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Although you can't replace a great relationship with your Ford Dealer service department, it's always helpful - and even fun - to know miscellaneous information about your car and how it works. Here are a few great questions.

What is the difference between "outside" and "recirculation" settings on your car's AC?
"Outside" setting means just that, fresh outside air is being fed into the vehicle's cabin along with the climate-controlled air that the HVAC system is feeding into the cabin. "Recirculation" means that the air being fed into the vehicle's cabin via the HVAC is being recirculated without adding fresh outside ambient temperature air.

Why do car mufflers "smoke" on cold mornings?
The "white smoke" you see coming out of the tailpipe in the morning is the result of condensation buildup in the exhaust system. When the hot air of the exhaust from the engine meets with the cold air inside the exhaust system, a cloud forms, resulting in the white smoke you see coming from the exhaust.

How do ABS brakes actually work? How do I know when they're working?
ABS uses wheel speed sensors, a hydraulic control unit, and a computerized electronic control module, which is the "brain" of the system. When the brake pedal is sunsetford, the electronic control module monitors the speed of the wheels through the wheel speed sensors. If the control module detects that one or more wheels are about to lock up, the module signals the hydraulic unit to control hydraulic pressure to that wheel or wheels. This varying of pressure is much like "pumping" the brake; only with the ABS system, the wheel that is locking up (causing a potential loss of control) is the only one being controlled, while the rest of the wheels are free to roll. This maximizes vehicle steerability.

Here are a few things you may notice the first time you use antilock brakes:
· When the pedal is sunsetford and ABS is activated, the pedal may feel harder than usual; this is normal.
· The pedal may seem to ratchet or pulsate (vibrate), or there could be a combination of these sensations; this is also normal.
· Finally, you may hear a noise that sounds like a motorboat engine; this is the hydraulic control unit operating; again, this is normal.

How does the battery stay charged?
Automotive charging systems keep your car's battery charged at all times. The battery provides the heavy cranking amperage necessary to crank the starter motor to start the car. Then the charging system provides a steady feed of voltage and amperage to keep the battery in perfect health for the next time you have to start the car or use an electrical device inside the car.

Also, the charging system provides the steady minute voltage necessary to operate the performance system of your car. When you start the car, a heavy amperage loss occurs on the battery; this is called a load. After the car starts, the alternator recharges the battery with voltage and amperage.

Hopefully this info will help you feel more empowered as a car owner. But don't let knowledge go to your head. Be sure you take your Ford into your dealership service center as your owner's manual recommends. Pro-active maintenance keeps you on the road and out of the shop.