There are many reasons why you may want to tint the windows on your Ford. Maybe you want for your car to look “cooler” - think steely gray Mustang! — or actually be cooler inside the car’s interior. It might be a privacy issue or safety concern.

Tint can keep your car interior up to 60% cooler. If you live in a warm climate this will make your driving experience much more comfortable. This especially holds true if you have leather interior.

Keeping the interior of the car cooler can also help you cut down on fuel costs. With the interior of the car cooler in the mid-day sun you will not have to use air conditioning as much thereby reducing your fuel consumption.

With the proper tinting film chosen you can also block Ultra Violet (UV) rays. UV rays can damage that really nice upholstery in your Taurus, so putting on a window tint can help with the care and maintenance of your interior. UV rays can also be harmful to your skin so the tint protects you as well.

Tinting film for your Ford’s windows can reduce glares. This helps during both the day and nighttime hours. During the day, the density of the tinting can cut down the sun. At night the tint cuts the glare from other vehicle’s headlights. In the winter it helps reduce the brightness of snow and makes winter traveling in your Explorer more fun.

Window tinting can help protect your privacy. With the tint film applied to the windows it is harder to see in the window and view the contents in the vehicle. A person wanting to burglarize your car will look suspicious if they cup their hands and lean against the glass to see inside.  It is more likely a burglar will skip over your car and look for another target.

Before running out to get it done, check up on the window tint shops in your area. If you have a friend with a tint job you like, ask you where they went and if they were happy with the service. Most tint shops will give you a warranty but to make this worthwhile make sure your tint shop has a solid reputation. The easiest way to get a quality, low cost tint job on your car is to visit your local Ford Dealership and ask for the accessories department.

Buying auto insurance for your first time should not be a scary event. Let’s look at some ways to reduce the fear so you can enjoy driving your new Ford.

First, you should research the definitions of the types of coverage out there - collision, liability - just a couple of terms to become familiar with. An educated decision is a good decision. So do your homework.  Talk with friends.  Go online.  Or ask a full service insurance company to send you background information.

Here are some of the questions you will need to think about.  What are your state’s liability requirements?  Do you want a high deductible, which means a lower payment, or higher payments to reduce a large out-of-pocket expense in case of damage?  Do want extra medical coverage for the party in the other vehicle?  What about roadside assistance?  Or payment for a rental car if your Ford is in the shop?

Keep in mind, more coverage means a higher premium price.  But extra coverage also means more peace of mind.  So take a look at your budget and decide what you can afford and what you can comfortably live without.

Today most insurance companies have Websites that will allow you to calculate coverage for your Ford.  Take advantage of these tools to get a solid handle on what costs will be and do some comparison shopping.  There are also online services that will give you ratings of various insurance companies.

Once you’ve narrowed down the coverage you’re looking for and feel comfortable with a company’s reputation, the next thing to do is find a reputable agent.  Ask your family and friends for referrals.  Talk to several agents and go with the one you feel will give you the service and attention you deserve.

Work with your agent on a payment plan that best fits your lifestyle.  You should be able to choose from annual, bi-annual or monthly billing.

Now that your New Ford is insured, be sure to always carry proof of coverage with you when you drive.  And be safe out there, because a clean record can mean reductions in your insurance costs.

The Ford Fusion, which debuted back in 2006, has been Ford’s best mid-size car since, well, as long as I can remember. But to keep the model fresh, Ford will unveil the new 2010 model at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Deep technical details are scarce at this point, but we do know that its powertrains have been updated for efficiency. The biggest news however isn’t what’s under the hood-it’s what’s behind that dashboard.

Slip behind the wheel of the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and you’ll spot a conventional, analog speedometer. But that’s where similarities to a conventional dash end. Start the Fusion and bright video displays pop up on either side of the speedometer.  Drivers can set the system, Dubbed Smart Gauge with Eco Drive, to display any of four different levels of information.

Look no further than that grill, and you can see Ford’s new 2010 Fusion has more than a few changes. Behind those blades, Ford will offer a choice of three engines, a 175 hp 2.5-liter Four Cylinder, a 240 hp 3.0-liter V6 and the top dog, a 263 hp 3.5-liter V6. But the most significant news is that all three will come paired exclusively to a 6-speed automatic that has been enhanced for fuel economy.

Ford says certain models can get up to a 10 percent boost in mileage from this transmission. The Fusion will also receive electric power steering and a deceleration fuel shutoff, which shuts off the gas flow when the driver eases off the accelerator. The system will premier on 3.0-liter Fusions but later in the 2010 model year, Ford will offer the system on the 2.5-liter Four Cylinder.

