Straight From Scism

Service  |  Farmington, MO A winter of freeze, thaw and patched blacktop leaves its mark on tires and steering. This is what to look for this spring, and when a quick check can save a set of tires. By March, everybody in St. Francois County has a mental map of the worst potholes. There's the one by the stoplight you can't swerve around. There's the washboard stretch on the county road home, and the patch that sank again after the last freeze. Your tires and suspension took every one of those hits. Usually a pothole leaves you with a jolt and a bad word. Sometimes, though, it nudges the wheels out of alignment or bruises a tire, and you don't see the damage until it's worn in over the next few thousand miles. Spring's the time to look, before a small problem eats a set of tires. Quick answer: A hard pothole hit can knock the alignment off or damage a tire. Watch for a pull to one side, an off center steering wheel, vibration or uneven tread wear. Ford recommends rotating tires at every oil change and checking pressure monthly, and spring's big temperature swings make that monthly check count. Rotation Every oil change, per Ford Pressure check Monthly, to the door jamb label Alignment check After a hard hit or new tires In this post Why pothole season hurts Signs of misalignment Reading tire wear Spring pressure swings Rotation timing When to replace tires Why Is Spring Pothole Season Hard on Tires and Alignment? Water gets into cracks in the road, freezes, expands and then thaws. That leaves a weak spot, and traffic breaks it open. Cold snaps followed by warm afternoons run that cycle over and over all winter, so the roads look their worst in early spring. Drop a tire into one at speed and the force goes straight through the wheel into the suspension and steering. Hit it hard enough and you can shift the alignment or bend a wheel. It can also pinch the tire against the rim and hurt the sidewall from the inside. Gravel county roads are their own kind of hard. Loose rock and washboard ruts chew at tread and shake suspension parts every day. A truck that lives on gravel needs a closer eye than one that stays on pavement. What Are the Signs Your Ford Is Out of Alignment? Alignment trouble tends to creep up on you. After a rough stretch of road, watch for these: Get these checked soon Pulling to one side. On a flat, straight road, your Ford drifts left or right when you ease off the wheel. Off center steering wheel. The wheel sits crooked while you drive straight ahead, even if the truck tracks fine. Vibration at speed. A shake through the steering wheel can mean a bent wheel, a tire problem or balance. Have it looked at. A bulge or bubble on the sidewall. That points to internal tire damage. Replace the tire before it fails, especially before highway driving. Uneven or fast tread wear. One edge wearing faster than the other is a classic alignment clue. If you hit something hard enough to wince, ask for an alignment check next time you book. Catching it early saves the tires you already paid for. What Do Uneven Tire Wear Patterns Tell You? Your tread keeps a record of how the truck's been treated. Run a hand across it and look close at the edges: Inner or outer edge worn down: usually a camber issue, meaning the wheel leans inward or outward instead of standing straight. Feathered tread: ribs that feel smooth one way and sharp the other often point to a toe problem. Center worn more than the edges: a sign the tire has been run overinflated. Both edges worn more than the center: a sign of running underinflated. Cupped or scalloped spots: can point to worn suspension parts or balance trouble. If one tire's wearing oddly and the rest look fine, the problem's usually at that corner. A technician can measure tread depth across each tire and tell you what fixes it. A truck that lives on gravel needs a closer eye than one that stays on pavement. Why Does Tire Pressure Swing So Much in Spring? Air shrinks when it cools and expands when it warms. Goodyear puts it at roughly 1 to 2 PSI for every 10 degree drop. A Missouri spring morning in the 30s can turn into an afternoon in the 70s, so pressure you set on a warm day can read low the next cold morning. That's why the tire pressure light likes to pop on during a chilly start and go out a few miles later. Don't ignore it anyway. Low pressure wears the shoulders and costs you fuel economy. It also makes a tire easier for a pothole to damage. Set pressure to the number on the label inside the driver door jamb, not the maximum printed on the sidewall. Check it cold, before you drive. Ford recommends once a month. Park Hills driver tip If you pull a loaded trailer to the lake one weekend and drive empty the next, look up the load related pressure guidance in your Owner's Manual. If your truck goes back and forth between heavy loads and empty commutes on US 67, run a gauge over the tires before each trip. Schedule Tire Service See Service Specials How Often Should You Rotate Ford Tires? Ford keeps it simple. Rotate the tires every time you get the oil changed. On most vehicles the fronts do the steering and carry more weight, so they wear differently than the rears. Swapping them around evens that out, and the whole set lasts longer. It's also a chance for the technician to catch a nail in the tread or a damaged sidewall early. If your Ford spends a lot of time on gravel, stick to that schedule. You don't even have to come in for it. Ford Mobile Service handles tire rotations at your home or work, depending on distance and availability. Book through the dealer, the FordPass app, or by calling 573-430-1693. When Is It Time for New Tires? Tires don't wait for a convenient month. The usual signs a set is done: Tread at the wear bars: small raised bars molded into the grooves sit at 2/32 inch. When the tread is flush with them, the tire is worn out. Poor wet traction: spring storms find worn tires fast. If your Ford slides more than it used to in the rain, the tread may be shallower than it looks. Sidewall damage: cuts, bulges or cracking from age or a hard pothole hit. Uneven wear past saving: once a tire's worn badly on one edge, an alignment won't bring that tread back. When it's time, tell the service