National Car Care Month: Tips for Checking Your Alignment and Suspension

WESTLAND, Mich., -- Between harsh winters and the drastic freeze/thaw cycles we experience heading into springtime, terrible roads are an unfortunate yet ever-present part of life in the Mitten State. Potholes the size of Godzilla's foot! Crevasses with their own zip codes! Okay, maybe we're being a bit dramatic, but its bad this time of year, and the thing that suffers the most is your alignment and suspension.

This National Car Care Month, North Brothers Ford wants to share with you some tips for checking your alignment and suspension to make sure your vehicle is running at its best.

ALIGNMENT

Over time, things like potholes, dirt/uneven roads, and regular driving can take a toll on your vehicle's wheel alignment. However, road conditions get particularly nasty here during the winter here in Michigan, so it's extremely important that you check up on your alignment when Mother Nature finally decides to let up for the season.

When your wheels aren't properly aligned, your car has to work harder to move thus causing its performance to suffer. Spring alignment care is important because it maximizes tire life, performance, and fuel efficiency. Scheduling an alignment check at North Brothers Ford is quick and easy, and here are some signs for you to look out for in the meantime:

• Your car pulls to one side
• Vibrations in the steering wheel
• Visible uneven tire tread wear
• Squealing tires
• Your steering wheel turns while traveling straight

SUSPENSION

Your vehicle's suspension is responsible for controlling the bounce and impacts of certain rough road conditions and helps to keep the tires in contact with the road. It also helps to provide consistent handling, control rolling and swaying, encourages even tire and brake wear, and contributes to overall passenger comfort. Spring suspension care is especially important after experiencing treacherous road conditions during the winter (and let's be honest, even well into spring). You can easily schedule a suspension check-up at North Brothers Ford, should you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Hard steering
• Heavy tipping feeling when turning
• Nose-dive stops
• Rough ride
• Excessive bounce
• Low riding height of the vehicle

Michigan roads wreak havoc on your alignment and suspension, but North Brothers Ford has your back with tips to keep them regularly checked and in top working condition. If you ever need any extra help, schedule a service appointment with us and we'll be happy to take a look and do whatever needs to be done.

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+

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

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

National Car Care Month - Tips for Taking Care of Your Engine

WESTLAND, Mich.,––Owning a car comes with many costs, and unfortunately, some of those costs can be unexpected. BUT, that doesn't mean you can't take actions to prevent some of these unexpected service costs. We're talking routine maintenance! Last week we discussed what you can do to maintain your tires, but this week we're going to provide you some tips for taking care of your engine - the most important part of your vehicle! Because there are many components that make up the engine, like spark plugs, pistons, crankshafts, etc., it can seem complicated. Maintaining the engine, however, is relatively simple.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE TIPS

Let's begin with oil changes. The #1 best thing you can do to keep your engine running smoothly is to get regular oil changes. While they're needed much more frequently that belt replacements, or other routine maintenance services, they're relatively inexpensive and do a world of good for your engine. What exactly does your oil do for your engine?

• It removes heat from the engine
• It absorbs debris to protect the engine
• It lubricates the moving parts

Ignoring oil changes can lead to dark, gritty oil that can not only hurt your car's performance but put your engine at risk for overheating or premature wear. By not changing your oil frequently enough, you'll also build up engine sludge which isn't something that can be cleaned or removed without taking the engine apart (a very costly service). So, just be sure to keep a routine of getting an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles. If you forget when you last had an oil change, you can easily check the dipstick to see how it's doing. Alternatively, you can bring it in to our Service Center in Westland to have it inspected.

Another service you can have completed with your oil changes that will help keep your engine clean is filter replacements! You should have an oil filter replacement at every service and have your air filter inspected. Why the oil filter at EVERY service? It filters the oil and prevents debris from getting into it! It also allows oil to flow freely to your engine, so with a blocked-up filter, you could risk engine failure or decreased fuel economy.

Depending on the condition of the road or air that you're traveling through, your air filter might need to be replaced at every oil change, or it might. It should, however, be inspected at each oil change to make sure it's able to handle the air. Why is this important? Your engine requires air to run! The air intake mixes it with fuel to make your car go, so ensuring your car is able to take in air the way it needs to is essential to a well running vehicle.

Lastly, your coolant. This is a fluid, otherwise known as antifreeze that rotates through your radiator hoses and cools your engine. If your engine were to overheat, it would warp and not function properly, so coolant and your radiator hoses are a powerful thing. All you have to do is keep an eye on the level of your coolant, and have it changed or "flushed"every 40,000 miles. If you happen to see a decrease, or even a spot of bright colors as a puddle underneath your vehicle, it's time to have it checked out right away! The techs at North Brothers will take a look at your radiator for any cracks or damage and make sure it's completely safe to be back on the road before you leave our dealership.

If you're due for an oil and filter change, air filter replacement, or coolant inspection, the team at North Brothers is here to help! We want to assist in maintaining your engine during National Car Care Month and keep your car running well. You can find more tips and tricks for taking care of your vehicle on our website and our blog. Stop by our dealership on Ford Road for any auto service you need and we'd be happy to help. You can also schedule an appointment to save time!


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+

National Car Care Month - Tires

WESTLAND, Mich.–– During National Car Care Month, it's the perfect time to get your tires serviced so that you're ready to hit the road this spring. Tire care is one of the most important parts of owning a vehicle, as tires are the safety buffer between you and the road. It's crucial that your vehicle has adequate tire tread, properly rotated tires, and accurate tire inflation all year round. Ensure that your ride can handle the wet road conditions this season will bring by reading these tips:


1. Tire Rotations
It is recommended that your tires are rotated every 3,000-7,000 miles, or every other oil change. Tires can wear unevenly, which is why it's critical to rotate them every so often to ensure they receive even wear across all four tires.

2. Tire Tread
Your tires' tread is what allows your vehicle to grip the road properly. Low tire tread puts you at risk for hydroplaning when the road is wet or losing traction during other conditions. It can also increase your stopping distance, putting you at larger risk of an accident. Check your tire tread using the penny method or have our team of experts inspect them for you!

3. Tire Pressure
The temp outside can directly effect the air pressure in your tires. By maintaining your car's proper tire pressure, you will experience improved fuel economy, less tire issues, and a much smoother ride. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended PSI to make sure your tires match that amount. If they don't, it's time for them to be filled.

4. New Tires
Did you put on snow tires for the winter season? It's time to take them off! It's best to change back to all-season tires this spring. Winter tires are only built to handle 45 degrees Fahrenheit and under. If your tire tread is worn down, it's time for you to get a new set! We recommend replacing all four tires at the same time. Schedule an appointment with our service team and we'll get your vehicle into a new set of wheels in no time!


Rough winter weather can impact your vehicle's tires tremendously. And spring weather isn't much safer with slippery road conditions. By staying up to date with routine tire maintenance, you can rest assure that your ride will be effective in gripping the road this season. Now's the time to get your car's tires up to speed during National Car Care Month.

Be sure to schedule an appointment online with our service team for any tire rotations, added tire pressure, or even a brand new set of tires. We are here to help you remain safe behind the wheel of a reliable ride this spring! Check out our spring car care page for more tips on tire maintenance as well as alignment care, fluid care, wiper blade care, and spring cleaning.


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+