The 2017 Ford Explorer vs Expedition

Posted on September 22, 2017 by admin

Considering a Ford SUV, but you aren’t sure which to go with? The 2017 Expedition and Explorer are both great buys, but they differ in size and features. Find out how they compare and choose the one that’s perfect for your family.

The 2017 Ford Explorer

The 2017 Ford Explorer features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. Additional features include an electronic transfer case, automatic full-time four-wheel drive and auto-locking hubs.

Safety and security features include hill hold control, hill descent control, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, brake assist, side impact beams, a low tire pressure warning system, the MyKey system, rear child safety locks, roll stability control, electronic stability control, ABS and driveline traction control, a rear camera, front and rear parking sensors, dual stage driver and front passenger seat-mounted airbags, dual stage driver and front passenger airbags and an airbag occupancy sensor.

Exterior features include perimeter/approach lights, a lip spoiler, LED brake lights, front fog lights, power heated door mirrors and integrated turn signal indicators, rear window wiper with heated park and defroster and fully automatic projector beam headlights with delay off.

Interior features include air filtration, a tilt and telescopic steering column, front and rear cup holders, wireless streaming, remote keyless entry, illuminated entry, proximity key for door and push button start, a panic button, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, one-touch up and down for the front windows, systems monitor, perimeter alarm, anti-theft ignition and engine immobilizer, front and rear door bins, full floor console with covered storage, rear HVAC with separate controls and front and rear map lights.

The 2017 Ford Expedition

Safety and security features include ventilated front disc brakes, brake assist, four-wheel ABS brakes, head airbags for all three seating rows, a passenger airbag, side airbag, speed-sensitive volume control, stability control with anti-roll control, ABS and driveline traction control, front fog/driving lights, an anti-theft alarm system, speed-proportional electric power steering and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Convenience features include remote digital keypad power door locks, cruise controls mounted on the steering wheel, power windows, a trailer hitch, rear air conditioning with separate controls, a 60/40 split third row seat, power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, machined aluminum rims, a roof rack, power remote door mirrors, heated door mirrors, an electrochromatic rearview mirror and dual illuminated vanity mirrors.

Additional features include rear heat ducts with separate controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, automatic front air conditioning, a full overhead console with storage, front and rear cup holders and door pockets and a universal remote transmitter.

Entertainment features include Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, CD player, digital audio input, an MP3 player, multi-source rear audio system, radio data system, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel and three 12-volt DC power outlets.

Additional features include remote activated exterior entry lights, auto-off delay headlights, dusk-sensing headlights, variably intermittent wipers, a transmission hill holder, side impact door beams, an engine immobilizer and child safety locks.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Come see us at Johnson Bros. Ford; we’ll help you prepare your vehicle properly for everything that fall throws your way. Need a new vehicle? Shop our inventory today for your perfect car or truck, including the Explorer or Expedition.

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Child Passenger Safety Tips

Posted on September 15, 2017 by admin

When you test drive a vehicle from Johnson Bros. Ford and you have children, be sure the vehicle has child safety built into it, such as rear door child locks and the LATCH system for child seats. These items will make your job of keeping your child safe in the vehicle easier. Because it’s Child Passenger Safety Week next week, we’d like to share some important safety reminders.

Car Seats

You need certain types of car seats for your children based on their ages; and the seats need to be installed properly, whether they are a combination seat that works for newborns through the booster seat stage, a rear-facing seat, a front-facing seat or a booster seat. Since different brands may hook up differently, be sure to read the installation instructions carefully for each seat you use.

When you use the vehicle’s seat belt, it should fit across the child’s shoulder, not his or her neck; and the lap portion of the belt should lie across the child’s thighs.

Remembering Your Child

Though no one thinks they could possibly forget their child in the car, it can happen to anyone. To avoid this, place a reminder in the front with you, such as one of your child’s toys. An even better reminder is to put your purse or any other item that you have to take with you in the back seat so that you have to open the back to get what you need. This way, you will see your child and will be less apt to forget the child in the vehicle.

Door Locks and Window Locks

Just like you have to child proof your house, your vehicle needs to be child proofed. Be sure to lock the child locks on the rear doors. If your vehicle has window locks, use the window locks so that your child can’t roll the window all the way down.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new vehicle and to learn more about that vehicle’s features including child safety features.

