Safe Holiday Driving

Posted on December 8, 2017 by admin

When you think about the holiday season before it hits, you probably think of your family traditions and the delicious food you’ll soon be eating. What you may forget about is holiday travel and the stresses it can cause.

However, holiday driving doesn’t have to be entirely about traffic jams, grumpy kids, and sleet on the roads. By following a few simple holiday driving trips, you can make your travel experience this holiday season much more safe and enjoyable.

Watch the Weather

Many holiday drivers are forced to leave home in horrible weather to make it to their destination on time. Watch the weather before you leave, and keep an eye out for areas that will be experiencing icy or snowy conditions. Avoid those areas if possible, and if not, allow yourself some extra travel time.

Be Cautious Around Large Trucks

No one likes having to pass semi-trucks in winter driving conditions, but you can make sharing the road with them a lot easier. Don’t cut in front of them. They take much longer to stop than a car, so allow them plenty of space before you merge back into their lane after passing. Be careful of their blind spots too. If you can’t see the driver in their mirrors, they can’t see your vehicle.

Drive Slow

Holiday driving almost always involves a conversation about “making good time” on the road. Forget about how long it takes you to get to your destination, and focus on safety. This means driving slower in winter conditions than you would on clear roads. Speeding is also much more dangerous on a congested roadway, so slow down in heavy traffic.

Watch the Road

While it can be tempting to look at your phone or GPS, don’t do it! Have passengers do the navigating and text messaging for you. Just two seconds of taking your eyes off the road can double your chance of an accident.

Service Your Vehicle

It’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for long-distance travel before you hit the road. Bring your vehicle by your Temple Ford dealer, Johnson Bros. Ford, and our Johnson Bros. Ford service department will have your vehicle in top shape before you leave.

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Tips for Holiday Shopping

Posted on November 26, 2017 by admin

The holidays are upon us and it’s time to start thinking about shopping for your friends and family. Shopping can be time consuming at the best of times, but when you’re busy working and planning holiday trips, finding the time to shop along the way can be a challenge.

To make things easier, consider these shopping tips to make it a more joyful experience.

Shopping Tips

Do as much shopping as you can as early as you can.
If presents need to be mailed, get those to the post office early so they’ll arrive in time.
If shopping time is limited, purchase some stockings, goodies and snacks, and assorted gift cards and create a holiday “stocking gift” for everyone on your list. Fill with holiday candy, gourmet tea and coffee, specialty cheeses, candy canes, and any other treat along with a select gift card.
If you’re heading to a family or friend’s home for the holidays, stop along the way at interesting out of the way specialty or antique shops and general stores and pick up a unique gift like handcrafted candles, homemade preserves, or a vintage lantern.

Suggested Gifts Car Enthusiasts

Car accessories are always welcome for any auto enthusiast. Purchase new premium floor mats, over the seat organizers, console organizers, or phone/GPS holders.
Put together an emergency kit. It’s a gift that could come in handy if your loved one is ever in a bind while traveling and shows that you care about their well being. Include items like a flashlight, reflective emergency cones, a basic tool kit, and other useful items.
Help pay for upgrades or services. Whether they want a new car stereo system, new wheels, or need some brake service done, getting someone’s car up to code is a great gift idea.
Take them to Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new or used vehicle. If you’ve got someone really special on your list that deserves a new ride, give them a spin in a Ford or Lincoln and get them into a fresh set of wheels.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new vehicle for the holidays. Be sure to ask your salesperson about any lease or finance specials we might be running on your favorite Ford or Lincoln model.

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Thanksgiving Road Trip Tips

Posted on November 10, 2017 by admin

Hitting the road for Thanksgiving offers a combination of excitement and stress that has become synonymous with holiday travel. But the busy roads shouldn’t keep you from getting to your destination. Follow these Thanksgiving road trip tips to make this holiday travel season the easiest and most enjoyable one yet.

Do the Proper Planning

Planning a road trip may not seem as important as planning a flight, but the proper preparations can ensure you have a good time. The day before Thanksgiving has long been known as the busiest travel day of the year, and the following Sunday is almost as busy. Avoid these travel days whenever possible.

Pack a GPS

Most smartphones come equipped with GPS applications, and a number of our vehicles here at Johnson Bros. Ford also come with GPS capabilities. A good GPS system can save you a lot of hassle and give you a realistic look at your arrival time. A GPS can also help you find an alternative route if your usual route is too highly traveled.

