How to Maintain Fuel Efficiency During the Winter

WESTLAND, Mich. –– Your vehicle's fuel efficiency could decrease by 50% this winter, which means you'll end up shivering beside the gas pump more often than you'd like. Fortunately, you can maintain a higher level of fuel efficiency throughout the colder months by following our tips on how to maintain fuel efficiency during the winter. But first, it's worth looking at the reasons for why your vehicle's fuel efficiency decreases during the winter.

Why does fuel efficiency decrease during the winter?

A lower level of fuel efficiency during the winter can result from a litany of negative effects cold weather has on your vehicle. Take a look at the reasons FuelEconomy.gov provides:

• Engine and transmission friction increases in cold temperatures due to cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids.
• It takes longer for your engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. This affects shorter trips more, since your car spends more of your trip at less-than-optimal temperatures.
• Heated seats, window defrosters, and heater fans use additional power.
• Warming up your vehicle before you start your trip lowers your fuel economy—idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
• Colder air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, especially at highway speeds.
• Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures, increasing rolling resistance.
• Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends.
• Battery performance decreases in cold weather, making it harder for your alternator to keep your battery charged. This also affects the performance of the regenerative braking system on hybrids.

In severe winter weather, your mpg can drop even further.

• Icy or snow-covered roads decrease your tires' grip on the road, wasting energy.
• Safe driving speeds on slick roads can be much lower than normal, further reducing fuel economy, especially at speeds below 30 to 40 mph.
• Using four-wheel drive uses more fuel.

How to maintain fuel efficiency during the winter.

Taking into account the many reasons for why fuel efficiency decreases in the winter, you can counteract the negative effects of cold weather on your vehicle's fuel economy by following these tips on how to maintain fuel efficiency during the winter.

1. Limit the amount of cargo stored in your vehicle. Extra weight can add stress to your vehicle and cause it to work harder, decreasing its fuel efficiency. Removing snow and ice from the outside of the car before driving also shaves off a surprising amount of unnecessary weight. 
2. Park your vehicle in a garage during the winter. Parking your vehicle in a garage keeps its interior at a warmer temperature so your vehicle requires less fuel and time to warm up on cold mornings. It only takes 30 seconds for your vehicle's engine to warm up, but if it's parked outside it can take several minutes for your interior to reach a comfortable temperature, which wastes fuel and time.
3. Fill up your car early in the morning. When the outdoor temperature is colder, the density of gasoline or diesel is greater and takes up less space in your tank.
4. Give your vehicle regular routine maintenance. Routine maintenance throughout the winter is the best way to increase the life and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. During the colder months everything counts towards increasing your vehicle's fuel economy, from equipping your vehicle with a set of quality tires that provide the traction necessary for slick roads, to regular oil changes that help your vehicle perform at a high level on the coldest days.

As we head into winter and the temperatures plummet, North Brothers Ford can help you handle your vehicle needs to keep its fuel economy strong. From auto service to finding the perfect vehicle for the winter, we're happy to help you. 

North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com.

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6 Reasons Thanksgiving Is Not Your Average American Holiday

WESTLAND, Mich. –– With turkey at the center of Thanksgiving, it's easy to overlook the myriad oddities that make it a unique holiday Americans love. But if we look beyond the hours spent on meal preparation involved and the debates between white and dark meat, what might we find? We did a little fact hunting and came up with six reasons Thanksgiving isn't your average American holiday. From turkey trivia to historical holiday moments, these facts will change how you look at Thanksgiving.

1. The first TV dinners were Thanksgiving leftovers.

In 1953, Swanson had over 260 tons of frozen turkey leftover from Thanksgiving. To use up these leftovers, the company scooped turkey, potatoes, peas, and corn-bread into aluminum trays. The meals could be frozen and heated when ready to be consumed, and the concept of families eating around the dinner table was forever changed.

2. The first Thanksgiving football game.

The history of Thanksgiving football originates with the Detroit Lions, who hosted the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in 1934. The Lions lost 19–16, which isn't surprising by today's standards, though they were a second-place team in 1934. Today, only two NFL teams––the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys––host Thanksgiving football games each year, while a third game with no fixed opponents shifts between the rest of the NFL teams each year.

3. Tryptophan in turkey doesn't make you sleepy.

It's not the tryptophan in Turkey that is making you sleepy, it's your potatoes––and every other side dish replete with carbohydrates. Eating a huge plate of simple carbs and washing it down with alcohol will make you want to take a post-meal nap, but turkey won't.

