The Quintessential Fall Car Care Month Checklist Fall is the perfect time to start checking up on your car. The weather isn’t entirely too cold yet, the Holidays are still a ways off, and you aren’t facing any severe weather conditions. The autumn season is prime for getting out in the garage or bringing your car to our service centers to get everything checked out before the real test of your car’s performance comes. W hile these tips may seem like common sense, you’d be surprised just how often these can fly under the radar and end up causing much more serious problems down the line. Read below and find out if you need to visit our Ford service center in Johnson City today! 15 Tips to Prepare Your Car For Winter Checking and Refilling Fluids: All of your fluids play a crucial role in keeping your Ford performing at its absolute best, and during the cooler months you don’t need anything less. Taking a look at your oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid and refilling or changing any that need it is a great way to prepare your car for the winter months ahead. Also, checking your antifreeze/coolant is an absolute must, as that will keep your engine from getting too cold should the temps drop. Change the Oil and Filters: While we’re on the topic of fluids, your oil is a big one that you should be up to date on. Ignoring an oil change, especially in winter is not a great idea. Old oil in your system greatly increases the risk of your engine overheating, severely damaging the engine. Check when your Ford is due for its next oil change and make sure you get the filters changed as well. That way your brand-new oil stays new for as long as possible! Get your Ford oil change near Kingsport today. Test the Heating/HVAC: Yes, your AC system may seem like an afterthought when it comes to having to prepare your car for winter and Fall car care. However, your HVAC is also responsible for filtering the air, dehumidifying your windshield, and heating your car. So making sure everything there is in working order before the weather gets too cold is probably a good idea. Tighten Your Hoses: Making sure your antifreeze and fluids are all topped off is great, but it won’t do you any good if it can’t reach your engine. If your hoses have any leaks or breaks, there’s a good chance you’ll overheat your engine when the cold weather hits and your engine has to work overtime to keep it warm. Be sure to give your hoses a good look over and tighten any that seem loose. Look at Your Belts: This actually goes hand in hand with your hoses. Hot summer months can severely degrade the belts in your engine. When checking under the hood, you should look for any signs of excessive wear, fraying, cracks, or looseness. If you do notice any of these, bring your Ford over to Johnson City Ford and we’ll set you up with a new belt. Test Your Exhaust: Checking your exhaust system as part of your fall car care checklist could actually save your life. If there’s a leak in your exhaust, carbon monoxide could seep into your car. Not only that, but a damaged exhaust system can also result in lower mileage. Keep on the lookout for weird noises, smells, a vibrating gas pedal, or a rumble when your car is sitting still. All are signs that your exhaust system is damaged. Our Ford-certified technicians will look for rust, holes, leaks, and other damage that may be present during our inspection. Check Your Brakes: You want to be able to stop when you need to stop right? Especially if the weather is giving you trouble, you don’t want your brakes to be something else to worry about. Bring your Ford over to Johnson City Ford and our service team will make sure your brake system is in good working order. Replacing your brake pads and rotors is an essential part of your Fall car care and winter prep. Get your Ford brake repair in Johnson City today. Inspect All 4 Tires: The quality of your tires is just as important as that of your brakes. If your tires are worn down, they’re not going to do you much good in snow or rain. Make sure to not only check the tread but also their pressure. Tires tend to lose pressure when the temperature drops and changing a flat in 30-degree weather isn’t fun. If you really want to future-proof yourself, getting a good set of snow tires or all-season tires will be greatly beneficial. Get your new Ford tires near Bristol today! Pay Attention to Steering and Suspension: You want to be in complete control of your Ford in the event of bad weather. Making sure your power steering and suspension are up to par is the best way to remain in control at all times. If you’re worried, our team can take a look at your shock absorbers, struts, and chassis to see if anything needs adjusting or replacing. Test The Battery: Bering able to rely on your battery during the winter months can be a huge weight off your shoulders. So be sure to check the charge and quality of your current battery. If it’s been more than three years, it may be time to replace the battery completely. Visit our Johnson City Ford service center and we’ll be able to set you up with a brand-new battery just in time for Winter. Get your Ford battery service at Johnson City Ford today. Replace Your Wipers: Did you know that the quality of your windshield wipers actually factors into your yearly inspection? That’s because if your wipers are leaving heavy streaks on your windshield, you will not have very good visibility. And visibility is essential in any type of winter weather. Wash Your Car: This may definitely seem unnecessary, but hear us out for a second. Cleaning your car of all the summer mildew and dirt can help prepare it for what’s coming. Waxing your car can also protect it from snow, ice, and salt. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to regularly clean your car after it snows. Icemelt and salt can accumulate and erode certain components of your undercarriage if left on for extended periods of time. While not as immediately important as other tips on your Fall car care list, it won’t hurt. Clean Your Headlights: Between dead bulbs and cloudy headlight covers, there’s enough to check to warrant this being on your Fall car care list. Your headlights do two things out on the road. They help you see what’s in front of you, and they help other drivers see you. Make sure both of these functions are unimpeded by checking your bulbs and cleaning your headlight covers. Pack Roadside Kit: If the unfortunate happens and you have car issues or slide on ice or snow, having a pack of supplies to fall back on is a great idea. Some things that should be in your roadside kit include an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. You can never be too careful. Get AAA/Roadside Assistance: No Fall car care list would be complete without roadside assistance. These guys can be literal life savers and save you from having to sit out in the cold waiting on a tow company and praying that they’re open. Companies like AAA offer 24/7 support and assistance so they’re always there when you need them. Schedule Your Ford Service Near Kingsport Today At Johnson City Ford It may seem like a lot to keep track of, but if you follow this Fall car care checklist, you’ll be more than prepared for when the colder months roll around. And if there’s anything you need to replace or you can’t check out yourself, you can always make Johnson City Ford a part of your winter car prep by scheduling a service appointment with our service center in Johnson City. Make sure you prepare your car for winter right with Johnson City Ford!

