Here Are 3 Ways to Get the Most for Your Ford Trade-In

With spring just around the corner in most parts of the country, it's time to start thinking about that dreaded spring cleaning. Were you able to keep your ride clean through the winter months, or is your car in need of some TLC once the weather comes around? Regardless of what shape your vehicle is in, there is a lot you can do to spruce it up for spring. Here are a few things you can try to make your vehicle as fresh as a spring rainstorm. more Brush Your Car Just like your teeth, your car can benefit greatly by giving it a good brushing. Use a soft brush on the harder parts of your car's interior such as around the shifting knob, center console, buttons, and dashboard. This simple process can loosen and free up any grime and debris that gets built up without scratching the surface. Then, use a firm brush on the seating if you have cloth seats. Once you've given a thorough brushing to the interior of your car, take out the vacuum and clean up all the dirt and debris. This alone can make your car look more ready for spring. Clean Your Windshield You would be surprised by how dirty your windshield is. Have you ever needed to have your windshield replaced from a rock getting kicked up and cracking it? Do you remember how clean the brand new windshield was? You could probably barely tell there was even glass between you and the road. Your blower vents can pick up dust and dirt from the outside and blow it onto your windshield and dashboard. Add in some sneeze residue, and you might have a pretty grimy windshield. Pour some specialized windshield cleaner on a microfiber cloth, and then use the cloth to clean your windshield. Having a nice and clean windshield can make a world of difference, especially at night. Organize Your Cargo Compartments One way to spruce up your car for springtime is to clean out the cargo compartments. You'll be surprised how much trash, useless receipts, and change you'll find scattered throughout your car's cargo areas. Once you've cleaned them cleaned, try to keep them organized. One compartment for change and another for phone accessories and the likes. Sticking to this organization can help prevent your cabin cargo compartments from getting too cluttered. Clean Out the Trunk One part of your car that you might overlook while doing some spring cleaning is the trunk. If you live in an area that gets a lot of winter weather, your trunk may be full of gear like a spare shovel or cat litter for traction in a pinch. Clean out the trunk and cargo compartment of your car or SUV to make room for all the fun you'll have this spring and summer. Now that you've gotten your car cleaned out for spring, it's time to start planning a great adventure for you and your family. With a clean and organized automobile, there's nothing you can't accomplish.

When the temperatures drop, there is always the possibility that the driving conditions will deteriorate if a storm comes in. Winter brings a number of issues for travelers, whether it's the cold, the snow, or ice. If you can avoid heading out during a winter storm, it is always a good idea to stay home, but if you have to go out, there are some precautions you can take before you leave and while you are on the road. Here are some winter driving tips so you can stay safe on the road this winter. more Start By Winterizing Your Car Your car needs some attention before you drive it in the winter. If you haven't already, have all the fluids topped off and the oil changed before you go out on the road in the cold weather. Also, have your windshield wipers changed over to winter wipers. These will work better at keeping your windshield clear if you have to drive during a snowstorm. You also want to have your tires checked or changed over to snow tires for better traction in the snow. Have An Emergency Kit in the Car If you do any winter driving, you want to make sure you are prepared for anything. This means having some supplies and an emergency kit in your car at all times. It should have a working flashlight, non-perishable food, a cellphone charger or charged phone, some tools, a first aid kit, a blanket, extra gloves or mittens, and if you have an extra pair of boots, keep these in your car too. Always Completely Clear Off Your Car Make sure you clear all the ice and snow from your car before you leave the driveway or parking lot. This means clearing the roof, the mirrors, and the back window. In some states, it is against the law to drive with snow on the roof, and if you don't clean your windshield, it is just dangerous. Driving in a Snowstorm If you can't avoid going out during a snowstorm, keep your speed down. Always accelerate slowly, and never slam on your brakes. Look ahead so you can prepare for braking, and do it slowly. It is also important to increase your following distance. Leave at least five or six seconds between you and the car in front of you, so you have a longer stopping distance. If you can avoid stopping completely, bring the vehicle to a slow roll so you won't have to start again from a full stop. Long-Distance Winter Driving If you head out on a long-distance road trip during the winter, always make sure someone knows your itinerary. Check the weather along the way before you leave so you know what you might need to avoid and make sure you have a fully charged cellphone and a charger in the vehicle. Follow these winter driving tips to stay safer out on the road during the cold season. If you can avoid driving during a winter storm, delay your trip, and if you have to go out, make sure you prepare for it.

Summer is the perfect time for taking a road trip with family and friends. Follow this checklist of three steps to take before a summer road trip, and you'll be ready to hit the road in no time. Schedule Routine Maintenance Before taking your vehicle on an extended road trip, it's a good idea to take the vehicle to service professionals for routine maintenance. The mechanic will give your vehicle a thorough checkup to make sure all parts of the vehicle are in good working order. Even if you can check and refill the oil yourself or check the tire pressure on your own, it doesn't hurt to have a professional double-check that all parts of the car are functioning properly before you leave for your summer road trip. Check the Tires The tires bear the brunt of your vehicle's road trip, so it's wise to monitor their condition often throughout the course of your journey. The air pressure in the tires needs to be checked every 1,000 miles or so to ensure the tires are properly inflated at all times. Checking the tire pressure frequently will not only help keep you safe on the road, but it can also help you achieve better fuel efficiency along the way. It's important to have your vehicle's tires rotated on a regular basis, as this helps them wear evenly and should help them last longer. For optimal tire performance, it's a good idea to have the tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or any time you have your vehicle brought in for routine maintenance. Ask a mechanic if you feel your tires need replacing Check Fluid Levels One of the most vital components of a vehicle, fluids play a huge role in the performance of your vehicle. Your vehicle's fluids will be checked during routine maintenance, but it's important to monitor the fluid levels during road trips. You'll need to make sure that your car has enough oil and that it's changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Oil is essential for the engine to operate, so it needs to be checked frequently and changed if necessary to ensure quality engine performance. Another important fluid in your vehicle is the windshield-wiper fluid, as it enables you to keep the windshield free from dirt and debris. Thankfully, changing the windshield-wiper fluid is easy. All you have to do is purchase a container of windshield-wiper fluid from a gas station and then fill the reservoir to the appropriate level. Other fluids that you'll want to check before a road trip include the vehicle's radiator fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Taking these steps to prepare your vehicle beforehand can save you from some potential problems during your trip. Be sure to visit Pat Milliken Ford near Detroit, Michigan, to schedule your vehicle's maintenance just in time for your summer road trip.