All posts filed under: Austin

5 Austin Spots To Study & Relax

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It’s back to school time, and that means it’s also time for buckling down with the routine and/or getting back to studying. Whether you’re a student, a parent or both, these top Austin spots are amazing for studying, relaxing and all of the fun in between! Austin Public Library – Central Library Eat a meal or enjoy a cup of coffee at Cookbook Café, spend some time perusing the massive amount of books or just stand in awe of the incredible amount of beauty that makes up Central Library. We’re talking six stories and 200,000 square feet and a rooftop deck to boot. This is a perfect and awe-inspiring spot to study or relax! 2. Halycon Whether you’re looking for coffee, a cocktail or some really tasty eats, Halycon has it. Order some tator tot nachos, grab a seat and get to business! With one location on 4th Street and another on Muller, all you have to do is pick the coziest spot for you. 3. Barton Springs If you can go without WiFi for …

Five Ways To Cool Off in Austin

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Looking for some ways to stay cool in our great (but super hot) city? As the temperatures continue to rise, your friends at Leif Johnson Ford have compiled a list of five of our favorite ways to cool off in the Austin area! Visit a swimming hole- The Austin area is full of lovely swimming pools and holes to enjoy on a sweaty summer’s day. Beloved Barton Springs, Wimberley’s majestic Blue Hole and Spicewood’s gorgeous Krause Springs are just a few of our favorite options! And if you’re looking for a little history with your swimming, dive into the oldest swimming hole in Austin at Deep Eddy’s! Discover a splash pad – Austin has so many totally free splash pads. Pease Park, Downtown Round Rock, The Triangle and Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park are just a few of the amazing options. Go paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing. Lady Bird is Austin’s favorite, but spots like Brushy Creek Park and Lake Austin also offer these on-the-water excursions! Spend a day at the lake. From dining on …

Five Perfect Daytrips From Austin

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We all know that Austin is jam-packed with amazing spots. It’s totally possible to have lived here your entire life and to still have a list of places in mind to visit for the first time. But sometimes it’s nice to just get out of town and explore for the day. Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the best nearby towns ideal for a mini road-trip! Wimberley This picturesque town comes complete with plenty of lovely wineries and two famous swimming spots. Take a dip in the Blue Hole or Jacob’s Well and complete your day with dinner at the delicious Leaning Pear. And if you happen to be in town the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss Wimberley Market Days which features the oldest outdoor market in the Texas Hill Country! 2. Fredericksburg This adorable little city may be known for it’s wineries, but it also boasts delicious German eats, museums, the loveliest Markplatz (town square), a city park and playground and some of the best peaches around. Plan a road-trip …

Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Transmission

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Your transmission is a vital part of your vehicle, and it is so important to keep yours in the best of conditions. It’s especially important to ensure the health of your transmission is this Texas heat. Leif Johnson Ford is here with some tips on how to keep that transmission in tip-top shape! Change Transmission Fluid This is vital for lubrication and good performance. Check your transmission fluid levels. Low fluid levels or fluid levels that drop quickly might mean you have a leak. Also check your vehicle’s radiator and coolant levels. The radiator controls your engine heat, but it helps your transmission stay at a proper temperature as well. Low or dirty fluids will increase chances of wear and overheating. Change every 15,000 miles or once a year (See owner’s manual). If you have a vehicle that does heavy towing regularly, you will want to check fluids monthly. Use a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid. These will be less likely to degrade at higher temperatures. Use Brakes  Do not downshift to slow down car. Downshifting …

5 Top Austin-Area Camping Spots

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Welcome back, friends! Last week we shared with you the essentials needed for a camping trip. This week, we’ll be giving you our top picks for family-friendly camping spots in the Austin area. Get your tents and your adventuring pants ready! Cedar Breaks Park Located on Lake Georgetown, this gorgeous spot offers 59 campsites to reserve. Boating, fishing and hiking the trails are all great adventures to partake in when camping at Cedar Breaks. Not only is this one on the water, mesquite trees provide shade to 90% of the scenic sites. That makes this is an absolutely perfect summer location!  Camping fees are $26. 2. Ink Lakes Park If you’re a camper looking for a more guided experience, this is the spot for you. Get a history lesson at the visitor’s center and learn even more at the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are both campsites and cabins to choose from. Hike nine miles of forests and hills, go fishing, rent a paddleboat and so much more at this Burnet go-to. The water level stays …

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 …