North Brothers Chronicle: August 2017

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

End of Summer Cookout Recipes

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Sooner than later, the temperatures will start to cool down and autumn days will be here to stay for a while. Make sure you enjoy these end of summer cookout recipes while you're still able to grill and eat in the warm sunny weather! Below, you'll find a few small bites, great side dishes, meaty entrees, and one special dessert recipe. These recipes are meant to be shared, so enjoy them with family and friends this Labor Day Weekend while you're relaxing up north, at home, or wherever else you plan to travel.

Pimento Cheese Sliders

With just a few quick and easy steps, you can make the must-have appetizer of the cookout season! The pimento cheese provides a little zest on top of all the savory goodness in a easy-to-devour small handheld sandwich.

Macaroni Salad

For a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer, macaroni salad is a must have, and it's so much better homemade! This popular dish is a great addition to any main entree, but goes especially well with grilled chicken.

Classic Guacamole

Guacamole is a great dip you can bring along, but beware, you won't have any to take home. Learning how to make your own guac is easy! The trick to making good guacamole is mixing in just the right amount of cilantro, which this recipe tells you how to do.

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

For a healthy, tangy, sweet, and super tasty entree, honey mustard grilled chicken is a great protein-based entree that's perfect for the grill. For an extra bit of flavor, you can serve these with a side of Worcestershire sauce!

Ribs Supreme

Making your ribs "supreme" requires a special cooking trick! This recipe recommends steaming the ribs 2 days before you put them to the grill, but after all that waiting, they only take 15 minutes to cook! The meat will fall right off the bone and impress your bbq-fan guests.

Bacon Wrapped Hamburger

Three words: Bacon. Wrapped. Hamburgers. Could there be a better combination? During the cooking process, the bacon helps to tenderize the hamburger, adding even more flavor. Top your bacon wrapped hamburgers with a fried egg for a great breakfast-for-dinner option.

Southern Peach Cobbler

We saved the best for last! Finish off your end of summer cookout with just the right amount of sweetness with this cobbler. Remind everyone to save room for this dense, delicious dessert.

With just a few short weeks left in the summer, enjoy a get-together with your friends and family before the leaves start falling again! These end of summer cookout recipes are sure to be a hit with everyone. If you're planning a vacation up north soon, follow these up north traveling tips to beat the traffic and save money. Get ready for the fall season by using all of our service tips and tricks to extend the life of your vehicle and give your vehicle an affordable detail with some of our great inexpensive car hacks, courtesy of your friends at North Brothers Ford!

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: http://www.northbrosford.net

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

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Ford Ranger Makes a Comeback

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– If you're planning on purchasing a powerful off-road midsize pickup in the next few years, you're in luck: the Ford Ranger is making a comeback! The classic midsize pickup truck will be returning to the United States in early 2019, joining the Ford Bronco in Ford's fleet of recently revitalized vehicle models. While you may have to wait a bit for the new Ranger and Bronco models to become available to the market, you can find out what features these new vehicles will offer by following our blog for further updates!

The Ford Ranger was discontinued in the United States in 2011, but the midsize pickup is very popular in South America, Asia, and Africa. The international Ranger is sold in markets around the world, but until recently, it wasn't set to make a comeback to the United States. The new North American version of the Ranger will receive upgraded headlights, a new grille, and a fresh front fascia, but most of its features will mirror its international counterpart. The larger body will allow for increased towing capacity while maintaining the convenience and accessibility of a midsize pickup.

"Technically the Ford Ranger isn't dead at all. The current-generation Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, South Africa, and Argentina, and sold in nearly every market around the world besides North America. But as Johnson confirmed, Ford plans to build a new Ranger in its Michigan Assembly Plant and sell it here again." - Road & Track

In just a few short years, you can sit behind the wheel of your very own Ford Ranger! Until the Ford Ranger makes a comeback, you can receive frequent updates on the release of this vehicle by following our North Brothers Blog and checking our new vehicle inventory for any new changes that may happen. If you're looking to trade in your vehicle when the new Ranger model comes out, we can buy your vehicle right away, as well. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions!

