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Ownership  |  St. Peters, MO Two drives most St. Charles County families make every summer, and the short list of things that keep them easy. Memorial Day weekend splits St. Charles County in two. Half the county heads west on Highway 94 for the wineries around Defiance and Augusta, and the other half loads the cooler and points the car toward Lake of the Ozarks. Both trips are short enough that people skip any prep at all. Both have stretches where a problem turns a good day into a long wait on the shoulder. None of this takes much time. A walkaround in the driveway, a quick visit with us if something's been bugging you, and a little thought about how you load the car covers most of it. We'll go through the two routes, what to check before you leave, and a few things owners tell us they wish they'd done. Quick answer: A week before a road trip, walk around your Lincoln and look at tire pressure and tread, fluid levels, lights and wipers. If a warning light, noise or pull has been bothering you, book a pre trip visit so a technician can look before you leave town. Then pack heavy items low and forward, and don't overload the roof. Wine country drive Highway 94 curves and hills Lake drive A long stretch south of I-70 Prep time About twenty minutes In this post Two summer drives The driveway walkaround When to see a technician Loading the car On the road What Makes the Highway 94 and Lake Trips Hard on a Car? Highway 94 out past Defiance is a beautiful drive and a busy one. It's two lanes, it rolls up and down the bluffs above the Missouri River, and it has tight curves with not much shoulder. On a nice Saturday you'll share it with bicycles headed for the Katy Trail, slow traffic looking for winery signs, and people pulling out of gravel lots. The lake trip is the opposite. It's mostly highway, a few hours in the heat with the AC running hard and the car full of people and gear. Long hot runs are where a low tire, a tired cooling fan or a slipping belt finally gives up. Cell coverage gets spotty in a few places, too, so a breakdown out there can mean a long wait. Spend twenty minutes on the car before you go and you'll spend the weekend on the deck instead of on the phone with a tow truck. What Should You Check Before Leaving Town? Do this a few days ahead, not the morning you leave. That gives you time to fix anything you find. 1 Tires Check pressure cold, using the number on the driver's door jamb label, not the tire sidewall. Look for low tread, cuts or bulges, and do the same for the spare or the inflator kit. 2 Fluids With the engine cool, check engine oil and washer fluid. If coolant or brake fluid looks low, call us first, since low levels can mean a leak. 3 Lights and wipers Have someone stand outside while you test headlights, brake lights and turn signals. Run the wipers and washer. Spring storms come in fast on the drive to the lake. 4 Dash check Start the car and look for any warning messages. Write down anything you see so you can tell your advisor exactly what showed up. The Lincoln app sends vehicle health alerts and keeps Vehicle Health Reports on your phone, so give it a look before you even walk outside. You can book a service appointment from it too. Book a Pre Trip Visit Explore the Lincoln App When Is a Pre Trip Service Visit Worth It? If everything looks good and the car drives the way it always does, you probably don't need us. If something has been nagging you for a few weeks, the trip is the time to deal with it. A new noise, a vibration at highway speed, a pull to one side or a warning light that keeps coming back won't get better at 70 miles an hour with a full load. Tell your advisor where you're going and how loaded the car will be. If you're due for an oil change or a tire rotation anyway, doing it before the trip saves you a second visit. The technician can also look over belts, hoses, brakes and the tires while the car is on the lift. Book a week or more out, especially around a holiday. The days right before Memorial Day and the Fourth of July fill up fast. Spend twenty minutes on the car before you go and you'll spend the weekend on the deck instead of on the phone with a tow truck. How Should You Load a Lincoln for a Weekend Away? Put the heaviest bags and the cooler low and as far forward in the cargo area as you can. That keeps the weight between the axles and helps the car feel steady in the curves on Highway 94. Watch the total load. Your Lincoln's payload limit is printed on the label on the driver's door jamb, and it counts people as well as gear. A full third row, a loaded cargo area and a roof box can add up faster than you'd guess. If you're towing a boat or a pair of jet skis, check the owner's guide for your exact model and equipment, and make sure the trailer lights work before you leave the driveway. Keep bags below the rear seat backs so you don't lose your mirror view in holiday traffic. St. Peters driver tip Heading for the wineries on a Saturday, leave before ten or come back on Highway 94 before late afternoon. Traffic stacks up around Defiance once the tasting rooms get busy. For the lake, gas up and grab ice in St. Peters before you get on the highway, since stops can get far apart once you're past the bigger towns. What Should You Keep in the Car for the Drive? A small kit covers most surprises. Phone chargers for everyone, a flashlight, a first aid kit, water, sunscreen and a towel or two. Keep your owner's guide where you can reach it. If a warning light shows up while you're away, don't ignore it. Pull over somewhere safe, read the message, and check the owner's guide. A red warning usually means stop soon. An amber one usually means get it checked. Call us at 636-441-4400 if you're not sure, and we'll help you figure out whether it's safe to drive home. Warranty Forever on qualifying vehicles When you buy a qualifying new or pre owned vehicle from us, Warranty Forever covers the engine, transmission and drive axle parts listed in the agreement for as long as you own it. Covered repairs carry no deductible, as long as the required maintenance is done and on record. See What Warranty Forever Covers Questions Owners Ask About Trip Timing How far ahead should I book a pre trip service visit? + A week or more is a good rule, and longer before a holiday weekend. That leaves time for parts if the technician finds something. Is the day before I leave too late for a check? + It can work for something quick, but it leaves no room if a part has to be ordered. Earlier is safer. Should I get an oil change before a long trip? + If you're close to due, yes. It's easier to do it before you leave than to find a shop in another town. Questions Owners Ask About Tires and Pressure Should I add air to my tires for a loaded trip? + Use the pressure on the driver's door jamb label. Some vehicles list a different number for heavy loads, and the owner's guide will say if yours does. Why does my tire pressure light come on in the morning? + Cool morning air lowers tire pressure. If the light comes on and goes off once you drive, a tire is probably on the low edge and needs air. Does my Lincoln have a spare tire? + It depends on the model and equipment. Some have a spare and some have an inflator kit. Check before you leave so you know what you're working with. Questions Owners Ask About Loading and Towing Where do I find my Lincoln's payload limit? + It's on the label on the driver's door jamb. That number includes passengers, cargo and the tongue weight of anything you tow. Can I tow a boat to the lake with my Lincoln? + Many Lincoln SUVs can tow when properly equipped. Ratings depend on the model and equipment, so check the owner's guide or ask our team for your vehicle's figure. Is a roof box safe on a Lincoln? + Use a box and rack rated for your vehicle, stay under the roof load limit in the owner's guide, and expect a bit more wind noise and a little lower fuel economy. Questions Owners Ask About Trouble on the Road What should I do if a warning light comes on during a trip? + Find a safe place to stop, read the message, and check the owner's guide. Red usually means stop soon, amber means get it checked. Call us if you're unsure. Who do I call if I break down near the lake? + Call Lincoln roadside assistance using the number in your owner's guide or the Lincoln app. Keep a printed copy in the glove box in case your phone dies. Can I have my Lincoln towed back to St. Peters? + Ask roadside assistance about your options. If it's towed to us, call 636-441-4400 so we know it's coming. Questions Owners Ask About Our Store Can I book a pre trip check on a Saturday? + Service is open Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. Weekday hours are Monday through Thursday 7 AM to 7 PM and Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Where are you located? + Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters is at 4760 North Service Road, right along I-70. It's an easy stop on your way west. Does Warranty Forever cover towing on a trip? + No. The Warranty Forever agreement says towing and rental car coverage aren't included. It covers listed powertrain parts on qualifying vehicles. Check Your Tires First Tread and pressure matter most on a loaded highway run. See Tire Care Get the Oil Change Done Knock it out before you leave instead of on the road. Book an Oil Change

Service  |  St. Peters, MO What weak, warm or smelly air from your Lincoln vents is telling you, and what a proper AC check looks at before the first 90 degree week. The first sticky afternoon of the year always shows up early in St. Charles County. One day in May the sun bakes the parking lot at Mid Rivers Mall, you climb into a car that's been sitting there two hours, and the vents blow air that's cool but not cold. You tell yourself it'll catch up. By the time you reach Highway 79 it still hasn't. AC trouble rarely fixes itself, and it almost always gets worse once the real heat arrives. We'd rather see your Lincoln now, while the service drive is calm, than in July when every shop in the county has a waiting list. This post walks through the usual causes of weak cooling, what we check, and a few habits that help the system last. Quick answer: If your Lincoln blows warmer air than it used to, takes a long time to cool down, smells musty, or makes a new noise when the AC kicks on, have the system checked before summer. A proper AC check looks at vent temperature, refrigerant pressure, leaks, the compressor, the condenser up front and the cabin air filter. Most common cause Slow refrigerant leak Easy fix to check Cabin air filter Smart timing Before Memorial Day In this post Why AC gets weak Signs to watch for What an AC check covers The cabin air filter Habits that help Why Does a Lincoln AC Lose Its Cooling Power? Your air conditioning is a sealed loop. A compressor squeezes refrigerant, the condenser behind the grille sheds heat, and the evaporator under the dash pulls heat out of the air headed for your vents. When any piece of that loop comes up short, you feel it as air that isn't as cold as you remember. The system shouldn't use up refrigerant the way an engine uses fuel. If it's low, it's leaking somewhere. Seals and hoses age, and road debris off I-70 can damage the condenser right behind the front bumper. Small leaks take a long time to show up, which is why plenty of owners notice it the first warm week and not before. Airflow problems feel the same from the driver's seat. A clogged cabin air filter or a weak blower can make a healthy system feel tired, so a good check starts with the simple stuff before anybody reaches for gauges. What Are the Signs Your Lincoln Needs AC Service? Pay attention to the first ten minutes of a drive on a warm day. That's when trouble is easiest to notice. Air that's cool but not cold The vents never get properly cold, even on max, or the air warms up while you sit at a light. Weak airflow The fan is on high but not much air comes out. A dirty cabin air filter is a common reason. Musty or sour smell A damp, locker room smell when the AC first comes on usually means moisture and buildup on the evaporator. New noises Rattling, squealing or grinding when the compressor kicks on can point to a failing compressor or clutch. Water inside the cabin Wet carpet on the passenger side can mean a blocked evaporator drain. A little water dripping under the car after a drive is normal. That's condensation from the evaporator. Water inside the cabin is a different story and should get looked at soon. What Happens During a Lincoln AC Check? A real AC check is a diagnosis, not a quick recharge. Adding refrigerant to a leaking system buys you a few weeks and puts you right back where you started, usually in the middle of a heat wave. 1 Performance test The technician runs the system and measures vent temperature so there's a baseline to compare against. 