5 Ways to Beat Seasonal Allergies this Summer

WESTLAND, Mich.,––Summer is finally here! While this may be exciting for many, more than one in 10 Americans dread the changing of the seasons due to seasonal allergies. It can be extremely frustrating for people affected, as they're unable to enjoy the beautiful weather with everyone else. However, there are a lot of ways that people can avoid symptoms including these 5 ways to beat seasonal allergies this summer!

1. Add Honey to Your Diet

Honey can be very beneficial because it carries small amounts of pollen that your body can fight and adjust to. A few tablespoons of honey a day can help with congestion, throat pain, and itchy eyes.

2. Keep an Eye out for High Pollen Counts

Check your radio, TV, and the Internet regularly on hot days to view the pollen count in the air at any time. It can fluctuate very quickly, but high dosages of pollen in the air can lead to increased symptoms, especially eye irritation.

3. Shut Your Windows While Driving

Keeping your windows open while you're on the road can be extremely risky, as you'll be driving through pollen at high speeds. If too much pollen gets into your car it can trigger your allergies, which can make driving unsafe for you and everyone else on the road.

4. Shower Before You Go to Bed

After a long day of spending time outside, pollen can accumulate on your clothing and hair. Showering before you go to bed will make sleeping much easier and allow you to wake up with less irritation in the morning. 

5. Keep an Eye on Seasonal Triggers

Seasonal triggers can change depending on the time of year, but there are several common things that can set off seasonal allergies. Pine needles, campfire smoke, chlorine, pollen, and insect bites are the most likely culprits to aggravate your symptoms, and adjusting to these triggers can make a world of difference.

Seasonal allergies can be difficult to deal with in the summer, but using these tactics should help you adjust to your summer plans. These 5 ways to beat seasonal allergies this summer will keep you refreshed and active with the coming warm months! While you're out and enjoying the weather, be sure to use some of our service coupons to get a great discount on maintenance. Feel free to contact us with any questions or information you may need!

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!

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Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car

WESTLAND, Mich.,––If you haven't checked the weather yet, this week is going to be filled with sunny and extra-warm days. This makes it a great time to get outside and clean your car inside and out! Cleaning your car may seem like a pain at first, but it'll help clear out that annoying clutter that gets in the way on the interior, help your car's exterior look great and stay protected from the sun, and help you get prepared for any upcoming Summer road trips. Here's a handful of spring cleaning tips for your car from North Brothers Ford:

For washing and waxing your car's exterior:

• Use specialized car cleaner soap. Dish detergent is much too abrasive for your vehicle’s paint.
• Microfiber rags, soft sponges, and soft brushes will do just fine. Avoid magic-eraser type sponges because they’re much too abrasive for your car's exterior.
• Use dryer sheets to get those nasty bugs off your grille and hood.
• Use very hot water and a soapy microfiber rag for removing tree sap.
• Always fully rinse your car before and after the suds. 
• Try your best to rinse the undercarriage of your car to rid of dirt on the parts that matter most. 
• Give your tools a good rinse, including your bucket, to ensure you're not washing with existing dirt and grit. If the water in your bucket gets too dirty, don't hesitate to switch it out for fresh! 
• Rinse and wash one side at a time so you can rinse before the soap dries.
• Don’t skip the wax! It may seem tedious, but it’s worth the paint protection it provides, helping to keep dirt and grime from scratching your vehicle, while also providing UV ray protection. If you choose to go through the car wash, make sure to buy a package that includes wax. 

