Friday, October 28, 2016

Scare-Proof Neighborhood-Driving Tips for Halloween

Scare-Proof Neighborhood-Driving Tips for Halloween

WESTLAND, Mich. –– Halloween might be all tricks and treats for kids, but for drivers it can be a night of fear-driven anxiety and goose bumps as they cruise down neighborhood streets hoping the goblins, ghosts, and ghouls stay on the sidewalks as they creep from door-to-door shouting for candy.

While we recommend that you don’t drive on Halloween in order to avoid any potential hazards due to an influx of kids strolling the nighttime streets, if you must drive somewhere, be sure to follow these scare-proof neighborhood-driving tips for Halloween that will help you keep the trick-or-treating kids in your area safe.

Stay off neighborhood streets.
That is, stay off neighborhood streets if you’re able to. Of course, this is a lofty demand, and we don’t expect that everyone will be able to carry it out. If you have to drive somewhere during trick-or-treating hours, try to find the safest possible route out of your neighborhood based on where kids are and aren’t trick-or-treating.

Take it easy on the gas pedal.
It’s important to keep your driving speeds low during Halloween when you’re traveling through a neighborhood. Driving slowly give you more time to react in a situation that could require quick thinking, such as a group of trick-or-treaters running across a street without looking your way first.

Be a beacon of light.
Meaning, don’t be afraid to use your brights, or fog lights, when you’re driving in dark areas of your neighborhood that may not be lined with streetlights. Using your brights will give you a broader scope of vision in these instances and allow you more time to react quickly in situations like those mentioned above.

If you see a stop sign, stop.
You know who you are, rolling stoppers. The truth is the majority of drivers never come to complete stops at stop signs, although we all should because it’s a safety law. But specifically on Halloween this law is vital for drivers to follow religiously. Most kids don’t look both ways before crossing a street, despite what their parents taught them. By rolling through a stop sign, you aren’t giving yourself enough time to check your surroundings before continuing, but if you come to a full stop you have plenty of time to make sure there aren’t an ghosts lurking on corners, ready to take flight in front of your vehicle.

Yield sign or no yield sign, slow down at intersections.
This tip dovetails with coming to complete stops at stop signs. However, in this case we’re recommending that you slow down at intersections and check your surroundings before proceeding, even if there aren’t any yield signs telling you to do so. Again, most kids aren’t paying attention to anything but candy and creepy costumes on Halloween, so it’s your job to look out for them.


We hope with these scare-proof neighborhood-driving tips for Halloween, you and all your little ghouls and goblins make it home safe with loads of candy in hand! One easy way to stay safe on the road and keep your vehicle running well is with routine maintenance. Check out all our Fall Car Care tips and schedule your auto service online!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Halloween Party Food

WESTLAND, Mich.–– Halloween is officially Monday, but there will be plenty of Halloween parties, get togethers, and happenings going on this weekend. Are you ready to host a party? Even if you're attending someone else's Halloween party or get-together, it's common courtesy to bring something to snack on. Don't panic, you still have plenty of time to get something ready. And if you're planning on spending Halloween weekend or day at home, then feel free to whip something up for yourself to get in the spooky spirit! Check out these Halloween party food ideas that you can scare and satisfy guests with.

Nutter Butter Boos

Halloween Party Food


Caramel Apple Nachos

Halloween Party Food


Marshmallow Mummy Pops

Halloween Party Food


Spider Web Nacho Spread

Halloween Party Food


Peanut Butter Monster Munch


Hot Dog Spiders

Halloween Party Food


Graveyard Pudding Cups

Halloween Party Food


Eyeball Caprese

Halloween Party Food


We hope these cute and creepy Halloween party food ideas give you inspiration to impress your guests, or impress yourself. Whether it's a party you're headed to, or a party you're hosting, we want you to be safe. Finding a safe and sober ride home is important before heading out, and if you're hosting, making options available to guests to stay the night is just as important. One easy way to stay safe on the road and keep your vehicle running well is with routine maintenance. Check out all our Fall Car Care tips and schedule your auto service online!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Pumpkin Carving Ideas

WESTLAND, Mich. –– Halloween is right around the corner which means it's a great time to gather the kids, family and friends and carve pumpkins! Whether you prefer to stick with the traditional gap-toothed grin pumpkin, or are looking for something a little more interesting, we've got a few pumpkin carving ideas to get you inspired!

