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Ford has been making trucks since 1917 and their pickups remain one of the top vehicle choices today. Now the 2022 Ford Maverick is changing the pickup game by making the dream of truck ownership more attainable for everyone. If you're interested in Ford's newest pickup, continue reading for the 2022 Ford Maverick specs and what makes it a top player in today's truck market. Overview The 2022 Ford Maverick isn't a revival of the compact car from the 1970s, but rather a new truck on the scene. The Maverick is a compact hybrid pickup truck developed to rival Ford competitors rolling out small pickups. The Ford Maverick manages to bring style, practicality, and function to the table. Folks trust a Ford to be "built Ford tough". Though the Maverick is smaller than other Ford counterparts, it holds its own with everything you'd expect from the Ford name. A New Look As America's first standard hybrid pickup truck, the Ford Maverick has a smaller size and look that appeals to more than your average truck owner. This compact truck has a sleek design without losing the masculine boxy shape trucks are known for. The Maverick is a four-door truck with curved features at the nose, stacked headlights, a rectangular grille, and black base trim. This truck comes in smaller than its predecessor in compact lightweight pickups, the Ford Ranger. Ford Maverick Price If you've been dreaming of a truck of your own, but the price has held you back, buying a Ford Maverick is an option that won't break the bank. The base model starts at $19,995, but you'll pay more if you opt for a different model or upgraded features. The average truck in 2020 was over $38,000 so even if you opt for bells and whistles, you can't beat the Ford Maverick's price. Model Options The 2022 Ford Maverick is available in three levels of trim. Each model has the same standard Hybrid powertrain, cab size, and bed length. Maverick XL The Maverick XL is the base option with the standard hybrid Maverick powertrain and FWD. Despite being the base, you still won't find yourself lacking in features. This affordable truck comes with an eight-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and forward-collision warning. Maverick XLT With all the same features as the XL, the Maverick XLT takes it up a notch. The XLT features a high-quality interior, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a bed storage cubby. For added luxury, the XLT upgrades include heated seats, LED lights, and Bedliner. Maverick Lariat If you want all the bells and whistles, the Lariat is it. The Lariat boasts all the features with 18-inch wheels, push start, vinyl seating, adjustable driver seat, LED headlamps, and temperature control. The Lariat's luxury package includes added safety features, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker stereo. Performance The Maverick's performance is well-suited for everyday driving. It's easily maneuverable, accelerates smoothly with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, brakes responsively, and provides sturdy suspension to handle imperfections in the road. Under The Hood It's what's on the inside that counts when it comes to a vehicle's overall performance. Under the hood of the Ford Maverick base model you'll find: Standard 2.5L Hybrid (FWD) Engine 191 Horsepower Four-Cylinder Continuously Variable Transmission Upgrades available are a 250 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This option is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and has an eight-speed auto transmission. Interior The Ford Maverick has a roomy back seat with ample space for up to five passengers. The base model comes equipped with cloth bucket seats, a rotary gear shift, lumbar support in the front seats, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, and storage bins throughout the cabin. Other models offer climate control, a 6.5-inch instrument cluster screen, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The color options for the seats in these models are navy or slate with orange accents, and desert brown. Standout 2022 Ford Maverick Specs Several features allow the Ford Maverick to stand out against other Ford pickups and Ford competitors. These specs draw in a new wave of truck owners while holding to those features lifelong pickup users value. Size With a length of 199.7 inches, the Ford Maverick is the smallest pickup truck on the market. The smaller size makes it more convenient to own trucks in the city and has the perks of an F150 without taking up all the driveways space. Gas Mileage Great gas mileage isn't always what you think of when shopping for a truck, but the Ford Maverick averages 40 MPG. The affordable price tag with the practical gas mileage makes the Maverick easier on the wallet than comparable pickups. Towing Capacity Though the Ford Maverick is small, it is still mighty. This truck has a 1500 pound standard payload capacity and a 2000 pound base towing capacity. With the eco-boost tow package, the towing capacity increases to 4000 pounds. FLEXBED™ The Ford Maverick features FLEXBED™, one of the most innovative truck beds created by Ford. The FLEXBED™ is a multifunctional cargo space that allows easy transporting and storage, no matter the project. The FLEXBED™ features two 12 volt outlets, low bed sides, storage pockets four threaded bed holes, eight bed tie-downs, and a tailgate bottle opener. Discover the New 2022 Ford Maverick Whether you're from the city or country, it only takes one look at the 2022 Ford Maverick specs to know that it's a pickup for everyone. With a maneuverable compact size, a 2.5L hybrid engine, excellent gas mileage, affordable price, and a mighty towing capacity, the Maverick is a new breed of truck. If you'd like to see for yourself, stop by Homer Skelton Millington Ford for a test drive. Not sure if that's what you're looking for? Contact us today to help you find your next vehicle.

The average American spent an increased 12% of their time in their car per week year-over-year. We now spend almost 11 hours driving every week. With all that time behind the wheel, you'll want to make sure your car is working properly. Otherwise, issues could lead to a car accident or expensive repairs. Instead, you can use preventative car maintenance to extend your car's lifespan. Not sure where to start? Here are the nine preventative maintenance tips you need to keep your car in the best possible shape. The next time you have a long drive ahead, you'll have peace of mind that your car is safe to drive. Avoid breaking down, stress, and costly repairs. Keep your car running smoothly with these easy tips today! Why It Matters It's not enough to keep your car in the best possible shape. It's also important to know why prioritizing your car maintenance is essential. Otherwise, you might see every car maintenance cost as a burden. You could skip essential repairs that are necessary to keep your car in the best possible condition. Convenience How often do you get behind the wheel? How far does your car carry you during any given drive? You're probably not the only person in your household who depends on your car. If you have kids, you'll need to get them to school or extracurricular functions. There are also doctor's appointments, dentist appointments, and other events to consider. How often do you go grocery shopping? What if there's an emergency and you need to get behind the wheel right away? Think about your commute to work, too. About 88% of people above the age of 15 are drivers. Over 90% of Americans rely on their personal cars to get to work. If your car breaks down unexpectedly, it could make life difficult. Save Money Your car is also a lifetime investment. You don't want the money you put into your car to go to waste if it breaks down. By maintaining a regular car maintenance schedule, you can get the most out of your investment without worry. It's cheaper to make small repairs on a schedule than to make huge, expensive repairs (like a new engine). With regular maintenance checks, you can avoid future repairs and save money in the process! Improved Fuel Mileage When was the last time you changed your motor oil or air filters? Neglecting your car could impact your car's gas mileage. Over time, your car's engine will experience wear and tear, too. Scheduling a routine oil change every 3,000 miles and full suspension maintenance every 15,000 can ensure your car is working properly. By improving your car's optimal fuel efficiency, you're saving money! Now that you understand why preventative car maintenance is essential, let's discuss a few ways you can extend your car's lifespan. Easy Maintenance Tips Don't wait until your car breaks down. Instead, take your car to a professional to make sure everything is in working order on a schedule. Here are a few easy maintenance checks you can request regularly to ensure your ride is running smoothly. Power On Have you ever left your lights on overnight, only for your car to refuse to turn on in the morning? Maybe an old battery let you down. Either way, you're not alone. Over 40% of car owners have reported battery failure