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How To: Check Tire Pressure

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Howdy, y’all! It’s your friends at Leif Johnson Ford, bringing you your weekly dose of quick but smart car tips. This week we wanted to talk to you about checking your tire pressure.

There are many things that can help you boost your driving efficiency, but one of the most important of all of these is tire pressure. Let’s get to it!

 

1.  Firstly, make sure you have a tire gage. It’s cheap, simple and you can keep it in your glove box. Not surprisingly, you can also check the pressure in your tire with this handy tool!

In the vehicle in the above video, 35 PSI is the tire pressure wanted, but make sure to check your owner’s manual to see what is right for yours. Unscrew the cap from the stem and insert your gage to see what your tire pressure is. If your car is any lower the recommended PSI, your tire needs more air.

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2. After checking your vehicle’s air pressure, Tread wear is another important thing to check. All you need to do this is a penny! Insert upside down into the tread. If Lincoln’s head is covered by the tire tread, you’re all clear. If it’s completely covered, you have enough tread. Another way to check the tread is your tread-wear indicator, which is, in fact, right inside the tread. What you’re looking for here is to have it deep within the tread, and not exposed. If at any point it rises above the tread, then it’s time for some new tires.

There you have it! Now you know how to check your own tire pressure. If you need any more help or if this test proves that you do need new tires, visit your local Leif Johnson Ford location. We can’t wait to help you out!

 

Employee Highlight: Dennis Williams

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Mr. Dennis is celebrating a few things right now. He recently got engaged, his newborn baby just turned one one-month-old AND he just had his one year anniversary with us at Leif Johnson Ford! In the year he has worked here, Dennis has obtained a huge customer base due to his friendly, fun and honest personality. And that catchy slogan (#Ask4Dennis), of course!  Talk about a happy man, y’all.
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In honor of Dennis’ one year, we took the time to ask him a few quick questions. Here’s what he had to say.
What is your favorite thing about working here? :
My favorite thing about working at Leif Johnson Ford is the people I’m surrounded with great hard-working and down-to-earth they have given me so much knowledge on providing a great car buying experience for my customers.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? –
In my free time I love spending it with my family, and doing fun stuff with my kids.
Anything else you want to add? –
It’s been a blessing for this one year and I plan on spending many more blessed years working here !!
Congrats to this amazing guy! Cheers to many more years of #Asking4Dennis at Leif Johnson Ford!

Customer Highlights: Alice and Oscar

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Oscar and Alice Nelson are long time customers of Leif Johnson Ford.

They’re also great friends of ours.

Recently, they bought their third vehicle from our central location. But on Tuesday, this isn’t what they came in for. Instead, they just came in to say hello.

“We keep coming back. Leif Johnson Ford takes such great care of us. We stopped by just because we have so many friends here!”

As they laughed and talked with our sales team and talked about how much they loved Gordon, our new sales manager, one thing was strikingly clear.

When you’re a part of Leif Johnson Ford, you’re a part of a family.

 

Collision Repair

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Today we wanted to give you some handy knowledge on the collision repair process. Chances are, you’re already stressed enough when you’re visiting a collision repair store, so remembering these tips will help the process go as smoothly as possible.

 

  1. Especially if you have a Ford, it is important to visit a Ford or a Ford recognized collision repair center. This will ensure that you receive the right parts that are designed specifically for your vehicle.
  2. Make sure to get a written itemized estimate of all repairs, before allowing any work to be done.
  3. If you have any problems with the repair, you have the right to ask that it be redone.
  4. Question: Why should you use Ford OEM parts for your vehicle? Answer: When you purchased your new Ford, you bought an original. You can keep it original by ensuring that your insurance company covers using Ford original equipment manufacturer parts. It’s important to use the Ford OEM parts because they’re engineered to your vehicle. This will deliver the intended level of function, look, performance and safety that the Ford engineers originally specified. Aftermarket, salvage or reconditioned parts may not be covered by your Ford company new vehicle limited warranty. Plus they’ll fit and look as they did when they left the factory. Yet another perk? They’ll also be covered by the Ford warranty.
  5. Question- Are OEM parts covered by insurance? Answer: Not necessarily. Some insurance companies offer riders that cover OEM replacement parts. Don’t assume your car will be repaired using new OEM parts. Contact your insurer to be sure.

