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As summer quickly approaches, many of you likely have vacations planned and are ready to hit the road. Unfortunately, the current gas prices may cause some undesired stress. White’s Canyon Ford wants to help save your wallet and maximize your fuel mileage. Here are a few tips to consider: Driving Habits Aggressive driving can easily waste fuel. According to an article published on www.fueleconomy.gov, rapid acceleration and hard braking “can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.” Watching your speed can also help, as fuel economy typically declines after 50 mph. In optimal driving weather, consider using cruise control. The less your speed fluctuates, the better. Remove any unneeded cargo, especially in smaller vehicles, as extra weight may hurt your MPG. Additionally, rooftop luggage can increase aerodynamic drag, further reducing your fuel mileage. Avoid idling when possible, which can potentially use a quarter to half-gallon of fuel per hour. Try to park in the shade whenever you can to prevent extra use of your air conditioning system, which can also eat up gas. Finally, plan accordingly. Make the most of your trips by combining errands to avoid driving more than you need to. Routine Maintenance Routine maintenance is recommended for ideal vehicle performance. Keep an eye on your fuel economy because significant changes in mileage may suggest your vehicle needs to be serviced. Our prime suggestion is a fuel system service, which will help restore power and fuel efficiency. This service cleans your fuel injectors, throttle body, and intake plenum, removing carbon buildup on valves, ports, piston crowns, combustion chambers, and any deposits obstructing the catalytic converter. We recommend performing a fuel system service every 30,000 miles, in conjunction with replacing spark plugs around every 60,000 miles. Additionally, regularly check your tires for proper inflation. Insufficient pressure can cause premature wear, ultimately leading to poorer gas mileage or a potential blowout. Fuel Choice Matters Opting for the cheapest gas at the pump doesn’t always mean you’ll be saving money in the long run. Pay attention to what grade is recommended for your vehicle, as this will help your engine run as efficiently as possible. Though typically more expensive, premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, which helps prevent excess fuel from burning and maximizes power in certain engines. White’s Canyon Ford is Ready to Help Our friendly and experienced staff at White’s Canyon Ford is here to help and answer all of your questions. Do you think your vehicle might be in need of a tune-up? Get in touch with our service department! They will make sure your vehicle is road trip-ready. Are you looking to trade in your gas guzzler for a more efficient vehicle? Give our team of sales professionals a call! There is a wide variety of new and pre-owned vehicles in our inventory for any price range. We wish you safe travels this summer and look forward to serving you!

Spring is finally here! Though this doesn’t always mean warmer weather in the Black Hills, sunny days are somewhere around the corner. Now is a great time to prepare your vehicle for the summer heat. Here are a few helpful tips: Air Conditioning Systems Don’t get stuck sweating in your vehicle on a hot day. Have your climate control system inspected for proper function. Keep an eye out for any belts or hoses that may be worn or cracked from the cold, such as your serpentine belt, for example. This belt powers the air conditioning compressor. Also, inspect your belt tensioner. To avoid overheating, ensure you have plenty of fresh coolant. Consider replacing your cabin air filter to help prevent spring allergens from being sucked into the cabin. Filters and Fluids To protect your engine from debris, check your air filter. Inspect your wiper blades for any extreme wear from the winter ice and grime. You should change your wiper blades every 6-12 months. Our parts department supplies genuine Motorcraft wipers if you’re due for a replacement, and our service department can install them if needed. These will come in handy during the upcoming thunderstorms. Make sure your washer fluid is full, and opt for a summer solution. Check Your Tires It’s about time to swap out your winter tires for all-season/summer sets. While tires may lose pressure in the cold winter months, the opposite happens as temperatures rise. Avoid overinflation and premature wear by ensuring your tire pressure is at the appropriate PSI. Check your tire tread as well – it should be at least 5/32 inches. An easy way to check your tread is by placing a penny into the track. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread is too thin! Inspect the sidewalls for any damage that could lead to a potential blowout. Moreover, ensure your car is aligned correctly to avoid premature wear. These tips will help lengthen the life of your tires and save you money on gas while prices are at an all-time high. Battery Health Believe it or not, hot temperatures can be harder on your battery than cold. Battery corrosion accelerates in the heat, and water in the battery’s liquid electrolyte can evaporate, leading to a weakened battery with a shorter lifespan. Have your battery checked before the temperatures begin to rise. Spring Cleaning Don’t forget about your vehicle when it’s time for spring cleaning! Salt and grime from the winter can eventually damage your vehicle’s exterior, so set aside time to scrub the outside, including nooks and crannies like your undercarriage or engine bay. Applying a coat of wax will help protect your paint from the hot sun. While you’re at it, clean the inside, too! Get rid of any clutter and clean your surfaces. Lastly, replace your winter emergency kit with a summer one. Check out this article for more tips on what you should have on hand. White’s Canyon Ford is Here For You White’s Canyon Ford is ready to help you with your vehicle needs this season. Whether it's preventative maintenance or a particular part or accessory, give us a call! If you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle for those long summer road trips, we have a great selection. Our dealership dedicates itself to excellent customer service. Let us show you the difference between us and our competitors this season!