4. A turkey can grow to be the size of a large dog.

The heaviest turkey ever served on Thanksgiving was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog. However, this is uncommon, as most turkeys weigh in at 11–24 pounds. We're still trying to figure out how someone fits an 86-pound turkey in their oven.

5. Americans consume 690 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.

On Thanksgiving, the turkey takes center stage in American homes, so it's not surprising the nation consumes 690 million pounds of it in one holiday. To give you an idea of how much turkey that is, imagine the weight of 172,500 new Ford cars.

6. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days.

Americans generally take one day to celebrate Thanksgiving, unless you count the weekend after as a continuation of that celebration. Either way, today's Thanksgiving holiday doesn't hold a candle to the pilgrims' celebration. Over the course of three days, new inhabitants of American partook in plenty of good eating, games, dancing, and shooting to celebrate their arrival.

When you're at the table with family and friends for Turkey Day this November, test their holiday knowledge and see if they're aware of these six reasons Thanksgiving isn't your average American holiday. If you're traveling for Thanksgiving this year, make sure you plan accordingly and use our Thanksgiving travel tips to avoid traffic. Stop by our dealership to take car of any car repair or auto service your vehicle may need.

North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com
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Delicious Side Dishes to Make for Thanksgiving

WESTLAND, Mich. –– Thanksgiving is known for the spectacular feasts and time spent with friends and family. To make your gathering unforgettable this November, we've gathered a few delicious side dishes to make for Thanksgiving, and they're sure to become a yearly staple at your Thanksgiving feast.

1. Classic Sweet Potato Casserole 

This mouthwatering sweet potato casserole is sure to be the talk of the town with crunchy pecans and sweet potatoes. For this recipe, you'll need:

• 4 1/2 lbs. sweet potatoes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 1/4 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees to start with, and then bake your sweet potatoes (whole) for one hour or until tender. Let them stand for about 20 minutes and then peel and mash them. Reduce the temperature of your oven to 350 degrees. Beat your mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, butter, milk, eggs ,salt and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon potato mixture into a greased 11x7 inch banking dish. Combine cornflakes, pecans, sugar and butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake your dish for 30 minutes then remove from oven and sprinkle marshmallows on top of the cornflake mixture. After you do this, you'll want to bake an additional 10 minutes then let stand 10 minutes before serving.

2. Buttermilk Biscuits

This recipe has a surprising ingredient that takes the biscuit from good to extraordinary. You'll need:

• 2 cups self-rising flour (plus another cup for dusting work surface)
• 1/2 stick butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 tbsp. butter melted
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees. In a large bowl, combine two cups of flour, butter pieces, and cream cheese. Use your fingers to cut in the butter and cream cheese until the mixture resembles cottage cheese. Add the buttermilk and mix with your hands or a small rubber spatula. Sprinkle flour over the dough, and then turn dough onto a well-floured surface. Take a rolling pin and roll out the dough into a 1/2 inch thick oval. Using a flour covered biscuit cutter, cut out the biscuits and brush the tops with melted butter. Place pan in the oven, immediately reduce temperature to 450 degrees, and bake for about 16–18 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.

3.  Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing. 

Thanksgiving is incomplete without stuffing. That's why we've gathered this delicious recipe that's great for stuffing inside the turkey, or just eating out of the banking dish. You'll need:

• 1 lb. fresh pork sausage, crumbled
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lbs. prepared cornbread, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp. finely chopped sage
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1–2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. You'll want to cook your sausage until browned and cooked through, and then transfer to a large bowl. Add the onion, celery and 1/4 cup water to the pan you cooked the sausage in. Reduce the heat and cook until vegetables soften. Season generously with salt and pepper and then add to sausage in bowl. Add the cornbread, sage, and eggs to sausage and veggie mixture. Bring broth to a simmer in a small saucepan and then pour 1/2 cup over stuffing and toss gently. If needed, add up to 1/2 cup more broth until stuffing feels slightly moist. You can stuff it into the turkey or spoon it into a baking pan to cook for 25 minutes.

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, we hope that these delicious side dishes to make for Thanksgiving have inspired you. While we're more than happy to supply you with great recipes to feed you and your family, our specialty is still with cars. If you have any questions concerning auto service like tires and brakes, don't hesitate to contact us or stop by our dealership!

