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Giving Back with LJF and Ford

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At Leif Johnson Ford, we are committed to making a difference and bettering our community. We are always looking for new ways to give back to different local causes, and are truly passionate about helping those in Austin and beyond.

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Currently, we are partnering with Susan G. Komen in the fight against breast cancer, and local elementary schools with Earning by Learning. Whether it be raising funds for cancer research or helping kids learn to love reading, we are honored to do whatever we can to be a resource for others.

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Ford Motor Company is also passionate about helping their community. Each year, Ford Volunteer Corps performs more than 112,000 hours of work on community service projects around the world, and Ford Driving Skills for Life is a driving program that helps teens develop necessary driving skills.

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Ford also values sustainability, and creates vehicles that will better our environment. They are working hard to reduce vehicle emissions in the vehicle product lineup, and believe in finding suppliers who share that same goal. From a global water management initiative, which has decreased our water usage by 61%, to creating 18.5 million vehicles with environmentally-friendly soy foam, Ford truly cares about protecting our planet.  They have even created PACE, or Partnership for a Cleaner Environment, to increase green efforts. PACE focuses on water and energy conservation, and reducing waste, carbon dioxide and air emissions. Due to current suppliers partaking in this program, carbon emissions could be reduced by 500,000 metric tons worldwide during the next five years! Ford has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for eight years in a row.

Ford is on a mission to make the world a better and greener place, and we at Leif Johnson are so proud to be right there with them. 

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.

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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 on getting your SmartLink installed!

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!

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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 too! 

 

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!

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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!

  1. 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 shine and repelling water beads and thus annoying water spots.

3. Take your time on the interior 

Take out all receipts, trash and other miscellaneous items that can me removed from the car. Use a vacuum and brush duster to clean car knobs and buttons. Vacuum all dust before adding a cleaning product. Wash the seats with a hot and wet cloth. Clean leather seats with car cleaning wipes. Use a Magic Eraser to scrub any gross bits off of vinyl or leather. A glass cleaner such as Windex van be used for the windows (unless you have a tinted sheet applied to window – ammonia can harm this sheet.), and don’t forget to roll them down a bit to clean the top quarter-inch. Spray the cleaner on the cloth to reduce streaking. Cleaning the interior windows horizontally and exterior vertically will help you quickly know which side any streaks are on. Spritz cup holders with glass cleaner and let sit for a few minutes before wiping. Use car cleaning wipes to clean dashboard, center console, inside door pockets, steering wheel and gear shift. Wrap a thin cloth around a flat head screwdriver to clean the tightest spots of your console, and buttons and switches on dashboard. Clear air vents with a foam paint brush. Remove and vacuum floor mats and proceed to vacuum seat upholstery and foot wells. Move seat forward and back to ensure you reach every spot. Consider topping all of this off with a new hanging deodorizer to keep your vehicle smelling fresh!

4.  Check the three W’s – Wheels, Wipers, and Windows 

After a winter that was at times unusually cold for Austin, it might be time to check and change out the wiper blades. When it comes to the wheels, think about removing the hubcaps and washing them down. Thoroughly scrub tires wheel well, check tire pressure and tighten up lug nuts that are loose. Finally, shine your windows! Clean both the inside and outside of windows and mirrors with a quality brand window cleaner, and shine with a dry towel.

5. Visit your Leif Johnson Ford service department. 

We’ll make sure everything is looking good under the hood and make sure you stay safe for all of your adventures. Call 512-454-3711 to make an appointment today.

Happy spring cleaning, friends! 

 

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.

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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.
3. If you want to feel like you’re part of the action without actually being a part of the action, go for a photo-opp and create your very own SXSW event. The wall pictured – the ‘Before I Die Wall’ on Elizabeth St. is slightly outside of downtown proper and was actually created by SXSW organizers. People from all over the world share their dreams and fears here – connecting the world one chalk board scrawl at a time.
There you have it! Your quick and unofficial guide to avoiding SXSW 2018 – And having an absolute blast while doing so. Enjoy, and please feel free to share this guide with friends!
#SXSW #ATX #ATXTraffic #SouthBySouthwest #Texas #Mustang #ATXDetourDay

10 Simple Hacks For Your Vehicle

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It’s safe to assume a couple of things. 1. Most of us want life to be just a little bit simpler. and 2. In Texas, our every day commute is usually a big part of our lives. What if we could use the knowledge of those two statements to make life a little easier for you? Your Leif Johnson Ford friends are here with some super simple car hacks to make you day-to-day drive a little less stressful and a little more fun.