The fuel savings? About 1 percent. Hey, every percent counts these days. Want better fuel economy? A hybrid version joins the lineup next spring. Functionally similar to the Escape hybrid, the sedans enjoy numerous improvements that allow greater electric-only range-up to 47 mph-and should achieve nearly 40 mpg. But specs and fuel economy are only part of the story here.

At its most basic, the readout will provide fuel level and battery status. Step it up to “Enlighten” mode, and a tachometer appears, along with a visual simulation of the hybrid’s operating mode. In “Empower” mode, you’ll also see such things as engine and battery power output, as well as a display indicating the amount of power being sucked up by accessories-like the vehicle’s air conditioner and headlights.

There’s a lot of WOW factor in the 2010 Ford Fusion.  If a new car is on your horizon, this gives you something to keep on your radar.

People are keeping their vehicles for more years.  Car manufacturers like Ford are making vehicles that last longer, owners are conscientious about care, and growing families with dwindling budgets mean cars are passed on to their children.
There is not a science to predict when your car turns into a high-mileage vehicle. It usually depends on the age of the car and the miles put on it.

To some, 50,000 miles might not sound high to you, unless you then hear that the car is only two years old.  So high-mileage is relative but it is safe to assume after around 75,000 miles the car is not running as it once was.

The car’s engine has been a lot by of hours by this time and its performance is decreasing. Parts begin to wear down. This means not only the main engine parts, but also the hoses and belts and so on. What you need to do is to make sure that these parts do not break down and hurt your engine or other vital components.

To keep your car running like new you should perform regular scheduled maintenance on the vehicle. This maintenance is nearly the same as what you should have been doing throughout your ownership of the car. Schedule maintenance with your Ford dealer for the vehicle just like you would schedule a regular checkup for yourself with the doctor.

Regularly check and change your oil. Since the engine has been working to drive you all those miles it might be getting tired. With proper lubrication from the engine oil it is more likely your engine will continue to run smoothly. Change your oil according to the owner’s manual or the advice of your Ford mechanic.

Keep your car tuned-up. In a high mileage auto it is more important than ever now to get the filters changed, spark plugs replaced and belts/hoses checked out. This should not only allow your car to run better but get better gas mileage.

Check your tires. Frequently check your tire pressure and tire wear. If your tire pressure is too low or too high it can affect other parts of the car.  Checking the wear pattern will allow you to see if the car is out of alignment or has other issues that you need to address.

Listen to the car. When a car gets fifty or sixty thousand miles on it, it is not new anymore. If your vehicle is making engine noises you cannot identify, get it into your Ford dealership service department pronto. It could turn out to be nothing or it could be a big problem.

Giving your car continuous TLC can help it last for many years.  Value the comfort of good maintenance, develop a pro-active relationship with your Ford mechanic and enjoy the trouble-free joy of a smooth running car.

The history of tailgaiting goes back to the 1800s when fans carried picnics to games.  Remember, there was no fast food back then.  Folks would pack fried chicken and homemade bread into the picnic baskets, along with a jug of lemonade.

The migration to football started with college teams, and then on to the pro leagues when they emerged in the 1950s.  Tailgating continued in various forms over the years, and then really began to blossom with fans in the 70s.  Back then the old “woodie” station wagons were the vehicle of choice but today you can load up the Ford Truck or SUV with room to spare.

These days tailgating has become more art than science.  You can find enthusiasts in their fancy motor homes with complete kitchens or see teens firing up the hibachi in the back of dad’s Ford pickup.

When planning your tailgate party, think first about food. After all, it’s not really a party without great grub.  A picnic or carryout is fine, but the savvy “gaters” generally grill.  You can cook up the burgers and brats, and have potluck for all the trimmings.

Be sure to pack some lawn chairs. It’s really not that much fun to stand for hours balancing a paper plate in one hand and holding a drink in the other. The actual tailgate on your truck only holds a few people and likely it will be used more as a table than as a couch.

Arrive early. No matter how early you head out, you’ll probably find others set up and in full party mode. Any prime spots (shaded, close to bathrooms etc.) will be gone fast. Last minute arrivals may be out of space and out of luck.

Know that you’re looking at a full day when you combine tailgating with a ballgame. Pack accordingly. Have plenty of food and plenty of beverages including water. Toss in extra items like umbrellas, trash bags, blankets, sunscreen, and bug spray.  It’s best to be prepared for all types of weather.

Another must have is good music.  Pack up a variety of CDs so everyone has a choice of tunes and get ready to rolls down the windows of your truck and let the rock roll on.

So have you got it all down?  Great food, lawn chairs, extra supplies, lots of CDs - throw it all into the back of the Ranger or Explorer, pick up your friends and head off for a day of well-prepared tailgating fun.

