Did you know that at least 50 children are backed over every week in the U.S.? Forty-eight are treated in hospital emergency rooms and at least 2 children die according to Kids and Cars,a nonprofit group that works to improve child safety around cars. ConsumerReports.org says that every year children are injured and killed because drivers (in 70% of cases,parents and relatives) don’t see them while backing up. It’s just heart-breaking isn’t it?
When most people think of blind spots,they only thing of the area they can’t see on the sides of their cars. But did you know that the most dangerous spot actually lies behind your Ford car or truck? Larger vehicles,like SUVs,pickups and minivans. For a 5’8″man,the average blind zone is 12 feet in a small,four-door sedan while the average blind zone for a pickup truck is 24 feet.
In an attempt to help consumers understand how large some blind zones are,ConsumerReports.org measured the blind zones of a number of popular models. To measure the blind zones,a 28-inch traffic cone was positioned behind the vehicle at the point where the driver could just see its top. Their results showed that longer and taller vehicles tend to have significantly larger blind zones.
So what does all of this mean,Richmond? Well for starters,we need to be much more aware of our surroundings before we throw our Fordinto neutral. You may also want to reconsider the back-up camera option when thinking about buying a new Ford. Come by the Richmond Ford dealership and test-drive a new car or truck with one,and you’ll be sold instantly.
Is it just me,or do the summer months keep getting hotter and hotter each year? And with that summer heat,comes almost unbearable temperatures in our new or used Fords.
I came across an interesting study by the Animal Protection Institute the other day while surfing the internet that I thought I’d share with you. The organization conducted an experiment showing that even moderately warm temperatures outside can quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside a closed car.
The study was conducted during a local heat wave and compared an outside temperature of a shaded area with the inside of an automobile in three states:fully closed,with four windows cracked,and with two windows cracked. This is what they found:
With an outside temperature of 91°F,the inside of an automobile with no cracked windows was measured at 115°F (a difference of 24°F).
With an outside temperature of 90°F,the inside of an automobile with four cracked windows was measured at 108°F (a difference of 18°F).
You’d be surprised how much a six-degree difference can make. So I’d say cracking the windows is definitely worth it! Especially since these measurements were recorded in the shade. If you have to park your Richmond car or truckoutside all day with no shade,then I’d recommend cracking your windows and sunroof if you have one. You can also use sunshades on your windshields to help with the temperature and protect your dashboard from fading.
Are you thinking about getting a new Ford truck with a diesel engine? I’m not sure why you wouldn’t be considering it…after all,the 6.7 Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel sports best-in-class fuel economy,best-in-class horsepower and torque and operates quietly and clean.
But,diesel engines aren’t for everyone so it’s good to have a general knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a diesel-power Ford truck.
Let’s start with the advantages. Fuel efficiency is top on the list for many. Diesel engines provide about 15% more mileage per gallon,about 15% more. Another plus is the torque. Where most diesels lack in the horsepower department,they make up for it with torque. Diesels are also more cost-efficient in terms of maintenance and repair compared to gasoline engines.
Now that you know the PROs,let’s take a look at the CONs. As I mentioned above,diesel engines typically lack in the horsepower area. However,the 2012 Ford Super Duty has the best-in-class horsepower so I don’t really consider this a con.
Another con is the price of diesel fuel. Upfront,it’ll seem like you’re spending more money on fuel. But in the end,you’ll save. Now that I think about it,there aren’t too many disadvantages. However,it’s different for everyone. The best thing to do is come by the Richmond Ford dealership and discuss your options further.
Hey Richmond Ford Drivers, it’s motorcycle awareness month,and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) wants us all to remember that we share the road with motorcyclists! Since motorcycles are much smaller than our Ford car and trucks,they can look a lot farther away than we think. It’s also hard to be a good judge of their speed.
In light of motorcycle awareness month,the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) recommends that we as drivers remember a few things when it comes to the safety of motorcyclists.
1. Focus on Driving – Don’t be distracted. Never text or surf the Web while driving. Put down the cell phone or mobile device. Food,pets and even passengers can be bad distractions.
2. Look for Motorcyclists – Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and are often harder to see. But motorcycles are out there and you should expect to see them and try to see them in the mix of traffic.
3. Give Motorcyclists Enough Room – Keep a safe distance when following a motorcycle. Don’t change lanes too close in front of a rider. Motorcyclists and their machines generally don’t just have fender-benders in collisions with cars.
