#WednesdayWisdom: Driving Drowsy Is More Common and Dangerous than You Think

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/

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.