Avoid Sun Damage On Your Car

Posted on June 19, 2014 by admin

With summer here, it’s time to load up the car and enjoy some of the happenings going on around you. While you are out having fun, your car is left in the hot heat of the day, many times without shade or cover. Let us shed some light on how serious sun damage can be for your vehicle. Direct sunlight is your car’s worst enemy. It not only can ruin your car’s paint but it damages its interior as well. Your friends at Johnson Brothers Ford want to share a few tips with you on how to avoid sun damage this summer.

Start by parking in the shade. By doing this simple step, you will help to keep your car’s dash, leather and steering wheel from direct sunlight which causes drying out and cracking. Keep your dashboard clean of dust, dirt and other debris and use a cleaner and/or protectant to help fading and discoloration due to the sun’s UV rays. If you can’t park in shade, purchase a window shade. This will add protection as well as help to keep your car’s temperature cooler.

Similar issues can occur to your car’s upholstery. Leather seats will age quickly when constantly exposed to the sun and high temperatures. The heat will dry out the leather’s natural oils causing it to stiffen, tear or crack. To avoid this, use a leather conditioner often. You might also consider seat covers. They also provide added protection so you won’t burn your skin on extra hot days.

Direct sunlight not only ruins your interior but is just as harmful to your exterior. Let’s look over some ways to help protect your car’s exterior. To avoid your Temple Ford‘s paint from fading, rusting, and corrosion, your car needs to have a bath. Washing your car weekly is a key component. Wash under the shade and not during the hottest part of the day. Once washed, make sure to dry thoroughly. Any left behind water will evaporate and end up leaving behind minerals that will increase oxidation causing your car to rust. Use a microfiber cloth to dry and then protect your car from rusting by waxing. By waxing you will be protecting your car’s paint from pollutants thus preventing damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

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Image by Andrew Russell via Flickr Creative Commons

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Eco-Friendly With Ford

Posted on April 28, 2014 by admin

Everyone is looking for ways to be more green and to be more eco-friendly in their day to day life. If you are ready to make that step to living more eco-friendly, even where your car is concerned, here are some tips from your Temple Ford dealer.

In order to get better mileage for your vehicle and reduce your emissions, remove excess weight. The more stuff you have in your car, it will use up to 2 percent more gas. Take a look in the trunk and unload some of that junk.

Do your part by driving green. This means avoid driving aggressively. It’s one of the main reasons we waste fuel. Speeding and coming to sudden stops along with jerky movements all contribute to bad fuel economy. Also remember to turn off your car and not to idle in traffic. Your vehicle’s engine is actually running less efficiently while sitting stationary. An idling car also puts out toxic emissions that harm the envrionment.

Maintain the correct PSI in your tiresI. This is not only good for the environment, but is also good for your wallet. The proper PSI can be found in the driver’s side door or in your owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires last longer and increase your gas mileage by over 3 percent.

Think green about parking. If you have the chance, park in a shaded area or garage during hot weather. Keeping your car shaded means less fuel evaporates. It also decreases the amount of energy needed to cool your car off when you get in. Speaking of cooling, if it’s a beautiful day and the air feels great, roll down the windows and enjoy. This will cut down on running your AC and save on fuel costs by 13 percent.

Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Make sure to keep up with regular tune-ups. This is important when it comes to keeping your car running efficiently. A properly maintained vehicle will result in fewer emissions and the usage of less gas. It’s important to keep your car clean and free of debris. You can still wash your car and be green while doing so. Pick out eco-friendly soaps such as Simple Green. Wash your car on the lawn so the toxins can be absorbed and neutralized back into the soil instead of flowing into the storm drain.

If you remember these simple tips, we can all do our part to help the environment. Have fun finding even more ways to be eco-friendly from the folks over at Johnson Brothers Ford.

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Getting Your Ford Ready For Spring Break

Posted on February 28, 2014 by admin

good to the last drop

Road trips are fun and exciting and are largely popular during Spring Break. Students, teachers, and other persons who desire a break from the dull ending winter months strive for sunny beaches and warmer climates. Before you head out this year to your favorite vacation hideaway, make sure your Ford is just as ready to go as you are. There are several things to check before you hit the road.

Oil changes are usually pretty cheap and quick at most places. This is wonderful since it is a crucial, key component when readying your pride and joy for a Spring Break road trip. While you are at your Temple Ford dealer getting your oil changed, it’s a great idea to make sure they have checked your fluids and topped off as necessary. This includes the power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. You don’t want to get caught down the road with an overheated engine, so also check your coolant levels.

