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Whether you are driving home in a brand new or used Ford car, truck, or SUV, it is important to make sure that you know how to take care of your vehicle. Following the tips below will help you keep your vehicle in its best shape and they will help you get the longest life out of your vehicle Regular Oil & Filter Changes It may seem like common knowledge that a vehicle needs its oil changed on a regular basis. However, there are plenty of people who go way beyond the expected oil life so it needs to be said. Growing up, you may have heard every 3,000 miles but with newer and higher quality oils, it is now closer to every 10,000 miles. Newer Ford vehicles will often tell you when you need an oil change before you need one. Once the message "change engine oil soon" appears on your dash, you will have about 500 miles before an oil change is required. Rotate & Balance Your Tires Rotating tires is something that is often missed by vehicle owners because it is something that they are not thinking about. The best way to make sure your tires are rotated on a regular basis is to schedule a tire rotation every time that you have your oil changed. If you schedule "The Works Fuel Saver Package" every time you schedule an oil change, your tires will be rotated and you really won't have to think about it. It is important to have your tires rotated because it prevents uneven wear. Uneven wear on tires will cause your drive to be rough instead of smooth. Use Genuine Ford Parts One of the best ways to maintain the quality of your vehicle and ensure that you're getting optimal performance is by using genuine Ford parts for all your auto repairs. Genuine parts, also known as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, are specifically created by the manufacturer for your Ford vehicle and are available for purchase at the parts counter at Bill MacDonald Ford. Using genuine parts makes sure that you are using a vehicle part that was made specifically for your vehicle. Buying after-market parts may cost less but will not fit/communicate with the other parts of the vehicle like an OEM part would. Wash & Wax Regularly Regularly cleaning and waxing your vehicle will not only increase its value but also help to prevent wear and tear. Mud, dirt, rain, and salt on icy roads can attach themselves to the surface of your car as you drive. You may not notice these at first, over time, the minerals that are in them can cause damage to your paint job, a regular wash and wax will help prevent this from happening. Inspect Regularly and Schedule Maintenance as Needed Last but definitely not least, regularly walk around your vehicle and perform quick inspections. These inspections can include but are not limited to: checking tire pressure, checking fluid levels, checking wiper blades, making sure all lights are working properly, and checking for dash lights. If a dash light is on or something seems off, it is better to be safe than sorry. source: https://cotesautobody.com/5-important-reasons-wash-car-regularly/

Did you know that a winter storm is expected to hit Saint Clair County tonight? If you have to travel, please make sure to give yourself enough time to get where you are going and to read this article for some helpful tips and tricks when it comes to driving in the snow and how to get your vehicle unstuck if you have the misfortune of getting stuck. TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE SNOW 1. MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE IS CLEAR OF ALL SNOW – VISIBILITY IS KEY. (CHECK EXHAUST PIPES) Make sure to brush off ALL snow from your vehicle. Snow left on the roof of your vehicle can cause visibility issues as it blows off. 2. DON’T USE CRUISE CONTROL During winter, road conditions can change in an instant. If your vehicle slips, it will accelerate and rapidly spin the wheels because it is trying to maintain a constant speed. 3. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR BLACK ICE Black ice is hard to spot if the road looks wet…it’s probably black ice. 4. GO SLOW It’s as simple as that, reduce your speed when driving in poor weather. 5. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE Allow more distance between vehicles. This will make it easier to stop if needed. 6. DON’T STOP If you don’t have to, don’t stop. It is easier to keep the vehicle moving than it is to get it moving when road surfaces are less than ideal. 7. POWER UP BEFORE GOING UPHILL AND DON’T STOP It is difficult to get your vehicle uphill when there is little traction. Gaining power before reaching the hill will help get you to the top. 8. STAY HOME If you can, postpone plans or stay home. For More Tips, Watch this Video: https://youtu.be/I8ORMS9TJNc TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR VEHICLE UNSTUCK 1. DON’T SPIN THE WHEELS When you are stuck and your tires are spinning, stop. Spinning the wheels will just make everything worse. 2. Gain Traction Use kitty litter or floor mats to help your vehicle’s tires gain traction. You can also put tire chains on your vehicle to prevent getting stuck if you know you are heading into extreme winter conditions. 3. Shift To Low Make sure your transmission is in the lowest gear, try to move forward until you feel the tires slip. Once you feel them slip shift in to reverse and try to leave the spot. 4. Turn off Traction Control Slipping cuts the power to the wheels. You need power in the wheels to get unstuck. Turning off traction control will allow power to go to the wheels even when the tires are slipping. 5. “Rock It” “The Classic Move” – either switch from forward to reverse, repeatedly and have the passengers in your car rock with the vehicle. 6. Call 911 or a Tow Service Depending on the situation, call 911 (Emergencies) or a tow service to help you get the vehicle unstuck. For More Tips Watch this Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwym1xgl7Oo Sources: https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/#.XcmUkjJKjfY https://www.idrivesafely.com/driving-resources/how-to/drive-in-the-snow/ http://knowhow.napaonline.com/napa-know-notes-10-tips-get-car-unstuck/