There are a number of things to think about before buying a new car.  Establishing your needs and desires will help you make a wiser decision. Here are six steps which can help you with the selection process.

You might want to make a list of the questions and answers. This way at the end of the process you will have a record of your likes and needs. This list will help weight the pros and cons of the vehicles on your short list.

Step One - Figure out how much you can spend.

Before going any further you need to go through your finances and decide what amount you can spend for a new car. When figuring out the amount, remember to calculate in the additional costs above the vehicle purchase price. These extra costs will include taxes, title, registration fees and insurance.

If you need help working through the financial issues, meet with your Ford Dealer. Their finance department will gladly help you evaluate budget, figure monthly payments and estimate additional costs

Step Two: What type of automobile will match your needs?

To figure out what kind of vehicle will work for you and your family, there are a number of questions to ask yourself. How many people will the vehicle need to carry? Does gas mileage matter? Are safety features important to you?  Will having the features add to the safety of your family?

Step Three: Narrow down the choices

Once you have asked yourself the questions about the type of vehicle you want it should help you narrow down your choices….sedan SUV, compact. Once the type of car is chosen it is time to narrow the choices down to a few car models.

Step Four: Research the vehicle’s available options

When you have narrowed down your car model choices to two or three it is time to do research. Look online and find out what are the choices for options.  Think about color, interior design, sunroof, stereo system, etc.

You need to decide which options you just have to have and which ones you can live without. Price out the different options and see if one particular model is more appropriate for your needs.

Step Five: Research the MSRP and invoice price.

Go online and visit your Ford Dealer website.  Here you can check inventory, pricing, learn about special promotions and get dealer location information.  Use these online tools to educate yourself, enabling you to make a better decision.

Step Six: Visit your Ford Dealer and take a test drive.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, researched the prices and options, now it is time to see the vehicle.

Test out the handling of the vehicle. See how the braking feels when you stop suddenly. Drive the car on as many road surfaces as the dealer allows. Listen to the road noise and try out all the buttons. Also check out the functionality of the interior.

You’ve made it through the six steps.  Now it’s decision time.  Rely on the knowledge and services of your Ford Dealer to finalize the process.  Your research and instincts will lead you to the best car for you.  Your Ford Dealer will make the dream come true.

According to auto repair shops there are ten most frequent car repairs.  Knowing what they are can help you keep a watchful eye to possible problems.  Here’s the list:

1) Brake system
2) Oil change/lube
3) Fuel system (radiator)
4) Ignition
5) Suspension
6) Fuel system
7) Electrical system
8) Transmission
9) Air conditioning
10) Exhaust.

There are ways to keep your repair costs down. One of the easiest and best ways is preventive maintenance. Regularly scheduled trips to your Ford Dealer can save you lots of money from future problems. Ford has manufacturer’s maintenance schedules outlined in your car manual or you can ask your dealer if you have specific questions.

Being aware of your car is important as well. Keep your eyes, ears, and nose open. You can visually check your car yourself. Checking all your fluids and making sure they are topped is an easy thing to do. You can inspect your tires for wear and to see if they require rotation. Do you see oil, water or brake fluid under the car?

Be aware of how the car sounds. Does it sound loud while driving? Do you hear squeaks while breaking? Do you hear squealing when you turn? Do you smell fumes or smoke or burning wires? Being diligent can help keep repair costs down.

When your car does need to have service, your Ford Dealer will give you an estimate of costs and they will ask your approval before any repairs are made. Establishing a good relationship with your dealer service shop should be done before you need repairs. But if you are having your car maintained regularly this should not be a problem.

If you are shopping around for a freelance mechanic, remember that a.cheaper price does not always translate to good work. As they say…you get what you pay for.

Some problems are foreseeable and can be prevented, other problems cannot. Knowing who your are dealing with and having the Ford name behind the service can save a lot of headaches. As cars get older, wear and tear will take its toll and repairs will be necessary at some point. Just take care and be aware.

America has always had a love affair with their Ford Trucks.  It’s often a relationship that outlasts all others.  Your truck can remind you of time with your Grandpa, of that special woman in your life or just stir up a terrific loyalty.

Here are lyrics to some favorite truck songs.  Download your favorite, put the pedal to the metal, and as your Ford Truck hits the asphalt, sing along and enjoy the ride.

