Lincoln Parts vs. Aftermarket: What St. Peters Owners Should Know

Service  |  St. Peters, MO What each Lincoln Protect maintenance plan covers according to our plan pages, what the pages leave out, and the questions to ask before you choose one. Every few days someone at the service counter asks whether a maintenance plan is a good idea. The honest answer is that it depends on what's in the plan, how long you'll keep the vehicle and how you'd rather pay for routine work. Lincoln offers two through Lincoln Protect, a Basic Maintenance plan and a Premium Maintenance plan, and our store has a page for each. This post sticks to what those two pages say. Where a page doesn't give a detail, like a price or a term length, we say so and tell you where to get it, instead of filling the gap with a guess. Quick answer: Lincoln Protect Basic Maintenance covers routine oil changes, multi point inspections and tire rotations at each scheduled interval. Premium Maintenance covers that plus select wear items such as brake pads and linings, shocks and struts, spark plugs, belts, hoses and wiper blades. Both can be used at any Lincoln dealership. Basic covers Oil, rotations, inspections Premium adds Select wear items Where it works Any Lincoln dealership In this post Basic Maintenance Premium Maintenance What both plans share What to ask Which plan fits What Does the Lincoln Basic Maintenance Plan Cover? Basic Maintenance is the plan for the work every Lincoln needs on a schedule. According to our Basic Maintenance plan page, it covers routine oil changes, multi point inspections and tire rotations. The timing comes from your Owner's Scheduled Maintenance Guide, so the plan follows the intervals Lincoln recommends for your vehicle. The inspection at each visit is broader than most people expect. The page lists lights, the horn, wipers and washer, windshield condition, leaks, the exhaust, steering and suspension, drive belts, the clutch if equipped, and the tires. Fluids get checked and topped off too: transmission fluid if your vehicle has a dipstick, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, washer fluid and diesel exhaust fluid if needed. What Basic doesn't list are the wear items. Brake pads, wiper blades and similar parts aren't part of its coverage on the page. If those come due, you'd pay for them separately. What Does the Premium Maintenance Plan Add? Premium Maintenance starts with the same routine work and adds the parts that wear out with normal driving. Our Premium Maintenance plan page says the plan covers all scheduled maintenance, including select wear items, and that the actual plan depends on your vehicle's maintenance needs as listed in the owner's scheduled maintenance guide. The page lists these items: 1 Routine service Oil and filter changes, multi point inspections and tire rotations, the same core work as Basic. 2 Brakes and ride Brake pads and linings, plus shocks and struts. 3 Engine wear parts Spark plugs, engine belts, and coolant hoses and seals. 4 Everyday wear Wiper blades, clutch discs where equipped, and diesel exhaust fluid fill during scheduled dealership maintenance. The inspection list and the fluid checks match what the Basic page describes. The difference is the wear items. On Basic, a set of brake pads or wipers is a separate bill. On Premium, the page lists them as covered, subject to the plan's terms. The difference is the wear items. Schedule Maintenance See Oil Change Service What Do Both Plans Have in Common? Both pages say future maintenance visits can be locked at today's rates, and both say service can be done at any Lincoln dealership. That second part matters more than people think. If you're driving to see family in Kansas City or spending a week at Lake of the Ozarks and an oil change comes due, the plan isn't tied to our service drive. The pages also make the case for keeping up with maintenance in general. The Basic page says it may help prevent serious repairs, keep the vehicle performing well and possibly help resale value. The Premium page says proper maintenance helps with reliability and safety and can improve trade in or resale value. Those are fair points for any well kept vehicle. St. Peters driver tip Summer here is hard on wipers and tires, between the 90 degree heat on the dash and the spring hail and storms that come before it. If you drive a lot of miles on I-70 and Highway 364 and keep a vehicle for years, put that in the conversation when you compare plans. Wear items come due faster on vehicles that see a lot of highway miles and Missouri weather. What Should You Ask Before Choosing a Plan? Neither plan page lists a price, a term length, mileage limits, which vehicles qualify, or whether a plan transfers if you sell. Both pages offer a brochure for download, and the full terms are in the plan contract. Those are the details that decide whether a plan pays