Hybrid Vs. Gas Vehicles
There are many considerations that take part in choosing a new vehicle. A huge player in the decision is the current lifestyle of the buyer. For example, if the family has four children, they may opt for a larger vehicle. If the buyer has a job that requires he lug material from site to site, he may opt for a truck. If a businessman travels in and out of the city all day, he may prefer a small sedan. However, even when these decisions are made, there are more. Let’s take the businessman for example. Say he goes to his Costa Mesa Dealer and decides on a Ford Focus. The next decision he will have to make is whether he wants a gas vehicle or a hybrid.
Hybrids are still relatively new to the vehicle game. They rose to popularity for their promise of less gas money necessary for the consumer to spend, and better environmental impact. However, if someone is just looking at the car market, they might be a little confused when they see the extra dollars tagged on to the hybrid version of the otherwise same vehicle. They might not only wonder what the difference is between the two models of the car, but they may also wonder what car is better for them.
Hybrid
The main attraction of a hybrid vehicle is the better gas mileage and the eco-friendly impact. These factors really drove the introduction of this kind of vehicle. As these concerns grew, hybrids entered the market. Many believe that despite the extra cost, these vehicles can save money over five years of ownership. The way that these vehicles work is they essentially go idle at stops. This helps the vehicle to conserve gas. This makes them especially attractive to people who work in cities and deal with rush hour traffic on a daily basis. While in a regular car, this would use up a lot of excess gas, in a hybrid all of this gas is preserved.
Gas
Many people stay loyal to gas cars versus hybrids because of the initial cost of the car. Upfront hybrids can cost a couple thousand more than a gas car with the expectation that the owner of the hybrid will make it up over time. In addition, if someone’s daily commute consists of constantly flowing highway traffic rather than stop-and-go city life traffic, then the hybrid vehicle may not work any differently than a gas car. In this case, it is unlikely that you would save money in time by choosing a hybrid car.
Both hybrids and gas cars make great vehicles for the people who choose to purchase them. Whether paying a few dollars more upfront for a hybrid is worth it all depends on the person’s everyday lifestyle.
115 Years of Ford
This year marks the vehicle manufacturer Ford’s 115 birthday. The company was first incorporated in June 16, 1903 by namesake, Henry. The business has come a long way through the years to create the large Ford F150 that many see driving around Costa Mesa.
On June 16. 1903, as mentioned before, this timeless company was founded.
On October 1, 1908, the company unveiled its first success — the model T. The vehicle quickly become one of the most driven cars in the world and would be perfected and innovated by the company for the next 20 years.
On October 7, 1913, the company unveiled a system that is arguably one of the most innovative systems ever seen — the assembly line. This assembly line. first introduced in the assembly plant just outside of Detroit, Michigan, significantly decreased the time it took to build an entire vehicle, and in result, decreased the cost of these vehicles.
On January 5, 1914, the company more than doubled employee salaries, starting a movement in America for better employee care.
On March 1, 1941, the company began to manufacture the earliest jeep vehicle for military use during WWII. They then temporarily stopped producing for civilian use and focused solely on providing for the military.
On January 17, 1956, the company went public with stock selling over 10 million shares. It is on record that the founder came to regret this decision.
On April 17, 1964, the company debuts the very first Mustang at the World Fair. America fell in love and 22,000 were sold that day.
On September 7, 1987, the company purchases 75% of upper-end British luxury automaker, Aston Martin Lagonda, Ltd.
On December 1, 1989, the company purchases another vehicle brand, Jaguar, for about $2.5 billion.
On March 15, 1990, the company introduces the Explorer, one of the first SUVs ever seen.
On July 1, 1992, the company purchased a third vehicle manufacturer, Mazda Motor Manufacturing.
On June 20, 1993, the company opened its first dealership in China with hopes to better compete with competitors.
On July 11, 2005, under the name of acquired vehicle brand, Mercury, the company releases the first even gas-electric hybrid SUV. The vehicle was named the Mercury Mariner.
