Summer Car Care Tips

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Vacation season is here, which means you'll be out and about a lot this summer! Making sure to take good care of your vehicle and to keep up on routine maintenance during the hot summer months can help you avoid the headache of car trouble on any trips, whether it's your commute to work or to somewhere out of state for vacation. Take advantage of our summer car care tips to protect your vehicle from sun and heat damage, keep you and your passengers comfortable, and to keep your car running well on the road!

Check Your Air Conditioning System

On scorching summer days, you won't regret keeping your A/C system properly maintained! If your A/C system is letting out little to no air or it's not cooling your cabin as quick as it used to, it may be time to have your system inspected. In some cases, your vehicle's air filter may need replacing. Getting your air filter replaced can be extremely beneficial as it will help your fuel efficiency and remove any pollen in the filter which can affect any allergies you might have, making it difficult to breathe. You'll be thankful once you get it replaced when you're stuck in traffic on a humid day!

In other cases, not receiving cool air could mean a more serious problem with your radiator or cooling system. If you're experiencing this, make sure to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible for the sake of your engine!

Get a Car Wash

Grime and dirt can build up over time on your vehicle and it can be difficult to pay attention to, especially when you're busy having fun all summer. Although it's an easy task to ignore, it's important to keep up on car washes! This excess grime and dirt on your vehicle can cause micro scratching on the paint, which can lead to unsightly rust on vehicle's exterior. Whether you give your car a wash at home or have it washed at the car wash, make sure to top it off with a wax to even further protect your vehicle's paint. If you choose to wash your car at home, use gentle materials and soap formulated for automotive purposes to avoid any abrasion to your car's exterior. 

Park in the Shade

Whenever you get the opportunity, park in the shade! Your vehicle can heat up fairly quickly. Overtime, your vehicle's interior can become discolored and worn from UV rays, so regularly parking in the shade can help fight the aging process. The hot temperature can also wear down other components like tires, brake fluid, belts and hoses, and make them more susceptible to damage. As simple as it seems, parking in the shade will help to extend the life of your vehicle. Plus, you'll be thankful when you get back in your vehicle and it's not blazing hot. 

Replace Your Coolant

One of the most important parts of your vehicle, engine coolant, is used to regulate the temperature of your engine. Whether it's cooling down a warm engine on a hot day or a cold day, engine coolant plays an important role of regulating temperature in your vehicle's regular running function. Because it gets much warmer in the summer, your engine is simply more susceptible to overheating if the coolant is leaking or needs replacing. Engine coolant is typically replaced every 30,000 miles, or at the specified interval in your owner's manual. If you aren't sure when it was last replaced, we'd be happy to take a look and recommend a service date. 

Check Other Essential Fluids

Besides coolant, your other vehicle fluids should be replaced regularly to ensure your vehicle can withstand the heat and get you through all your summer adventures. Whether it's engine oil, wiper fluids, or brake fluid, each plays a very important role. Engine oil is usually replaced every 3,000-5,000 miles. Wiper fluid should be replaced as it's used to ensure you have enough liquid to clear your windshield. Brake fluid isn't something that needs replacing often, but it should be inspected if your brakes are feeling too soft or if it's taking you longer to complete a stop.

Feel free to give us a call if you have any other questions about caring for your vehicle this summer. Follow our summer car care tips for a great season on the road, and stay tuned to our blog for more car care tips, hacks, and more. If you need help with any vehicle maintenance, like an oil change, coolant flush, or vehicle inspection, let us know or schedule an appointment online. Looking for a new ride this summer? Take a look at our inventory of new Fords and stop in for a test drive. It's our goal to find you a vehicle that fits your needs and budget for all seasons! 

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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Have Your Oil and Important Fluids Checked for National Car Care Month

WESTLAND, Mich. -- The fluids that run through your vehicle, while responsible for specific things, all serve a common purpose of improving your vehicle's function, performance, and efficiency. Making sure that they're regularly checked, flushed, topped off, and changed is an essential part of seasonal maintenance that will help extend the life of your car. Below, we've listed some important fluids that should be checked on a routine basis, and the start of spring is an ideal time to do so. If you're planning on spending a lot of time on the road come the warmer months, it's even more important to schedule a service appointment to stay safe and make sure your car is running at its best.