 North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.comFollow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ 

8 Turkey Tips to Cook the Best Bird on Thanksgiving

WESTLAND, Mich. –– The cooking of a Thanksgiving turkey is considered an art form of which your dinner guests serve as the critics. This makes loading a bird into an oven a more daunting task than it should be, not to mention turkeys are easy to dry out or undercook. To combat the stress of preparing a palatable meal for your family and friends this November, check out these eight turkey tips to cook the best bird on Thanksgiving, and we guarantee you'll please the pickiest of eaters.

1. Decide what the right size turkey is for your party. 

If you're hosting a large gathering, you'll probably need a 20-pound bird to satisfy their Thanksgiving appetites. A good way to estimate the size of the turkey you'll need is to assume every person at your party will eat about 1 1/2 pounds of turkey, including the bones and giblets.

2. Properly defrost your turkey. 

It's recommended you thaw your turkey in the refrigerator to stifle the growth of harmful bacteria. Place the turkey breast-side-up onto a rimmed baking sheet and place it in your fridge. Allow a full day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey.

3. Properly clean your turkey.

Remove the giblets and save them for gravy stock. Rinse the turkey under cool running water and dry it, inside and out, with paper towels. Make sure your turkey is completely dry.

4. Cook your turkey in a stainless steel roasting pan. 

Stainless steel roasting pans distribute heat more evenly, and they last a lifetime. It's best to use a rectangular roasting pan with medium height sides and strong handles to contain the size and weight of your turkey.

5. Don't stuff your turkey.  

When you stuff a moist turkey, you run the risk of harmful bacteria growing on your food if your turkey or stuff is undercooked. Instead, consider breaking tradition and cooking your stuffing in a separate dish.

6. If you do stuff your turkey, do it like this.

Make sure to stuff your turkey right before it goes in the oven as opposed to stuff it ahead of time. Stuffing expands as it cooks, so fill the turkey's cavity loosely. A 12–15-pound turkey takes about 10 cups of stuffing, while a 15–20-pound turkey can hold up to 12 cups.

7. Don't overcook or undercook your turkey. 

To avoid overcooking or undercooking your turkey, set it on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. After the first hour, regularly baste the turkey with pan drippings so that the meat stays moist and browns evenly. Roast your turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

8. Let your turkey rest after it cooks.

When your turkey is done, gently tent your turkey with aluminum foil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the pan juices and what you basted it in.

Hopefully these eight turkey tips to cook the best bird on Thanksgiving get you through the holiday stress-free. If you have any further questions about cooking a turkey or fending off grumpy relatives who have special bird preferences, we're sad to admit we may not be the best resource. However, we can offer you a few tasty appetizer recipes that may put them at ease here. 

Additionally, if you have any questions about oil changes, auto service, or car repair for the fall and winter seasons, we'd be happy to assist you. North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com
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Crews Begin Set Up of North American International Auto Show

WESTLAND, Mich. –– Last week, crews began setting up the 2016 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit, although workers have been preparing the space since mid-October. 

While NAIAS 2016 won't take place until Jan. 16, and run through Jan. 26, the event will take up 623,000 square feet on Cobo Center's main show floor and understandably takes at least three months to set up. For 2016, 75% the show will exhibit all-new or redesigned vehicles of the 40 automakers will showcase altogether, according to The Detroit News.

“Our theme this year is ‘All Roads Lead to Detroit’ and we’re looking at the great opportunity that the local auto manufacturers pick the North American International Auto Show as their venue of choice for worldwide unveilings and the technologies that they’re going to bring,” NAIAS 2016 Chairman Paul Sabatini told The Detroit News.

One of the focal points of NAIAS 2016 will be new vehicle technologies, which have rapidly advanced in just the last few years, as seen in new Ford cars and new Ford trucks at our Ford dealer near South Lyon, MI.

As crews begin setting up the North American International Auto Show, those expecting to attend should anticipate an impressive showing of new vehicles and technologies. But the vehicle displays, some double-decker and totaling 40,000 square feet, could prove to be as impressive as the vehicles they showcase.

Alongside glamorous new vehicles, Detroit will offer attendees a new perspective of itself with plenty of recently established high-end restaurants, new developments and building renovations, and $279 million in upgrades to Cobo Center. With much to do in the city before and after the event, and with an array of futuristically designed and manufactured vehicles for attendees to gape at, NAIAS 2016 could turn out to be one of the best years yet in the show's history.

