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Before you get behind the wheel and head out on the road, you'll want to have some essential skills to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers. No matter whether it's your first time driving or you've been at it for years, you can always do more to increase safety while you drive. In this guide, you'll learn some of the basics that every driver should know. more 4 Essential Skills All Motorists Need 1. Maintaining the Tires Your car's tires are the only point of contact it has with the road, which is why maintaining them properly is so important for safe driving. Tires that are improperly inflated not only reduce gas mileage, but they also have a tendency to cause flats and blowouts. Some vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that makes it easy to see the psi level of the tires. You can find out what the proper psi is for your tires by checking the sticker found on the pillar inside the driver's side door. 2. Checking the Oil Oil is what keeps your car's engine and other major components functioning properly. Vehicles need to have their oil changed regularly, as it gets dirty and stops working as it should. To check your oil, open the hood and look for the oil dipstick, which is typically labeled so you can find it easily. Pull it out and wipe it off. Place it back in the hole and pull it out again. You'll want to take note of the oil level as well as the oil's color and consistency. The dipstick is marked where the oil level should be, and if the oil looks black or gritty, it's time for a change. 3. Driving in Bad Weather Regardless of where you live, you're sure to encounter bad weather at some point when you're traveling. Knowing how to handle weather conditions like snow, ice, and heavy rain will help you drive with increased safety through these types of conditions. Wet, slippery roads affect the handling of any vehicle. Make sure you drive slowly in inclement weather and don't hesitate to pull off the road if you don't feel comfortable continuing. 4. Braking Suddenly Sometimes, things appear in the road suddenly, causing you to have to stop quickly. Sudden braking isn't recommended, but if you do have to stop quickly for some reason, you'll want to stay in control of your vehicle. When you apply the brakes hard and fast, you can easily start to fishtail. This is when the back of your car sways. If this happens, ease off the brake and don't overcorrect by steering rapidly in one direction or another. You may have to slowly pull off of the road in order to regain control. Don't drive without knowing these essential skills. Having the right knowledge and experience will make you a better, more courteous driver. If you're in need of a safe, reliable vehicle that will get you around in comfort, stop by Romeo Ford of Kingston and they can help get you into the drivers seat of some of America's most reliable and trusted vehicles. Photo courtesy of Ford.

The all-new 2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is set to make its debut in showrooms and is sure to turn a few heads as the most efficient vehicle in its segment. In early June, Ford announced that this SUV will boast an EPA-estimated 100 MPGe. The engine behind all of the efficiency is the 2.6-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid engine. It works with a liquid-cooled 14.4-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery to deliver the type of efficiency that leads the entire segment. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid is so efficient that it can deliver 41 mpg combined from just gasoline alone. Drivers of this hybrid can also adjust their experience thanks to four driving modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and (an all-new) EV Charge mode. The EV Charge mode can allow the hybrid system build up electric mileage even while you’re driving. Charging times for the 2020 Escape Plug-In Hybrid is fast and efficient as well. A Level 1/Level 2 AC charging port gives the SUV a full charge in just about 3.5 hours when you use a 240-volt Level 2 charger. Test-drive the 2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid later this year when it arrives at Romeo Ford. Until then, stop by to take one of our current Escape variants for a whirl.

Roadside assistance is a critical part of Ford’s customer service. According to Sterling Black, the manager of Ford and Lincoln Roadside Operations, roadside services provide a meaningful experience for drivers in need. Reliable service can provide a sense of trust between drivers and automakers, so Ford has released some helpful updates to the Ford Roadside Assistance Program. Now, Ford is including Spanish-language roadside assistance, allowing more drivers to have an easier time receiving battery jump starts, lock-out assistance, flat-tire changes, fuel and fluid delivery, towing, and winching. Further, it’s letting all customers track the locations of service providers that are en route to lend assistance.   Other improvements involve streamlining the process of calling for assistance, reducing wait times, and making the program’s options easier to understand.   Before the update, 88 percent of Ford Roadside Assistance users rated the service as good or excellent. While Black is understandably proud of that rating, he also values continuous improvement for the service and seeks to garner a 100 percent customer satisfaction rating.   Your vehicle qualifies for Ford Roadside Assistance for the first 60,000 miles or five years. You can also call for Ford Roadside Assistance if you’ve been in an accident and require assistance.   Want to learn more about the benefits of driving a Ford? Come to Romeo Ford in Kingston.