team how you drive. Highway commuting toward St. Louis calls for a different tire than gravel and mud around the farm. Get an alignment check with the new set so they wear evenly from day one. Book it your way Schedule online, in the FordPass app, or call 573-430-1693. Or stay put and let Ford Mobile Service rotate your tires at home or work. Potholes and Damage Can one pothole knock my Ford out of alignment? + A hard enough hit can shift alignment angles, bend a wheel or damage a tire. If the steering feels different afterward, get it checked. How do I know if a pothole damaged my tire? + Look for a bulge on the sidewall, a cut, or a slow loss of pressure. Any sidewall bulge means the tire should be replaced. Are gravel roads hard on tires? + Loose rock and washboard ruts wear tread and stress suspension parts, so trucks that live on gravel benefit from regular rotations and inspections. Alignment What are the signs I need an alignment? + Pulling to one side, an off center steering wheel and uneven tread wear are the most common signs. How often should alignment be checked? + Tire makers suggest a check at least once a year, after a hard impact, and whenever new tires go on. Does a crooked steering wheel always mean bad alignment? + Usually, though worn steering or suspension parts can cause it too. A technician can tell which one it is. Tire Pressure Why does my tire pressure light come on when it is cold? + Cold air takes up less space, so pressure drops overnight. The light may go out once the tires warm up, but check and adjust them anyway. What pressure should my Ford tires be? + Use the pressure listed on the label inside the driver door jamb, measured when the tires are cold. How often should I check tire pressure? + Ford recommends a monthly check, and spring temperature swings make that habit more important. Rotation and Replacement How often should Ford tires be rotated? + Ford says to rotate them every time you get an oil change, which keeps wear even across all four. When should I replace my tires? + Replace them when the tread reaches the wear bars, when wet traction fades, or when the sidewall is damaged. Can I replace just one tire? + Sometimes, depending on how worn the others are and whether your Ford has four wheel or all wheel drive. Ask the service team before buying a single tire. Scheduling and Convenience Can Ford Mobile Service rotate my tires at home? + Tire rotation is on the Mobile Service list, depending on distance and availability. Book through the dealer or the FordPass app. Are there tire or alignment specials? + Check our Service and Parts Specials page for current offers, which change through the year. When is the Sam Scism Ford service department open? + Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed from noon to 1:00 PM and on weekends. Talk to a service advisor Call 573-430-1693 or send us a message about that pull or vibration. Contact Us Visit the service center See what our Ford trained team handles. Service Center

Ford F-150 Nine versions of one truck can make a showroom visit feel like a quiz. We'll sort the 2025 Ford F-150 lineup by the work you do and the kind of miles you put on around Southeast Missouri. Walk the F-150 row on our lot and the trucks start to blur together. Same shape, same badge, but the window stickers tell very different stories. We'll have a hay hauler from Fredericktown, a contractor working job sites in Festus and a Farmington family with three kids in travel ball all come in asking for an F-150. They almost never leave in the same one. The 2025 Ford F-150 is the newest one on the lot this winter, and Ford builds a share of them at its Kansas City Assembly Plant on the other side of the state. Ford calls 2025 a carryover year with no major changes. So it really comes down to four choices: trim, engine, cab and bed. Quick answer: The 2025 Ford F-150 runs from the XL work truck through the STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum, with the Tremor, Raptor and Raptor R for off road use. Farm and job site buyers usually end up in an XL, STX or XLT, and families tend to go XLT or Lariat. If you want a generator built into the truck, look at the PowerBoost hybrid with Pro Power Onboard. Trims XL through Platinum, plus Tremor, Raptor and Raptor R Engines 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.5L PowerBoost Max towing Up to 13,500 lb when properly equipped In this post The 2025 lineup Choosing an engine Trims for farm and job site Trims for family and commuting Tremor and Raptor Pro Power Onboard Which Trims Make Up the 2025 Ford F-150 Lineup? There are six main trims and three off road versions. Roughly from basic to loaded: XL: the work truck, built to be used hard and cleaned out with a hose. STX: XL basics with a sportier look and 20 inch wheels. XLT: the trim most people picture, with more comfort and tech. Lariat: leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a step up in finish. King Ranch: Western styled two tone design with massaging front seats. Platinum: the dressiest F-150 in the main lineup. Tremor, Raptor and Raptor R: the off road builds, from trail ready to desert runner. Every 2025 F-150 has a 10 speed automatic, with rear wheel drive or four wheel drive depending on trim. You can get a Regular Cab, SuperCab or SuperCrew with a 5.5, 6.5 or 8 foot bed. Not every cab comes with every bed or every trim, though. Which 2025 Ford F-150 Engine Fits How You Drive? The engine matters as much as the trim, and what you can get depends on trim and cab. The main 2025 options: 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Plenty for commuting and light to moderate towing. 5.0L V8: 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. If you want a V8 that feels and sounds like one, it's still here. 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft. This is the one for regular heavy towing. It's part of the setup Ford uses to hit its 13,500 pound maximum when properly equipped. 