Stop Often

More crowded roads and holiday deadlines can make you feel like you need to arrive at your destination in a hurry, but the best way to enjoy a road trip is to take your time. Make stops for good, healthy foods and get out of the car to stretch your legs or toss a football around. If you see a roadside attraction you’re interested in along the way, don’t be afraid to stop. Many times, the stops you make along a road trip are what make the journey even more pleasing than the destination.

Have the Right Road Trip Vehicle

The vehicle you use for your travels makes a big difference in how much you enjoy your time inside it. Get rid of your old, uncomfortable family vehicle and swap it for a new or quality pre-owned vehicle from Johnson Bros. Ford. We’ll help you find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs, whether you’re a couple who wants to travel in style or a family in need of in-car entertainment systems.

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Tips for Saving Money on Your Gas

Posted on November 3, 2017 by admin

Whether you just picked up a new vehicle from Johnson Bros. Ford or you are driving something that is a couple years old, it’s a good idea to change your driving habits to help save money on gas. These tips will help save gas whether you are driving something that gets excellent gas mileage or you drive something that gets in the teens and low 20s for gas mileage.

Braking

When you need to brake, brake sooner rather than later. If a light is going to change, you may not have to come to a complete stop. Accelerating from any speed saves gas over accelerating from a complete stop. The same theory applies when you are in traffic. If you are far enough behind traffic and start slowing down, you may not have to come to a complete stop, depending on how slow traffic is moving.

Keeping Your Distance

If you keep your distance behind people, you’ll brake less. On the highway, keep a steady speed as much as possible. Use the cruise control where you can to maintain a steady speed. If traffic slows and it’s possible to get into another lane that is moving at least the same speed you are, switch lanes. You can move back into your original lane once you pass the slow-moving vehicles.

Use Store Cards

Some stores offer a few cents off per gallon if you use the store’s card. There is one catch to this: Interest. However, if you pay off your gas purchases each month, you won’t get charged interest on those purchases and you’ll be able to realize the savings by using the store card. If you pay your store card balance online, simply pay the amount you pumped on the same day.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford today to test drive a new vehicle. And, now that you have a few tips for saving gas, look at vehicles for their safety and convenience features instead of which ones get the best gas mileage.

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The 2018 Ford F-150

Posted on October 28, 2017 by admin

The 2018 Ford F-150, now at Johnson Bros. Ford, sets a new standard for what a truck ought to be. Durable, capable, smart, and powerful, the 2018 Ford F-150 can handle any task set for it and overcome any obstacle set before it.

Durability

Possessing a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and steel frame, the Ford F-150 is built at the same grade as vehicles in the aerospace, commercial transportation, and energy industries. Resistant to dents and corrosion and incredibly strong, the frame is actually 60 lbs. lighter than previous generations due to the state-of-the-art fabrication process of roll forming and tailor-rolled blanks.

Capability

Delivering impressive towing and payload capabilities, the 2018 Ford F-150 can handle a payload of 3,270 lbs. The F-150 also features a work-minded pickup bed with available features such as a flexible, configurable class-exclusive BoxLink system, LED box lights, stowable loading ramps, class-exclusive integrated tailgate step with lift assist, remote tailgate release, and deployable box side steps.

Smart Features

The 2018 Ford F-150 is loaded with smart features, including driver-assist technologies, like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, 360-degree camera with split-view display, Lane-Keeping system, and Blind Spot Information system.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Come test drive the new 2018 Ford F-150 today at Johnson Bros. Ford in Temple, Texas. Whether you’re shopping for a new vehicle or just looking to schedule service, Johnson Bros. Ford can help.

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Fall Foliage Drives in Central Texas

Posted on October 13, 2017 by admin

Hit the road this fall to check out some of the fall color before it’s gone. Some of these places are pretty far out, so you should have your vehicle serviced at Johnson Brothers Ford before you head out – or if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, stop by for a test drive so you’ll have a brand new vehicle for your trip.

McKittrick Canyon Trail

This drive is 100 miles east of El Paso and 200 miles west of Midland, but it’s worth the drive. Go through Guadalupe Peak and, 40 miles from there, Carlsbad Caverns. Between the two places, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for some great photo shots. And, when you get tired of driving, hike some of the 80 miles of trails in the area. Be sure you fill up the tank and pack plenty to drink and some lunch as you won’t find any restaurants, motels, tour buses, gas stations and concessionaires.