1. Cookie Monster
This idea is super easy and fun to do. All you need is blue paint, styrofoam balls, a black marker and cookies! This would be a great table decoration to serve cookies, or even look good on your porch with cookies not intended for little hands to eat.

Pumpkin Carving Ideas

2.  Monsters, Inc. 
If you or your kids are big fans of Monsters, Inc., this pumpkin carving idea is perfect! The best part about this idea is that it actually doesn't require carving - all you need is paint and/or permanent markers! 

Pumpkin Carving Ideas

3. The Sick Pumpkin
Looking to gross out any trick-or-treaters that stop by? Why not give this sick pumpkin a try! After you carve out the face, pull some of the pumpkins innards out to make it look like a 'sick' pumpkin - gross! 

Pumpkin Carving Ideas


4. The Owl Pumpkin
This pumpkin is a cute idea for those that aren't looking to spook or terrify. It works best with an oblong pumpkin, however, it's easy with any pumpkin and/or gourd.

Pumpkin Carving Ideas


5. Pumpkin Inception
If you think you're a master pumpkin carver and are up for a challenge, try this skull pumpkin within another pumpkin! While it might be tricky trying to find the right size pumpkins, this is one idea that will impress anyone that sees it.

Pumpkin Carving Ideas

When you spend a good amount of time carving your pumpkin, you want it to last as long as possible. That's why we recommend dipping your pumpkin in a large container of bleach and water (1 tsp. bleach per gallon of water). The bleach will kill bacteria and keep your pumpkin looking fresh! If you'd like to preserve your pumpkin even longer, brush a 2 tbsp. vinegar and 1 tsp. lemon juice mixture on your dry pumpkin every other day to keep it fresh for weeks.

We hope these pumpkin carving ideas have inspired you to make some truly terrifying and/or fantastic pumpkins this season! If you need a new ride to get you to the pumpkin patch, stop by our dealership to check out our vast SUV/Crossover inventory and Ford F-150 inventory that'll get you through the winter and beyond!  While you're preparing your house for the colder weather, don't forget to also prep your car for the winter months ahead. If you aren't sure how to prepare your vehicle for cold weather, check out our Fall Car Care Tips that cover belts & hoses inspections, heating system maintenance, weather stripping replacement, windshield damage repair, and emergency kit prep

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Monday, October 17, 2016

Better Fuel Economy is Just an F-150 Away

WESTLAND, Mich.––Finding a great deal on the truck of your dreams may be a priority, but considering the long term cost of ownership should be among your thoughts when going to purchase of lease a vehicle. Ford has been consistently innovating to bring its customers better vehicles, better features, and better gas mileage. Going further on a gas tank is important to Ford, and better fuel economy is just an F-150 away.

Better Fuel Economy is Just an F-150 Away


The 2017 F-150 models boast EPA-estimated ratings 2mpg higher than 2016 year models thanks to the new 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The 2016 F-150 offered 17/24/20mpg city/hwy/combined, and the 2017 F-150 will get 18/25/21mpg city/hwy/combined. However, this year the F-150's engine will be combined with the very first production 10-speed automatic transmission. This type of transmission will offer more smooth gear switching, enhanced performance, and a quicker 'get-up'. Better low-end and peak performance is what you'll see with the 10-speed pairing.

The all new adaptive-shift scheduling system will provide a more engaging driving experience. This is thanks to the shifting algorithms which take in real-time data from powertrain and driver control signals to ensure the right gear is being used at the right time. This will give towers and haulers more confidence. The weight-loss in the 2017 Ford F-150 is a big catalyst in the improved shifting performance. The 10-speed gearbox uses alloy and other advanced material to help the truck shed some pounds and reduced the overall packaging footprint, which is just one of the thousands of ways Ford is working to reduce, reuse, recycle, and sustain.