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Tips for Traveling Up North

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Heading on vacation soon? Visiting the beautiful northern part of Michigan? Depending on where you live, your drive may either take you a short time or several hours. No matter how long it may be, you'll want to make sure you pack everything beforehand to prepare for your vacation! Use these tips for traveling up north to enjoy your getaway to Michigan's hidden gems. You'll learn the benefits of packing for unpredictable weather, finding fun in the area, and prior planning.

Make Sure You Pack Everything You Need

This may seem pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many things people forget on vacations! Write out a list of everything you need and check it off as you go along so you won't have to turn back to get anything you forgot. A lot of stores up north will overcharge for commodities like sunscreen, so it's best to make sure you have all the necessities before you head out. The more you forget, the more you'll have to spend at a convenience store!

Bring Cash

With this in mind, make sure you have cash on hand, should you forget anything or need gas up north. A lot of stores are still cash-only, and while they may have ATMs nearby, these ATMs will probably have additional fees that will be charged to your bank account. Avoid additional fees and inconveniences by stopping by your bank and withdrawing some extra cash! Keeping cash on hand is psychologically proven to help you save money, too, so use this to your advantage if you're looking to limit your spending this vacation season!

Plan Your Departure Times

Beat rush hour when you leave and return home by leaving before the traffic starts to avoid any unnecessary wait times during the long drive. If you're taking I-75 up north, use the I-75 traffic camera to see a live feed of the freeway through security cameras to plan for any potential traffic buildup. The Michigan Department of Transportation also releases live updates of road situations so you can prepare accordingly for any delays and plan alternate routes. Using these helpful resources can save you the stress of waiting in traffic!

Visit Scenic Routes

While it may seem like going from A to B is the easiest and most time-efficient solution, many vacationers in northern Michigan miss out on plenty of the Mitten's hidden gems! Many of these Michigan scenic routes are just slightly off the beaten path for up north destinations and can be easily accessed at any time. Not only will you experience an unforgettable view, but you may also stumble across viewpoints, beaches, landmarks, and more as you drive along these routes!

Try Something New

Northern Michigan has plenty of fun activities for everyone, but while you're out and about exploring this beautiful destination, why not try something new? Kayak, canoe, ski, hike, camp, or more! Check out the Northern Michigan Events Calendar for updates on cool and fun events, activities and excursions the whole family will enjoy. Depending on where you visit, you can also use Eventful to find events in your area! Enter the dates of a town you're visiting and you'll be able to find what's going on at that particular time.

Whether you're heading up north for a short weekend or simply on an end-of-the-summer vacation, these tips for traveling up north can make all the difference in the world when you're out and about in northern Michigan. We at North Brothers Ford want to ensure your absolute safety while you're driving, whether it's on a vacation or a commute to work. Know what to do if your car breaks down and what to do in the event of an accident so you're prepared for anything. Before you leave, schedule an inspection with us to make sure your vehicle is able to handle the road ahead!

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Ford Offering Limited-Edition Le Mans Tribute GT

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– In honor of the historic 1967 Ford GT Le Mans victory 50 years ago, Ford is offering limited-edition Le Mans tribute GT models with special trims and features paying tribute to the classic '67 style. The 2018 Ford GT's Special Edition Tribute model will pay homage to this historical event with styled exterior, interior, and performance features that will allow drivers to stand out on and off the road in style. This limited-edition vehicle will only be available for a short time, so make sure you get your hands on one as soon as possible!

The limited-edition 2018 Ford GT Tribute will feature a Red Race exterior with white stripes and a carbon exposed package, with frosted white No. 1 hood and door graphics to compliment the race car theme. The 20' aluminum wheels help to complete this look, and the all-leather interior with red stitching matches the exterior in a stylish and classic fashion. With uniquely serialized identification plates and exposed matte carbon fiber door sills and center console, the new GT is designed to impress while paying tribute to one of Ford's greatest accomplishments in the history of racing.