Tires are designed to wear out, so check to see that you have ample tread on your tires. If you aren’t sure, use the penny trick. Grab a penny and stick it into the grooves of the tread with his head down. If you can see his entire head clearly, it’s time for new tires. Also, be sure to keep an eye on the PSI in your tires. The proper inflation amount should be listed either in your owner’s manual or the inside sticker of the driver’s side door. Proper PSI will also give you better fuel economy on your trip.

Don’t overload your vehicle. Only take with you the things you really need. Take out those school books, gym bags, or other unneeded objects before you pack for your adventure. The lighter your car or truck, the better mileage you ultimately receive. Keep your speed in check, too. We all get excited to get to our destination, but easy does it. Remember that every 10 miles per hour you go over the limit is going to decrease your fuel efficiency.

Keep this simple checklist in mind before you head out for Spring Break. If you need assistance with any of these items, stop by Johnson Brothers Ford. Our friendly service department staff is more than willing to assist you.

Photo by Robert S. Donovan (Flickr Creative Commons)

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February Events Near Temple

Posted on February 6, 2014 by admin

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Photo by thebittenword.com (Flickr Creative Commons)

February is a wonderful month full of fabulous events and activities that the entire family can enjoy. This month holds a lot of important holidays and events including Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras and is also known for Black History Month. Load up the car and take your friends and family to some of these great events near your Temple Ford dealer.

If you don’t have a Super Bowl party to go to, join the community in the ballroom of the Hilton Garden Inn in Temple from 4:30 until 10:30pm. There will be an all you can eat buffet with chips, salsa, hot wings, queso, hot dogs and chili with all the fixings. Admission is just $10 per person for a night of fun and friendship while watching the big game.

The Night in Tuscany ball will be held on Saturday, February 8 from 6pm until midnight. This commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the Caring Ball which benefits the Temple Community Clinic. It will be held at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center. There will be an optional special wine tasting event from 6pm until 7pm with dinner beginning at 8pm. During the dinner and until 10pm there will be a silent auction with fabulous items. Tickets begin at $125 per person.

Spend Valentine’s with your special someone with a Valentine’s Evening Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn. They will be having a wonderfully elegant menu with a range of options to choose from. The price of admission, which is just $90 for a couple, includes an appetizer to split, entrees for both and a dessert to share. There will also be live entertainment including blues and folk artists. For just a little more, you can indulge in a gorgeous hotel room for the night with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne and a cooked-to-order breakfast in the morning. This spectacular package is just $195 per couple.

Want some laughs on Valentine’s Day? Join the crowd at the Temple Cultural Activities Center on February 14 for the Valentine’s Day Red Carpet Comedy event. Doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The show will be headlined by Micheal Prince, Terry Grossmann and “Blame” The Comedian.

Have a safe and happy February from your friends at Johnson Brothers Ford.

(Photo Source)

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Decorating Your Ford

Posted on December 16, 2013 by admin

Ford drivers spend a lot of time in their vehicles. It’s only natural for Christmas decorations to be at the top of the list of must-do’s for the season. Here are some great ways to decorate your Johnson Brothers Ford car or truck for this festive time of year.

The most important part of decorating is the lights. You have a range of options from LED light strings to neon installations. Both trucks and cars will be sporting some form of Christmas cheer with lights. You can arrange a small string of lights across the top of the back window to an entire rope of lights lining the bed of your truck. Make sure to know what is safe and what’s legal. Check with your city and state before lighting up your truck or car this Christmas.

Decals make for a temporary and easy way to add some Christmas spirit to your vehicle. They are easy to apply and simply peel off when the season is over. Many retailers sell different shapes and sizes. You can find everything from candy canes to assorted Christmas figures. Apply these to your hood, doors, and windows.

Many Christmas spirited motorists go that extra mile by decorating their dashboards. You can place stuffed animals on your dashboard with some fake cotton snow. Just make sure to be safe and that all the decorations do not interfere with your visibility while driving.

You might also consider placing some holly and ivy in or on your car. These can be easily added to the interior without interfering with your visibility. Or place a holiday wreath on the front grill. Just make sure it’s secure, you don’t want it to come loose while driving.

A lot of people enjoy the idea of placing car antlers in the windows and a big red nose on the front. Turning your vehicle into Rudolph is simple and fun to do. Again, just make sure everything is properly secure.

