Tips to Stay Healthy and Avoid Sickness All Year Long

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– It can be hard to remain your healthiest all year round, especially if you are in a profession consistently exposed to sickness. Although cases of the cold and flu start to rise in the fall and winter season, there's still a chance that you might catch something any other time of the year. That's why it's best to take the necessary precautions ahead of time to combat any illnesses that might come your way. No one wants to be bedridden, so we've put together a list of tips to stay healthy and avoid sickness all year long.

1. Wash Your Hands & Pay Attention to What You Touch
It's a simple task to wash your hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day. Along with this, if you're touching "high-traffic" items such as the drinking fountain at work, the bathroom door handle, or someone else's keyboard, you'll want to avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes as these areas are gateways to your immune system.

2. Eat Healthy!
It's fine to indulge in a burger or some decadent dessert here and there, but it's more beneficial to eat foods that will benefit your immune system regularly! Eating healthy doesn't mean you need to eat a salad at every meal, but it's a good idea to aim to eat less processed foods. Make some soup recipes if you're feeling down. Broth and veggies together can help comfort a sore throat or aching stomach and are healthy, too!

3. Consume More H2O
Although simple, this health tip is used often for many reasons. Water not only keeps you hydrated should you already be sick and need to replace fluids in your body, but it also helps you flush some of the bad stuff out if you're harboring any flu germs. The recommendation is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water!

4. Keep Your Surroundings Clean
Sanitizing the areas around you, such as your workspace, is a simple way to maintain a healthy environment. Germs spread very easily, increasing your chances of getting sick. Using virus and germ killing soaps to keep your surroundings clean will stop the spread of any cold and flu bugs, ultimately helping you lead a healthier lifestyle.

5. Get Active
Exercise is another factor that can help boost your immune system. It can be a simple walk outside or an extra sweaty cardio session at the gym. Whatever method you choose, make sure you're getting your heart rate up and are breathing heavier than normal. Cardiovascular exercise can help excavate bacteria out of your lungs and airways.

6. Stay Home
Even if you're a person who's overwhelmed at work and think staying home will only hurt your schedule, don't go in if you have the flu! If you feel like you're getting sick, or are already sick, take caution and protect others around you. There's no sense in you exhausting your energy or spreading your illness onto others. Take time to rest at home with some water, vitamins, and sleep.

7. Get More Sleep

This may be a simple health rule but getting extra sleep when your immune system is compromised is crucial. Make sure you're getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. It may also be a good idea to take some cold medicine before you lay down to ensure your body is fighting the sickness while you sleep. Getting more rest allows your body to fight off any flu germs and revive itself so you can do what you need to the next day. 

We hope these tips to stay healthy and avoid sickness all year long will keep you out of bed and enjoying each and every day at your best! Getting into a rhythm is a great way to incorporate these activities into your daily routine. You'll be thankful you did! Taking care of your car is just as important as taking care of yourself. It's our goal to help you get your vehicle ready to hit the road. We're here to take care of any routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, as well as much bigger service tasks. For your convenience, we've added a feature for you to schedule your service appointment online. Give us a call is you have any questions! It's time to keep you and your vehicle healthy all year long.

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

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Personalize Your Pony & Create a Custom Ford Mustang Badge

WESTLAND, Mich.,––At North Brothers Ford, we're all about helping you find a vehicle that meets your needs and your budget, but what about your style? We understand every driver has a personal taste when it comes to their car. We can custom order vehicles like the Ford F-150 Raptor, help you get a custom Roush Mustang, or simply help you achieve the look you want with accessories. Ford is making it even easier to personalize your ride. Celebrating 50 years since its introduction to the market, Ford has introduced a way for customers and fans to create a custom Mustang badge through the Personalize Your Pony experience.  

Check out the custom North Brothers Ford Mustang badge we made! 

The Mustang is a long-standing, legendary, muscle car that's given its enthusiasts seemingly endless opportunities to personalize and customize. Take for instance the racing stripes, trick shifters, custom wheels, and the millions of aftermarket parts that allow you to achieve the exact look you'e going for. 

