Service Tips and Tricks

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Owning a vehicle can either be an enjoyable experience or a costly endeavor, depending on how much care and effort you put in. Keeping up on routine maintenance is the most effective way to extend the life of your vehicle and keep it running for years to come. Use these service tips and tricks to save yourself money and time. As much as we'd love to see you, we know that spending too much time getting your car repaired can get exhausting. We created this list to reduce your stress and help you stay on the road for as long as possible!

1. Keep a Consistent Maintenance Schedule

Keep a record of any routine maintenance performed on your vehicle to ensure that your vehicle obtains any necessary repairs or replacements on parts that it may need in a timely manner. Whether you're getting an oil change, tire rotation, or fluid replacement, keeping a maintenance schedule will give you time to schedule appointments based around your schedule and make it easy to get your car in when it needs it most.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

At least once a week, you should check your tire pressure. You'll be able to tell if any of your tires are low enough in pressure by simply looking at your vehicle from the outside. If you can see one side riding lower than the others, it may be time to have your tire refilled or looked at. Once every two weeks or so, however, you should utilize a pressure gauge to check your tires' PSI. Check your vehicle owner's manual to determine how much PSI your tires require based on your vehicle's size. Don't hesitate to call us if any tire issues persist.

3. Check Your Tire Tread Frequently

While checking your tire pressure can take just a few seconds, checking tread requires a bit of additional work. Use the "penny method" to ensure your tires have maintained adequate tread and are able to function on the road. With poor tire tread, your vehicle will be unable to effectively grip the road, making it harder to drive on dirt roads or poor conditions. Place a penny in the groove of your tire, with Lincoln's face going directly into the groove. If you can see his face, your tires' tread is worn and your tires may need replacing. 

4. Keep an Eye on Coolant Levels

Your engine coolant, or antifreeze, serves to prevent your engine from overheating, regulating its temperatures and keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Engine coolant is typically replaced every 30,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you to do so. Checking your coolant level is simple - after turning off your engine and waiting for it to cool down, pop the hood and look for a large semi-transparent bottle mounted to your engine. The coolant reservoir contains exterior labels that will help you determine when you should get your coolant replaced or refilled.

5. Determining Your Fuel Economy

Determining your vehicle's gas mileage uses a little bit of simple math, but your calculator on your phone can help to make it easier! It's a simple 3-step process, and requires almost no effort on your end:

1. The next time your vehicle's tank is empty, fill it up and write down the amount of gallons it takes to fill your tank. While most sedans have a 12-gallon tank, other vehicles, like the Ford Escape, can have up to a 16-gallon tank.
2. Next, reset your "Trip A" indicator. The next time you need to fill your gas tank (making sure you drive until your vehicle is empty again), write down the number of miles you traveled on your "Trip A" indicator. 
3. Finally, divide your "Trip A" miles by the gallon size of your tank. So, if you drove 335 miles on a 12 gallon tank, your gas mileage would be 27.9 mpg (335 ÷ 12 = 27.9)

Find out your gas mileage, extend the life of your vehicle, and more with these service tips and tricks! You'll be able to enjoy a long and productive life with your vehicle with less stress, saving money all the way. If you're looking to spruce up your vehicle in an affordable and timely manner, refer to our affordable car hacks for a great way to upgrade or renovate your vehicle at little to no cost! You can also further save money with our service coupons, vehicle incentives, and more. 

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: http://www.northbrosford.net

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North Brothers Ford is Open on Saturdays

WESTLAND, Mich.– Like most Americans, you probably have a ridiculously busy schedule from week-to-week. We understand that the weekend is probably the only time you have to get things done, and that time can fly. That’s why North Brothers Ford is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you’re looking for a new vehicle or your current vehicle needs service, we’re ready to get the job done on a schedule that works for you.

We strive to be your No. 1 Ford dealer, and that’s why North Brothers Ford is open on Saturdays– to make life easier for you. But service and sales aren’t the only things we offer our customers who visit us on Saturdays. Now, only on Saturdays, customers who come into North Bros also have the chance to register to WIN a 2-year lease on a 2015 Ford Fusion!

Whether you’re looking for a New Ford Vehicle or a Used Ford Vehicle, or simply need your vehicle serviced, our Westland Ford Dealership is open on Saturdays for your convenience! 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

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Vehicle Warning Light Explanations

WESTLAND, Mich.- Since the first time you ever got behind the wheel, you've probably experienced your Vehicle's Warning Lights turning on a time or two. Sometimes the reason why your Vehicle's Warning Light goes off is not so straightforward so were here to help you out with a basic Explanation of Vehicle Warning Lights!

Service Engine Light-
Don't panic, if your Service Engine Light turns on it usually means that you need to maintenance your vehicle soon. So no need to race to your local Auto Service Garage, but be proactive and make a service appointment as soon as you can. The technicians at your service center will reset the Service Engine Light once your vehicle has received maintenance.

Battery Light-
If your Vehicle's Battery Light ever goes off, you should be a little more concerned. If the Battery Light stays on, get your vehicle serviced right away since the light may indicate that your vehicle's electrical system may have malfunctioned. Ignoring your Battery Warning Light could lead to engine failure.

Check Engine Light-
One of the more confusing Vehicle Warning Lights, you Check Engine Warning Light may not have a straightforward answer. The Check Engine Light could be warning you about a variety of issues,  as simple as not tightening your gas cap enough or it could indicate a more serious issue. Address the issue quickly, with an OBD2 diagnostic tool to read the fault code, or visit your local service garage and they can identify the issue for a small fee, or sometimes even for free!

Oil Warning Light-
Don't waste any time when your Oil Warning Light turns on, get your vehicle serviced ASAP! Usually the Oil Warning Light means that your vehicle's oil pressure is low. If you ignore this warning you could cause your engine to malfunction or be completely ruined.

Coolant Warning Light-
If your Coolant Warning Light goes off, pull over immediately. The Coolant Warning Light most likely means that your your coolant is low and the engine's temperature has exceeded the safe maximum. This causes accelerated wear on your vehicle's engine and can completely fry the engine if it is not addressed immediately. However, do not try to open the hood if you notice steam, let the engine cool off first.

Brake Warning Lights-
The Brake Warning Light meaning depends on your specific vehicle, so check your owner's manual for the exact meaning. For ABS-equipped vehicles, the ABS Warning Light indicates that something is wrong with the system so you should have it checked out immediately. If the light is blinking, the situation is more serious and could mean that your brakes are dead or dying.

Your Ford Auto Service Center in Westland wants to keep safe out on the road, so let us help you understand what your Vehicle's Warning Lights mean and what actions you should take. Don't forget that you can save on vehicle maintenance with our Oil Change Coupons and Brake Service Coupons.

Service Savings at North Brothers Ford

WESTLAND, Mich.- It's that time of year when your bank account is running low. But it's also the time of year to make sure your vehicle is serviced and ready to take on the seasonable weather! So your Plymouth Ford Dealership is here to make sure you don't have to pay more for quality service! First, it is especially important to make sure that your brakes are in tip-top working condition for those slick roads. Take advantage of our Brake Service Coupons to save some cash! Plus you can enjoy Service Savings at North Brothers Ford with our always low priced oil change, a staple for this time of year! And, since you're probably busy holiday shopping, stop by our Ford Quicklane and you'll be in and out before you know it!

North Brothers Ford has many other Service Savings for you to enjoy too, just take a look at our Coupons page! We want you to stay safe this holiday season, so don't put off servicing your vehicle. Come on in and we'll take care of you! We're more than happy to help, just give us a call at (888) 806-7163 or visit us at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185.

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