year-over-year. Consider getting your battery replaced every 5 years. After all, you don't want to find yourself stranded on a dark light without a working battery. Make sure to check your lights as well. It's difficult enough to navigate in the dark. What if you're on a winding road or a storm hits? You'll want to make sure every light bulb is working properly. Have someone help you check your brake lights as well. Otherwise, inoperable lights could lead to an accident. You could get a ticket as well. Oil Change Changing your oil regularly will ensure your engine is working in the best possible condition. You might need to get your oil changed more often if you drive more often, though. Before changing the oil on your own, drain the fluid. Safely discard the old oil as well. If you decide to change the oil alone, make sure to determine what type of motor oil your car needs. You'll also need to look at your car's mileage before choosing between synthetic and non-synthetic oil. Review the oil's viscosity as well. Otherwise, using the wrong oil for your car can have dangerous consequences. Add changing your oil to your car maintenance schedule every 10,000 miles. Otherwise, check your car's manual. Breathe In Remember, a dirty engine air filter can cause damage to your car's engine. When the filter is dirty, tiny particles can reach your engine, causing damage. Your car's efficiency levels could drop as a result. Take the time to check your engine air filter at least once a year. Otherwise, you might have to make expensive repairs to your engine down the road. Check the Pressure Your car's tires experience wear and tear every time you hit the road. Neglecting your car's tire pressure can have a negative effect on your gas mileage. To keep your tires on track, you'll need to make sure your tire pressure is at the recommended level. You can check your car manual to determine the proper PSI. Have you ever hit the road, only to end up with a flat tire before reaching your destination? A flat could cause an accident, causing you to veer off. Thankfully, you can use preventative maintenance to avoid a blowout. First, make sure to check your tire pressure on schedule. Next, look for tire recalls and sure you have the best tires for your vehicle. Otherwise, make sure to rotate your tires every 10,000 miles. Rotating your tires will keep their wear and tear even. Check the Fluids Reviewing your fluid levels is an important step in your preventative maintenance car check as well. When the fluids aren't at the right levels, it could impact your car's functionality and efficiency. Your car might not drive properly, either. These fluids include your: Coolant Engine oil Brake fluid Power steering fluid Transmission fluid Is something leaking from your car? Take it to a professional right away. Belts and Hoses Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, many of your car's parts are out of sight. You might not realize your car needs repairs if you fail to schedule regular maintenance. For example, when was the last time you looked at your car's belts and hoses? Belts wear down over time. If yours is worn, it's important to have a belt replaced right away. Certain systems could begin to fail while you're on the road otherwise. Having the belts and hoses replaced when needed can help you avoid breaking down on the side of the road. Wiper Replacements Do you live in an area that's prone to heavy storms? You never know when one might hit. If your windshield wipers aren't working properly, you could feel blind on the road. Check your windshield wipers regularly to make sure they're functioning properly. If a big storm is about to roll in, check them again (especially during hurricane season). You never know when you might need to evacuate. Otherwise, heavy rain or a snowstorm could impact your visibility on the road. You could get into an accident, which could lead to costly repairs. Wash Up When was the last time you spoiled your car with a thorough clean? You might not realize it, but washing your car is an important maintenance service, too. Over time, your car comes into contact with tree sap, pollen, bugs, and other elements. Whether it's on the road or sitting in your driveway, these elements can cause damage. Your undercarriage and paint could suffer. Don't let the weather outside impact the state and value of your car. Instead, make it part of your routine to wash your car regularly. Washing your car will make sure it's always looking its best. Better yet, it can help you avoid long-term damage as well. Check the Brakes Pay attention to the sounds your car makes during a drive. If it's shuddering and vibrating or your brake pedal feels strange beneath your foot, pull over right away. You might want to have an expert check your car as soon as possible. It's important to make sure your brakes are working properly every time you're on the road. Schedule your brake pads checked during your oil level checks. These tips will give you peace of mind each time you're on the road. Keep Driving Forward: 9 Tips for Ongoing Preventative Car Maintenance Don't hit the road in a worn-out vehicle. Instead, use these ongoing preventative car maintenance tips to make sure your car is in its best shape. With these tips, you can feel safe each time you hit the road. You'll end up extending your car's lifespan, too! Want to keep your car functioning at its best? We can help. Schedule a service with our team today!

The average American spent an increased 12% of their time in their car per week year-over-year. We now spend almost 11 hours driving every week. With all that time behind the wheel, you'll want to make sure your car is working properly. Otherwise, issues could lead to a car accident or expensive repairs. Instead, you can use preventative car maintenance to extend your car's lifespan. Not sure where to start? Here are the nine preventative maintenance tips you need to keep your car in the best possible shape. The next time you have a long drive ahead, you'll have peace of mind that your car is safe to drive. Avoid breaking down, stress, and costly repairs. Keep your car running smoothly with these easy tips today! Why It Matters It's not enough to keep your car in the best possible shape. It's also important to know why prioritizing your car maintenance is essential. Otherwise, you might see every car maintenance cost as a burden. You could skip essential repairs that are necessary to keep your car in the best possible condition. Convenience How often do you get behind the wheel? How far does your car carry you during any given drive? You're probably not the only person in your household who depends on your car. If you have kids, you'll need to get them to school or extracurricular functions. There are also doctor's appointments, dentist appointments, and other events to consider. How often do you go grocery shopping? What if there's an emergency and you need to get behind the wheel right away? Think about your commute to work, too. About 88% of people above the age of 15 are drivers. Over 90% of Americans rely on their personal cars to get to work. If your car breaks down unexpectedly, it could make life difficult. Save Money Your car is also a lifetime investment. You don't want the money you put into your car to go to waste if it breaks down. By maintaining a regular car maintenance schedule, you can get the most out of your investment without worry. It's cheaper to make small repairs on a schedule than to make huge, expensive repairs (like a new engine). With regular maintenance checks, you can avoid future repairs and save money in the process! Improved Fuel Mileage When was the last time you changed your motor oil or air filters? Neglecting your car could impact your car's gas mileage. Over time, your car's engine will experience wear and tear, too. Scheduling a routine oil change every 3,000 miles and full suspension maintenance every 15,000 can ensure your car is working properly. By improving your car's optimal fuel efficiency, you're saving money! Now that you understand why preventative car maintenance is essential, let's discuss a few ways you can extend your car's lifespan. Easy Maintenance Tips Don't wait until your car breaks down. Instead, take your car to a professional to make sure everything is in working order on a schedule. Here are a few easy maintenance checks you can request regularly to ensure your ride is running smoothly. Power On Have you ever left your lights on overnight, only for your car to refuse to turn on in the morning? Maybe an old battery let you down. Either way, you're not alone. Over 40% of car owners have reported battery failure year-over-year. Consider getting your battery replaced every 5 years. After all, you don't want to find yourself stranded on a dark light without a working battery. Make sure to check your lights as well. It's difficult enough to navigate in the dark. What if you're on a winding road or a storm hits? You'll want to make sure every light bulb is working properly. Have someone help you check your brake lights as well. Otherwise, inoperable lights could lead to an accident. You could get a ticket as well. Oil