June 15, 2012

Summer Driving Tips

Summertime is here and we at Bowditch Ford want to make sure that you know how to get your vehicle in top driving shape for the season. Here are some tips from Ford that we want to share with you. If you have any questions or would like us to take a look at any component please give our Service Department a call at 757-595-2211.

Preparing your vehicle for hot-weather driving
The expert service technicians at your Ford Dealership are the best source for everything you need to get your vehicle ready for summer driving or a family road trip through the desert. Here’s what you can have them do: 

Check engine coolant. If your coolant level is low or your coolant has lost its strength over time, you run a greater risk of overheating your engine. 

Test the battery. Your battery may start harder in winter weather, but it may actually work more in hot temperatures. An inspection at your Ford or Lincoln Dealership will help reveal if your battery still has the power to perform reliably. 

Change your oil and filter. This is always a must for your vehicle, and it’s especially important in hot conditions. Proper lubrication with the right grade of clean oil and a fresh oil filter helps your engine endure the stress of extreme heat. 

You need your fluids. Brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid should all be topped off as a precautionary measure. 

Inspect the air conditioner. If your climate control isn’t working properly, you and your passengers can get very uncomfortable. A dealership service technician will check for leaks in the A/C system and add refrigerant if needed. 

Check the wipers. Extreme heat and sun exposure will wear down the effectiveness of your windshield wipers. If they streak or smear, it’s time for new wipers. 

Make sure tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires rob you of gas mileage and are also a safety hazard. Overinflated tires can also wear out tires prematurely and create unsafe handling. Check your tire pressure frequently to make sure you’re within the manufacturer’s recommended limits, since tire pressure can actually increase as the temperature rises or road friction builds up heat. Also check your spare tire regularly to keep it properly inflated.

Source: Ford Owner 

What is SYNC?

A lot of our customers have questions about the SYNC system so we thought that this week we would give you an overview of the SYNC system. If you have any questions about SYNC or which Ford vehicles come equipped with SYNC call our Sales Department at 757-595-2211.

 Bowditch’s Employee of the Week

This week we are pleased to introduce you to Al Cusano. Al has been with us for 17 years and recently became a Senior Master Certified Level 3 Service Advisor. Al is also ranked number 73 in the nation for customer service putting him in the top 1% of all Service Advisors at every Ford Dealership in the nation. Al’s favorite part of his job is solving a customer’s vehicle concern and making sure the vehicle is fixed right the first time. In his spare time Al likes to work out at the gym and play with his best friend, his dog Max. Call Al at 757-591-3644 to schedule your next Service today.

June 8, 2012

Beat the Heat!

Our Service Department has a Summer Time Special to help keep your vehicle running cool this summer. Stop in for a Coolant Flush, Air Conditioning Inspection, and a Performance Check all for one low price. Call 757-595-2211 to schedule your appointment today!

2012 Edge

The Edge is a top pick for a midsize cross over and we have the best deals in town on Ford Edge's this week! Call, click, or stop in today to see the GREAT specials that we have on Edge's this week!

·   A new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine   

  joins the lineup for the 2012 Ford Edge, delivering

 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway

·   EcoBoost will be available on the Edge SE, SEL and Limited, adding another engine choice to a lineup that launched with unsurpassed fuel economy

·  Available customer conveniences for the 2012 Ford Edge include 10-way power seats and increased availability of SYNC®

The outstanding fuel economy of the Ford Edge improves even more with the arrival of Ford’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine for the 2012 model year.

The refreshed version of the popular crossover, which went on sale in late 2010, featured the debut of industry-first MyFord Touch® driver connect technology and unsurpassed fuel economy.

“With more than 500,000 sold since its debut in late 2006, Ford Edge has been enthusiastically embraced by customers because of its unrivaled combination of smart technology, a great driving experience, safety and outstanding fuel economy,” said Darci Gurney, Edge marketing manager. “We have added even more content for the 2012 model year.”

The new 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging and direct injection, delivers 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, becoming the 13th Ford model/powertrain combination to deliver an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg or more.

The Edge EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

Also exclusive to 2012 Edge with EcoBoost are aerodynamic enhancements and other technologies to help save fuel, including side door rocker moldings and active grille shutters. Active grille shutters help optimize aerodynamics by using vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.

If air is required to cool the engine, the vents are opened. If no airflow is needed the vents are shut, contributing to significantly reduced aerodynamic drag.

Quality
Decreasing both road and wind noise was a key area of focus with the refreshed Edge, and that story continues with the 2012 model. To further improve interior quietness, expandable foam baffles are now used in the fenders and D-pillars while a thicker windshield with acoustic laminated glass helps decrease wind noise.

New for 2012 is the 10-way power lumbar and reclining driver’s seat (standard on SEL and Limited) and passenger seat (standard on Limited).

