting along the Pacific coast and just a few miles north of the city of Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch State Park is another excellent destination to unwind after a long week. With breathtaking views of a series of cliffs that drop into the ocean, this place offers excellent opportunities for various outdoor activities including hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding. Established in the late 1980s and spanning a territory of about 7,000 acres, this public recreation area is located just over 35 miles southwest of the San Jose city center and can be reached in about 50 minutes by car via route CA-17. Once you make your way here, some of the areas you should check out include the restored Wilder Ranch House, Sand Plant Beach, Strawberry Beach, and Wilder Beach. 3. Castle Rock State Park Featuring impressive rock formations, lush forests, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding areas, Castle Rock State Park is an expansive nature reserve that can be reached in less than 40 minutes by car from the San Jose city center. This nature reserve boasts over 30 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. If you are looking for a local dealership in the San Jose area to buy a new or used vehicle, visit us today at Mission Valley Ford Truck Sales! Check out our different models, learn about our latest deals, and ask our agents about our custom financing plans.

Summer is a time that everyone needs to take off from work. It's time you can engage in different summer activities and bond with your family. If you're considering camping or going on a road trip, you've come to the right place! Here are three fun activities you can drive to from San Jose, CA. 3 Fun Summer Activities You Can Drive to From San Jose, CA Castle Rock State Park Castle Rock State Park is a great place to go for a hike, climb, and picnic. The park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 30 minutes from downtown San Jose. It's a great place to explore if you're looking for a quiet hiking trail without having to drive very far. The park has over 19 miles of trails that wind through redwoods, creeks, and waterfalls. If you want more of an adventure with your hike, there are also some rock climbing spots where you can get up close and personal with the walls of Castle Rock. Guadalupe Oak Grove Park The Guadalupe Oak Grove Park is just 15 minutes from downtown San Jose. It features hiking trails that wind through oak groves and meadows. This park has a lot of different activities for families with kids of all ages. There's a playground, a splash pad, and a dog park so everyone can have fun. You'll find plenty of wildlife here as well: deer, hawks, and even bobcats. The park has a small picnic area with tables and grills where you can stop for lunch before heading back home. Henry W. Coe State Park This 5,000-acre park is a destination for hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. But it's also an ideal spot for car campers who want to explore the area's rugged terrain without having to pack in their gear. The park has three developed campgrounds that offer water and electrical hookups, as well as showers and restrooms. You can also snag a primitive campsite if you prefer more privacy or are traveling with pets — just make sure to get there early because these spots fill up fast! The park's trail system offers options for all levels of experience, including several hikes along the banks of Lake Almanor that cross through old-growth forests and meander past springs and waterfalls. There are also opportunities to see wildlife such as deer and bobcats, so keep your eyes peeled! Whether it's for a party, an outing with friends, or just a fun midday activity, California has no shortage of great places to visit. If you're planning a trip in and around San Jose, the Ford F-250SD Lariat is the ideal companion to explore the region's parks and outdoor spots. Visit Mission Valley Ford and find out what we have to offer you from our incredible showroom of new and pre-owned vehicles today.

Now in its sixth generation, Ford's Bronco has returned with a slew of cutting-edge technology and versatile features. In addition to improving on its legendary off-roading performance, the mid-sized SUV offers an enjoyable and comfortable driving experience. Read on to learn about the 2022 Ford Bronco! Basics About the 2022 Ford Bronco Power and Performance The Bronco has fully embraced modern automotive technology by adopting a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost inline-four engine as its standard powerplant. This engine offers impressive, efficient performance as it delivers up to 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. For hardcore rock crawlers, there's the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 that brings those figures up to 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. While the larger engine comes standard with a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, buyers who opt for the 2.3L motor can choose between the 10-speed automatic or a 7-speed manual transmission. As the Bronco is a serious off-roading machine, all models are equipped with a highly capable 4x4 system that uses multiple drive modes to help you tackle a variety of tricky terrain. Specially tuned suspension provides extra articulation. Exterior Design Take one look at the new Bronco and you'll know that it was meant to excel in rugged conditions. The SUV is available in 2-door and 4-door body styles, with the latter featuring removable doors that easily fit within the cargo area. A hardtop with removable panels or a folding soft top are also available. The long list of available options continues with durable tube doors, roof-mounted Yakima tents, and kayak carriers. The Bronco also boasts an available Ford Performance heavy-duty modular front bumper. In addition to providing increased clearance, the bumper can host additional lights, a winch, and a safari bar. It can even be fitted with a forward-sensing proximity monitor for added versatility. Passenger Cabin Step into the Bronco and you'll be impressed by the interior's high level of craftsmanship and innovative design. Whether you choose the Marine-grade vinyl seats of the Black Diamond model or the genuine leather trim of the Outer Banks, passengers will enjoy comfortable seating that holds up well against the rigors of an active lifestyle. Many trims come with easily washable rubber flooring with allows for easy draining of water and debris. Extra functionality is provided by the available MOLLE panel system that mounts to the back of the front seats and tightly secures a wide variety of items. Technology While you're adventuring in the great outdoors, easy access to navigation assistance and entertainment comes courtesy of the Bronco's intuitive SYNC 4 infotainment system. By utilizing its 8-inch and available 12-inch touchscreen or intuitive voice commands, you can control the audio system or find the closest point of interest. SYNC 4 offers many ways to connect your devices, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. With its awesome capability, the stylish Bronco has quickly reclaimed its spot at the top of the off-roading SUV heap! Check out the 2022 model for yourself by visiting Mission Valley Ford today!

