History of the Ford Focus

For almost a decade now, the Ford Focus has been a wonderful car choice for many people. It’s a perfect entry-level car for commuters, or for someone who doesn’t need a lot of storage or passenger space.

The Ford Focus has always had plenty of character. It’s not luxurious by any means, but it is reliable. And, the styling on the Ford Focus has always been expressive. Perhaps best of all, the Ford Focus is affordable.

When it was originally released in 2000 at the onset of the new millennium, the Ford Focus was designed to be what is known as a “world car.” It was sold around the entire world in the same basic format as it was sold in the United States. It was tuned some for European markets to include more responsive handling, as well as more communicative steering.

Since 2000, the Ford Focus did reach a second generation in European markets. The American version of the Ford Focus, however, has not received a complete redesign. Some experts think that this has kept the American version of the Ford focus from being a top pick among economy car buyers in the United States.

In 2008, Ford did a significant redesign on the U.S. version of the Ford Focus. Among other things, Ford first offered the SYNC system, a hands-free communications and entertainment system designed with Microsoft, on the 2008 Ford Focus. This change, as well as a myriad of design changes, have been sufficient to keep the Ford Focus a viable choice for a value, economy car.

If you’re looking for a car with character, consider the Ford Focus.

When To Replace Your Ford’s Tires

Your tires are, in many ways, one of the most important parts of your vehicle. YOur tires are the “feet” of your vehicle, and if they’re not working right you can’t get where you need to go. Knowing when it’s time to replace the tires on your Ford vehicle is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance, and avoiding a blowout or a flat tire.

Over time, tires generate a certain amount of heat. This heat will eventually cause the tire to become deformed. The more you drive on our tires, the more worn out they’ll become. Eventually, they lose part of their tread. When your tires have less tread, you have a harder time controlling the vehicle and are at a higher risk for accidents.

When your Ford’s tires show wear on the treads, its time to replace them. To figure out if your tires are ready to be replaced, do the penny test. Take a penny and push it down in between the tread of the tire. If Lincoln’s head comes up above the tread of the tire, you need to replace it.

Another way to tell you need to replace your rire is if you can see wear bars. These are molded indicators that you can see on the pattern of the tread, and they indicate it’s time for the tire to be replaced.

If you need new tires, get to your local Omaha Ford dealer today.

Twin Cities Look to Ford for Hybrids

While it’s true that Ford may not be the first company that you think of when you think of hybrid vehicles, the fact of the matter is that Ford vehicles are making great strides when it comes to fuel efficiency and greener types of vehicles. This work has not gone unnoticed by everyone. For example, the local governments in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area have decided to enter into a partnership with Ford for that very reason.

These local governments from the greater Twin Cities region are working with Ford to put a fleet of 66 electric and hybrid vehicles on the road in the are in the year 2010. These local government entities have offered to construct a charging network, with stations in public areas that will allow these vehicles to be charged as they go through the region.

Most of these vehicles will be Ford Transit Connect Vans. Others will be the Ford Escape plug-in hyhbrid vehicles schedule for release next year.

On the horizon still is the all electric version of the Ford Focus. This vehicle is slated to begin production in 2011, and will be a truly revolutionary new vehicle for Ford.

Taking Your Ford Truck Off Road

While not everyone who owns a Ford Truck is going to take it off road, the fact is that the ability to go just about anywhere is one of the best features of having a Ford truck. Whether you want to drive through town or through the woods, there is no better vehicle to be in than a Ford truck. Still, there are some important things to keep in mind when you do go off road.

First, keep it within your driving ability. Pick a smooth path on the trail so that you can react to changing terrain. Don’t drive too fast, as you can cause all sorts of damage to your vehicle.

You should also keep your eyes on the path. Watch for what’s coming up next. If it’s possible, try to survey the path before you even go down it. You need to be aware if there’s a dead end or a cliff.

Make sure to cross obstacles just one wheel at a time. This helps with climbing.

You should also drive straight when you’re on a hill or steep terrain. Driving straight will lessen the risks that you’ll have a rollover.

Need a new Ford truck to take off road? Come and see your Omaha Ford dealer today.