2 Pressure and leak check Gauges show whether the refrigerant charge is where it should be, and a leak test looks for where it's escaping. 3 Compressor, condenser and belts The compressor is checked for proper engagement and noise, and the condenser up front gets inspected for damage or clogging. 4 Cabin air filter and airflow The filter gets pulled and looked at, and the blower and blend doors are checked so air goes where you tell it. The refrigerant and the service equipment differ by model year, so your advisor will tell you what your specific Lincoln uses. If the fix is bigger than a filter, you'll hear what failed and why before any work starts. Schedule an AC Check See Service Specials Can a Dirty Cabin Air Filter Make the AC Feel Weak? Yes, and it's the cheapest thing on this list to fix. The cabin air filter cleans the air before it reaches your vents. Spring in St. Charles County means cottonwood fluff and a heavy pollen load, and all of it ends up in that filter. Once it clogs, airflow drops and the system has to work harder to cool the cabin. A clogged filter also traps moisture, which feeds the musty smell people notice on the first warm morning. Swapping it is a quick job, and we can show you the old one so you can see what you've been breathing. A real AC check is a diagnosis, not a quick recharge. St. Peters driver tip If your Lincoln sits outside at work or at the Lake Saint Louis commuter lots, crack the windows for the first minute and run the fan on fresh air before you switch to recirculate. You push the trapped hot air out faster and the AC catches up sooner. A sunshade helps a lot when you park facing south. How Can You Keep Your Lincoln AC Working All Summer? Run the AC for a few minutes every couple of weeks, even in winter. Many Lincoln defrost settings use the AC compressor to dry the air, which helps too. Moving refrigerant keeps the oil in the system circulating, and that keeps seals from drying out. Keep the front of the car clean. Bugs, leaves and road grime pack into the condenser after a few hundred miles of summer highway, and a packed condenser can't shed heat. A gentle rinse at the car wash helps. Don't blast it from a few inches away with a pressure washer, since the fins bend easily. If something feels off, get it checked early in the season. A small leak caught in May is usually simpler to deal with than a compressor that's been running low for a whole summer of 90 degree days. Our service department can set aside time for the diagnosis when you book. Book it your way Set up your AC check online, through the Lincoln app, or by calling 636-441-4400. If your Lincoln is still inside the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, Pickup and Delivery is complimentary. We bring a Lincoln loaner and return yours washed. How Pickup and Delivery Works Questions Owners Ask About Warm Air Why does my Lincoln AC blow cold on the highway but warm at a stoplight? + At idle the condenser gets less airflow, so a system that's low on refrigerant or has a weak cooling fan shows it most when you're stopped. That's a good detail to tell your service advisor. Can I just add refrigerant from a can? + We wouldn't. If it's low, it's leaking, and a can doesn't find the leak. Overfilling can also hurt the compressor. A proper check finds the cause first. Why is one side of the cabin colder than the other? + Dual zone systems use blend doors to set each side. A door that sticks, or a low refrigerant charge, can leave one side warmer. A technician can test both. Questions Owners Ask About Smells and Noises What causes a musty smell when I turn on the AC? + Moisture on the evaporator under the dash can grow mildew, and a dirty cabin filter makes it worse. A new filter and an evaporator cleaning usually take care of it. Is it normal to hear a click when the AC turns on? + A single soft click is often the compressor engaging. Repeated clicking, grinding or a loud squeal is not normal and should be checked. Why is there a puddle under my Lincoln after driving? + Clear water dripping near the front passenger side is usually condensation from the AC, which is normal. Colored or oily fluid is something else and should be looked at. Questions Owners Ask About Cabin Filters How often should I change the cabin air filter? + Follow the interval in your owner's guide, and check it sooner if you drive a lot of gravel or dusty roads. Spring pollen around St. Charles County fills them fast. Can a cabin filter really affect cooling? + A clogged filter cuts airflow, so the cabin cools slower and the fan has to work harder. It's one of the first things we look at. Can I see my old filter after you replace it? + Sure. Ask your advisor and we'll set it aside so you can take a look. Questions Owners Ask About AC Repairs How long does an AC check take? + It depends on what the test finds and how busy the day is. Ask your service advisor for an estimate when you book, and mention the symptoms so the right time is set aside. Will my warranty cover an AC repair? + Coverage depends on the vehicle's age, mileage and the part. Your advisor can check your Lincoln's warranty status by VIN before any work is done. Can Lincoln Mobile Service handle AC work at my house? + AC repair isn't on the published Lincoln Mobile Service list, so plan on bringing it in. Mobile service can cover other jobs like fluids, filters and wipers. Questions Owners Ask About Service in St. Peters Where is Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters? + We're at 4760 North Service Road in St. Peters, right along I-70. Call 636-441-4400 for directions or to book. Can I get AC service on a Saturday? + Service is open Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM, plus Monday through Thursday 7 AM to 7 PM and Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Are there service specials on AC work? + Specials change, so check the current service and parts specials page before you book. Beat the July Rush Book your AC check while the service drive is still calm. Visit Our Service Department Let Us Handle the Small Stuff Lincoln Mobile Service covers filters, fluids and more at your place. Explore Mobile Service

Compare  |  St. Peters, MO Two three row luxury SUVs that chase different feelings. One sits you high and quiet, the other drives smaller than it is. Most families who come in comparing these two already have a short list of two, and the Lincoln Aviator and the Acura MDX land on it together a lot. They're close in size, they both carry seven people, and they both cost real money. Where they split is how they feel from the driver's seat and how the cabin treats the people behind you. We sell Lincolns, so you know where we stand. We'll still give the Acura MDX a fair shake, because a family that buys the wrong SUV for the way they drive is unhappy for five years, and that doesn't help anybody. Below we cover the third row, the drive on our local highways, the screens and controls, and who each one suits. Quick answer: Pick the Lincoln Aviator if you want a quiet, upscale cabin, strong twin turbo V6 power and a big screen with Google built in. Pick the Acura MDX if you want a lighter, sportier feel, Super Handling All Wheel Drive on many trims and a slightly simpler cabin. Drive both on I-70 with your family in the seats before you decide. Seats Both carry up to seven Lincoln Aviator feel Quiet and powerful Acura MDX feel Light and sporty In this post The big differences Third row and cargo How they drive Screens and controls Which one fits you How Do the Lincoln Aviator and Acura MDX Differ at First Glance? The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was refreshed with a new face and a new dashboard. Every one runs a twin turbo V6 with a 10 speed automatic. Rear wheel drive is standard and all wheel drive is available, which matters here more than people think once the first ice storm rolls through St. Charles County. Lincoln dropped the Aviator plug in hybrid after the 2023 model year, so a new Lincoln Aviator on the lot this spring is gas only. The 2025 Acura MDX also got updates, mostly inside. Acura replaced its old touchpad with a touchscreen and added Google built in. Power comes from a V6, and the Acura MDX Type S uses a turbocharged V6 for buyers who want more. Super Handling All Wheel Drive comes on many trims and does a good job of pulling the SUV through a corner. There's no hybrid Acura MDX either. So the spec sheets look closer than the vehicles feel. The Lincoln Aviator is built around comfort and calm. The Acura MDX is built around a lighter, more athletic drive. Neither one is wrong. They just answer different questions. Which Third Row Works Better for a St. Charles County Family? Think of both third rows as kid seats, or adult seats for a short hop. That's normal in this size class. The bigger question is how often you'll use them and who climbs back there. If you carpool to Cottleville soccer fields three nights a week, how easy the second row slides out of the way will matter more than any number in a brochure. Our advice is simple and a little old fashioned. Bring the people. Put your tallest teenager in the third row of the Lincoln Aviator, then do the same in the Acura MDX. Have them buckle in, ride for ten minutes, and get out without help. Then fold the third row flat and load the stroller, the hockey bag or the cooler you take to the lake. You'll know in a few minutes which one fits your routine. Check the second row too. Bench seating and captain's chairs change both the seat count and how easy the walk to the back is, and the layout varies by trim on each SUV. Ask us which layout a specific Lincoln Aviator in stock has before you come out. Shop New Lincoln Inventory Value Your Trade How Do They Drive on I-70 and Highway 364? On the highway the Lincoln Aviator feels like a bigger vehicle in a good way. The twin turbo V6 pulls hard when you merge onto I-70 from Mid Rivers Mall Drive, and the cabin stays quiet at speed. It's the one you want for the four hour run to Lake of the Ozarks with everyone asleep before you clear Warrenton. Steering is light and easy, and the ride leans soft. The Acura MDX feels smaller than it is. Steering is quicker, the body stays flatter in a curve, and Super Handling All Wheel Drive helps it hook through the ramps off Highway 364. People who used to drive a sport sedan often like it right away. The tradeoff is a ride most drivers describe as firmer, and that shows up on the broken pavement around older parts of St. Charles. If you tow a small boat or a utility trailer, ask for the exact rating on the vehicle you're looking at. Tow ratings change with trim and equipment, so we'd rather read it off the vehicle than guess. St. Peters driver tip Make your test drive a real loop. Start in stop and go traffic on Mid Rivers Mall Drive, jump on I-70 west for an exit or two, then come back across Highway 364 and the Page Avenue bridge. That gives you city crawl, a highway merge and a long bridge at speed, which covers most of what you'll do in a week. What Is the Tech Like Inside Each One? The 2025 Lincoln Aviator uses the Lincoln Digital Experience, a Google based system with a wide center touchscreen, Google Maps and Google Assistant. Most climate controls moved into the screen. Some owners love it after a week, and some miss the old knobs. Spend five minutes in the parking lot setting the temperature and pairing your phone before you judge it. Acura made a big change for 2025 too. The touchpad many owners disliked is gone, and the screen now responds to touch. Google built in comes along with it. If you test drove an older Acura MDX and walked away over the touchpad, it's worth a second look. Driver assist features differ by trim on both. The 2025 Lincoln Aviator lineup includes BlueCruise hands free highway driving, and on the Lincoln side the Lincoln Aviator model page and our sales team can walk you through how the subscription works on a given vehicle. We'd hedge on Acura specifics by trim and point you to the window sticker. Which One Fits Your Family? This is how we'd sort it out with a family sitting across the desk from us. The Lincoln Aviator fits you if You spend real time on I-70 and want a quiet, calm cabin You like strong V6 pull for merges and passing You want Google based tech on a big screen You value a soft, relaxed ride over sharp handling You want to buy and service at the same St. Peters store The Acura MDX fits you if You like a lighter, sportier feel behind the wheel You want Super Handling All Wheel Drive on many trims You prefer a firmer ride that stays flat in corners You came from a sport sedan and miss that feel You don't mind trading some quiet for