Did you know that most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night? With so many distractions, responsibilities, and stresses, not everyone is getting the recommended amount of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 70 million people are sleep deprived or suffer from sleep disorders. Sleep deprivation and sleep disorders not only leave people feeling drowsy throughout their day, but also causes an increase in traffic accidents. Driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% - the U.S. legal limit. In 2015, the National Sleep Foundation did a study about driving drowsy and traffic accidents that yielded alarming results. According to this study, 10% (1 out of 10) of drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel in the last year, 12.5% (1 out of 8) of crashes that required hospitalization were a result of drowsy driving, and 16.5% (1 out of 6) of fatal traffic accidents were a direct result of drowsy driving. If you're unsure about whether or not you are too tired to drive, chances are, you are. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the following are signs and systems of drowsy driving: Frequent yawning or difficulty keeping your eyes open "Nodding off" or having trouble keeping your head up Inability to remember driving the last few miles Missing road signs or turns Difficulty maintaining your speed Drifting in and out of your lane In the last few years, automakers have been more aware of the hazards of drowsy driving and have worked on safety features that help prevent drowsy driving. One example of this is the lane-keeping system developed by Ford Motor Company. One feature of the lane-keeping system is the driver alert feature. The driver alert feature can sense repeated lane drifting and alert you with visual and audible signals that it might be time to pull over and take a break or grab a cup of coffee. To learn more about the lane-keeping system from Ford, schedule an appointment online or stop by and ask any sales representative at Bill MacDonald Ford! Sources: https://drowsydriving.org/2015/10/facts-about-drowsy-driving/ https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/fatigued-driving https://www.flickr.com/photos/74285857@N05/6697132255 https://www.ford.com/technology/driver-assist-technology/lane-keeping-system/#crossovers

Over the last 40 years, Bill MacDonald Ford has helped many people in the community finance their first vehicle thanks to our dedicated sales staff, Ford Credit Financing, and the First Time Buyers program. To qualify, the first-time buyer must have six months on the job or a qualified co-buyer. The first-time buyer also needs to be able to verify that their monthly income is sufficient to cover the vehicle payment, ordinary living expenses, and any currently outstanding debt. It is also required that the buyer has no previous car credit and no derogatory or negative impacts on their credit report. Ford Credit also requires that the first time buyer has a minimum down payment of $500. The first-time buyer will need to bring a valid driver's license, six complete references (name, address, phone number), their four most current pay stubs, work phone number, and their social security number. If you are looking to purchase your fist Ford vehicle and meet these requirements, please call us today to schedule a financing appointment!

