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What To Do When Your Car Overheats

The dog days of summer are nearly upon us, and the El Paso heat is about to unleash its full force. June is the hottest month of the year for our area with a blistering 96-degree average temperature. As such, it’s time to make the necessary preparations – for both you and your vehicle. 

The moment your car begins to overheat can be scary, and the aftermath is frightening in its own way. An overheated engine can cause severe damage to your vehicle. It can also suddenly strand you in the middle of nowhere with triple-digit temperatures baring down on you. Today, Casa Lincoln examines signs that signify overheating and the procedures you should follow if your engine does overheat. 

Watch for the Signs 

Your engine often communicates with you through unorthodox sounds to let you know that maintenance is needed. Likewise, it will often give you a heads-up before it starts to overheat. Four signs that your engine is about to overheat include: 

  1. Steam resembling smoke leaking from under the hood. 
  1. An uncommonly sweet smell emanating from the engine. 
  1. The engine temperature gauge needle spikes towards the red. 
  1. The “Check Engine” light or a similar indicator flashes on. 

Steps to Take When Your Engine Overheats 

1. Turn Off the Air Conditioner and Turn Up the Heat 

We know this seems wildly counterintuitive – but it’s the first thing you should immediately do upon sensing your engine overheating. Turning off the air conditioning helps reduce stress on the engine, while turning up the cabin's heat helps divert heat away from the engine. 

2. Keep Calm, Find a Spot to Pull Over, & Shut the Engine Off 

The most important thing to remember is not to panic. Your brand-new Lincoln Navigator is not about to imminently explode; by panicking, you’re only putting yourself at greater risk of making a mistake and causing irreparable damage. Continue to slowly drive until you find a safe spot to pull over. Once parked, shut off the engine and check the temperature gauge, which should begin shifting back into a normal range as the engine cools down. 

3. Determine Your Plan of Action 

You need to get your vehicle to a nearby garage – ideally our top-of-the-line Service Center, though it will vary on your location. Contact your preferred roadside assistance provider and get your vehicle towed, if necessary. If your engine has cooled and you believe you can get it to the nearest repair shop yourself, carefully restart the engine and resume driving. As you do, continue to monitor the temperature gauge. If it begins rising again, pull over and allow the system to cool once more. 

Put Your Engine in the Hands of Casa Lincoln 

You’ve dealt with your overheated engine properly, but there’s still the question of why it overheated in the first place. There are several factors that could have caused your vehicle to overheat; a cooling system leak, faulty water pump, or low engine oil level are all possible culprits. 

To maximize your engine’s health, schedule your service at Casa Lincoln. Our fully trained team of technicians will diagnose your engine, in addition to providing oil changes, brake inspections, and more. It may be baking outside, but we never let the heat get to us here at Casa Lincoln. 

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Received a Recall Notice? Here's Your Next Step

Your safety behind the wheel is a top priority – but what actions should you take if your vehicle is recalled? It's crucial to address every recall promptly! Stay ahead of the game with our simple, step-by-step guide to ensure you're not caught off guard. What Is a Recall? When there’s a recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines if a vehicle does not meet motor vehicle safety standards. Manufacturers are then required to file a report including details of the vehicle, the number of vehicles affected, equipment affected, a description of the defect, what led up to the decision to recall, an explanation, and a recall schedule. Registered owners must receive a recall notification from manufacturers by first-class mail within 60 days of the recall instructing owners on how to get the issue fixed, the time frame of the fix, and how long the repair should take. Checking for Recalls Made Easy One of the most efficient ways to check for recalls is by using your vehicle’s license plate on the NHTSA website. Though manufacturers are required to notify owners within 60 days, physical mail isn’t always reliable. If you’ve heard about a potential recall or have concerns regarding your car's make and model, searching with your car’s license plate or VIN on the NHTSA site is the simplest way to get accurate and timely information. What To Do When Your Car Is Recalled? Once you find out if the recall applies to your vehicle or parts, there are three options: repair, replace, or refund. By law, the manufacturer must choose one of the three options to correct the issue. If the manufacturer has chosen repair, your vehicle or part must be repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to the vehicle owner. Replacement means that if the problem can’t be fixed, the manufacturer must provide you with another similar or identical model. A refund option involves the manufacturer refunding the purchase price of your vehicle, minus depreciation. These options also apply to accessories such as car seats. Your recall letter or warning should notify you if your car is too dangerous to drive. Regardless, the recall issue should be resolved immediately by taking your vehicle to a local authorized dealership matching the make of your car. Remember, the bigger the recall, the longer the waitlist for an appointment. Scheduling a Recall Repair at Casa Lincoln Recall repairs need to be handled at authorized dealerships to ensure proper documentation, quality checks, and allow manufacturers to inspect recalled parts. Although the NHTSA grants manufacturers some time to make repair services available post-recall, it’s wise to reach out to your nearest dealership as soon as possible to avoid delays. Building a strong relationship with your local authorized dealer can be a real asset during high-demand recall periods! Has your vehicle been recalled? Call Casa Lincoln immediately to book your recall repair appointment and ensure your vehicle functions to its intended safety guidelines and performs its best. Our team is happy to help, from minor service to full recall assistance!