“In creating a worthy successor to the 2017 Heritage edition, we logically looked at our next historic Le Mans victory with the all-American team of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt,” said Dave Pericak, global director Ford Performance. “The 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage edition pays homage to that win, with a modern take on one of the most important vehicles in Ford’s storied history of racing.”

Honoring a 50 year-old legacy isn't easy. Paying tribute to the timeless style of the late-60s performance vehicles while moving forward with cutting-edge technology, Ford offers limited-edition Le Mans Tribute GT models to customers who want the modern feel with a classic look. If you are interested in ordering a 2018 Ford GT or GT Tribute model, give us a call and we'll set up the order for you right away! Customize your GT or other Ford vehicle with our accessories, and make your vehicle stand out on the road with any of the parts we offer, whether you want a custom look or something eye-catching and stylish!

Monday, August 21, 2017

Service Tips and Tricks

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Owning a vehicle can either be an enjoyable experience or a costly endeavor, depending on how much care and effort you put in. Keeping up on routine maintenance is the most effective way to extend the life of your vehicle and keep it running for years to come. Use these service tips and tricks to save yourself money and time. As much as we'd love to see you, we know that spending too much time getting your car repaired can get exhausting. We created this list to reduce your stress and help you stay on the road for as long as possible!

1. Keep a Consistent Maintenance Schedule

Keep a record of any routine maintenance performed on your vehicle to ensure that your vehicle obtains any necessary repairs or replacements on parts that it may need in a timely manner. Whether you're getting an oil change, tire rotation, or fluid replacement, keeping a maintenance schedule will give you time to schedule appointments based around your schedule and make it easy to get your car in when it needs it most.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

At least once a week, you should check your tire pressure. You'll be able to tell if any of your tires are low enough in pressure by simply looking at your vehicle from the outside. If you can see one side riding lower than the others, it may be time to have your tire refilled or looked at. Once every two weeks or so, however, you should utilize a pressure gauge to check your tires' PSI. Check your vehicle owner's manual to determine how much PSI your tires require based on your vehicle's size. Don't hesitate to call us if any tire issues persist.

3. Check Your Tire Tread Frequently

While checking your tire pressure can take just a few seconds, checking tread requires a bit of additional work. Use the "penny method" to ensure your tires have maintained adequate tread and are able to function on the road. With poor tire tread, your vehicle will be unable to effectively grip the road, making it harder to drive on dirt roads or poor conditions. Place a penny in the groove of your tire, with Lincoln's face going directly into the groove. If you can see his face, your tires' tread is worn and your tires may need replacing.

4. Keep an Eye on Coolant Levels

Your engine coolant, or antifreeze, serves to prevent your engine from overheating, regulating its temperatures and keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Engine coolant is typically replaced every 30,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you to do so. Checking your coolant level is simple - after turning off your engine and waiting for it to cool down, pop the hood and look for a large semi-transparent bottle mounted to your engine. The coolant reservoir contains exterior labels that will help you determine when you should get your coolant replaced or refilled.

5. Determining Your Fuel Economy

Determining your vehicle's gas mileage uses a little bit of simple math, but your calculator on your phone can help to make it easier! It's a simple 3-step process, and requires almost no effort on your end:

The next time your vehicle's tank is empty, fill it up and write down the amount of gallons it takes to fill your tank. While most sedans have a 12-gallon tank, other vehicles, like the Ford Escape, can have up to a 16-gallon tank.
Next, reset your "Trip A" indicator. The next time you need to fill your gas tank (making sure you drive until your vehicle is empty again), write down the number of miles you traveled on your "Trip A" indicator.
Finally, divide your "Trip A" miles by the gallon size of your tank. So, if you drove 335 miles on a 12 gallon tank, your gas mileage would be 27.9 mpg (335 ÷ 12 = 27.9)

Find out your gas mileage, extend the life of your vehicle, and more with these service tips and tricks! You'll be able to enjoy a long and productive life with your vehicle with less stress, saving money all the way. If you're looking to spruce up your vehicle in an affordable and timely manner, refer to our affordable car hacks for a great way to upgrade or renovate your vehicle at little to no cost! You can also further save money with our service coupons, vehicle incentives, and more.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

New 2018 F-150 Engines Will Offer Best In-Class Performance

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Ford's F-150 has received a few upgrades over this past year. With updated towing, powertrain, and gas mileage, the new 2018 F-150 engines will offer some of the best in-class performance and efficiency. The Ford F-150 has been America's best selling pickup for over 40 years, and it seems like it will continue to hold that title thanks to the updated 2018 model, coming to dealerships this fall. This model's industry-leading capabilities make it more capable than ever before! Let's take a look at what's new.