Don’t forget to make your favorite holiday music play list to help get in the spirit. Adding a pine scented air freshener will also help with the overall holiday ambiance this season.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these helpful decorating ideas from your Johnson Brothers Ford dealership. Have a fun and safe holiday season.

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Your Black Friday Survival Guide

Posted on November 25, 2013 by admin

Black Friday is an anticipated post-holiday event for some, and for others, it’s a dreadful day unwillingly spent fighting for parking spaces in strip malls. If you’re like the others, you won’t want to plunge head first into the Black Friday madness without viewing Mike Rowe’s Black Friday Survival Guide on YouTube.

Although this guide won’t save your feet from aching, and it certainly won’t get you this year’s hottest gifts without a fight, it’ll definitely make you laugh, and may even help ease you through the Black Friday blues.

Black Friday Red Tags at Johnson Brothers Ford

An even better way to get in the Black Friday spirit is to come to the Black Friday Sales Event at your Temple Ford dealer – Johnson Brothers Ford. Come browse our lot, and you’ll see every Ford marked with a red tag for the Black Friday Survival Sale.

What does the red tag mean for you? It means you can save thousands of dollars on over 300 different Ford vehicles in our lot. This is one Black Friday sale that’s perfect for everyone.

Black Friday Prepaid Mastercard at Johnson Brothers Ford

Our Black Friday Sales Event doesn’t end with the red tags. For a limited time, you can also get a $1,000 prepaid Mastercard with the purchase of a brand new Ford. Apply the $1,000 toward your new vehicle, use it to finish your Black Friday shopping or just save it for the gas tank. We don’t care what you do with it; we just want you to have it.

Wherever your Black Friday list takes you, don’t forget to cruise by Johnson Brothers Ford in Temple, Texas. Our goal is to help you pull out of our lot in a brand new Ford for our rock-bottom price. These Black Friday deals are only available for a limited time, so come visit us in Temple today.

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Holiday Preparation

Posted on November 18, 2013 by admin

Many people often have concerns about taking long trips with their cars. Don’t be intimidated by long trips, they are actually easier on your car than your typical day to day driving. But breakdowns still do happen. Here are a few fast checks to look for when preparing your Ford vehicle for holiday travels.

Check all of your tires, making sure they are inflated to their proper PSI. Low tire pressures can cause added heat buildup that could lead to a major blowout on the highway. Check your tires tread every day for wear and tear. By using a penny, place Lincoln’s head pointing down into the grooves. If you see the space above Lincolns head your tires are due to be changed.

Make sure to have that spare on hand. Check the spare and make sure its fully inflated, has proper tread and that you have a wrench, jack and other tire changing tools in your trunk.

Make sure your owner’s manual and registrations are in your glove box before leaving on your holiday journey. If it’s missing, get a replace before you go.

If your car is due for an oil change, get it before you leave town. Also, clean your car out. The more belongings you’re hauling with you the more fuel you are ultimately burning.

Pack that emergency car kit. It should contain road flares, jumper cables, a first aid kit, flashlights and an emergency blanket. Spare water is also good to have on hand.

On the day of travel, make sure to load your vehicle carefully and evenly. If you have a lot of heavy objects, load those forward into the trunk while distributing the weight evenly on each side. Cars do have limited carrying capacity so it’s especially important never to overload. By loading properly, you will be preventing uneven wear of your tires. Do a final inspection of your cars lights which include the brake lights, turning signals and head lights.

Now it’s time to relax and enjoy your trip. A lot of things could happen but by following these basic guidelines, you’ll hopefully avoid a lot of potential issues. Have fun and enjoy the holidays. Have safe and happy travels from Johnson Brothers to you.

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Is It Time To Get New Tires?

Posted on October 23, 2013 by admin

Don’t let a flat tire happen to you.

Keeping a good pair of tires on your Ford is the difference between driving safely and possibly experiencing a disastrous accident. Did you know that there are over 400 fatalities yearly that have been credited to tire failure? Just knowing when to change tires is an important part of proper tire maintenance. So, how do you know when it is time?

A simple way is to visually inspect the wear bar that manufacturers place in the middle of tire tread. The bars will run vertical to the tread itself and are hardly visible when your tires are brand new. But when traveled on daily, the wear bars will become more visible. Once you see they are starting to become level with the tread of your tire, they are in need of tire replacement.

