All posts filed under: ATX

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. …

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 …

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 …

Ford Pass SmartLink

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Do you have a 2010-2017 Ford? If so, you’re in luck! Ford just released SmartLink, which allows its owners to use the incredible features of Ford Pass on these older model vehicles. This device will plug into the onboard diagnostics port below the steering wheel and is roughly the size of a deck of cards. SmartLink allows older model vehicles to use all of the nifty features that have until now only been available on newer Fords. This includes 4G LTE WiFi, vehicle location tracking and smartphone integration of key fob features such as remote engine start, lock + unlock and vehicle health and security alerts. It will also allow users to create “geo-fences” around certain areas, and to create alerts when your vehicle enters this area. (This one is great for monitoring sneaky teenagers.) The price for the SmartLink device is $16.99 a month plus installation fees for 24 months. This simple and fun device is absolutely perfect for turning your older car into a smarter car! Call us at 512-454-3711 for more details …

Ford Co-Pilot 360

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Most of us spend a good amount of our lives driving, so feeling safe while on the road is absolutely essential. Ford understands that and is making substantial efforts to reduce any and all danger on the road. By 2020, most Fords will come with a variety of advanced safety features called Co-Pilot 360. This is starting with this fall’s 2019 Ford Edge! These features include the following: Rearview Camera  Always see what is behind you when you’re reversing Blind Spot Information System Those scary blind spot are no more with Ford’s alert system, which also includes cross traffic alert. Automatic Emergency Braking  Accidents happen, but rarely with Ford on your side. If you can’t brake in time, your vehicle will help. This includes braking when a pedestrian is detected in front of you. Auto High Beam Lighting  Ensure excellent nighttime visibility with Ford’s automatic lighting Lane Keeping System  Stay in your lane even when you’re momentarily distracted with Ford’s Lane Keeping assistance. Ford cares about your safety, and they make it look really good …

Spring Cleaning Your Vehicle

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It’s March in Austin, which means it’s an absolutely beautiful time to be living in our city! Have any plans for spring break? How about spring cleaning plans? Your vehicle is one of the easiest places to overlook when it comes to tidying up, so your friends at Leif Johnson Ford are here to help. Here’s some quick tips on how to get your ride spick and span for the road ahead! Clean and vacuum out trunk If you’re anything like the rest of us, chances are there’s been a slow buildup of things in the back of your trunk. Now is the perfect time to empty it out and find another space for said things. This will free up room for spring and summer stuff, while also lightening your load and thus improving your fuel economy! 2. Wax your vehicle  Definitely self-wash or get a car wash as well, but a vehicle wax is an important step that many skip out on.  Waxing provides a variety of benefits, such as sealing the paint, adding …

Quick & Unofficial Guide to Avoiding SXSW 2018

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Today is the official first day of South by Southwest here in the ATX! Not feeling the vibes this year? Looking to get away from it all? Here is your quick and unofficial guide to avoiding SXSW 2018, brought to you by your Austin-based friends (since 1957!) at Leif Johnson Ford. 1. Adventure to the outskirts of Austin. Dripping Springs (Try Treaty Oak Brewing & Distilling…they also have a playground), Round Rock (World famous Round Rock Donuts, anyone?!), Georgetown (They’ve got wineries and the most adorable – and not overcrowded – downtown), or Cedar Park (Everyone is talking about the new HMart Shop.) 2. Eat slightly outside of the downtown area. Eldorado Cafe ATX + Jack Allen’s Kitchen Anderson Lane + Be More Pacific – Filipino Kitchen and Bar on Anderson Lane, Picnik Austin+ DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana on Burnet Road and Flower Child at the Domain are all affordable and family-friendly options. If you want to feel like you’re on vacation (and feel FAR away from the madness), try Ski Shores Café on Lake Austin. …