The 2018 F-150's 3.5 V6 EcoBoost engine allows drivers to tow up to 13,200 lbs with its 470 lb-ft of torque, which beats out not just it's gas competitors, but the diesel competitors, too. It also beats V8 engines with nearly twice the displacement. Not to mention the other engines, which will help you achieve maximum efficiency with a best in-class 26 mpg highway with the 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 engine.

F-150 trucks equipped with the 5.0 liter V8, which is a normally aspirated engine with direct injection, will get the best in-class payload capacity of 3,270 lbs and an additional 13 lb-feet of torque. The 2018 F-150 engines are the most diverse offering yet, and were built to deliver just what each and every type of pickup driver would need.

“The Ford F-150 lineup again delivers on its promise to give full-size truck customers even more value, functionality and smart technology innovations, with engines with best-in-class towing, payload and fuel economy,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Our new F-150 highlights Ford’s commitment to its hardworking truck customers and how we listen to their demands for their new F-150 to be even tougher, even smarter and even more capable for work and play.”

We have plenty of 2017 models on our lot, which will be joining 2018 models soon. Now that you know that the new 2018 F-150 engines offer the best in-class performance, you know your next F-150 lease or buy will be an industry-leading pickup with advanced towing and payload capacity. You can keep an eye on our new inventory by visiting our website to see what's new on out lot. Don't hesitate to contact our helpful team to reserve a 2018 model now!

Monday, August 14, 2017

Check Your Vehicle Before Your Next Vacation

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Vacations are full of fun and excitement, whether you're traveling across the Mitten or checking out a new state. However, one of the most important steps you can take before you embark on your journey is making sure your vehicle is able to handle the drive. While you may be worrying about packing, you may forget about how big of a difference a properly maintained vehicle makes. Make sure you know how to check on your vehicle before your next vacation to avoid costly repairs or maintenance!

Brakes

Check Your Vehicle Before Your Next Vacation

Your brakes are the number one line of defense between you and the vehicle in front of you. They are the most important safety component in your vehicle and should be treated as such! If your brakes take longer to slow down your vehicle than they used to, pull your vehicle to the left or right when you brake, or emit a screeching or grinding noise when you slow down, you may need to have them looked at. Knowing how to spot the signs of brake wear will help extend the life of your brakes and keep you ahead of the curve with maintenance. Repaired or replaced brakes can make all the difference in the world when you're on the road!

Tires

Make sure your tires are able to handle the road by giving them a quick inspection! Check the tread on your tires to make sure they're able to take on the road for a long period of time. The tread, or grooves on your tires, help your vehicle to grip the road. Whether you're on concrete or dirt, they keep your vehicle stable. To check the tread level, place a penny in between the main groove of your tire with Abraham Lincoln's head facing down. If you can still see Lincoln's head when you put it between the groove, this means your tread is worn and you need new tires. If not, you've got enough tread to grip the road and you're ready for a road trip!

Headlights

Driving with clear, strong headlights can make all the difference in the world when the sun goes down! With foggy and dim headlights, your visibility is reduced and it'll expose you and your passengers to a variety of hazards. Test your headlights a few nights before your road trip, making sure that both your regular and "bright" lights provide you with enough visibility. If you're having trouble seeing while on the road, schedule an appointment with us and we'll equip your vehicle with a fresh new pair of headlights in no time!

Engine Fluids

Your engine requires a lot of components to ensure you're able to drive safely and efficiently on the road. Several fluids help to regulate the temperature of your engine, improve visibility on the road, and lubricate your engine's components. Thankfully, they're all very easy to check and replace!

