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Friday, January 17, 2014

What does the color of your Ford say about you?

Red: Outgoing and High Energy
There’s something about the color red that just screams “unstoppable.”  It is a dynamic, bold, and sensual color that really sets you apart from the rest.  If you like to be center stage with all eyes on you, get behind the wheel of a spicy red hot ride!
Black: Classic and Elegant.
Black is truly a timeless color.  Not only is it simple and versatile, it is an unmistakable symbol of power.  If you are the owner of a black vehicle, you probably have very classy taste in clothing and appreciate the finer things in life.
Blue: Trustworthy, Calm, and Patient
Much like the ocean on a bright sunny day, blue car owners tend to be cool and calm.  People who drive blue cars are likely to be trustworthy, sensitive, and caring.  They are excellent life-long friends that usually squash arguments instead of starting them.
White: Direct, Organized, and Clean
Those who own white cars tend to be a bit high maintenance.   Generally, if you drive a white vehicle you probably insist upon keeping your office space, home, and vehicle in pristine condition.  White isn’t able to camouflage very much when it comes to mud and dust, so your motto is “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Friday, January 10, 2014

The mystery of the 'check engine' light: Revealed!


It's one of the most common occurrences on the road, but how do you handle it?  If the “check engine” light comes on while you're out and about, do you know what to do?  Here's a hint: don't panic!  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

The first thing you should do is pay attention to the sound and feel of your car.  Is there smoke coming out of the tailpipe?  Any odd mechanical rattling?  You should stop and call for help if you notice anything abnormal about the way your vehicle is running.  
 
If that’s not the case, think about where you were before the light came on.  Did you just buy gas?  If so, the “check engine” light might be on to alert you that the gas cap is loose.  Pull over, tighten the cap, and continue driving.  If that was the source of the problem, the light will turn off by itself.  

If you’re not fresh from fueling up and everything is still running normally (no smokey/electrical smells, mechanical noises, etc.) call our Service Department and make an appointment or schedule a visit at Porter Ford online.  We want to make sure you’re safe on the road—let us diagnose and repair the problem for you. 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

There’s no place like home for the holidays—make sure you arrive safely!

Ready or not, we are smack-dab in the middle of the holiday hustle and bustle.  When you know you’ll be on the road for the holidays, stress takes over and many of us can’t think of anything besides that to-list.  Between coordinating outfits for the family photo, nailing that fudge recipe, packing all the gifts into the car, finding road trip music everyone in the family enjoy, we sometimes forget the most important thing: safety.  


We want your holiday season to be merry and bright.  If you follow any checklist at all this year, let it be this one:
 
BEFORE YOUR TRIP:

·         -Map your route and make sure you understand all your directions clearly
·        - Look up weather forecasts for your current location, final destination, and a few points here and there along your journey
·         -Tell someone at your destination what time you set out on your trip and an estimated arrival time.  

THINGS TO TRAVEL WITH:
 
·Emergency Kit: fleece blankets, water, batteries, granola bars—stock up your emergency kit with the basics. Here's a comprehensive list of must-haves.
 ·Patience! Remember that being in a hurry causes already-high stress levels to skyrocket.  An emotionally distressed driver is just as distracted and dangerous as a driver under the influence of alcohol. 
·A backup plan.  When you’re across the winter wonderland, it’s important to expect the unexpected.  Set out on your journey with a few different options if weather doesn’t permit you to follow the route you originally planned on.