Category Archives: service & Parts

Get Your Ride Ready For Summer Fun

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Waldorf Ford service

Summer is in full swing, and it has brought gorgeous weather, all the fun under the sun that you could ask for, and lots of awesome road trips to experience Mother Nature in all her glory. This also means that you will need to make sure that your Ford car, truck, or SUV model is operating at peak performance and ready for whatever the road might throw at you. The experienced service team at your car dealership in Southern Maryland recommends that you carefully inspect your vehicle and ensure everything is in working order before you pack up the family and head out.  While you will definitely want to schedule a Waldorf Ford service appointment and get your vehicle cleared for your big trips, we have several suggestions for you to follow prior to your appointment that will help get your Ford model ready for the summer season.

A good Ford service tip is to check the levels of the fluids for your Ford car, truck, or SUV model. You can do that by taking out the dipstick and looking at where the fill line is currently placed, along with seeing how much windshield wiper fluid is remaining. Another recommendation we have to is to lift your hood and examine the state of your belts and hoses to see if there is any fraying. All you have to do is slightly tug on them a few times to ensure they are in good condition.

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Other practices to follow include inspecting the state of your radiator hose, spark plugs, and other components to see if they are in their best conditions. Lastly, it is never a bad idea to examine the appearance of your exterior to see if there are any dings or dents, as well as how your windshield wipers fared during those spring thunderstorms. The experienced Waldorf Ford service team will be glad to answer any questions that you have about these practices.

At your car dealership in Southern Maryland, we hope that these simple tips can help you prepare your vehicle before you bring it to us for a maintenance appointment. We are proud to have the skills and expertise to resolve any issues that you are experiencing, make sure there are no hidden problems, and get you back out on the road as quickly as possible. The service team at Waldorf Ford wants you to have the best summer possible, and that starts with a Ford model that operates at its fullest capacity. Schedule a service appointment and keep all of the summer fun going today!

Tips for Memorial Day Travel

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Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner, and many folks will be setting out to kick off the summer for the long weekend.

If you’ve traveled on this holiday in the past, you know that planning is key to a seamless, relaxing trip, and we’ve got just the list to keep you organized this year!

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  • Stay Connected – Download the latest travel apps for your phone before you hit the road—Spotify is a great channel for music, Waze will help with traffic, and Citymapper will be your best-bet for navigation!
  • Travel Late or Early – Instead of sitting in a huge mess of traffic this year, leave in the middle of the night, or early in the morning to avoid traffic jams—you’ll get to where you’re going much faster, and your passengers will thank you… especially if you have kids!
  • Pack Wisely – Make sure to bring temperature-appropriate clothing, shoes, and coats, especially if you’re heading north or to the mountains!
  • Have Your Car Serviced – Make sure that all of your fluid levels are topped off, your brakes, lights work properly, and that your car is up to date on all routine maintenance including oil changes and tires. Contact our Service Department to set up an appointment to have your car prepared for your road trip!
  • Have Travel Documents on Hand – Be sure to carry your Insurance Card, Roadside Assistance information, and any other vital information, in case of emergency.
  • Make All Stops at Once – If you have children, it might be challenging trying to travel with the constant stopping for bathroom breaks, food, and drinks, but, if you stop in a place where you can use the restroom, grab a sandwich and a bottle of water, all in one place, you’re guaranteed to save time instead of loading and unloading everyone into and out of the car at each place.

 

Get Your Ford in Tip-Top Shape this Spring

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We’re nearing the beginning of Spring, and soon spring cleaning will be on everyone’s minds.

But spring cleaning isn’t only for your home or office.

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Take the time this year to make sure you properly clean your car, and get it looking it’s best for spring and summer, with these few tips:

  • Organize the glove box, and consoles. Sort through all of the paperwork in your glove box, and remove old insurance cards, vehicle registrations, and any other objects that you no longer need to cart around every day. Create a folder for your current vehicle registration and insurance card, and neatly place the important documents back inside of your glove box, to ensure that everything is there and easy to find when you need it!
  • Clean the windows—inside and out.  Wintertime driving can be pretty trying on the exterior of your car. Clean the windows extra, both inside and outside, with a clean towel, to ensure your visibility is never compromised.
  • Remove clutter from your trunk. Sort through all of the clutter in your trunk, and take out anything you might not need this summer (snow brushes, ice melt, gloves, etc.) and store them away for next year. While your trunk is clean, verify that your spare tire is in perfect, working order, just in case!
  • Scrub the exterior.  Winter time can leave salt and road grime all over the exterior of your vehicle. Be sure to scrub off the salt, especially on the lower half of your vehicle, and make sure your paint stays looking brand new!