During National Car Care Month, North Brothers Ford wants to remind you to have your oil and important fluids checked.

WASHER FLUID

Working in tandem with your wiper blades, washer fluid allows you clear visibility through your windshield, helping to wash away precipitation residue and debris. Whether or not your vehicle has an indicator light alerting you to low levels of washer fluid, it's important to get in the habit of checking it yourself so you always have a way to clear the windshield and have an unhindered view of the road ahead while driving. The opening to your vehicle's washer fluid tank can be found under the hood, indicated by a picture of a windshield on the cap. Most reservoirs will accept a full gallon of washer fluid when empty, though make sure to pour slowly and evenly whether you're topping off or filling up.

When purchasing washer fluid, make sure you're getting a pre-diluted solution, otherwise, you risk it freezing in the tank. The next thing to pay attention to is temperature threshold, indicated on the label on the bottle, which tells you if the washer fluid will handle the temperatures you'll be driving in. If you're unsure about refilling your vehicle's washer fluid yourself, we'll happily top it off for you with your next oil change!

OIL CHANGE

Oil is an extremely important component of a well-running vehicle, as it lubricates the moving parts of your engine, helps to reduce heat caused by friction, keeps the engine clean, and protects it against wear. Routinely having your oil changed can help you avoid expensive damage in the long-run, as well as enhance the overall longevity of your car. Routine oil changes should be done every 3,000-5,000 miles, or sometimes longer depending on your driving habits and if your vehicle uses synthetic oil. If you're not sure, always consult your owner's manual.

However, if you have any upcoming road trips or other spring and summer activities that will put you on the road more often, stop in for an oil change to ensure your vehicle can handle it and that your engine runs smoothly.

COOLANT

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is responsible for controlling the temperature of various engine components. It serves a dual purpose of keeping the radiators in your vehicle from freezing or overheating throughout the year. When should you get it changed? We recommend replacing your coolant every two years or 24,000 miles. However, as always, check your owner's manual for the specific needs of your make and model.

If you suspect that your engine may be overheating or detect a sweet smell while driving that might indicate a coolant leak, let us know and our service experts will gladly check it for you and top it off if needed. With warmer temperatures on the way, spring is the perfect time to check your coolant fluid checked to prevent overheating.

Your washer fluid, oil, and coolant are all important fluids you should have checked this National Car Care Month. All three fluids serve crucial purposes that are essential to a well-running vehicle and work together to ensure your safety as well as that of your investment. To perform their duties, however, they need your help. If you're uncomfortable checking or changing these fluids yourself, the friendly team at North Brothers Ford will gladly do it for you! Schedule an appointment today!

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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3 Simple Tips for Taking Care of Your Car in the Winter

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– The cold temperatures, the ice and snow, and the road salt can take a toll on your car in the Winter season. Your battery can struggle to start the car, your oil can move like molasses through your engine, and the road salt can eat away at your car's exposed metal components, etc. This can not only cause your car trouble running regularly in the Winter, but can age your car prematurely. While it's cold and easy to get away with being lazy, we want to give you a few easy tips that you can follow that your car will really benefit from. Here are our 3 simple tips for taking care of your car in the Winter:

1. Take it through the car wash once a week. This is a simple thing to do, but it can provide your car's paint and external components the TLC it needs during the Winter. In Michigan, we regularly salt or sand the roads, which is great for reducing slippery spots and making the roads safer. However, this salt and sand can cause corrosion on the underside of your vehicle and can scratch your paint. Getting your car washed will take off all that salt residue and condition your paint. Make sure to pick a wash package with wax included and keep your eyes open for unlimited monthly packages some carwashes offer so you can go often for a discounted price.