Change Changing your oil regularly will ensure your engine is working in the best possible condition. You might need to get your oil changed more often if you drive more often, though. Before changing the oil on your own, drain the fluid. Safely discard the old oil as well. If you decide to change the oil alone, make sure to determine what type of motor oil your car needs. You'll also need to look at your car's mileage before choosing between synthetic and non-synthetic oil. Review the oil's viscosity as well. Otherwise, using the wrong oil for your car can have dangerous consequences. Add changing your oil to your car maintenance schedule every 10,000 miles. Otherwise, check your car's manual. Breathe In Remember, a dirty engine air filter can cause damage to your car's engine. When the filter is dirty, tiny particles can reach your engine, causing damage. Your car's efficiency levels could drop as a result. Take the time to check your engine air filter at least once a year. Otherwise, you might have to make expensive repairs to your engine down the road. Check the Pressure Your car's tires experience wear and tear every time you hit the road. Neglecting your car's tire pressure can have a negative effect on your gas mileage. To keep your tires on track, you'll need to make sure your tire pressure is at the recommended level. You can check your car manual to determine the proper PSI. Have you ever hit the road, only to end up with a flat tire before reaching your destination? A flat could cause an accident, causing you to veer off. Thankfully, you can use preventative maintenance to avoid a blowout. First, make sure to check your tire pressure on schedule. Next, look for tire recalls and sure you have the best tires for your vehicle. Otherwise, make sure to rotate your tires every 10,000 miles. Rotating your tires will keep their wear and tear even. Check the Fluids Reviewing your fluid levels is an important step in your preventative maintenance car check as well. When the fluids aren't at the right levels, it could impact your car's functionality and efficiency. Your car might not drive properly, either. These fluids include your: Coolant Engine oil Brake fluid Power steering fluid Transmission fluid Is something leaking from your car? Take it to a professional right away. Belts and Hoses Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, many of your car's parts are out of sight. You might not realize your car needs repairs if you fail to schedule regular maintenance. For example, when was the last time you looked at your car's belts and hoses? Belts wear down over time. If yours is worn, it's important to have a belt replaced right away. Certain systems could begin to fail while you're on the road otherwise. Having the belts and hoses replaced when needed can help you avoid breaking down on the side of the road. Wiper Replacements Do you live in an area that's prone to heavy storms? You never know when one might hit. If your windshield wipers aren't working properly, you could feel blind on the road. Check your windshield wipers regularly to make sure they're functioning properly. If a big storm is about to roll in, check them again (especially during hurricane season). You never know when you might need to evacuate. Otherwise, heavy rain or a snowstorm could impact your visibility on the road. You could get into an accident, which could lead to costly repairs. Wash Up When was the last time you spoiled your car with a thorough clean? You might not realize it, but washing your car is an important maintenance service, too. Over time, your car comes into contact with tree sap, pollen, bugs, and other elements. Whether it's on the road or sitting in your driveway, these elements can cause damage. Your undercarriage and paint could suffer. Don't let the weather outside impact the state and value of your car. Instead, make it part of your routine to wash your car regularly. Washing your car will make sure it's always looking its best. Better yet, it can help you avoid long-term damage as well. Check the Brakes Pay attention to the sounds your car makes during a drive. If it's shuddering and vibrating or your brake pedal feels strange beneath your foot, pull over right away. You might want to have an expert check your car as soon as possible. It's important to make sure your brakes are working properly every time you're on the road. Schedule your brake pads checked during your oil level checks. These tips will give you peace of mind each time you're on the road. Keep Driving Forward: 9 Tips for Ongoing Preventative Car Maintenance Don't hit the road in a worn-out vehicle. Instead, use these ongoing preventative car maintenance tips to make sure your car is in its best shape. With these tips, you can feel safe each time you hit the road. You'll end up extending your car's lifespan, too! Want to keep your car functioning at its best? We can help. Schedule a service with our team today!

You drive off the lot in your brand new car, enjoying the smell of the new interior and how shiny everything looks. Showing it off to friends and family used to mean letting them play with the radio, putting the auto parallel parking on display, or turning on the heated steering wheel. But if you are driving home a new Ford this year, you will want to show off your phone as much as the actual car. Welcome to a new world where your cell phone and your car are best friends. With the FordPass app, every part of your car ownership experience is just a touch away. Introducing the FordPass Phone App There are car-related mobile phone apps for everything from finding your car to maintenance reminders. The FordPass app brings all those and more into one app for your convenience while allowing you to earn complimentary maintenance with Ford Pass points. The app is available for free download in the App Store for the iPhone and the Google Play store for Android. You can also use it with your Apple Watch. Once you have downloaded the app to your mobile phone, your Ford Pass login will be the same as your owner's account login. If you don’t have one, you can set it up in the app at this time. You enter your vehicle information with the VIN and click activate. Having the app on your cell phone means help is never far away when you need it. And if what you need help with is the FordPass app itself, you can get one-on-one help from the FordGuide team at any time. They are available by phone or live chat. Features of the FordPass App You will get so much more from your car and the experience thanks to the FordPass app. Connectivity with your mobile phone makes so many things possible in one easy location. Enjoy unprecedented control, easy rewards, and vehicle information that you can get to quickly. Take Remote Control of Your Car When you are ready to show off to your friends, you definitely want to start with the remote control tools. You won't be able to actually drive the car with your phone like James Bond did in Tomorrow Never Dies, but they have the same cool factor. With FordPass, you can manage your vehicle through the app, the FordPass Alexa skill, or Google Assistant with FordPass Connect. Use the app to start and turn off the car, or even schedule to have the car crank up at a certain time to get warm for you in the morning. Through your cell phone, you will be able to lock and unlock the doors and even turn on the hazard lights when needed. Keeping track of routine maintenance becomes a breeze as you can get vehicle health alerts and set up service reminders. The app even checks your fuel and fluid level so you won't get stranded without gas. Did you know on average, we spend 25 minutes roaming parking lots looking for our vehicles because we have forgotten where we parked? That adds up to almost three days a year. That makes one of the best features the simplest. The app drops an automatic map pin for your car’s location anytime you turn it off. No matter how rushed you were when you left the car, the FordPass app will help you find it again. Information About the Vehicle The FordPass app packs a lot of information about your new vehicle into your pocket. No need to go digging through the glove box to find receipts or dates for your previous service anymore. All of this is kept right in the app on your mobile phone. Within the app, there is actually a section called Glove Box. As you might guess, that is where you can find warranty info, your owner’s manual, and alert guides. You will be able to pull up a full maintenance schedule, which shows recommended services and at what mileage they should happen. The app stores past service visits for later reference, and you can add services manually if you don’t schedule them through the app. The vehicle details area keeps information updated in real-time through the FordPass Connect embedded modem, including oil life, tire pressure, current mileage, fuel levels, and current location. You can also store the license plate and VINs for each of your vehicles. There are even videos covering the features of your vehicle that you can check out to learn more about the car. This is helpful when you are trying to program the Bluetooth connection