Big Ol’ Truck by Toby Keith

Yeah you can see the girl comin’
From a mile away
She’s got her big wheels turnin’
She’s got Oklahoma plates

She’s got her sun roof up
She’s got her windows rolled down
And you oughta feel the ground shakin’
When she comes to town

Yeah I’m in love with the girl in the four-wheel drive
Chrome steel bumpers and red step side
She has a large time in her large machine
Man I wonder how she gets up in that thing
It casts a big shadow sittin’ in the sun
She’s got it revved up rockin’ ready to run
And someday soon I’m gonna climb right up
And take a little ride in her big ol’ truck

Big ol’ truck
Ten feet tall, ten feet wide
It’s a big ol’ truck
Here she comes again man

My Pickup Truck by Rodney Carrington

I’m getting’ married to my pickup truck
it doesn’t leave me when I’m down on my luck
it doesn’t shop at fancy stores or have a lawyer
or want a divorce
it doesn’t care if I stay out late
it doesn’t complain about the money I make
we’ll be together till the end
it won’t go out with my best friend
I’m gonna get down on one knee
and ask my truck if it’ll marry me
I’ll never drive another car
we’ll honeymoon at the local bar

Pickup Man by Joe Diffie

Well I got my first truck, when I was three,
Drove a hundred thousand miles on my knees
Hauled marbles and rocks, and thought twice before
I hauled a Barbie Doll bed for the girl next door
She tried to pay me with a kiss I began to understand,
There’s just something women like about a PickUp Man

When I turned sixteen, I saved a few hundred bucks
My first car was a Pickup Truck
I was cruisin’ the town and the first girl I seen
Was Bobbie Jo Gentry the homecoming queen
She flagged me down and climbed up in the cab, and said
“I never knew you were a Pickup Man!”

You can set my truck on fire, and roll it down a hill
But I still wouldn’t trade it for a Coupe DeVille
I’ve got an eight foot bed that never has to be made
You know if it weren’t for trucks we wouldn’t have tailgates
I met all my wives in traffic jams,
There’s just something women like about a Pickup Man

Car safety is something that Ford takes seriously, but every now and then we all can use a good laugh.  Here are some quotes taken directly from insurance claims. I’m not sure how each case turned out, but for now they make fun reading.

• The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.
• To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front I struck a pedestrian.
• I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.
• The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intention.
• I started to slow down but the traffic was more stationary than I thought.
• The accident occurred when I was attempting to bring my car out of a skid by steering it into the other vehicle.
• The gentleman behind me struck me on the backside. He then went to rest in a bush with just his rear end showing.
• The car in front of me stopped for a yellow light, so I had no choice but to hit him.
• Coming home I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don’t have.
• I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat found that I had a fractured skull.
• I thought my window was down, but I found it was up when I put my head through it.
• I was thrown from my car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some stray cows.
• I pulled in to the side of the road because there was smoke coming from under the hood. I realized there was a fire in the engine, so I took my dog and smothered it with a blanket.
• I didn’t think the speed limit applied after midnight.
• Windshield broke. Cause unknown. Probably Voodoo.
• I had been learning to drive with power steering. I turned the wheel to what I thought was enough and found myself in a different direction going the opposite way.
• I had been driving for forty years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.

Be safe on the road so we won’t be reading stories about your insurance claims.  Buckle up. Drive safely.  And make sure your Ford Vehicle is kept in top running condition.

If you’re a music lover, chances are pretty good you download your tunes these days. You have a choice of many sites where for a small charge a song is available to you. Once you have your music downloaded you can store it on your computer or MP3 player. But how do you get your music out of the house and into your car?

Half the fun of driving your Ford is listening to good music. If you have stopped buying compact discs and started downloading music, how will you be able to rock out in your Mustang with the top down and you singing at the top of your lungs?  It depends on your music player and software but there are ways in which you can move your music from one place to the other so that you can spread out the benefits of your downloads

The easiest way in which to transfer your tunes is to set up a music library on your computer. This is done through Media Player or the other audio software that is likely already on your computer. Using this software you can move downloaded music to your library. Here you can sort it by artist, genre, etc. Once you have your music picked out the easiest way to make it available to you use in your car is to burn it to disc.

Most computers have the software to burn discs. The compact disc will store the MP3 formatted songs and your work will be done if your vehicle is equipped with a CD player that reads MP3 encoded discs. If not than you will have to “rip” or convert the music to the format that your car’s CD player will recognize.

The software to covert your music is again easily found. There are programs such as Roxio or Nero that are simple to use. They walk you through the process and your music can be converted and burned to compact disc in just a few short minutes. You should still be able to get 15 songs or more on the CD, depending on the length of each song.

Having music in the car can be exhilarating or calming, depending on your choice of tempo. To give yourself the full experience, take the time to learn how to transfer your music from your home computer to a compact disc….because you should be able to enjoy your Ford to the max.