off for you, so get them in writing. How long and how many miles Ask how many years and miles the plan runs, and how many visits that works out to for your driving. Which wear items and how often On Premium, ask exactly which wear items are covered for your model and whether there are limits on how many times. What happens if you sell Ask whether the plan transfers to the next owner or can be cancelled, and how that works. Which vehicles qualify Ask whether your Lincoln qualifies based on its age, mileage and whether it's new or pre owned. Bring your typical yearly mileage and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. With those two numbers, the service team can help you compare the plan to paying visit by visit. Which Lincoln Maintenance Plan Fits Your Driving? Basic Maintenance tends to suit drivers who want routine visits locked in and are fine handling wear items as they come up. That often means lower mileage drivers, or people who trade vehicles before brakes and spark plugs come due. Premium Maintenance tends to suit drivers who put on a lot of miles, keep a vehicle well past the first few years, or want more of their maintenance costs settled ahead of time. Since it covers parts like brake pads, shocks and struts, it lines up well with ownership long enough for those parts to wear. Either way, the maintenance itself is the same work your Lincoln needs. The plan only changes how and when you pay for it. Book it your way Schedule your next maintenance visit online, in the Lincoln app, or by phone at 636-441-4400. Vehicles inside the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty qualify for complimentary Pickup and Delivery, with a Lincoln loaner while we have yours and a wash before it comes back. See Pickup and Delivery Questions Owners Ask About Plan Coverage Does Basic Maintenance cover brake pads? + Brake pads aren't listed on the Basic Maintenance page. They're listed on the Premium Maintenance page as a covered wear item. Are fluids included in Basic Maintenance? + The Basic page says fluids are checked and topped off at each visit, including brake fluid, coolant, washer fluid and others listed on the page. Does Premium cover every part that wears out? + The page says it covers select wear items and lists them. Ask for the plan terms to see exactly what applies to your vehicle. Questions Owners Ask About Using a Plan Can I use my maintenance plan at another Lincoln dealer? + Both plan pages say service can be done at any Lincoln dealership. How do I know when my maintenance is due? + Your Owner's Scheduled Maintenance Guide sets the intervals. Many Lincolns also show a reminder, and the Lincoln app can show vehicle health information. Do I have to book each visit myself? + Yes, you schedule each visit as it comes due. Book online, in the Lincoln app or by calling 636-441-4400. Questions Owners Ask About Cost How much does a Lincoln maintenance plan cost? + The plan pages don't list prices. Pricing depends on the plan and your vehicle, so ask the service team for a quote. What does locking visits at today's rates mean? + Both pages say a plan lets you lock future maintenance visits at today's rates. Ask the team how that applies under the plan terms. Can a maintenance plan be added to my financing? + Ask the Finance Department when you buy, or the service team if you already own the vehicle, about how a plan can be paid for. Questions Owners Ask About Plan Terms How long does a Lincoln maintenance plan last? + The plan pages don't state term lengths or mileage limits. The brochure on each page and the plan contract have those details. Does a maintenance plan transfer if I sell my Lincoln? + The plan pages don't say. Ask the service team and check the plan contract before you buy. Is a maintenance plan the same as Warranty Forever? + No. A maintenance plan pays for scheduled maintenance. Warranty Forever is powertrain coverage on qualifying vehicles, and it requires customary maintenance to be done and kept on record. Questions Owners Ask Our St. Peters Service Advisors Who can explain the plans in person? + Our service advisors can walk you through both plans and the brochure. Stop by 4760 North Service Road or call 636-441-4400. What are the service department hours? + Weekdays start at 7 AM. Monday through Thursday we're open until 7 PM, Friday until 5:30 PM, and Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Service is closed on Sundays. Can I get a loaner during a maintenance visit? + If your Lincoln is within the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, complimentary Pickup and Delivery includes a Lincoln loaner. For other vehicles, check with the store when you book. Talk Through a Plan With Us Our advisors can compare both plans for your Lincoln. Visit Our Service Department Check Current Service Offers See the service and parts specials posted now. View Service Specials