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid: 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft combined, offered on the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. Towing numbers swing a lot with cab, bed, axle ratio and packages. Go by the sticker on the exact truck, not the headline maximum. Our sales team can pull the rating for any F-150 we've got. Pick the engine for the heaviest thing you tow every month, not the heaviest thing you might tow someday. Which Ford F-150 Trims Fit Farm and Job Site Work? Ford F-150 XL This is your feed store and job site truck. A Class IV hitch, LED headlights, a 12 inch touchscreen and a set of driver assist features all come standard. Regular Cab with the 8 foot bed is the classic farm setup. If you're buying for a fleet, our commercial team handles upfits. Ford F-150 STX The STX keeps the XL's working gear and adds 20 inch wheels and a sharper look. It's for someone who works it all week and still wants it looking good in the church parking lot on Sunday. Ford F-150 XLT XLT is where the F-150 gets comfortable for long days. You get dual zone automatic climate control, and you can add the 360 degree camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. It's also the most affordable way into the PowerBoost hybrid. A farmer who puts highway miles on too will find an XLT SuperCrew covers a lot of ground. Pick the engine for the heaviest thing you tow every month, not the heaviest thing you might tow someday. Fredericktown driver tip If most of your miles are gravel county roads with a livestock or equipment trailer behind you, put the money into four wheel drive and the 3.5L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8 before a dressier trim. Comfort can come after, if there's room in the budget. Shop Ford F-150 Inventory Custom Order a Ford F-150 Which Ford F-150 Trims Fit Family and Commuting? A SuperCrew's back seat has room for car seats and growing teenagers, and plenty of families around Park Hills and Desloge use one as the main vehicle. How comfortable it gets is up to the trim. Ford F-150 Lariat Lariat adds leather, heated and ventilated power front seats, power folding mirrors and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. For a daily commute up US 67 to a St. Louis area job, this is usually where the truck stops feeling like work equipment. Ford F-150 King Ranch and Platinum King Ranch leans Western, with two tone paint and trim, a twin panel moonroof and massaging front seats. Platinum is dressier, with its own interior and exterior trim and heated rear seats. Either one is for the buyer who wants a full size truck that rides and feels like a luxury SUV. On a family truck, take a hard look at the PowerBoost hybrid. It pulls strong, the electric assist helps in stop and go traffic, and the onboard generator turns the bed into a power source for camping or a long outage. Where Do the Ford F-150 Tremor and Raptor Fit? The Ford F-150 Tremor is a four wheel drive SuperCrew with a 5.5 foot bed, 33 inch all terrain tires, an off road tuned suspension and a locking rear differential. It's the practical pick for a hunter who has to get back into rough ground in Mark Twain National Forest and still tow a trailer home. The Ford F-150 Raptor is a different animal. Its high output 3.5L EcoBoost makes 450 horsepower, and it runs Fox adaptive shocks on standard 35 inch tires. The Raptor R gets a supercharged 5.2L V8 rated at 720 horsepower and 37 inch tires. Both are built for high speed off road driving more than daily towing. Around here, most folks who want off road ability without giving up towing go with the Tremor. The Raptor's for someone who wants the most capable F-150 off pavement and plans to use it that way. What Is Ford F-150 Pro Power Onboard and Who Needs It? Pro Power Onboard puts outlets in the bed so the truck works as a generator. Gas engines get a 2.0 kW system. With the PowerBoost hybrid, 2.4 kW is standard and 7.2 kW is available, and that's enough to run serious tools or keep the essentials going at home when a storm knocks the power out. It'll run saws on a De Soto job site or a welder at the far end of a farm, and it's handy at a state park campsite too. It varies by trim and engine, so check the window sticker on the truck you're looking at. If the exact mix of trim, engine and Pro Power output you want isn't on the lot, you can custom order it. Ford doesn't charge extra for ordering, and our team can track the truck once a VIN is assigned. For a side by side look at the F-150 against the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra, see our Ford F-150 comparison page. Warranty Forever Your new Ford F-150 from Sam Scism Ford includes Warranty Forever at no charge. Listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts stay covered for as long as you own the truck, regardless of miles, with no deductible. Keep up the customary maintenance and records. See us for the details. How it works Trims and Lineup How many trims does the 2025 Ford F-150 have? + Six main trims (XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum) plus the off road Tremor, Raptor and Raptor R. What is the difference between the Ford F-150 XL and STX? + The STX keeps the XL's working basics and adds 20 inch wheels and a sportier appearance. Did the Ford F-150 change much for 2025? + Ford treated 2025 as a carryover year without major changes, so the lineup closely matches the 2024 truck. Engines and Towing How much can a 2025 Ford F-150 tow? + Up to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. The rating for any given truck depends on engine, cab, bed, axle ratio and packages. Which Ford F-150 engine is good for regular towing? + The 3.5L EcoBoost V6, with 500 lb-ft of torque, is the usual choice for frequent heavy towing. The 5.0L V8 suits buyers who prefer a traditional V8. Is the Ford F-150 still offered with a V8? + The 5.0L V8 remains available for 2025 on several trims, rated at 400 horsepower. PowerBoost and Pro Power Onboard Which Ford F-150 trims offer PowerBoost? + For 2025 the PowerBoost full hybrid is offered on the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. How much power can Pro Power Onboard supply? + Gas engines offer a 2.0 kW system. With PowerBoost, 2.4 kW is standard and 7.2 kW is available. Can a Ford F-150 power my house in an outage? + Pro Power Onboard can run tools, appliances and extension cords from the truck's outlets. Ask our team what the setup on a specific