or run the DVD player. Information About Your Location The app also provides information on things outside your car. One of the nicest features is the ability to find and pay for parking before you arrive somewhere, like at a concert venue or stadium parking garage. You can even compare prices and locations to find and reserve the best spot for your needs. Finding a gas station while on a road trip or just in a new part of town becomes easier as well. Not to mention safer as you no longer have to drive aimlessly and hope you find a station. The app helps you find the best prices around you, and can filter by fuel type if you need diesel or a particular grade of gasoline. Finally, if you purchased your new Ford using Ford Credit, the app lets you track your loan and make payments. You can also contact a credit representative if you have questions about your account. Help When You Need It Should you ever need it, you can request roadside assistance at any time by contacting the FordGuide team through the app. The team can take care of you if you need help changing a flat tire, run out of gas, or need a tow, for example. Roadside assistance is included with certain models and available to everyone for a charge for use. The service is there 24/7 for all Ford owners. Get Rewarded for Service When you activate the FordPass app, you are automatically enrolled in FordPass Rewards. With Ford Pass Rewards, you can earn and redeem points toward service, maintenance, or new vehicle purchase. Members earn ten points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at the dealership. To get the most out of this program, you will want to set your preferred Ford dealership in the app where you can find their contact information, hours, and directions. From the dealer information, you can schedule service right in the app. When you schedule and get service this way, you will receive rewards points. You watch them accumulate and see when and how you spend them. You get 42,000 FordPass Reward points to get you started with your new vehicle purchase or lease. These can be used toward your first three routine service visits or saved for a later service need. Diesel owners start with 75,000 points while buying a used car gets you 22,000 points. While the app makes it easier, you do not have to use FordPass to take advantage of the rewards program, just a Ford or Lincoln owner account. What Powers the FordPass App Beginning with 2021, all new Ford vehicles will be equipped with FordPass Connect. The embedded modem makes Ford the only non-luxury automaker able to offer complimentary remote features. While any driver can use the FordPass app to earn rewards, your car needs the Connect feature to be able to use the remote features mentioned in this article. Service is provided through the AT&T network. The modem made its first appearance in the 2017 model year in the Ford Escape Titanium, some Ford F-150 models, and the Ford Fusion Platinum. The list expanded to include the Ford Escape, Ford Mustang, Ford Explorer, and others with the 2019 model year. If you aren’t sure if your car has the FordPass Connect embedded modem, you can check here to see if your vehicle is listed. Try the FordPass App for Yourself Thanks to the FordPass App, owning a Ford becomes far less stressful thanks to its information tracking and remote options. Plus the ability to build up those reward points toward future maintenance, parts, or your next car. When it’s time for you to buy a new car, come see us to test drive the FordPass app along with the newest models on the lot. You can schedule your test drive right from our website. Pick the vehicle you want to try, a date and time, and we will have everything ready for you.

Before fall sets in, you should prepare your car for the change in weather. Check out these car maintenance tips to keep your ride smooth and comfortable. Keyword(s): car maintenance tips More than 7.9% of car owners report that they regularly avoid performing routine maintenance on their cars. Some do this because of the hassle and time required, while others make this decision based on money. Whatever the reason is, putting off car maintenance can lead to serious problems and cost you way more in the long run. The changing seasons are a great time to tune-up your car and make sure everything is running correctly. Follow these simple car maintenance tips to get you through the new season! Upgrade Tires for Weather As the weather changes and the driving conditions worsen, tire stores get busier and busier helping people change out their tires. Upgrading your tires should be on the top of your fall car maintenance checklist in order to beat the rush and get what you're looking for. Most professionals advise car owners to have snow tires installed to guarantee the right amount of traction. It's important to work with the tire professionals who know your area and its climate to make the right choice of tire for your car. Even if you're not in the market to put new tires on your vehicle, it's important to get your current tires checked out. The difference in temperature can have a significant effect on air pressure. Having the correct amount of air pressure in your tires is crucial to having the best performance out of them. Get your tires checked, filled, and ready to go before the weather really gets cold and the tire shops fill up! Charge Heater There's nothing worse than getting in your car on that first, unexpected cold morning only to realize that your heater isn't working right. Whether your car won't heat up at all or it takes a long time to get warm, you should do something about that before your morning commute requires a full winter getup. Your car's heater should only take a few minutes to be fully running. In most cases, when a heater isn't working properly its because of the thermostat. It can get stuck or stop working, replacing it will solve both of those issues. Occasionally, the coolant level is low and that can affect the way the system produces hot air as well. Filling it up is an easy, quick fix to get your heater running at full capacity. It's helpful to get this done long before it's actually cold enough to really need the heater so you're not freezing! Replace Wiper Blades and Fluid The Fall and Winter bring a lot more rain and extreme weather than the other seasons. This is why replacing wiper blades and filling up the wiper fluid receptacle are important items for fall car maintenance. Wiper blades are an easy maintenance task anyone can handle on their own with little investment. But they make a huge difference in your safety conditions while driving. To test your wiper blades to see if they need replacing, simply turn them on and observe how well they sweep off the windshield. There shouldn't be any missed areas and it shouldn't leave large streaks. The noise the wiper blades make as they move across the window is also a good indicator of their level as well. Replacing the blades is just as easy. All you have to do is remove the old blades by pulling them off of the connector and replace with the new. You can also upgrade to a higher quality if you live in a high precipitation area. Also filling up on wiper fluid will ensure you can always get a clear view out of your windshield, regardless of weather conditions. Test Lights Throughout the fall the sun begins to go down much earlier in the day, meaning you have more opportunities to drive in the dark. This just continues to increase throughout the winter as well. That added darkness is why testing all the lights in your vehicle is an important car maintenance tip for fall. Anyone can check their lights by turning them on at night and observing how well they illuminate the surrounding area. Make sure to check both your low and high beams as well as any tail lights. Changing lights isn't a super complicated task but does require a little bit of effort and knowledge, so it may be one to hire out to a professional. While car lights don't burn out very often, it's helpful to keep track of how long you've had the bulbs and how long they're supposed to last to keep on top of changing them when needed. Check Battery Life Your fall car maintenance checklist is really just preparing you for driving as safely as possible through the winter months. The last thing you want on a dark, cold winter night is to find yourself with a dead battery. That would mean no going anywhere and no heat while you wait for help to jump the battery. To avoid this you can easily take it to your car maintenance provider to be tested. It only takes a few minutes and they can tell you if you need a new one or not. Changing the battery is also a quick upgrade that will last you years with little problems. This is an easy way to get a lot of peace of mind that you won't be stranded without power to your vehicle. The car battery is absolutely crucial, so it should definitely be taken seriously and given priority. Inspect Brakes and Brake Pads Another very important aspect of your vehicle that should be checked before the harsher weather of fall and winter are the brakes. The more extreme weather, between the cold and moisture, can make it much more difficult for a vehicle to stop than in warm, dry conditions. This is why it's really important that your brakes are in full working order to help combat that weather for safe stopping. In order for a car brake to work properly, it needs to have a full brake pad. This helps all of the other parts of the brake to not rub against each other and cause damage. Over time, brake pads will deteriorate and wear down with use. This is why they should be regularly inspected to monitor their breakdown so they can be replaced before they're completely useless. Having a professional take a look at your brakes on a regular basis is a great way to keep your car as safe as possible. Add Cold Weather Accessories Many car owners spend a lot of time in their cars, between running kids around to activities or a daily work commute. Because of this time, your car should be prepared for anything that might come up. The things you might need in your car in the summer vary greatly from the ones you'll need in the fall. Make sure you have an extra blanket and jacket in case you find yourself in a position where you might be cold. This could be an unexpected visit to a football game or a breakdown on the side of the road. In both cases, you'll be glad you're prepared. It's also helpful to have windshield scraper for those frosty mornings, an extra pair of gloves for while the car is warming up, and maybe even some seat covers to bring in additional warmth. Filling your car with seasonal accessories will keep you prepared for whatever might come up. Perform Regular Maintenance Lastly, your fall checklist should include any regular maintenance that your car is due for. Keeping up with this type of maintenance can greatly increase the life of your car. When things are inspected often, you can catch any problems that come up much quicker avoiding major damage. This inspection also allows you to keep all of the fluids and interchangeable parts at their full, correct capacity. Regular, routine maintenance for a car should include oil changes and checks, other fluid checks, tire rotation, and belt inspections. These are all areas that can wear down over time but need to be correct for the car to function properly. When you keep up with regular maintenance, you are in a much safer position while driving your car. It's much less likely that you'll experience sudden, unexpected breakdowns if your car has recently been seen by a professional. These types of inspections keep your car young and on the road! Follow These Car Maintenance Tips Running into car problems is the worst! It always comes at a terribly inconvenient time and always costs way more than you want it to. But a lot of car problems can be prevented by following these car maintenance tips. Giving your car a check-up and making sure everything is functioning will help you know when things are wearing out and what needs replacing. Fall is the perfect time to give your car some effort before it gets too cold outside. If you have any car maintenance questions or are ready to bring your car in for service, contact us today!

In today’s uncertain times, retailers across various industries are offering incentives that greatly benefit consumers. One of those industries is the automotive industry. If, like many other people, you’ve been thinking about buying a new vehicle at a Ford dealership in Memphis, TN – now is a good time. Despite today’s challenges, mobility is still a necessity. People have careers to maintain and growing families to support. Accordingly, many people must move forward with purchasing a new vehicle to fulfill these responsibilities. It’s never been a better time to purchase a new vehicle, such as the new Ford Edg e. Now, your local Ford dealership is offering remarkable incentives such as 0% financing, deep discounts, and deferred payments. Also, many automotive dealers are selling vehicles well below the manufacturer’s suggested price. To learn what to expect when buying at a good new Ford dealership, read on. What to Expect When You Arrive Now, you can test drive top Ford vehicles without ever leaving your home. In light of the novel coronavirus, many dealers will bring a car to you for a test drive. Still, you may want to go to the showroom and have a look around. If so, that’s fine. Dealers with open showrooms sanitize high touch areas and wear personal protective equipment. They also practice social distancing. Seemingly overnight, America’s car dealerships had to change the way they do business. Now, contactless options are the new norm. Before the coronavirus, contactless options only made up a small percentage of sales. By May 2020, however, nearly a third of all sales were made using contactless options. People still need transportation, and dealerships are doing everything to ensure that they can buy a new car safely. Now, you can arrange nearly all aspects of buying a new car using just your smartphone or laptop. From financing to arranging a test drive, you can do it all without setting foot in a showroom. Preparing to Buy at a Ford Dealership in Memphis, TN Despite new safety benefits, you still have to prepare when buying a new vehicle. For instance, you should check your credit report. Make sure that it’s accurate before you set out to negotiate. Also, talk to your insurer about how much it will cost to cover your new vehicle. You don’t want to purchase a new car and suffer sticker shock from the insurance premium. It’s also good practice and a great idea to get a loan preapproval from your bank. You should take this step closer to the time that you plan to buy your new vehicle. It doesn’t hurt to secure preapproval, even if you plan to use dealer financing. Preapproval can help you during negotiations. Also, make sure you can locate your driver’s license and access your proof of auto insurance. Make sure that you have some form of funding that the dealer accepts. Ask the dealer about acceptable payment methods. You should also use your credit card for the down payment. You can rack up serious reward points with the right credit card. Finding a Great Ford Dealership You can try several methods to find a great Ford dealership. One good method is paying attention to how salespersons treat you. You should always test drive and inspect a vehicle before you buy it. Also, make sure that the car you choose has the right features and trim level. You should also stay away from pushy salespeople who try to raise the price after you’ve made a deal. Also, work with the nearest Ford dealership that quotes a total price, rather than one that focuses on monthly payments. Knowing your total payments gives you an understanding of the big picture. You don’t want to agree to a low monthly payment with excessive interest rates. Also, work out the price of the new vehicle before you start negotiating about a trade-in deal or financing terms. Bring your calculator to the talk. You need to verify the figures that you talk about during the negotiation. Ask to see a complete breakdown of all the costs of buying the vehicle. The breakdown should match everything that you discussed with the salesperson. If you don’t review the terms of the deal carefully, it’s easy to end up paying for things that you didn’t discuss with the dealer. What to Look for in a Salesperson The salespeople at a great Ford car dealership know their stuff. They can answer questions about vehicles on the spot. You’ll recognize a great salesperson immediately because their confidence will make you feel reassured. However, you can increase your chances of locating a good dealership and salesperson with some research. Begin by checking out local dealerships online. More importantly, however, ask around. In addition to finding the closest Ford dealership, you also want to find out which dealership is reputable. Talk to your family members and friends who have recently made similar vehicle purchases. They can tell you what it’s like working with a particular local dealer. You should also check out a dealership’s website. A dealer’s website can give you an idea of how committed they are to professionalism. When visiting sites, you want to look for signs that indicate that the dealership will stay in business for a while. Once you’ve found a good dealership, it’s time to call and book an appointment. Even though showrooms are still open, most dealers now require that you make an appointment in advance to prevent overcrowding. A Millington, TN Ford Dealership That You Can Trust Homer Skelton Millington Ford has a new or used vehicle with trim and pricing that are perfect for your needs. We are a leading Ford dealership serving Memphis, TN. You can count on us to provide affordable and safe vehicles. You can count on the Ford name for a product that will last for years to come. If you’re in the market for a Ford vehicle, we have the perfect deal to put you in the driver’s seat of a new car. Contact Homer Skelton Millington Ford online today with any questions you have about a new vehicle or a test drive. Better yet, give us a call at (901) 873-3673. Our friendly automotive experts are standing by and ready to provide you with an exceptional car-buying experience.

