Car Brakes: The Things You Should Know

shutterstock_309171176

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.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

How to Make the First Day of School Less Stressful

shutterstock_442070446

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.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

August Events You Won’t Want to Miss

shutterstock_531969436

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.

22nd 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 22nd 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.

51st Annual Salado Art Fair in Salado

The 51st 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.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

The Best Ways to Spend Your Summer Outside in Austin

shutterstock_84448150

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.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

Why You Should Own a 2017 Ford Mustang

cq5dam.web.1024.768

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.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

The Most Underrated Swimming Holes Near Austin

shutterstock_622857872

Austin and the surrounding area are full of great swimming holes, but some get less attention than other. That’s great news for you, though, if you decide to head to one in your Ford this summer: less known means less crowds.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

This 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.

Bob Wentz Park

One of Austin’s best kept secrets, Bob Wentz Park is great for swimming, sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and picnicking. There’s a beach called “The Point,” which has BBQ grills available and even sandy volleyball courts.

Jacob’s Well

While it’s not very large, Jacob’s Well is certainly unique. Jacob’s Well is a 200-foot deep well, which looks like a deep blue spot compared to the shallow waters surrounding it. It’s popular for diving for obvious reasons. Experienced divers can dive down into the well and explore its depths. There’s also a rocky overhang that you can dive off of, though it’s a bit risky. If you’re not interested in diving, it’s still a great place to wade and cool off.

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.

 

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

Why Choose Ford Over the Competition?

Screen Shot 2017-06-19 at 7.36.54 PM

Why choose a Ford over the competition? Because Fords bring more to consumers than nearly any other automaker. If you want a car, truck, or SUV that’s packed with features, that’s reliable, and that’s affordable to own, Ford is what you need to shop.

Quality and Reliability

The two go hand in hand – if you’ve got a quality car, you’ve got a reliable car. You can trust a Ford to start out great and to last for years without major mechanical issues. Not to mention that Fords come packed with quality materials and features.

Convenience and Safety Features

Speaking of features, Fords have plenty of them. From features that help keep you safe (whether preventing collisions or minimizing damage to you, your passengers, and your Ford) to features that make your drive more comfortable and convenient, your Ford is a well-engineered machine.

Stylish

Maybe subjective, but Fords just look good. With bold, sharp lines, the designers at Ford have really been raising the bar in recent years and the competition has been trying to keep up.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Ready to experience the Ford difference? Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new or used Ford car, truck, or SUV today. Even if you’re not on the market for a new vehicle, you can still drop in to learn more or to schedule some service with our service department at Johnson Bros. Ford in Temple, Texas.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

Top Events Around Temple this June

shutterstock_424006372

Looking for something to do this summer? Hop into your Johnson Bros. Ford and hit the road for one of these fun events happening in the Temple and Austin area this June.

Solstice Festival – June 15, 16, and 17

Returning for its fourth year, this annual celebration of music, art, and technology at Pan Am Park is sure to offer your family a day of fun. Celebrating World Music Day, the fest will host concerts at multiple venues around the Red River Entertainment District, plus 10 hours of nonstop music at Pan Am Park. Featuring performances from nationally renowned artists and local band, the festival also offers an art village, food trucks, and more.

Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K – June 24

Now a decade old, the Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K run is as traditional as anything in Austin. Run, skip, or race through the streets of downtown Austin decked out in your wackiest clothing. Though you can treat it as a competition, the spirit of this race is amusement and fun. Unofficially known as the “slowest 5K you’ll ever run,” remember to take it easy and to enjoy the weirdness of Austin.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford this June to test drive a new or used Ford car, truck, or SUV, then head out and have some fun in the area.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

Memorial Day Weekend in Temple and Beyond

shutterstock_95754154

It’s Memorial Day Weekend and if you’re still not sure what your plans are, we’ve come up with some fun family activities you can do. Make your plans and then hit the road for Memorial Day fun.

Inaugurate Summer with a Day at a Waterpark

Maybe a trip to a waterpark is the best way to spend your Memorial Day. You can always take a day trip out to Schlitterbahn, located in the hill country town of New Braunfels. Using and combining the natural hilly terrain and the clear Guadalupe River with its signature water rides, Schlitterbahn makes for the perfect day of swimming and fun.

Plan and Host a Backyard BBQ

If you don’t really feel like leaving town this weekend, you can always go with the classic backyard BBQ and keep your celebration right here in Temple. Go with classics like burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. Sides might include chips, potato salad cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, and other classics.

If you like the idea of a BBQ party, but still want to head out somewhere else, try a day at the lake. That way you can both eat some great food and get some swimming in.

Go to an Amusement or State Park

From roller coasters to hiking trails, a visit to any of the various parks in Texas are a great way to spend the longer Memorial Day weekend. Try Six Flags in either San Antonio or Dallas or head out to any nearby state park.

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.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

2017 Ford Fusion Meets Alexa

cq5dam.web.1280.1280

The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is the first car to integrate Amazon’s relatively recent Alexa onboard. Alexa gives Fusion Energi drivers plenty of voice command options for optimal hands-free control of navigation and call features. Alexa basically turns the car into a driveable smartphone.

Alexa can handle everything from directions to shopping lists, to playing podcasts and playlists, or even remotely controlling your home’s temperature or general search queries.

The Ford Fusion Energi also brings a bevy of new features and added functionality to the infotainment center besides the Alexa feature.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford today to test drive a new or used Ford car, truck, or SUV. Before you hit the road this summer for any trip, stop by Johnson Bros. Ford and visit our service department.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter