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We are now officially in the holiday season. This means many families have travel plans coming up very soon. If you plan to do any driving for Thanksgiving, there are a few times you should avoid and some that you should aim for. Here are the best and worst Thanksgiving travel times. Worst Times In general, the worst time to leave for your Thanksgiving weekend is Wednesday evening. However, according to AccuWeather, Tuesday evening can also be pretty bad in the greater New York area. After the Thanksgiving holiday, Sundays are going to be the busiest travel day to return home. Best Times If you don’t have far to travel, the best time to drive will be anytime on Thanksgiving Day. For your return trip, Friday, Saturday, or even Monday will give you the lightest traffic. If you have to leave earlier than Thanksgiving Day, try to leave early in the morning to avoid most of the traffic. You should also try to plan your route to avoid the most congested highways. Keep in mind that Thanksgiving is a bit later this year and falls on Nov. 28. Here in New York, that means the likelihood for snowy or icy weather goes up. Schedule your Ford vehicle’s seasonal maintenance appointment here at Romeo Ford before winter sets in. We’re here to help ensure that your holidays are as safe as they are fun.

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.

The Check Engine Light - formally known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp - is a signal from your vehicle's engine computer that something isn’t working quite right within your system. Now, this can be anything from a bad catalytic converter or something minor like a loose gas cap so it’s important to get in and have things checked out. While you can buy an inexpensive code reader and try to diagnose the problem yourself, bringing your vehicle in to see a professional is best. In some cases, these code readers might be able to diagnose the problem and turn off the Check Engine Light. But that could be a short-lived solution and chances are, your light will light up again. Ignoring your Check Engine Light could mean bad things. So, don’t ignore it, okay? It’s not good for you or your wallet, seriously. When your Check Engine Light shows up the first thing you’ll want to do is pull over and take a look at your engine. Most drivers will try to squeeze every mile out of there engine that they can, which we can understand. But in the end, this is going to cost you when you’re hit with a hefty bill when it is time to repair that engine! Your Check Engine Light could be sending you mixed signals. Sometimes your Check Engine Light will show up and there could be nothing wrong with your vehicle. Some of the most common occurrences for that are: Loose gas cap Faulty oxygen sensor Spark plug wires Mass airflow sensor The best way to diagnose these issues are to stop in to see our team right here at Romeo Ford of Kingston! Whether it is something minor or major - it’s best to have the pros take a look and make sure your vehicle is running properly, especially now that summer is here and you’re planning on taking a few road trips. So, start by scheduling your service appointment online today and be sure to snag a service offer from our specials pages to help save you a few bucks when you stop in to see us! We look forward to seeing you soon! Service With Us And Save Big!

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!

Hey Ford lover, looking for service specials to help you save a few dollars when it comes time to service your Ford this June? We thought you might be! And we want to help make sure you save BIG BUCKS! In fact, we have over ten service and parts offers this June which means no matter what your vehicle needs, our team can meet and exceed all of your needs! Seriously! From the minor tune-ups to the extensive repairs, our team can take any service need you to have and fix it up with ease! So, check out a few of our service and parts offers below and head over to our page for our full list! And don’t forget to claim your coupon and schedule your service appointment. We’re ready to help you stay on the road this summer, stop in to see us for service! 4-Wheel Alignment - $99.95* Coolant Exchange - $139.95* The Works - $39.95* Includes: Tire Rotation Oil Change The Works Plus - $69.95* Includes: Tire Rotation with Valvoline Oil Oil Change Valvoline Fuel Additive Cleaner Engine/ Cabin Air Filter - $109.90* Each Plus FREE wiper blades w/ purchase of both* Transmission Flush Special - $20 OFF* Excludes diesel Brake Inspection - FREE* Includes: Removing wheels Measuring brake pads Inspecting brake components for safety Batteries Special - Save $10 on ANY Car Battery Replacement* *All offers expire 6/30/2019. See specials page for full details. Get Your Coupons Here!

Summer road trips are back and there’s no time to be left stranded on the side of the road. So, what are you going to do about it? You’re going to upgrade your Ford that’s what! And this month, we have a few new Ford offers that will make you jump for joy and get you excited to spend some time behind the wheel this summer! Whether you are looking for a capable pickup truck, sporty crossover or a fuel-efficient sedan, we have just what you’re looking for! So, check out those offers below and be sure to head over to our specials page to get more details on these amazing new offers and don’t forget to claim your offer online! You’ll need this when you stop in to see our team to save big. Swing by to see our team for a test drive when you’re ready and let’s start your summer off with a bang! June Offers: 2019 Ford F-150 XL 4WD Lease for only $289/ month* 2019 Ford Escape SE 4WD Lease for only $199/month* 2019 Ford Fiesta SE FWD Buy for only $189/ month* Buy for just $13,960* *All offers expire 6/30/2019. See specials page for full details. Get Those Deals Right Here

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!