Lincoln MKX Limited Edition parked in front of a car dealership location. Showroom and entrance behind vehicle. The Limited Edition of the MKX features 20" polished aluminum wheels, "Limited Edition” badging, premium leather-trimmed seats, aluminum accents on instrument panel and door-trim inserts as well as other cosmetic and comfort features.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Wins Popular Science’s 2024 Best of What’s New Award

The Lincoln Nautilus is no stranger to awards, and its latest recognition is a big one. Named the Grand Auto Winner in the 2024 Popular Science Best of What’s New Awards, the Nautilus shines for its innovation. With advanced technology, luxurious design, and impressive functionality, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is redefining midsize SUVs. Here's why it impressed Popular Science editors and continues to appeal to tech-savvy and luxury car fans. A 48-Inch Masterpiece of Panoramic Innovation The standout feature of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus? Its 48-inch panoramic display. Spanning the entire dashboard, this immersive infotainment screen is far more than just a flashy addition—it redefines how drivers and passengers interact with technology in their vehicles. Why does this matter? With functionality designed around the driver, the display is fully customizable through its companion 11.1-inch touchscreen control center. Essential driving information is prioritized while allowing quick access to elements such as weather updates, media controls, and even tire pressure. What’s more, when the vehicle is parked, the display transforms into a full-fledged entertainment hub capable of video streaming, gaming, and even hosting video conference calls. Popular Science summed it up perfectly, calling the Nautilus “a mobile communication center with luxury seats.” Seamless Connectivity for Complete Control Lincoln’s comprehensive infotainment suite places the Nautilus in a class of its own. With a platform powered by Google, the system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, ensuring that all your favorite apps and services are just a tap—or voice command—away. When in park, passengers can enjoy video content from apps like YouTube, PBS Kids, and Amazon Prime, or even access light gaming options like Asphalt Nitro 2. With Bluetooth compatibility for controllers and keyboards, the Nautilus brings entertainment on the go to a whole new level. Looking ahead, Lincoln plans to roll out video conferencing capabilities, allowing professionals to work from anywhere—as long as the car is parked. The future of mobile productivity has arrived, and the Nautilus is leading the charge. A Luxury Sanctuary While the tech takes center stage, it’s impossible to overlook the luxury and thoughtful design of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. The reimagined interior delivers on Lincoln’s promise of creating a tranquil sanctuary on wheels, combining spaciousness, modern aesthetics, and user-friendly controls. From high-resolution displays to premium materials and ergonomic seating, every detail has been carefully considered to enhance both comfort and convenience. The addition of tactile elements, like a sophisticated two-spoke steering wheel and console dials, creates the perfect balance between cutting-edge tech and intuitive physical controls. Why Popular Science Took Notice Popular Science’s annual Best of What’s New Awards celebrates innovation across ten categories, spotlighting advancements that push industries forward. Each year, thousands of products are reviewed, and only 50 winners are chosen. For the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, the editors highlighted its tech-forward approach, specifically its ability to combine luxury, connectivity, and functionality in groundbreaking ways. The panoramic display and advanced infotainment platform were seen as meaningful advancements within the automotive sector—positioning the Nautilus as a frontrunner in modern vehicle design. A Growing List of Accolades The Best of What’s New Award is far from the only recognition the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus has earned. Other achievements include being named to the WardsAuto 10 Best Interior & UX list, winning the 2024 Best Corporate/Brand Identity Campaign Marketing Award from AdAge, and landing the coveted 2025 MotorTrend SUV of the Year Award. It’s a testament to Lincoln’s commitment to innovation and the progress they’ve made in designing vehicles that blend advanced technology with true luxury. The Future of Driving The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is much more than an SUV—it’s a glimpse into the future of driving. With a deep focus on connectivity, user experience, and a sanctuary-like interior, it’s designed for those who demand both performance and innovation. If you’re ready to experience what sets the Lincoln Nautilus apart, visit Casa Lincoln today for a test drive. Explore the redefining innovation that Popular Science and others are raving about—you won’t be disappointed. Discover the Casa Advantage and let the future of driving begin.

