Author: leifjohnsonfordatx

Texas Camping Road-Trip Essentials

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 Planning a camping trip this summer? Leif Johnson Ford would love to help! Welcome to part one of our two part camping trip blog. For our first post, we’ll be covering camping essentials to bring with you on your road-trip. For part two, we’ll cover five of our favorite camping spots in the Austin area. Buckle up, friends! Note – This list is meant for longer camping road-trips. You may need less items for a weekend trip, but this list will still be regardless in gauging what items you’ll need. Texas Summer Camping Road-Trip Essentials  Tent with Rain Fly and Footprint Tent poles and stakes Extra tarp or canopy Repair kit for tent Sleeping Bags Camp Pillows Quick dry towels Umbrella Camera First Aid Kit Flashlight and/or Lantern Trash bags Food storage containers Bug Spray Sunscreen Toothbrush + Toothpaste All Purpose Tool Light blankets (or camp blankets. Perfect for summer!) Backpacks, small suitcase and/or large rolling duffle Hot/Cold bag Cooler Fishing hooks, road and bait Flexible cutting board Tupperware Good knives Vegetable peeler Spatula Bin …

How To: Flush Your Radiator & Change Coolant

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While the official start to summer is still about a week away, those of us in Texas are definitely already feeling the heat. Having a vehicle A/C that works properly is absolutely a must with this 100+ degree weather. That’s why it’s vital to ensure that your radiator has recently been flushed and that your coolant has been changed. Not sure how to do the flushing or change? Your friends at Leif Johnson Ford are here to give you simple and step-by-step instructions! Open the radiator fill cap. This can usually be found on the top of the radiator. If your vehicle has a plastic tank or reservoir for coolant, go ahead and open that too. Now it’s time to check your vehicle’s owner manual. First, look for the location of the radiator petcock. (Petcock = Small valve) Position the petcock underneath this area to capture the antifreeze. Open the drain and let all coolant drain into this container until it ceases to flow. Proceed to close the petcock/drain. Now it’s time to pour your …

5 Summer Road-Trip Spots Outside of Austin

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It’s time to start planning those summer vacations! If you don’t have much PTO or just don’t have the time or money to escape for long, your friends at Leif Johnson Ford are here to help. We have five mini road-trips from Austin that will leave you feeling like you’re on vacation miles from home! Krause Springs This gorgeous camping and swimming site in Spicewood, Texas is an awesome addition to your summer agenda. Don’t miss the butterfly gardens while you’re there! 2. Magnolia Silos Waco, Texas was put on the map by Chip and Joanna Gaines, and there’s a good chance you’ve heard of their famous Magnolia Silos. It’s very much its own little world full of shopping, food, a garden and games. Expect big crowds at the market and eateries, but know the treats, sights and Instagram photos are well worth your time! 3. Hamilton Pool A beautiful and natural pool created when the dome of an underground river collapsed, this popular attraction boasts arguably the most incredible waterfall in the Austin area. …

Summer Organizational Tips For Vehicle

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Summer is officially upon us. This means the kids are out of school, and road-trips, sports games, slumber parties and new adventures are probably in the works. This also might mean that your car is a mess, or has the potential to be that way soon. But with all of the upcoming car rides, this is also the time that it’s best to have a well-organized vehicle. Leif Johnson Ford is here with some easy ways to keep your vehicle organized and ready for all of the fun summer has in store! Grab a box with a lid from the dollar store and pack all of your summer necessities. Think sunscreen, bug spray, extra shoes, extra clothes, swim suits, sun hats, baby powder for removing sand, etc. Keep a durable and labeled folder with important items such as your insurance and registration safe in the glove compartment. These are items that often seem to disappear right when we need them most, and this simple trick helps ensure that doesn’t happen! Hang a shoe organizer and …

How to Replace A Vehicle Air Filter

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Your vehicle’s air filter helps protect your vehicle by preventing harmful contaminants such as pollen, dirt and sand from being sucked into your vehicle’s engine. There are warning signs to look for that indicate your air filter is dirty. Look for poor gas mileage, a misfiring or idling engine, gasoline smell, black smoke, the check engine light illuminated and decreased engine power, throttle response and acceleration. Your air filter should be changed every 12,000 miles or 12 months to best protect the engine. Luckily, the process of changing an air filter is relatively simple. Your friends at Leif Johnson Ford would love to walk you through the steps! First, purchase an air filter that matches your vehicle’s make and model. If you need help with this, do a quick internet search or call your friends at Leif Johnson Ford! Mark your new filter with today’s date. This will help you remember how long it’s been since your last filter change. Make sure the your vehicle is secure. Park the car on level ground and apply …