Visit takealook.org to learn more!

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Did you know that Leif Johnson Ford has a body shop and collision center in Round Rock? We are here to serve you for not only all your car-buying and servicing needs, but also for vehicles that has been through more serious damage. We’re experts at handling insurance claims and assisting out customers with the entire repair process, so know your vehicle is in great hands with our I-CAR Gold Class certified team!

Leif Johnson Ford with Susan G. Komen

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Leif Johnson Ford is fighting for a cause, and we want you to be a part of it!

Throughout March, we will be donating $100 to the Susan G. Komen foundation for every F-150, F-250 and F-350 purchased.

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Here at Leif, we truly care about the community, and hearing the stories that have come with these donations has been incredible. After buying their new truck, one customer told us that their daughter-in-law was a breast cancer survivor. His purchase meant a little more knowing where that $100 of it was going.

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Then there was Marta Flores. She bought a 2016 F-150 and let us know that she herself was a breast cancer survivor. We are always so humbled by the amazing people who walk through our doors.

These inspirational stories from local Austinities are one of the big reasons we love giving back in whatever way we can.

Remember- For every F-150, F-250 and F-350 purchased in March, Leif Johnson Ford will donated $100 to breast cancer research!

 

 

 

“Too Good to Be Blue” Ford Edge

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A couple of us Leif Johnson Ford gals recently took a ride in the new 2016 Ford Edge- In the Too Good to be Blue color, to be more specific.

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We had such a blast driving around the Austin area, stopping for a quick bite to eat and feeling fancy about it in our sleek ride for the hour. We also made a quick stop at a guitar store for a photo-op and, uh, maybe belted out a few 90’s jams while safely parked, of course.

The 2016 Ford Edge just inspires spontaneity and excitement like that, y’all.

Fun, smart features such as rearview camera, remote keyless entry system and intelligent access with push-button start made us feel safe and well, cool, just driving around Austin.

With the snazzy Sync 3 System and ultra-stylish interior, it’s almost impossible to NOT dance and sing with joy in one of these beauties. So we didn’t fight it. We danced and sang our hearts out.

It was an afternoon almost too good to be blue. Er, true.

Customer Highlights

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Alvin Canaday is a happy man, and a busy one too. His new Ford Explorer Sport is the fourth vehicle he’s purchased from LJF, and he’s looking forward to all of the family adventures he’ll get to take in his new ride.

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Two of Canaday’s boys are in college at Texas State.Alvin proudly wears one of his son’s football championship ring. Pictured above is Canady with a few of the family members he adores so much: His son, his wife and his grandson.

An amazing father and grandfather, Alvin can’t wait to start making new family memories in that shiny and spacious Ford Explorer of his.

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Natalie Jenkins is another recent, satisfied customer of ours. A shiny new Mustang is the perfect addition for a savvy businesswoman such as Natalie. Miss Jenkins travels all over Central Texas as an account rep for Seton hospitals and is currently working on obtaining her master’s degree. We admire her motivation and drive! We’re, of course, also admiring that new ‘Stang she’s driving.

Leif Johnson Ford is so proud to serve a variety of AMAZING Austinites and to hear all about their incredible stories along the way. Will you be next?

 

 

Vehicle Flushing Tips

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This week we took a few minutes to talk to our service tech expert Barry Beard at our Truck City Ford location. He’s the best at quick but handy tips, and this week he gave our viewers some advice on vehicle flushing! This pro makes working under the hood look like a breeze. Take a look, y’all!

What to flush:

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  1. Transmission Flush – Recommended every 30,000 miles. This is to keep the fluid clean and to keep all the detergents/oil.

2.    Brake Fluid- Brake fluid breaks down every two years, and/or 30,000 miles. It begins to naturally take on water. Brake fluid does attract moisture, so it’s very important to make sure you’re keeping it clean.