truck can handle. Work and Family Fit Which Ford F-150 is good for farm work? + The XL and XLT with four wheel drive, the right bed and a towing focused engine fit most farm use. Regular Cab with the 8 foot bed is a common choice for hauling. Is the Ford F-150 SuperCrew big enough for a family? + There's room back there for car seats and adults, and lots of families around here use one as their main vehicle. Should I get the Ford F-150 Tremor or Raptor? + The Tremor balances off road hardware with everyday towing, while the Raptor is built for high speed off road driving. Buying in Farmington Can I custom order a 2025 Ford F-150? + You can start an order online and our team submits it to Ford. Lead times vary, and Ford does not charge extra for ordering. Does Sam Scism Ford sell work truck upfits? + Our commercial team handles F-150 and Super Duty upfits such as utility bodies, ladder racks and liftgates for fleets and trades across Southeast Missouri. Where can I compare the Ford F-150 with other trucks? + Our F-150 comparison page lines it up against the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra. Trade in your truck Get an offer on your current truck, any make. Value Your Trade Plan the payment Explore financing for your next Ford F-150. Finance Center

Service  |  Farmington, MO A battery that limped through fall tends to quit on the first hard freeze. These are the signs to watch for, how we test it, and what a newer Ford needs once a new one goes in. It's a morning in the teens. You turn the key or push the button, and the engine groans over slower than it should. Maybe it catches. Maybe the dash lights flicker and that's it. Either way, the battery just told you something. Cold doesn't usually kill a healthy battery. It finds the one that was already getting weak. Around Farmington, Bonne Terre and the rest of St. Francois County, the first real cold snap of the year is when our service drive fills up with Fords that started fine in October. Quick answer: Cold slows the chemistry inside a battery while a cold engine takes more to crank, so a weak battery that got by in fall often fails on the first hard freeze. A quick test tells you where it stands before it leaves you stuck. On newer Fords with a battery management system or Auto Start-Stop, a new battery has to be set up right so the electrical system reads it correctly. Cold weather risk Less battery output, more cranking effort Quick check Battery test during any service visit At your door Ford Mobile Service can replace batteries In this post Why cold exposes weak batteries Warning signs How testing works Resets on newer Fords Battery service at home Helping a battery last Why Does Cold Weather Expose a Weak Battery? A battery makes power through a chemical reaction, and that reaction slows down as it gets colder. On a bitter morning it just has less to give. Meanwhile the engine wants more. Cold oil is thicker, so the starter has to work harder to spin it over. Less going out and more being asked for is how a battery with some age on it can feel fine all fall, then give out the first week the wind chill drops below zero. Summer's part of it too. Our hot, humid months wear on a battery's insides, and you often don't see the damage until winter puts a real load on it. If yours has a couple of Missouri summers behind it, get it tested before the coldest weeks. What Are the Warning Signs of a Failing Battery? Batteries rarely die without dropping a few hints. Watch for these, especially on cold mornings: Do not ignore these Slow or labored cranking. If it turns over sluggishly, there may not be enough left for the next cold start. Battery or charging warning light. A light on the dash can point to the battery, the alternator or a connection problem. Get it checked soon. Dim lights or flickering screens at startup. Headlights that brighten when you rev, or a center screen that reboots during cranking, suggest low voltage. Auto Start-Stop no longer shutting the engine off. On many Fords this is one of the first clues that charge is low, though cold weather alone can also keep it from engaging. Corrosion or a swollen case. White or green buildup on the terminals, or a battery case that's bulging, means it's time for a closer look. One sign by itself doesn't always mean the battery's done. A test sorts out whether it's the battery, the charging system or something pulling power while the vehicle sits. How Is a Ford Battery Tested? A real battery test takes a few minutes and tells you a lot more than a voltage reading in the driveway. At Sam Scism Ford it usually goes like this. 1 Check the battery's health The technician hooks up an electronic tester to measure state of charge and how much cranking power the battery can still deliver, then compares that to what it was built to do. 2 Look at the charging system If the battery's fine, we check the alternator and connections next. A weak alternator can drain a good battery. 3 Inspect cables and terminals Loose clamps and corrosion cause plenty of no starts. Sometimes cleaning and tightening fixes it and you don't need a battery at all. 4 Review the results with you We'll tell you if it passed, if it's getting weak or if it needs replacing now. That way you decide, not the weather. Ford's Multi Point Inspection includes a look at battery life, so we can check it on any service visit. Don't wait for a no start. Schedule a Battery Test See Service Specials Why Do Newer Fords Need a Battery Reset After Replacement? Older trucks only cared that the battery had a charge. A lot of newer Fords keep a close eye on it with a battery management system. That system tracks charge and health, decides how hard to charge, and cuts back on electrical features when it needs to protect the battery. Put a new battery in and that system has to learn it. Ford owner manuals describe a relearn period with the vehicle shut off and sitting, and until it finishes, some comfort features such as heated seats or the rear defroster may shut off sooner than normal. Some models also call for the system to be reset with service tools so it knows a fresh battery is installed. Your Owner's Manual lists the procedure for your vehicle. What does this mean for Auto Start-Stop? Ford's