agility Neither one is wrong. They just answer different questions. If you're stuck in the middle, drive both on the same day. The one you'd pick for the drive home is usually the right call. Warranty Forever on qualifying vehicles Buy a qualifying new or pre owned vehicle here and Warranty Forever covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own it, with no deductible on covered repairs. Keep up the maintenance in the agreement and keep your records. Read Warranty Forever Details Questions Owners Ask About Seating and Space Can adults ride in the third row of a Lincoln Aviator? + For shorter trips, yes. Most families use it for kids and use it for adults on a run across town. Sit back there yourself on a test drive to see how it fits your crew. Do both SUVs offer captain's chairs in the second row? + Second row layouts vary by trim on the Lincoln Aviator and the Acura MDX. Check the specific vehicle, since the layout changes the seat count and the walk to the third row. Which one holds more cargo behind the third row? + Both are tight with every seat up, which is normal for the class. Bring the gear you haul most and load it into each one. That tells you more than a cargo number. Questions Owners Ask About Power and Traction Is all wheel drive standard on the 2025 Lincoln Aviator? + Rear wheel drive is standard and all wheel drive is available. Most buyers in St. Charles County choose all wheel drive for winter, and we can show you which vehicles in stock have it. Is there a hybrid Lincoln Aviator or Acura MDX for 2025? + No. Lincoln ended the Lincoln Aviator plug in hybrid after the 2023 model year, and the 2025 Acura MDX doesn't offer a hybrid. Both use V6 gas engines. Which one feels faster on the highway? + The Lincoln Aviator twin turbo V6 feels strong on merges. The Acura MDX feels quicker in corners. Drive both on I-70 and you'll feel the difference right away. Questions Owners Ask About Tech and Safety Does the Lincoln Aviator work with Apple CarPlay? + The 2025 Lincoln Aviator system supports phone projection along with its Google based features. Pair your own phone during the test drive so you can see how it works with your apps. What is BlueCruise on the Lincoln Aviator? + BlueCruise is Lincoln's hands free highway driving feature on mapped divided highways. You still have to watch the road. Ask our sales team how the subscription applies to the vehicle you're looking at. Did Acura get rid of the touchpad? + Yes. For 2025 the Acura MDX moved to a touchscreen and added Google built in. If the touchpad turned you off before, try the new setup. Questions Owners Ask About Ownership Where can I service a Lincoln Aviator near St. Peters? + Our service department at 4760 North Service Road handles Lincoln maintenance and repairs. Book online, in the Lincoln app, or call 636-441-4400. Does Warranty Forever apply to the Lincoln Aviator? + Warranty Forever comes on qualifying new and pre owned vehicles we sell. Ask which vehicles qualify, and read the agreement for what's covered and the maintenance it requires. Can I trade in my current SUV toward a Lincoln Aviator? + Yes. Start with our online trade tool and we'll look at the vehicle in person to firm up the number. Questions Owners Ask About Shopping in St. Peters Can I test drive a Lincoln Aviator on a weekday evening? + Sales is open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Call ahead and we'll have one ready. How do I compare a Lincoln Aviator and an Acura MDX side by side? + Drive the Acura MDX first if you can, then come drive a Lincoln Aviator the same day while it's fresh in your mind. Use the same route both times. Can I get pre approved before I visit? + Yes. You can apply online before you come in, which keeps the visit focused on picking the right vehicle. Get Pre Approved First Know your numbers before the test drive. Start Pre Approval Look at Certified Pre Owned Lincoln certified vehicles are another way into an Aviator. See Certified Pre Owned

Service  |  St. Peters, MO Winter is over and your tires took the beating. A quick spring check shows what the cold, the salt and the potholes left behind. The first warm Saturday in April, half of St. Peters is out washing salt off their cars. That's a good moment to crouch down and look at your tires too, because a winter here asks a lot of them. Cold air drops tire pressure. Potholes on the ramps and back roads bruise sidewalls. Weeks of slush and salt hide wear you'd spot right away in summer. The good news is a spring tire check takes very little time, and it tells you if you're set for the year or due for a new set. Below is what we look at, what you can check yourself, and how to tell when it's time to replace. Quick answer: In spring, check tire pressure against the placard in the driver's door jamb, look for low or uneven tread, and inspect sidewalls for cuts and bulges left by winter potholes. Rotate the tires if they're due. If tread is low, wear is uneven, or a sidewall is damaged, have the tires inspected, and replace them before summer storms and road trips. Pressure spec On the driver door jamb Check monthly Pressure and tread Spring extra Look for pothole damage In this post Why check in spring What you can check Signs of trouble Rotation and repair When to replace Tire service here Why Is Spring a Good Time for a Tire Check? Tires lose pressure as the temperature falls, so a lot of vehicles finish the winter running low without the driver noticing. A tire that's been low for weeks wears faster on the outside edges and runs warmer than it should. Winter also brings impacts. Freeze and thaw cycles open potholes on the roads around St. Charles County, and every sharp hit is a chance to cut or bruise a sidewall. Then spring itself puts tires to work. Heavy rain on I-70 and Highway 364 is where worn tread shows up, because shallow grooves can't clear water as well. What Can You Check on Your Own Tires at Home? You don't need tools beyond a tire gauge and a penny. Do it in the morning before you drive, when the tires are cold. 1 Check pressure Use the pressure on the placard in the driver's door jamb, not the maximum printed on the tire. Check all four, plus the spare if your Lincoln has one. 2 Look at the tread Put a penny upside down in a groove. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the tread is getting low. Check the inside, middle and outside of each tire. 3 Run your hand across it Feel for scalloped or choppy wear. That pattern often points to an alignment or suspension issue. 4 Inspect the sidewalls Look for cuts, cracks or a bulge. Turn the wheel to full lock to see the inside edges of the front tires. Your tire pressure warning helps, but it usually comes on only once a tire is noticeably low. A gauge check once a month catches slow leaks sooner. St. Peters driver tip Gas stations along Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Salt River Road have air machines, but their gauges are often off. Keep a simple gauge in the glove box and check pressure at home after the vehicle has sat overnight. If you just drove in from O'Fallon, the tires are warm and will read high. Which Tire Problems Need Attention Right Away? Some issues can wait for your next service visit. These shouldn't: A bulge or bubble in the sidewall The inner structure of the tire is damaged. It can fail without warning, especially at highway speed. Cords or wire showing The tread is worn through. Replace the tire before you drive any distance. A tire that keeps losing air A nail, a leaking valve or a bent wheel from a pothole can all cause slow leaks. Get it found and fixed. A new vibration at highway speed Could be a balance weight that came off, a bent wheel, or a tire that's separating inside. Have it checked soon. Uneven wear on one edge Often a sign the alignment is off. New tires on a misaligned vehicle start wearing wrong from the first mile. If the alignment looks like the cause, mention it when you book. It makes sense to sort that out before or with new tires. How Do Rotation and Tire Repair Fit In? Front and rear tires wear differently, so moving them around on a schedule evens things out and helps the set last longer. Your Lincoln's maintenance schedule lists the interval. Spring is a natural time to do it if you're due. A nail in the tread can often be repaired if it's in the right spot and the tire wasn't driven flat. Damage in the sidewall or the shoulder usually can't be repaired safely, and the tire has to be replaced. Our technicians will tell you which one you're looking at. Lincoln Mobile Service lists tire rotation, plus tire repair and replacement when properly equipped, among the jobs it can do at your home or office. Call ahead to see whether your job and location fit a mobile visit. Schedule a Tire Check Explore Mobile Service When Should You Replace Lincoln Tires? Tread depth is the usual signal. Many drivers start shopping well before the legal minimum, because wet grip drops off as the grooves get shallow. Age matters too. Rubber hardens over time even with good tread left, and the build date is molded into the sidewall. Ask a technician to read it for you. Replace in pairs at least, and a full set on all wheel drive models is often recommended so the tires stay close in size. Your owner's guide covers this for your model. Our tire care page lists 17 name brands, including Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli and Bridgestone, so we can match the size and type your Lincoln calls for. Rubber hardens over time even with good tread left, and the build date is molded into the sidewall. What Comes With a Tire Visit at Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters? The work is done by factory trained and certified technicians with the equipment Lincoln wheels and tires need. Our tire care page also lists parts and labor warranties, a complimentary Lincoln loaner and a customer lounge with WiFi if you'd rather wait. If you have questions about a size or a tire type before you come in, the tire care page has a form where you can enter your vehicle and tire size. You can also check current service and parts specials before you book. Book it your way Pick a time online, schedule in the Lincoln app, or call 636-441-4400. If your Lincoln is still within the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, Pickup and Delivery is complimentary, with a Lincoln loaner while we work and a wash before it comes home. Explore Pickup and Delivery Questions Owners Ask About Tire Pressure What tire pressure should my Lincoln run? + Use the pressure on the placard in the driver's door jamb or in your owner's guide. The number on the tire sidewall is a maximum, not the target. Why does my tire pressure light come on when it gets cold? + Cold air shrinks, so pressure drops on cold mornings. Add air to the placard spec. If the light keeps coming back, you may have a slow leak. Should I check tire pressure hot or cold? + Cold, before you drive or after the vehicle has sat a few hours. Warm tires read higher and can fool you into letting air out. Questions Owners Ask About Tread How do I know if my tread is too low? + The penny test gives a quick read, and many tires have wear bars molded into the grooves. When the tread is level with the bars, the tire is worn out. Why do my tires wear on the edges? + Wear on both edges often points to low pressure. Wear on one edge often points to alignment. A technician can tell you which. Can tires be too old even with good tread? + Yes. Rubber ages and hardens over time. Have a technician check the build date on the sidewall if your tires have been on for several years. Questions Owners Ask About Damage Can a tire with a nail be repaired? + Often, if the nail is in the tread and the tire wasn't driven flat. Sidewall and shoulder damage usually means replacement. Is a small sidewall bulge safe to drive on? + No. A bulge means the tire's inner structure is damaged. Drive slowly to get it replaced and stay off the highway if you can. Did a pothole damage my tire? + Look for a bulge, a cut or a dent in the wheel, and pay attention to new vibration or a slow leak. If you're unsure, have it inspected. Questions Owners Ask About Buying Tires Which tire brands does Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters carry? + Our tire care page lists 17 name brands, including Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, Hankook and Yokohama. Do I need to replace all four tires on an all wheel drive Lincoln? + Often yes, so the tires stay close in size. Check your owner's guide and ask our technicians what fits your situation. Do new tires come with a warranty? + Our tire care page lists parts and labor warranties. Ask your service advisor for the terms on the specific tires you choose. Questions Owners Ask About Tire Service Here How do I schedule tire service in St. Peters? + Book online on our service scheduler or call 636-441-4400. Tell us your tire size if you know it. Can Lincoln Mobile Service rotate my tires at home? + Tire rotation is on the Mobile Service list, along with tire repair and replacement when properly equipped. Call to see if your location qualifies. Can I wait while my tires are done? + Yes. The customer lounge has WiFi, and a complimentary Lincoln loaner is listed as an option if you'd rather leave. Shop Tires for Your Lincoln Seventeen name brands and a form for size questions. Tire Care Advice Check Current Offers See service and parts specials before you book. View Service Specials