It's well known that Ford Mustangs turn heads as they pass other drivers, but we also know that driving them through the snow is not the easiest. Make sure that heads are turning for the right reasons this winter by taking the necessary steps to ensure your Ford Mustang will be ready to handle Michigan's winter season. 1. Check (and change) your tires. If you currently have summer tires on your Ford Mustang it is time to switch them out! Replacing summer tires with winter tires will increase your Mustang's traction and improve it's driving ability. If you live in an area that gets little no snow, all-season tires will suffice. It is also important to check the tire pressure regularly, changing temperatures can cause changes in tire pressure. 2. Get an oil change (or The Works Fuel Saver Package). Dirty oil and filters can lead to Mustang breakdowns. Make sure that your oil has been changed recently and that your Mustangs air filters are clean. If you schedule The Works Fuel Saver Package, everything listed in this article will be checked for you. 3. Have your brakes inspected. When driving in snow and ice, it is important to make sure that your brakes are in perfect working order. If something feels off, call the service department right away. The Works Fuel Saver Package includes a brake inspection. 4. Have your battery inspected. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the snow with a dead battery. Most batteries last 3.5 years, if it's been a while since you've replaced yours, it's probably time to do so. Stop by the dealership at any time to have a battery test performed on your Mustang. 5. Have your cooling system checked and flushed (if needed). Make sure that you have enough anti-freeze and that your cooling system is in proper working order. If you have not had it flushed recently, now would be a good time to do so. 6. Check (and replace) your windshield wipers and washer fluid Make sure that your washer fluid is filled and that it is winter washer fluid, some washer fluids freeze at low temperatures. Check and replace your windshield wipers if you have not recently or they are showing signs of wear. Passing cars throw slush, having good windshield wipers will help with visibility. 7. Check your exhaust Exhaust leaks can be deadly, and in the winter, most people will leave their Mustang running for a few minutes before actually getting into it. If your Mustang has an exhaust leak, and you have left it running, you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also important to make sure that your exhaust is clear of ice and snow, snow and ice build-up can cause fumes to flow into your Mustang. 8. Keep a full tank (or at least 1/4) Condensation can build up causing fuel lines to freeze (if it gets cold enough). Also, when you run low on fuel, it is possible that the fuel pump will suck in air which could lead to future issues that are quite expensive to fix. 9. Keep a bag of sand and kitty litter in your trunk. RWD vehicles (like the Mustang) are notorious for slipping in the winter. If you put a 100-pound bag of sand in your Ford Mustangs trunk, it can help your Mustangs rear end grip the road better. Keep a bag of kitty litter next to the sand to help you gain traction if you do get stuck. 10. BE PREPARED Make sure you know what the weather is supposed to be like, alternate routes you can take and that there is an emergency kit somewhere in your Mustang.

If you're currently looking for a great deal on a like-new Ford vehicle with very low miles, you might want to consider purchasing (or leasing) a Ford Courtesy Transport Vehicle. Keep reading to learn about the Ford Courtesy Transport Vehicle or call your sales representative at Bill MacDonald Ford to schedule a test drive! What is it? One of the most common questions about the Ford Courtesy Transport Vehicle Program is, "what is it?". In the simplest terms, the Ford Courtesy Transport program consists of new Ford inventory that we use as service rentals until they reach 2,000 miles. When the vehicles reach 2,000 miles, we can sell (or lease) them as low-mile used vehicles. Why Should I Buy a Courtesy Vehicle? There are tons of reasons why you should buy a Ford Courtesy Vehicle but the most popular reason is a lower payment. Ford Courtesy Vehicles are compatible with the different Ford friends and family plans (AXZD) and also have a Courtesy Program Rebate. Ford Courtesy Vehicles also have an extra rebate to make up for the miles on the vehicle. Rebates change per vehicle, contact your Bill MacDonald Ford sales representative for more information. CLICK HERE TO BROWSE OUR CURRENT AVAILABLE COURTESY VEHICLES