Oil: Lubricating your engine's components, your oil plays an extremely important role in ensuring your engine runs smoothly. To check your oil level, first locate the dipstick (the plastic ring sticking out of your engine) and remove it from your engine. Next, clean it off and reinsert the dipstick into the engine, removing it again. Your dipstick will have full and empty labels on it, indicating whether or not your oil needs to be replaced.
Coolant: Your engine's coolant, or antifreeze, regulates the temperature of your engine, preventing it from overheating and causing permanent damage to its components. To check your engine coolant, look for the large, translucent plastic container of colored liquid. The side of the container, similar to the dipstick, has full and empty labels on it to indicate whether or not your coolant will need replacing.
Wiper Fluid: Under the hood, you can also find and replace your wiper fluid with ease! A full container of wiper fluid will make a big difference when you need to clean any dirt or grime off your windshield, increasing visibility. Find the cylindrical container of blue liquid and look for its labels to find out whether or not you need more fluid.

Making sure that each and every one of these components is up to speed before you embark on your journey will make a huge difference when you're on the road. Make sure to check your vehicle before your next vacation so you don't end up sidelined on the freeway. If, however, you end up on the side of the road, make sure you know what to do if your vehicle breaks down to remain prepared for any situation. Before you leave, get your vehicle inspected by our Service Staff if you aren't sure whether or not you're good to go for your trip. Your vehicle will be ready to hit the road with a little routine maintenance!

Friday, August 11, 2017

5 Tips for Washing Your Car At Home

WESTLAND, Mich.–– Everyone loves a good cleansing car wash from the sky. Yes, we're talking about purposefully parking outside for a "free car wash" when it rains; however, rain doesn't actually clean your car all that well, and it definitely doesn't provide the protection your vehicle needs post-wash. Getting the shine that you want, and the protective barrier your car's paint needs, isn't terribly difficult to do at home if you've got the right tools and tips! We're here to help. Check out our top 5 tips for washing your car at home and get to sudsing up your ride while the weather is still nice!

1. Use specialized car cleaner soap.

Car cleaner soap, or sometimes called shampoo, is formulated to remove debris from your car's exterior without doing any damage. Other household soaps like laundry or dish detergent might seem like a good idea in a pinch, but are much too harsh for your car's paint. We recommend Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner, but any car soap will work!

2. Use microfiber tools only.

Microfiber, along with other specialized drying tools like synthetic sheepskin, get the job done without scratching the surface of your vehicle. Even a simple dish sponge can be too rough for the paint. If you're having trouble removing smushed bugs, tree sap, and other spots, seek out specialized cleaner. You can use other methods like hot water and newspaper for removing sticky things, and dryer sheets for getting rid of stuck-on bugs.

3. Rinse your tools well and switch out the bucket water frequently.

If you're not rinsing your tools and dipping into the same bucket, you're washing your car with old grit and likely creating micro scratches on the paint. It may be tedious to rinse and repeat, but taking your time and washing your car right can help better protect your car's exterior for years to come.

4. Rinse and wash one side at a time.

To get the best shine possible, wash your car in the shade, or when the temperature is cooler. If you can't do this though, rinse and wash one side or one section at a time. When it's too hot and the sun is fully out, it's easy for your water and soap to dry directly on the paint, leaving deposit spots all over the vehicle.

5. Don't skip the wax or polish.

It may seem time consuming, but it’s more than worth it to wax or polish your car. There are plenty of suitable products, including Nu Finish Wax-Free Car Polish, you can use after your car has completely dried. These types of products help to keep dirt and grime from scratching your vehicle, while also providing UV ray protection. Like washing, make sure to do this in the shade, or during the cooler hours of the day.

Your vehicle is what gives you freedom, and gets you where you need and want to be. It's a big investment, which is why we want to help you protect and maintain it with our 5 tips for washing your car at home. We want you to enjoy it for however long you have it, and help keep its value with car care and routine maintenance at home or in our Service Center.