With the FordPass app, you will be more connected to your vehicle than ever before. It is designed to make your life easier, and above all, it's free! FordPass As technology continues to shape the automotive industry, Ford hasn't missed a beat – they are constantly working toward innovating and improving the user experience. Consequently, they created FordPass, an app that puts your ownership experience right in the palm of your hand. All remote features of the app are complimentary; this includes: Remote start/stop Remote lock/unlock Vehicle location Scheduled start Please keep in mind that your vehicle must equip FordPass Connect (SYNC Connect in 2017/2018 vehicles) in order to use these features. FordPass Connect FordPass Connect is a special embedded modem that allows vehicles to be controlled remotely. That is to say, you'll have important vehicle information right at your fingertips: approximate mileage and maintenance intervals, fuel and oil levels, service history, and warranty details. For all-electric vehicle owners, you can check your charge level, find charging stations, use Phone As A Key, and more. Vehicle health alerts help you keep track of your service appointments and make it even easier to schedule future visits. You can skip the phone call and schedule right through the app! FordPass Connect can also help you stay connected virtually anywhere by turning your vehicle into a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (on select 2018 and newer vehicles) through AT&T's nationwide wireless network. The hotspot supports up to 10 personal devices and provides access to the WarnerMedia RIDE app, which supplies a revolving selection of hit shows and movies. Uncertain on whether a hotspot is right for you? A free trial is available for up to three months or 3GB of usage, whichever comes first. Ford Roadside Assistance Easy access to Ford Roadside Assistance is another perk of the FordPass app. However, this feature is available for Ford vehicles under warranty. If your warranty expires, you may still utilize roadside assistance, but additional fees will incur. 24/7 assistance includes: Fuel delivery Lock-out assistance Towing to the nearest Ford dealership Flat tire assistance Jumpstarts for dead batteries Whenever or wherever you need it, help is always a call or tap away; though for serious emergencies, please dial 911 immediately. FordPass Rewards FordPass members also have the opportunity to earn FordPass Rewards Points. Points can be easily tracked in the app and are earned by buying or leasing a new Ford, bringing your vehicle in for Ford Service, and being an active FordPass Rewards Visa cardholder. Redeem your Points by applying them toward future service or maintenance, new accessories, or a down payment on your next new or Certified Pre-Owned Ford. Ford Credit is also accessible on the app, making for a quick and convenient way to stay on top of your vehicle's financing and make secure payments. Ready to Sign Up? First, download the FordPass app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Next, follow the prompts to sign up (minimal information is required) and activate your vehicle through its VIN. That's it! You're finally ready to take your ownership experience to the next level! Still need help? Stop into the dealership! One of our expert sales professionals will be ready to help.

Winter in the Black Hills is beautiful, but the weather can be unpredictable, bringing freezing temperatures, icy roads, and heavy snow.  No one likes encountering car problems in these types of conditions. Winter can easily magnify pre-existing issues. It’s best to have your vehicle checked before the cold sets in and you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Here are some tips or reminders to keep you and your vehicle safe during the winter months ahead. Battery Car batteries may struggle a bit more in the winter. No one likes waking up to a dead battery in the morning, so it’s a good idea to get your battery checked. Also, be sure to keep it clean by removing any buildup or grime on the battery terminals and cables. Coolant Clean, flush, and replace your coolant if needed. Check for any potential leaks. Doing so will prevent your engine from freezing or overheating in cold temperatures, and protect your cooling system from corrosion such as rust or scale formation. Heating/Cooling Systems Make sure your defrosters, heater, AND air conditioner are working correctly. The heat will keep you warm and prevent your windows from fogging up. Your A/C will also help with foggy windows by pulling moisture from the air. Double-check your wiper blades and washer fluid. Cold weather washer fluid is beneficial in the winter. You should change your wiper blades every 6-12 months. Our parts department supplies genuine Motorcraft wipers if you’re due for a replacement. (P.S. Do not use your wiper blades as an ice-scraper!) Lights Regardless of the weather, you should ensure all of your lights are in working order. Replace broken or faulty bulbs. Wintertime brings shorter days; therefore we will be driving in the dark more often. If your lights are yellow or dull, switch them out, and opt for the brightest illumination possible. If they simply need a cleaning, contact our accessories department to schedule a headlight restoration appointment! Tires Consider investing in a good set of winter tires, as they truly make a difference. Winter tires will help with traction on cold or snow-covered pavement. Otherwise, make sure the tread on your tires is at least 5/32 inches. An easy way to check your tread is by placing a penny into the track. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread is too thin! Keep an eye on your tire pressure as well. You will lose up to one pound per square inch of pressure with every 10-degree drop in air temperature. As a result, driving on tires with insufficient pressure can lead to premature wear and less traction. Fuel It’s a good idea to keep your gas tank at least half full at all times during the winter to impede moisture build-up, which could ultimately cause water to accumulate in your fuel system. Moreover, you don’t want to get stranded on the side of the road with an empty tank! 4X4 Fluids Winter is transfer case season, being four-wheel drive is used more often in pickups and SUVs. Special gear oil is used to keep your transfer case lubricated and cooled. Keep your fluids in good shape to prevent transfer case and differential failures. Emergency Kit Accidents happen. Be prepared! Put together a winter emergency kit to keep in your car. Your kit could include items such as extra clothing, blankets, food, water, first-aid, a flashlight, jumper cables, road flares, a camping shovel, tow strap, ice scraper, bag of sand (traction), and anything else you may need. It’s also a good idea to keep your phone fully charged and even pack along a portable charger in case you need to call for help. (Check out this article for more tips on putting together a winter car emergency kit!) White’s Canyon Ford is Here For You When it comes to your winter vehicle needs, White’s Canyon Ford is here to help. Whether you need preventative maintenance or a particular part or accessory, give us a call! If you’re in the market for a 4WD or AWD vehicle to better handle the elements, we have a great selection of new and pre-owned vehicles to choose from. Our dealership is dedicated to excellent customer service. Let us show you the difference between us and our competitors this winter! Above all, we hope you stay warm and safe this season.