Restraining Pets in Cars- Pet Safety Tips

Ensuring your pet arrives at your vacation destination safely is a simple and inexpensive endeavor.

With the dog days of summer here, you are probably gearing up to take your family on the vacation of a lifetime/ plan to take your pets with you when traveling . Whether your vacation destination is a sandy stretch of sun-soaked shoreline on a tropical island or the rocky cliffs and peaks that comprise a nearby mountain range, if you’re planning to take your pet along for the ride, it’s imperative to keep them properly restrained inside your vehicle. At Avis Ford in Southfield, we know your pets are family members too, so we’ve tracked down some tips for keeping your canine companion safe during all your summer travels.

The easiest way to ensure your pet arrives at your destination unharmed is to prevent him from being able to escape from the vehicle and take off running should you be involved in a minor fender-bender or a major collision. In the event of a car accident and are injured in the process, you want to make sure your dog remains contained inside the vehicle until help can arrive. While attaching his leash to the inside the vehicle is an option, it’s better to visit your local pet supply store to purchase a pet crate or carrier to safely contain your dog before you hit the open road. Pet-safe carriers are sturdy structures that will protect your dog from debris and other dangers if your vehicle is involved in an accident.

If your dog is too large to be crated, consider purchasing a dog safety restraint device that attaches on one end to his collar or harness and around a buckled seat belt on the other. This option allows your dog to move around a bit on the seat of the car but keeps him safely inside the vehicle if a collision occurs and you aren’t able to grab a hold of him yourself.

In addition to ensuring your dog is safely restrained inside your car while you’re driving, remember to never leave your pet in a hot car when outside temperatures exceed 65 degrees. The temperatures inside your parked vehicle can skyrocket in a matter of mere minutes, making it difficult for your dog to breathe and potentially resulting in heatstroke or even death. At Avis Ford in Southfield, we encourage you to keep your dog safe when you travel by investing in equipment to restrain him properly and refraining from leaving him unattended in your car on a hot summer day.

Tire Maintenance Tips

Your car’s tires may seem like a very basic part of the car, but at Avis Ford, we know that they are one of the most important things on the whole vehicle. Keeping your car tires in full working order ensures that your car handles properly, drives safely and offers the best gas mileage possible.

Learn which danger signs to look for and how to care for your tires with Avis Ford’s tire maintenance tips.

Check inflation

Your car tires must be maintained at the correct pressure. This ensures that the tire stays in contact with the road’s surface and gives the car its best handling. The proper pressure for your car’s tires can be found in your owner’s manual. If you are ever unsure, contact us here at Avis Ford for more advice. You can check the tire pressure at home with a basic pressure gauge. If something does not seem right, bring your car into Avis Ford, and we can take a closer look for you.

The way that your car handles could be a clue that there is something wrong with the tires. If the wheels are misaligned, for example, then the tires will wear unevenly, which could cause problems for you. Signs include vibration through the steering wheel, or the car pulling to one side when you drive. If you spot these signs, bring the car in to be checked out by our mechanical team.

Get scheduled rotations

You can avoid irregular tire wear by rotating the tires. Many owners would never even think to do this, but this can ensure that the tires last longer, and it is a really good habit to get into. The owner’s manual for your car will tell you how often you should rotate your tires, and, of course, we can help you, too. Rotating tires, however, does not mean that you can ignore a problem with wear and tear. If the tire needs replacing, then you should always buy new ones.

Look for signs of wear and tear by visually inspecting all four tires (and your spare). Check the tread with a penny to see if it is wearing unevenly in certain places. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, then your tire should be OK. Smooth patches on the tire could mean that you have a problem. You should also look for signs of damage. Wear bars are built into modern tires, and these can be visible when the tread is worn down too far. As soon as you see them, it’s time to speak to us at Avis Ford about replacements.

Spending money on new tires may be an unexpected investment, but it could be a way to prevent even bigger bills from damage and wear to other mechanical parts. Talk to us at Avis Ford if you are uncertain about the health of your car’s tires.

2014 Ford Fiesta

With seven different models available, there are many engine options in the new 2014 Ford FIESTA. Regardless of the one you choose, you get a vehicle that is fuel-efficient and handles well. At Avis Ford in Southfield, we carry a range of the Fiesta models.2014 Fiesta modelsYou can choose from among seven Fiesta models. The S model is available in Sedan or Hatch, SE Sedan or Hatch, Titanium Sedan or Hatch, or the ST model. Check out the models in person at our Avis Ford dealership, knowing that all 2014 Fiesta vehicles include several outstanding features.Closer look at the Fiesta family of cars The 2014 versions have the exceptional quality you have come to expect from the Ford brand. All of the 2014 Fiesta models have electric power-assisted steering so that the car responds well to your movements behind the wheel and has superior steering feel. Tire vibrations are minimal, too. Each Fiesta has a 1.6L engine, and the ST model has an added EcoBoost feature. The five models’ 1.6 Ti-VCT I-4 engines provide the power you crave in an efficient way. The engine type has 120 horsepower and 1.6-liter twin independent variable cam timing. The timing allows the camshafts to operate both intake and exhaust valves at different times, giving you an efficient motor any time of the day. In addition, each Ford Fiesta has SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is a streamlined tech bundle you are sure to love. The 6.5-inch color LCD touch screen is voice-activated to help you navigate as you drive, provide music, hook up to your phone and more. In addition, enjoy options such as the Reverse Sensing System in the Titanium models, the 17-inch Alloy Wheels of the ST, and the Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler of the S models that limit the amount of emissions releasing into the environment. Check out the distinct, quality features of each Fiesta model for yourself at our Avis Ford dealership in Southfield. Call us or come in person to find out more about the new 2014 Ford Fiestas.