Service  |  St. Peters, MO The shifts, sounds and smells that point to a transmission problem, and why catching one early on a Lincoln saves real money. Customers rarely say the word transmission when they call. They say the SUV feels lazy pulling away from a light on Mid Rivers Mall Drive, or there's a thump when it drops into a lower gear, or it hesitates for a second when they shift from park into reverse. Those are all transmission complaints, and every one of them is easier to deal with in July than after it gets worse. Modern Lincoln transmissions shift a lot. A 10 speed automatic is changing gears constantly, and the computer that runs it is learning how you drive the whole time. When something feels off, it usually is, and the earlier a technician gets a look, the more options you have. Quick answer: Have your Lincoln checked if it shifts hard or late, slips, hesitates going into drive or reverse, shows a transmission warning, leaks reddish fluid or smells burnt. Many of these start as small issues like low fluid, a software update or a sensor, and an early diagnosis often avoids a much larger repair. Hardest season Summer heat and towing First check Scan and road test Interval Your owner's guide In this post Signs to watch for Heat and towing How we diagnose it Fluid service Habits that help What Are the Signs a Lincoln Transmission Needs Attention? A healthy automatic transmission is close to invisible. You notice the engine and the road, not the gear changes. So when you start to notice the shifts, pay attention. These are the complaints we hear most often in the service drive: Harsh or delayed shifts A bang or a jolt between gears, or a long pause before the next gear arrives, especially when the vehicle is warmed up. Slipping The engine revs climb but the SUV doesn't pick up speed to match, like the power isn't getting to the wheels. Hesitation into gear A delay of a second or more when you shift from park into drive or reverse. Warning lights or messages A transmission message, a check engine light, or the vehicle limiting speed to protect itself. Fluid on the driveway Reddish or brown spots near the middle of the vehicle can be transmission fluid. A burnt smell Fluid that's overheating has a sharp, burnt odor you may notice after a long climb or a tow. One odd shift on a cold morning isn't a reason to panic. A pattern of them is a reason to book a visit. Why Is Summer Hard on a Transmission? Heat is what wears transmission fluid out. Fluid does three jobs at once: it lubricates, it carries heat away, and it transmits the pressure that makes the gears change. As it gets hotter, it breaks down faster, and old fluid doesn't protect as well as fresh fluid. Missouri summers stack the deck. Stop and go traffic on I-70 at 5 PM in 95 degree heat with the air conditioning on full is a lot of work for a transmission. Add a boat behind a Lincoln Navigator on the way to Lake of the Ozarks, or a camper on the hills along Highway 94, and the fluid runs even hotter. Heat is what wears transmission fluid out. St. Peters driver tip If you tow, check your owner's guide for the tow or haul mode on your Lincoln and use it. On long grades like the climb out of the river valley on Highway 94 near Defiance, letting the transmission hold a lower gear keeps it from hunting between gears and helps keep the fluid temperature down. Give the vehicle a minute to idle before you shut it off after a long, hot pull. What Happens When We Check a Lincoln Transmission? A good diagnosis starts with your description, so tell the service advisor exactly when it happens. Hot or cold, uphill or flat, light throttle or hard acceleration, only in one gear. That detail saves time and points the technician in the right direction. 1 Scan the computer The technician reads stored codes and live data from the transmission control module, including fluid temperature and shift timing. 2 Road test A drive that tries to reproduce the complaint. Many shift problems only show up at a certain speed or temperature. 3 Check for updates Software updates sometimes address shift quality. The technician checks whether one applies to your vehicle. 4 Inspect fluid and leaks Fluid condition and level, plus a look underneath for leaks at the pan, lines and seals. 