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Living here in New York means that you have to prepare your vehicle for those frigid temperatures that are quickly approaching. While you’re are probably dreading those winter months, there is still time to get you ready for those weather conditions and get your vehicle ready, as well. Take a look at our tips below and stop by our page to schedule your appointment with our service department today before it’s too late! Lighting - winter months are known for being very dark. If your vehicle has a poor lighting system, dead lightbulbs, or dim lights, now is the time to replace or upgrade those lights to ensure a bright winter. Don’t get caught in the dark because of neglect, swap out your old lights or invest in a restoration kit if your lights look dirty or dim. Dead Battery - cold temperatures are known for pushing an almost dead battery over the edge. We recommend having your battery tested and replaced before those temperatures drop even more. Don’t leave yourself stranded due to a dead battery, get it tested today! Tires - it will most likely snow at some point this winter and your tires play a very important role in getting you to your destination safely. Whether your tires are all-seasons or not, now is the time to check the tread and make sure they are in proper condition. If you need to replace them, choose a set that are designed for winter weather conditions. Fluids - coolant, gasoline, windshield washer fluid. These are a few fluids that you should have checked and filled before we run into winter weather. Coolant will keep your vehicle’s engine from freezing (and overheating in the summer months). Choose a washer fluid for winter weather to keep your windshield from freezing over when you need to wash dirt and debris off your windshield. Always keep your tank filled to prevent water from freezing inside your fuel pump and to keep you warm in case you need to wait for help in the event of an emergency. Survival Kit - although this one isn’t a car care tip, it is a necessary preparedness tip. Whether you already have an emergency kit in your vehicle or not, now is the time to get one or update that kit. Pack items like a phone charger, ice scraper, flashlight, jumper cables, warm clothing, a knife, and a first aid kit. Always keep your ice scraper handy in case you have to get into your trunk or engine and it has frozen over. For further details, give us a call and ask what we recommend for winter services! We are happy to help! Service Your Ford With Us!

Fall is quickly approaching, which means temperatures will soon be dropping. What else will start to drop? That’s right, your tire’s air pressure. Did you know that for every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure decreases one to two PSI? If not, now you do. You may have also noticed that your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light lights up more frequently in the colder months. If you have noticed this, give thanks to those dropping temperatures once again! We recommend that you check your tire pressure regularly during the fall to winter months and, of course, when your TPMS light shows up on your dashboard. It is a good idea to get in the habit of checking the pressure at least once a month or each morning before you head out for the day when temperatures are extreme. Most often, you’ll see the TPMS light show up in the morning when temperatures are the lowest. Your light might turn off, but it is a good idea to check and fill up even after temperatures rise. Keeping your PSI at the correct level will enhance your safety, tire’s health, and increase gas mileage. Incorrect tire pressure can decrease your gas mileage by about 0.3 percent for each one PSI drop in pressure of all four of your tires. When your tires are properly inflated, you can increase your gas mileage by 3.3 percent. Now that’s saving! If you own a newer vehicle, your TPMS indicator might not alert you until your tires are significantly under-inflated. And, that’s no good! We suggest that you stay alert, frequently check your tires and be ready to fill up when needed, especially during drastic weather conditions or temperature changes. Treat yourself to a new set of tires before the fall weather really sets in and temperatures drop way below what we like them to be! Stop in to see us today and let our team take care of all of your tire needs! Hurry, those leaves are starting to fall. Service Your Tires With Us!

There is nothing better than a little DIY when it comes to your vehicle. Not only does it help you familiarize yourself with your vehicle but it also is a good way to make sure your vehicle is keeping up with regular maintenance in between scheduled service visits. This week we are here to teach you how to change your battery all by yourself. Don’t panic - it is not as hard as you may think it is. Let’s get started! With the engine off and cool, pop open the hood and locate the battery. First, loosen the nut and detach the negative (black) cable from the terminal using a wrench or a pair of battery pliers. Then, detach the positive (red) cable from the terminal using the same method. NEVER use a screwdriver or pry bar to detach the cables. Remove the battery hold-down clamp using a ratchet or wrench. Remove the battery from the holder, batteries tend to be heavy, seek assistance if it is needed or grab from the bottom using both hands. Use the handle if the battery has one. Using a battery cleaning solution, clean the battery tray holder thoroughly to rid the tray of any built-up corrosion. Let the tray dry completely before inserting the new battery. With a wire brush, clean the battery cable connectors. If your cables have heavy corrosion, use the battery cleaning solution. Place the new battery into the holding tray and secure with the hold-down clamp. Spray both terminals with anti-corrosion solution and reattach the terminals starting with the positive cable and then the negative. Ensure all cables and clamp are fastened tightly. Wiggle the battery, if it has room to move continue to tighten the clamp until there is no movement. Do the same with the battery cables. And there you have it, a fresh new battery in your ride! Have questions? Reach out to our service department and let them assist you with all of your battery needs. Let Us Change The Battery For You!