New Model Year  |  St. Peters, MO Lincoln redesigned its full size flagship for 2025. New face, new cabin, a tailgate that turns into a seat, and the same proven V6 underneath. We've had more calls about the new Navigator this winter than about anything else on the lineup. Most start the same way. Someone saw photos of that dashboard screen and wants to know if it looks that big in person. It does. The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is the start of a new generation, and nearly everything you see and touch has been redone. Some of the important parts were left alone on purpose. Below is what changed, what stayed the same, and what St. Charles County families should look at when the first ones reach our lot this spring. Quick answer: The 2025 Lincoln Navigator gets a new exterior, a new interior with a 48 inch panoramic display, a split tailgate, the Lincoln Rejuvenate wellness feature and BlueCruise hands free highway driving on every trim. The twin turbo V6, 10 speed automatic and four wheel drive carry over. The lineup is now Reserve and Black Label, each offered in standard length or as the longer Navigator L. Trims Reserve and Black Label Lengths Navigator and Navigator L Carried over Twin turbo V6 and 4WD In this post The new look The split tailgate The new cabin What stayed the same Trims and tech Shopping one in St. Peters What Looks Different on the Outside? Lincoln gave the Navigator the same design direction it introduced on the current Lincoln Nautilus. Up front, the lights are slimmer, the grille is wider, and the Lincoln star in the middle lights up. Around back, a light bar wraps across the tailgate. Wheel sizes run to 22 and 24 inches depending on the trim and package. The bigger wheels look great in the driveway. If you drive a lot of rough pavement in the spring, ask to ride on both sizes before you choose, since tire sidewall height changes how sharp bumps feel. The look will divide people the way bold redesigns always do. Our advice is to see it in person, in daylight, before deciding how you feel. Photos don't show the proportions well. How Does the New Split Tailgate Work? This is the change owners are most likely to use every week. The tailgate now opens in two pieces. The large upper glass and panel section lifts like a normal liftgate, and a lower section folds down to make a ledge you can sit on or slide gear across. Because the upper section is smaller than a full liftgate, it needs less room to swing up. That helps in a garage with a low ceiling or a tight spot at a busy lot. The lower ledge gives you a place to sit and lace up boots, change a toddler's shoes or hand out drinks at a game. St. Peters driver tip Think about where you'd use that tailgate seat. A Friday night football game in Cottleville, a pause at the Katy Trail trailhead in Defiance before a ride, or a picnic at Quail Ridge Park are the kind of stops where a built in bench earns its keep. When you test drive, park, drop the lower gate and sit on it with your own gear. What Changed Inside the Cabin? The change you notice first is the 48 inch panoramic display that runs along the base of the windshield, nearly pillar to pillar. Below it sits an 11.1 inch center touchscreen that runs most of the controls. When the vehicle is parked, the wide screen can be used for things like video, which makes a long wait in a pickup line a lot easier. Lincoln also added Lincoln Rejuvenate. While you're parked, a 5 or 10 minute program reclines the driver's seat, adds heat and massage, shifts the cabin lighting, plays soundscapes and can release a light scent. It sounds like a gimmick until you try it after a long day. Seating stays generous. The Navigator still seats up to eight, and second row captain's chairs are available. Front seats have a lot of power adjustment, and heat and cooling up front come standard. The Black Label trim adds richer materials and its own interior themes. It sounds like a gimmick until you try it after a long day. See the Lincoln Navigator Browse New Inventory What Carried Over From the Previous Navigator? Under the new body, the drivetrain is familiar. The 2025 Lincoln Navigator keeps the twin turbo 3.5 liter V6 and the 10 speed automatic, with four wheel drive on every model. Lincoln didn't announce changes to its power or towing ratings, so expect it to drive much like the outgoing Navigator. That's good news for anyone who tows. A known engine and transmission with years of road time behind them is a comfort when you're pulling a boat to Lake of the Ozarks. A Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package is offered, standard on Black Label and optional on Reserve. For the exact towing rating on a specific vehicle, check its window sticker and the owner's guide, and ask our team to walk you through the package. The Navigator L also returns. It's the longer wheelbase version, with more cargo room behind the third row, and it's offered on both trims. Which Trims and Driver Assistance Features Are Offered? Lincoln trimmed the lineup to two. Reserve is now the starting point, and Black Label sits above it. The former Premiere trim isn't part of the 2025 lineup. Each trim can be ordered as a Navigator or a Navigator L, and packages like the Jet Appearance Package on Reserve change the look further. BlueCruise hands free highway driving comes standard on every 2025 Lincoln Navigator, with several years of service included before a subscription comes into play. BlueCruise works on prequalified sections of divided highway, and the driver still has to watch the road. Other Lincoln Co-Pilot360 features vary by trim, so review the window sticker for the vehicle you're interested in. Black Label buyers also get Lincoln's Black Label ownership program. Ask our team how those benefits apply to a 2025 Navigator Black Label, since the program has its own terms. How Should St. Charles County Families Shop the New Navigator? Early in a new generation, the right vehicle can take some patience. Call us at 636-441-4400 for the latest timing on arrivals, or to talk about ordering one built the way you want. 1 Pick the length first Measure your garage, then decide if you need the extra cargo room of the Navigator L. That choice narrows everything else. 2 Choose Reserve or Black Label Sit in both if you can. Look at the seats, the interior themes and what each trim includes before you add packages. 3 Ride in every row Put someone tall in the third row and see how they fit. That's the seat that usually decides a three row SUV. 4 Plan your trade If you're replacing an older Navigator or another SUV, start the online trade estimate so you know where you stand. Give yourself a full test drive, not a lap around the block. A run east on I-70 toward the Blanchette Bridge and back on Highway 364 shows you highway noise, BlueCruise on a real road, and how the big SUV feels in merging traffic. Warranty Forever on qualifying vehicles Buy a qualifying Lincoln from us and Warranty Forever covers listed powertrain parts for as long as you own it. Covered repairs have no deductible, as long as the maintenance in the agreement is done and kept on record. See What Warranty Forever Covers Questions Shoppers Ask About the Redesign Is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator a new generation? + Yes. The 2025 model starts a new generation with a new exterior and interior. The drivetrain carries over from the previous Navigator. When will the 2025 Lincoln Navigator be at Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters? + Lincoln said the redesigned Navigator would arrive in the spring. Call 636-441-4400 for the latest on arrivals or ordering. Does the 2025 Lincoln Navigator look like the Lincoln Nautilus? + The front end follows the same design direction, with slim lights, a wide grille and a lit Lincoln star. The proportions are very different, since the Navigator is a full size SUV. Questions Shoppers Ask About the Interior How big is the screen in the 2025 Lincoln Navigator? + The panoramic display measures 48 inches and runs across the base of the windshield. An 11.1 inch touchscreen sits in the center below it. What is Lincoln Rejuvenate? + It's a 5 or 10 minute program you can run while parked. It uses seat massage, heat, lighting, sound and a light scent to help you relax. How many people does the 2025 Lincoln Navigator seat? + Up to eight, depending on whether you choose a second row bench or captain's chairs. Questions Shoppers Ask About Capability What engine is in the 2025 Lincoln Navigator? + A twin turbo 3.5 liter V6 with a 10 speed automatic, carried over from the previous generation. Four wheel drive is standard. How much can the 2025 Lincoln Navigator tow? + It depends on the configuration and whether it has the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Check the window sticker and the owner's guide, or ask our team for the rating on a specific vehicle. What is the difference between the Navigator and the Navigator L? + The Navigator L has a longer wheelbase and more cargo space behind the third row. It's offered on both the Reserve and Black Label trims. Questions Shoppers Ask About Technology Is BlueCruise standard on the 2025 Lincoln Navigator? + Yes, on every trim, with several years of service included. After that, continued use is expected to need a subscription. Ask us for the details on the vehicle you choose. Where can I use BlueCruise around St. Peters? + BlueCruise works on prequalified sections of divided highway. The vehicle tells you when it's available, and you still need to watch the road. What other driver assistance features does it have? + The Navigator uses Lincoln Co-Pilot360 features, and the list depends on the trim. Read about them on our Co-Pilot360 page and confirm them on the window sticker. Questions Shoppers Ask About Buying Here Can I order a 2025 Lincoln Navigator built to my specs? + Call our sales team at 636-441-4400 to talk about ordering. They can walk you through trims, lengths and packages. What does Lincoln Black Label ownership include? + The program has its own benefits and terms. Read our Black Label page and ask our team how it applies to the Navigator you're considering. Will you take my current Navigator in trade? + Yes. We accept trade ins from all manufacturers. Start with the online estimate, then confirm the value with a quick appraisal. Know What Your SUV Is Worth Start an online estimate before the new Navigator arrives. Value Your Trade Compare Black Label See what Lincoln Black Label ownership includes. Explore Black Label