2. Have your oil changed at the regular 3,000-5,000 mile recommendation & have your battery tested. The really cold weather like we've recently experienced can make it that much harder for your battery to start your car and for your oil to remain viscous enough to move around the engine. So, if your battery isn't in good condition or your oil is bogged down with debris, your car will struggle to start and to warm up. Having old oil run through your engine isn't good in any weather, so just keep up with regular oil changes. When you're in for an oil change, ask for your battery to be tested so you know how it's performing. Batteries should only need to be replaced every 2-5 years depending on use.

3. Check the inflation of your tires every few weeks. With the temperature changing so often, so can the inflation level of your tires! Having the safest tires to run on means having them properly inflated and rotated. Having the best kind of tires for the weather helps, too. Even if you only have all-season tires for Winter, it's still valuable to keep them properly inflated. You can check with a gauge at home or have us at North Brothers check for you. Just by driving your car over our specialized tread machine, we'll be able to tell you concerning spots of wear on each tire, the inflation level of each tire, and more.

We hope these 3 simple tips are easy enough to follow, so you can take the best care of your car even in the cold Michigan weather. Please let our wonderful, knowledgeable, and experienced technicians know if there's any way we can help keep your car running great. The Service Department at North Brothers Ford is not only equipped with a great team of technicians, but advanced technology so you can be sure we'll do the job right on your Ford vehicle! Schedule your next service appointment online or by giving us a call.

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+

How to Care for Your Tires This Spring

WESTLAND, Mich.,––It's Spring in Michigan, and that means the roads will be wet, messy, and full of potholes. Because your tires are what connect you to the road, they're pretty important and worthy of your routine care. There are a few easy things you can do this season to ensure your safety on the road, your car's efficiency, and help you avoid the pain of tire repair. Here's how to care for your tires this Spring:

1. Inspect your tires tread wear

There are no special tools needed to inspect your tires wear. Your eyes will work just fine. Taking a look every few weeks or so for damage, cracking, under inflation, and uneven tread wear is the easiest way to tell if your tires need care! For an easy way to check tread wear, try the penny method! If by sticking your penny in upside down in your tire's tread you can see all of Abraham Lincoln's head, it's time to get new tires.

2. Check your tires air pressure

Checking your tires air pressure is typically done with a tire gauge which measures in PSI (pounds per square inch of air pressure). Having properly inflated tires can help you achieve good fuel economy and extend the life of your tires. If your tires are under inflated, your car will have to work harder to move which means you'll be spending more on gas. You can find the recommended tire pressure on the sticker on the inside of the driver's door, or in your Owner's Manual. As temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, the air outside can affect your tire's air pressure. It's best to check your tires in the morning at least once per month for the most accurate reading.

3. Have your tires balanced and rotated regularly

Another routine maintenance task to help you achieve best fuel economy and extended tire life is rotating them! This is a tire service that should be done every 5,000-7,000 miles or for most people about every other oil change. Tires can wear differently depending on their location, rotating them regularly will help cut down on uneven tread wear so they are all on the same page, so to speak. Having your tires balanced will also help to minimize uneven or premature wear.

4. Keep your car's load weight in mind

While your tires hold the entire weight of your vehicle, they can only hold a certain amount of excess weight. Excessive weight on or in your vehicle can lead to weaker tires and possible damage. We recommend not overloading past your vehicle's recommended rating to avoid potential tire blowouts. Although the chances for a blowout to happen are low, make sure to check your Owner's Manual to find the rating specific to your vehicle and keep your car's load weight in mind.



It's our goal to keep you safe on the road this Spring and provide you a great deal on tires! Follow our How to Care for Your Tires This Spring tips on this blog, and schedule your service appointment online at North Brothers Ford. We have plenty of coupons that you can clip online to help you save on vehicle service and new tire purchases!