Auto Start-Stop won't shut the engine off at a light if battery charge is low or it's too cold outside. It also stays running until the engine's warmed up and while the cabin still needs heat. So on a frigid morning, an engine that keeps idling at the light is usually normal. If it's still not shutting off after weeks of mild weather, the battery or the battery management system may need a look. Why match the battery to the vehicle? Fords with Auto Start-Stop and heavy electrical loads are built around a specific battery type and size. The wrong one can wear out early and confuse the electrical system. We put in Motorcraft batteries matched to your Ford and take care of any reset. Farmington driver tip If your Ford sits most of the week, like a farm truck parked between hay runs or a second car that only goes to church, a longer drive on US 67 or MO 32 once a week helps keep the battery charged. Five minute hops across town in January don't give it time to recover from the morning start. Can Ford Mobile Service Replace a Battery at Home? It can. Ford Mobile Service sends a technician to your home or work for routine jobs, and batteries are on that list. It depends on distance and the schedule, so call ahead or book through us or the FordPass app. If it won't start at all, tell the service desk that up front at 573-430-1693. We'll figure out with you whether a jump and a trip in or a mobile visit makes more sense for where you are. You're welcome to bring it in, too. Service hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, closed from noon to 1:00 PM. There's Wi-Fi and coffee in the lounge, or the courtesy shuttle can run you to work while we handle it. How Can You Help a Battery Last Through Winter? No battery lasts forever. A few habits help it go longer: Shut off accessories before you shut off the engine. Leaving the heater fan, lights and radio on adds load at the next start. Watch for parasitic drains. Aftermarket accessories, dash cams and chargers left plugged in can pull power while the vehicle sits. Use a maintainer on vehicles that sit. A trickle charger keeps a seldom driven truck or trailer tow vehicle ready. Keep terminals clean and tight. Corrosion adds resistance the starter doesn't need on a cold morning. Test before the coldest weeks. Better to know now than in a parking lot. Book it your way Schedule online, in the FordPass app, or call 573-430-1693. If you'd rather have it done at home or work, ask about Ford Mobile Service for battery replacement. Cold Weather and Batteries Why does my Ford start slower in cold weather? + Cold slows the battery's chemical reaction while thicker oil makes the engine harder to crank. A battery near the end of its life shows it first on frigid mornings. Can a battery that tested fine in fall fail in winter? + It happens. Cold adds load a borderline battery can't handle, so a second test before the coldest weeks makes sense. Does summer heat affect battery life? + Heat wears down a battery's internals over time, and the damage often shows up the following winter. Testing and Diagnosis How long does a battery test take? + The test itself takes only a few minutes, and it can be added to any service visit. What if the battery passes but the truck still will not start? + The alternator, cables, starter or a parasitic drain could be the cause. Our technicians check the charging system and connections next. Is a dash battery light always the battery? + Not always. It can point to the alternator or a bad connection, and a test is how you find out. Newer Ford Technology Why does my Auto Start-Stop stop working in winter? + Ford's system won't shut the engine off when it's too cold outside, the engine's cold or the battery's low. That's normal on frigid days. Does a new battery need to be programmed? + Many newer Fords have a battery management system that has to learn the new battery, and some models need a reset with service tools. Your Owner's Manual lists the steps for your vehicle. Can I install any battery that fits? + Fords with Auto Start-Stop and heavy electrical loads are built for a specific battery type. Matching it avoids short battery life and electrical glitches. Replacement and Parts What batteries does Sam Scism Ford install? + Our technicians install Motorcraft batteries matched to your Ford's requirements. Are there battery specials right now? + Current offers are listed on our Service and Parts Specials page, which changes through the year. Can I buy a battery and install it myself? + You can order parts through our parts department at 573-430-1680. On newer Fords, ask about any reset your vehicle needs after the swap. Scheduling and Convenience Can Ford Mobile Service replace my battery at home? + Batteries are on the Mobile Service list, depending on distance and availability. Book through the dealer or the FordPass app. What are the service department hours? + Service runs 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, closed from noon to 1:00 PM and on weekends. How do I schedule a battery test in Farmington? + Book online, use the FordPass app, or call 573-430-1693. Sam Scism Ford is at 5019 Flat River Road. Meet the service team See what the Sam Scism Ford service center handles. Service Center Need a part Order genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts. Order Parts

