Tips to Improve MPG

Posted on December 28, 2016 by admin

Whether you purchase a vehicle that gets excellent gas mileage, such as a hybrid, or a vehicle that uses a bit more gas because of the higher horsepower engine from Johnson Brothers Ford, you’ll want to try to improve the miles per gallon. Although gas prices are lower, and it’s tempting to not worry about MPG, it’s a great idea to get into the habit of driving in such a way that you’ll improve the MPG – that way, you’ll be right in the game when gas prices increase.

Braking

Brake early. If you don’t have to accelerate from a dead stop, you’ll increase gas mileage. If you are coming up on a light that’s been red for a bit, start slowing down earlier, and you just might get lucky enough to be moving when it’s time to accelerate again. And, it’s safer, too. If it’s rainy or icy out, braking early gives you more control of your vehicle.

Highway Driving

Stay at one speed. Use the cruise control, if it’s safe to do so. And, to keep from changing speed when you’re following someone, leave 8 to 10 car lengths between you and the car in front of you. If that person is not using cruise, he or she may inadvertently slow down or speed up; and you’ll do the same. When you leave more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have to slow down until that person speeds up again.

Acceleration

Accelerate slowly. There’s no reason to accelerate like you’re going to be doing 100 mph down the road since you know that’s not going to be happening. Accelerate slowly – but not too slow, lest you irritate other drivers – and you’ll find that you’ll save more gas.

Maintenance

Make sure you keep up with the maintenance on your vehicle. Keeping everything in tip-top condition ensures that you get the best possible gas mileage.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a new vehicle. Or, if you’re not ready for a new vehicle just yet, give our Ford service department a call to schedule an appointment for maintenance.

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Service Offers for the Holidays

Posted on December 18, 2016 by admin

If it’s been a while since you’ve had maintenance done on your Ford, call the service department at Johnson Brothers Ford for an appointment. Visit our service page for some of the service offers we have for the holidays so you can save money on getting your vehicle serviced. All of these offers end on December 31, 2015.

The Works Vehicle Checkup

Get The Works for just $39.95, which includes synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, a brake inspection, a multi-point inspection, a battery test, topping off your vehicle’s fluids, a filter check and checking your vehicle’s belts and hoses. The oil change includes up to 5 quarts of Motorcraft oil and the oil filter. Battery testing does not include the hybrid battery test.

Motorcraft Complete Brake Service

If your vehicle’s brakes are low, take advantage of our Motorcraft Complete Brake Service for $179.95. This service includes brake pads or shoes, machining the rotors or drums and labor. The price is per axle.

Free Brake Inspection

Get a free brake inspection by an expert technician. We’ll inspect the pads or shoes, calipers, drums or rotors, the hoses and the hose connections. We’ll also inspect the parking brake for proper operation and damage.

Motorcraft Tested Tough MAX Battery

Get a Motorcraft Tested Tough MAX battery starting at $119.95. These batteries features a 100-month warranty. Taxes and installation are extra. The warranty includes free towing on a dealer-installed battery.

Free Battery Test

Get your battery tested free to ensure that it has enough juice to start your vehicle on those extra cold mornings. We’ll visually inspect your vehicle’s battery and test it using the Rotunda Micro-490 tester. A hybrid battery test is not included in this offer.

Motorcraft Premium Wiper Blades with Wear Indicator

Get a pair of Motorcraft Premium Wiper Blades with a wear indicator for $19.96.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Call the service department at Johnson Brothers Ford today to set an appointment for maintenance. Be sure to visit our service specials page and print the coupons for the services that you are would like to have completed.

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Information on the Service Engine Soon Light

Posted on August 17, 2016 by admin

If your engine light comes on in your car you should bring your vehicle in to Johnson Bros Ford as soon as possible so a trained service technician can check the problem. Often, the service engine soon (SES) light comes on but the vehicle still runs properly. This doesn’t mean you should ignore the light.

What Does the SES Light Tell Me? The SES light tells you that there is something wrong with one of the sensors or the computer in your vehicle. The problem could be serious enough to cause the vehicle not to start, it could affect the performance of the vehicle or you may not notice a difference in the way the vehicle runs. It depends which sensor is malfunctioning.

Should I Ignore the Light if My Vehicle is Running Smoothly? No, you should not ignore the light. While it may seem like you do not have a problem, something is not working properly. It could be anything from an oxygen sensor sensing the wrong mixture to a problem with the computer. Often, when a problem arises, the computer will go into “limp home” mode. The vehicle may seem to run okay, but you will most likely notice issues. One of the symptoms is that the vehicle won’t have as much power. Generally, it will run rough if it’s in limp home mode.