If you're planning on heading down to NAIAS 2016, make sure your vehicle is ready to make the trip. Stop in for any auto service or car repair your vehicle may need before winter takes over. North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com.

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Top 5 Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Day Appetizer Recipes

WESTLAND, Mich. –– If you're starting to taste turkey it's because Thanksgiving Day is nearly upon us. All over Pinterest there are so many great Turkey Day recipes to choose from, but don't let the vast selection overwhelm you. Instead, take a look at our top five mouthwatering Thanksgiving Day appetizer recipes.

Top 5 Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Cheddar Chive Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Cranberry Chili Cheese Spread

Cranberry & Walnut Pinwheels

Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney

Turkey Veggie Tray

After imagining these Thanksgiving appetizers spread out on your table, are you ready to feast? If you need more holiday meal and recipe ideas, make sure to visit the North Brothers Ford Pinterest page here for tons of inspiration.

Remember, you can find all of your auto service and car repair at North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com.

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

Save on Black Friday at North Brothers Ford

WESTLAND, Mich. ––  Tucked between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Black Friday is one of the main indicators that holiday festivities are underway. While many shy away from this hectic night of shopping for insane deals, others treat it like a national annual pastime.

Starting Wednesday, Nov. 25, and continuing from Friday, Nov. 28 to Saturday, Nov. 29, you can save on Black Friday at North Brothers Ford. During the Black Friday Bash, we're offering A-plan pricing all three days, and you'll find other great vehicle discounts. We'll also give you a FREE $200 gas card with any used vehicle purchase.

We're expecting many customers to take advantage of the deals throughout this three-day bash, so parking could be scarce. That's why we're offering FREE shuttle rides to and from Westland Mall, just down the road from North Brothers Ford.

The best part about saving on Black Friday at North Brothers Ford is that you don't have to come out on Friday. If you want to avoid the crowd, consider finding your savings on Wednesday or Saturday. But if you've already planned a shopping trip for Black Friday, feel free to stop by North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185. 

We're proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, and our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.comFollow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ 

Bowwow: Pet Rescue Day at North Brothers Ford

WESTLAND, Mich. ­­–– If you’re an animal lover, there’s a paw-fect (or purr-fect) opportunity for you to get friendly with some downright cuddly dogs and cats during Pet Rescue Day at North Brothers Ford on Nov. 14, 2015.

Throughout Pet Rescue Day, for every vehicle sold our dealership will donate $50 to Providing for Paws, a local organization based in Garden City with the goal of “[providing] community outreach to keep animals in the home,” including through animal rescue.

Throughout Pet Rescue Day at North Brothers Ford there will be plenty of paws to meet your acquaintance. Get friendly with some of our furry friends who will be available for adoption.

While visiting with the canines and felines onsite, feel free to browse are almost-as-lovable inventory of new Ford vehicles and used vehicles. Just think: on Nov. 14, you could drive away with your new Ford vehicle and your new best friend, snout out your car window, tongue flapping in the wind.

If you're ready for a new vehicle and a new pet, come to Pet Rescue Day at North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185. We're proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, and our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.comFollow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ 

Ford Offers X Plan for Friends and Neighbors Pricing Event

WESTLAND, Mich. –– As 2015 peaks and we speed toward the holiday season, Ford wants everyone to experience the joy of saving through a family discount. From now until Nov. 30, 2015, Ford will offer their X plan to customers who purchase or lease a new Ford vehicle during the Friends and Neighbors Pricing Event at North Brothers Ford.

Friends and neighbors can get the family discount X plan completely complimentary of Ford, meaning we won't have to pull any strings to get you a deal, and nothing extra is required of you in order to receive supplier or X plan pricing. If you've been longing for a great new Ford vehicle, this is your chance to get behind the wheel at a limited-time lower price. As Ford puts it, "It's an inside deal, now for everyone."

You can receive the family discount when you purchase or lease a new Ford vehicle through the Ford X plan during the Friends and Neighbors Pricing Event until when you stop by our Ford dealership in Westland by Nov. 30 to receive great pricing on the best selection of vehicles we have to offer before they're gone. Again, no plan or pin is required for you to qualify for the family discount you that gives you supplier or X plan pricing on a vehicle.

And don't worry, Ford A/Z plan customers, we haven't forgotten about you. Ford A/Z plan and returning leases will also have the chance to save even more during the Friends and Neighbors Saving Event thanks to great family discounts for a limited time only.

North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.comFollow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+