A photograph of a large Lincoln dealership sign at a car dealership in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The business sign contains the large iconic Lincoln logo."

Lincoln Automotive Financial Services Tops the Charts in Customer Satisfaction

Choosing the right financial partner for your vehicle purchase is one of the most important decisions you will make as a car buyer. Not only do you need a provider that offers competitive rates and flexible terms, but also one that delivers an excellent customer experience. That's why we're excited to announce that Lincoln Automotive Financial Services has been ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction among premium automotive financing providers in the 2024 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power. A Testament to Exceptional Service According to the study, Lincoln Automotive Financial Services excelled in four key dimensions of customer satisfaction. It wasn't just abor offering digital solutions; it was anchored in trust, tailored support, and personalized service—factors that truly resonate with today’s discerning customers. Participants rated their vehicle financing providers based on their level of trust, ease of doing business, quality of customer service, and digital experience solutions, in addition to how well the loan or lease met their needs. Lincoln's achievement is further spotlighted by the outstanding score of 722 out of 1,000, a rating that positions it above formidable competitors like Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and BMW Financial Services. A Quote from the Leaders Ford Credit CEO Cathy O’Callaghan expressed pride in their customer-centric approach, stating, “Our team is focused on providing our customers with the best financing experience in the business, and we’re thrilled that customers agree. Whether it’s financing a new vehicle or support during tough times such as natural disasters, every day is another opportunity for our team to provide our customers with the ease, clarity, and flexibility that makes financing with Ford Credit or Lincoln AFS the right choice.” Responding to Market Challenges The study didn’t just focus on success stories—it provided insights into the current financial landscape, highlighting the challenges consumers face with high vehicle loan interest rates and prices. J.D. Power noted that only a small percentage of financially vulnerable consumers have the financial buffer required to handle unexpected expenses. Patrick Roosenberg, Senior Director of Automotive Finance Intelligence at J.D. Power, emphasized, “Auto lenders really need to tailor their offerings for the realities of the current market and recognize that a large portion of their customers may face some very real challenges managing their finances. Lenders need to ensure that their digital bill-pay tools encompass a wide range of options, such as extensions, due date changes, personalized financial planning/budgeting tools, and one-on-one advice to help consumers plan for the future.” The Significance for Prospective Buyers For prospective car buyers, this recognition underscores the importance of choosing a financing partner that not only meets financial needs but also adds value through exceptional service. Lincoln Automotive Financial Services leads this charge by placing customer satisfaction at the core of its operations, thus providing you with the peace of mind that your financial experience will be as seamless as possible. Lincoln Automotive Financial Services should be high on your list if you’re considering a new or used vehicle purchase and need reliable financing. Reflecting their industry-leading satisfaction ratings, they offer a commitment to excellence that extends beyond numbers to ensure a truly supportive experience. Finance Today and Experience Luxury Imported from Detroit Thinking about financing your next vehicle? Visit Casa Lincoln and discover how you can benefit from the award-winning service of Lincoln Automotive Financial Services. For more details on the survey and what makes Lincoln stand out, visit the J.D. Power media release or contact our team today. We will be happy to educate you on the Lincoln brand excellence standard, our quality luxury vehicles, and astounding specials. Join us today in El Paso!