Ford recently filed a new patent for a video projector that would mount to a vehicle’s tailgate. This innovation promises to revolutionize the way people view media while traveling. How it works Per the patent’s abstract, the design will feature a video projector that will attach to the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the device will project the video away from the vehicle onto whatever surface the user chooses. The projector also has a secondary mode which projects light away from the vehicle. This feature uses a bright white light to illuminate the space and a yellow light that attracts insects so humans can avoid getting bug bites while watching their favorite movie. Implications on the driving experience Having a place to play video in a car is nothing new, but a mountable projector opens up many possibilities for enjoying a Ford vehicle. For instance, you could drive to a remote location and project your favorite movies on a broad screen rather than from a smaller display screen located inside of the vehicle. It’s a great idea, especially for outdoorsy folks who want to relax in nature while still enjoying some of the conveniences of staying at home. For more exciting news from Ford, stay tuned to our blog in the days ahead. Or better yet, stop by Romeo Ford in-person to test-drive the brand’s shiny new models for yourself.

Summer days are here and that means you’ll be getting ready to hit the road. And if you’re anything like me, you decide the destination at the very last minute. But we’ve hand-picked a few summer spots for you to hit to make deciding on a destination easy! Whether you’re looking for some blood-pumping adrenaline days or relaxed exploring, there’s something for everyone on our list this week! Take a look, decide your destination and stop in to see our team to service your ride because let’s be honest, we don’t have time for any breakdowns this summer. Stop in and let our team give your ride the green light to drive! Kaaterskill Falls - Cascade down two terrace-like tiers and take in the beautiful scenery that the falls have to offer. Standing at 200 feet tall, the Kaaterskill Falls is taller than Niagra Falls. The picturesque trail is easily accessible by road and other trails are available if you’re up to the challenge! Adirondack Park Region - Escape city life for a while and enjoy glacial lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and the beautiful wilderness that the ADKs has to offer. Just a little over two hours from Albany, the Adirondack Park offers hiking, canoeing, and more! The perfect camping place for a summer weekend road trip is waiting for you here! Hunter Mountain - Adventure through Hunter Mountain and get a rush of adrenaline with activities like soaring 600 feet above the ground on Northern America’s longest and highest canopy tour. Or take a scenic sky ride to the 3,200-foot summit for a calm afternoon. Maybe ATVing, fly-fishing or disc golf is more your style. Either way, it’s all available at Hunter Mountain! Beacon - Mostly known for its’ beautiful artwork, Beacon is one place you’ll want to get lost in this summer! From an old Nabisco box printing factory transformed into an art gallery to Electric Windows in downtown Beacon, there’s plenty to see here that will make you appreciate art. When your tour is finished, grab a bite to eat in one of the small restaurants! Road Trip In A New Ford This Summer!

One of my favorite things to do on a hot summer day is to head outside and treat my beloved Ford to a DIY car wash. And if you’re not really sure where to start, we have you covered so don’t worry about a single thing! This week’s blog is dedicated to the dos and don’ts when it comes to a DIY car wash. Are you ready? We hope so because we are! Below you will find that list and when you’re ready, he out to the driveway and get started! We wish you the best but we already know you don’t need it. The Dos & Don’ts Of A DIY Car Wash: Do put your car in a shaded area or in a garage. The hot summer sun will make proper car care and cleaning, much more difficult. Wash your car on your lawn, any water runoff will be absorbed by the grass which is better for the environment. Do wet down your vehicle, thoroughly. All you need is a little sprinkle of water to rid your vehicle of any loose dirt or debris that have made your vehicle home. If you skip this step, expect scratches on your vehicle. Don’t use detergent or dish soap. There are many automotive soaps out there which is usually pH-controlled and has gloss enhancers. Use soaps designed specifically for your vehicle, not household soaps that can cause damage to your vehicle. Do wash your vehicle one section at a time and top to bottom. This will prevent dry soapy spots from forming on your vehicle. Do wet the car if temperatures are hot. Don’t let your vehicle dry in the sun, a shady spot or a garage will prevent water spots from forming on your vehicle. Do spend the extra few minutes drying your vehicle completely to avoid water spots. And there you have it, our complete list of dos and don’ts when it comes to a DIY car wash! We hope you use these tips the next time to grab the bucket and head out to scrub-a-dub your precious Ford! But if you’re ready to upgrade your ride, stop in to see our team and let us take you out for a test drive! We promise you won’t regret it - hurry on in! New Ford + Fresh Wash = One Happy You!