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

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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

Show Your Car Some Love with a Pre-Spring Cleaning

WESTLAND, Mich.–– One thing that goes a little neglected in the winter is our vehicles. There is routine maintenance we take care of to keep our cars running well in the winter, however the interiors of our cars probably need a little TLC. The cold weather and the early setting sun make it easy for us to head inside and snuggle up on the couch until bed time. Now that we're seeing a little warmer weather in Michigan, and we're getting closed to spring it's the perfect time to get a jump start on some spring cleaning. Valentine's Day is over but you can still show your car some love with a pre-spring cleaning. It doesn't have to be a complete overhaul, but there's a few things you can do to make your ride feel refreshed and get you prepped for that spring feeling.

• Clean off your floor mats. Take them out of your car and give them a good whack to release the salty dust, and make sure to brush off any crumbs, dirt, etc. 
• Vacuum your seats and floors if you can. There are vacuums available at some carwashes, otherwise you can use your home vacuum and an extension cord to get the job done. 
• Wipe off your plastic surfaces. Lysol wipes are perfect for doing the job, and some varieties are anti-bacterial incase you've been driving around with a cold. You may also consider a plastic restoring polish to make the inside really shine, which you can find in the car isle at your local grocery/department store. 
• Put the windows down. Weather permitting, you can air out any strange smells with a drive around the block with the windows open. 
• Get a car wash. It's necessary if you want to care for your car during the winter, especially if you park in a garage. Rust and corrosion can occur when oxygen meets condensation on metal, and salt can speed up the process. Getting a car wash will make it look good on the outside and help get rid of the harmful salt buildup. 
• Install an air freshener. There are plenty of choices of scents and types like ones that hang from your rearview mirror, ones that attach to your vents, and ones that sit in your cupholder that will make your car feel fresh.
• Clean out the trash. Take out all the trash from your front and back seats including what's in the door and seat pockets. You can keep a bag to help store all your garbage in one place in the future. 

A new car is a big investment, and we want to encourage you to take care of it to extend it's lifespan. We can help you achieve the more complicated stuff like winter maintenance services including oil changes, brake inspections, tire installations, and more. We'll keep you updated on how to take care of your car all year on the seasonal maintenance page on our website! 

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

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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

Summer Car Care Tips

WESTLAND, Mich.– The summer months are finally in sight, and that means it's time to do regular checkups on your vehicle to make sure the heat doesn’t get the best of it. These summer car care tips will help you drive safer this summer! Here are some things you’ll want to keep an eye on:

Coolant (antifreeze)

First and foremost, it’s extremely important to check your vehicle’s coolant level on a regular basis. Hot weather can quickly cause your vehicle to overheat if its coolant level isn’t where it should be. Check if your coolant is below the minimum level on the coolant reservoir. If it is, add enough coolant to get the level where it should be. If you notice your vehicle overheating again, you may have a coolant leak on your hands. This might require a technician to replace damaged or worn components.

Air Conditioning

During the winter, lack of heat in your vehicle can be a major issue. In the summer it’s the exact opposite! You want your car to be cool enough for you to drive comfortably in, and keeping the windows down constantly can drag down your gas mileage. The best thing to do is to make sure cool air blows out of your vents consistently. If your vehicle isn’t cooling as well as it should, you might need an air conditioning recharge to bring back that chill you need for hot summer days!

Brakes

When you’re on a long road trip this summer, you want to make sure you’re safe. If your brakes are too worn, things could get dangerous. Make sure your brake pads are what they should be. Look for warning signs like the brake system warning light, squealing or grinding sounds, and a burning odor, just to name a few.

Tires

Again, summer is vacation season, and many of our customers like to tough it out on road trips. But when your vehicle is traveling long distances it’s vital for your tires to be in good condition. Before hitting the road, make sure you follow our PART rule:

• Pressure: Make sure your tires aren’t underinflated or overinflated
• Alignment: Correct wheel alignment helps proper steering and handling
• Rotate: Frequently rotate your tires so they wear evenly
• Tread: Check your tires for uneven wear or smooth spots

Wiper Blades

Although it usually rains the most in spring, the summer months definitely get their fair share of wet days. Visibility is important when you’re on the road and it suddenly begins to pour. If you’re noticing streaks or smears on your windshield, it’s definitely time to replace your wiper blades!