Service  |  St. Peters, MO Spring hail and winter fender benders send a lot of Lincolns to the body shop. What to do first, how the claim and the repair work, and what to ask before you sign off. March in St. Charles County can hand you sleet on Monday and a thunderstorm with pea sized hail by Friday. Add the last of the icy mornings on the Blanchette Bridge and a parking lot bump at Mid Rivers Mall, and the body shop gets busy this time of year. Most people only deal with a collision repair once every few years, so the steps are easy to forget. This post walks through what to do in the first hour, how our body shop handles the estimate and the insurance side, and what happens to your Lincoln between drop off and pickup. Quick answer: After hail or a minor collision, take photos, report the claim to your insurer, and call the body shop at 636-441-4400 for an estimate. Our Body Shop and Collision Center inspects for hidden damage, works with your insurer on the paperwork, aims to use OEM factory parts, and runs a post repair scan and a 21 point inspection before you get the vehicle back. Body shop hours Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM Estimates Start with a phone call Before pickup Scan plus 21 point check In this post The first hour Hail damage Estimate and insurance Inside the repair Sensors and calibration What Should You Do Right After Hail or a Collision? Get safe first. If you're in traffic and the vehicle still drives, move it out of the lane and turn on the hazards. Call the police if anyone is hurt or the other driver won't exchange information. 1 Take photos Shoot all four sides, close ups of each dent or scrape, the other vehicle and its plate, and the street. For hail, photograph the roof and hood in low, angled light so the dents show. 2 Swap information Names, phone numbers, insurance companies and policy numbers. Write down where and when it happened. 3 Report it to your insurer Most claims start with a call or the insurer's app. They'll give you a claim number, which the body shop will ask for. 4 Call the body shop Phone 636-441-4400 to set up an estimate. The shop will tell you what to bring. Even a light hit can crack sensors or brackets behind the bumper cover. If a warning light comes on or a driver assistance feature stops working after a minor bump, mention it when you call. How Is Hail Damage on a Lincoln Repaired? Hail usually leaves dozens of small dents across the roof, hood and the tops of the doors. The repair depends on how deep they are and whether the paint cracked. Our body shop lists paintless dent repair among its services, along with painting and refinishing, and it handles weather related damage. Paintless dent repair works the metal back into shape from behind without sanding or repainting, which keeps the factory finish. It's a good match for shallow dents where the paint is intact. Deep dents, creased panels or chipped paint usually need traditional body work and paint. Ask the estimator which method fits each panel on your Lincoln. Hail claims usually fall under comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, not collision. Your insurer can tell you what your policy covers and what your deductible is. St. Peters driver tip Spring storms roll across St. Charles County fast, often in the late afternoon. When a hail warning is out, the parking garages at Mid Rivers Mall and covered decks in downtown St. Charles beat an open lot. At home, clear a spot in the garage before storm season starts so you aren't moving bikes and boxes while the sky turns green. How Do the Estimate and Insurance Claim Work? The estimate starts with a close inspection. The body shop page says the team looks for hidden damage before writing it up, since a bumper cover can look fine while the bracket behind it is broken. Finding that up front means fewer surprises once the repair starts. On the insurance side, the shop helps guide you through the claims process and gets the needed documentation from your insurer. If your Lincoln will be in the shop for a while, the shop will provide a rental car if needed. Ask about that when you schedule so it's lined up. In Missouri you generally get to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Your insurer may suggest a shop, and you can still ask for the one you want. If you aren't sure how your policy handles it, ask your agent. Visit the Body Shop Contact the Store What Happens to Your Lincoln During the Repair? The shop follows a six step process from start to finish. It starts with an inspection and a repair blueprint, then parts get ordered with a goal of OEM factory parts. Structural and body repairs come next, then painting and baking in the paint booths, then final assembly. Before the vehicle leaves, it gets an electronic post repair scan, a 21 point inspection and a test drive. The last step is an exterior hand wash and an interior cleaning. The people doing the work matter as much as the steps. Technicians are I-CAR and ASE trained, the painters use PPG paint systems, and the shop displays Ford Certified Collision Network and Ford National Body Shop Network logos. The goal is to put the vehicle back to OEM standards. Before the vehicle leaves, it gets an electronic post repair scan, a 21 point inspection and a test drive. Why Do Cameras and Sensors Matter After a Collision? A lot of what keeps a newer Lincoln safe sits in the bumpers, the grille, the mirrors and behind the windshield. Radar, cameras and parking sensors feed driver assistance features, and they're aimed to exact positions. A repair that moves a bumper a few millimeters or replaces a windshield can throw that aim off. Our body shop lists safety calibrations and glass repair among its services, and the post repair scan checks for stored fault codes. If something feels different about lane keeping, adaptive cruise or parking alerts after you pick up the vehicle, call the shop and tell them right away. Book it your way Mechanical work after a bump, like a warning light or a new noise, can go through our service department. Book online, use the Lincoln app, or call 636-441-4400. Inside the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, complimentary Pickup and Delivery brings you a Lincoln loaner and returns your vehicle washed. Learn About Pickup and Delivery Questions Owners Ask About Hail Can hail dents be fixed without repainting? + Often, if the dents are shallow and the paint isn't cracked. Paintless dent repair is listed among the body shop's services. The estimator will tell you which panels qualify. Does hail damage get worse if I wait? + Dents won't spread, but chipped or cracked paint can let moisture reach the metal. Get chipped spots looked at soon. Is hail covered by collision insurance? + Hail usually falls under comprehensive coverage. Check with your insurer to confirm your coverage and deductible. Questions Owners Ask About Estimates How do I get a body shop estimate? + Call 636-441-4400 to get an estimate and set up an appointment. The shop inspects the vehicle, including hidden damage, before writing it up. Why can the final bill change from the estimate? + Some damage only shows up once panels come off. The shop inspects for hidden damage at the start to keep those changes to a minimum. Do I need more than one estimate? + That depends on your insurer. Ask them how they handle estimates before you schedule. Questions Owners Ask About Parts and Paint Will my Lincoln get factory parts? + The body shop's process lists a goal of OEM factory parts. Ask your estimator what's planned for your repair and how your policy handles parts. Will the new paint match the rest of the vehicle? + The painters use PPG paint systems, and panels are painted and baked in the shop's paint booths. Look over the finish in daylight when you pick it up. Can the shop fix a cracked windshield after a storm? + Glass repair is on the body shop's service list. Since cameras often sit behind the windshield, ask about calibration when you book. Questions Owners Ask About Timing How long will my Lincoln be in the body shop? + It depends on the damage and parts availability. Ask for an estimated completion date when the repair is approved. Can I get a rental car while it's being repaired? + The body shop says it will provide a rental car if needed. Ask when you schedule so it's ready on drop off day. Is the body shop open on Saturday? + No. The body shop is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Questions Owners Ask About After the Repair What gets checked before I pick up my vehicle? + An electronic post repair scan, a 21 point inspection and a test drive, followed by an exterior hand wash and interior cleaning. What if a warning light comes on after the repair? + Call the shop right away. Sensors and cameras are aimed precisely, and the team can check whether a calibration is needed. Does the body shop work on fleet vehicles? + Yes. Fleet vehicle repair is on the body shop's service list. Call 636-441-4400 to talk through your fleet's needs. Something Feels Off After a Bump Warning lights and new noises go to our service department. Visit Service Book a Mechanical Check Pick a time online for anything beyond the body work. Schedule Service

Buying  |  St. Peters, MO A lease and a loan can put the same Lincoln in your driveway. How many miles you drive and how long you keep a vehicle usually decide which one makes sense. Somebody at the sales desk asks this almost every day. They've picked the Lincoln, they like the color, and now they want to know if they should lease it or buy it. Our answer starts with two questions of our own: how many miles do you put on a car in a year, and how long do you usually keep one? Neither choice is the smart one for everybody. A lease and a loan are two ways to pay for the same vehicle, and each one rewards a different kind of driver. This post lays out how each one works, where people get surprised, and the questions to bring when you sit down with our Finance Department. Quick answer: Leasing usually suits drivers who want a new Lincoln every few years, stay within a set yearly mileage, and keep the vehicle in good shape. Financing usually suits drivers who put on a lot of miles, like to customize, or plan to keep the vehicle long after it's paid off. Get pre approved and price both on the same vehicle before you decide. Lease suits Steady miles, a new car often Finance suits High miles, keeping it long First step Get pre approved online In this post How each one works When leasing fits When financing fits Where people get surprised How to decide What Is the Difference Between Leasing and Financing? With a loan, you're paying off the whole vehicle. Every payment builds equity, and when the last one clears, the Lincoln is yours with nothing owed. You can drive it as far as you like, add a hitch, change the wheels, and sell or trade it whenever you want. With a lease, you're paying for the part of the vehicle's value you use up during the term, plus a finance charge. You agree to a yearly mileage allowance and a set number of months. At the end you hand it back, buy it, or roll into something new. Because you aren't paying for the whole vehicle, the monthly payment on a lease is often lower than a loan payment on the same Lincoln. Neither one is free money. A lease trades ownership for a lower payment and a new vehicle more often. A loan trades a higher payment for something you own outright at the end. Who Is a Good Fit for a Lincoln Lease? Leasing works well for drivers whose miles are predictable. If your week is a commute from Cottleville to an office in O'Fallon, errands on Mid Rivers Mall Drive and a couple of trips a month into St. Charles, you can probably pick a mileage allowance and stay under it. It also fits people who like having the newest technology. Lincoln updates its screens, driver assistance and design fairly often, and a lease lets you move to the newer version every few years without dealing with selling the old one. Business owners sometimes prefer leasing for tax reasons. That depends on how your business is set up, so talk it over with your accountant before you count on it. St. Peters driver tip Before you pick a mileage allowance, add up a normal month. A round trip on I-70 to Lake Saint Louis, a weekend on Highway 94 out to Defiance, and one or two drives to Lake of the Ozarks each summer can add up faster than people expect. Pick the allowance from your real driving, then add a cushion. When Does Financing a Lincoln Make More Sense? Financing is usually the better match if you drive a lot. Sales reps out of St. Peters who cover the whole region, or families who drive to see relatives in Warrenton and Washington every weekend, can blow through a mileage allowance and pay for it at turn in. It's also the way to go if you keep vehicles for a long time. Once the loan is paid off, the payment goes away while the Lincoln keeps running. Owners who customize, tow or haul a lot of gear tend to be happier owning, since a lease expects the vehicle back close to how it left. Ownership also matters for the store's own coverage. Warranty Forever covers listed powertrain parts on qualifying vehicles for as long as you own the vehicle, and it isn't transferable. If that coverage is a big part of why you're buying here, ask our team how it applies to the specific vehicle and deal you're looking at. Get Pre Approved Meet Our Finance Department What Lease Terms Catch People Off Guard? Most lease regrets come from the fine print, not the payment. These are the ones worth reading twice: Excess mileage charges Go over the allowance and you pay a set charge for each extra mile at turn in. It adds up fast on a long term. Wear and use Curb rash on the wheels, a cracked windshield or stained seats can show up as charges at the end. Ask what counts as normal wear. Ending early Getting out of a lease before the term ends usually costs money. If your life might change soon, factor that in. Fees at signing and turn in Ask for every fee in writing, including anything due at the start and anything charged when you return the vehicle. Most lease regrets come from the fine print, not the payment. How Should You Compare a Lease and a Loan on the Same Lincoln? The cleanest way to decide is to price both on the exact vehicle you want, side by side, before you sign anything. 