Why Does My SES Light Shut Itself Off Then Come on Again? This is what is known as a “soft” code. The computer senses a problem in the engine, but as soon as the problem rectifies itself, it shuts the light off as it doesn’t store the code. While there are a couple of sensors that could send a soft code, the most popular is the oxygen sensor. If you have a soft code for an oxygen sensor, the problem is most likely in the engine, not with the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor senses the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. If there is too much that means the engine is not burning all of the air and fuel mixture in the cylinders. This is typically a problem in the ignition system — plugs, wires, coils, PCM/ECM or other ignition components.

I Checked the Codes with an Aftermarket Scanner and it Shows Several Codes: If your vehicle shows several codes that do not make sense, you could have a problem with the PCM or ECM itself. Since the computer cannot diagnose itself, it sometimes tells the technician that there is something wrong by displaying erroneous codes. For example, if you come up with a code for the coolant temperature sensor and the MAP sensor, along with the EGR valve and a code that means nothing and the vehicle is running fine, there is a good chance that the computer has failed.

Because everything on the engine affects something else, you should have a certified technician check the codes and repair the problems causing the SES light to illuminate. You may have a code for the oxygen sensor, but you will be wasting money if you replace it without checking the ignition or other components that affect the mixture. That is just one example of a problem diagnosing your vehicle yourself. You could have one sensor malfunctioning, which could cause another sensor to set a code. Contact a service technician at Johnson Bros Ford if your engine light is illuminated.

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The 2016 Ford Superduty F-350 Lariat Truck

Posted on August 10, 2016 by admin

If you need a truck that has strong towing and payload capacities, stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive the 2016 Ford Superduty F-350 Lariat with the optional 6.7-liter turbo diesel V-8 engine. The diesel engine has been updated for the new model year; and it features better fuel economy and more horsepower. That means more towing capacity.

Cab and Body Designs

The line of Ford trucks offers three different cab designs: the regular cab; SuperCab, which is the extended cab; and the four-door crew cab. Ford also offers the F-350 with single rear wheels or dual rear wheels; and beds in 8-foot or 6.7-foot lengths. Ask your salesperson which options the Lariat offers or drive off the lot with a Lariat with crew cab and 6.7-foot bed.

Features Standard on the Lariat Trim Level

The Lariat features fog lights, rear parking sensors, a power sliding rear window, automatic headlights, dual zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, MyFord Touch, an 8-inch touch screen, Sync functionality, eight speakers, rearview camera, power front seats, and, for the crew cab, a premium Sony audio system.

Ford F-350 Standard Features

Standard safety features include four-wheel ABS disc brakes, safety canopy airbags, autolock / unlock, remote keyless entry, auto lights / rain lights, fog lights, keyless keypad, SOS post crash alert system, SecuriLock Pass anti-theft and front impact airbags.

Standard functional features include an electrochromatic mirror, manual locking hubs, hill start assist, power windows and door locks, heated power door mirrors, pickup box tie down hooks, tow hooks, Sync with MyFord Touch, reverse-sensing rearview camera, trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, a locking removable tailgate with lift assist, and a trailer tow package.

Standard interior features include a Sony premium sound system with a CD player, cruise control, one-touch up and down front windows, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a tilt and telescopic steering column.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive the 2016 Ford F-350 Lariat and to learn more about this truck’s convenience, safety, security and entertainment features.

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August Events

Posted on August 2, 2016 by admin

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive that new vehicle you’ve been drooling over, and then you’ll be ready to head out to some of the events around the area. With school starting soon, you only have a few days to enjoy things before it’s time to buckle down to the studying.

City-Wide Community Block Party

Head over to Waco for the 10^th Annual City-Wide Community Block Party. Enjoy horseback riding, inflatables, live entertainment, prayer booths, food, face painting, school supplies, basketball and volleyball competitions, health booths, water slides, cake walks and more. Admission is free. The block party will be held on August 13, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Iglehart Chapel COGIC, 720 Clifton Street in Waco.

Back to School Bash

Head over to the Yeti Polk Park, 101 Davis Street in Belton for the Back to School Bash, hosted by the Belton Youth Center and the City Mission Church of Belton. The bash will be held on August 6, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The first 250 kids to arrive at the park will get free school supplies. Enjoy free food, free haircuts, live music, free dental supplies, games including bounce houses and a video game truck and much more.

Food Truck Frenzy

On Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., head over to 2 North Main Street in Temple for the Food Truck Frenzy. Find your favorite food truck for a great lunch treat.