5 Recommend next steps You get the findings and options before any repair, from a fluid service or update to a deeper repair if one is needed. Schedule a Transmission Check Meet Our Service Department How Often Does a Lincoln Need Transmission Fluid Service? There's no one answer for every Lincoln, and that's why we don't put a number in a blog post. The interval depends on the model, the transmission, the model year and how you drive. Towing, lots of short trips and constant heat can move a vehicle into a more severe maintenance schedule. Your owner's guide and the scheduled maintenance information for your vehicle list the interval. Our service advisors can pull it up from your VIN and look at your service history to see what's been done. Many newer transmissions also don't have a dipstick, so checking the fluid is a job for the shop, not the driveway. If you'd like to keep the cost of routine work down, check our service and parts specials before you book. Offers change, so look at what's posted when you schedule. What Driving Habits Help a Transmission Last? Come to a full stop before shifting between drive and reverse. Swinging from reverse into drive while the SUV is still rolling backward is hard on internal parts, and it happens a lot in tight driveways and school pickup lines. Don't ignore a warning message, and don't keep driving long distances if the vehicle has limited its speed. That mode is there to protect the transmission. Stay inside the towing limits in your owner's guide, and keep up with the scheduled maintenance. Most of the expensive transmission repairs we see started as something small that went unchecked for months. Book it your way Set up a visit online, through the Lincoln app, or by calling 636-441-4400. If your Lincoln is still within the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, complimentary Pickup and Delivery can collect it, leave you a Lincoln loaner, and bring it back washed. Learn About Pickup and Delivery Questions Owners Ask About Shifting Is it normal for a 10 speed transmission to shift a lot? + Yes. More gears means more frequent shifts, especially around town. What isn't normal is shifts that feel harsh, late or inconsistent. Why does my Lincoln shift differently after a battery change? + When power is cut, the transmission can lose some of what it learned about your driving. It usually relearns over the next several drives. If it doesn't settle, have it checked. Can a software update fix shifting problems? + Sometimes. Manufacturers release updates that address shift quality. A technician can check whether one applies to your vehicle during a diagnosis. Questions Owners Ask About Transmission Fluid What color should transmission fluid be? + Fresh fluid is usually red or pink. Dark brown fluid or fluid with a burnt smell is a sign it's worn or the transmission has been running hot. Can I check the transmission fluid myself? + Many newer Lincoln transmissions don't have a dipstick. Checking the level correctly takes a lift and the right procedure, so it's a job for the service team. Is a fluid flush the same as a fluid service? + Not always. The right procedure depends on the transmission. Our team follows the procedure Lincoln specifies for your model. Questions Owners Ask About Towing Does towing a boat wear out my transmission faster? + Towing adds heat and load, which can shorten fluid life. Using the right drive mode and following the severe service schedule, if it applies, helps. How do I know how much my Lincoln can tow? + Check the owner's guide and the label on your vehicle, since ratings depend on engine, drivetrain and equipment. Ask the service team if you aren't sure. Should I let the engine idle after towing? + A short idle after a long, hot pull lets fluid temperatures come down before you shut off. Check your owner's guide for specific advice. Questions Owners Ask About Warranty and Repairs Is transmission work covered under warranty? + That depends on the vehicle's age, mileage and the coverage it has. Bring your paperwork, and the service team will check what applies before any work starts. Does Warranty Forever cover the transmission? + On qualifying vehicles, Warranty Forever covers the powertrain parts listed in the agreement, including transmission parts. Customary maintenance must be done and kept on record, so check your agreement. Will I always need a new transmission if it's slipping? + Not always. Low fluid, a sensor or a software issue can cause symptoms that feel serious. Diagnosis tells you what's really going on. Questions Owners Ask About Booking Transmission Work How do I book a transmission check? + Use our online scheduler or call 636-441-4400, and describe the symptom so the right time is set aside. What are the service department hours? + The service drive opens at 7 AM Monday through Friday. It stays open until 7 PM Monday through Thursday and 5:30 PM on Friday. Saturday hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, and it's closed Sunday. Can I get a loaner while my Lincoln is in for transmission work? + Vehicles within the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty qualify for complimentary Pickup and Delivery with a Lincoln loaner. If yours is outside that warranty, ask about transportation when you schedule. Check Our Hours Before You Come In Service, sales and body shop hours in one place. View Hours Book From Your Phone Schedule service and keep track of your Lincoln in the app. Explore the Lincoln App

