All posts tagged: atx

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 …

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. …

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. 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! Have cloudy headlights? Toothpaste can fix that! Add just a little bit of toothpaste to a clean rag  and begin to scrub the …

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! 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. 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 …

Romantic Places to Drive Your Date

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Happy Valentine’s, friends!  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?! 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. 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. I Love You So Much Mural – This famous mural is an ideal spot for lovebirds everywhere. Snap some photos and get ready to swoon! Mayfield Park – Though it’s in the middle of downtown Austin, this …

Using Waze in your Ford thanks to SYNC

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Great news! Waze, the popular smart-route navigation system available on Apple and Android, is now being added to Sync 3 thanks to our friends at Ford! Not familiar with Waze? We’d love to explain. Waze allows its users to improve their drive time around traffic, and gives info on accidents, road hazards, construction, HOV lane support and more. That is especially great for days like today, where the weather is below freezing in Austin and #ATXWX road closures, extra congestion and accidents are all-too-common. Winter weather is much easier to combat with the safety and convenience of Waze in your Ford. This community-based app will be available via Ford’s AppLink tech. The Waze interface featured on the in-car central display is powered by your phone, making it both simple and accessible. Ford is the first manufacturer to integrate Waze into its own entertainment system. Now when a phone with Waze is plugged in to your Ford, it will automatically display with voice command, touchscreen controls and overall full functionality on the Sync 3 system.  This …

How To: Use Windshield Wiper De-Icer

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Howdy, friends! It’s been a mild fall in Austin as of late, but we are due to get some cold fronts in the near future. When this happens, it’s always best to have a vehicle prepared for chillier circumstances. We’re here to help you with that! Did you know that many of our Fords come equipped with a windshield wiper de-icer? This feature can help your front wipers from icing over when parked in colder weather. A heating element at the base of the windshield warms the windshield where the wipers lie, which helps prevent ice build up so they won’t freeze to the glass. This helps keep the wiper blades pliable in colder weather, so they make contact with the glass over the entire arch for a clean sweep. To activate, simply push the rear defrost button, or using your key fob, press the lock button, followed by the remote start button two times. If your vehicle is equipped with Sync Connect and you have Ford pass downloaded (See our blog here for more …

Ford Pass How-To

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Did you know that your Ford vehicle may be equipped with a feature that allows you to stay connected and control certain features remotely? This includes unlocking and locking your car doors and even starting your engine from your phone! If you have SYNC connect and a compatible smartphone, you are good to go! Here’s what you’ll need to do. https://youtu.be/MheqNWskp-s Download Ford Pass from the app store of Google Play. If you have not already done so, create an account via the Ford Pass app. Add your SYNC Connect equipped vehicle. Go to the My Vehicles option and click Add Vehicle. Select the plus sign option if you would like to add a second vehicle. Scan or enter your VIN number by selecting the Use Camera tab, and point the camera at your VIN label located on your vehicle’s driver doorsill. You’ll see a “Scanned Successfully” screen when this step is complete. Assign a vehicle nickname. Hit ‘Finish.’ You’ll now see a screen prompting you to activate SYNC Connect by touching the ‘Activate SYNC …

Ford How To

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This time of year is unpredictable when it comes to weather in Texas. Did you know lightening kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes? Lightning can be unpredictable, so follow these steps to keep your and your family safe from the storm. Always know your local weather forecast. Try to stay at home until the storm has passed, or until thirty minutes after the last thunderclap.  Every thunderstorm produces lightning. If you have to be out on the road, look for thunder, darkening skies, increasing wind and flashes of light. If a storm is approaching, safely exit the roadway park your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights. Avoid pools of water or lower ground, as flooding may be an issue. Also avoid high areas, tall isolated trees and utility poles. If you can safely take shelter in a nearby building, do so. If your vehicle if your shelter, stay put! Do not get out to film the lightning, no matter how Instagram worthy. Close the windows. A lightning strike could jump inside if …