Through the Personalize Your Pony experience, built by Ford, you can take your customization a step further. You can design a custom badge, like the one above, and have it put on prints, t-shirts, coffee mugs, phone cases, and even a limited-edition badge for your grille (for models 2015-2018). You can get started at https://mymustang.ford.com/ and select styles, colors, and patterns that suit your style. 

Even if you're not interested in making a purchase, you can download graphics with your custom Mustang badge and submit it to the experience for a chance to be featured on billboards across the nation. This entire campaign and experience is in celebration of the brand new 2018 model Mustang, which offers even more opportunities for personalization! 

Don't have a Mustang but wish you did? The 2018 Ford Mustang is an ideal choice. The colors on the interior within the instrument cluster can be changed with a touch, the driver can change and set custom modes through MyMode, the exhaust note can be edited by selecting different modes, and you can even set the Mustang to start in quiet mode. Those are just some of the neat features you'll find in the 2018 model, but if you're looking for a fun muscle car there are plenty of late models you can purchase as used or pre-owned. Visit us in Westland! Our team will be sure to find you the perfect Mustang. 

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.northbrothersford.net

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10 Basic Ways to Care for Your Pet

WESTLAND, Mich.,––Love Your Pet Day is on February 20th! Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, bunny, lizard, or otherwise, it's important to care for them each and every day. Regardless of their size or value, they deserve to be treated with love and respect just as you would like to be treated. To begin, take a moment to remember why you invited your pet into your home in the first place! See the 10 basic ways to care for your pet below and improve your pet ownership skills to provide your furry, feather, and scaled friends the best possible life.

1. Spend Time with Them/ Pay Attention to Them

This should be an obvious tip because you likely bought or adopted your pet for companionship! Just remember that you're their caretaker and one of the most important parts of their lives. Show them that you care and make time exclusively for them! Do activities that they like to do, get excited to see them when you come home, talk to them, pet them if they like to be pet, etc. Make them feel special!

2. Don't Skip Vet Visits

Most pets, especially cats and dogs, require vaccinations and regular veterinary care. The cost of a vet visit can seem expensive, but it's worth it in the long run for their health and well-being. Plus, a vet is trained to identify and provide expert advice or prescription medicine if your pet is having any issues. It's better to take preventative care than to deal with an emergency situation!

3. Buy High Quality Food 

Again, a higher quality food can seem expensive, but it is a cost worth taking a look a second look at. Spending a few to $10 more on your pet's food per month can make a world of difference to their health. Think of it in relation to your car's oil - you wouldn't want to put watered down oil into your engine, so why give your pet Do some research, or ask your vet, what works best for your pet's specie and breed.

4. Provide Cool, Fresh Water All the Time

You should already know the absolute basics are necessary to keep your pet alive. You may be concerned that they're drinking too much water, or might have an accident if they have constant access to water. They're usually unable to provide themselves a refreshment, so make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

5. Make Their Environment Comfortable

Know your pet, know their stressors, and know their comforts. You're able to make your home or environment comfortable for yourself, but again, they're unable to do that for themselves. Offer them a safe space if they're nervous, provide them comfortable materials to rest with, and give them proper shelter if they like to stay outside.

6. Clean/Bathe and Groom Them As Necessary 

Not every pet needs regular bathing, but most need some sort of grooming or tools so they can groom themselves. Making sure their nails, teeth, and hair are taken care of is actually important to their health and can help to prevent any mishaps. Educate yourself or talk to your vet about what you should be doing, and if need be, bring them to a professional groomer who knows what they're doing!

7. Provide Them Ways to Have Fun 

Just like you, your pets want to have fun and have energy they need to get out, even if they only want to do so at night. You can offer them safe, pet-approved toys to play with together or alone, give them space to exercise, or take them out to interact with other animals or people. It all depends on the pet, so be mindful that not every pet will enjoy the things you want to do.