Green
Standard on 2012 Edge is the 3.5-liter V6, which produces 285 horsepower, tops among standard V6 competitors, and delivers 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive). The Edge Sport, with a 3.7-liter V6, increases performance to best-in-class 305 horsepower with excellent fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (front-wheel drive).

Each engine in the Edge lineup is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.

Also new for Edge are 18-inch low-rolling-resistance tires. Rolling resistance, a measure of the force required for the tire to travel down the road, is a key attribute in improving fuel economy. Research indicates that it’s possible for a 10 percent improvement in rolling resistance to lead to a 1 to 2 percent improvement in fuel economy.

These low-rolling-resistance tires complement aerodynamic improvements, including a new rear liftgate spoiler and new exterior side mirrors.

Safe
The 2012 Ford Edge offers a suite of innovative safety technologies and, like the 2011 Edge, is expected to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (for models built after February 2011).

To earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations, as well as offer electronic stability control. AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) is standard on every Edge.

In addition, Edge features a solid unibody construction, which provides an energy-absorbing structure to help protect occupants. Bumper-to-bumper flow-through side rails, structural design and A-pillars are meant to move crash energy away from occupants. Nearly half of the stiff shell is composed of high-strength steels, such as boron, for both increased strength and reduced weight.

When a crash becomes unavoidable, Edge relies on an array of airbags to protect occupants. Two front dual-stage and two side airbags are joined by a Safety Canopy® System consisting of side-curtain airbags for front and rear outboard passengers. Personal Safety System™ safety belts feature pretensioners and an energy management system with adjustable D-ring height in the first row.

Smart
Edge was the launch vehicle for industry-first Ford SYNC® with MyFord Touch driver connect technology. This technology provides an intuitive, easy-to-use system for accessing a multifunction color display and infotainment color display.

Options for 2012 include one 4.2-inch color LCD screen in the instrument cluster and one 4.2-inch color LCD screen in the center stack, all the way to two 4.2-inch color LCD screens in the instrument cluster and one 8-inch color LCD touch screen in the center stack, which can be controlled by voice commands or a five-way control on the steering wheel.

SYNC is now available on the base SE model and provides hands-free access with simple voice commands. Every vehicle equipped with SYNC offers hands-free calling via paired and connected Bluetooth®-enabled phone, hands-free music via USB-connected digital media player and customer support and software updates via SyncMyRide.com for registered owners.

Other available SYNC Services features include Traffic, Directions and Information, which allows customers to receive traffic alerts, turn-by-turn directions and a business search through the radio, hear personalized news, weather, horoscopes, stocks, movie times and sports content, get travel information and send directions directly to the SYNC system. Also available is Vehicle Health Report, which allows customers to receive an online report of vehicle diagnostics, and 911 Assist™, which can connect directly to a 911 operator through the paired mobile phone after an accident in which an airbag deploys.

A power liftgate also is available on Edge SEL.

Source: Ford Media

 Summer Safety Tips

We here at Bowditch Ford want to make sure that you and your loved ones have a safe summer. This week we want to keep you safe while enjoying the many waterways that Hampton Roads has to offer.

   

Don't Drink. Alcohol use affects judgment, vision, balance, and coordination, and is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities. Boating under the influence of alcohol is just as deadly as drinking and driving. Not only is it dangerous to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it's also illegal in every state in the United States.

It's not just boat operators at risk from drinking while boating. Passengers are at greater risk of injury as well. In fact, 46% of all boating fatalities occurred when vessels were docked, anchored, or drifting. Due to sun exposure and heat, both operators and passengers are likely to become impaired more quickly, drink for drink, when on the water. So play it safe and avoid alcohol when you're on a boat.

Take a Course. More than 7 out of every 10 boating incidents are caused by operator error. Boating education courses teach the rules for safe operation and navigation of recreational boats, and can help boat operators keep their passengers safe.

Get a Vessel Safety Check. The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a free public service provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron volunteer organizations. For more information on the VSC Program, visit their web site: www.vesselsafetycheck.org .

Know about carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that is emitted by all internal combustion engines, such as boat engines and onboard motor generators. In the early stages, the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to seasickness, but CO can kill in a matter of minutes, whether you are inside or outside of your boat. To avoid CO poisoning, be aware of the risk, ensure sufficient ventilation, properly install and maintain equipment, and use CO detectors, especially in living and sleeping areas.

Source: CDC

Bowditch's Employee of the Week

This week we are pleased to introduce you to Harold Diggs, one of our Shuttle Drivers. Harold has been with Bowditch for 41 years! Harold is a very valued employee who has held many different positions here over the years. Harold has been driving our Shuttle for the last three and a half years Harold loves getting to know our customers and sharing his love of music with them while making sure that they are getting where they need to go while their vehicle is being serviced at any one of our three locations. In his spare time Harold loves to play percussion instruments, meditate, and read about metaphysics and spirituality. The next time you visit us be sure to say hello to Harold or request a ride from him. 