4. Use Your Turn Signals – Always signal your intentions. It’s for everyone’s safety and it’s also the law.
5. Keep it in the Car – Trash,including cigarette butts,should stay in the car,not thrown out where it could hit a motorcyclist. Road debris can kill a rider. Heavier items,especially,should be kept inside the car or truck or should be very well secured.
So Ford car and truck owners,remember these tips as you drive around Richmond this month. And always be mindful of the others we share the roads with.
With the high gas prices we are experiencing right now,we may sometimes forget just how far along we have actually come in gas-saving / fuel-technology technology. In light of Earth Day 2012,let’s take a look at some of these technologies that have actually give the U.S. auto fleet the best gas mileage ever. With Earth Day approaching on Sunday,it seems like a good time to celebrate some of the technologies present in Ford vehicles that have given the U.S. auto fleet the best average gas mileage in history.Advanced transmissions:These can optimize the engine power to obtain the best mpg. Multi-speed automatics with six speeds are commonplace. Automated manual transmissions are mainly available in small cars like the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta. Low rolling resistance tires are becoming ubiquitous across the industry. Our tests show that,at least on large vehicles,fuel savings can be one to two mpg. Beware that some low-rolling resistance tires increase stopping distances and reduce cornering grip. But the latest ones work as well as conventional tires.Electronic power steering and other accessories:Most new cars including those from Ford can save several mpg,as well as give hybrid drivers an air-conditioned cabin when the car is stopped. Most use new electrically-assisted power steering racks. A few use electric pumps to drive more traditional hydraulic racks. If you’re going straight,you are not wasting energy pumping hydraulic fluid through the system.
As time goes by,Ford and other automakers will continue to come up with technologies aimed at achieving the maximum fuel economy as the lowest price. If you’re thinking about trading up to a Ford with better fuel economy,swing by the Ford dealership in Richmond,VA.
Unintended acceleration is no joke. The other day,we learned how to safely bring our new or used Ford to a stop if this ever happens to you. But what if I told you that the problem may be eliminated in the future? That’s right,the Federal regulators have proposed a mandate to require all cars and trucks to be equipped with brake-throttle override technology.
Brake-throttle override technology is an electronic system that works with modern electronic throttle controls to reduce engine power whenever the brake pedal is depressed. Several manufacturers have been using this technology for awhile,and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently issued a new proposal that will mandate this technology in all vehicles.
“America’s drivers should feel confident that anytime they get behind the wheel they can easily maintain control of their vehicles—especially in the event of an emergency,”said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “By updating our safety standards,we’re helping give drivers peace of mind that their brakes will work,even if the gas pedal is stuck down while the driver is trying to brake.”
ConsumerReports.org says they are pleased that NHTSA took this step forward to make smart-throttle override technology mandatory in cars.
“To us,one of the most important safety features is to ensure that a vehicle can stop within a reasonable and safe distance,especially in an emergency,”says Consumer Union’s Senior Director of Federal Policy Ellen Bloom. “This should help minimize the risks of accelerator pedal sticking or floor mat entrapment.”Consumers Union is the advocacy and public policy arm of Consumer Reports.
Isn’t it wonderful how much safer are new Ford car and trucks are becoming by the year? Check out this video from ConsumerReportrs.org on how this new technology works.
We’ve all seen the scenes in the movies of runaway cars…someone forgets to put the vehicle in park,a villain cuts the brake lines,etc. But have you ever thought about what you’d do if this ever happened to you? Imagine you’re happily driving down the road without a care in the world,and all of the sudden you realize your vehicle is accelerating even though you aren’t pressing on the gas pedal. Though most people tend to think of Toyota when it comes to this issue,it’s actually happening in other manufacturers vehicles,as well.
Sometimes,we’ll be lucky enough to see a warning sign. For example,if the accelerator pedal has been harder to depress lately,slower to return to it’s normal position or just not operating as normal,you could be on the verge of unintended acceleration. If you’ve noticed any hint of this happening,bring your car in to the Richmond Ford dealership immediately. Unintended acceleration is not something you want to take a chance on.