Well, well, well, you’re ready to hit the road. Bags are packed, cooler is in the back seat, and everyone’s piling into your vehicle when all of a sudden you noticed how bald your tires. Oh man! I get it, I have been there and it’s a big damper on the trip. But, you should always be checking on the health of your tires - after all, it is part of being a vehicle owner. So, how do you know that your tire tread is roadway acceptable or not? Relax, we got you covered! This week we have your guide to check your tire’s tread and all you need is a penny or quarter or actually nothing at all if you don’t have those! Check it out below and head over to our page to snag a new set of tires so you’re not making a pit stop before hitting the road for your summer trips! Here’s How To Check The Tread - The penny test: Insert a penny right into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing upside down in the tread facing toward you. Once the penny is inserted, if you can see the entire head, your tread depth is less than 2/32” and that means you need to replace your tires ASAP. The quarter test: As we did before, place the quarter upside down into the tread groove with Washington’s head facing toward you. If the tread reaches Washington’s head, you have at least 4/32” of tread remaining, AKA you’re tires are still in good shape and there’s nothing to worry about! No change? No problem! Take a look at your tread wear indicator bar that is molded onto the tread of your tires. These bars are found at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple spots. When these bars are visibly flush with the adjacent ribs, your tire has no more than 2/32” of tread left. This is a visible indication that you need new tires for your vehicle! Monitor your tread depth closely once it reaches 4/32 inch deep. 4/32” or deeper = good tread 3/32” = replace tires soon 2/32” = replace tires now Snag New Tires Here!

May is here and that means you’ll probably be heading out to hit the road for a road trip! And we know that means your kids will be along for the ride too. But there are some things about car seats that you should know and mistakes that you should be avoiding. While we know you’ve probably already read your child’s car seat manual, we want to use this week’s blog as a refresher course to make sure you’re steering clear of these mistakes. Check out our guide below and be sure to start practicing good and safe driving tips today! Installing the seat improperly. The first step to properly installing a car seat is making sure that the seat will properly fit in your vehicle. Be sure to use anchors/ LATCH system/ seat belts to properly secure the seat and always choose a rear-facing seat until your doctor has recommended you to switch. Next, check to make sure the seat is securely fastened and go the extra step to have your seat checked at an inspection site. Incorrect use of harness and straps. The harness in your child’s seat could be in the correct position which could cause issues. The harness should always be kept at your child’s armpits. And the straps should not be too loose or too tight. Conduct a “pinch test”, if you can pinch the straps between your fingers, the straps are too loose and need to be tightened. Dressing your child in bulky clothing While the weather may be warming up, there are still some mornings or nights where the weather can be a bit chilly. And while your first instinct is to put on a bulky coat or sweater, don’t. This will cause you to loosen the straps of the car seat and in the event of a collision, your child’s seat will be too loose to provide effective protection. Keep your child in a warm sweater and place a jacket on top after they have been strapped into their seat. Swapping to a booster seat too soon. While some booster seats can be used for children as young as three years old, this is not the exact age bracket they are intended for. If your child is between four and five years of age, at least 40 pounds, and have the ability to keep the seat belt strap properly positioned across the chest for the entire ride - then it is time to switch into a booster seat. But always consult your doctor before making the switch. Stay Safe In A New Ford!

Thinking about getting behind the wheel of a brand new Ford this spring? We thought you might be and Romeo Ford of Kingston is the answer to all of your needs! This week we want to talk a little bit about trading in your old vehicle and what to expect when you stop in to see our team! Trust us, if this is something that’s been on your mind, you’ll want to check out our guide below! And don’t forget to shop all of our new vehicle offers before they’re gone for good! Value of Your Trade/ Allowance: The trade-in value is the amount that the dealer is offering to buy your old vehicle, the offer is influenced by a number of factors. Appraisers take into consideration your vehicle's condition, the year, and how well it runs. Knowing the value of your trade can help you negotiate better when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. Once you have agreed to a trade-in value with the dealership, a trade-in allowance should also be established. The allowance is the amount which the dealer is willing to reduce the price of your new vehicle as a result of trading your old one. This can be looked at as a credit from the sale of your old car towards your new one. Loan Value: This is the amount that your financing lender is willing to provide toward your new vehicle. Your loan amount depends on numerous factors like your credit score, financial stability, and even unfulfilled loan payments. In some cases, you may have to pay off a current auto loan before a lender offers a new loan. Retail Value: This value is dictated by the market, versus trade-in values which are dictated by dealers. The retail value represents the dollar figure that they can (re)sell your used vehicle for. It is key to research the retail value before heading to the dealership. Knowing what your vehicle should retail for can help get you more money towards your trade-in. Some people may find it beneficial to sell the car themselves, this route can sometimes be a long and treacherous uphill battle. Negative Equity, Upside Down Loans: It is important to understand the terms of your trade so you avoid being upside down on a loan. Some dealers may offer to pay off the balance of your current vehicle’s loan but be careful to make sure you don’t get into a situation where you owe more on a loan than your car is actually worth. Look at the terms of your loan and make sure a portion of your old loan isn’t “rolling over” onto your new loan. Choose Your New Ford Here!

