North Brothers Chronicle: road trip

Showing posts with label road trip. Show all posts

Thursday, June 7, 2018

What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down on a Road Trip

WESTLAND, Mich.–– Road trips can be very fun and exciting adventures, but it's always good to remain prepared in case of an emergency. Making sure you know what to do if your car breaks down on a road trip will pay off if anything does happen to your vehicle. Vehicle breakdowns are stressful and time-consuming, but simple preparation for these types of situations will make the process just a bump in the road on your vacation! So be prepared before, during, and after a breakdown with these helpful tips!

Before: Get Your Vehicle Inspected

The best way to prevent or reduce your chances of a breakdown is to get your vehicle inspected. Schedule an appointment with us at North Brothers Ford and we'll do a full inspection to make sure your vehicle is in proper working condition before hitting the road this summer. We'll be happy to give you an estimate on any maintenance costs, as well. If you're looking to make the most of your money, consider utilizing some of our coupons to save some extra road trip cash that could come in handy later!

Before: Prepare a Roadside Emergency Kit

Keeping a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle will prove extremely useful in the event that it breaks down. Having the tools you need to get yourself back on the road, will help eliminate the need for a tow truck and costly repairs from an unfamiliar auto shop. While a roadside emergency kit can contain many items, we've outlined a few extremely important tools and objects to keep on hand, including:

A spare tire, jack, and tire iron
Jumper cables
Engine coolant
Water, snacks, and a first-aid kit
Basic tools (screwdriver, wrench, pliers, etc.)

During: Remain Safe and Calm

In the event that you run into vehicle problems on the road, such as your engine overheating or a flat tire, make sure you're cautious and don't ignore the issue. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay and that you're able to safely pull over on the shoulder or side of the road. If your vehicle does run into trouble, follow this 5-step plan to safely handle a breakdown:

Turn on your hazard lights and pull over at a safe distance from traffic. This will give you room to assess any damage done to your vehicle and you can pop your hood if you need it.
Keep an eye on your surroundings: Are you on the backroads or a highway? Are you able to contact help using your phone? How close are you to the nearest gas station? How well-lit is the area you pulled over at? This information can help you remain safe and secure in the event of a breakdown and can help you alleviate any stress you may have during the process.
Take a look at the damage to your vehicle. Is your tire flat? Is your engine smoking? Take note of anything you notice and write it down if you can.
If possible, try to perform the repairs on your own. If you have a flat tire, switch it out for a spare, but if you aren't sure what to do, don't be afraid to ask for help. Call the police or a towing company and explain the situation. They'll be able to help you in no time!
If you were able to successfully replace your vehicle's tire or perform maintenance or get a tow truck, make sure to take your vehicle to the nearest dealership or auto shop right away for professional assistance to make sure your vehicle is alright. If you're still in the Detroit area, North Brothers Ford will help tow your vehicle and get everything taken care of as fast as possible. Contact us in the event of an emergency!

After: Keep a Record of the Event

After you get your vehicle looked at and take it in to the nearest dealership or auto shop, make sure you let the mechanic know exactly what happened from start to finish. If you are able to give the mechanic a detailed description of what happened, it will help them work on your repairs at a much quicker rate, and it may get you back on the road quickly. Don't forget to keep a record of your repairs if the problem persists to prevent any additional costs. If your vehicle's repair will take longer than expected, make sure you ask if they offer rental vehicles. Making sure you're back on the road and enjoying your vacation is important, especially after a stressful vehicle breakdown.

Road trips, while very enjoyable, can also be extremely unpredictable. Preparing yourself for any situation big or small is necessary if you want to maximize your fun on your vacation. Knowing what to do if your car breaks down on a road trip will help you save time and money this summer out on the road. Don't forget to schedule an appointment with us before you leave for your vacation so we can make sure your vehicle is up to speed!

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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Friday, May 18, 2018

5 Road Trip Tips For Your Excellent Adventure

WESTLAND, Mich. -- Summer is finally here in the Mitten State, and that means it's time to plan a road trip! There are plenty of adventures to be had on a road trip through Michigan, but there are a couple things you should know in order to ensure your travels are enjoyable as well as safe. North Brothers Ford is here with 5 helpful road trip tips to make it the best it can be!

5 Road Trip Tips For Your Summer Adventures

1. GET SLEEP

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about 100,000 vehicular accidents are caused by driver fatigue each year, resulting in about 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and a whopping $12.5 billion in collision repairs.