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  1. Prevent door dings in tight garage parking spaces by horizontally affixing pool noodles against the wall of your garage. As the door swings open, you’ll now have a bumper to keep your vehicle from banging up the car or wall. Also consider placing a noodle where you park the front of your car. This will allow you to pull all the way forward without worrying about damaging your vehicle!
  2. Have cloudy headlights? Toothpaste can fix that! Add just a little bit of toothpaste to a clean rag  and begin to scrub the headlights. The mild abrasives contained in the toothpaste can help fill in any tiny scratches and remove the cloudy layer.
  3. Shower caddies are good for more than just the shower! Use caddy to store oil and other liquids that you’ll need to stay safe on a road trip.
  4. Make your dashboard nice and shiny by adding a little bit of olive oil to a coffee filter. This will pick up dust and dirt and give your dash a shiny and clean look. The more you know!
  5. If you’re parking your car somewhere new, drop a pin on your phone so you can remember the exact location you’ll need to navigate back to. Apps like iParkedHere work great too.
  6. Can’t find your car in the gigantic parking lot? Extend the range of your key fob by holding it under your chin as you search. Crazily enough, the fluids in our body can slightly extend the range of the key fob!
  7. If you have kids, hang a shower organizer on one of the back seats. You can fit everything from sippy cups to suntan lotion and baby wipes in the organizer. It’s ideal for tidying up and not losing items to the mysterious underbelly of your vehicle!
  8. Have a bumper sticker you’re wanting to get off your car? Use warm water to soak newspaper and place it over the sticker for ten minutes to remove.
  9. Instead of air fresheners, keep an open box of dryer sheets in your car. They’re longer lasting and cheaper than the alternative!
  10. Have a messy trunk? If you have the space, add laundry baskets to this space. If possible, have one basket for work, one for the gym and one for grocery shopping. This makes organizing your vehicle a breeze!

Breathe a sigh of relief because these quick but resourceful car hacks are ready to make your week so much easier! Ultimate vehicle hack – If you have any areas that need more than a quick fix, call your friends at 512-454-3711 to make an appointment with our service department. We can’t wait to see you!  

 

Truck Month @ Leif Johnson Ford

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It is officially Truck Month at Leif Johnson Ford!

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Every year during our Truck Month, we donate $100 of each new truck sold to Susan G. Komen. This means that you are helping us save lives and give back to our community!

Quick Facts:

  • Just one $100 donation can cover the cost of a life-saving mammogram
  • On any given day, about 1,000 women receive a free breast cancer screening made possible by Susan G. Komen
  • Through Komen’s research and community programs, there are more than 3 million survivors and counting.
  • From 1989-2014, there has been a 38 percent decrease in breast cancer mortality
  • Last year during Truck Month, our Leif Johnson Ford family raised a total of $27,700 to donate to Komen Austin.
  • We’ve only just begun week two, and have already raised nearly 5,000 this year!

Thank you to all of our amazing customers who are helping us fight against cancer, one beautiful new truck at a time!

 

 

10 Essential Items to Have In Your Emergency Vehicle Kit

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Safety should always be a number one priority on the road. One big way to guarantee this priority is a vehicle emergency kit. Even if you have a vehicle that’s in great shape, you never know what’s going to happen on the road. Breakdowns can happen anywhere, and there may not always be cell phone reception or tow trucks close by. Being prepared is key! But what should you put in an emergency kit? Your friends at Leif Johnson Ford are here to give you the essential items needed to keep you safe and sound during your drives!

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  1. First Aid Kit – Bandaids, adhesive tape, gauze pads, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex glove, an instant cold compress, scissors, hydrocortisone ointment packets, an oral thermometer, antibiotic ointment packets and antiseptic wipes are all great items to have on hand.
  2. Fire Extinguisher  – Make sure it’s for Class B and Class C fires by the National Fire Protection Association. Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids, like gasoline, diesel fuel and kerosene. Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment like switches, panel boxes and batteries.
  3. Jumper Cables – A small and portable lithium-ion with jumper cables will also work. Bonus – These batteries will also recharge computer and cell phones!
  4. Flares or triangle reflectors – This will both let others know you need help and can alert oncoming traffic of your vehicle.
  5. Bottled waters and energy bars – In case of a breakdown, it’s always good to stay hydrated and healthy! Have a three day supply of both handy.
  6. Flashlight and extra batteries. You don’t want to get stranded in the dark!
  7. Basic Tool Kit – This is important to have for any minor repairs that might need fixing on the road.
  8. Spare Tire – Flat tires are a common issue during drive time, and having a back up will keep you safe and prepared. Always remember to make sure your spare tire is inflated and that there’s no cracking in the rubber. Tires do expire, so if you’ve had your spare for more than five years, it’s time for a replacement!
  9. Jack/Tire Iron – These two items are vital for changing a flat tire, so make sure to have them ready and that both items are in good shape!
  10. Rescue Tool – This tool helps crash victims escape from a vehicle. On the off chance that your vehicle falls into a body of water and the windows are unable to work, this is the ideal item to have on hand. This tool will also help you save others on the road in case of an emergency. Tip – Go for the dual-purpose tool that breaks glass and cuts seat belt webbing.