Springtime is here and that means our allergies are about to take over our bodies. While that’s no good - we want to take a few precautionary steps to help keep your allergies to a minimum when you’re out and about running errands this spring! So, take a look at our guide on how to allergy-proof your vehicle and be sure to put these tips to good use! If you’re ready to upgrade into a fresh new and clean Ford, come see our team and let’s take a test drive. We hope to see you soon! Clean It Up The best way to cut back on allergens in your vehicle is to clean it. Our vehicles are prone to getting rather dirty no matter how clean of a person we may think we are. Spend an hour and clean out your vehicle. Vacuum the floor mats, clean the dash and air vents with a disinfectant spray (one with no harsh fragrances) and a microfiber towel. For air vents, use a cotton swab for those pesky, hard to reach areas. Got Air Filter? Often times people forget that their air filter could be clogged and increasing their reaction to allergens. So, we recommend that you swap out or clean your air filter at the start of each spring. This is an easy fix that will lead to better, cleaner breathing. Keep Those Windows Closed I know you’ve been driving down the road and you’ve seen the pollen flying through the air. When pollen levels are high, keep your windows closed whether you are driving or in a parking spot. This will decrease the chances of pollen entering your vehicle. Also, during peak pollen season, giving your vehicle a car wash will also cut back on allergen irritants. Good luck this spring & we hope you have an allergy-free season! Stay Allergy-Free In A New Ford!

Living in New York means you might need to supply your vehicle with a new set of tires at the beginning of a new season. Especially when those seasons are summer and winter filled with extreme temperatures. And while we hope that you’ve already swapped your summer tires for a fresh new set of winter ones or all-terrain, we know that they might still be sitting, improperly stored somewhere in your home or garage. We’re here to tell you no worries but we want to help ensure the lifespan of your tires which will save you money in the long run. So, this week we are bringing to you our go-to guide for how to properly store your winter tires! Check out that guide below and give us a call if you have any questions or you’re in need of a new set of tires! Step 1: Cleaning your tires is a vital role in keeping them healthy and happy. So, give them a good scrub with proper cleaning supplies and a brush that will help reach into those nooks and crannies your wheels have! You want to be very strict about cleaning. This gunk might look harmless but it can be deceptively corrosive. Also, don’t be afraid to look over your tires to ensure there is no uneven wear and tear, cracks, or bulging. Step 2: Cover each tire in a bag big enough that it can be closed and will not expose the tire. You can choose between industrial size garbage bags or search the web for specifically designed bags for this purpose. Once the tires are placed inside, seal the bag and remove as much air as you can possible. Step 3: Now is a good time to locate a good place to store your tires. Do not place them in a spot outdoors or in an area that is subject to temperature swings. Covered or not, extreme temperatures can damage tires and will lead to drastic effects. Also, keep your tires away from motors that produce ozone. These, too, can cause damage to your tires. These are things like your furnace, hot water heater, or sump pump. Look for an area that is climate controlled, cool and dry, and will not experience drastic humidity levels. Step 4: Stacking the tires is the last step when it comes to storing. While we hope you covered your tires, we understand that not everyone does. If that is the case, stack your tires white to white and black to black. Without wheels, lay tires flat and stack one atop the other. With wheels, place them vertically next to one another. In both situations, rotate once a month to help reduce pressure on either wheel or tire. Purchase New Tires Today!

The holiday season is here and we want to help you celebrate! Whether you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle for yourself or a gift one to that special someone, this is the perfect time of year for it! So, if you’re in the market we encourage you to stop in to see us right here at Romeo Ford and allow our team to provide you with an outstanding experience. Once you’re done, you’ll need some holiday events to attend. But where to go? No worries - we have you covered! This week we are sharing some holiday events happening in the area to help you get in the holiday spirit. So, arrive in style by picking up your new Ford and then head over to celebrate the holidays with these events! The Sudbury Winter Gift Sale Date: 12/01/2018 Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: Hudson Valley Sudbury School ( 84 Zena Road, Kingston, NY 12401) Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping this Saturday and kickoff the holiday season surrounded by vendors and handmade gifts! 35th Reindeer Ramble to benefit Strong Kids Fund! Date: 12/02/2018 Time: 11:30 am - same day registration, 1:00 pm - race start Location: YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County Registration Cost: $10 Student/ $15 Adult Give back to the youth of the Kingston community by joining us during this event! With plenty of fun activities for the family - this event is a great way to get the family out while donating to a great cause! Snowflake Festival Date: 12/07/2018 Time: 4:00 pm Location: Uptown Kingston As Uptown Kingston transforms, we welcome you to join this festive event to kick off the holiday season! With caroling and much more - there is something for every family member to enjoy during the Snowflake Festival! UCSPCA Holiday Pawty Date: 12/08/2018 Time: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Location: Ulster County SPCA Join us at the shelter for light refreshments, a draw your own adoption discount event, holiday shopping, and a special visit from Santa Paws! Ho Ho Howl! Arrive In Style In A New Ford!