maintenance Archives - DOWNTOWN FORD BLOG

Save at the Pump with a Summer Getaway Near Toronto

With gas prices as high as they are, a road trip may not be your first consideration for a vacation. But there are plenty of fun getaway locations that are near Toronto. Here are some of our top spots!

Niagara Falls

A natural wonder awaits you on the other side of Lake Ontario. Less than two hours away is Niagara Falls, where water majestically rushes off the cliffs and into the lake. Not only can you appreciate nature while you’re visiting, but you can also enjoy a variety of attractions like “Journey Behind the Falls” and the Niagara SkyWheel. To make things even sweeter, Ontario residents may qualify for an Ontario Staycation tax credit of up to 20% on various accommodation expenses.

Wasaga Beach

To get that summer-in-the-sun feeling, head to Wasaga Beach for your vacation. This beach town is home to the longest freshwater beach in the world as well as various trails for biking, hiking, and walking. If you plan on making it an overnight trip, book your stay at one of the local small hotels or bed and breakfasts well in advance.

Stratford

If you prefer to walk around historic buildings and enjoy a host of cultural events, add Stratford to your vacation list. This moderately sized town just outside of Toronto offers a ton of options for fun. It’s home to various festivals, including Stratford Summer Music and the Stratford Festival, which focuses on theater performances across multiple stages.

Before you head out on your trip, stop by and see us at Downtown Ford in Toronto. We’ll make sure your car is ready for all that awaits you on your summer getaway!

How to Care for Your Idle Electrified Vehicle

2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid - electrified vehicle care - toronto, on

With many people staying at home at the moment, there are quite a few cars parked in the garages, driveways, and streets of Toronto. If your EV, hybrid, or plug-in vehicle is one of those that is sitting idle, then you need to know how to take care of it while it remains unused. Here are some tips from Downtown Ford to care for your electrified Ford vehicle and help it run like new once you start driving more frequently.

Keep your battery charged. The most important thing you can do is make sure your 12-volt battery stays charged – or your car might not start. In addition to this, your high-voltage battery should have at least a 10 percent charge to prevent it from draining. If you have driven or plugged in your vehicle for at least eight hours in the past month, you should be okay.

Disconnect your 12-volt battery if you don’t plan on driving. If you won’t be using your electrified vehicle for at least 30 days, then disconnect the negative terminal of your 12-volt battery. You can also leave your plug-in hybrid on plug if you’re not comfortable doing that, or connect your 12-volt battery to a standard 12-volt battery charger.

Park in the shade. While we don’t typically experience extreme heat in Toronto, you should still take the necessary precautions to try and park your electrified car in the shade or a garage. This will help preserve battery capacity.

If you need any additional help caring for your vehicle during these uncertain times, give our service department a call here at Downtown Ford.

Say Goodbye to Winter with These Spring Maintenance Tips

As winter weather melts away and the flowers begin to bloom, make sure that your vehicle is ready to take on the new season. Follow these spring maintenance tips and your vehicle will soon be ready for warmer weather.

Change your winter tires out. Warmer weather means you won’t have to worry about battling snow on your daily commute. Make sure you bring your vehicle in to Downtown Ford to switch out winter tires for all-season options.

Consider a spring cleaning for your car. The salty roads of winter can really do a number on your car’s exterior and undercarriage. That’s why you should give your car a spring cleaning, both inside and out. This will ensure that road salt won’t cause damage like rusting over the course of your car’s life.

Top off your fluids. Routine maintenance is important, so make sure your car’s fluids are topped off as winter turns to spring. In particular, you’ll want to check the vehicle’s oil level, coolant, and windshield-wiper fluid.

Check your brakes. Road conditions during the winter can cause damage to your brakes. Get them looked over during the spring to ensure you can stop when you need to, even on slick roads.

If you need assistance with any of your spring maintenance tasks, stop in at Downtown Ford and our expert service staff will be happy to help.