Round Rock Market Days

Listen to live music all day, shop at tons of arts and crafts vendors and eat your favorite foods from food truck vendors at the Round Rock Market Days. Bring the kids and the pets. Admission and parking are free. Enjoy this fun on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at 301 Bagdad Avenue in Round Rock, Texas.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a new vehicle and to learn more about your favorite model. Be sure to ask your salesperson about the various trim levels for your favorite model; and about any lease or finance specials we may be running.

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Summer Road Trip Destinations

Posted on July 24, 2016 by admin

If you are planning a summer road trip, consider driving from Jackson, Wyoming, to Glacier National Park in Montana. Driving from Temple to Jackson takes about 22 hours if you drive straight through, so plan for extra time to get there and back if you want to make this an epic road trip. Once you start out in Jackson, you’ll see some of the country’s best mountains and wildlife at five national parks. The route from Jackson to Glacier National Park is 600 miles. To get back to Temple and Johnson Bros. Ford from Glacier National Park, you’ll need to plan for a 26-hour drive.

What to Bring

Be sure to bring binoculars, your camera, hiking shoes and cool-weather clothing along with the things you would normally pack for a summer road trip.

The Trip

Start out with visiting Jenny Lake, which rests in the shadow of the Teton Mountains. In Yellowstone, drive past the Yellowstone Lake; visit Hayden Valley to see buffalo, grizzly bear and elk; and soak in the 100-degree Gardener River, which is two miles north of Mammoth Hot Springs. Be sure to stop in Bozeman to grab a cold drink at the 406 Brewing Company.

Head over to Missoula, but be sure to stop at the Missouri Headwaters State Park. Rent a kayak at Brennan’s Wave, grab some great food at Biga Pizza or stop for a cold drink at the Montgomery Distillery.

Once you hit Whitefish, hike the Whitefish trail and take Highway 2 to the Walton Ranger Station. Hike up to Lake Isabel for some great views. Continue on your way north, stopping at various parks for hiking and biking; birding and to take some great pictures.

The route starts on 89 in Jackson, then picks up 90 in Bozeman and 93 near Missoula. The last part of the journey is on Highway 2 from Whitefish to the Glacier National Park. If you prefer to stay longer in one place, you can skip one of the other parks – but have fun trying to figure out which of these great parks to skip!

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Be sure to have your vehicle serviced before you leave on this long road trip. Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford before you leave; and since this is a long trip, you may have to have your vehicle serviced when you get back. Watch for your service minders!

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Accessories for Your Ford Truck

Posted on July 11, 2016 by admin

Accessories can add style and personality to any vehicle. These items can range from a variety of products including updated seat covers, mud flaps, decals, floor mats and so much more. Even the things that are not exactly for show but are practical elements can be used to personalize your truck. At Johnson Bros. Ford, we strive to have on hand the best in accessories or parts for your Ford truck.

Truck owners are painfully aware of how debris and unwanted elements get stuck in the bed of your truck while in transit. Or sometimes friends and family can toss junk in the back without warning, using your precious cargo space as a giant trash can. This can lead to startling noises of objects sliding around in the bed or just add to the annoyance of extra cleaning. If you have tonneau cover over the bed, this solves that problem forever.

Tonneau covers come in a range of sizes, styles, colors and types depending on your preference. For instance, there are ones starting at 5.5 feet long for short beds and ones up to eight feet long for larger beds. There are also soft folding types for easy storage and removal as well as hard top covers for a more permanent placement. If this is something you have always needed, stop in to your Temple Ford dealer to check out our extensive selection. If you are not sure which type you need, our knowledgeable staff will gladly help you.

If you travel the highways a lot or live in an area that has a larger than normal amount of insects, a bug deflector might be the best thing for your truck. Save the trouble of having to clean your windshield often and possibly save your windshield from rocks and debris by installing this cheap plastic option. They come in a range of colors and can be removed for easy cleaning. Check with Johnson Bros. Ford to see what options are best for your Ford truck.

When you are looking for the perfect parts and accessories for your truck, come to Johnson Bros. Ford first. We have lots to choose from and have new items arriving all the time. If you are looking for something we don’t have in our store, we can order it for you.

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July Events

Posted on July 6, 2016 by admin

Pick up a new Ford from Johnson Brothers Ford and then enjoy several events in and around Temple. Concerts and events for children keep both parents and children from being bored for the whole summer. There’s even a beard brawl fundraiser for the veterans.