Whether you plan to eventually upgrade to a newer car (like a new Ford) or resell your car in the future, retaining its value is essential for maximizing your returns. In this blog, we will explore four crucial things you must do to retain your car's value and ensure it remains a valuable asset for years to come. Afterwards, you can find out how you can get top value on your trade-in at Johnson City Ford near Kingsport! 1. Regular Maintenance and Servicing: Just like our own bodies need regular check-ups to stay healthy, cars require routine maintenance and servicing to perform optimally. Adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule not only extends the life of your vehicle but also helps preserve its value. Routinely schedule service like oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid replacements. These will prevent premature wear and tear, keeping your car in top condition and appealing to potential buyers in the future! With our service specials, we'll even save you big on the service you need. 2. Keep Detailed Service Records: Maintaining a comprehensive record of all service and maintenance performed on your car is a small but crucial step in retaining its value. These records provide tangible evidence of your vehicle's care and can significantly boost buyer confidence when it's time to sell. Detailed service records demonstrate that your car has been well-maintained and can help justify a higher resale price. 3. Preserve Exterior and Interior Condition: The appearance of your car plays a significant role in determining its value. Regularly washing and waxing the exterior helps protect the paint from fading or oxidation, maintaining its visual appeal. Parking in shaded areas and using sunshades can also protect the interior from sun damage, preventing cracks and fading of upholstery and dashboard surfaces. Furthermore, avoiding smoking inside the car and cleaning any spills promptly will preserve the interior's freshness and overall condition. With our Exclusive Lifetime Warranty, it's easier than ever to protect your car from the headlights to the rear bumper. 4. Upgrade Wisely and Preserve Original Parts: While adding aftermarket accessories or upgrading features can enhance your driving experience, it's essential to do so thoughtfully to retain your car's value. Opt for upgrades that are popular and add real value to your vehicle without compromising its integrity. Additionally, if you replace any original parts, keep the originals stored safely. Some buyers may prefer a car with original factory parts, and having them available could be a selling point. If you need original Ford parts, shop our inventory here! Conclusion: By following these four essential steps - regular maintenance, keeping detailed service records, preserving its appearance, and making thoughtful upgrades - you can retain your car's value and ensure it remains a desirable asset for years to come. Looking to get maximum value for your trade-in? You can easily sell your car to us and we promise you you'll get a truly fair market-value offer for your car. Afterwards, you can use your trade-in money to shop for a new Ford and save even more with our new Ford specials. Whatever you need, our team at Johnson City Ford is here to help! Visit us today if you're here in Johnson City, TN or near Kingsport!

Now that we're in the heat of June, you may be daydreaming of that week at the beach or that cabin on the lake. Wherever your adventure takes you, it's essential to ensure that your car is in optimal condition to big trip ahead. Follow these five steps to ensure your new Ford (or whatever you're currently driving) can be as reliable as ever, and visit the Johnson City Ford Service Center for all of your service needs! Check Fluid Levels: Start by checking the fluid levels in your car. This includes the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Low or dirty fluids can affect your vehicle's performance and lead to mechanical issues. If any fluid levels are low, top them up or consider scheduling a maintenance service to ensure they are at the recommended levels. Inspect Tires: Your tires play a critical role in ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. Check the tire pressure using a reliable gauge and inflate them to the recommended levels specified in your vehicle's manual. Also, inspect the tread depth and overall condition of the tires. If the tread is worn or unevenly worn, it may be time to replace them. Don't forget to check the spare tire as well and ensure it is properly inflated. Test Lights and Signals: Proper visibility is crucial for safe driving, especially during long trips. Before hitting the road, check that all your vehicle's lights are functioning correctly, including the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace any burnt-out bulbs to ensure you have optimal visibility and that other drivers can see you clearly. Get a Battery Check: A weak or faulty battery can quickly turn your road trip into a frustrating experience. Have your battery tested to ensure it has enough charge and is in good condition. Extreme temperatures during summer can put additional strain on the battery, so it's essential to make sure it's up to the task of starting your vehicle reliably throughout your trip. Schedule a Maintenance Check: Consider taking your car to a trusted dealership or a qualified mechanic for a comprehensive maintenance check before your road trip. They can inspect crucial components such as brakes, belts, hoses, and the cooling system. They will also perform any necessary maintenance tasks like an oil change, filter replacement, and overall inspection, giving you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in top shape. In Conclusion - Schedule Your Service! Now that you have your guide, go step by step to ensure your car is ready for the big trip. If you need any assistance, schedule service with Johnson City Ford and let our expert technicians get your car adventure-ready. Not only do we have big savings available with our service specials, we also have genuine Ford parts and offer personalized auto service financing options if you're financially pinched before vacation. Visit Johnson City Ford today and we'll get you taken care of!