These are just a few summesr car care tips that can help you make the most of your driving experience this summer. There are definitely more tips and tricks as well as routine maintenance that you can use to keep your vehicle in great condition. All of the New Vehicles and Used Vehicles at our Ford Dealership meet these safety standards, and your vehicle should, too. Schedule a maintenance appointment today to ensure your vehicle is ready for summer!

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

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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

Spring Car Care Tips

WESTLAND, Mich.- While it hasn't exactly warmed up yet, the first day of spring is behind us. That means it's time to add a little spring cleaning to your to-do list, and that goes for your vehicle too. Winter weather takes a toll on your vehicle, so it's time to freshen up and reverse the damage. If you don't want to spend all afternoon cleaning out your car, attempt one of our Spring Car Care Tips per day and your ride will be squeaky clean before you know it!

Spring Car Care Tips-

-Give it a good wash. If you can't hand wash your vehicle, go to the car wash and ask for a wash that includes the undercarriage so you can get rid of all the salt and mud from the winter. A good waxing goes a long way too. If you notice any paint chips or scratches, take the time to touch them up so that you can prevent rusting.

-Clean the windows. Inside and out, and the windshield too. Getting rid of the dust film and fingerprints will increase visibility. While you're cleaning the windshield, keep an eye out for any stone chips that can be repaired before the spread, and take a look at you windshield wipers too to make sure they aren't cracked or streaking.

-Clean the carpet. First give your vehicle a good vacuuming. If you have mats, take them out next time you get out of the car, rinse them off, and hang to dry. If you don't have mats or if your carpet is especially salty from the winter months, it's important to give it a good shampoo to prevent rusting under the carpet.

-Tune up. An easy way to get your car ready for spring is to bring it in for a tune up to make sure all fluid levels are adequate, oil and filters are set to go, and tires are in good condition and properly inflated.

Start the season off right with our Spring Car Care Tips, and you'll be ready to cruise into warmer weather. For more information, check out our Maintenance Tips or stop by our Service Center! North Brothers Ford, your Wayne Area Ford Dealership, is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185. We are 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 knowledgable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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

Top 10 Worst Things You Can Do To Your Car

WESTLAND, Mich.- When you notice something isn't quite right with your vehicle, like that odd noise or that persistent Vehicle Warning Light, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Ignoring even the tiniest sign of vehicle trouble can cost you big bucks down the road. We know that getting your vehicle serviced is probably not your favorite thing to do, but it is better than committing these Top 10 Worst Things You Can Do To Your Car that will cost you later.

Top 10 Worst Things You Can Do To Your Car:
1. Procrastinating recommended, scheduled, or overdue maintenance on your vehicle.

2. Ignoring the Check Engine light. Learn what can happen when you ignore your Vehicle Warning Lights.

3. Not changing your oil on time, or worse, not changing it at all. Service technicians will tell you that ignoring oil changes is the single most damaging vehicle maintenance item that drivers neglect.

4. Forgetting to check your tire pressure, especially as the seasons change.

5. Neglecting coolant, brake, transmission and other fluid services. Again, find out what damage you can cause by ignoring your Vehicle Warning Lights.

6. Ignoring warning signs that your vehicle is overheating, and continuing to drive. Did your Coolant Warning Light turn on? Don't ignore it!

7. Forgetting to change your vehicle's fuel and air filters.

8. Taking your vehicle to an unqualified or reliable service center for maintenance.

9. Trying to save a few pennies with generic aftermarket parts instead of using the original equipment manufacturer quality parts.

10. Attempting to do it yourself. If you aren't completely comfortable servicing your own vehicle, bring it in to North Brothers Ford Quick Lane service center.

Check out your owners manual to learn more about all of your vehicle's recommended maintenance and keep these Top 10 Worst Things You Can Do To Your Car in mind so that you can avoid car trouble later down the road. As always, North Brothers Ford is here to help so don't worry if you're not an expert on vehicle maintenance. Not only will you save in the long run, but you can save today with our Oil Change Coupons and Brake Service Coupons.

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 knowledgable sales team will be happy to help!

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