All posts tagged: atx

How To: Replace A Headlight and Taillight

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The bad news: You noticed a headlight on your vehicle went out. The good news: This is a fairly simple repair that can be done at home. Your friends at Leif Johnson are here to take you through the step by steps for replacing headlights from the convenience of home! Here’s what you’ll need: New light bulbs  (Make sure to check online, your local auto or with our service department for what bulbs your vehicle needs.), alcohol wipes and tissues and a Phillips screwdriver Replacing a headlight?  Step 1 : Locate the headlight holder. Access the headlight bulb through your engine compartment. Open your hood and locate the headlight near the front of your vehicle. You will find it in a bulb holder, with a power connector leading to the bulb. Step 2:  Remove power wires. These will be attached to a plug at the base of the headlight and held by a plastic catch, a metal clip or a screw cap. Look for a small lever on the top of the plastic catch. Proceed to …

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 …

2018 F-150 Powerstroke Diesel Overview

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Great news, truck lovers! Ford is making F-150 history with its very first half ton diesel. These beauties are just beginning to roll into our Leif Johnson Ford locations, and we could not be more excited. Interested in owning one of these legends? Here’s what you’re working with: 3.0 Liter, Turbo-charged Diesel Engine  250 Horsepower and 440 ft pounds of torque. These features are both best in class! Fuel Economy. 25 MPG on the highway, and 20 in the city. Switching from a regular F-150 means you’ll be saving up to $1,000 a year on gas! Can tow up to 11,400 pounds Has a payload capacity of 2,020 pounds  The SelectShift 10 speed automatic transmission allows for smooth and precise shifts. Snazzy onboard tech including Sync 3 and and MyKey (The latter is especially useful if you have teenagers and want to encourage responsible driving. There’s even a setting for keeping music off until seatbelts are buckled!) New variable geometry turbo-charger, fuel injection system, connecting rod and main bearings, oil pan and a forged crankshaft. …

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 …

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 …

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? …

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 …