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

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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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Get Through the Winter Season with Car Care Tips on NorthBrotherFord.net

WESTLAND, Mich – Winter can be the hardest season on your vehicle. Low temperatures, snow, and ice are only some of the obstacles you could face this Michigan winter. But don’t let the performance or safety of your vehicle take a hit! With the winter car care tips and vehicle maintenance at North Brothers Ford you can make sure your vehicle is prepared with precautionary routine maintenance care. By inspecting and maintaining the components below you can keep your vehicle in great shape through the winter season and beyond.

Tires 

When the roads get slick don’t risk your safety by ignoring basic tire care. Explore this page for tips on how to keep your tires in optimal condition year round by proper inflation, inspection, and rotation. Plus, learn how winter tires are different from all-seasons and why they're a worthy investment!

Batteries

The last thing you want to worry about this winter is a vehicle that won’t start. Learn about how cold weather affect your car's battery and signs that your battery needs changing on this page. We'd be happy to professionally inspect your battery at your next oil change at North Brothers Ford!

Brakes 

Your brakes are one of the most important vehicle components when it comes to winter vehicle maintenance! With the snow and ice, it's necessary to have properly working brakes. From brake inspections, repairs, and replacements, North Brothers has you covered. Read this page to learn more about signs your brakes need repair.

Oil Changes

Oil Changes are one of the simplest and most important routine services you can do for your vehicle! Making sure your oil is changed during the winter is especially important as the cold weather can make your oil thick like molasses, making your vehicle work harder to run, especially if your oil is already old! Explore this page to learn more and to schedule your oil change at North Brothers.

Wiper Blades

Snow and sleet often cause vision problems when you hit the road in the winter. Making sure your wiper blades are clearing your windshield well, and your washer fluid tank is full is the easiest way to avoid some of those pesky winter weather windshield issues. Learn more about the signs your wiper blades need to be replaced on this page, and schedule service online.

Here at North Brothers Ford we want you to be safe this winter, and every season. Our team of trained technicians are available to help you get through the cold months without the worry of whether your vehicle is prepared to handle the harsh weather. Our Certified Service Center can inspect, repair, and replace any component necessary. Whether you have questions on brakes, batteries, tires, oil changes, or wiper blades, we are here to help with winter car care tips to get you and your car through the season!

If it's a new vehicle you're looking for to get you through the rough winter weather, we can help with that too! Ford's lineup includes some incredible SUVs, like the 2018 Ford Explorer, equipped with 4WD or AWD and advanced safety features that'll give you the confidence to ride through the snow like no other.

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+

5 Car Organization Hacks

WESTLAND, Mich.––Driving to work, the kids' practice, the grocery store, and every where in between equals a lot of time in the car. It also means a lot of stuff that accumulates in your car! Clothes, shoes, snacks, toys, garbage, etc. all end up in your car can easily be forgotten about and ignored throughout our daily activities. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning out your car, you might want to consider these 5 car organization hacks. 

1. Desk Item Holders

You can find these, or something similar, at a office supply store. These are typically used for paper clips, notepads, etc. but work great for other small items that go missing in your car like change, headphones, etc. These can work for those strange spaces near your cup holders or in your center console.

2. Baskets

Baskets are great for a whole lot of reasons, but simply put, for holding plenty of like items in one easy place. Shown above is a more fabric based basket which would work well for squeezing in certain places, and as a bonus it has a nice pattern. We recommend using a basket for emergency items for easy access when in a pinch.

3. Gum Containers 

Having change everywhere looks messy, but this little hack will keep it all together. These gum containers are big enough to fit lots of change, and some bills if you choose, and fit perfectly in your cup holder. These containers can work for other things like small snacks, hair pins, etc. 

4. Shoe Organizers

A shoe organizer works wonders for all those mismatch items that pile up. You can keep extra socks, toys, snacks, and whatever else you can think of in these perfect sized slots. This placement works for both the driver and passengers in the back. 

5. File Organizers

A small file organizer can be found at an office supply store and works really well to store important documents. Things like your title, registration, insurance, pet documents, maps, etc. that you need to always keep in the car or for travel can all be kept in one spot. This file organizer should also help keep the documents from getting dirty or wrinkled. 