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Tips to Maximize Your Trade-In

Posted on September 8, 2017 by admin

When you trade you vehicle in at Johnson Brothers Ford, you’ll want to get the best price you can from it. While resale price plays a big part in what you are offered, you can increase the resale price by ensuring that your vehicle is in great condition. That means inside and outside.

Detailing

Detail the inside and outside of the vehicle. Make sure it’s clean and that there are no stains on the upholstery. Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to clean all of the nooks and crannies, including seat nooks.

Wash and wax the exterior of the vehicle, including the wheels. Use the appropriate chemicals to bring the black out of the bumper if you have black bumpers. Make sure the chrome is clean and shiny.

Body Work

If you have minor body work that needs to be done, see if someone that does paintless repair can get the dents out. Get repair paint from the dealership to cover scratches. If you have major body work, you might price it out to get it repaired, but be careful of the cost. If it’s going to cost more than what you would get for the vehicle, fixing it is not worth it.

Engine and Transmission

Make sure the engine and all of it components are working well. If your check engine light is on, scan the computer to find out what the problem is and repair it. Make sure all fluids are topped off and that there are no leaks. Check the battery to ensure it is charging well. Check belts, hoses, brakes, steering and suspension components. The more you can fix, the more you will get for your vehicle; however, some repairs may not be worth it for what you could get for a vehicle.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

If you are not sure what you should or shouldn’t repair, bring your vehicle into Johnson Brothers Ford for an approximate value. This will help you determine what you should repair to help increase the value of your vehicle as it is related to a trade for a new vehicle in our showroom.

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Car Brakes: The Things You Should Know

Posted on August 25, 2017 by admin

At Johnson Bros. Ford, we want you and your family to stay safe. That’s why we’re glad to bring you this information about brakes.

Keeping your brakes in check will help make sure you don’t have any accidents due to faulty brake systems, which can not only prevent injury and expensive repairs, but it could save lives. Brakes are set up to slow your car and to stop it, and things like the weather or wear and tear can make them less effective. You should have them checked at least twice a year to be safe, and replace them as needed to be sure you will be able to stop effectively.

Car brakes are used to stop your car or truck, and they can slow it rapidly. They work by bringing a moving surface in contact with a stationary surface, which causes friction that will bring your vehicle to a stop. There are different types of brakes, including disc and drum brakes. Drum brakes tend to have trouble stopping heavy vehicles because of the weight involved, so disc brakes are more often used in the front of vehicles to help slow the car.

Antilock braking wasn’t commonplace until the 21st century. Now that it is, what you need to know is that it is an advanced system that reduces the chance of the brakes locking your wheels in place. This means that you’ll be more likely to be able to steer yourself out of trouble instead of being forced to continue in the same direction. Before you had antilock braking available, you would have had to pump your brakes to prevent skidding and the locking of your wheels. Nowadays, you don’t need to brake by pumping. Many people still make this mistake. You can simply push down and hold the brake while you steer out of the way now, which makes it a lot easier to control your vehicle.

Get Your Brakes Checked at Johnson Bros. Ford

While it helps to understand how your brakes work, the best, most proactive thing to do with this information is to ensure that yours are fully functional. Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford today and schedule a brake service check to determine if your brakes are in good working order.

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How to Make the First Day of School Less Stressful

Posted on August 18, 2017 by admin

Preparing to go back to school can be stressful. Make that first day of school as stress-free as possible by following these simple preparation tips.

When it’s time to go back to school, you’ll have a lot of shopping to do. The kids need school clothes, books, notebooks, pencils, pens, new crayons, a computer or tablet depending on age and backpacks and lunch boxes. And, you may need a new car, especially if the kids have outgrown your old sedan. Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a larger sedan or SUV so you have more room for bigger kids.

It’s easy to forget something during school shopping, especially if you have two or more kids. Some schools require some type of uniform, whether it’s an actual uniform or a requirement that students wear a certain color or type of pants and shirt. Creating a list with the help of your children, especially if they are older, will make your shopping experience less stressful.

For clothing and shoes, make a list for each child. Don’t forget the school’s requirements for color and style, gym clothes, a bathing suit if the school has a pool and any special clothing for extra curricular activities.

While some schools provide paper, writing utensils and other items needed, many schools now require that students provide their own, even at elementary level. If you do have to buy these things for grade school students, be sure to have notebooks, plain paper, writing paper with larger lines for the early grades, crayons, pens, pencils, a stapler, glue, a pencil bag, lunchbox and book bag for your grade school student.