When you're shopping for a car, one of the first things you probably look at is what type of drivetrain does the vehicle have. With more options than ever before, FWD (front-wheel drive), RWD (rear-wheel drive), AWD (all-wheel drive), 4WD ( four-wheel drive or 4X4), Intelligent AWD, and Intelligent 4WD, things can get confusing but have no fear, we are here to break it down for you! Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Front-Wheel Drive, most commonly seen as FWD, means that the power from the engine is delivered to the front wheels on your vehicle. This means that the front wheels are pulling the vehicle forward and causing the rear wheels to spin. The rear wheels do not receive any power from the engine. FWD vehicles, like certain Ford Fusion models, can maintain traction in rain or light snow but can get stuck or slide during heavy snow-storms. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Rear-Wheel Drive, most commonly seen as RWD, means that the power from the engine is delivered to the rear wheels on your vehicle. This means that the rear wheels are pushing the car forward. RWD works the opposite of FWD. RWD vehicles, like the GT350, are said to be more exciting to drive but do not perform well in poor weather. All-Wheel Drive (AWD): All-Wheel Drive, most commonly seen as AWD, means that the drivetrain employs a front, rear, and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of the vehicle. As implied by the name, the engine's power is dispersed to all of the wheels, not just the front or just the back. AWD vehicles are typically coupes, sedans, and certain SUVs, like the Ford Edge. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is something that is equipped in Ford vehicles. A Ford vehicle that has an intelligent All-wheel drive drivetrain has a system that uses sensors that calculate the road conditions and monitors a variety of factors including speed and throttle. The system will then respond by delivering torque and power where it is needed most. For example, during rain or snow, if wheel slip is detected in the front wheels, up to 100% of the torque can be sent to the rear axle. The system is not just reactive though, it can proactively respond within milliseconds and redirect the power to the wheels with the most traction to help prevent slip from happening in the first place. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD, 4X4): Four-Wheel Drive, most commonly seen as 4WD, is very similar to AWD because the power of the engine is also delivered to all four wheels all of the time. 4WD is typically found in vehicles that have off-roading capabilities, such as trucks and SUVs. Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive: An Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive vehicle has pretty much the same technology as Intelligent an AWD vehicle but vehicles with Intelligent 4WD can handle rugged terrain better. With Intelligent 4WD, sensors automatically and instantly respond to wheel slip on off-road surfaces such as rocks, mud, and grass or snow, adjusting torque and power to the wheels. This instant reaction provides prevents slippage while adding a nice boost of driving confidence. Now that you know the differences between drivetrains, you can easily decide what type of vehicle is right for you! Contact your Bill MacDonald Ford sales representative or our internet manager, Tori, to learn about our newest models, financing options, or to schedule a test drive! https://youtu.be/-cyvS0iC7BY https://youtu.be/ny1S5y7QnIM Sources: https://www.buyfordnow.com/feature/awd-intelligent-all-wheel-drive?gnav=t2-footer-features https://www.newroads.ca/blog/understanding-drivetrain-rwd-fwd-awd/ https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/awd-vs-fwd