8. Respect Their Boundaries 

Some pets don't like to be touched on their head, others don't really like to be held, and some are scared of certain things. You wouldn't like it if someone put you in a stressful situation, so avoid putting your pet in one just for your enjoyment. Respect their physical boundaries and allow them to determine what feels best to them.

9. Be Patient with Them 

If you've ever caught yourself yelling at your dog for jumping on you when you walk in the door, take a moment to remember that they're very excited to see you and have their own unique way of expressing that! You can train your pets to curb these "bad" behaviors, but it's up to you to be patient with them through the process and consistent in your practice. They hear, see, and learn much differently than we do. Do some research on behavior, or consult a trainer for more information on your pet's breed.

10. Make Your Home Safe 

Most importantly, make your home safe for your pet to be in! You might know how to avoid licking a strange puddle on the floor, but your pet might not. Keep clutter picked up, store poisonous plants or cleaning supplies away from reach, etc. Know what's dangerous for your pets, and tailor your home to meet their needs. They're family, too, and you want them to be safe!


We hope these 10 basic ways to care for your pet remind you how to make them happy, healthy, and comfortable. We love our pets like they're family, and the same goes for our team at North Brothers Ford! We're not just a family-owned business, but one that has a caring team that works together to provide our customers a great dealership experience at every visit. Stop by our location on Ford Road in Westland to see what we're all about! We'd be happy to help you take care of your vehicle through preventative routine maintenance services, or help you shop for a new or used 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 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbrothersford.net

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

Ford & LEGO Add Vintage 1968 Mustang Fastback to LEGO Speed Champions Collection

WESTLAND, Mich.,––Find the inner child in you this year with a LEGO piece you'll want to have sitting at your desk. If you've got the LEGO Speed Champions collection, get ready to collect another race car set. To celebrate Ford's long-standing heritage, Ford and LEGO have added a vintage 1968 Mustang Fastback to the LEGO Speed Champions Collection.

This 183-piece LEGO set is a tribute to America's favorite sports car. The 1968 Mustang fastback kit contains green boydwork with gold dual strips and wheels, removable windscreen, graphic race stickers, and a mini LEGO-figure wearing a classic racing suit. This set also includes a Ford-branded timing board.

"The new Ford Mustang LEGO Speed Champions set gives parents and children the chance to share their passions - generations of fans have grown up building LEGO sets and spending time together behind the wheel," said Myra Lind, LEGO Speed Champions marketing manager. "This partnership of iconic brands allows kids of all ages to enjoy the latest products from two great companies."

The 1968 Ford Mustang fastback race car set is a passionate and personalized representation of pony car fans all around the world. It's only fitting that this set is launched the year of the 2018 Mustang, the most personalized Mustang to date. This new set will join the Ford GT40, new Ford GT race cars, Ford F-150 Raptor high-performance off-road truck, Ford Fiesta WRC rally car, classic Ford hot rod, and 2015 Ford Mustang in the LEGO Speed Champions Ford collection.

"We worked closely with LEGO to design a vintage Mustang, personalizing the fastback with stripes and decals that harken back to Ford's racing heritage," said Matt Monroe, Ford licensing manager. "This 1968 Mustang fastback race car is a special product that adds even more excitement to Ford's LEGO Speed Champions lineup."

You'll be able to purchase this newest addition set when it goes on sale March 1st. Race back in time with a car built on legacy and pure American muscle. Ford and LEGO have added a vintage 1968 Mustang fastback to the LEGO Speed Champions collection to speak to the motor company's racing heritage. In honor of this new LEGO set, why not get a life-size Mustang that you can actually get behind the wheel of? We've got multiple 2018 Mustangs on our lot, waiting for you to take a test drive. In the meantime, you can download the 2018 Ford Mustang brochure to see more information on how you can customize this legendary sports car to truly be your own.

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.northbrothersford.net

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Ways to Treat Your S.O., Yourself, and Your Ford for Valentine's Day

WESTLAND, Mich.,––Valentine's Day is coming up next week! If you're coupled up, this likely means you and your S.O. will be exchanging gifts or doing something special together. If you're single, maybe you're planning on treating yourself to some chocolate and a relaxing night with Netflix. No matter your status, you can make the holiday fun AND use it as an excuse to treat your car to a little TLC. Let's be honest, for all the freedom it provides, your Ford definitely deserves some love! Plus, by treating it right, you'll help it run well into the future. Use our tips below for ways to treat your S.O., your self, and your Ford for Valentine's Day.

Treat Your S.O. 

• Plan an activity that you've never done together - it's been proven that couples who do new things together are happier and more connected 
• Buy tickets to a concert or comedy show to go to in the future
• Get reservations for a restaurant they've always wanted to try - OR cook a fancy dish for them
• Write a heart-felt message as a note or in a Valentine's Day card 
• Help them relax - buy them a spa treatment, or do something at home
• Bake them a decadent dessert you know they'll love

Treat Yourself

• Cook yourself a nice meal or get your favorite take-out
• Have a friends date and do something new!
• Give yourself a small budget and go on a shopping trip
• Get some materials together and have an at-home spa day 
• Subscribe to a monthly box of goodies- try SinglesSwag, BirchBox, or Candy Club 
• Buy or lease a new Ford - We may be a little biased, but the feeling of a new car is worth it

Treat Your Car 

• Take it through the car wash & choose a package that includes wax
• Get the oil changed (if it needs it) - OR make an appointment for the future so you don't forget
• Buy it some new shoes - It's recommended to buy 4 new tires together, but don't worry, you can save with our low tire price guarantee
• Have the interior detailed - OR do it yourself - Wipe down the surfaces, vacuum the carpet or upholstery, clean your windshield and windows, and put in a new air freshener!
• Invest in rubber floor mats to protect your carpet - We recommend Weather Tech's floor liners
• Bring it in to North Brothers to get a full inspection - We'll let you know if there are services we deem critical to your car's health, or if there are things you'll need to have done in the near future. We aren't here to up sell you services your car doesn't need!

We hope you, your S.O., and your car have a wonderful and love-filled Valentine's Day. If you're looking for a more grand gift to yourself or to your S.O., take our advice above and buy or lease a new Ford vehicle. There's a Ford for all types of drivers out there and we'd love to help you find the perfect one. Use our comparison guides to get started. If that's not in your budget, let us know how we can help make your car run and feel like new. We offer a wide variety of routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, detailing, and repair services at North Brothers AND on top of that, you can schedule your next appointment online! We hope to see you at our location on Ford Road in Westland soon!


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.northbrothersford.net

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

Best Places to Get a Paczki in Metro Detroit

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– There's nothing better than enjoying a delicious filled doughnut. And we aren't talking about the kind you get from Tim Hortons or Dunkin' Donuts. Fat Tuesday is here once again! This sugar-filled holiday revolves around the beloved polish treat, paczki. This year, you'll want to pick one up that is freshly baked. Check out these best places to get a paczki in Metro Detroit for a taste that will have you craving for more:


1. Paris Bakery (Livonia)

2. Chene Modern Bakery (Detroit)

3. New Martha Washington Bakery (Hamtramck)

4. Villa Bakery & Delicatessen (Garden City)

5. New Palace Bakery (Hamtramck)

6. The Looney Baker (Livonia)

7. West Warren Baking Company (Detroit)

Don't feel guilty about indulging in the exquisite taste of a paczki this Fat Tuesday. Get the best of the best this year by trying out one of these best places to get a paczki in Metro Detroit. You'll wish these freshly baked sweet treats came around more than once a year! Before you hit the road, don't forget to check your vehicle's fluids and tire pressure. Brush up on our routine maintenance tips to ensure your car is properly cared for this winter season. If you're in need of service, you can schedule an appointment with us online. Feel free to contact our team with any questions you may have!