Brady Honeycutt in Temple

On July 22, 2016 at 9:00 p.m., head over to Bo’s Barn, 4984 West Fm 93 in Temple to enjoy the Brady Honeycutt concert. If you enjoy George Strait, you’ll enjoy Brady Honeycutt as his music is compared to the “real” country music from earlier eras.

Kids First Aid Course for Parents

On July 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., head over to the Historic Santa Fe Depot, 315 W. Avenue B in Temple for the Kids First Aid Course for Parents. This course is given by paramedics and it teaches young parents and caregivers how to treat 10 of the most common emergencies involving children.

Cen-Tex Beard Brawl in Harker Heights

On July 25, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., head over to The Twisted Wrench, 524 E. Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard, Harker Heights, Texas, 76548 for the 1^st Annual Cen-Tex Beard Brawl. The host is Lion’s Mane Beard Club. This year’s brawl has a WWE theme. Add to the fun by dressing up as your favorite WWE superstar. Ticket prices include two raffle tickets. Proceeds go to the Disabled American Veterans. Judges include Quinton Cat Fish Crocker and Michael Stroup.

Brandon Rhyder in Belton

On July 21, 2016 at 8:00 p.m., head over to Schoepf’s BBQ, 702 E. Central Avenue, Belton, Texas, 76513 to see Brandon Rhyder in concert. If you love country music, this is a ‘can’t miss’ event.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a new Ford and to learn more about your favorite model’s convenience, entertainment, safety and security features. If you are not ready for a new vehicle yet, give our Ford service department a call to schedule an appointment for maintenance for your current vehicle.

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Top Map Apps

Posted on June 13, 2016 by admin

When you pick up a new vehicle from Johnson Brothers Ford, depending on the trim level, you may be able to connect your smart phone to your vehicle and download apps including different map apps. Some are better for more remote areas or hiking and some are great for directing you around traffic jams.

Waze Social GPS, Maps and Traffic

This free app is owned by Google and while a few of its features are tied into Google, the app can be used without Google. Get live traffic updates from people who are actually sitting in that traffic. The app also has a speedometer that will warn you when you are speeding if you want; and it finds the best gas prices on your route. Enjoy location sharing with friends and a ranking system.

BackCountry Navigator GPS Pro

This app is for those who like to hike or go camping and allows you to download maps to use offline, which is quite handy if you are in an area where you can’t get a good signal. The app is a little pricey at $9.99, but worth it if you hike often. The app allows you to mark the maps; and it features maps from several countries. Download a trial version to see if you like it.

MapFactor: GPS Navigation

For a classic turn-by-turn navigation app that is different from Google Maps, down load this free app. It does have in-app purchases. MapFactor uses OffStreetMap data which supports many countries with more being added all the time. The actual map data and the app is all free. If you prefer TomTom GPS navigation, you can download those maps for an additional charge.

Google Maps

Still the best application for maps is Google Maps, and it’s free. Enjoy consistent features, frequent updates, the ability to download maps for offline use, support worldwide and street view. You’ll also enjoy detailed information on about 100 million places.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a new vehicle with telematics features so that you can connect your phone to the vehicle and use additional map apps.

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June Events Near Temple

Posted on June 6, 2016 by admin

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a new Ford or give our service department a call to schedule maintenance. Once your vehicle is ready to go, you’ll be ready to head out to events around the Temple area including a food truck frenzy and a huge city wide garage sale.

Fort Hood Tactical & Tech Day

On June 24, 2016 head over to Club Hood, 24^th Street and Wainwright Drive, Building 5764, Killeen, Texas, 76544 for this industrial products premier event. Stop by to shop or book a stall at 10times.com.

Food Truck Frenzy

On June 25, 2016 starting at 11:00 a.m., head over to 2 N. Main Street in downtown Temple for the Food Truck Frenzy. Instead of waiting for the next fair for your favorite food truck meal, you can enjoy it the fourth Saturday of each month.

City Wide Garage Sale

Visit the Bell County Expo Center, 301 West Loop 121, Belton, Texas for the City Wide Garage Sale on June 11, 2016. Whether you’re looking for a deal on something or you looking for the perfect piece to refurbish or make into something else, you’re bound to find it here.

Temple Gun Show

On June 11 and June 12, 2016, head over to the Mayborn Convention Center, 3303 North 3^rd Street in Temple for the Temple Gun Show. Pick up new or used guns or even sell or trade your guns.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

If you are ready for a new Ford, stop by Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a model or three. Learn more about your favorite model’s convenience, safety, security and entertainment features. Be sure to ask your salesperson about features on various trim levels, available options and whether we are running any lease or finance specials on your favorite model.

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