Tips and Tricks - Sanderson Ford Blog

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Tips for Celebrating Halloween at Home

October 20, 2020 Dave Tedder Tips and Tricks No comments

Tips for Celebrating Halloween at Home | Sanderson Ford | Phoenix, AZ

Are you celebrating Halloween at home this year? You can still have a lot of scary fun. Check out these suggestions for family-friendly Halloween activities!

Make a haunted fort

Making a haunted fort right at home is a favorite among kids. You can start with a regular blanket fort and add spooky elements, like fake cobwebs and LED candles, or build something more elaborate if you’re feeling ambitious.

Make a Halloween scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are always fun, and they’re even more fun when Halloween-themed. Better yet, all you need is a pen, paper and Halloween decoration you can reference.

Throw a face painting party

Kids love to paint. Buy a face-painting kit and let them go crazy trying to turn themselves — or you — into a spooky Halloween monster. Just make sure to have makeup remover at hand.

Host Halloween game night

Halloween game night can be as simple as playing a normal board game with a Halloween theme, like Halloween bingo. There are many, many variations of classic games you can find online. Good Housekeeping has a nice list to get you started.

Tell a spooky story

No Halloween is complete without a good, scary story. Sit around a backyard campfire and spook your children with a sinister (but family-friendly) tale. If you don’t have an outdoor area, an indoor fireplace works too.

When Halloween comes around, try a few different activities. Then, next year, you can do the most popular ones again with variations or more embellishment. It can become a family tradition!

It’s probably not a good idea to trunk or treat this year, but if you still need a new ride for a scary good price, make sure to check out Sanderson Ford in Glendale, Arizona. And also, happy Halloween!

How to Store Your EV When You’re Not Using It

June 30, 2020 Dave Tedder Tips and Tricks No comments

Ford Fusion Energi

During this global pandemic, most of us are driving our vehicles a lot less often than we used to. If you bought an electric vehicle for your commute, but now your commute is only a walk to your dining room, there are a few things you need to do to store your EV. These tips come from Bob Taenaka, senior technical leader for Battery and Cell System Development at Ford.

Keep your 12-volt battery charged

If you drive your hybrid or electric vehicle at least once a month, this should keep your 12-volt battery charged. If you are not driving it, plug it in for at least 8 hours total each month.

Charge the high-voltage battery

In addition to the 12-volt battery, you also need to make sure your high-voltage battery has a charge. Taenaka recommends storing your vehicle with a charge between 10 and 80%. If it is at less than 10%, you run the risk of the battery becoming completely depleted.

Store your vehicle (when isolating 30 days or more)

If you do not plan on driving your Ford hybrid for more than a month, you should disconnect the negative terminal from your 12-volt battery. Or, if your vehicle is a plug-in hybrid or EV, you can leave it plugged in. A final option is to connect your 12-volt battery to a 12-volt battery charger.

If you plan on storing your EV for an extended period of time, make sure it’s in good shape beforehand. Visit Sanderson Ford’s service department and we’ll give your EV the care it needs.

Ford Ranger Black Appearance Package Shows Off Dark Side

May 22, 2019 Dave Tedder Awards/Honors, Ford Ranger, Ford Trucks, Future Cars, Sanderson Ford News, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized No comments

If you’re looking to make your Ford Ranger look even more aggressive, never fear — the Black Appearance Package is here. The Ford Ranger Black Appearance Package gives Ford truck drivers the opportunity to change up their truck’s look, helping the drivers match their unique style.

Currently, more than two-thirds of Ranger pickup trucks are leaving the dealership with the truckmaker’s current appearance packages — the Sport Appearance Package or the Chrome Appearance Package — added to their looks. The Black Appearance package just gives the consumers another option.

“Like the rest of their gear, Ranger customers are choosing the option that best first their adventures,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Having the right gear matters and so does the right look. The Black Appearance Package adds aggressive style to the adventures our customers embark on.”