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.northbrothersford.net

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

Winter Road Trip Tips

WESTLAND, Mich.,––Despite the great feeling of staying inside, being wrapped up like a burrito in a fuzzy blanket, and having Netflix on the TV, there are things to be done that require a little travel. Whether you're taking a shorter trip to a relatives house an hour away, or a grand trip out west to do some serious skiing/boarding, there are some things you should do to prepare. The cold weather and snowy roads can make it harder to travel, and there is a higher risk of accident, but some simple inspections and maintenance services can do the job to keep you and your passengers safe. See our winter road trip tips below, and let us know if there's any way we can help!


1. Inspect your tire's inflation level. If they don't meet the requirements on the sticker inside your driver's door, fill them up accordingly.

2. Make sure you have your spare tire ready to go & the proper supplies to change it if need be.

3. Check your oil. If it's low or looking dark and gritty, get it changed BEFORE you go. Even if it's good, you'll want to consider how many miles it has been since you've had it changed, and how many miles your trip will be.

4. Pack supplies for emergencies and bad weather:
   -Extra gloves, hats, sock, and other warm clothing
   -Hot packs for your hands or feet
   -A flashlight & multi-tool
   -An ice scraper and snow brush
   -Jumper cables
   -Extra windshield wiper fluid
   -An extra cell phone charger
   -Extra cash

5. Pack supplies for you and your passengers:
   -Tissues and hand wipes or sanitizers
   -A bag for trash
   -A first aid kit & necessary medications
   -Water, beverages, and snacks
   -Extra charging cables


We hope this brief list of tips provides you what you need to travel safely this winter. Make sure to check out even more tips and information on winter vehicle maintenance on our website. At North Brothers Ford, it's our goal to help keep you safe on the road by not only selling reliable new, used, and CPO vehicles, but also by providing you knowledgeable, trustworthy, and affordable vehicle services. But, just because we're a Ford dealership, doesn't mean we can't help if you drive a car of another make. Our service technicians can help change the oil and inspect your tires on any make and model vehicle. We can make the service experience even easier with online scheduling!

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.northbrothersford.net

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

Healthier Super Bowl Appetizers That Won't Break Your Goals

WESTLAND, Mich.––This Sunday is the one game of the year you can count on binging at, because it's the Super Bowl! Every year, it seems we need to go all-out with the food and drink spread to impress guests who come over to enjoy the game and good times. A lot of these foods really aren't the healthiest for us, and that's alright in moderation, but there are alternatives if you want to stick to your goals! Below we've compiled a list of healthier Super Bowl appetizers that won't break your goals of getting fit, being healthy, and training for our 5K Fun Run!

1. Greek Layer Dip

*Pro Tip: Serve with Stacy's Organic Pita Chips.

2. Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers

*Pro Tip: Serve with light ranch or light bleu cheese. 

3. Chicken Avocado Salad Roll Ups

*Pro Tip: make it even healthier and use a whole wheat tortilla.

4. Light Spinach and Artichoke Dip

*Pro Tip: Serve with whole grain tortilla chips and veggies.

5. Crispy Artichoke Hearts

*Pro Tip: Season the artichoke hearts with cajun, italian, or other spices for a different flavor.

6. Mini Salmon Cakes 

*Pro Tip: Use light mayonnaise throughout the recipe.

7. Bell Pepper Pizzas

*Pro Tip: Make your own sauce for a healthier alternative to store-bought.

We hope these healthier Super Bowl appetizers, that won't break your goals, are a hit at your party. We want to see you kill it at our annual 5K Fun Run, so keep it up with your healthy choices! If you plan on celebrating a good time with adult beverages, please make sure to find a safe and sober ride home! We care about our customer's safety because our community is like family to us. This is why we aim to find the perfect vehicle for each and every person, lifestyle, and budget! We'd be happy to show you our selection of fun and reliable Ford vehicles like the 2018 Ford Explorer or 2018 Ford F-150. If you can't seem to decide which vehicle fits your needs, check out our vehicle comparisons, and our brand new sedan or car comparison. 

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.northbrothersford.net

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