June 1, 2012

How Cool Are You?

Find out just how cool you really are with an AC Inspection Service. Our factory trained technicians will preform a visual inspection of your AC system, use state of the art equipment to do a system pressure check, and complete an operations test to evaluate your AC system needs. Call our Service Department today at 757-595-2211 to schedule your appointment today! 

Summer is Here!

Ask Men.com calls it one of the hottest cars of summer and we here at Bowditch Ford agree! The Ford Flex has all the room that you need to haul your gear and friends to the beach, and offers you so much more. 

2012 Flex Overview

2012 Ford Flex Offers Enhancements Across Distinctive Seven-Passenger Crossover Lineup

·                     2012 Ford Flex three-row, seven-passenger crossover delivers best attributes of a car and an SUV wrapped in a distinctive, high-tech package

·                     Popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6 engine available on Limited and Titanium series

·                     Comfort and convenience improvements include Vista Roof™ now with roof rack side rails, center-mounted rear windshield wiper and center armrest with cupholders in second row

No other three-row crossover looks like the 2012 Ford Flex. And no other three-row crossover offers the same combination of fuel economy, power and conveniences.

“The 2012 Ford Flex continues to deliver technology and customer amenities not available in any other three-row crossover,” said Craig Patterson, Flex marketing manager. “Front to back and top to bottom, the enhanced 2012 Ford Flex adds some new content and retains its popular, customer-focused features.”

Flex was an early recipient of Ford EcoBoost™ technology. The efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is available on Flex Limited and Titanium, delivering power comparable to a standard V8 engine.

Flex also continues to offer the only refrigerated console – mounted between the second-row captain’s chairs – in the class.

Quality
Versatility continues to be a hallmark with Ford Flex, as roof rack side rails are now compatible with the popular Vista Roof™, allowing customers to enjoy the scenery while hauling their gear.

Introduced last year, the Titanium series remains the hero model, building off the extensive content of the high-series Flex Limited with distinctive beltline molding, grille (black chrome finish), roof (black), mirror skull caps (black), liftgate appliqué (black chrome) and fog lamp bezels. Additionally, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels are standard on Flex Titanium.

Green
Standard on Ford Flex is a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (front-wheel drive). Both the standard V6 and the EcoBoost V6 are matched to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, with available SelectShift™ functionality.

Safe
The 2012 Ford Flex builds off a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations, as well as offer electronic stability control.

AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) is standard on every Flex.

Smart
Flex Limited and Titanium series have available upgrades to the second- and third-row seating for 2012. The 60/40 split fold-flat second-row bench seat now includes a flip-out armrest with two cupholders; the one-touch PowerFold® and tumble third-row 50/50 split fold-flat bench with tailgate is available as well.

Class-exclusive SYNC® is available and provides hands-free access with simple voice commands. Every vehicle with SYNC offers hands-free calling via paired and connected Bluetooth®-enabled phone, hands-free music via USB-connected digital media player and customer support and software updates via SyncMyRide.com for registered owners.

Other available SYNC Services features include Traffic, Directions and Information, which allows customers to receive traffic alerts, turn-by-turn directions and a business search through the radio, hear personalized news, weather, horoscopes, stocks, movie times and sports content, get travel information and send directions directly to the SYNC system. Also available is Vehicle Health Report, which allows customers to receive an online report of vehicle diagnostics, and 911 Assist™, which can connect directly to a 911 operator through the paired mobile phone after an accident in which an airbag deploys.

Additionally, the rear windshield wiper on the Flex is now center-mounted.

Source: Ford Media

 Summer Safety Tips

We here at Bowditch Ford want to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe this summer. So here are a few tips to keep you and yours as cool as can be this summer. 

Stay cool 

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings. 

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. 

• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight. 

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. 

• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. 

• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day. 

Stay hydrated 

• Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. 

• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising 

outside.  

• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar. 

• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water. 

Stay informed 

• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips. 

• Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.

Source: CDC

Bowditch's Employee of the Week

This week we are please to introduce you to a member of our Sales Team, Khalaf "Ben" Benreshid. Ben is a former polymer chemist who worked for Halliburton for 18 years and who has traveled the world visiting or living in over 11 countries. Ben is

 originally from Iran and has two sons. Ben moved to the United States in 1973 and is fluent in Arabic, Farsi, and English. Ben's favorite part of his job is getting to meet new people and learning about them in order to help them find the perfect vehicle. Stop by or call Ben today at 757-595-2211 to learn about our latest specials.