1 Get pre approved The online application lets our Finance Department review the programs available to you before you visit. 2 Know your trade If you have a vehicle to trade, start with the online estimate. Its value can go toward either a lease or a loan. 3 Ask for both quotes Same vehicle, same down payment. Look at the monthly payment, the total due at signing, and the term. 4 Run your numbers forward Think about where you'll be when the term ends. Ask what you'd owe, what you'd own, and what your options are at that point. The finance page lists rates through Lincoln Automotive Financial Services, quick approvals, and programs for a range of credit situations. Rates change, so the number you see today is the one to plan around, not one from last month. Warranty Forever on qualifying vehicles Qualifying new and pre owned vehicles bought here come with Warranty Forever, which covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, with no deductible on covered repairs. Read the Warranty Forever Details Questions Buyers Ask About Leasing Can I buy my Lincoln at the end of a lease? + Most leases include an option to buy the vehicle at the end. The purchase price is set in the lease agreement, so read that section before you sign. What happens if I go over my lease miles? + You pay a per mile charge for every mile over the allowance when you turn the vehicle in. Picking a realistic allowance up front is the easiest way to avoid it. Can I trade in a leased vehicle early? + Sometimes, depending on what you owe compared to what it's worth. Bring the lease details and we can look at it with you. Questions Buyers Ask About Financing Where does Lincoln financing come from? + Our finance page lists rates through Lincoln Automotive Financial Services. The Finance Department can also explain other programs available to you. Can I finance a Lincoln with less than perfect credit? + The finance page says there are programs for customers who have missed payments in the past or are rebuilding credit. The Finance Department builds the loan package after you apply. Can I pay off my Lincoln loan early? + Ask about prepayment terms before you sign. The details depend on the lender and the contract. Questions Buyers Ask About Pre Approval How do I get pre approved at Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters? + Fill out the secure online application and the team will review the programs available. You can also call 636-441-4400. Does pre approval affect my credit? + The online page doesn't spell out the type of credit inquiry. Call the Finance Department at 636-441-4400 before you apply if that matters to you. Do I need pre approval before a test drive? + No. You can drive first and apply later. Getting pre approved first just makes the paperwork go faster once you've decided. Questions Buyers Ask About Trading In Can my trade in cover the down payment? + Trade in value can be applied toward a lease or a loan. Start with the online estimate, and the final value is confirmed during a quick appraisal. Do you take trade ins that aren't Lincolns? + Yes. Bring in any make. Your trade doesn't have to be a Lincoln. What affects my trade in value? + Mileage, condition, trim level, features and market demand all play a part, along with tires and maintenance history. Questions Buyers Ask About Protection Products What protection products does the Finance Department offer? + The finance page mentions vehicle protection services and extended warranty programs. Ask for the terms of each in writing before you add one. Is Warranty Forever the same as an extended warranty? + No. Warranty Forever is the store's own powertrain coverage on qualifying vehicles, with its own terms. Read the Warranty Forever page and compare it to anything else you're offered. Does Warranty Forever cover towing or a rental car? + No. Towing and rental aren't covered under Warranty Forever, and the coverage isn't transferable. Know Your Trade Value Start online, then confirm it with a quick appraisal. Value Your Trade Find the Lincoln First Pick the vehicle, then price a lease and a loan on it. Shop New Lincolns

Service  |  St. Peters, MO February potholes can pull a Lincoln out of line in one hit. How to tell, what an alignment check measures, and why waiting costs you tires. By early February the roads around St. Peters start to come apart. Water gets into cracks, freezes overnight, thaws by lunch, and does it again the next day. A week of that and the right lane of Mid Rivers Mall Drive has holes you can feel through the seat. Most of those hits do nothing lasting. One sharp edge at the wrong speed can bend the angles your wheels sit at, though, and you might not notice until a tire wears out early. This post is about spotting that kind of damage and getting it fixed before it costs you a set of tires. Quick answer: If your Lincoln pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits off center on a straight road, or a tire shows uneven wear after a hard pothole hit, have the alignment checked. A technician measures the wheel angles against Lincoln's specifications and adjusts them, which protects your tires and keeps the vehicle tracking straight. Worst months February and March First sign A crooked steering wheel What it saves Your tires In this post How potholes cause it Signs to watch for What the check measures Cost of waiting How often to check How Does One Pothole Knock a Lincoln Out of Alignment? Alignment is the set of angles that decide how each wheel meets the road. When everything is set right, the tires roll straight and wear evenly. The parts that hold those angles are strong, but they're built to move with the suspension, and a hard square edge hit sends a lot of force through them in a fraction of a second. Speed and the shape of the hole matter more than size. A shallow, wide dip at 25 miles an hour usually passes. A deep hole with a sharp back edge, taken at highway speed on an I-70 ramp, can shift an angle enough to matter. Low profile tires on large wheels give the hit less cushion, which is one reason newer luxury SUVs can feel these impacts more. What Are the Signs Your Alignment Is Off? The car usually tells you within a few days of the hit. Pay attention on a flat, straight stretch where you can hold the wheel lightly. Pulling to one side You have to hold a little pressure on the wheel to keep going straight. Road crown can cause a slight drift, so test on more than one road. Off center steering wheel The logo on the wheel sits tilted while the vehicle tracks straight. This is often the first thing drivers notice after a pothole. Uneven tire wear One edge of a tire wears faster than the other, or the tread starts to feel choppy when you run your hand across it. Lane keeping alerts acting odd If lane assist features seem to correct more than usual, a crooked thrust angle can be part of it. Have it checked along with the alignment. A bent wheel or bulging tire Look at the wheel that took the hit. A bulge in the sidewall or a dent in the rim needs attention before you worry about angles. A sidewall bulge is a safety problem first and a wear problem second. If you see one, slow down and get the tire looked at the same day. What Happens During an Alignment Check? A proper alignment starts with a look at the parts, then moves to the machine. Adjusting angles on a vehicle with a bent component just hides the problem for a while. 1 Inspect first The technician checks tire pressure and wear, then looks over the steering and suspension parts for looseness or damage from the impact. 2 Measure the angles Sensors on each wheel read toe, camber and caster and compare them to the specifications for your Lincoln. 3 Adjust and center Adjustable angles get brought back into range, and the steering wheel is centered so it sits straight when the vehicle does. 4 Road test A short drive confirms the vehicle tracks straight and the wheel is level. You get the before and after readings. On many newer Lincoln models, the camera and radar that run driver assistance features are aimed based on how the vehicle tracks. If an alignment changes that, the service team can tell you whether a calibration check makes sense. Our body shop lists both alignments and safety calibrations among its services. Book an Alignment Check See Body Shop Services What Happens If You Put Off an Alignment? Nothing dramatic happens right away, and that's why people wait. The cost shows up slowly. A wheel that's toed out a little scrubs its tire sideways on every mile you drive. Over a few thousand miles the inside or outside shoulder of the tread wears down, and a tire that should have lasted years needs replacing early. Fuel economy can drop a bit too, since the tires are fighting each other. A vehicle that pulls also wears on you, the driver, on a long run out to Warrenton or Washington. A wheel that's toed out a little scrubs its tire sideways on every mile you drive. St. Peters driver tip The worst stretches each spring tend to be ramps and right lanes where trucks run heavy, like the I-70 ramps at Mid Rivers Mall Drive, the merge onto Highway 364, and older pavement on Salt River Road. Leave more room behind the car ahead so you can see holes coming, and slow down before the hole, not in it. Braking hard while you're in the hole loads the front suspension even more. How Often Should a Lincoln Get an Alignment? There's no single mileage for it. Your owner's guide and maintenance schedule are the place to start. Beyond that, the smart times are after a hard impact, when you put on new tires, and after any work on steering or suspension parts. A lot of owners also have it checked once a year after pothole season ends, usually in March or April. That catches the slow drift from a winter of small hits and gives a fresh set of tires a fair start. Book it your way Set up an alignment check online, through the Lincoln app, or by calling 636-441-4400. Still inside the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty? Pickup and Delivery is complimentary, and you drive a Lincoln loaner until yours comes back washed. How Pickup and Delivery Works Questions Owners Ask About Pothole Damage Should I get an alignment after every pothole? + No. Most hits leave no lasting change. Get it checked if the steering wheel looks crooked, the vehicle pulls, or you hit something hard enough to make you wince. Can a pothole damage more than the alignment? + Yes. A hard hit can bend a wheel, bulge a tire or damage steering and suspension parts. That's why a good alignment check starts with an inspection. How soon after a pothole hit should I come in? + If the car drives normally, within a week or two is fine. If you see a tire bulge, hear a new noise, or the steering feels loose, come in right away. Questions Owners Ask About Alignment and Tires Should I get an alignment with new tires? + It's a smart time to do it. New tires on a vehicle that's out of alignment start wearing unevenly from the first mile. Is tire balancing the same as alignment? + No. Balancing fixes a vibration by evening out weight around a wheel and tire. Alignment sets the angles the wheels sit at. A shake at highway speed usually points to balance, and a pull usually points to alignment. Can low tire pressure feel like bad alignment? + It can. A low tire on one side can make the vehicle pull. Checking pressures is the first step in any alignment visit. Questions Owners Ask About the Service Visit How long does an alignment take? + Ask your service advisor for an estimate when you book. Time depends on the model and on what the inspection finds before the adjustment. Will I get a printout of the readings? + Ask for the before and after measurements. They show which angles were off and confirm they ended up in range. Do driver assistance cameras need recalibration after an alignment? + Sometimes. It depends on the model and how much the tracking changed. Our team can tell you if a calibration check is recommended for your Lincoln. Questions Owners Ask About Driving Habits Does hitting curbs affect alignment? + It can, especially a hard hit while turning into a parking spot. If the steering wheel looks different afterward, have it checked. Do larger wheels make a Lincoln more sensitive to potholes? + Larger wheels usually mean shorter tire sidewalls, which leave less cushion for a sharp hit. Keeping tire pressure at the door placard spec helps. What should I do right after a hard pothole hit? + Pull over somewhere safe if you can and look at the tire and wheel. Watch for a warning light or a new pull over the next few miles. Questions Owners Ask About Service in St. Peters Where is the Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters service department? + We're at 4760 North Service Road in St. Peters, along I-70. Call 636-441-4400 for service, sales or parts. Can I book an alignment on a Saturday? + Service is open Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM, and Monday through Thursday 7 AM to 7 PM and Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Book ahead to hold a spot. Does Lincoln Mobile Service do alignments? + Alignment needs a rack, so plan on a shop visit. Mobile Service lists tire rotation and tire repair when properly equipped, so call to ask what fits your situation. Talk to a Service Advisor Tell us about the hit and we'll check the parts before the angles. Visit the Service Department Check Your Tires Too A pothole that moves your alignment can hurt a tire. Tire Care Advice