Ahhh, summertime is here and that means so are the violent, sudden thunderstorms that sneak up out of nowhere. You’re on your way home and all of a sudden, buckets of water are being poured onto your windshield. These are the moments you need your windshield wipers the most, especially at night. And did you know that the UV rays from the sun can cause major damage to your wipers? I never did. Well, the sun can cause your wipers to deteriorate, crack or split - none of these options are acceptable. This week we take an in-depth look at what you should know when it comes to your wipers! Keep an eye out for: Broken wipers/ frames, detachment from frame arms or connection points Cracks or tears in the rubber Rubber should be flexible and able to form to the windshield Corrosion, especially at joints Most common problems: Rubber has started to split Streaking or skipping on the windshield Frames are bent or broken Any wear/ tear or corrosion on blades or frame So, why should you check your wiper blades? Well, like we talked about before, you don’t want to be stuck in a rainstorm with crappy windshield wipers. Rain can decrease your visibility and if it happens to be nighttime, your visibility is even less when your windshield wipers are in poor condition. You’re probably wondering if you can avoid this breakdown or deterioration of your wipers. The answer is an absolute YES. Avoiding wiper breakdown: Get regular car washes and clean your windshield each time you fill up your tank Gently clean off your wipers with a damp paper towel or microfiber towel Alternate between summer and winter windshield wipers to avoid damage to your wiper frames. Extreme temperatures can affect your wipers differently, use the appropriate wipers for the appropriate season. Become a proactive vehicle owner this summer and some your windshield wipers a little TLC! Stop in to swap out your old wipers and get a fresh new set. Don’t forget to fill up on windshield washer fluid while you’re at it! Don't Be A Fool, Change Your Wipers!

Summer is here and that means you probably have a lot of activities planned with your doggo! But, did you know there are a few things you need to know to ensure a seamless road trip with your pet? If not, no worries! We got you covered! This week’s blog is dedicated to some tips that you’ll want to know before packing up and heading out with your pooch. Check them out below and let us know of any tricks that are helpful to you! Tip #1: Only travel with your dog if they are healthy and their vet clears them. If your dog is feeling sick, always take them to the vet. But, if you’re planning to travel then make sure you ask the vet if your doggo is cleared for travel in the car. If not, then plan for a dog sitter or find a good place to board your dog if you will be away for a long period of time. Tip #2: When planning your travel, make sure that you have the proper tools to restrain properly. If you’re planning to travel with your dog in a crate, that crate needs to be big enough for your pup to stand up, sit down, turn around, and lie down inside of. Soft blankets or towels and a favorite toy or two in the crate for the journey is a good way to keep your pal comfortable. A harness tie-down is an alternative to traveling with a crate and can prevent your dog from wandering around the car or injure themselves. Never let your dog ride on your lap! Tip #3: Always have plenty of water available for your pup. The best kind is either distilled/filtered water, or water from the tap at home if that’s what you normally give your dog. Since dogs have very sensitive GI tracts, it’s important that they have familiar water to drink while along for the journey. Food is a no-no since dogs can get carsick too! Tip #4: Do not let your dog stick their head out the window. Although they might enjoy it, you won’t enjoy the dirt, debris, bugs, and other nasties that can fly directly into your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth and cause damage or injury! Or the drool down the side of the car, yuck! Tip #5: Stop often for exercise and potty breaks. Not only will your dog enjoy being able to stretch his/ her legs, but you will as well! Road Trip In A New Ford!