If you’re in need of service for your vehicle, to ensure it’s running its best before you venture out for your spring and adventures, contact our Service Department, today!

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Ready for Winter at Waldorf Ford

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Cold weather has set in here in Southern Maryland! Make sure your vehicle is ready to face the challenges that cold weather will throw at it, with these helpful tips.

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  • Change Windshield Wiper Blades & Refill Wiper Fluid – Snow, salt, and sludge on the roadways can be problematic, especially if your windshield wiper blades are old or you’re lacking wiper fluid. Be sure both are ready to go this year.
  • Check Tire Pressure – Make sure all of your tires are inflated to the proper weight. Cooler temperatures often leave your tires slightly on the low side. Check your tires often to ensure they’re inflated properly all winter long.
  • Change Your Oil – With the hussle and bussle of the busy holiday season, often times, preventative maintenance may fall by the wayside. Change your oil ahead of time, to ensure you don’t neglect your vehicle’s health.
  • Replace Your Battery – Your battery might seem fine now, but, when was the last time it was replaced? Batteries should be replaced every couple of years. Make sure a cold winter morning doesn’t leave you stranded this year.
  • Check Your Antifreeze Mixture – Make sure your antifreeze mixture is up to par for the winter months to ensure your engine is operating at the correct temperature.

To make sure your car is ready for the winter months, contact the experts in our Service Department. Schedule your appointment, today.

3 Reasons Why You Should Test-Drive The 2018 F-150 At Waldorf Ford

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If you’re looking for a full-size truck that’s rugged, dependable and capable, you don’t need to look any further than the new Ford F-150. Drivers in Annapolis, Alexandria and Clinton can experience the 2018 Ford F-150 at Waldorf Ford in Southern Maryland in 7 trim levels including the luxurious King Ranch® and high-performance Raptor.

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Ultra-Capable Performance

The new F-150 is always up for the challenge, no matter how grueling it may be. Its 5-engine lineup features everything from fuel-efficient options to asphalt-burning powertrains. The Raptor’s 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost® V6 engine, which delivers 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, generates all the performance you need to beat track records or tame the wilderness. Meanwhile, the 2018 F-150’s all-new standard 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine delivers a perfect balance of power, capability and fuel efficiency. When it’s properly equipped, the new Ford F-150 also produces a best-in-class towing (13,200 pounds) and payload (3,270 pounds).

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The F-150 Paves the Way in Innovation

There’s a reason the F-Series has been the U.S.A.’s best-selling vehicle for the past 35 years. It’s because Ford continues to pioneer new innovations, such as the class-exclusive available Remote Tailgate Release and Pro Trailer Backup Assist™. Meanwhile, its available SYNC® 3 infotainment display revolutionizes driving by allowing you to use voice commands to make hands-free calls, stream music, access available navigation and much more.

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Cutting-Edge Safety Features

You like to look after your truck. That’s why you should get a pickup that returns the favor. The new Ford F-150 offers a wide array of available safety technologies such as Blind Spot Information System, Pre-Collision Assist, Lane-Keeping System and more. It also comes standard with a rearview camera, SOS Post-Crash Alert System® and Curve Control.

See why more drivers in Clinton, Annapolis and Alexandria are choosing the 2018 Ford F-150 at Waldorf Ford. Visit us to test-drive the new F-150 full-size pickup truck today.

Learn More & Test-Drive the F-150 at Waldorf Ford

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Tips for Protecting Your Teen Behind the Wheel

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The moment your teen turns 16 is exciting, but is also potentially worrisome for parents. As they acquire their driver’s license, they’re well on their path to independence, however, protecting them is still your priority.