3. Coolant– Coolant breaks down, especially when you have a vehicle that tows often. You’ll also want to flush your coolant system roughly every 30,000 miles. There are some higher-grade coolants that will claim to work for over 100k miles, but this is not recommended by Ford.

4. Fuel injection service– You can’t see it as easily as the rest, but it is there! This keeps your injectors clean. Gasoline isn’t perfect, and it is possible that you will pump bad gas into your car at some point. This could damage your car, so make sure you’re flushing your fuel injectors every 30k miles as well.

5. Last but not least, a throttle bottle cleaning. Your throttle body acts as a carburetor, where your air and fuel mix. Carbon does get built up inside of the throttle body, and an induction cleaner will  keeps everything running smoothly for a better performance and better fuel mileage.

If this sounds intimidating, have no fear! Leif Johnson Ford is always here. Feel free to visit one of our locations or call us as (512) 454-3711 and we would be more than happy to assist with all of your flushing (or other vehicle) needs.

 

Employee Highlight: Laura Laging

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Laura Laging is a longtime and treasured team member of our Ford family.

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When she lost her home to the Bastrop fires in 2011, we knew that we had to help out in any way that we could. Our dealership is built on the belief of helping others, especially those team members and customers that are a part of our Ford family.

We recently took a few moments to talk to the lovely Laura after she had been named our employee of the month, and she shared with us some stories about that time in her life.

“This company really cares. They were so unbelievably good to me. Jeff (manager at Leif) gave me time off. Fred (general manager) was amazing. The company took donations to help me, and Fred matched every donation.

I’ve worked in the car dealership industry for thirty-five years, but (Leif Johnson Ford) just went above and beyond. Family is so important to this company, and I really appreciate that.”

We really appreciate Laura and all that she has done to make our team the best one it could be. Our team couldn’t have been more honored to help her when she needed it.

In closing, we also took a quick moment to ask Laura about her striking pink and purple hair.

“I was bald at forty, now bold at fifty! Don’t know what I’m going to do at sixty! (laughs)”

No matter what she decides, Laura will always be rocking it.

How to: Drive in Heavy Rain

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As most of us are well aware, Texas weather can be a bit moody. One day it’s 75 degrees and sunny, the next day it’s 30 degrees and cloudy. It can go from a sunshiny day in one moment to pouring cats and dogs in the next. When those heavy rains sneak up on us while driving, it can be a little scary. But don’t worry, friends. Leif Johnson Ford is here to give you tips on safe ways to drive in such a downpour.

  1. It may seem obvious, but slow down. This will give you more time to react to slippery roads and limited visibility. The start of the storm can actually be the most dangerous at moisture mixes with oil on the road and makes everything more slippery and dangerous.
  2. Be wary of hydroplaning.  Heavy rains eventually wash the oils away, but that’s really when you have to worry about hydroplaning, where your car loses control of the road and almost feels as if it’s floating. If you find that this is happening, try to keep calm. Take your foot off the gas and calmly steer in a safe direction. Slow down, turn off cruise control and avoid any sudden breaks or turns. You’re more likely to hydroplane on non-grooved asphalts roads than ribbed or grooved concrete, especially if there are tire ruts worn in the asphalt.
  3. Do not attempt to drive through deep puddles. Puddles can hide potholes, so do your best to drive around them, still being mindful of vehicles in the lanes next to you. Make sure you are also avoiding flooding roads or moving water. Deep water can be detrimental to your electrical system and engine. Only one foot of water has the ability to float your vehicle. Two feet can sweep it away, including SUVs and pickups.
  4. Turn on your headlights, but don’t use your high beams as the light reflecting against the droplets could potentially distract you and other drivers.
  5. Flip on your defrosters to reduce fog and set your AC or heat to fresh air.
  6. Keep your distance from the obscuring spray of trucks or large vehicles.
  7. If the weather gets too intense, don’t risk your safety. Find a safe place on higher ground, away from tall, isolated trees and poles, to protect yourself from potential lightning. Pull over to wait for the rain to pass.

Thanks to Ford Vehicles for these handy tips. Stay safe out there in all of the many moods of Texas weather, y’all!