Unfortunately,this can also happen out of the blue without any warning signs at all. If it does,do not pump the brakes. Instead,press them firmly. Don’t turn off the engine yet. Doing so would disable the power assist for your steering and brakes. Next,shift the transmission into Neutral. You engine may rev up when you do this,but don’t worry. Most cars have rev-limiters to protect against damage. After putting it in Neutral,steer to a safe to a safe location,and come to a full stop. Shut off the engine with the transmission still in Neutral. Lastly,shift the transmission into Park or,with a manual transmission,set the emergency brake. Now that you have safely stopped,call for help. Do not try to drive the car again.
The best way to instill these steps in your head,is to take your new or used Fordout to a vacant parking lot and practice them. They just might save your life.
Is it just me,or did we have a really short winter here in Richmond,Virginia,this year? Don’t get me wrong,I’m not complaining. I absolutely love spring. But as with any changing season,it’s important to give your new or used Ford car or truck a little tune-up for the warmer weather.
Not only did we have a shorter-than-normal winter,we also seem to be having a rougher-than-normal storm season. With that said,it’s extremely important to have your Ford’s windshield wipers in good,working condition. Getting caught in a storm with wiper blades that are streaking or skipping will seriously decrease your already low visibility. If you’re not sure whether or not it’s time for a new set,you can always swing by our Ford dealership in Richmond. As a rule of thumb,ConsmerReports.org suggests replacing your wiper blades every six months.
Next up,let’s check our Ford engine out. How’s it looking in there? Regardless of how it looks,let’s go ahead and give it a quick and easy wash. ConsmerReports.org suggests cleaning engine parts with plain soap and water or with a commercial degreasing product like Gunk. Make sure you avoid the battery and the battery terminal,though. We’ll give them their own cleaning next.
When you’ve finished tidying up the engine compartment,let’s go ahead and check for corrosion on the battery and the terminals. Even if they look all right,it’s never a bad idea to give them a cleaning. If you need some guidance on how to do this,click here.
These are only a few things we should do in terms of spring maintenance. Stick around. We’ll talk about some Spring tire tips next.
Hey Ford fans,Richmond Ford is giving you the opportunity to test drive the all new 2013 Ford Electric Electric Vehicle (EV)! On Thursday,April 26th,be sure to head down to the Ford dealership between 3pm to 7pm and get behind the wheel of one of the three Focus EVs.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified the Focus EV at 105 miles per gallon-equivalent (mpg-e) in the combined cycle of city and highway driving making it the country’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger car. The EPA label also certifies that the Focus electric can go 76 miles on a single charge. Ford says if drivers go easy on the accelerator pedal,it could go even further. According to the EPA,the Focus Electric could save the average driver $9,700 over the course of five years and maybe more,if gasoline prices continue to rise.
Chuck Gray,Ford chief engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles said that Ford has been working for three years to make the Focus Electric America’s most fuel-efficient vehicle of its kind,and it looks like they have finally succeeded.
As I’m sure you know,the 2013 Ford Focus will be making it’s debut on the racetrack on April 28th as the first ever all-electric pace car during the Richmond 400. So what are you waiting for,Richmond? Clear your afternoon schedule on Thursday,and come get behind the wheel of the nation’s most fuel-efficient vehicle that will soon be zipping around the Richmond International Raceway!
Hey Richmond,if you’re a NASCAR fan,then I’m sure you’re getting a little antsy about the upcoming Sprint Cut Richmond 400. I know everyone here at Richmond Ford is especially excited about seeing the Ford Focus debut as the first ever all-electric pace car! Of course this isn’t Ford’s first history-making rodeo. Back in 2008,they were also the first to use a hybrid to start a NASCAR event when the Fusion Hybrid served as pace car for the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
In a press realease,Ford President of the Americas,Mark Fields,said “Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies. Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs – from EcoBoost®-powered gasoline vehicles and hybrids to plug-in hybrids and full electrics.”
Ford research shows that approximately 35 percent of new car intenders are motorsports fans and 78 percent of them support NASCAR. So this makes the perfect setting for the Ford Focus to really shine. If you aren’t able to make it to the track on race day,you can head down to the Virginia State Capitol on April 25th and check out Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling delivering the Focus Electric to Richmond International Raceway.
Hi,I am Ron Kody,Owner of Richmond Ford in Richmond,VA. My wife Jeanine and I decided to start a new blog! We want to provide you with the latest Ford News,how to take care of your New or Used Car,and more. We love spending time with our children,traveling,meeting new people and working hard.
If you have any questions or suggestions on how we can improve our blog please let us know!
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