The fun of improved performance isn't just for the new 10-speed/EcoBoost engine pairing, it's also for the 2nd generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. The new V6 will receive a boost in horsepower by 10. The total numbers for this engine actually beat out the diesel and gasoline competitors, including V8 engines. The second generation V6 can achieve 470 lb-ft of torque, and 375 hp.

If you're interested in checking out a 2016 Ford F-150, which will be offered for $244/mo through the end of October, we've got plenty for you to look at. We'd be happy to give you a test drive so you can see what the EcoBoost engine has to offer! You can check out our Ford F-150 model overview page to get a feel for each option available or start shopping now by viewing our online inventory. If you've got an F-150 that you want to keep running well, make sure to take care of routine maintenance and Fall Car Care before the winter season arrives.

North Brothers Ford
 is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Tips For Driving Safely Around Deer

WESTLAND, Mich.––In Michigan, it's easy to look around and see all sorts of live nature, including animals. Even in the suburbs it's not hard to find animals of all kinds, including deer. While they're interesting to watch from your window, they can be dangerous, especially on the side of the road. This time of year is prime for deer and vehicle collisions in Michigan. In fact, Michigan is at high-risk, according to Statefarm, for collision with deer. We're here to provide you some tips for driving safely around deer!

Tips For Driving Safely Around Deer



Understanding deer is a difficult, and many times we don't know what action they'll take when you encounter them. Why they run out onto the road or why they stand and stare blankly at your headlights can seem like a mystery, but there are some general rules of thumb you can follow.

-Deer breed October through January each year and are most active during this time. This is when deer and vehicle collision chances are most high, so keep this in mind when you're on the move this fall and winter. 

-Deer typically hangout around open fields and wooded areas, but may come through to the suburbs or close to the road to forage for food. 

-Deer are most active during dawn and dusk. This makes them hard to see, so pay extra attention.

-Deer tend to fixate on bright lights. If you encounter one on the road who's blankly staring and not moving, flick your high beams on and off to grab their attention and hopefully scare them off. 

-Deer always travel in herds and very rarely alone, so if you see one, you can expect there to be others around. It's important to slow down even if the one you saw ran away. 

We want you to stay safe all year long on the road and hope these tips for driving safely around deer help you do so. Unfortunately collisions do happen with deer. In fact, it's better to hit the deer than to swerve and risk worse injuries. If you experience a collision with a deer, you can feel a slight peace of mind bringing your car to our North Brothers Collision Center because we work with all major insurance companies, have excellent expert auto technicians, and use state of the art equipment.

You can schedule a collision appointment online or by giving us a call. We'll walk you through what fixes need to be made, and will have you back on the road in no time. We always want to provide you a transparent, convenient, and positive experience because our community is family to us! To stay the most safe on the road this season and beyond, use our Fall Car Care tips and have us take care of any routine vehicle maintenance or inspections.


North Brothers Ford
 is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Thursday, October 6, 2016

5 Autumn Decorating Tips and Ideas

5 Autumn Decorating Tips and Ideas

WESTLAND, Mich. –– Autumn has officially arrived! That means cooler temperatures and changing leaves have returned, and Michigan is preparing for holidays lurking just around the corner. To get you into the spirit of fall, we've come up with 5 Autumn decorating tips and ideas that you and your guests will love.


First, why not bring nature inside? Cut a few branches filled with acorns and put them in a glass vase with lemons and water. It instantly and inexpensively brings fall into your home. You can place this beautiful piece in your walkway, on your table, or even on your mantlepiece; be creative!

Another way to spruce up your table is to buy or create a centerpiece box using pallet scraps. This piece can be used year round by filling it with festive items. For fall, we recommend using gourds, pumpkins, candles, or even branches like those in the vase above. It's gorgeous and festive!

5 Autumn Decorating Tips and Ideas

One important aspect of autumn decorating is pairing your decor with seasonal scents. Visuals are wonderful but the aromas of pumpkin pie, apple cider, and cinnamon can instantly make your home feel autumnal. Gather as many candles, incenses, or spices you have available and spread them around your house. This will instantly make your home feel inviting and warm. not to mention your house will smell amazing!