Hitting the road is the most exciting part of the summer season! And whether you’re ready to hit the road or not - we’re ready to help YOU get ready. The first step in that process is obviously picking your destination. Ok, do you have one in mind? Great! Next, we want to talk about servicing your vehicle. Because it really is the most important part of the road trip, of course, next to choosing the right destination. And while we know it may be stressful to think about servicing your vehicle, we want to assure you that it’s not a time you need to be stressed. You’re in great hands here at Romeo Ford of Kingston and you’ll feel that when you stop in for your service appointment. Check out our new service and parts offers below, print the coupon that works best for you, and stop in for your appointment! We hope to see you soon! 4-Wheel Alignment - $99.95* Coolant Exchange - $139.95* The Works - $39.95* Includes: Tire Rotation Oil Change The Works Plus - $69.95* Includes: Tire Rotation with Valvoline Oil Oil Change Valvoline Fuel Additive Cleaner Engine/ Cabin Air Filter - $109.90* Each Plus FREE wiper blades w/ purchase of both* Transmission Flush Special - $20 OFF* Excludes diesel Brake Inspection - FREE* Includes: Removing wheels Measuring brake pads Inspecting brake components for safety Batteries Special - Save $10 on ANY Car Battery Replacement* *All offers expire 5/31/2019. See specials page for full details. Deals On Deals, Snag A Coupon Here!

Finding your dream vehicle can be a daunting task, we get it. Whether you know exactly what you want or you just need help finding it, our team here at Romeo Ford of Kingston is dedicated to helping you find exactly what you’re looking for! And this May is the perfect time to help you get behind the wheel. Why? Well, not only is this month filled with plenty of new vehicle offers, but we know that those summer road trips are creeping up on you. And there’s no better time than now to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that you love and one that won’t disappoint you when you’re out and about on the road. So, how can you save big when you stop in to see our team? All you have to do is choose the right new vehicle offer for you below. Once you do that, head over to our page and claim that offer that’s right for you by either printing the offer or sending it to your mobile device. And, don’t forget to bring it in with you when you stop in to see our team for a test drive! Now is the time to check out those offers below and be sure to stop in to see our team when you’re ready to upgrade your ride! We hope to see you soon! 2019 Ford Fiesta SE FWD Buy for only $13,960* 2019 Ford F-150 XL 4WD Lease for only $267/ month* 2019 Ford Escape SE 4WD Lease for only $199/ month* 2019 Ford Explorer XLT AWD Lease for only $299/ month* *All offers expire 5/31/2019. See specials page for full details. Grab Your New Ford 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!

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner and that means you and the family are getting ready to hit the road! While this is a very exciting time, there are a few things we want to discuss before you all hop into the vehicle and hit the road. First, you need to have your vehicle serviced! Why? Well, no road trip needs a minor break down and by stopping in to service your vehicle with our team, you’ll avoid any unnecessary roadblocks along the way. Second, you need a list of fun games that will help pass the time and miles with ease. So, check out our list below and be sure to stop in to see our team when you’re ready to get your vehicle in shape for those long, exhausting road trips! License Plate Map Grab a clipboard, a color-less printed out copy of the U.S. map, and some crayons! When you see a license plate from a certain state, color it in! This will keep kids occupied for hours as they race to be the first one to get all 50 states! The Alphabet Race One adult picks a letter from A-Z and whoever spots that letter out the window first (billboard, cows, tires, for example) gets to go next. This game is truly endless and can help pass the time especially with small children who are learning new items! I Spy Everyone knows this one! Start with saying “I spy with my little eye….” and give a clue as to what you are looking at. Everyone takes a turn guessing at what you could be seeing, the person who guesses correctly gets to start the next round. 20 Questions Another popular and easy game! Someone in the car thinks of a specific object and other passengers take turns guessing what the person, place or thing could be and can be answered with a simple yes or no. After every answer, the questioner gets one guess at what is being thought of. Person to guess correctly wins and gets to start the next round. Spot The Car This is a great game for older children who can differentiate the difference between vehicle models. Instead of looking for different states like we did in the Licensee Plate Map game, you’re looking for different models. You can make a printable scavenger hunt list to check off when that model is found. The first one to check off all models wins! Oh, and one more thing! Don’t forget to visit our specials page to see how you can service your vehicle for less. Or if you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle, check out our monthly offers that are always changing to offer you nothing but the very best savings. When you’re ready, schedule an appointment today or stop by to see our team. We’re here to help make your driving experience unlike any other - stop by to see us today! Road Trip + New Ford = Epicness!