Buying  |  Farmington, MO Every new Ford we sell comes with lifetime powertrain coverage at no charge. We'll walk through what it covers and where it stops, plus the one thing you have to do to keep it. Folks who come in from Park Hills, Fredericktown or Bonne Terre usually want to know the catch once they hear about Warranty Forever. Lifetime coverage that costs nothing sounds too good, so people figure the fine print guts it. It doesn't. Warranty Forever does one specific job, and it does it for as long as you own the vehicle. It covers the parts that make a Ford go and asks you to keep up with maintenance. There are a few clear limits too, and it's a lot better to know them before you sign than to find out years from now. Quick answer: Warranty Forever comes at no charge on every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford, It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, with no deductible. Keep up the customary maintenance in your agreement and keep the records. It doesn't include towing or a rental. What it covers Listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts How long As long as you own it, any mileage Your part Customary maintenance plus records In this post What Warranty Forever is What it covers What it leaves out Maintenance and records The 150 mile rule How it compares What Is Warranty Forever at Sam Scism Ford? It's a lifetime powertrain plan we include with every new Ford and most used vehicles we sell at Sam Scism Ford, and there's no added charge for it. It's our dealer program, not a factory warranty from Ford Motor Company. It runs alongside whatever Ford coverage your vehicle already has. The length is what people remember. It lasts as long as you own the vehicle, and there's no mileage cap. A Ford Maverick that racks up commuting miles on US 67 and a Ford Expedition that only sees church and ball games are on the same footing. No deductible on a covered repair, either. Covered parts and labor are paid at 100 percent. Which used vehicles qualify varies, so ask your salesperson about the one you're looking at and get the full details from us. What Parts Does Warranty Forever Cover? It's built around the powertrain, meaning the parts that turn fuel into motion at the wheels. The agreement splits covered components into these groups: Engine: listed internal and related engine components. Transmission: listed transmission components, including parts tied to how the truck or SUV shifts. Drive axle: listed parts that carry power from the transmission out to the wheels. Those are the repairs that can wreck a household budget, so that's where the plan puts its weight. The exact component list is in your agreement. Have your salesperson go through it with you line by line before you sign. Warranty Forever does one specific job, and it does it for as long as you own the vehicle. What Does Warranty Forever Not Cover? Plenty of people get burned assuming a plan covers more than it does. Know these going in: Know these limits Towing and rental. Warranty Forever won't pay for a tow or a rental car. Ford roadside coverage, a plan you bought or your insurance might, so check what you already have. Wear items. Brakes, tires, wipers and batteries wear out with use. They aren't on the powertrain list, so budget for them as normal upkeep. Parts outside the list. Air conditioning, infotainment and body parts aren't engine, transmission or drive axle parts. If you're not sure about a part, ask us before you assume. A new owner. The agreement isn't transferable. It ends when you sell or trade the vehicle. That doesn't make it a weak plan. It covers the big powertrain failures, and normal wear is still on you, same as with any vehicle. How Do the Maintenance and Records Rules Work? All Warranty Forever asks is that you follow the customary maintenance in the agreement and keep records that prove it. Skip that and a claim can be denied. 1 Read the schedule in your agreement Have your salesperson show you which services it lists and how often. Your Owner's Manual and the FordPass app show Ford's schedule for the same vehicle. 2 Keep up with oil changes and inspections Most of it is routine work like oil changes and inspections. If you book with our service department at 573-430-1693, the visits and the paperwork all end up in one place. 3 Hold on to every receipt Save the repair order from every visit, ours or another shop's. A folder in the glovebox works. So do photos on your phone. 4 Call before a covered repair If the engine, transmission or drivetrain feels off, call us first so the claim starts out right. Desloge driver tip If you change your own oil in the garage, keep the receipts for the oil and filter and write the date and mileage on each one. Then ask us up front whether doing it yourself meets the records rule in your agreement, so you're not guessing later. Shop New Fords Schedule Service What Is the 150 Mile Repair Rule? Where a covered repair gets done depends on where your Ford is when it breaks. Inside 150 miles of the dealership, it's done here at Sam Scism Ford on Flat River Road. That circle takes in Farmington, Perryville, Festus, Potosi and the whole St. Louis area. Farther out, any licensed repair facility can do it, but you need prior authorization before the work starts. That matters on road trips. Break down on the way to Kansas City or Memphis and you're well past 150 miles. Call the claims contact in your agreement first, before you sign the nearest shop's work order. Keep that claims number with your records so you can find it on the shoulder. If you're not sure who to call, start with us and we'll point you the right way. How Does Warranty Forever Compare With the Ford Factory Warranty and Ford Protect Plans? These do different jobs, and they stack. Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty For 2025 model year Fords, the factory warranty includes bumper to bumper coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles and powertrain coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Ford also lists separate terms for safety restraints, corrosion and hybrid components. Bumper to bumper covers far more parts than Warranty Forever does. It also runs out. Warranty Forever Ours sticks to listed powertrain parts and doesn't end while you own the vehicle. In the early years it overlaps Ford's own powertrain coverage, and once you're past 5 years or 60,000 miles, it just keeps going. Ford Protect extended service plans Ford Protect plans are service contracts you buy. Ford offers several levels, from PowertrainCARE up to PremiumCARE, and lists benefits like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement with them. If you want longer coverage on electronics, air conditioning or towing, talk to our Finance Center. They'll show you what's available for your vehicle, what it costs and how it lines up with Warranty Forever. Warranty Forever No charge, no deductible, no mileage cap on listed powertrain parts for as long as the vehicle is yours. Keep the maintenance and the receipts, and see the dealer for full details. How it works Coverage Basics Does Warranty