Service  |  St. Peters, MO What a clunk, a creak or a groan from your Lincoln's suspension or steering usually means, and how our technicians track it down after a rough St. Charles County winter. By May, the potholes on Mexico Road have been patched once and opened up again. A winter of freeze and thaw does that to St. Charles County pavement, and every hard hit goes straight into your Lincoln's suspension. Plenty of owners notice a new sound about now. A dull knock over the railroad tracks, a creak pulling into the driveway, a groan when they turn the wheel in a parking lot. Those sounds carry information. Each part of the suspension and steering tends to make its own kind of noise when it wears, and describing it well can save time at the service drive. This post goes through the common noises, what usually causes them and what our technicians check. Quick answer: A clunk over bumps often points to worn sway bar links, bushings or struts. A creak or squeak in turns or over speed bumps can come from dry bushings or ball joints. A groan or whine while steering can point to the steering system. Book an inspection when a new noise shows up, and sooner if the steering feels loose or the vehicle wanders. Clunk over bumps Links, bushings or struts Creak in turns Bushings or ball joints Groan when steering Steering system In this post Clunks and knocks Creaks and squeaks Steering groans How we find it Why not wait What Does a Clunk Over Bumps Mean? A clunk or knock you hear over potholes, driveway lips or uneven pavement is one of the most common suspension complaints. Sway bar end links are frequent culprits. They're small rods that connect the stabilizer bar to the suspension, and once their joints wear loose they rattle over every bump, especially at low speed. Worn struts or shocks can knock too, along with the upper strut mounts. Control arm bushings, which are rubber pieces where the arms bolt to the frame, can crack and let metal parts shift and hit. A single thump after a big pothole hit is something to keep an ear on. A clunk that repeats on every rough patch means something has worn or come loose. Why Does My Lincoln Creak or Squeak Over Speed Bumps? A creak that sounds like an old door hinge usually comes from rubber or a joint that has dried out. Bushings, ball joints and sway bar bushings can all creak as they move, and cold mornings often make it louder. If the sound shows up over speed bumps, pulling into a sloped driveway or turning slowly, that pattern helps the technician narrow it down. Ball joints deserve attention. They're the pivots that let the wheels steer and move up and down, and a worn one can creak, knock or make the steering feel vague. A ball joint that wears far enough can affect control, so a creak with any change in steering feel is a reason to come in soon. Steering feels loose or vague The wheel has more free play than it used to, or the vehicle needs constant small corrections on I-70. Clunk paired with a wander A knock over bumps along with the vehicle drifting in its lane can point to worn steering or suspension joints. Nose dives under braking The front end drops hard when you stop, which can mean worn struts or shocks. Bouncing after bumps The body keeps moving after a dip instead of settling quickly. A corner sitting low One corner looks lower than the others when parked, or a suspension warning message appears on models with air suspension. A clunk that repeats on every rough patch means something has worn or come loose. What Causes a Groan or Whine When Turning the Wheel? Most current Lincolns use electric power steering, which doesn't rely on a fluid pump. A groan or whine when you turn the wheel can still come from the steering rack, a worn tie rod end, the column or the suspension parts that move as the wheels turn. On an older Lincoln with hydraulic power steering, low fluid or a tired pump can whine too. A popping or clicking sound in tight, slow turns, like backing out of a parking space at Mid Rivers Mall, can point to the front strut mounts or to a drive axle joint. A clicking noise that speeds up as you accelerate through a turn points more toward the axle. Write down when it happens. Turning left, turning right, only when cold, only at low speed, only over bumps while turning. That kind of detail helps your service advisor and the technician recreate it on the test drive. Schedule a Suspension Check Visit Our Service Department How Do Technicians Track Down a Suspension Noise? Noises are tricky because they rarely happen on cue. A good diagnosis starts with listening to you, then goes step by step: 1 Ride along A technician drives the vehicle on a route that recreates the noise, ideally with you describing what you hear and when. 2 Lift inspection With the vehicle in the air, the technician checks for play in ball joints, tie rods and links, and looks at bushings, mounts and boots for cracks or tears. 