5 Tips To Having A Stress-Free Car Buying Experience

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At Leif Johnson Ford, we want to sell you a vehicle. But we want more than that. We want to sell you a vehicle at a price that works for you, and we work hard to save you money. We understand that sometimes it can be hard to know exactly how to save dollars when vehicle shopping. Our number one goal is to make that process easy for you, so we’re making purchasing a car a little less overwhelming with these simple steps. Research your vehicle options ahead of time Of course you want to get a good deal, but don’t only consider an incredible price tag. Is this vehicle reliable? Does the size and fuel-economy work for you and your family? Will it work for your lifestyle? These are all important things to research and consider when looking to purchase a vehicle. Sites like Edmunds and JDPower.com are great for guiding you to vehicles that will help fit your needs. 2. Email ahead Have a list of vehicles in mind and want more information? …

Getting Your Vehicle Summer Ready

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 Summer is right around the corner, friends. It’s vacation, road-trip, boating and fun time! It’s also a great time to make sure your vehicle is ready to let the good times roll. Is your vehicle ready for the hot months of a Texas summer? The heat can take a toll on your vehicle, so it’s important to ensure that your ride is in tip-top shape. Leif Johnson Ford is here with some quick tips on how to do just that! Check the radiator and hoses for leaks and cracks. The radiator is located near the front of the vehicle after you open the hood, and there will be a cap enclosing the coolant. Ensure that all connections are secure, and that the reservoir is half full. Add coolant or antifreeze if it is low. Before you check under the hood, make sure the engine is cool. You could be injured if removing the radiator cap when hot or warm. If your temperature gauge does reach high levels or your vehicle alerts you that your engine …

Top Five Underrated Outdoor Austin Spots

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The weather is finally warming up and it’s a gorgeous time of year in the ATX! It’s the absolute perfect time to take your vehicle our for a drive to some of our city’s best outdoor spots. You all know about Barton Springs and Mt. Bonnell, but there are so many other gems often overlooked in Austin. Since we’ve been serving the area for over 60 years, we at Leif Johnson Ford know all about the treasures our city has to offer. Here are five of our favorite underrated Austin spots! River Place Nature Trail – This beautiful trail offers serenity, striking greenery, babbling brooks, and multiple trails great for beginners and expert hikers alike. It’s usually not too crowded and is perfect for a peaceful family or solo hike. Brushy Creek Park – This one is located outside of Austin in Cedar Park, but we think it is definitely worth the vibe. Go for a run with gorgeous lake views, let the littles enjoy the splash pad and park, go stand-up paddle boarding at …

Dashboard Warning Meanings

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Ever have a car warning appear on your dashboard and you have absolutely no idea what it means? This is an all too common occurrence – most of us have not memorized the meaning of each and every warning –  and one that could potentially be dangerous if left alone too long. At Leif Johnson Ford, we want to make sure you are safe and in-the-know at all times, which is why we’re here to give you the low down of each and every dashboard warning. Fog light (front.) Power steering warning light Fog light (rear) Washer fluid low Brake pad warning Cruise control on Direction indicators Rain and light sensor Winter mode Information indicator Glow plug/diesel pre-heat warning Frost warning Ignition switch warning Key not in vehicle Key fob battery low Distance warning Press clutch pedal Press brake pedal Steering lock warning Main beam headlights Tire pressure low Sidelight information Exterior light fault Brake lights warning Diesel particulate filter warning Trailer low hitch warning Air suspension warning Lane departure warning Catalytic convertor warning Seat …

Ford – Always Going Further

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By 2020, Ford will have transformed their North American car lineup. There’s so many reasons to be excited about this. news Here’s what 2020 will look like in the world of Ford 75 percent of the vehicle lineup will be replaced with smarter and more connected vehicles. These vehicles will also come with both better speed and quality than ever before. The average age of Ford vehicles will drop to just over three years. Customers are living more active lifestyles and want more trucks and SUVs. It’s  important for Ford to always give the customers what they want – This is why these vehicles will soon be a whopping 86% of Ford’s volume. The F-150 will continue to be made as smart, capable and tough as possible. The Ford Ranger is making a comeback in 2019, along with a new F-Series Super Duty. 4G LTE Wi-Fi will be standard equipment by the end of 2019. Ford is adding a new line of off-road SUV’s perfect for adventuring near and far. These powerful SUV’s are inspired …