Ford Country Sedan Parts & Accessories

I accidentally bumped the post while backing up, and I found my rear bumper had a visible dent. Is there any way to have this fixed aside from a total replacement?

The only indication that you need a total bumper replacement is when it is broken beyond repair and could no longer fully function such as absorb the impact in case you get into a collision. By nature, bumpers are plastic, steel, rubber, or aluminum sheets that can be touched up or repaired either with paint or welding. Scratches can easily be touched up by paint that has flex additive so that it would not flake off. You can do this on your own provided you use the right material. Meanwhile, a tear can only be repaired by welding and may only be done by professionals that specialize in bumper cover repair. If the impact is severe to the point that the foam under your bumper cover has been crushed, you need to have it replaced to maintain the shock absorbing functionality of your bumper.

Help! My taillights just blinked for a few seconds and completely died. I tried turning the switch on and off and even restarted the engine but to no avail. What could be wrong? I have to drive all the way to Chicago in a few days and I could not tolerate any damage to my car no matter how small it is. Does this mean my taillights are busted and need to be totally replaced?

Whether you are off for a short or long drive, you need all of your vehicle lights in good condition. The first thing to check is the wiring that connects your taillights. If there are no loose or broken connections, then chances are you've got busted bulbs or a bad fuse. If you know how and you're into saving on costs, then you can always do the replacement by yourself. You just need the right tools to unscrew the cover and lens. Make sure that you have properly positioned the newly installed taillights before putting back the cover. Then, test your taillights if they are working.

I hear this squeaky noise during engine start up and even as the car moves. Said noise comes up every two seconds or so. It feels there is a trapped mouse under the hood. What could be the problem?

The squeaky sound is probably from a bad belt. Don't worry because you can easily spot it. If you check under the hood, you will see cracks in your belt. If such is the case, you need to immediately change it as it could get ripped off anytime. You can replace it on your own but just be sure you have the belt diagram with you. You would need to know the actual pattern or route of the belt. With a ratchet, loosen the tension arm and free the belt. Check out for excess rubber, oil, or grime that could hamper the easy disintegration of the belt. Then, place the new belt, lock up the tension arm, and you are good to go.