Compare  |  St. Peters, MO Two quiet, two row luxury SUVs with different ideas about drivetrains, screens and back seat room. A fair look at both from our St. Peters showroom. A lot of the people who sit in a Lincoln Nautilus on our showroom floor have a Lexus RX at home or on their short list. We don't take that as a slight. The Lexus RX has earned its following, and anybody shopping a midsize luxury SUV in St. Charles County should look at both. They have plenty in common: two rows, five seats, a quiet cabin and hybrid versions. Where they split apart is in how power reaches the wheels, how the dash is laid out, and how much space the back seat and cargo area give you. We've tried to call it straight on both, including the places where the Lexus RX comes out ahead. Quick answer: Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if you want all wheel drive on every trim, a wide panoramic display, and more rear legroom and cargo room on paper. Choose the Lexus RX if you want the widest spread of powertrains, including a plug in hybrid, and Lexus reliability and resale history matter most to you. Drive both on the same day and on the same roads before you decide. Seating Two rows and five seats in both Lincoln Nautilus All wheel drive on every trim Lexus RX Only one with a plug in hybrid In this post Where they overlap Drivetrain and winter Gas and hybrid choices Cabin, space and tech Reliability and ownership How to test drive both How Are the Lincoln Nautilus and Lexus RX Alike? Both sit in the same part of the market. The current Lincoln Nautilus arrived with a new design for the 2024 model year, and the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus carries that design forward. The current Lexus RX generation dates to the 2023 model year. Lexus dropped the three row RX L when that generation launched, so today both SUVs are two row, five seat vehicles. Neither one is trying to be a sports car. Both lean toward a soft, quiet ride, and both offer a hybrid. If your week is school drop off in Cottleville, a commute down I-70 and a Saturday run to Main Street in St. Charles, either one will do the job comfortably. The choice comes down to the details below. Which Is Better Set Up for a St. Charles County Winter? Every 2025 Lincoln Nautilus comes with all wheel drive, gas or hybrid, from the first trim up. You don't have to check a box or hunt the lot for the right badge. The Lexus RX handles it differently. The gas Lexus RX 350 is sold with front wheel drive or all wheel drive, while the Lexus RX 350h, Lexus RX 450h+ and Lexus RX 500h all come with all wheel drive. If you're shopping a Lexus RX 350, new or used, look at the window sticker or the build sheet so you know which one you're getting. All wheel drive helps you get moving on a slick hill. It doesn't help you stop, and that's where tires earn their keep. A good set of all season tires with plenty of tread, or a set of winter tires if you drive early mornings, matters as much as the drivetrain on either SUV. St. Peters driver tip Highway 94 out toward Defiance has curves and hills that stay icy after the main roads clear, and the Page Avenue bridge over the Missouri River catches wind and freezes early. If you're test driving in January, take one of those routes instead of a dry stretch of I-70. You'll learn more in ten minutes. How Do the Gas and Hybrid Choices Compare? The Lincoln Nautilus keeps it simple. There's a turbocharged four cylinder gas version and a hybrid version built around a turbocharged four cylinder with an electric motor. Both send power to all four wheels. The Lexus RX gives you more to choose from. The Lexus RX 350 uses a turbocharged four cylinder. The Lexus RX 350h is a conventional hybrid. The Lexus RX 450h+ is a plug in hybrid that can cover short trips on electric power alone, and the Lexus RX 500h is a performance hybrid. If you have a garage outlet and a short commute to O'Fallon or Lake St. Louis, that plug in option is a real point in the Lexus RX column. We aren't going to quote horsepower or fuel economy here, because the numbers move by version and model year. The window sticker has the EPA figures for the exact vehicle in front of you, and our sales team can pull them up for any Lincoln Nautilus you're looking at. Shop the Lincoln Nautilus See All New Lincolns What Feels Different Inside the Cabin? This is where the two feel least alike. The Lincoln Nautilus has a 48 inch panoramic display that runs across the base of the windshield, with an 11.1 inch touchscreen below it. Some drivers love it on the first drive. Others want a few days to get used to it. The Lexus RX uses a more traditional layout, with a 12.3 inch display in front of the driver and an available 14 inch touchscreen in the center. Space is the other big difference. Published figures give the Lincoln Nautilus more rear legroom and more cargo space than the Lexus RX. If your back seat holds teenagers, a car seat behind a tall driver, or golf bags on the way to a tee time, sit back there yourself in both and load what you carry. For driver assistance, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers BlueCruise, Lincoln's hands free highway driving feature for prequalified stretches of divided highway. Lexus fits Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 to every Lexus RX, which includes pre collision braking and all speed radar cruise control. Ask our team which Lincoln Co-Pilot360 features come on the trim you're considering, since the list varies. If your back seat holds teenagers, a car seat behind a tall driver, or golf bags on the way to a tee time, sit back there yourself in both and load what you carry. What About Reliability, Resale and Ownership? Credit where it's due. The Lexus RX has a long record for reliability and strong resale value, and reviewers point to it every time. If that history is the main thing you're buying, the Lexus RX deserves a hard look. The factory warranties are close. Both carry a 4 year or 50,000 mile basic warranty and a 6 year or 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. The differences tend to come from the store you buy from. A qualifying Lincoln bought here comes with Warranty Forever, and a Lincoln inside its new vehicle warranty qualifies for complimentary Pickup and Delivery from our service department on North Service Road. The Lincoln Nautilus fits you if You want all wheel drive without checking the trim Adults or growing kids ride in the back seat You like a wide panoramic display and hands free highway driving You want service a few minutes off I-70 in St. Peters The Lexus RX fits you if You want a plug in hybrid for short electric commutes Lexus reliability and resale history come first for you You prefer a more conventional dash layout You want a performance hybrid like the Lexus RX 500h How Should You Test Drive Them Side by Side? Driving them a week apart makes it hard to compare. Try to do both on the same day, on the same roads, with the same people in the car. 1 Pick one loop and repeat it Something like Mid Rivers Mall Drive to I-70, a stretch of highway, then back on Mexico Road gives you city stops, highway noise and rough patches. 2 Sit in the back Have someone else drive while you ride behind the driver's seat set to your own position. That's the seat your family will judge. 3 Load the cargo area Bring the stroller, the sports bags or the cooler. Numbers on paper don't tell you how a shape fits your stuff. 4 Use the screens while parked Pair your phone, set a destination and change the audio. Ten minutes in a parking lot tells you which layout you'll be happy with. Tell us before you come in that you're cross shopping a Lexus RX. We'll have a Lincoln Nautilus ready on the trim you're comparing so the drive is fair. Warranty Forever on qualifying vehicles Buy a qualifying new or pre owned Lincoln from us and Warranty Forever covers the listed powertrain parts for as long as you own it, with no deductible on covered repairs. Keep up the maintenance the agreement calls for and keep the records. How Warranty Forever Works Questions Shoppers Ask About Size and Seating Does the Lexus RX still offer a third row? + Not in the current generation. Lexus offered a three row RX L in the past, but it ended when the current Lexus RX launched for the 2023 model year. Today both the Lexus RX and the Lincoln Nautilus seat five. Which one has more cargo room? + Published figures give the Lincoln Nautilus more cargo space behind the second row. Shape and load height matter too, so bring the things you haul and try them in both. Can I fit car seats in the back of a Lincoln Nautilus? + Bring your car seats to the test drive and install them. Every seat fits a little differently, and seeing it in person beats any chart. Questions Shoppers Ask About Hybrids Is the Lincoln Nautilus hybrid all wheel drive? + Yes. All wheel drive is standard on the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, including the hybrid version. Does the Lincoln Nautilus come as a plug in hybrid? + The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is offered as a gas model or a conventional hybrid that charges itself while you drive. If plugging in at home is a must, the Lexus RX 450h+ offers that, and the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring is a plug in hybrid in the Lincoln lineup. Which one gets better fuel economy? + It depends on the version. The EPA ratings are on the window sticker of each vehicle, and our team can show you the figures for any Lincoln Nautilus in stock. Questions Shoppers Ask About Technology What is BlueCruise on the Lincoln Nautilus? + BlueCruise is Lincoln's hands free highway driving feature. It works on prequalified sections of divided highway, and you still have to watch the road. Ask our team how it's included on the vehicle you're considering. Is the 48 inch display distracting? + Most drivers settle in after a few drives. It sits low at the base of the windshield, and the touchscreen below handles most controls. Try it on a test drive before you decide. Do both have driver assistance features? + Yes. Lexus fits Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 to every Lexus RX. The Lincoln Nautilus uses Lincoln Co-Pilot360 features, and the exact list depends on the trim, so check the window sticker or ask us. Questions Shoppers Ask About Buying in St. Peters Will you take my Lexus as a trade in? + Yes. The store accepts trade ins from all manufacturers. You can start with an online estimate, and the final number is confirmed with a quick appraisal in person. Can I get pre approved before I come in? + Yes. The online application goes to our Finance Department, which reviews the programs available to you. You can also call 636-441-4400 with questions first. When is the sales showroom open? + Sales is open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Call ahead and we'll have a Lincoln Nautilus ready to drive. Questions Shoppers Ask About Owning a Lincoln Here Does Warranty Forever transfer if I sell the vehicle? + No. Warranty Forever covers qualifying vehicles for as long as you own them and isn't transferable. Towing and rental aren't part of it. Does Pickup and Delivery come with a new Lincoln Nautilus? + Pickup and Delivery is complimentary while your Lincoln is within the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty. We pick it up, leave a Lincoln loaner, and bring it back washed. Where do I get my Lincoln Nautilus serviced? + Our service department at 4760 North Service Road in St. Peters handles it. You can schedule service online or call 636-441-4400. Get Pre Approved Online Know your options before you sit down to compare. Start Pre Approval Trading In a Lexus Get an online estimate, then confirm it with a quick appraisal. Value Your Trade