Forever cost extra? + It doesn't. Sam Scism Ford includes it with every new Ford and most used vehicles we sell. Is Warranty Forever a Ford factory warranty? + It's a Sam Scism Ford program, separate from the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Both can be in place on the same vehicle. Is there a mileage limit? + Coverage lasts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of how many miles you put on it. Covered Parts Which parts does Warranty Forever include? + Listed engine, transmission and drive axle components. Ask your salesperson to show you the full component list in the agreement. Is there a deductible on covered repairs? + Covered repairs carry no deductible, and covered parts and labor are paid at 100 percent. Are brakes or tires covered? + Those are wear items, not powertrain parts, so plan on them as routine upkeep. Keeping Coverage What do I need to do to keep Warranty Forever? + Follow the customary maintenance in your agreement and keep records of every service. Missing maintenance can lead to a denied claim. Do I have to get service at Sam Scism Ford? + Ask our team how service done elsewhere is handled under your agreement. Wherever the work is done, keep the receipts with date and mileage. Can I transfer Warranty Forever to a buyer? + No. It stays with you, not the vehicle, and ends when you sell or trade it. Repairs and Claims Where are covered repairs done? + Within 150 miles of the dealership, covered repairs are done at Sam Scism Ford. Beyond that distance, any licensed repair facility can do the work with prior authorization. Does Warranty Forever pay for a tow or rental car? + Towing and rental are not part of the plan. Check what your Ford roadside coverage, insurance or any purchased plan includes. What should I do first if my engine or transmission acts up? + Call the dealership before any repair starts. Getting authorization first keeps a covered claim on track. Comparing Your Options How long is the Ford factory warranty? + For 2025 model year Fords, bumper to bumper coverage runs 3 years or 36,000 miles and powertrain coverage runs 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Should I still consider a Ford Protect plan? + It depends on how long you keep vehicles and how much you want covered beyond the powertrain. Our finance team can compare the plan levels for your vehicle. Does Warranty Forever come on used vehicles? + Most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford include it. Your salesperson can confirm it on the one you're looking at. Check new Ford offers See current specials on new Fords that come with Warranty Forever. New Specials Shopping pre owned Most used vehicles we sell include it too. Shop Used

Service  |  Farmington, MO Your Ford keeps track of its own oil life. We'll show you how to read it, what we look at while it's in the shop, and why the way folks drive around here can move the date up. The holidays are over. You put a few hundred extra miles on visiting family, and the sticker in the corner of the windshield says you're due. The dash says there's still life left in the oil. We get asked which one to trust pretty much every January. On most newer Fords, the oil life percentage on your dash is the schedule. The sticker on the windshield is only a reminder. Ford puts an Intelligent Oil Life Monitor in its vehicles that keeps an eye on how you drive and tells you when service is due. It still works inside some limits, though, and the way people drive around Farmington, Park Hills and the rest of St. Francois County has a lot to do with when your next oil change comes up. Quick answer: Most current Fords tell you when they need an oil change through the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor, and Ford caps it at one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Short trips, gravel roads, towing and hard cold snaps can bring that date sooner. We rotate the tires and look the rest of it over on the same visit. Oil and filter When the monitor calls for it, up to 1 year or 10,000 miles Tougher conditions Short trips, dusty roads, towing and idling shorten it Your exact schedule Owner's Manual and the FordPass app In this post How the oil life monitor works What a service visit covers How local driving changes it How a visit works Why records matter How Does a Ford Know When It Needs an Oil Change? The monitor doesn't count days on a calendar. It watches engine temperature, trip length, idle time and load, then figures how much useful life the oil has left. When that percentage gets low, you'll get a message on the cluster saying an oil change is due. That's why two identical F-150s with the same miles can come due at different times. A truck running steady highway miles up US 67 toward Festus is easier on its oil than one making short hops between job sites in Farmington, where the engine never fully warms up. There's still a ceiling. Ford wants an oil and filter change at least once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, even if the display shows life left. Once the message pops up, try to get in within a couple of weeks. Don't let it ride. What Gets Checked During a Ford Oil Change? Oil changes are the visit we see most, so we treat each one as a checkup too. A typical visit at Sam Scism Ford covers: Oil and filter: fresh oil that meets the specification for your engine and a new filter. Tire rotation: moving tires front to rear on schedule so they wear evenly, plus a look at tread depth and pressure. Multi point inspection: brakes, belts, hoses, wipers, lights, battery and fluid levels. Filters as they come due: engine and cabin air filters on the intervals your schedule lists. Open recalls: a check for any open recall or software update tied to your VIN. That's what most visits look like. Every model and engine has its own list, though, so your Owner's Manual and the FordPass app have the final say for yours. The oil life percentage on your dash is the schedule. The sticker on the windshield is only a reminder. Does Driving in Southeast Missouri Change the Schedule? It can. Ford's schedule has a list of tougher conditions that call for oil service more often. Lots of short trips is one. Dusty or gravel roads, long