If you've checked the weather lately, you're probably aware that a winter storm is on its way to Saint Clair County! For some, this is great news, for others - not so much. Regardless of where you stand on winter weather, the staff at Bill MacDonald Ford wants to make sure that you know the safest way to travel in winter weather and what you need to do to prepare your vehicle for the incoming storm. VEHICLE TIPS 1.KEEP YOUR GAS TANK AT OR ABOVE 1/4 of tank -Condensation can build up causing fuel lines to freeze (if it gets cold enough) -When you run low on fuel, the fuel pump may suck in air which could lead to future repairs that are quite expensive. 2. Replace summer windshield washer fluid with winter rated type fluid. -Some windshield washer fluids freeze, make sure you have fluid that won’t freeze. 3. Make sure your vehicle is in good repair before driving long distances or during extreme winter weather. -Extreme weather can cause your vehicle to run harder, make sure it is ready for it to avoid costly breakdowns. 4. Check all lights. -Visibility is extremely important. Make sure all your lights are in working order so that other drivers can see you when visibility is poor. 5. Check Tires. -Make sure you have adequate tread -Check inflation regularly, changing temperatures can cause changes in tire pressure. WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOUR CAR Keep these items in your vehicle to make sure that you are prepared for winter weather-related emergencies if they should arise. Flares/Roadside Visibility Water and Energy Bars Blankets First Aid Kit Ice-Scraper/Snow Brush Jumper Cables Flashlight and Batteries Tire Pressure Checker Spare Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers Tire Chains (If hilly/mountain driving) Road Salt Kitty Litter/Extra Floor Mats Small Shovel Extra boots, sweaters, and jackets Basic Tool Kit DRIVING TIPS 1. Check current and future weather conditions before leaving. -Knowing what to expect will make for easier travels. 2. Plan alternate routes. -Weather can change in the blink of an eye, having an alternate route planned will help avoid traffic jams caused by winter accidents. 3. Drive Slow -Safety first, give yourself time to get where you are going. 4. Brake Gently -Hard Braking can lead to slipping and sliding 5. Sliding -If your rear tire slides: take your foot off of the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels start to slide in the other direction, ease the steering wheel in the same direction as the wheels. Repeat gently until the vehicle is under control. -If your front tires slide: take your foot off the gas, shift to neutral, as traction returns, steer in the direction you want your vehicle to move. Put the vehicle in drive and gently accelerate. 6. Getting Un-Stuck -Turn your wheels from side to side to push snow away from the tires. Clear snow away from the wheels and underside of the car. Was your car out with gentle acceleration. Avoid wheel spinning. If your wheels keep spinning, use kitty litter or floor mats to gain traction.

This photo has been circulating the internet lately if you can relate...please read this article so that you no longer will. HOW TO PARALLEL PARK YOUR VEHICLE IN 10 SIMPLE STEPS! 1. Find an available spot and turn on your vehicle's blinker. 2. Make sure that you have enough space to park your vehicle (You should have at least enough room to fit 1.5 of your vehicles) 3. Pull your vehicle up parallel to the vehicle parked in front of the space you are trying to park in. 4. CHECK FOR TRAFFIC 5. Position the rear tires even with the bumper of the parked vehicle. 6. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. 7. Start reversing 8. Begin to straighten the wheel when your vehicle's mirrors are making a 45-degree angle with the front vehicles rear bumper. 9. Turn the wheel to the left when your car just barely clears the front car. Continue reversing until your car is parallel with the curb. 10. Straighten the wheel and pull forward. If you are still confused or would like a visual aid watch this video: https://youtu.be/bXFmih1FVgs

It has been quite some time since Ford Motor Company announced the cancellation of nearly all passenger-car models but, we have noticed that there are some misconceptions about the future of the Ford Fusion. At Bill MacDonald Ford, we believe that an informed customer is the best customer, so we're here to set the record straight for you. The 2020 Ford Fusion is not going to be the last year of production for the Ford Fusion, according to a statement first published by CarsDirect.com, a Ford spokesperson from Ford Motor Company said that "there are still a couple more years left for the Fusion" and that their goal "is to further simplify the offering and focus on maximizing the more popular SE, SEL, and Titanium models." which explains the missing Fusion Sport (discontinued in 2019). It has not been confirmed if Ford will continue to the Ford Fusion after 2021. However, we do know that Ford is planning to have 23 nameplates in its vehicle lineup by 2023, and they only had 20 when they first announced the discontinuing of sedans. We can only hope that the Fusion is here to stay, stay tuned for more updates and news regarding the Ford Fusion and the future of the Ford lineup. Sources: https://www.carsdirect.com/automotive-news/ford-fusion-sport-discontinued-for-2020-model-year?src=20&lnk=TnL5HPStwNw-eH1IXlldC6oFey0lLBws3w https://www.autonews.com/sales/ford-says-fusion-output-will-continue-least-through-2021 https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27791904/ford-fusion-lineup-dies-2021/