For cleaning out your car's interior: 

• Gather all your garbage and recyclables from the floor, under the seats, center console, glove box, and side storage pockets and get rid of it! This will immediately help to clear clutter.
• Decide which items you really need in your car for the upcoming season, and clear out the rest. you can also get ideas online for organizing all your small in-car items. 
• Use coffee filters to dust your dash and plastic surfaces, which surprisingly leave no fibers behind like paper towels. 
• Wash the inside of your windows to get rid of any unsightly streaks. Use a vinegar-based solution with a semi wet microfiber rag to wash the windows, then use a clean dry rag for a streak-free shine.
• Take your rugs out and shake to release any loose dirt or crumbs, then vacuum both your seats and carpet. If your vacuum is having trouble reaching it all, we recommend using something sticky to pick up those stubborn crumbs. 
• Roll your windows down and let your car air out! If your car still smells rancid, use an open box of baking soda overnight to help rid of any strange scents. You can always add a air freshener to make it extra fresh. 

Need any help getting these Spring cleaning tasks done this week? We can help! Give us a call to schedule an appointment or for any questions on the detail services that we offer. We want to help your vehicle look great and run great, too. Check out our website for more information on some of the routine maintenance services we offer, and don't forget to check out our available coupons as well to help you save.

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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A Short History of Santa Claus in 8 Facts

WESTLAND, Mich. –– How well do you really know Santa Claus? If you're wondering what makes the portly, bearded fellow in a red suit the legend he is, check out this short history of Santa Claus in eight listed facts.

A Short History of Santa Claus in 8 Facts

• Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas, a charitable 4th-century Bishop of Myra, a city in Turkey known for his charitable attitude and generosity towards others.
• Santa Claus was a bachelor until James Rees wrote the short story A Christmas Legend in 1849 and introduced Mrs. Claus as as Santa Claus' wife.
• Around the world, Santa Claus is referred to by many names: Saint Nicholas, St. Nick, Father Christmas, Black Peter, Kris Kringle, Pere Noel, La Befana, Sinter Klaas and, of course, Santa, to name a few.
• Due to international time zones, Santa Claus has 31 hours to deliver presents
• To deliver presents in 31 hours, Santa Claus would have to travel at a speed of 4,796,250 mph. 
• Santa's nine reindeer are named Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen
• Santa Claus wore a green suit before his red suit, which originated in paintings and, famously, Coca-Cola advertisements.
• In his book, A History of New York, from 1809, Washington Irivng describes Santa Claus as a portly, bearded man who smokes a pipe and squeezes down chimneys to deliver gifts

As you head into Christmas and the New Year, make sure your vehicle is ready to battle the winter roads. Check out our tips for saving fuel here. If your vehicle needs any last-minute maintenance taken care of before 2016 comes with snow, ice, and other inclement weather, check out our winter driving tips.

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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8 Turkey Tips to Cook the Best Bird on Thanksgiving

WESTLAND, Mich. –– The cooking of a Thanksgiving turkey is considered an art form of which your dinner guests serve as the critics. This makes loading a bird into an oven a more daunting task than it should be, not to mention turkeys are easy to dry out or undercook. To combat the stress of preparing a palatable meal for your family and friends this November, check out these eight turkey tips to cook the best bird on Thanksgiving, and we guarantee you'll please the pickiest of eaters.

1. Decide what the right size turkey is for your party. 

If you're hosting a large gathering, you'll probably need a 20-pound bird to satisfy their Thanksgiving appetites. A good way to estimate the size of the turkey you'll need is to assume every person at your party will eat about 1 1/2 pounds of turkey, including the bones and giblets.

2. Properly defrost your turkey. 

It's recommended you thaw your turkey in the refrigerator to stifle the growth of harmful bacteria. Place the turkey breast-side-up onto a rimmed baking sheet and place it in your fridge. Allow a full day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey.

3. Properly clean your turkey.

Remove the giblets and save them for gravy stock. Rinse the turkey under cool running water and dry it, inside and out, with paper towels. Make sure your turkey is completely dry.

4. Cook your turkey in a stainless steel roasting pan. 

Stainless steel roasting pans distribute heat more evenly, and they last a lifetime. It's best to use a rectangular roasting pan with medium height sides and strong handles to contain the size and weight of your turkey.