Older children will need notebooks, pens, pencils, a book bag, a small lunch cooler and possibly a computer or tablet. Older children may need a notebook for each subject.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Be sure to plan a stop at Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new vehicle or give us a call to set up a service appointment if you are going to keep your current vehicle. Ask your service adviser to do a complete safety check on your vehicle when you bring it in for maintenance.

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August Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Posted on August 11, 2017 by admin

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive that new vehicle you’ve been drooling over, and then you’ll be ready to head out to some of the events around the area. With school starting soon, you only have a few days to enjoy things before it’s time to buckle down to the studying.

22^nd Annual Margarita & Salsa Festival in Waco

On August 27, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. a the Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Boulevard, Waco, Texas, 76714 for the 22^nd Annual Margarita & Salsa Festival. Enjoy music, great food and more at this festival. This is an outdoor festival and there is standing room only. Children under 2 years of age. Everyone aged 3 and older must have a ticket. Admission is $30.

51^st Annual Salado Art Fair in Salado

The 51^st Annual Salado Art Fair will be held on August 19 and 20, 2017, at The Venue by Inn on the Creek, 300 Center Street, Salado, Texas, 76571. This free family event will feature over 100 artists, children’s art inspiration areas, live music and food trucks. This event is partially indoors and partially outdoors under historic oak trees.

Food Truck Frenzy

On Saturday, August 26, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., head over to 2 North Main Street in Temple for the Food Truck Frenzy. Find your favorite food truck for a great lunch treat.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln

Be sure to stop by Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln to test drive a new vehicle before you head out to the festivals or give us a call to schedule an appointment for maintenance or service.

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Visit Mustang Island State Park

Posted on August 3, 2017 by admin

If you want to head out for a relaxing day or weekend, plan a trip to Mustang Island State Park. Before you head out, be sure to have your vehicle serviced at Johnson Brothers Ford – or pick up that new vehicle you’ve been thinking about. This barrier island is home to tons of wildlife and lots of adventure. Plus kids can attend Junior Ranger Exploration events while parents fish or relax on the beach. And, leashed dogs are welcome.

The Beach

Enjoy bonfires on the beach, camping on the beach, beach combing, paddling and be sure to check out the turtles and dolphins. Firewood for your beach-front bonfire is for sale at the nearby park store.

Camping

Choose from primitive campsites on the sand or campsites with water and electric. The non-primitive sites are located behind the dunes that border the beach. Pack your tent in the trunk or haul your RV if you prefer something more homey.

A 1.5-mile stretch of beach is open to camping. Ground fires are allowed; and the area has access to a bathhouse and full restrooms. The non-primitive sites are just a short walk up the shore, so even if you bring your RV, you’re still not far from the beach. The electric is a 50-amp hookup. Plus each site has grills and picnic tables. And, so you don’t fill your holding tanks, you’ll find restrooms nearby.

Trails and Beach Combing

Get up close and personal with wildlife on paddling trails or go beach combing for treasures washed up by the tide. Wildlife includes sea turtles as Mustang Island is one of just a few breeding grounds that remain for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. From April through July, the sea turtles lay their eggs on the shore and hatchlings make their way to the sea.

Park Information

Entrance fee to the park is $5 per day; and children under 12 get in free. Primitive campsites are $10 per night; and non-primitive sites are $20 per night or $120 per week. The gates are open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily. For more information call (361) 749-5246.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Be sure to visit Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a new vehicle or give us a call to set up an appointment to have your vehicle serviced or checked.

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The Best Ways to Spend Your Summer Outside in Austin

Posted on July 21, 2017 by admin

Looking for ways to spend some time outside in the Austin area this summer? Lucky for you, Austin is the outdoor capital of Texas (besides being, you know, the actual capital of Texas). Hop in your Johnson Bros. Ford and head to some of the Austin area’s best outdoor sites.

Go Biking

Austin is one of the country’s most bike friendly cities. Numerous trails run through and around Austin, not to mention the downtown area itself, which is also exceptionally bicycle friendly. Bring your own bike or rent one when you get there and enjoy the trails all day long.

Visit a Swimming Hole

The Austin area is full of great natural places to go swimming, such as Hamilton Pool Preserve, which is probably one of the coolest looking cool spots in Texas. The preserve was formed when the limestone dome over an underground pool collapsed thousands of years ago. There’s a tumbling waterfall that cascades over the limestone cliff into the pool below and a cavernous shaded area formed by the remains of the limestone dome.