3 Struts and shocks The technician looks for fluid leaks, damage and worn mounts, and checks how the vehicle settles after a bounce. 4 System scan On Lincolns with air suspension or adaptive suspension, the system is scanned for stored faults. 5 Explain and quote Your service advisor walks you through what was found, what affects safety now and what can be planned for later. If a part in the steering or suspension gets replaced, the technician will tell you whether an alignment is needed afterward. Many suspension repairs change the angles of the wheels, so the two often go together. St. Peters driver tip Before your appointment, drive a short loop that triggers the noise and note where it happens. The rail crossings and patched spots on Salt River Road or the driveway into Quail Ridge Park are good test spots. Tell your advisor exactly where and when you hear it so the technician can drive the same kind of surface. Is It Safe to Keep Driving With a Suspension Noise? Some noises are an annoyance for months. A dry sway bar bushing can squeak for a long time without changing much. Others need attention soon. Worn ball joints, tie rod ends or badly worn struts affect how the vehicle steers and stops, and they wear tires faster in the meantime. You don't have to diagnose it yourself. If the noise is new, if it's getting louder, or if it comes with any change in how the vehicle steers, rides or stops, book an inspection. Catching a worn link or bushing early is usually a smaller repair than waiting until the parts around it wear too. Book it your way Reserve a time online, in the Lincoln app, or by phone at 636-441-4400. For vehicles within the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, Pickup and Delivery costs you nothing: we take your Lincoln, leave a loaner and return yours washed. Learn About Pickup and Delivery Questions Owners Ask About Suspension Noises Why is my suspension louder in cold weather? + Rubber bushings stiffen in the cold, and dry joints creak more. If the noise fades once the vehicle warms up, mention that pattern to your advisor. Can a pothole damage my suspension? + A hard hit can bend or loosen parts, damage a strut or knock the alignment out. If something sounds or feels different after a pothole, have it checked. What does a rattle from underneath usually mean? + It could be a loose sway bar link, a heat shield or something unrelated to the suspension. A lift inspection sorts it out quickly. Questions Owners Ask About Struts and Shocks How do I know if my struts are worn? + Watch for bouncing after bumps, nose diving when you brake, leaks on the strut body or a knock over rough pavement. A technician can confirm on a lift. Should struts be replaced in pairs? + Replacing them in pairs on the same axle keeps the ride even side to side. Your advisor will explain the options for your vehicle. Does my Lincoln have air suspension? + Some Lincoln models and trims offer air suspension. Check your owner's guide, or ask your service advisor to look it up by VIN. Questions Owners Ask About Steering Why does my steering wheel feel loose? + Worn tie rod ends, ball joints or other steering parts can add free play. Book an inspection soon, since loose steering affects control. Does my Lincoln have power steering fluid? + Most current Lincolns use electric power steering with no fluid reservoir. Some older models used hydraulic systems. Your owner's guide will say which one you have. Why does my steering wheel shake at highway speed? + Shake at speed often comes from wheel balance or tire issues, though worn steering parts can play a part. An inspection checks both. Questions Owners Ask About Repairs Do I need an alignment after suspension work? + Often, yes. Many suspension and steering repairs change the wheel angles. The technician will tell you if one is needed. What parts do you use for suspension repairs? + Our service department page says the store uses genuine Lincoln parts for repairs, with a 12 month or 12,000 mile parts warranty. How long does a suspension repair take? + It depends on the part and the vehicle. Ask your service advisor for a time estimate once the inspection is done. Questions Owners Ask About Service in St. Peters Where is the service department? + Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters is at 4760 North Service Road, along I-70. What are the service hours? + Monday through Thursday 7 AM to 7 PM, Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday. How do I book a suspension inspection? + Book through the website or the Lincoln app, or call 636-441-4400. Describe the noise and when it happens so the right time is set aside. Check Current Service Offers See this month's service and parts specials. View Service Specials Look After Your Tires Too Worn suspension wears tires faster. Get them checked. See Tire Care