5. Don't stuff your turkey.  

When you stuff a moist turkey, you run the risk of harmful bacteria growing on your food if your turkey or stuff is undercooked. Instead, consider breaking tradition and cooking your stuffing in a separate dish.

6. If you do stuff your turkey, do it like this.

Make sure to stuff your turkey right before it goes in the oven as opposed to stuff it ahead of time. Stuffing expands as it cooks, so fill the turkey's cavity loosely. A 12–15-pound turkey takes about 10 cups of stuffing, while a 15–20-pound turkey can hold up to 12 cups.

7. Don't overcook or undercook your turkey. 

To avoid overcooking or undercooking your turkey, set it on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. After the first hour, regularly baste the turkey with pan drippings so that the meat stays moist and browns evenly. Roast your turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

8. Let your turkey rest after it cooks.

When your turkey is done, gently tent your turkey with aluminum foil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the pan juices and what you basted it in.

Hopefully these eight turkey tips to cook the best bird on Thanksgiving get you through the holiday stress-free. If you have any further questions about cooking a turkey or fending off grumpy relatives who have special bird preferences, we're sad to admit we may not be the best resource. However, we can offer you a few tasty appetizer recipes that may put them at ease here. 

Additionally, if you have any questions about oil changes, auto service, or car repair for the fall and winter seasons, we'd be happy to assist you. 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 knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com
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Summer Driving Safety Tips

WESTLAND, Mich. - Each time summer rolls around, many can't wait to experience driving with the windows down and the wind in your hair. As summer is usually associated with nice weather, nobody tends to think about the dangers of driving during these warm months. In fact, according to Ford Motor Company, a new survey showed that many parents and teens believe the winter months to be the season with the most accidents - especially for teen drivers. This is, in fact, not true, as summer has revealed to have the highest number of teen driver fatalities.

While it is a combination of multiple factors, the survey seemed to suggest that this is because many drivers speed because of nice driving conditions; there are more distractions such as loud music and friends; and safe driving habits are not enforced. Knowing that it is important to be safe, no matter the season, we have a few summer driving safety tips:

Be Aware of Holidays
Did you know that July 4th is the deadliest day of the year to drive? With so many people traveling to be with friends and family, be aware that there will be a large amount of people on a small stretch of highway. If you can't avoid the highway, be vigilant and aware of those around you. By practicing safe driving habits, the holiday can be a safe and happy one for all.

Prep Your Car
The summer heat takes a toll on all vehicles, so make sure to check your fluids and listen for any abnormal sounds.  If you have any questions or concerns, or simply need help maintaining your car, we can assist you at North Brothers Ford.

Limit Your Distractions
It's easy to be distracted during the summer since it's so tempting to roll the windows down, blare the music and have fun with your passengers. It's okay to have fun, but limit your distractions by having a passenger adjust the radio, navigate GPS, make phone calls, text, etc. Let your passengers assist you with the distractions, while you focus on getting to your destination safely.

Don't Speed
Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so you aren't tempted to speed. During the winter, we're used to accounting for weather conditions to make sure we arrive safely and on time. But give yourself time during the summer too, and make sure that you're obeying all traffic laws too.

Buckle Up
This is possibly one of the most important safety tips we could give you, as buckling up is so important - and against the law if you don't! Statistics show that seat belt usage is lowest among teenagers, even though seat belts are the number 1 life-saving device in accidents.

Summer is a great time of year, especially after spending anywhere from 5-8 months in dreaded Michigan winter. By following these summer driving safety tips, you can ensure the safety of you, your passengers and your fellow drivers. Summer is about having fun in the sunshine, so enjoy the warm months and be safe!

Want to get your vehicle looked over before the heat sets in? Bring it in to our Plymouth Area Ford Dealership location and our specialists can answer any questions that you may have! We can also help you get into a new vehicle if you're looking for a new ride this summer. With a huge selection of Low Mileage Pre-Owned Cars and Certified Pre-Owned Cars For Sale, we can help you find a car you will love.

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 knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

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