But how do you protect them, when you’re not around?

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Here are a few tips to ensure your teen is safe, when they get behind the wheel:

  • Be sure that the vehicle your teen is behind the wheel in is in tip-top shape. Verify the safety ratings on the vehicle, as well as the current condition of the tires, brakes, and engine. Contact our Service Department to ensure the vehicle that your teen will be driving is up-to-par.
  • It might be a good idea to limit the time that your teen is allowed to be behind the wheel; according to an article from esurance, most accidents involving teen drivers occur after 9:00 PM, so, setting curfews could be in their best interest.
  • Limit the number of passengers that your teen is allowed to travel with, to help avoid distractions.
  • Speak with your teen about the dangers of driving distracted, or driving under the influence.
  • Be sure to thoroughly teach your teen about all the features of the vehicle they will be driving, before they get behind the wheel. Ensure your teen knows exactly where to find the switches for the lights, windshield wipers, and hazard lights, in case of emergency.

Driving is an exciting privilege, but could potentially be a very dangerous task. To learn what vehicle might be the best fit for your teen, visit us at WaldorfFord.com, or contact us today!

Prepare Your Vehicle for Memorial Day Travel at Waldorf Ford

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Memorial Day is just around the corner, and as many of us prepare for a 3-day weekend, millions of families will hit the road on the first mini summer vacation of the year.

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Needless to say, your vehicle should be in tip-top shape, before you hit the road.

Schedule an appointment with our Service Department, before you set out on your journey. Whether it’s an oil change and tire rotation that you need, or, you just want to have our technicians double check that everything is in proper working order, we’ve got you covered.

If it’s a replacement part that you’re in search of for your vehicle, contact our Parts Department. Our experts are standing by, waiting to find the perfect part to make your vehicle as good as new.

So, contact us today, and make sure that you’re putting your family in the safest vehicle possible, before you set out on your mini vacation.

Get Your Vehicle Ready for Fall at Waldorf Ford

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Fall can be a busy time for any family, especially if you have kids. Between the new school year starting, extra-curricular activities, and the busy (and quickly approaching) holiday season, it’s hard to find the time to do anything, let alone prepare your car for inclement weather. Although it’s tough to find the time, it’s very important to do so, to ensure your family is safe on the road.

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Here are a few tips for safe travel when going into the Fall months:

  • Inspect Your Tires: Fall and Winter usually mean slippery conditions. Between wet leaves laying on the road and rain, sleet, and snow in the winter, you’ll want to ensure you have tires with ample tread to ensure you have good traction.
  • Check Lights: Ask a friend or family member to come outside with you while you turn on and off each light to ensure all are working properly. Fall means less day light. Make sure your lights work good while you still have time!
  • Replace Wiper Blades: Fall and Winter mean sleet, snow, rain, and everything in between. Make sure your windshield wipers can get through anything before the bad weather starts.
  • Make Sure Defroster Works: Check the functionality of your front and rear defroster to make sure they’re working properly to avoid having your windows fog up.
  • Check Your Battery: Nothing is worse than being in a hurry on a cool fall morning, just to find out that your car battery is dead. Hook up a battery tester to your car’s battery to ensure it’s in proper working order.
  • Check All Fluid Levels: Make sure you have enough fluids in your car (windshield, power steering, brake, transmission, and coolant). There’s nothing worse than an overheating car when you’re in a rush to get the kids to school.

Our technicians are ready and waiting to help you get your vehicle fall-ready—make an appointment with Waldorf Ford’s Service Department today!

Ford Motor Company Launches New Warranty for Ford Genuine and Motorcraft Parts

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  • New warranty provides unlimited mileage coverage for 24 months from time of purchase or installation
  • Parts and labor continue to be covered with any repair completed at Waldorf Ford
  • Ford provides vehicle owners with towing reimbursement for repairs completed at Waldorf Ford

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WALDORF, MD, 2013 – Ford Motor Company announced the launch of a new warranty on Ford Genuine and Motorcraft service parts for unlimited mileage for 24 months from time of purchase or installation.

