National Car Care Month - Tires

WESTLAND, Mich.–– During National Car Care Month, it's the perfect time to get your tires serviced so that you're ready to hit the road this spring. Tire care is one of the most important parts of owning a vehicle, as tires are the safety buffer between you and the road. It's crucial that your vehicle has adequate tire tread, properly rotated tires, and accurate tire inflation all year round. Ensure that your ride can handle the wet road conditions this season will bring by reading these tips:


1. Tire Rotations
It is recommended that your tires are rotated every 3,000-7,000 miles, or every other oil change. Tires can wear unevenly, which is why it's critical to rotate them every so often to ensure they receive even wear across all four tires.

2. Tire Tread
Your tires' tread is what allows your vehicle to grip the road properly. Low tire tread puts you at risk for hydroplaning when the road is wet or losing traction during other conditions. It can also increase your stopping distance, putting you at larger risk of an accident. Check your tire tread using the penny method or have our team of experts inspect them for you!

3. Tire Pressure
The temp outside can directly effect the air pressure in your tires. By maintaining your car's proper tire pressure, you will experience improved fuel economy, less tire issues, and a much smoother ride. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended PSI to make sure your tires match that amount. If they don't, it's time for them to be filled.

4. New Tires
Did you put on snow tires for the winter season? It's time to take them off! It's best to change back to all-season tires this spring. Winter tires are only built to handle 45 degrees Fahrenheit and under. If your tire tread is worn down, it's time for you to get a new set! We recommend replacing all four tires at the same time. Schedule an appointment with our service team and we'll get your vehicle into a new set of wheels in no time!


Rough winter weather can impact your vehicle's tires tremendously. And spring weather isn't much safer with slippery road conditions. By staying up to date with routine tire maintenance, you can rest assure that your ride will be effective in gripping the road this season. Now's the time to get your car's tires up to speed during National Car Care Month.

Be sure to schedule an appointment online with our service team for any tire rotations, added tire pressure, or even a brand new set of tires. We are here to help you remain safe behind the wheel of a reliable ride this spring! Check out our spring car care page for more tips on tire maintenance as well as alignment care, fluid care, wiper blade care, and spring cleaning.


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+

Top 10 Spring Break Road Trip Tips

WESTLAND, Mich.––There's nothing more special than taking a road trip with friends and family. Although the hours may seem long, it's the special bond and memories made that makes the journey well worth it. Although the good times usually outweigh the bad, it's best to be prepared for the road trip ahead. Now that spring break season has officially arrived, it's time to prepare your passengers and your car for the long trek. Brush up on these top 10 spring break road trip tips to ensure you remain safe and prepared as you travel to your vacation destination:

1. Inspect your tires: Take a walk around your vehicle to ensure all four tires look in tip top shape. Look out for any bulges or tears. Don't forget to check the tire tread, too!

2. Check your car battery: Make sure your battery is running at peak performance. Stop by our service department to get your battery tested to ensure it's in working order.

3. Top off your vehicle's fluids: If you haven't had an oil change in a while, it may be a good idea to do so, especially if you're traveling a long distance. Make sure to fill up your windshield washer solvent and any other necessary fluid you deem necessary.

4. Listen to your brakes: If you notice your brakes vibrating, screeching, grinding, or making a burning smell, it may be time for you to get them replaced. Visit our service center for brake inspections and repairs!

5. Do your research & use a GPS: Travel is much easier when there is a plan in place. Map out your route before you go to avoid wasting time and running into any issues. Using a GPS will ensure you don't get lost and will help you find gas stations and restaurants along the way.

6. Pack a first aid kit: You never know when you might be in need of pain killers, medicine, or even Band-Aids. Get together the essentials so that you don't have to rely on gas stations to be your pharmacy.

7. Take turns driving: If you're traveling with another person who can drive, make sure to take turns behind the wheel! The passenger also serves as a second set of eyes and can give guidance along the way.

8. Get a good night's sleep: It's important to get rest before a long drive in order to protect your safety behind the wheel. You'll want to be able to operate your vehicle without getting tired, especially during long highway driving!

9. Wear your seatbelt & observe speed limits: Although it's the law, it's easy for people to forget to buckle up. Make sure everyone in the car has their seatbelts on to remain safe in case of an accident. Always drive the speed limit, especially in unfamiliar areas! It may be tempting to hurry down to your spring break destination, but your best bet is to follow all laws of the road.

10. Watch your vehicle's weight: In order to maintain proper tire pressure, it's necessary to even out the distribution of weight in your car. Try to pack heavier items toward the middle of the cargo space. This will prevent the brakes and steering from becoming negatively impacted.

Though it may be overwhelming at first, following these top 10 spring break road trip tips will guarantee you have a safe ride to your destination. Road trips can be such an enjoyable experience, so don't forget to have fun and make memories along the way. Before you hit the open road, bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance! It's important to get your vehicle inspected prior to a long trip. To make it easier, you can schedule a service appointment with us online. We're here to provide you with a safe and reliable ride for your long journey. We hope you have a wonderful spring break vacation!

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 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

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+