What if you were driving around on a bomb just waiting to explode? That sounds pretty dramatic, but it's a good description of cars with the wrong amount of tire pressure. Unfortunately, many drivers don't know how often to check tire pressure. With our complete guide, you'll know how often to do it and just how important your tire pressure really is to your regular car maintenance. How Often To Check Tire Pressure How often, then, should you check your tire pressure? At a minimum, you should check the pressure at least once a month. By effectively inspecting your tires 12 times a year, you can keep a solid eye on your tire pressure and fix things before they get out of hand. And, remember, both underinflation and overinflation are pretty dangerous (more on this later). Some drivers like to play it even safer than that. For example, you may want to check your tire pressure every time that you drive. That may sound like a lot, but it doesn't actually take much time or effort to check your tire pressure. What Do You Need To Check Tire Pressure? Exactly what tools do you need to check your tire pressure? Most of the time, the answer to that is a pressure gauge. Generally, a good pressure gauge costs between $10 and $20. You don't necessarily want to get something cheaper than that. After all, "you get what you pay for," and this will affect your safety on the road. With certain newer vehicles, you may not even need a gauge. That is because such cars may come with an automatic tire pressure monitoring system. This lets you get an accurate tire pressure readouts with a press of the button. If you have such a system in your car, you should check your tire pressure whenever you drive. However, as we have detailed below, you may still want to manually check the pressure with a gauge from time to time. How To Check Tire Pressure If you have a tire pressure monitor system, you may be tempted to throw the pressure gauge out. However, it's still in your interest to manually check the pressure at least once a month. That's because most tire pressure monitor systems are like your low fuel light. They don't really give you an alert until things are pretty bad! For example, many tire pressure monitor system doesn't warn you about the pressure until it goes 25% percent below the manufacturer's recommendations. If you'd like to stay on top of things and notice small drops sooner, you'll need to monitor things with a gauge. Speaking of manufacturer recommendations, you'll need to check your car's manual to find their tire pressure recommendations for your vehicle. Keep in mind that the manufacturer may recommend slightly different pressures for your front wheels versus your back wheels. Similarly, there may be different recommendations for extended highway driving versus standard city driving. And certain vehicles (especially light trucks) may have different recommendations based on how much weight the vehicle is carrying at the time. What If The Tires Are Underinflated? In all likelihood, you've driven on underinflated tires before. You may just not have known what the warning signs were. So what is likely to happen if the tires are underinflated? First, the tire will come into contact more directly with the road. That's because with less air in the tire, the tire is flatter on the ground. Even if you fix things pretty quickly, driving around on such a tire is likely to lead to shoulder wear. Due to the tires becoming more flexible, underinflated tires will offer more resistance as they roll. This means a tank of gas isn't going to take you as far as it once did. Most dangerously, underinflated tires may lead to a car that is less responsive, harder to handle, and slower to brake. In the event of an emergency, this could lead to a car wreck and the potential loss of life. What If The Tires Are Overinflated? So far, we've focused largely on the dangers of underinflated tires. But what if you end up putting too much air in to "fix" things? In that case, you open yourself up to even more dangers. Rather than being flat like underinflated tires, an overinflated tire is actually highly rigid. That means your tire's contact patch won't contact the road as much, making every ride feel hard and disjointing. This can lead to uneven tread wear, especially on your center tread. Visually, you may notice that the center tread is smooth and worn-down while the sides of the tire still have tread on them. Relatively speaking, overinflated tires are less dangerous than underinflated ones. However, these rigid tires are likelier to pop when they encounter potholes or other road hazards. That means each overinflated tire is a blowout waiting to happen. The Effects of Temperature Even if you take perfect care of your tire air pressure, you are going to see some variance across the seasons. And that is because the temperature can have some very dramatic effects on tire pressure. Generally speaking, colder weather can cause tire pressure to drop and warmer weather can cause tire pressure to increase. This will happen regardless of how much you drive your vehicle or otherwise take care of your tires. Changing seasons should impact how often you manually check the air pressure in your tires. You may only be doing it once a month, but if you experience a serious external temperature, you may want to go ahead and check that your tires are safe to drive. What's Next For You And Your Tires Now you know how often to check tire pressure. Eventually, though, you'll need to replace the tires and even replace the entire car. We specialize in keeping you and your family on the road in both safety and style. To see how we can take care of your every automotive need, contact us today!

Whether you drive a pickup truck or a sedan, every vehicle owner needs to follow a few basic car maintenance tips. Your vehicle is a big investment, so it's crucial that you know how to take care of your car so it lasts for years to come. Read on for a list of nine basic car maintenance tips everyone should know. Get Regular Oil Changes One of the most important things you can do for good vehicle maintenance is to get regularly scheduled oil changes. Read your owner's manual to find out how many miles between oil changes are recommended by your manufacturer. The oil in your car keeps the engine running smoothly and also helps to prevent it from overheating. Regular oil changes will ensure that your car's engine is properly lubricated and running smoothly. It also prevents pieces and parts from rubbing against each other, which can result in engine failure. Check Tire Pressure A key part of how to take care of your car the right way is to check the tire pressure periodically. If your tires are over or underinflated, it could result in excessive tread wear or even a dangerous blowout. You can find your car tire's recommended PSI (or pounds of air pressure per square inch) located on a sticker inside the driver's side door panel. Make sure every tire is inflated according to this level so that you're safe on the road, and your tires remain in good condition for longer. How to Take Care of Your Car: Brake Inspections The braking system in your car is responsible for keeping you and others on the road safe. If your brakes are on the fritz, it can be a very serious safety issue. Have your brakes inspected every time you get an oil change, just so you can make sure everything is in good working condition. Replace or repair anything that needs attention such as the rotors, drums, or pads immediately. This simple tip can mean the difference between a safe drive and a very dangerous one. Don't Accelerate Too Quickly You might be tempted to hit the gas pedal hard when that annoying red light turns green. However, accelerating too quickly can be bad for your vehicle, particularly when temperatures are extremely hot or cold. When you accelerate too rapidly, it can cause excess wear and tear on your engine. The extreme temperatures will only make matter worse, so do your best to accelerate at a reasonable pace rather than stomping on the gas. Keep Your Keychain Light This car care tip might surprise you, but a heavy or bulky keychain can actually cause your vehicle some harm. The weight of your keychain will bounce around while you drive and can possibly wear out the tumblers inside your car's ignition. If the tumblers wear out, you could end up dealing with ignition switch failure. Swap out that bulky keychain for a single small one, or try to reduce the number of keys you carry with you if possible. Pay attention when you start your car and if the ignition seems to stick, it's a red flag that the switch is going to fail soon. Track Your Auto Maintenance From transmission fluid flushes to oil changes, it's important to know when your vehicle needs these crucial services. Create a schedule based on your mileage and the last time you had any maintenance done. When you stick to a vehicle maintenance schedule, you can save thousands of dollars in potential repairs over the lifetime of your car. Talk to your mechanic and find out if they can help you create a schedule and send reminders whenever you need service. Protect Your Paint If you want your car to look its best, you'll need to take proactive steps to protect the paint job. Whenever possible, try to park your vehicle in the shade to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause your paint job to fade. Store your vehicle in a garage if you have one, and use a cover whenever you're not driving it for long periods of time. Apply a high-quality auto wax to your car every few months to keep it coated and looking beautiful for years to come. Check Fluid Levels Frequently One of the most common issues with vehicles is a fluid leak or low fluid levels. Check your oil, transmission fluid, and coolant levels as often as possible to prevent problems from occurring. You should also check your windshield wiper fluid on a regular basis. If you suspect that you might have a leak, place a large piece of cardboard directly under your car and look for any liquid dripping onto the surface. When in doubt, bring your car to a certified mechanic who can perform a quick check and get the problem corrected. In most cases, it may be a matter of a damaged hose or a loose gasket/fitting which only takes a few minutes to fix. Monitor Your Battery A dead battery can leave you stranded, resulting in a whole lot of frustration. Have your battery's charge checked and get a recharge if levels are low. Take a close look at your car battery terminals. If you see any corrosion, use a mixture of baking soda and water, and gently scrub the contacts clean with a hard-bristled brush. Healthy Car, Happy Driver Once you know how to take care of your car using a few simple tips, your vehicle should serve you well for many years to come. Always get regular oil changes and check for issues with tire pressure, the brake system, and fluid levels to keep your car healthy. If you're looking for a new vehicle or your current car is in need of service, visit our website or contact us today to learn more.