The Ford backing, clarity of terms, labor coverage and access to Ford’s nationwide network for coverage provides greater value and peace of mind for all customers whether they are general consumers, fleet operators or independent repair facilities.

“Ford is dedicated to constant improvement in all we do. Ford Genuine and Motorcraft replacement parts are approved by Ford engineering,” said Greg Basiliko, General Manager of Waldorf Ford.  “In the unlikely event a part fails, our new warranty demonstrates our commitment to quality, our customers and our intent to provide greater peace of mind and an improved ownership experience.”

Ford also will now reimburse fleets and independent repair facilities up to $150 in labor coverage. Ford continues a No Commercial Exceptions policy as a commitment to fleet customers.

In addition, Ford’s part warranty provides customers towing reimbursement for repairs completed at any Ford or Lincoln Dealership.

How it works

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If a service part purchased under the new warranty happens to fail and the repair is completed at a Ford or Lincoln dealership, the entire repair cost, labor and towing will be covered.  If the repair was completed at an independent installer or fleet facility, Ford would reimburse up to $150 in labor (the towing would not be covered).

In the case of an individual do-it-yourself customer who chooses to install a part themselves, the warranty covers the cost of a replacement part for 24 months and unlimited miles. The DIY’er labor time is not reimbursable.  Labor expense is only reimbursable on repairs completed in a fleet or installer facility.

Ford’s previous service parts warranty was 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurred first, and labor was covered if the part was installed by a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Labor was not covered on parts sold over-the-counter to a fleet or installer.

For more information visit Waldorf Ford located at 2440 Crain Highway, in Waldorf, MD 20601 or call our Service Department at 301-843-2400 or visit us online at http://www.waldorfford.com!

Brand New Alignment Check Machine in Waldorf Ford’s Service Lane!

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Waldorf Ford’s Service Department

Today I was pleasantly surprised to see our service lane transformed.  What was once a very nice and steady service drive lane, here at your local Southern Maryland Ford Dealer, was now an active and exciting place!  It was great to see both service employees and customers actively engaged in their vehicle health!

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Chris conducting a Wheel Alignment

Today was the debut of the brand new wheel alignment check machine. Here is some trivia for you: Did you know that approximately 60% of vehicles are out of alignment?  After hearing that percentage many customers (me included) were definitely taking advantage of this complementary service.  I was asked by Hunter Engineering’s manufacturer representative if I would like a complementary vehicle inspection that only took 3 minutes!  I thought awesome!  Convenient and FREE?  What more could I ask for? I did have some questions though.  It just seemed too good to be true.  Questions like: how were they able to inspect my vehicle in such a short amount of time? How did the computer work? How could it be free?

Well,  Hunter Engineering Company‘s Representative was very excited about the freshly installed alignment check machine and was more than happy to explain how it worked.  He also encouraged me to learn how the process worked.  He first gave me a step by step demonstration on the inspection process and before I knew it; I was able to inspect the vehicle myself!

The Hunter Quick Check Inspection Process is more than just an alignment quick check system; it allows the operator to optimally test key maintenance items like batteries and tires.

Did you know that over 10% of vehicles have battery related issues? Like many of us, the battery is an afterthought but it’s so easy to test. So, the first thing we did was test battery.  During the test we made sure that it was within OEM (Original equipment) specifications.  Luckily mine was Green for Good; not Red for Bad!

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Inspector Chris checking the Battery

Also, did you know that over 20% of vehicles have one or more tires in need of replacement? That’s right, so that’s why we checked for tire tread depth and tire pressure. What was most cool about this was that they let me check the tire tread depth and pressure on my own – it was so easy!  I got to use this super cool Tread-Depth tool that allowed you one or three-point tire readings.

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Tire Tread Depth Tool

Finally, we determined whether the vehicle needed a wheel alignment. Everything was in the green which was good.

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All of this information was taken by a photo capture that then forwarded to the control console.  Which then after calculating was able to create a special customized printout that clearly outlined all my test results!

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This process was super cool and quick. Thank you to Waldorf Ford’s Service Department! The FREE Wheel alignment Quick Inspection definitely gave me piece of mind!

Stop by Waldorf Ford’s Service Department for your FREE Alignment Check!