On April 17, 2014, the company celebrated the fiftieth birthday of their iconic Mustang.
On June 19, 2014, the company made the news when they opened 88 dealerships in a single day.
Today, the company, run by Henry’s great-grandson, is worth approximately $13.07 billion, ranking it the highest-valued vehicle brand to date. The company remains family-owned to this day, ranking it as the second biggest family-owned business in the world.
That Ford Flex seen driving around Costa Mesa is much more than just a vehicle, it is 115 years of hard work and history, as are the rest of the vehicles that help to make up this 115-year-old franchise.
How to Save Gas
Anyone who has ever driven a large vehicle like a Ford Explorer around Costa Mesa has likely noticed something pretty quickly. Gas is expensive. It is no secret that gas prices have gone through the roof in recent years, and this is in part the reason that many have chosen to switch from their big SUV to a little Ford Fiesta for their Costa Mesa transportation. But no matter the type or size of the car driven, everyone could be helped by a few easy tips to save gas.
Less Warm Up Time
There are few things worse than getting into a cold car. This is why many people choose to warm up their cars for up to thirty minutes before they even plan on driving. While this may provide a toasty ride to work, these people are likely to see a negative effect on their wallets. The less time spent warming a car in the morning, the less gas wasted.
Purchase Early or Late
As funny as it may sound, the time of day that you purchase gas matters. This is especially essential in the warmer months. When temperatures are warmer, the gas density is lower, meaning people will get less solid gas when they pump.
Slow Down
Driving fast can increase drag and this will force the car to increase fuel consumption. By driving the speed limit and driving smooth with the least amount of quick acceleration as possible, people will find that they will not need to fill up quite as often.
Monitor Braking
Excessive braking tends to waste gas. Essentially, a person uses gas to accelerate, then wastes the gas by braking right after. It is recommended to keep a solid distance from the car in front in order to decrease the need to brake suddenly. This will allow for earlier braking and better utilization of the gas exerted.
Decrease Wind Resistance
Excess wind resistance can cause a car to work twice as hard to move the same distance. While there are times when we cannot control the intensity of the wind, there are a few things to do in order to decrease wind resistance. This might include rolling up the windows. While most people enjoy the fresh air on a warm day, an open window can increase the car’s drag. In addition, it is wise to remove any bike, ski, or luggage racks from the roof of the car to make the vehicle more aerodynamic.
“Drive less” is the tip that everyone will give when asked how to save gas. However, this isn’t very convenient and it’s also not the only option. Take these easy steps and save on gas.
How to Keep a Car Running and Looking Like New
Everyone loves the feeling of a brand new car and everyone dreads the day that this car gets its first bump or scratch. However, there are a few easy steps to take to keep a car looking and running like new once you drive it away from a Ford dealership in Costa Mesa.
Follow Maintenance Schedule
When someone drives their new vehicle off the lot, the dealer will often provide a maintenance schedule for the car. The new owner should follow this schedule as though it were the car’s bible. The first few years of a car’s life are important in determining the years after. Therefore, it is essential to take all of the necessary and recommended precautions to keep the car running smoothly.
Regular car washes by hand
A simple car wash can go a long way for the appearance of the car. Buildup of dirt and grime can age a car way too quickly. A simple wash can take these years off in a matter of minutes. However, the system in which this car wash happens is important. While it is so easy now to just run though one of the automated car washes, this is not the ideal method. These washes can be aggressive and use harsh cleaners. It is better to wash the car by hand using mild detergents.
Remove Any Bird Waste
Unfortunately, birds do not discriminate when it comes to using the restroom on a car. While this might seem a mild annoyance to the victim, it can actually go much deeper. Bird waste has particle in it that can remove paint from a car if not removed quickly. Therefore, if an owner spots this on their car, it is important that they wipe it off as soon as possible.