In fact, we've always got information to help you out with anything from car buying and leasing, to Ford SYNC technology information, to tips and tricks on vehicle maintenance at North Brothers Ford. Make sure to also check our website for service coupons you can take advantage of to save a little bit of cash!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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

Thursday, August 10, 2017

7 Affordable Car Hacks

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Want an inexpensive and great way to spruce up your car's exterior? How about some easy organization for your vehicle's interior? We, at North Brothers Ford, have put together the a list of 7 affordable car hacks to make your car, crossover, SUV, or truck look and feel great inside and out! Several of these solutions use materials you may already have at home and the rest can be found at the convenience store of your choice. From repurposing old objects to using household items in new unique ways, take your car to the next level with these hacks!

1. Use Toothpaste to Clean Your Headlights

Believe it or not, toothpaste, especially whitening toothpaste, works wonders on headlights. Scrub toothpaste on your headlights with a rag, then wipe it away with a clean, dry rag. Use toothpaste, not the gel, and you'll have sparkling clean headlights before you know it!

2. Turn a Cereal Container into a Trash Can

Using an old plastic cereal container and a trash bag, you can create a mini trash can in your vehicle with a closable lid! Avoid trash buildup in your vehicle and keep it all contained in one place with this easy hack. It's also a great way to encourage your passengers to take care of their mess.

3. Use Carabiners to Organize Your Vehicle

Tired of hearing your items roll around in the back of your vehicle? Carabiners can be used to hold groceries, shopping bags, purses, and more in place and off the floor! Plus, it frees up leg room for any passengers you bring along, too.

4. Repurpose Your Shower Caddy Into a Food Holder

Are you a person that's always eating on the go? Turn your old shower caddy into a food holder to make driving and eating a much cleaner and easier process! Instead of having to shuffle through your bag to find what you want, you can put everything in a neat and organized caddy to reduce the chances of distractions on the road and avoid messes.

5. Fix Small Dents With a Toilet Plunger

With some hot water and a toilet plunger, you can fix small dents on the exterior of your vehicle! Be careful and wear gloves if need be to protect yourself from the hot water. Watch the video above for a quick tutorial on how to do this dent removal hack. Can't get the dent to budge? We'd be happy to help you fix it at the North Brothers Collision Center!

6. Remove Stickers With Warm Newspaper

Have an old registration sticker you just can't quite seem to peel off? Wet a newspaper in warm water and place it over the sticker for 10 minutes. The warm water will penetrate the sticker, removing the adhesive and allowing it to fall off into your hands. You can use this method for interior and exterior stickers.

7. Organize Your Vehicle With A Collapsable Shelf

Using some easy to find hardware and supplies, you can make a collapsable shelf that can help you organize everything in your trunk! You won't have to worry about smushed groceries, mixed up luggage, or misplaced items again with a collapsable shelf in your trunk.

From painless sticker removal to easy dent removal, these 7 affordable car hacks should give you all the tools you need to make your vehicle look and feel good as new! You can keep your vehicle running well with our tips and tricks, and keep your vehicle protected from the hot sun this season with our summer car care advice. If you need help taking care of your vehicle, whether it's a simple oil change or auto body work, we're here for all your auto maintenance and repair needs!

Monday, August 7, 2017

2018 Mustang Features Engine Silencing Option

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Waking up to the sound of a lawnmower, your neighbor's newest maintenance project, or the sound of their vehicle's loud engine are the top three most annoying sounds neighbors make, according to Ranker. Thankfully, Ford has a solution to virtually eliminate one of these noises. The 2018 Mustang features an engine silencing option to help keep the streets a little more quiet in order to be a good neighbor. Funny enough, Ford actually named this first-of-its-kind feature "Good Neighbor Mode".

The new 2018 Mustang GT is equipped with Quiet Exhaust and Quiet Start features, allowing drivers to start, drive, and stop their vehicle without bothering their neighbors. These features can be scheduled out, which allows the 2018 Mustang GT to effortlessly transition from loud roar to a quiet purr with the push of a button. These features will come standard on the 2018 Mustang GT, and can be used on Drive, Sport, and Track gear shifts.