idling, towing or hauling heavy loads and very cold weather are the others. A lot of normal driving around here checks those boxes. Farmington driver tip If your week means gravel county roads, a trailer out to the farm or a bunch of five minute trips across town, come in when the monitor first asks. Don't stretch it toward 10,000 miles. January cold snaps are rough on batteries too, so it's a good time to have yours tested while you're here. Do not wait on these Oil pressure warning. Pull over safely and shut the engine off. Driving on low oil pressure can ruin an engine fast. Low oil level message. Check the level and get it looked at soon, since some engines use a little oil between changes. New noises or smells. Ticking, knocking or a burning oil smell means call us now. Don't wait for the next interval. Schedule Service See Service Specials What Happens When You Bring Your Ford to Sam Scism Ford? It goes about the same way whether you wait in the lounge or have us come to you. 1 Book a time that works Schedule online, through the FordPass app, or by calling the service desk at 573-430-1693. Let us know what the oil life monitor reads and anything you've noticed. 2 Drop off, wait, or stay home Bring it to 5019 Flat River Road and grab a coffee in the lounge, or take the courtesy shuttle. For routine work, ask about Ford Mobile Service at your home or office. 3 Ford trained technicians do the work We use oil that meets Ford's spec for your engine and genuine Motorcraft parts. The rotation and inspection get done while it's on the lift. 4 Review what we found We'll go over what we did and anything coming due, so the next visit isn't a surprise. Some routine jobs don't need a trip to the shop at all. Ford Mobile Service can do oil changes, tire rotations, batteries, wipers and diagnostic scans where you are, depending on distance and availability. Why Do Maintenance Records Matter So Much? A stack of service records does two jobs. It shows the next buyer the vehicle was taken care of, and that helps at trade time. It also protects coverage you've already got. That goes double if you bought with Warranty Forever at Sam Scism Ford. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle. What it asks of you is to follow the customary maintenance in your agreement and keep records. On time oil changes and a folder of receipts take care of your end. We're open for service 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. The desk closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Book it your way Schedule online, in the FordPass app, or by phone at 573-430-1693. Ask about Warranty Forever and how on time maintenance keeps it in force. Oil Changes and Oil Life How often does a Ford need an oil change? + Follow the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor on most current models. Ford caps the interval at one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, and tougher driving such as towing, short trips and dusty roads can bring it sooner. What kind of oil goes in my Ford? + Use the grade and specification listed in your Owner's Manual for your engine. Our technicians use oil that meets that specification along with genuine Motorcraft filters. Who resets the oil life monitor after service? + Our technicians reset it at the end of every oil change. If you get it changed somewhere else, the reset steps are in your Owner's Manual, and the monitor should read 100 percent afterward. Mileage and Timing Does my Ford need service if I barely drive it? + It does. Oil breaks down with time as well as miles, so Ford calls for a change at least once a year even when the monitor still shows life left. Do short trips around town wear oil faster? + They can. An engine that never fully warms up collects moisture and fuel in the oil, which is why lots of short trips count as a tougher condition on Ford's schedule. Should I change oil before winter or summer? + Go by the monitor, not the season. If you do come in before a cold stretch, we'll test the battery and check the coolant while it's here. Cost and Coverage Are there oil change specials at Sam Scism Ford? + Current service offers are posted on our Service and Parts Specials page. They change through the year, so check before you book. Does an oil change affect my Warranty Forever coverage? + On time maintenance is the main requirement of Warranty Forever, so keeping up with oil changes and holding on to the records protects your coverage. Our team can walk you through the schedule in your agreement. What does the multi point inspection check? + Brakes, tires, belts, hoses, the battery, wipers, lights and fluid levels. If something's coming due, we'll tell you so you can plan for it. Scheduling and Convenience How do I schedule a Ford oil change in Farmington? + Book online through our Schedule Service page, use the FordPass app, or call 573-430-1693. Sam Scism Ford is at 5019 Flat River Road in Farmington. Can my oil be changed at home or at work? + Ford Mobile Service can handle oil and filter changes and other routine work at a location you choose, depending on distance and availability. Call the service desk to see what fits your address. Do you have a shuttle or a place to wait? + The service center has a waiting lounge with Wi-Fi and coffee, plus a courtesy shuttle, and loaner cars may be available depending on the work. Records and Ownership Will skipping an oil change void my Ford warranty? + Skipping a visit doesn't cancel the factory warranty by itself, but damage caused by missed maintenance may not be covered. Staying on schedule and keeping records protects you if a claim comes up. Where can I find the exact schedule for my Ford? + Your Owner's Manual has a scheduled maintenance section for your model and engine, and the FordPass app shows service reminders tied to your vehicle. What should I bring to a service appointment? + Bring your key, the wheel lock key if your Ford has locking lug nuts, and a note of any warning messages or noises you've noticed. Stock up on Motorcraft oil and filters Order genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts matched to your vehicle. Order Parts Meet the service team See what the Sam Scism Ford service center handles. Service Center