Should You Change Your Own Oil?

One of the most common do it yourself tasks when it comes to maintenance of a Ford vehicle is changing the oil. Many people enjoy changing their own oil, and get a great deal of satisfaction from being able to do so. However, it’s worth thinking about whether or not its worth it to change your own oil.

To start with, there are several benefits to changing your own oil. You’ll save a few dollars off the typical oil change price. You’ll also know that the job was done correctly. In addition, you’ll get the satisfaction of working with your hands, which is something that can be lacking in many of today’s career choices.

On the other hand, there are reasons why you might take your vehicle in for an oil change. For example, you might not have specialized tools that would make it easier. In addition, many dealers offer an inspection and fluid top off when you take your vehicle for an oil change. You probably are going to save less than $5 or $10, and still need to pay a fee to dispose of your used oil and fee.

If you want the hassle taken out of an oil change, call your Omaha Ford dealer today.

Drive a Ford, Help Your School

Ford is one of those companies that is just known for giving back. One of the most interesting ways that Ford has been giving back is through the “Drive One 4 UR School” program. This program, which started in late 2007, is a unique way to introduce new Ford products to consumers. Not only does this program raise brand awareness, but it also supports community schools.

Participants in the program can test drive a new ford vehicle in order to help raise funds for their school. For every test drive taken at these one day “Drive One 4 UR School” events, Ford donates $20 to projects or activities at the school, up to a maximum of $6,000. In addition, the high schools that participated in this program last fall competed with each other to see what school could generate the most sales.

There were more than 150 “Drive One 4 UR School” events in 2008. These events took place at high schools. In 2009, it is thought that the program will be expanded to include junior high as well as elementary schools.

If you don’t wan to wait for a “Drive One 4 UR School” event to test drive a Ford, come see your local Ford dealer today.

An Unexpected Hybrid

When you think about hybrid vehicles, you typically don’t think about . It isn’t that Ford doesn’t make some of the best hybrid vehicles around; in fact, Ford is leading the way when it comes to hybrid technology.

You probably also don’t think about SUVs when you think about hybrids. Here again, you might be surprised to learn that there are many Sport Utility Vehicles on the market that use hybrid technology.

Take, for example, the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Ford Escape hybrid was the first SUV hybrid in the mainstream. It was also the first hybrid SUV to come from a domestic auto company.

The Ford Escape hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV on the market. You can get around 30 miles per gallon on the two wheel drive Escape Hybrid. It utilizes a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a CVT transmission. The Ford Escape hybrid can operate on battery power alone, especially during lighter load and stop and go traffic conditions.

If you need the functionality of a Sport Utility Vehicle but want to save money at the pump, consider the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Interior Comfort of the Ford Ranger

When you think of a solid, hard-working pickup truck like the Ford Ranger, the first thing to come to mind isn’t usually interior comfort. Let’s face it: trucks are made for utility more than they are for comfort. Having said all of that, Ford has made some significant strides in the area of interior comfort on the 2010 Ford Ranger.

The new Ford Ranger not only has the kind of power and hauling capacity that you have come to expect from the king of Ford trucks, it also has a surprisingly comfortable ride. In fact, some reviewers have even compared riding in the 2010 Ford Ranger to riding in a car. In addition, Ford has gone through considerable work to reduce the amount of cabin noise when you’re driving a Ford Ranger.

In addition to the interior changes, the Ford Ranger is recieveing a face lift. The new Ford Ranger features sportier styling, and is really the upgrade that many fans of this great work horse of a truck have been waiting for for the past several years.

You don’t have to wait for the 2010 Ranger to find out what Ford has to offer in terms of interior comfort. Come by your Omaha Ford dealer today and see what we can offer you right now.

Mustang Shelby GT500 to Lead the Pack

Few vehicles have generated more talk in the past year or two than the new Ford Mustang. The 2010 Shelby GT500 gets plenty of attention, and its going to be one of the featured vehicles leading the convoy at the 45th Anniversary Celebration in Birmingham, Alabama in April.

In fact, the lead car for the event will be a 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 that features a red, white and blue paint job. This vehicle will lead the way through the heartland, leading the pack fo around 600 Mustangs.

The vehicle will start its journey at the Las Vegas Shelby Automobiles factory, and will start its trip east soon. You can get more information about the event from the Mustangs Across America Website.

If you want the hottest sports car around, consider getting your own 2010 Ford Shelby GT500.

How to Check Your Ford’s Belts

One of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do yourself is to check the belts on your Ford vehicle. While your service professional will usually check your belts for you when you bring your vehicle in for service, it can be worth taking a few minutes from time to time to check them yourself.

To check the belts on your Ford vehicle, start by turning off the engine. Open the hood, and locate the belt or belts on your vehicle. You may have many belts, if your vehicle is older, or you may just have a couple. The belts operate a number of important components, such as the water pump, fan, air conditioner, alternator, and the power sttering pump. In many newer vehicles, a single “serpentine” belt serves to service the vast majority of these items.

On each belt, press lightly with your thumb on the longest portion of the belt between the pulleys. Generally speaking, your belts should not give more than an inch or so in either direction. if they are, they probably need to be replaced.

Some belts you may be able to replace yourself. Others will require a service professional. If you have a belt on your Ford vehicle that may be loose or about to go bad, call your local Omaha Ford dealer today and get it in for service.