These emergency kit items will help keep you and others safe, prepared and ready for the road ahead. Literally!

If there is anything we at Leif can do to help get your vehicle in the safest condition possible, or if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to call our service department at 512-454-3711!

 

 

Romantic Places to Drive Your Date

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Happy Valentine’s, friends! 

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If you don’t have plans for tomorrow, may we suggest a cruise around town? We’ve rounded up our five favorite romantic places to stop while driving around Austin. What better way to enjoy the day of love making new memories with those you love most?!

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  1. Mt. Bonnell – This is one classic that never goes out of style. Park your car and walk the steps up to this famous spot. Gorgeous views of Lake Austin and the city make for a charming spot to spend with your love.
  2. The Oasis – While the food isn’t the best in Austin, the views are absolutely unbeatable. This Lake Travis area is nearly a world of its own, so if you’re craving something else, there’s plenty of other eats to choose from. Regardless, you won’t miss out on the amazing sights.
  3. I Love You So Much Mural – This famous mural is an ideal spot for lovebirds everywhere. Snap some photos and get ready to swoon!
  4. Mayfield Park – Though it’s in the middle of downtown Austin, this peaceful spot is perfect for couples. 21 acres of trails, gardens, peacocks, and a historical cottage makes for an idea date spot.
  5. You’re My Butter Half Mural – Another famous Austin mural, this one is as adorable as it is love-inspiring. Butter, bread and heart street art makes for an ideal photo op with your s/o.
  6. Zilker Park – Kayak, canoe, stroll through the botanical gardens, fly a kite, have a picnic…. There’s no shortage of spots to share adorable moments at Austin’s favorite park.
  7. Blue Starlite Drive-In – You don’t even have to get out of your vehicle for this one! Enjoy a movie the old-fashioned way at Blue Starlite. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Princess Bride and Sixteen Candles will give you all of the feels this Valentine’s.
  8. River Place Nature Trail – If you’re looking for a place to walk hand-in-hand that’s a little more secluded, this is the spot. Choose from three different trails boasting waterfalls and gorgeous views. It’s the absolute perfect place to share heart eyes with your person.

So grab your butter half, grab the whole family, grab any and all of your favorite humans, and pack your Ford for a mini road-trip full of L-O-V-E!

Top 5 Free Apps For Driving In 2018

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It’s 2018, which means there is no shortage of great apps to make driving easier and more fun. With so many out there, trying to decide which ones are a necessity can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we at Leif Johnson Ford have decided to find you the best of the best when it comes to vehicle apps in this new year!

  1. Waze

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Waze uses crowd-sourcing to keep you up to date on traffic, accidents road conditions and even police traps. SYNC 3 also now comes with Waze, (Click here to see our recent post for more info on the dynamic duo) making this an app that’s perfect for Ford-users. Pair that with turn-by-turn navigation, the ability to send your ETA to your friends and automatic rerouting and you’ve got one incredible navigation system.

2. Spotify

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If you ever get bored of the radio and its many ads, Spotify is a must. Users can use the free version for online streaming with ads, or pay $9.99 a month for offline play and no ads. Spotify and Waze have also teamed up to allow you to use Spotify from within the Waze app, making this a safer and easier app to use on the road.

3. GasBuddy

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This money-saver allows you to find the cheapest gas in your area. Search via your location or via a city or zip code, meaning you can easily plan road-trips as well. Submitting gas prices even gives you the chance to win $100!

4. iExit

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If you need something to eat, are low on gas, need to stop at an ATM, or even if you’re just looking for a WiFi hot-spot, iExit is the app for you. Great for road-trips or even just finding handy spots on your daily commute!

5. Drivvo

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Drivvo allows you to record all expenses, supplies and services of your vehicle. It also allows you to set reminders that will keep you from forgetting to make maintenance appointments or vehicle payments. Finally, you’ll also be able to track your vehicles performance through a timeline, summary reports and charts. Use the free app for most features, but pay a small fee if you’d like cloud back-up, data syncing and no ads. This is complete car management, all fit into one easy-and-fun-to-use-app!

Do you have a favorite app for commuting or cruising? Let us know in the comments!