You can also transition your home into the fall season by hanging a beautiful autumn wreath on your front door. Whether you make one, buy one, or pull out an old wreath you already have, it's a wonderful adornment to welcome guests into your home with.  

5 Autumn Decorating Tips and Ideas

Although there are numerous ways to decorate for fall, our final tip is to hang heavier drapery and curtains. This tip is actually a practical one since heavier fabrics will help keep the cold out of your house –– something that will help cut costs when it comes to heating your home. Go with the drapery and curtains that come in deeper colors and heavier fabrics. Your room will feel warmer because of the cozy colors, and will literally be warmer because of the heavier material!

We hope that these 5 Autumn decorating tips and ideas have helped you get excited for the fall season. While you're preparing your house for the colder weather, don't forget to also prep your car for the winter months ahead. If you aren't sure how to prepare your vehicle for cold weather, check out our Fall Car Care Tips that cover belts & hoses inspections, heating system maintenance, weather stripping replacement, windshield damage repair, and emergency kit prep. Or you're in need of a new vehicle before winter hits, stop by our dealer today to check out our vast SUV/Crossover inventory and Ford F-150 inventory that'll get you through the winter and beyond! 

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYouTube and Google+

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Fall Car Care Maintenance Tips from North Brothers Ford in Westland, MI

WESTLAND, Mich.––At North Brothers Ford, we want you to be safe on the road all year long. While it takes routine maintenance throughout the year to keep your car running smoothly, there are some extra maintenance tasks you should complete each season to be well prepared. We've been consistently providing tips on what components should be serviced, inspected, and replaced for each season. Now it's time  for Fall Car Care Maintenance Tips from North Brothers Ford in Westland, MI. As the cold weather season is quickly approaching, we encourage you to use our seasonal maintenance tips that'll keep you safe, extend the life of your car, and help you avoid larger repairs in the future. Our new set of seasonal maintenance pages for Fall Car Care highlights the following five topics:

Fall Car Care Maintenance Tips from North Brothers Ford in Westland, MI


Windshield Repair

On this page we discuss the important functions of your windshield and why you should have it repaired before the cold weather arrives. Your windshield provides up to 45% structural integrity of the vehicle in a forward collision, and up to 60% in a rollover? It's more important than you think!

Heating and Ventilation System Maintenance

When the cold weather does arrive, and you need your car to warm you up, your heating and ventilation system can do the job. While it doesn't need to be on your routine maintenance schedule all year, it's important to have it inspected, as it can effect other components in your vehicle. We'll cover signs that you need service or an inspection, too.


Weather Stripping Replacement


The black rubber and plastic strips all around your vehicle is classified as weather stripping. Not only does it help keep outside elements from getting into your car, but also helps to keep parts of your car secure while you're driving. Read more about when to replace or how to recognize damage by visiting the page.


Belts and Hoses Maintenance

Your vehicles belts and hoses are responsible for transporting power and important fluids around your vehicle. Without some of them, your car wouldn't be able to run! On this page we cover when to have these items inspected, or replaced and signs you should look for if these components are broken or need repair.


Emergency Kit Preparation

You might only think an emergency kit is necessary for winter weather, but it's essential all year! Before the snow and rougher weather arrives, be sure to create your own kit. On this page we list items that we deem essential for you kit, and other items specific for colder weather so you're prepared for the seasons to come.

Your overall safety on the road is important to us! While we can't be your driving instructor, or personal at-home mechanic, we can provide tips on how to keep your vehicle in its best shape. We can also help you by offering online scheduling, certified auto service, and a helpful staff to answer any of your questions. Take advantage of our online resources like our Fall Car Care Maintenance Tips from North Brothers Ford in Westland, MI, our Ford SYNC information, Dashboard Warning Light Guide, and Routine Maintenance pages. You can also take advantage and save on your auto service at North Brothers with our service coupons. Whatever auto service or collision service  you need we can help! We'll also help find you a perfect vehicle to fit your lifestyle and budget. We recommend checking out the 2016 Ford F-150 and 2017 Ford Fusion.

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+