Are you craving a delicious slice of baked pie or a deep-dish pizza to enjoy with your family and friends? When you take your Ford EcoSport for a tour to find great dining options, you'll discover some of the best pizza joints in and around San Jose, CA. Take the Ford and Check Out These 5 Best Pizza Joints Near San Jose, CA 1. Bossman's Pizza Bossman's Pizza offers a tasty variety of baked pies, barbecue chicken, garlic bread, fresh salads, and oven-baked sandwiches. You'll love the impressive selection of signature pizzas, including vegan, gluten-free, and unique baked pies with various ingredients and toppings. This pizza joint provides a casual dining atmosphere, friendly staff, and options for delivery and takeout. 2. Pizza California This local favorite is a wonderful spot to meet for lunch or dinner for a delicious meal. Pizza California serves a great assortment of baked pies, including homemade sourdough crust and a fantastic variety of toppings. You can indulge in your favorite slice of pie or order a custom-made pizza with salad, wings, or another tasty side. Pizza California features excellent craft beers, an impressive menu, and catering services for your private party or corporate event. You can visit Pizza California seven days a week, with takeout and delivery services available. Please drink responsibly, with moderation, and do not drink and drive. Alcohol is intended for adults of legal drinking age. 3. Pizza Bocca Lupo Pizza Bocca Lupo is a family-owned and operated restaurant specializing in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. You'll find this fantastic pizza place conveniently located downtown in the San Pedro Square Market. It features artisan-baked pies made to order with high-quality, natural ingredients. Pizza Bocca Lupo offers an exceptional dining space with regular specials and live entertainment. 4. Sammy G's Pizzeria This down-to-earth pizzeria serves creative, delicious dishes, including salads, submarines, pizzas, appetizers, and a great variety of beverages. You'll enjoy unique, custom-baked pies, including crunchy Bahn mi pizza, the farmer's market pizza, and much more. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients and served in generous portions. 5. Slice of Homage Pizza Slice of Homage Pizza is a terrific eatery that offers a great selection of traditional and signature pies. It's the ideal pizzeria to visit for your favorite slice or to place an order online for takeout or delivery. Slice of Homage Pizza is open seven days a week, and vegetarian options are available.On your next drive to San Jose, you'll find plenty of great pizza shops to order your favorite baked pie for dine-in or takeout. Come see us at Mission Valley Ford and learn all about our fantastic showroom deals, maintenance plans, and financing options for all your driving, budget, and lifestyle needs.

The alternator is essential for your Ford, as it produces the power for all your car's electrical systems. The average life of an alternator is eight years, but this can be reduced due to damage caused by other failing components. As your Ford dealer, we can perform an alternator repair for you and replace it if it's damaged or worn out. These are some signs that your alternator is in trouble. Do You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Ford Dealer? Burning Metal Smell If you smell a hot, metallic smell when driving, this is usually a sign that one of your engine components is overheating. When your alternator gets older, its worn components can't produce the level of power it once did. This causes problems for your car systems, as they all depend on a steady supply of electricity. The reduced power output from the alternator causes the alternator to spin faster to compensate. An alternator isn't designed for this increased speed, and it will heat up and produce a burning metal smell. The faster spinning motion will result in further damage to the alternator. Our technicians will examine your alternator and replace it immediately if it's overheating. Damaged Fuses Your Chevy's electrical components all have fuses attached to them. These fuses act as protection against sudden spikes or electrical overloads in the system. An electrical spike will strike the fuse, which blows and shuts down its component. A damaged fuse is easy to replace, and its sacrifice saves the component from damage. if the alternator fuse blows, this causes a major effect on your car. The alternator switches off immediately, and your car has to rely on battery power alone to support the spark plugs, pumps, and other electrical components. A battery has a very limited storage capacity, and these extra demands will quickly drain its power. We can easily replace the blown alternator fuse, and it'll switch on again. Worn Alternator Belt The alternator connects to a pulley, and this pulley spins as the alternator belt passes over it. The alternator belt is made from tough, reinforced rubber, and its movement is powered by the crankshaft. As the crankshaft turns when you drive, the alternator belt passes rapidly over the pulleys. This continual movement generates slight friction on the belt each time it moves. In time, the belt will show signs of wear. The rubber becomes less elastic, which will cause cracks to form. A crack in the belt will affect its speed and cause it to snap. We'll examine the belt and replace it if it's wearing out. A damaged alternator can shut your engine down. If you suspect a problem, call us immediately at Mission Valley Ford.