Did you know that there are nearly 6 million car accidents in the US every year? This results in almost 3 million injured people annually. Most of these accidents are caused by negligent drivers as well as poorly-maintained vehicles. For example, the brake pads are usually the first elements that get deteriorated and might cause a road accident. That's why many drivers wonder - how long do brake pads last? This is an important question because driving around with damaged brake pads is very dangerous. Keep reading to learn how many miles should brakes last and what are the signs of brake caliper deterioration. How Do Brake Pads Work? To understand why brake pads deteriorate, it's important to understand how they work first. When you apply the brakes on your car, an element called brake caliper applies pressure to the rotors. The rotors are attached to the front wheels of your car. When you step on the brake pedal, the brake calipers apply pressure on the rotors that prevent the wheels from spinning. This is how the braking process works. Over time, the brake pads get deteriorated due to friction and extreme temperatures. They will become less efficient and they need to be replaced, otherwise, your car might fail to stop in time and you'll be involved in an accident. How Long Do Brake Pads Last? On average, standard brake pads can last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles or from 3 to 7 years with normal wear and tear. The rule of thumb is that the more you drive, the quicker your brakes will deteriorate. However, many factors influence the lifespan of brake calipers and these include your driving style, road conditions, and more. Factors That Influence the Lifespan of Brake Pads If you want to make your brake pads last longer, you should know the factors that influence how much wear and tear they get over the years. Here are the most important ones: 1. Braking Too Violently This usually happens for people who are driving very fast. They tend to slam the brakes hard to stop in time at a red light or to let another car pass. Slamming the brakes puts too much pressure on the brake pads and that's how they can deteriorate fast. It's recommended to drive within speed limits, so you don't have to brake too violently when you want to stop the car. 2. Having A Foot on the Gas Pedal When Braking There are people out there who take their foot off the gas pedal and put it on the brake pedal to stop the car. This is the correct way to do it. Other people use their right foot for acceleration and the left foot for braking. As a result, the right foot will still be on the gas pedal for a few seconds when the brake pedal is pressed with the left foot. This might not seem like much but it can cause a lot of wear and tear on the brake pads in the long run. 3. Carrying Too Much Weight It's easier to stop a light car than a heavy car.  Therefore, the more weight you carry with you, the quicker your brake pads will deteriorate. It's fine if you need to transport people around, but take a look inside your car and see how you can remove unnecessary weight such as bottles of water, full bags of items, or heavy items from your trunk, etc. 4. Not Anticipating The Traffic Correctly Experienced drivers know how to read the traffic and drive carefully around town and on the highway. For example, there's no point in accelerating too much if you're going to stop at a red light in about 10 seconds. By having a smoother driving experience, the brake pads are not worn too much because the driver doesn't have to use them too often. You should also try to read the traffic ahead and make adjustments on time, so you don't have to apply the brakes violently. Tops Signs That Your Brake Pads Are Worn It's important to know a few signs that your brake pads need to be replaced. It's even more important not to ignore those signs. A car without functional brakes is dangerous for its passengers as well as the other traffic participants. Here are the most popular signs: 1. Your Vehicle Takes Longer to Stop You don't need to be an experienced driver to realize this. If you follow the same path from your home to work every day and you see that your car takes a few seconds longer to stop, chances are that the brake pads are worn out. In some cases, you might even feel a slight delay from the moment you press the brakes to the moment your vehicle begins stopping. 2. Your Car Changes Direction When You Brake If the car steers slightly to the left or right when you apply the brakes, this could be a sign that the brakes are unevenly worn out. You will see this better when you drive in a straight line. Make sure that you visit an auto repair shop soon to replace the brake calipers. 3. The Brake Pedal Vibrates When Pressed It's not normal for the brake pedal to vibrate when your car slows down. At the same time, it's not normal for your car to make weird sounds when you apply the brakes. These are usually signs that the brake pads are seriously deteriorated and they need to be replaced. Now You Know How Long Brake Pads Last Hopefully, this article provided a few good answers to your original question - how long do brake pads last? In theory, brake pads can last up to 70,000 miles, but whether you get that mileage or not depends on how you drive your car. As you already know, your vehicle's braking system is one of the most important elements when it comes to safety. Make sure that you schedule a brake inspection and repair service with our technicians to ensure that your brakes perform at optimal parameters! Our professionals are certified and have years of experience working with vehicles from all makes and models.