See the Stars

Austin itself isn’t good for stargazing, but the numerous state parks nearby certainly are. Try Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, one of the best stargazing spots in central Texas. Located near Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock has the distinction of being an International Dark Sky Park, part of a family of parks around the world that are recognized as being exceptionally dark for nighttime viewing. Enchanted Rock let’s you see the night sky with great clarity; you’ll be able to spot planets and see the spiral arm of the Milky Way.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Don’t forget to visit us at Johnson Bros. Ford this weekend to shop for a new or used Ford car, truck, or SUV. If you’re not on the market for a new car yet, Johnson Bros. Ford can also help you keep your car in good shape this summer.

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Why You Should Own a 2017 Ford Mustang

Posted on July 14, 2017 by admin

The 2017 Ford Mustang is set to be the most advanced ever with a host of improvements including new technology and design changes that give owners ways to customize their Mustang to their preferences, even better performance from more powerful engines, and new MagneRide suspension technology. Customers have more ways than ever to personalize Mustang to make it their own, with three new paint colors, 12 distinct wheel choices. and a customizable digital instrument cluster.

“The new Mustang is our best ever, based on more than 50 years as one of the iconic sports car in America and now, the world,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas. “Tapping Mustang’s enormous fan base, we’re bringing the new Mustang straight to the people – and introducing the new car across multiple social media channels, reaching millions.”

Technology

Mustang makes available Ford’s first 12-inch all-digital LCD screen in the dashboard. This all-new customizable instrument cluster can be easily personalized, offering three separate views. Customers can personalize the displays for normal, sport and track mode. All-new Mustang MyMode with memory function allows customers to save their favorite drive settings, including suspension and steering preferences.

The new Mustang is so customizable that even its engine note can be adjusted. Delivering an audible experience like never before, an all-new active valve exhaust system is optional on Mustang GT, with a fully variable soundtrack to match the entire acceleration range.

Performance

Performance is at the core of Mustang DNA, offering drivers a unique thrill of acceleration and cornering for the ultimate fun-to-drive experience. On all models, new shock absorbers make for better ride control, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness, and innovative stabilizer bars bring sharper response and handling.

MagneRide damper technology is a new option with the Mustang Performance Package to optimize ride and handling in all situations.

The proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine continues to offer outstanding performance advantages versus the outgoing 3.7-liter V6. Using Ford’s transient overboost technology uniquely calibrated for Mustang, torque is increased for wide-open throttle acceleration.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a Mustang and to learn more about it. Johnson Bros. Ford is standing by to help you with auto sales, service, parts, and accessories in Temple, Texas.

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Where to Fish in the Heart of Texas

Posted on July 7, 2017 by admin

If you’re planning a fishing trip, you have to choose which is the best lake to fish in. And then, you need to get everything ready, including your vehicle. Even if you are not towing a boat, you should have your vehicle checked, and repaired if necessary, before you travel any distance. Call Johnson Bros. Ford to set an appointment to have your vehicle checked or serviced before you head out to the lake.

Caddo Lake

If you prefer shallow water fishing, Caddo Lake is where you need to head to. The average depth of this natural lake is about 10 feet. It’s a haven for fish that like to hide in bayous and sloughs. You can use spinnerbaits, plastic worms, topwater lures and more. Fish popular in the lake include spotted bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and crappie.

Lake O’ the Pines

If you prefer smallmouth bass, the early summer months will not disappoint at this lake. Also available are largemouth bass and others. Fish the upper end of the lake above the Highway 155 bridge if you like fishing in shallow water that is lined with islands full of willows. The area also has tons of lotus pads and baitfish.

Amistad Reservoir

This reservoir on the Texas/Mexico border features tons of great hiding places for fish. You’ll find deep canyon-like areas and other great cover for fish. Fish in the shallows during the morning and make your way to deeper water in the afternoons. Use crankbaits and topwater lures near the shore and Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged plastic worms out in deeper water.

Lost Creek Reservoir

Visit this lake for superb bass fishing. The lake has a lighted launch ramp and a large parking area. Fish in moss beds near the ramp, inlets full of cattails and more.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Be sure to stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new vehicle or give us a call to set up an appointment to check or service your vehicle before you head out on your next fishing trip.

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