Grab a penny and do the penny test. Turn it upside down and stick the president’s head directly into the tire tread to measure its depth. If Abe Lincoln’s head is completely covered by the tread then your tires are just fine. But if Lincoln’s head is visible, your tires are worn and are in need of changing.

Nowadays, tires are designed to go a distance of 50,000 to 60,000 miles. But if the wear bars begin to show, replace your tires. Also, make sure to look for cracking in the sidewall due to the elements. Tires age must faster in hotter climates.

Ageing tires that are exposed to extreme elements are more prone to lose their elasticity which makes cracks appear on the surface. Not all cracking means you need to buy new tires but if there is excessive splintering, take your tires to the shop so a professional can determine the damage and if they need to be replace.

There are many legal requirements in the United States and it is up to you to know what your state says about tires. A lot of tires are considered old when they have reached 1/16 of their depth.

Don’t forget that tires do not wear evenly. It’s important to insert a penny into every groove in the tire. Tires that are inflated too much will wear out faster in the middle instead of the outside of the tire.

If you need your car or truck serviced, stop in at Johnson Brothers Ford.

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Decorating Your Ford This Halloween

Posted on October 16, 2013 by admin

Decorating for Halloween is becoming more elaborate than ever. Now people are looking for new and exciting ways to spread the Halloween spirit. So why not decorate your Ford car or truck? Here are some spooky and festive Halloween decorating ideas to give your vehicle and passengers a real holiday feel.

The Halloween mask display. Fill the ledge of your backseat with stuffed animals that peer out of the back of the window. A lot of people think this is creepy enough. Go one step further and add masks, if you can, from your local costume shop to one, two, or however many you desire of the stuffed animals.

Cover your seats with the traditional Halloween colors of black and orange. This will not only help get your vehicle in the spirit, but will protect your car from spills and stains. This can be exceedingly helpful if you regularly transport a car full of little goblins and ghosts.

Festive car magnets can be found at local shops. Many large car decals might have classic spooky Halloween images and shapes like pumpkins, ghosts or tombstones. This will provide the outer part of your car with great holiday décor.

Fall scented potpourris add a world of imagination to your car. Just a small handful of pumpkin and orange spice scented potpourri in a small cheese cloth. Tie it up with a string and hang it on your mirror. The potpourri will fill your car with the aromas of autumn which greet you warmly every time you enter the car.

You can also buy some fall scented candles such as apple pie, cranberry, and pumpkin spice. Just place the candle in a glass container in your cup holder. The heat of the day will warm the candle and release the scent naturally. You should *never* light this candle inside your vehicle, however.

Halloween pictures. A picture of your friends, family, children, nieces or nephews, dressed up in their Halloween finest from years past, can be placed on the panels or dashboards. This will remind you of all the fun Halloween has in store for you, while creating a enjoyable anticipation for the holiday that many people look forward to all year.

Have a fun and safe holidy from your friends at Johnson Brothers Ford.

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Fuel For Thought

Posted on June 25, 2013 by admin

Miles per gallon, MPG, is important and your Texas Ford dealer has a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your car. Things you wouldn’t necessarily think of such as keeping the road rage to a minimum. Aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration, breaking and speeding are major fuel wasters and will lower your gas by as much as 33%. By taking your time and driving sensibly, you will end up saving more gas and money than you thought possible.

If your vehicle is equipped with cruise control, it’s a great idea to use it particularly when traveling long distances. To save gas, stay at, or even a little under, the speed limit whiling driving at a consistent speed. Using your cruise control at highway speeds gives an average gas economy savings of 7%. By keeping your speed constant, you won’t be pumping extra fuel into your engine. In return, you will be saving gas.

Who knew that by removing excess weight that you could be saving gas. Every item you add decreases your mileage. So keep your vehicle’s trunk empty when possible. Remove any unnecessary items that maybe weighing you down and store them elsewhere. As little as 100 pounds extra in your car will reduce your MPG by 2%. You will be surprised how much it all adds up.

Underinflated wheels will decrease your mileage also. Not to mention they are a safety hazard. You can increase your mileage up to 3.3% by simply keeping your tires to their proper pressure. Remember that overinflated tires aren’t efficient either. Whenever you notice a drop in MPG, check your tires first. Properly inflated tires will help to improve fuel economy.

A vehicle running in poor condition will use more gas than one that’s been kept tuned up. Do this by staying on a maintenance schedule with oil changes, tune-ups, and keeping your filters clean. Using these tips will keep your Ford‘s MPG at optimum.

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