2013 Ford Edge

2013 Ford Edge

When it comes to brand-new SUVs offering stylish interior, eye-catching exterior designs and state-of-the-art technology, nothing can compete with the 2013 Ford Edge, available now at Avis Ford of Southfield. Because this vehicle comes in four distinct models — the SE, SEL, Limited and Sport — drivers with a wide array of tastes are sure to find the perfect one to suit both their style and their budget.

Brawn and brilliance

The 2013 Ford Edge is best known for its smooth contours and sleek exterior styling, which combine strength and sophistication. Nine unique body color options — ranging from Ingot Silver, Mineral Gray, Tuxedo Black and White Suede to Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue, White Platinum, Kodiak Brown and Ginger Ale — give the vehicle an edge over other crossover SUVs in its class and make it easily distinguishable from virtually every other vehicle on the road.

In addition to delivering extraordinary exterior designs that will get you noticed on the streets of Southfield or highways across the country, the 2013 Ford Edge also offers superior interior styling that couples comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Available leather-trimmed seats with contrast stitching lend a sense of sophistication to the vehicle while providing a comfortable ride, no matter how far from home your travels take you. An on-board media hub boasts a Sony audio system with HD radio, multiple USB ports, an SD card reader and RCA audio/video input jacks.

An available ambient lighting feature opens the door to an assortment of programmable lighting options, letting drivers customize the interior of the vehicle day or night with colors that fit their mood of the moment. Take control of the entertainment aspects of your new vehicle using SYNC and MyFord Touch, features that allow you to manage the car’s climate, music, navigation system and your phone on an 8-inch touchscreen mounted in the center stack.

Interior considerations

With a rear 60/40 split bench seat that reclines for passenger comfort and folds completely flat, transporting luggage or large items is a breeze in the 2013 Ford Edge, which is outfitted with 68.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

An available forward-folding front bucket seat also adds to the vehicle’s spacious design, creating room to haul objects up to 8 feet in length inside the SUV.

Thanks to its innovative technological features and out-of-this-world interior and exterior designs, this car will have you on the edge of your seat. Stop by Avis Ford of Southfield today to fall in love with the new-and-improved 2013 Ford Edge.

Tips to increase your MPG

Ford offers more vehicles that get 40-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency than any other maker. To take full advantage of this potential, follow five tips for increasing mpg from Avis Ford.

1. Relax behind the wheel.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving results in poor fuel economy. When you rapidly accelerate and brake, you lower your mpg by 33 percent at highway speeds and 5 percent in the city.

2. Stick to 50 mph or lower.

Research also shows that miles per gallon also decrease when you drive more than 50 mph. When you may legally drive faster than 50 mph on highways, use cruise control to keep your speed constant and improve fuel efficiency.

3. Avoid idling.

Turn your vehicle off when parked. According to the USDE, you waste one-fourth to one-half gallon per hour when you idle. That might not sound like much, but when you consider the minutes you run your car for no reason over the course of a year, it adds up. Turning your car off also cuts down on the pollution it emits.

4. Get rid of unnecessary weight.

If you store your golf clubs in the trunk on the off chance you might have time to sneak away for a round, don’t. An excess 100 pounds can reduce your mpg by up to 2 percent.

5. Maintain your vehicle.

Regularly scheduled and needed maintenance plays a big role in the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. In terms of improving mpg, getting your engine tuned delivers an average of 4 percent, keeping your tires inflated results in up to 3 percent and using the recommended grade of motor oil up to 2 percent.

Get more help increasing mpg from Avis Ford by scheduling an appointment with our service department. 

By: Pamela Mitchell

WE ARE LOCAL

Did you know? The most wear to your car’s engine and drive train occurs in the first 10-20 minutes of operation. To prevent this, be sure to accelerate slowly when you begin your drive. Let us help you with preventative care for your Ford. Schedule your next service appointment with us and save.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t- you’re right” -Henry Ford

http://www.henryford150.com/what-would-henry-say/

Have a great idea?!

Have a great idea?!

Ever been driving along in your Avis Ford or in the shower or just daydreaming when suddenly you get a great idea?

Well if you have a great idea for your vehicle, Ford wants to hear about it and we want to hear about it. You can submit your idea to FordSocial’s ‘Your Ideas”. Check out the ideas already posted, vote for your favorites or post your own idea. Some are winners, whereas others (like the idea for a Sandwich Holder) might not take off.

Your idea could show up in the next generation of Ford models!

http://social.ford.com/your-ideas/