The best hike is the trail to McKittrick Canyon. This 7-mile round trip trail allows you to see tons of maple, walnut, oak, ash and madrone in all their brilliant colors. The trail also features a picnic area.

Another great place to find some brilliant color from maple, ash, madrone and oak is the McKittrick Ridge switchback. This hike takes you 2.3 miles through the foothills starting at the Frijole Ranch to a brook – a perfect spot for pictures and lunch.

And, if you’re looking for a challenge, hike Guadalupe Peak, a 9.3-mile round trip that takes you up a vertical climb that is nearly 3,000 feet. You’ll be able to get pictures of the foliage all the way to New Mexico.

Additional Places to Find Color

You’ll also find lots of color near Winnsboro. Take one or more of the three Autumn Trails Tours. The tours are about 30 miles and take two hours.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford today to test drive a new vehicle or give our service department a call to schedule an appointment for maintenance or repairs.

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About Our Collision Center

Posted on October 6, 2017 by admin

No matter how careful you are with your vehicle, it’s bound to get dents and scratches. Sometimes it might be a family member or even yourself; but more often, it’s someone else who caused it in a parking lot or out on the road. And, even Mother Nature can wreck havoc on your vehicle with hail. Salty slush left on your vehicle can cause rust. Johnson Brothers Ford Collision Center can make your vehicle look new again.

Contact Information

Our collision center is located at 1702 Jack White in Temple, Texas. This is our old location for customers who have been using us since we were in the old location. Our hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Just because “Ford” is in our name that doesn’t mean we don’t work on anything else – we will repair all makes and models. You can call us at (254) 773-1754 to set up an appointment for an estimate and repair.

AutoWatch

AutoWatch is a new service we put in place; and it allows us to keep in touch with you so that you can see the progress see your vehicle’s progress. When you click on the “Check Your Vehicle” button, you’ll be able to see the progress on your vehicle’s repairs.

Get Your Vehicle Back to Pre-Accident Condition

Our collision center will get your vehicle back to pre-accident condition; and we accept claims from all insurance companies. We also provide direct repair for many major insurance companies.

Certified Technicians

Our management staff and I-Car and ASE Certified technicians are highly trained to help you receive prompt service and quality body work on your vehicle. Keep in mind that where you get your vehicle repaired is your choice and not your insurance company’s choice. They may require you to get more than one estimate; however, you can choose where you will have your vehicle repaired.

Call Johnson Brothers Ford Collision Center

Give us a call at Johnson Brothers Ford Collision Center to make an appointment to have your vehicle’s body work completed so that your vehicle is in pre-accident condition.

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The Best State Fair Foods This Year

Posted on September 30, 2017 by admin

Tomorrow is the opening day at the State Fair of Texas. What’s the best part of the fair? Why, we like to think it’s the food. The rides, games, and exhibits might be grand, but the fried food is where the fair really shines.

But what food stands out the most this year? Which ones should you save room for and spend your hard earned coupons on?

Get your beloved funnel cakes and corn dogs, but remember to keep an eye out for…

Deep Fried Froot Loops – Sweet Finalist

Love Froot Loops cereal? Then you’ll love this hedonistic spin on the breakfast cereal classic. Froot Loops cereal is combined with marshmallow cream filling in a creamy batter outer shell, deep fried, and covered in glaze and powdered sugar.

The Tamale Donut – Savory Finalist

Donuts + tamale = heaven. It’s one of Einstein’s lesser known mathematical proofs and we think it’s underrated. The tamale donut takes the filling of your traditional tamale, in this case pork carnitas, but shapes it into a donut instead. It’s then covered in jalapeno salsa.

Gulf Coast Fish Bowl – Best Taste Sweet

This one came out on top in the sweet category and it’s no wonder why. It looks like an aquarium with Nerds candies as the gravel bottom and iced blue punch as the water. Swedish Fish fill the bowl and a pineapple ring garnishes the opening.

Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger – Best Taste Savory and Most Creative

The king of the 2017 fried foods is the funnel cake bacon queso burger and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Take a hamburger patty, top it with bacon and queso, then put all of that goodness between two funnel cakes. It’s the most savory, most creative fried Frankenstein at the fair this year. Don’t miss it.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new vehicle to take to the fair. Be sure to ask your salesperson about any lease or finance specials we might be running on your favorite Ford model.

Don’t forget to check out the Ford vehicles on display at the Auto Show when you’re at the State Fair. You’ll be able to get an up close look at all of your favorite models… just don’t bring any food into them!

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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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