Service  |  St. Peters, MO Why a Lincoln battery gives out on the first hard freeze, what the early signs feel like, and what a proper test tells you. It's 6:40 on a January morning in St. Peters. The driveway is white, the wipers are frozen to the glass, and you need to be on I-70 in ten minutes. You press the start button and the engine turns over slower than it did last week. That small hesitation is the battery talking. Cold doesn't usually kill a healthy battery. It exposes a weak one. This post covers why winter mornings are hard on a Lincoln battery, the signs worth paying attention to, what a real battery test looks at, and how to keep a good battery going until spring. Quick answer: If your Lincoln cranks slowly on cold mornings, shows a battery or charging warning, or has a battery older than three to five years, have it tested before the next deep freeze. A load test shows how much reserve is left, and it checks the charging system so a weak alternator doesn't get blamed on a good battery. Typical life Three to five years Hardest morning The first deep freeze Smart move Test it in the fall or now In this post Why cold mornings hurt Warning signs What a battery test checks Battery or alternator Short trips in winter When to replace it Why Does a Lincoln Battery Struggle on Cold Mornings? A battery makes power through a chemical reaction, and cold slows that reaction down. On a single digit morning the battery can deliver noticeably less current than it does on a mild day, right when the engine needs more of it. Cold oil is thicker, so the starter has to work harder to turn the engine over. Put those together and a battery that had plenty of margin in October can come up short in January. The damage usually started earlier. Summer heat wears down the inside of a battery, and winter is just when the weakness shows up. What Are the Warning Signs Before a Battery Fails? Most batteries give some warning first. Watch for these, especially once the overnight lows drop into the teens: Slow cranking The engine turns over slower than usual before it starts, and it's worse on the coldest mornings. A battery or charging warning A message or light on the instrument cluster about the battery or charging system. Dim lights at startup Headlights or the interior lights look weak until the engine is running. Electrical oddities Screens that reboot, features that switch off, or a start/stop system that stops working. Corrosion or a swollen case White or green buildup on the terminals, or a battery case that looks bloated. One of these is a reason to get it checked. Two or more together is a reason to get it checked this week, not at your next oil change. What Happens During a Lincoln Battery Test? A real battery test takes a few minutes and gives you a clear answer. It goes further than a voltage reading, because a battery can show normal voltage and still fail under load. 1 Load test The technician measures how well the battery delivers current under demand, which is what it has to do on a cold start. 2 Terminals and cables Connections get checked for corrosion and tightness. A loose clamp can look a lot like a dying battery. 3 Charging system Alternator output is checked with the engine running, so a good battery isn't replaced when the real problem is charging. If the battery needs replacing, the team matches the right specification for your Lincoln. Many newer vehicles also need the new battery registered with the vehicle's computer so it charges correctly, and that step gets done during the same visit. Schedule a Battery Test Battery Service Advice Is It the Battery or the Alternator? The two get confused all the time. The battery stores power to start the engine. The alternator recharges it while you drive. If the alternator isn't keeping up, even a new battery slowly drains and leaves you with the same slow crank. A vehicle that's hard to start but runs fine afterward usually points to the battery. A vehicle that starts fine but dims its lights or throws a charging warning while driving points more toward the alternator. Testing both together is how you avoid paying for the wrong part. Cold doesn't usually kill a healthy battery. It exposes a weak one. Do Short Winter Trips Drain a Battery? They can. Starting the engine takes a big draw from the battery, and a quick run to Mid Rivers Mall or the school pickup line in Cottleville may not give the alternator enough time to put it all back. Heated seats, the rear defroster and the fan on high pull power too. A week of short trips in the cold can leave a battery lower every morning than it was the morning before. A longer drive once a week helps, and so does a battery that's in good shape to begin with. St. Peters driver tip If your Lincoln sits outside, park nose in toward the garage or house when a hard freeze is coming. It won't keep the battery warm, but it puts the engine bay out of the worst of the wind. If you have a second vehicle that sits for days, drive it on the weekend so it isn't the one that won't start when you need it. When Should You Replace a Lincoln Battery? Most batteries last three to five years. Climate, driving habits and how often the vehicle sits all move that number. If your battery is in the four year range and the test shows it's weak, replacing it before the next cold snap is usually cheaper than a tow, a missed meeting and a jump in a parking lot. The date is stamped on the battery, and our service team can read it for you during any visit. Lincoln Mobile Service also lists batteries among the jobs it can handle at your home or office. Book it your way Schedule online, in the Lincoln app, or call us at 636-441-4400. Pickup and Delivery is complimentary for vehicles within the 4 year or 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, and we leave you a Lincoln loaner while we have yours. See Pickup and Delivery Questions Owners Ask About Cold Weather Starts Why does my Lincoln start fine in the afternoon but not in the morning? + The overnight cold is the difference. A battery delivers less current when it's cold, and the engine is harder to turn over, so a weak battery can pass in the afternoon and struggle at sunrise. A load test will show how much margin is left. Can a battery die overnight without warning? + It can feel that way, but there's usually a slow crank or a dim light first. Internal wear builds over months, so a battery that seemed fine yesterday can cross the line on the first very cold morning. How cold does it have to be to drain a battery? + There's no single number. A healthy battery handles a typical St. Charles County winter. A worn one can struggle once lows reach the teens or single digits, and the risk climbs the colder it gets. Questions Owners Ask About Battery Testing How long does a battery test take? + The test itself takes a few minutes. If a replacement is needed, ask your service advisor for a time estimate when you book, since it depends on the vehicle and the day. Should I test my battery if it still starts the car? + If it's more than three years old, yes. Testing before a deep freeze can catch a weak battery while you still get to pick the day you replace it. What does a load test tell you that a voltage check doesn't? + Voltage shows the charge sitting in the battery. A load test shows whether it can deliver power under demand, which is what a cold start asks for. A battery can read fine and still fail a load test. Questions Owners Ask About Jump Starts Is a jump start safe on a Lincoln? + Follow the steps in your owner's guide, since connection points vary by model. A jump gets you going, but it doesn't fix a weak battery. If you need a second jump, get the battery tested. Will a jump start damage the electronics? + Done correctly, a jump is routine. Hooking cables up in the wrong order or to the wrong points is what causes trouble, so check your owner's guide or call roadside assistance if you aren't sure. How far should I drive after a jump? + Drive long enough for the alternator to put some charge back, usually a steady run instead of a few blocks. Then get the battery and charging system tested soon, because the cause is still there. Questions Owners Ask About Replacement Can I replace a Lincoln battery myself? + The battery can be swapped by hand, but many newer vehicles expect the new battery to be registered with the vehicle's computer. Skip that and charging can be affected, so it's smart to have a service team do it. What kind of battery does my Lincoln need? + The right size and rating depend on the model, engine and equipment. Our service team looks up the exact specification for your Lincoln instead of guessing. Does a new battery reset any settings? + Some settings and learned values can reset when power is cut, and a few systems relearn afterward. A team that does this work regularly knows which steps apply to your model. Questions Owners Ask About Service in St. Peters How do I schedule a battery test at Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters? + Book on our service scheduler or call 636-441-4400. Mention the slow crank or warning light so the right time is set aside. Can Lincoln Mobile Service replace my battery at home? + Batteries are on the list of jobs Lincoln Mobile Service can handle at your location. Call the service team to see if a mobile visit fits your vehicle and schedule. What are the service department hours? + Service is open Monday through Thursday 7 AM to 7 PM, Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. It's closed Sunday. Get It Tested Before the Next Freeze A quick test now beats a jump in a parking lot later. Visit Our Service Department Have Us Come to You Lincoln Mobile Service lists batteries among its jobs. Explore Mobile Service

Have you ever wondered how the historic Lincoln Motor Company came to be? What was the story behind one of the most iconic American brands? The Lincoln Motor Company was first established by Henry Leland in 1917. From its humble beginnings as a car manufacturer, it has grown into one of America's oldest and most trusted car brands. It has survived recessions and changed ownership a couple of times over its long history. Today we celebrate the evolution of original American fashion powerhouse, The Lincoln Motor Company. With an extensive and intricate history, journey with us as we unravel the stories that brought this iconic brand to life. From the time Henry Leland founded the Lincoln Motor Company, it has become an iconic American car brand. As Lincoln celebrates its 100th anniversary, we can look back and appreciate the evolution of a brand that carried us through more than a century of histories and milestones. Henry Leland, who also co-founded Cadillac, started Lincoln in 1917in Detroit Michigan with the intention of producing engines and aircraft parts during World War I. Business was slow at first but picked up shortly after when they began to produced luxury cars. In 1922 Leland sold his stake in the company to Ford and it evolved into the brand’s first real production phase. During this time models such as the Model K and L were released providing an elegant solution for automobile travel. Lincoln underwent significant development from 1945 onward with Franklin D Roosevelt Jr leading several changes to bring out a memorable range of cars unmatched by any other car maker - including power windows, automatic headlight dimmers, electric wipers and air conditioning systems - all considered luxuries at the time. Among these model’s included some of today’s most iconic American cars – The Continental Convertible, Town Car and Mark VIII Coupe/Sedan known for their impressive design quality that still extends to modern day vehicles. The nineties saw vast changes for Lincoln as Ford aimed to create even greater luxury vehicles with undeniable individuality which resulted in some popularly remembered models like Navigator, LS sedan and Aviator SUV’s being unveiled alongside the Blackwood: an experimental pickup truck created from another classic – The Continental sedan. Stepping into 2023 presents a whole new era for Lincoln as they use cutting-edge technology with advanced suspension systems amongst other features available on their product portfolio including the new 2023 Lincoln Aviator and new 2023 Lincoln Corsair.  Lincoln steps into the future with electric vehicles, new technology and the Lincoln dealer effortless experience.  One thing will remain ever true – maintaining their timeless emphasis on strength in craftsmanship backed by innovation across Lincoln Motor Company; making them uniquely capable machines precisely tailored towards individual needs. Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters just completed our brand new Lincoln facility making it one of the most cutting edge luxury automotive facilities in the Midwest.  Our customer service and attention to detail remain with a new showroom built to make your experience more effortless.  Come by to see what Lincoln truly has to offer as a leading luxury brand or shop our new product portfolio online. Happy Presidents Day Lincoln! We hope you have a wonderful next centennial!