With this package, you can opt for any Ranger body color. The package creates an intimidating look with the following standard features:

Black-painted grille
Body-color bumpers
Black running boards
Black spray-in bed liner
Black mirrors,
High-gloss, black-painted, 18-inch aluminum wheels with black center caps
Black fender vent surround
Black sill plate
Black bash plate
Black lower valance

This option is available for $1,995 (excluding tax) and can be ordered at Sanderson Ford now.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Vehicle

March 26, 2019 Dave Tedder Tips and Tricks No comments

It’s easy to neglect vehicular hygiene during the winter months, even here in Phoenix where the winter months don’t always feel very wintery. If your vehicle is due for a bit of tender loving care this season, these spring cleaning tips for your vehicle will help tidy things up

Remove trash and clutter from the interior.
Using a microfiber cloth, dust the dashboard, center console, and other firm surfaces. Add a gentle cleansing spritz if your screens need a little extra attention.
Vacuum the seats and floor mats, and don’t skip vacuuming underneath the floor mats.
Wash the interior windows with glass cleaner and a fresh, soft cloth.
Start cleaning the exterior by scrubbing down your tires with a strong cleanser and tough brush.
Wash your car from hood to wheels using an automotive-specific wash. Make sure you’re changing out the water regularly.
Hose out the underbody to knock away debris.
Only use a soft towel for drying.
Finish up by waxing your paint job. Wax may seem superfluous after a good washing, but staying in the waxing habit is a great way to keep your ride looking spiffy for years to come.

If your vehicle needs service or maintenance this spring, look no further than Sanderson Ford.

Resolve to Be a Better Driver in the New Year

January 29, 2019 Dave Tedder Tips and Tricks No comments

Noticing the faults of other drivers seems easy enough to do, whether it’s a slowpoke in the fast-lane or someone tailgating you during rush hour. But have you assessed your driving skills and habits lately? You may actually have some bad habits of your own, including things that you see other drivers doing frequently. If you want to be a better driver in the New Year, consider these easy steps.

Stop speeding

Speeding is a temptation if you’re in a hurry, but it’s a risky and potentially costly habit. Depending on where you drive and how fast you’re going, you could receive a ticket worth hundreds of dollars if you’re caught not obeying the speed limit. Instead of going faster, why not try heading out earlier? Giving yourself an extra 10 minutes or so to get where you need to be should help reduce your sense of urgency at the wheel.

Put down your phone

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous habits of modern driving. Put your phone in the center compartment, your bag, or another place where it is out of sight while you’re operating your vehicle. A smarter car can also help you to be a better driver; consider updating your ride to a new Ford with seamless device integration from Sanderson Ford so you can stay safe and connected while on the road.

There’s plenty you can do to be a better driver in 2019 even if you’ve been at it for a long time. If you are committed to becoming a better driver, why not reward yourself with a stylish new ride from Sanderson Ford?

Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

December 27, 2017 Dave Tedder Tips and Tricks No comments

Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

Many people find themselves making steadfast promises to themselves in January only to falter on them come February. Arm yourself with these tips to help you stick to your ambitions all year long.

Start Small

While it’s good to set high standards for yourself, if you make goals that are too far-fetched you’ll be hard-pressed to reach them. Instead, start with small goals and add more each month.

Talk About It

An effective way of staying on track with your goals is to talk about your progress regularly with friends and/or family members. You can also keep a journal or online blog that records your experience, while holding you accountable to your resolutions.

Don’t Give Up

Sometimes people go into New Year’s resolutions with an all-or-nothing attitude. But you have to give yourself some wiggle room and plenty of forgiveness to succeed in the long-run. Remind yourself that a perfect record is not what a resolution is about. If you slip up, start again the next day. There’s no need to give up and wait until the next New Year to start making positive life changes.

Happy New Year from all of us here at Sanderson Ford! And good luck on your goals for 2018.

Auto Loan Terms: Words to Know Before Purchasing Your Next Vehicle

December 13, 2017 Dave Tedder Tips and Tricks No comments

Financing a vehicle can be a confusing, and sometimes stressful, experience. At Sanderson Ford, we want you to feel confident every step of the way. Feel free to call us with any of your financing questions. Here are some common auto loan terms that will help familiarize you with the financing process.

Base Price

This is the cost of a vehicle at its most basic level, before you add on any extra options.

Dealer Incentives

These are programs designed by the manufacturer to encourage dealers to promote slow-selling vehicles.