“Active valve performance exhaust gives Mustang owners the best of both worlds – that classic Mustang sound, and the ability to not wake up your neighbors when you leave the house early in the morning or arrive home late at night,” said Matt Flis, Ford exhaust development engineer.

“When sounds get up into the upper-70-decibel range, that’s typically about when they start to bother people,” said Flis. “With quiet start activated, the decibel level of the new Mustang GT drops by about 10 decibels, to a much more comfortable 72 decibels – about the level of a household dishwasher.”

Get a closer look at the 2018 Mustang GT, Good Neighbor Mode, and all of its other features on our vehicle overview page. You can look at reviews, prices, trim levels, and model availability to find the 2018 Mustang of your dreams. If you can't find a specific color or trim level you're looking for, be sure to contact us and we'll make sure you end up with the 2018 Mustang GT that you want! With the 2018 Mustang featuring engine silencing options, you can be a Good Neighbor in style! Make sure you stop by today at 33300 Ford Rd, Westland, MI, 48185 to take a 2018 Mustang GT for a test drive!

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: http://www.northbrosford.net

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

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Back to School Shopping Essentials

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– As summer is coming to an end, it's the perfect time to prepare your kids with the items they will need when they head back to school. Students around the world dread this time, but one of the best ways to take away the misery of going back to school is with some fun back-to-school shopping! We've put together a list of back to school shopping essentials that you can use as a checklist to make sure you and your children don't miss anything they may need for class. Whether they're attending elementary, middle, or high school, we've got every category covered so your kids are prepared and ready to go this school year!

Elementary School

Elementary school is the first time kids really get to pick out their own supplies. From notebooks to folders, the chance to allow your children to express themselves really starts to shine at this point in time. Keeping a checklist is helpful, but don't forget to let them pick out the designs and styles that they'd like, since they're the ones who have to live with the purchase afterwards! These are some important items that every elementary schooler will need at one point or another:

A box of 16, 32, or 64 crayons
1 backpack large enough to fit folders, lunch, and notebooks
1 pencil case to hold pens, pencils, and colored pencils
1 box of 10 pencils
Pocket tissue packs (especially during cold and flu season)
1 small pencil sharpener
Hand sanitizer or hand wipes to prevent the spread of germs
Glue sticks or 8oz bottle of glue
4 folders, one per each subject
1-2 notebooks, ruled

Middle School

Middle schoolers are a little tougher to shop for. With more work to do and less time for fun, keeping your middle schooler organized is a priority. Our list covers some organizational items that can help them keep their lockers, backpacks, and workspaces neat. At some point or another, every middle schooler will need these items:

An agenda to keep due dates in mind
1 binder per school subject
Binder dividers to organize tests, homework, notes, etc.
Loose-leaf paper
USB drive to save work from computers at home/school
Backpack
Highlighters in multiple colors
Magnetic pencil holder for locker
Pencils, pens, and other writing utensils
Mini stapler

High School

By now, shopping for school should be a breeze! You've done it for your kids in elementary and middle school, so high school shouldn't be too bad, right? Letting your high schoolers have full control with choosing their supplies will give them more independence and help them remain organized on their own. However, it never hurts to double check what they picked out before checkout, just in case they miss something! Make sure that your high schooler has all of these supplies:

Calculator or graphing calculator, if needed
Agenda or planner for organization
USB drive and backup flash drive
Loose leaf paper: college-ruled or wide-ruled
2 packs of No. 2 pencils or mechanical pencils, if allowed
1 binder per subject, binder dividers
1 folder per subject for handouts, homework
Backpack
Three-hole punch for organization
Index cards, ruled and unruled for flashcards

Additional Items to Have on Hand

Whether you have elementary, middle, or high schoolers, it can never hurt to have these extra supplies. You never know when you'll need them!