Every day around the world, there are over 3,000 people killed in car accidents. To avoid becoming part of this statistic, it’s essential for you to ensure every part of your car is as safe as possible. With so many brands to choose from, it can be difficult to know which are the safest brand for your vehicle. To help you decide between Bridgestone vs Michelin and other tire brands, we put together this article. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best tire brands and to find out how you can determine which to get. Safest Tire Brands These are a few of the tire brands we offer. They offer some of the overall safest tires for all types of vehicles so you can rest easy when choosing from this list. Bridgestone One of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, Bridgestone has its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Their U.S. headquarters are in Nashville, Tennessee. Although Bridgestone has tires for most applications, they are most well-known for their innovation of winter and snow tires. This makes them an excellent choice for these types of tires. Goodyear Goodyear was founded in 1898, making them only a few years younger than some of the first car manufacturers. Their center of operations can be found in Akron, Ohio, and sell the most tires throughout North America. They offer tires for numerous application types so you should be able to get whatever you need from Goodyear. Michelin Michelin's main headquarters are in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and it's North American headquarters are in Greenville, South Carolina. Since its founding in 1891, Michelin has been a pioneer in the tire industry and is noted for creating the first radial tires. Continental Despite not quite making it to the top three highest-selling tire companies, Continental is still considered one of the best and offers a wide range of both original and replacement tire options. You can find its main headquarters in Hanover, Germany, and its United States headquarters in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Firestone Firestone was originally founded in 1900 and was one of the primary suppliers of tires for Ford vehicles for many years because its founder Harvey Samuel Firestone was close friends with Henry Ford. Although it has since been sold to Bridgestone, Firestone continues to sell a variety of tires in the United States and beyond. Pirelli Although Pirelli is headquartered in Milan, Italy, it has a manufacturing plant in Rome, Georgia. These tires are famous for being used in sports cars and other luxury vehicles. Pirelli tires remain more popular in Europe than in the United States. They focus on high-end vehicle tires but you can still find replacement tires for family cars, SUVs, and light trucks. Toyo Another Japanese company, Toyo has its main headquarters in Itami, Hyogo, Japan. However, you can find its factory in Bartow County, Georgia. Toyo has only been marketing their tires in the United States since 1966, the company was actually founded in 1945. It may not be as old as some of the other companies on our list, but still offers tires for every type of vehicle. Other Tire Brands to Consider If you're not sure you want to go with one of those brands, here are a few other quality brand name tire companies we work with: Dunlop BF Goodrich Kelly Tires Hankook Uniroyal Nitto General Tire Falken Yokohama We selected these brands because the tires they offer work well on Ford cars and trucks. Our customers deserve the best tires for their vehicle and we aim to provide that by only working with the best possible tire companies. Bridgestone vs Michelin: How to Decide Which Brand is Right for You By now you may be wondering how to choose between all of these tire brands. Fortunately, it's easier than you may think. There are only three things you really need to think about. Type of Tire Before you can decide on a brand, you'll need to know what type of tire you need. Some examples of different types of tires include: All-season Performance Touring All-terrain Winter Once you know what type of tire is best for you and your vehicle, you can check to ensure that the brand you're looking at has this type of tire. Most brands will have all of the most popular types of tires, but if you're looking for a specialty tire, then you may have to check with several brands to find it. Track Record for Excellence As you can see, some of these brands go back a number of years. This is a good sign because it means they've been providing high-quality tires for their customers for a long time. While there may not be anything wrong with a newer company, it's still a good idea to check to make sure a brand has a history of excellence. Typically if a company has been around for twenty years or more, they're here to stay and you can trust them. Fair Prices The last thing you want to think about is whether or not the brand has fair prices on their tires. Tires are an investment and going with the cheapest option may not help you in the long run. However, you do want to make sure the brand is offering you a fair price for what you're getting. A good way to determine this is to compare it to similar tires by other brands and check user reviews to make sure they're going to be worth what you're paying. Ready to Get New Tires for Your Ford Vehicle? Now you know what some of the safest tire brands are. You also know how to decide between Bridgestone vs Michelin vs other types of tires. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. If you're ready to get new tires for your Ford, contact us today. We'd love to help you make your final decision and ensure you get the best tires for your situation.

Why are oil changes important? The cost of replacing an engine starts at around $4,000 and goes up from there depending on your vehicle. If you aren't regularly changing your oil, replacing an engine is just one of the problems you could face. And since oil changes are significantly cheaper and easier than replacing an engine, it makes sense to do them. Keep reading as we dig deeper into the importance of oil changes and what they do for your vehicle. Why Are Oil Changes Important? To understand why oil changes are so important, we have to look at what they do for your vehicle. There are two main purposes of engine oil. Lubricates Engine The most important role engine oil has is lubrication. Your engine has moving parts that create heat and friction. When these parts are lubricated, it greatly reduces the amount of friction and, therefore, heat that is generated. A well-lubricated engine runs more smoothly and won't over-heat. This protects the components of your engine individually and your engine as a whole. An engine running without oil will wear out quickly which could leave you needing to replace the entire thing. Cleans Engine Another danger to engine components is dirt. When dirt particles get into your engine, they can corrode parts and increase friction and heat. That's why the second role of oil is to keep dirt out of these parts. As engine oil circulates through your engine, it naturally picks up dirt particles and anything else that shouldn't be in your engine. That's what causes oil to go from a light amber color to black over time. To get the dirt completely out of your engine, you have to change your oil. This also prevents oil from breaking down into what's known as "sludge." Sludge can also damage your engine if left in for a long period of time. Benefits of Getting an Oil Change Now let's get into some of the many benefits of getting an oil change. Save Money The biggest advantage of changing your car's oil on time is that you'll save money. As we mentioned before, replacing your engine costs thousands of dollars. Compared to the hundreds you'll spend on oil changes over a few years,… they more than pay for themselves. Get Better Gas Mileage When your engine is running as smoothly as possible with new oil, it takes less gas to keep it running. This means you don't have to fill your tank as often and you can save money on gas, too. Although you won't save enough on gas to notice a difference, the savings add up over time and this is just one of many benefits of getting regular oil changes. Increase Vehicle's Lifespan As you can imagine, when your engine is running smoothly, the individual parts and engine as a whole will both last longer. You then allow your vehicle to run for far longer than it would if you never changed the oil. Once again, this shows that small investments in oil changes will help you save tons of money in the long run. In this case, it allows you to put off purchasing a new car until you're ready. Maintain Your Warranty If your car breaks down while under the manufacturer's warranty, you can get it fixed for free, provided you have upheld your end of the bargain. Otherwise, you'll be fully responsible for repair costs. When you get a warranty for your vehicle, be sure to read it over carefully to see what you have to do. In many cases, you will be expected to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle which includes oil changes. Have a Checkup for Your Vehicle How often does your vehicle get carefully checked over? In many cases, there are early warning signs that something needs to be done that you can miss because you're simply not paying close attention to your car. Although you should be doing this when doing your own oil changes and certainly can, if you don't know much about vehicle maintenance, you should take your car to a professional for an oil change. When you take your car to a professional, they will give your car a full checkup so they can catch a small issue before it becomes a huge problem. You may also end up saving money on your oil change by going to a dealership. How to Know When Your Car Needs an Oil Change You need to make sure you change your oil every six months or every 7,500 miles, whichever comes first. This rule applies to Ford vehicles from 2008 and beyond. If your car was made before 2008, then you should plan on changing the oil every 5,000 miles or every six months. However, there are some indications that your oil needs to be changed sooner than that. These include: Check oil or check engine light lit up on your dashboard Loud engine or knocking sounds coming from the engine Engine over-heating Smoke coming from the exhaust pipe The smell of burning oil inside your car while driving Whenever you encounter one of these, immediately check your oil to see if it's dirty. Checking Your Oil To check your oil, open your hood while the engine is cool. A hot engine could spew hot oil at you, so always do this after the car has been sitting for at least a few minutes. Wait even longer if your engine has been over-heating. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it back into its spot. Then, carefully remove it again and look closely at the oil. Engine oil should be transparent enough that you can see the dipstick through it. If you can't, it's time to get an oil change. If the oil appears light enough, then you'll want to make sure there's enough oil in your engine. Need a Professional Oil Change? Now you know the answer to the question, "Why are oil changes important?" You can also see there are many benefits and that it's easy to know when it's time to take your vehicle in for one. Having your oil changed by a professional has numerous benefits. To reap them, contact us today. We would be more than happy to change your car's oil and ensure it's in good working condition.