Extended Warranty

Once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, an extended warranty will kick in to cover the cost of any maintenance or repairs on a vehicle. Extended warranties can be purchased throughout the first year of ownership.

Rebate

Like the dealer incentive, a rebate is put forth by the manufacturer to encourage the sales of a specific vehicle. It often involves a price reduction in the form of a money back program.

Trade-In Value

When buying a new car, you have the option to trade in your old car as part of the payment for a new one. The amount of money that the dealer will take off of the new vehicle’s price in exchange for your old car is called the trade-in value.

Still have questions about these terms or other financing situations? Call us here at Sanderson Ford; we’ll be glad to assist.

Making a New Year’s Resolution for Your Car

November 21, 2017 Dave Tedder Ford News, Tips and Tricks No comments

It’s never too early to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. In fact, if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, why not make goals for your car?

Schedule regular service appointments

The key to having a long-lasting car is keeping up with preventative maintenance. Scheduling regular check-ups for your vehicle to nip potential problems in the bud before they pose a hazard to your car’s functionality and your safety.

Keep your car clean

Did you know that if you have too much junk in your car, it can impact your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy? Make an effort to clean your car out regularly in the new year.

Check tires and wheels regularly

Any slight wobble or vibration usually indicates an issue with your tires and/or wheels. Keep your tires properly inflated, check to see if your tread is worn down, and make sure your wheels are properly aligned.

Replace fluids

Fluids are critical to the life of a car—brake fluid, oil, coolant, and even windshield wiper fluid each play a crucial role in your auto’s performance. Make sure to replace or change your vehicle’s fluids regularly.

Set New Year’s resolutions for your vehicle by picking one of the above goals that will keep your car running smoothly while also protecting you on new excursions. If you need any help, stop in to Sanderson Ford and we’ll lend a helping hand!

Phoenix Trips, Local Style

August 17, 2017 Dave Tedder Phoenix News, Tips and Tricks No comments

Arizona Canal: By Cygnusloop99 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Are you heading towards Sanderson Ford for a visit to Phoenix, Arizona? Don’t get caught in the tourist traps. Check out these Phoenix trips that are popular to locals. Be sure to travel in the area’s favorite truck, the Ford F-150, to blend in even better.

Roosevelt Row Arts District

A day in the Arts District is sure to get your creative blood flowing. Take your time walking down the street and through alleyways where you’ll find all sorts of colorful, photogenic murals. There are plenty of art galleries and boutiques where you can stop in and buy a piece of Phoenix art to take home with you, too.

South Mountain Park and Preserve

As one of the country’s largest municipal parks, South Mountain Park offers some gorgeous desert hiking. Bring plenty of snacks and water so that you can make it to the highest point, Dobbins Lookout, where you’ll see an unbelievable view of the city and beyond.

Arizona Canal

The Arizona Canal is located in the Arcadia neighborhood. It’s the perfect place for a walk and some people watching, but you’ll also find some natural wonders like a waterfall and a cave. The walk will surely work up an appetite, so end your evening with dinner at the O.H.S.O. Eatery & Nanobrewery.

Just ask us at Sanderson Ford if you want to hear about more amazing local trips!

Fall Maintenance Tips

July 13, 2017 Dave Tedder Tips and Tricks No comments

Properly maintaining your Ford Edge will significantly extend its lifespan and allow you to get the most for your money. Preventative maintenance is key to keeping more money in your wallet from season to season. While fall is still a few months off, it never hurts to be prepared! Here are some fall maintenance tips for your Ford Edge from us here at Sanderson Ford.

Tire Pressure

Make sure your tires are properly inflated as the weather cools. A car tire inflated to 35 pounds per square inch (psi) can lose one psi every month or for every 10 degrees. The fall tends to make things a little cooler and it never hurts to check your tire pressure as the weather begins to turn!

Tune Up

Getting a tune up for your Ford Edge will only benefit you in the long run. In addition to extending the life of your vehicle, you’ll also enjoy an increase of around 4% when it comes to fuel economy. That’s a good chunk of change saved at the pump over the course of the season!

Brakes

Many Americans choose to travel during summer and that can do a number on your brakes. Make sure to have your braking system inspected as fall rolls around. Replace worn pads and damaged rotors if necessary. Your Ford Edge will thank you later!

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