2-3 poster boards for presentations
Extra printer ink
Locker accessories (pencil holders, mirror, magnets, etc.)
Portable stapler
Combination locks for gym classes, locker rooms
Rubber bands
Thumb tacks
Paper clips
Sticky notes
Binder clips

Buying school supplies can be made fun with an easy-to-follow checklist! You'll be able to keep your children organized and teach them the value of planning ahead. Plus, with a comprehensive list and prior planning, you'll be able to beat the back to school crowds so that you get the best deals. Use our list of back to school shopping essentials to prepare your kids of any age for school this year! Before school begins again, take a look at our Summer Sales Event to find a new vehicle that has 0% APR for 72 months! If you're heading out to dinner before the end of the summer, check off a few restaurants on our Westland restaurant bucket list!

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Spot the Signs of Brake Wear

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Your brakes are some of the most important components on your vehicle. Keeping your brakes in peak condition is the best way to keep safe on the road. Without properly maintained brakes, you'll have trouble slowing down and can damage important components of your vehicle. While you may not think about them too often, knowing how to spot the signs of brake wear will save you costly repairs in the future and will keep you safe while you drive.

Braking Takes Longer than Normal

One of the easiest ways to find out whether or not your brakes need replacing is by testing the brakes yourself. If you're noticing that it's taking longer to slow down than it used to, you may be experiencing brake fade. Brake fade is most common when drivers brake for extended periods of time, causing the pads to make repeated contact with the rotors for long periods of time, increasing friction and wearing down their components. Driving in hilly areas and repeatedly braking over the course of your drive can negatively impact your vehicle. Following our brake service advice can extend the life of your brake pads and make all the difference in the world on the road!

Screeching Sound While You Brake

If you hear a loud screeching sound when you brake, it may be time to have your brakes looked at. The piece causing the noise, called an indicator, is used to inform you when your brakes have been worn down so that know it's time to get them checked out. Typically, this screeching occurs when your brake pads need replacing. Your brake pads are one of the most important components of your brakes, as they're the main line of defense when it comes to braking on the road. Schedule an appointment with us to have your brake pads looked at if you hear any screeching while you brake!

Grinding Sounds While Braking

Do you hear a louder grinding sound whenever you apply the brakes? This sound can happen when your brakes' calipers and discs rub together, causing the components to warp, or "score", creating an uneven surface. With uneven surfaces on your brakes, you're unable to effectively slow down, which can lead to further vehicle damage and costly repairs. Pay attention to the signs of rotor repair to determine whether or not your vehicle will require additional maintenance!

Vibrating Brake Pedal

If your brake pedal vibrates as you apply pressure to it, it could mean that your vehicle needs realignment or rotor replacement. Rotors can become warped under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. This can occur when you brake for long periods of time, and can usually occur when drivers excessively brake driving downhill. You feel a vibration on the brake pedal because the brakes are unable to grip the road efficiently. If you feel your brake pedals beginning to vibrate, be sure to give your vehicle's brakes time to cool down and get them inspected if you're worried!

Vehicle Turns While Braking

If your vehicle forces or pulls you to the left or right while you brake, it can mean that your brake linings have been unevenly worn or that your brake fluid may need flushing and replacing. Uneven brake linings can cause one brake pad to work less effectively than the other, causing an awkward distribution of weight, which can make the vehicle turn on its own. Brake fluid, on the other hand, keeps the components of your brakes lubricated. Over time, brake fluid can run low, which can cause an uneven distribution of fluid to brake pads and make the vehicle pull in a specific direction. If you're noticing your vehicle turn while you brake, contact us right away and we'll happily help you get your brakes back up to speed!

It never hurts to have your brakes looked at, especially if they're screeching, grinding, vibrating, or causing your vehicle to turn. If you can spot the signs of brake wear, you'll be able to remain ahead of the curve in the event that you need your brakes repaired or replaced. For the rest of the month of August, we're offering free brake inspections, so if you're worried about the status of your brakes, have our knowledgable Service Staff take a look at them, free of charge! We also offer brake repair coupons if you do need your brakes repaired or replaced to help you save some money. For more advice on brake maintenance, take a look at our brake service advice page for a quick walkthrough on preventative maintenance for your brakes!