You might have heard, but we’ve got an AMAZING 4th Of July Flash Sales Event going on here at Romeo Ford this week, and you won’t want to miss these deals. The best part is that you can claim your voucher for savings at any time during the event and save big on so much with us! Check out what offers we have, and then claim your voucher on our website today! We’ve got: New Truck Offer New SUV Offer New Car Offer Certified Pre-Owned Offer Brake Pad Special (that includes installation and a rotor inspection) 4-Wheel Alignment These are not only great deals on a new or pre-owned vehicle of your choice, but amazing savings on essential services for your vehicle! The prices and vouchers are only available for five days, but luckily you can save online and in-store. And thanks to the miracle of modern technology, you can claim your voucher on your cellphone! Seriously, this is a chance you won’t get again any time soon. Of course our prices are low every day, but these are REALLY low. In a good way! That means you can SAVE BIG (we put it in all caps for emphasis). Stop in today and ask about the event - or present your voucher and get ready to be blown away by how much money stays in your pocket!! Want to know how to claim your voucher? It’s easy! Just pick the offer you want, complete the steps to redeem your voucher, and bring that voucher in when you come to visit the store. Seriously. Three steps. Very easy. What’s your excuse for not saving money this holiday - and what’s more patriotic than a coupon?! (A bald eagle, we know, but this is a blog about coupons. What did you expect?) *Must present 4th of July Flash Sales Event voucher upon arrival. Prior sales excluded. While supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer or vehicle special. These offers are only valid on specified vehicles and services limited. Offers expire 7/03/2018 Claim Your Voucher Here!

Summer is officially here and there’s no better time to take control of your life! Specifically the part of your life that is your garage. Sure, it’s the place to store all your junk, but imagine this: what if you could park your car in the garage and have it not be super hot from the summer sun? Also what if everything in the garage was neatly organized and you knew where everything was? It’s a great idea and you know it. Check out how to clean and organize your garage so well that you’ll surprise yourself every time you open the door! The very first thing you want to do is to take EVERYTHING out of your garage. Literally everything. Car, junk, trash, stuff you need… get it all outside into the driveway or onto your lawn and leave your garage totally empty. Then you should start to sort everything you’ve just taken out into two piles, one for things that you want to keep and one for things that you’ve been meaning to throw away or just forgot about. Throw those things away right now. Dispose of chemicals like paint safely, but just get it out of there forever. With your garage empty, you should sweep and vacuum the floor and dust the corners. If it’s a nice day, you could even hose down the floor! If you’re feeling super adventurous, consider applying an epoxy garage floor kit. It’s a lot of work and a lot of waiting, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a really serious makeover. With the space clean, it’s time to take a critical look at your current storage solutions. If you don’t have shelves or wall storage, consider getting some! It’s a great space-saving hack to store things vertically. You can even store bikes on wall racks, which saves a TON of space. Finally, get everything back into your garage, organizing as you go. You’ll probably spot some things that you thought you wanted to keep but are really junk that you can just go ahead and throw away. You don’t need that in your life. When everything’s back in place (or has found a new home), park your car back inside! Give A New Nissan A Clean Home

We all know that Ford is a great company - heck, they make awesome cars, are almost symbolic of America, and they’ve even just started a beekeeping program where they’re putting honey bee hives on the roof of their headquarters. But did you know that Ford’s safety initiatives aren’t contained solely to cars? That’s right - Ford has created a prototype safety jacket for cyclists. Keep reading to learn more! The Smart Mobility team at Ford has created a prototype jacket with a ton of tech included that makes biking at any time of day safer for folks who like to two-wheel it to work and home and anywhere in between. The jacket itself pairs with your smartphone and includes a navigation app that favors cycle-friendly routes. It also can connect to a bone conductive headset that keeps your eyes on the road by giving you turn-by-turn navigation instructions without blocking your hearing. The sleeves will also vibrate to help with directions if you’re not a headset-type person. As far as visibility goes, the jacket has LED lights everywhere - on the cuffs of the sleeves are LED turn signal lights, the back of the jacket features a brake light, and the front zipper has a string of LEDs to make cyclists more visible from every direction. Unfortunately, this jacket is still a prototype, but people who have tested it say that they feel safer and much more visible. It also asserts Ford’s commitment to safety for everyone on the road, not just those in cars. We’d be down to try out this jacket any day! Ford Makes ‘Em Safer Than Ever