You can use these tips to organize your car and keep it from becoming too messy again. At North Brothers Ford we're here to help with any auto need including tips like these 5 car organization hacks! It's our goal to make auto service and routine maintenance easy for you. For your convenience you can schedule your check-in time for your service appointment online! We can also help save you a future headache by regularly performing maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections to help your car run its best! We've put all the best advice and answers to your questions in our newly updated FAQs page that will help you take care of your vehicle. 

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+

7 Slow Cooker Recipes to Make While It's Still Winter

WESTLAND, Mich. –– Sorry for the reminder that it's still winter. Hang in there because it's almost over! You can still treat yourself to some comfort food with the cold air lingering. Not to say that your slow cooker can't be used in the summer time. These recipes are warm, hearty, and hit that comfort spot you're looking for during the winter. We've come up with 7 slow cooker recipes to make while it's still winter that you can try out this weekend!

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

This soup is actually pretty light, but can hold a nice punch of hearty spice if you season it right. The beauty of this recipe is the warmth it gives as it goes down, plus it's pretty healthy! 

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Tortellini 

Italian, creamy, cheesy pasta is the way to a lot of hearts. This slow cooker recipe is perfect because it's a whole meal in one, and is just so darn delicious. It hits a true comfort note. 

3. Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew

This recipe is oh so hearty, and truly fitting for winter. Beef stew is a classic that can be spiced in so many ways and be delicious every time, and the slow cooker version? Piece of cake!

4. Creamy Ranch Pork Chops 

These creamy chops are quite simple to prepare, especially in the slow cooker. This is one of those lick-your-plate type meals the whole family will love. It goes best atop mashed potatoes 

5. Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

Can breakfast be for dinner, too? Yes, of course! This casserole is good anytime and leaves room for you to add whatever veggies you like. 

6. Slow Cooker Meatloaf 

Are you a little surprised that you can make meatloaf in a slow cooker? We were too, but it is so delicious! The slow cooker does good keeping the meatloaf moist. With the carrots and potatoes on the side it's a nice filling meal. 

7. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

Meaty chicken, warm tomato sauce, and cheese all over pasta is what it's all about. Try this italian classic out in the slow cooker, it's surprisingly easy!  

Hopefully these 7 slow cooker recipes to make while it's still winter are enough arsenal to combat the very last of the winter blues. Not only do these recipes taste delicious, but they also save you time thanks to the lovely slow cooker. Saving time is also easy at North Brothers Ford when you schedule your check-in time for your service appointment online! We can also help save you a future headache by regularly performing maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections to help your car run its best! We've put all the best advice and answers to your questions in our newly updated FAQs page that will help you take care of your vehicle. 

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+

Service FAQs at North Brothers Ford in Westland, MI

WESTLAND, Mich.–– Having a car, new or old, is a big investment! We understand how big of a commitment your vehicle is and want to help you keep it running it's best. Regular maintenance and auto service will not only help extend the life of your vehicle, but also keep you safe on the road. As there are many complicated components on your vehicle, there are also many questions about those components; how they work, why are they making that noise, when should you have them replaced, etc. We're here to help you answer all those questions and take care of your vehicle at our Service Center at North Brothers Ford in Westland, MI. We've updated our FAQs section on our website to help you better understand your vehicle and it's needs.

Our updated Service FAQs at North Brothers Ford in Westland, MI includes:

• General Car Care. This category includes topics you might expect like fuel types and engine care, but also topics you might not like driving styles and how it affects your vehicle. 
• Under the Hood. We aren't all expert service technicians, but we can learn about components under the hood of our vehicles to better understand what's going on and how to maintain. This category explores everything from the alternator to belts and hoses to fluids. 
• Oil Changes. This category covers all the questions you might have about this simple routine maintenance task from how often, to considering synthetic.
• Tires. They're what connect you and your car to the road, so it's good to know how to properly maintain them, how to achieve even wear, and how to know when it's time to replace them.
• Brakes. This category has answers on everything you want to know about your vehicles brakes. You'll learn why they make noise, when it's time to replace them, and what to look for when they need replacing.
• Wiper Blades. Your wiper blades are another safety component that allow you to see the road ahead clearly. Explore this category for all wiper blade information.

Feel free to explore the updated Service FAQs at North Brothers Ford in Westland, MI page to find answers to your most needed service questions. For your convenience we offer online scheduling done on our website that'll help you save time. If you have any questions you need more information on, or would like to discuss with our service experts, feel free to fill out the form to submit your question or give us a call at (855) 739-2023. 

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+

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+