Before heading out on a long drive, it is essential that you get enough sleep the night before, at least 8 hours according to the National Sleep Foundation. If you're traveling with other people of driving age who have their license, plan to switch out driving duties. If you're going it alone, work a hotel stop into your itinerary.

2. INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE

Before you head out on your road trip, make sure your car is running at its best. This not only saves you money on the costly repairs that can result but is also essential to your safety. Here's a checklist of things to inspect before a long drive. If you're uncomfortable performing the check yourself, feel free to schedule a service appointment with Graff Mt. Pleasant! Our friendly and knowledgeable service technicians will be happy to answer any questions and make sure your car can handle the trip!

3. FUEL UP

It might seem like a no-brainer, but about 800,000 drivers run out of gas each year on the road due to overestimating how much fuel they have left in their tank. The good thing about road trips is you'll mostly be cruising highways, which eats up less gas. However, Graff Mt. Pleasant recommends you do some preliminary research such as:

How many miles will you be traveling? Most GPS services will tell you when you're planning your route. You should also look into how many gas stations are on the way, the more the better.

How's your vehicle's gas mileage? Gas mileage tells you how many miles you can travel before your car uses a gallon of gas, and you can easily look this up online or in your owner's manual. Additionally, it's good to know how many gallons your gas tank can hold, which can also be found using the aforementioned sources.

Most importantly, if your fuel light comes on, DO NOT be a hero. Otherwise, make sure you have either roadside assistance or a no-spill gas can on board so you can hoof it to the nearest gas station.

4. HAVE SOME SOUND

A killer playlist is not only an essential part of the road trip experience, but it's also a good way to keep you alert while driving. Music helps to stimulate the brain and break up the monotony of driving, which in turns cuts down on fatigue and boredom. Audiobooks work too!

5. CHEW GUM

During a long drive, chewing gum has actually been proven to increase circulation and improve alertness, which are both important things to have since you'll be sitting for long periods of time while piloting two tons of motorized metal.

Summer is road trip season in Michigan, and we hope you've found these 5 tips helpful! From all of us at North Brothers Ford, we wish you safe and happy adventures! Need a new ride before you head out? Check out our inventory of Ford vehicles and schedule a test drive!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Tips for Traveling Up North

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Heading on vacation soon? Visiting the beautiful northern part of Michigan? Depending on where you live, your drive may either take you a short time or several hours. No matter how long it may be, you'll want to make sure you pack everything beforehand to prepare for your vacation! Use these tips for traveling up north to enjoy your getaway to Michigan's hidden gems. You'll learn the benefits of packing for unpredictable weather, finding fun in the area, and prior planning.

Make Sure You Pack Everything You Need

This may seem pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many things people forget on vacations! Write out a list of everything you need and check it off as you go along so you won't have to turn back to get anything you forgot. A lot of stores up north will overcharge for commodities like sunscreen, so it's best to make sure you have all the necessities before you head out. The more you forget, the more you'll have to spend at a convenience store!

Bring Cash

With this in mind, make sure you have cash on hand, should you forget anything or need gas up north. A lot of stores are still cash-only, and while they may have ATMs nearby, these ATMs will probably have additional fees that will be charged to your bank account. Avoid additional fees and inconveniences by stopping by your bank and withdrawing some extra cash! Keeping cash on hand is psychologically proven to help you save money, too, so use this to your advantage if you're looking to limit your spending this vacation season!

Plan Your Departure Times

Beat rush hour when you leave and return home by leaving before the traffic starts to avoid any unnecessary wait times during the long drive. If you're taking I-75 up north, use the I-75 traffic camera to see a live feed of the freeway through security cameras to plan for any potential traffic buildup. The Michigan Department of Transportation also releases live updates of road situations so you can prepare accordingly for any delays and plan alternate routes. Using these helpful resources can save you the stress of waiting in traffic!

Visit Scenic Routes

While it may seem like going from A to B is the easiest and most time-efficient solution, many vacationers in northern Michigan miss out on plenty of the Mitten's hidden gems! Many of these Michigan scenic routes are just slightly off the beaten path for up north destinations and can be easily accessed at any time. Not only will you experience an unforgettable view, but you may also stumble across viewpoints, beaches, landmarks, and more as you drive along these routes!

