Winter Car Care Tips & Vehicle Maintenance at North Brothers Ford

WESTLAND, Mich., –– Winter can be the hardest season on your vehicle. Low temperatures, snow, ice, and road issues are some of the roughest obstacles you'll have to face this time of year. These factors can all take a serious toll on your vehicle in terms of safety and performance. You, and the team at North Bros, can take the necessary steps to making sure your car is good to go for the rest of the season! 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, replacing, and maintaining the components below, you can keep your vehicle in great shape through the winter season and beyond.

Click the links below for Our Winter Car Care Tips on: 

• Tires: When the roads get slick don’t risk the danger of winter weather by keeping your all-season tires on. Did you know that installing winter tires can help you stay safe in more than just snow and ice? You should also check your tires' inflation level, tread wear, and tread depth to make sure they can get you through the season with enough grip for the cold roads! Learn more about the importance of these tasks by clicking the link. 
• Batteries: The last thing you want to worry about this winter is a vehicle that won’t start. Check out our winter battery care page to read more about how to cold weather affects your car's battery, see signs your battery might be having issues, and learn why you should have it professionally inspected this season at North Brothers Ford! 
• Brakes: Your brakes are one of the most important vehicle components when it comes to winter vehicle maintenance. From brake inspections, repairs, and replacements, click to learn more about how you can make sure your brakes are prepared for winter weather. Plus, see signs that your brakes aren't up to par for this winter season. 
• Oil Change: Oil Changes are one of the simplest and most important routine services you can do for your vehicle, but unfortunately they are often skipped. Worn oil won't be able to provide the proper protection for your engine and will have a hard time moving through your engine in the cold weather. Regular oil changes will help extended the life of your vehicle and can help you avoid costly repairs. Learn more by clicking the link to see our page. 
• Wiper Blades: Snow, sleet, and leftover ice often cause vision problems when you hit the road in the winter. If you're having problems clearing your view, or if your wiper blades are leaving streaks that make it hard to see, it might be time for a new pair. These parts should be replaced about every 6 months, but the weather can take a toll on them, so pay attention and learn more about the signs you need to replace them by clicking the link above. 

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 coldest Michigan months without the worry of whether your vehicle is prepared to handle the harsh weather. Our Certified Service Department 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 keep your car running with our winter car care tips and vehicle maintenance.

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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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+

How to Have a Detroit Valentine's Day

WESTLAND, Mich.––Valentine's Day is this weekend, are you ready? There are plenty of events, dinner specials, and special places to go in the Detroit area to celebrate this holiday of love. Plus all the Detroit based gifts you could treat your loved one to. Not sure where to start? We've come up with ideas on how to have a Detroit Valentine's Day to help you have a Michigan filled, memorable holiday with your Valentine.

Places to Go

1. Andiamo's Detroit Riverfront

Home-style Italian and contemporary American cuisine all with a beautiful view of the river. The restaurant is sophisticated and feels world-class. There are other Andiamos to experience in the metro area, but this one has a really romantic feel because it's on the riverfront. You can book a table online here. Your Detroit experience doesn't have to end at dinner. While you're there you can easily get to the MGM Grand Casino, a concert, or other fun places like Greek Town to enjoy a night out!

2. Royal Park Hotel

This hotel in Rochester, MI feels cozy despite the large size. High windows and wood tones will make you feel elegant and special. The food at Park 600 bar in the hotel is classic European and American with local sourced ingredients. Feeling royal doesn't have to stop at dinner, it's a hotel too so you can stay the night in luxury. Not to mention, the hotel is in Downtown Rochester which hosts great shopping, other wonderful restaurants, and nightlife.

3. Shiro Restaurant 

This restaurant is housed in a white antebellum 1929 mansion in Novi, MI.  Five-star dining and early twentieth century decor is what you'll find. Serving seafood, steak, and Japanese fair including an extensive sushi menu you'll have plenty to choose from. You can stay in Novi for the night and enjoy places like Fountain walk for some shopping and bowling!

Things to Do

1. Royal Oak Farmers Market

Located on Williams st in Royal Oak, the market is a bustling place to find unique gifts, fresh locally grown produce, and delicious food. You and your valentine can pick up ingredients to make a special Valentine's Day dinner together, or go to just explore what the market has to offer. This Saturday, Feb. 13 the market will be having a Hearts & Flowers Craft show from 7:00am-1:00pm and the MI Love Food Truck Rally from 6:00pm-11:00pm.

2. Detroit Institute of Arts

The DIA is an iconic spot to get your culture fix in and have fun exploring the plethora of art and styles. If you haven't been in a while, there's always something new to explore. Go with your valentine this weekend and enjoy the 2015 Academy Award Nominated Short Films show and "The Big Picture" guided tour which takes place Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm & 3:00pm. While you're downtown you can hit up a restaurant you've been wanting to try for lunch or dinner!

3. Campus Martius 

Located in Downtown, Campus Martius Park has an awesome skating rink to satisfy your need to do a winter activity. The rink will be open, but the Meridian Winter Blast will also be happening this weekend, Feb 12-14 11:00am-11:00pm. This event will feature ice skating on the rink, snowshoeing, a zip line, an ice and snow slide, and marshmallow roasting. It's also a great event to take your kids to for a fun Valentine's day together, because it's all family friendly with freebies for the kids. Most activities are free, but some will have fees where donations will count for admission. Check out the details here.

Gifts to Give

1. The Detroit Mercantile Co.

Located just around the corner from the Eastern Market, the Mercantile has tons of unique gifts to suite everyones taste. All items sold are strictly made in the USA and Detroit. Unique antiques, artist made decor, and Detroit & Michigan themed gear is what you'll find here. 

2. Sport Event or Concert Tickets

There are plenty of events to suite you and your valentine's taste! Sporting events like the Red Wings, and soon the Tigers in Detroit and the Pistons in Auburn Hills are great ideas for a fun future date night. If sports aren't your or your valentine's interest, find and buy tickets to a concert at venues in Detroit and in the metro area they would love to see for a personalized gift. 

3. Local Goodies

Food and drink are perfect for someone that's hard to buy for. Knowing your valentine's food preferences will help here! There are plenty Michigan and Detroit based goodies you can pick up around the Detroit area like Faygo, Germack Nuts, Morley and Sanders Candy, Detroit brewery gifts, etc. A gift card to their favorite Detroit restaurant is simple but special gift that shows you really know them. 

No matter what you do, where you go, or what gifts you give, it's easy to have a Detroit Valentine's Day! Spending quality time with your loved ones is what the holiday is about. Even if you do have to spend a little time in the car to get where you're going to celebrate, enjoy the time together. It's also the season of loving your car with winter maintenance. The weather can be rough on your car, especially your tires, wiper blades, and batteries, so make sure it's getting the care it needs for an extended vehicle life. 

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+