Try Something New

Northern Michigan has plenty of fun activities for everyone, but while you're out and about exploring this beautiful destination, why not try something new? Kayak, canoe, ski, hike, camp, or more! Check out the Northern Michigan Events Calendar for updates on cool and fun events, activities and excursions the whole family will enjoy. Depending on where you visit, you can also use Eventful to find events in your area! Enter the dates of a town you're visiting and you'll be able to find what's going on at that particular time.

Whether you're heading up north for a short weekend or simply on an end-of-the-summer vacation, these tips for traveling up north can make all the difference in the world when you're out and about in northern Michigan. We at North Brothers Ford want to ensure your absolute safety while you're driving, whether it's on a vacation or a commute to work. Know what to do if your car breaks down and what to do in the event of an accident so you're prepared for anything. Before you leave, schedule an inspection with us to make sure your vehicle is able to handle the road ahead!

Monday, August 14, 2017

Check Your Vehicle Before Your Next Vacation

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– Vacations are full of fun and excitement, whether you're traveling across the Mitten or checking out a new state. However, one of the most important steps you can take before you embark on your journey is making sure your vehicle is able to handle the drive. While you may be worrying about packing, you may forget about how big of a difference a properly maintained vehicle makes. Make sure you know how to check on your vehicle before your next vacation to avoid costly repairs or maintenance!

Brakes

Check Your Vehicle Before Your Next Vacation

Your brakes are the number one line of defense between you and the vehicle in front of you. They are the most important safety component in your vehicle and should be treated as such! If your brakes take longer to slow down your vehicle than they used to, pull your vehicle to the left or right when you brake, or emit a screeching or grinding noise when you slow down, you may need to have them looked at. Knowing how to spot the signs of brake wear will help extend the life of your brakes and keep you ahead of the curve with maintenance. Repaired or replaced brakes can make all the difference in the world when you're on the road!

Tires

Make sure your tires are able to handle the road by giving them a quick inspection! Check the tread on your tires to make sure they're able to take on the road for a long period of time. The tread, or grooves on your tires, help your vehicle to grip the road. Whether you're on concrete or dirt, they keep your vehicle stable. To check the tread level, place a penny in between the main groove of your tire with Abraham Lincoln's head facing down. If you can still see Lincoln's head when you put it between the groove, this means your tread is worn and you need new tires. If not, you've got enough tread to grip the road and you're ready for a road trip!

Headlights

Driving with clear, strong headlights can make all the difference in the world when the sun goes down! With foggy and dim headlights, your visibility is reduced and it'll expose you and your passengers to a variety of hazards. Test your headlights a few nights before your road trip, making sure that both your regular and "bright" lights provide you with enough visibility. If you're having trouble seeing while on the road, schedule an appointment with us and we'll equip your vehicle with a fresh new pair of headlights in no time!

Engine Fluids

Your engine requires a lot of components to ensure you're able to drive safely and efficiently on the road. Several fluids help to regulate the temperature of your engine, improve visibility on the road, and lubricate your engine's components. Thankfully, they're all very easy to check and replace!

Oil: Lubricating your engine's components, your oil plays an extremely important role in ensuring your engine runs smoothly. To check your oil level, first locate the dipstick (the plastic ring sticking out of your engine) and remove it from your engine. Next, clean it off and reinsert the dipstick into the engine, removing it again. Your dipstick will have full and empty labels on it, indicating whether or not your oil needs to be replaced.
Coolant: Your engine's coolant, or antifreeze, regulates the temperature of your engine, preventing it from overheating and causing permanent damage to its components. To check your engine coolant, look for the large, translucent plastic container of colored liquid. The side of the container, similar to the dipstick, has full and empty labels on it to indicate whether or not your coolant will need replacing.
Wiper Fluid: Under the hood, you can also find and replace your wiper fluid with ease! A full container of wiper fluid will make a big difference when you need to clean any dirt or grime off your windshield, increasing visibility. Find the cylindrical container of blue liquid and look for its labels to find out whether or not you need more fluid.

Making sure that each and every one of these components is up to speed before you embark on your journey will make a huge difference when you're on the road. Make sure to check your vehicle before your next vacation so you don't end up sidelined on the freeway. If, however, you end up on the side of the road, make sure you know what to do if your vehicle breaks down to remain prepared for any situation. Before you leave, get your vehicle inspected by our Service Staff if you aren't sure whether or not you're good to go for your trip. Your vehicle will be ready to hit the road with a little routine maintenance!