Polish
Not only will a polish give the car a nice shine, but it also has ingredients in it that will help to protect the car’s paint. The best thing about a polishing a car is it is not a routine one will have to go through every week or month. Just polishing the car every six months with the right protectors and applicators will keep the car looking new for years.
Seat Protectors
Many people can recall the car’s first fateful spill. The driver hit a bump and suddenly their child’s juice went everywhere. Spills happen no matter the age or maturity of the passengers. It is always wise to purchase seat protectors so these spills and stains don’t actually affect the integrity of the car itself.
While a new car can’t stay new for forever, these few easy steps will keep a Ford escape looking like it just left the lot in Costa Mesa for years to come.
What to Look for in a Car Dealership
Many have seen the flamboyant flags and balloons surrounding the premises of the local car dealership. Many have driven two minutes down the road and seen the same flags and balloons at a totally different dealership. The point is, there is a variety of options for anyone looking for a new car. So what makes a the Ford dealer in Costa Mesa different than the others in the next town? And what makes that business different from the one next door to it? The variety can be overwhelming. However, there are clear items that anyone should consider when looking for the right car dealership to sell them their next car
- Availability- Let’s say someone is looking for a Ford Edge in Costa Mesa. This can narrow the search significantly. Once the person decides on the type of car they want, the next thing to do is find all of the dealerships that actually have that specific car in the lot. By narrowing down to the specifics of a car, a person can narrow the search. After all, why would anyone choose a company that does not offer what they need? It would be like choosing to go to a toy store for groceries.
- Price- Once a person narrows a search based on the vehicle’s availability, the person should compare the price of the vehicle at each dealership. The person should consider the number of features they want and find a general range of prices. In most cases, the prices should be relatively close for the same vehicle at each dealership, however, if one salesperson is asking way more than other companies, the buyer should probably mark that business off the list.
- Reviews- The internet makes it extremely hard for a dealership, or any business, to hide their flaws. If someone feels mistreated at a business it is not uncommon for them to express this disappointment in a review of the business. These reviews can be accessed by anyone, and can come in handy if someone is looking to find the right place to bring their business. While at times one bad review cannot honestly depict the quality of service, multiple bad reviews can be a pretty clear indicator that maybe the dealership is not the best option for someone seeking an honest and morally correct car dealership.
- Service- Once a person narrows beyond the preferred product at a preferred price, service is the next thing to seek. Considering the person likely has multiple car dealerships offering the same car for the same price at this point, the person should feel very confident in the service they receive when they enter the dealership.
Looking for the right car is hard, and looking for the right car dealership can be harder. It is extremely helpful to know what to look for in a dealership when making this hard decision.
10 Fun Ford Facts
Many in Costa Mesa know and recognize the name Ford as a car brand typically seen on the roads, at stop lights, on highways, and in drive-thru lines. However, despite the familiarity of the American brand, many do not know the long history behind the name. This legacy is so much more than just a brand of cars, it is years of American History in one beloved brand.
- The very first sale that the company made was in 1903 to a man named Dr. Pfenning. The vehicle was called, “The Model A.” The vehicle had a 2-cylinder engine and could reach the racing speeds of 30-miles an hour. It sold for a whopping $850, which would be the equivalent of about $2592.96 today.
- It is still a family business, and is the second largest family business in the world. The CEO of the company is the founder’s great grandson, William Clay, also known as Bill.
- Bill is also the current owner of the earlier mentioned vehicle sold to Dr. Pfenning.
- In 1914, the founder offered his employees a significantly higher salary than other markets were offering, paired with a shorter work day. This not only minimized employee turnover, but also helped to create the middle class and a fair wages movement in America.
- The Mustang was first debuted in 1964. The following Christmas the pedal powered toy mustang was a favorite among children’s gifts that season.
- The next year, a mustang was transported in four separate pieces up a resident elevator and onto the observation deck of the Empire State Building. It was then reassembled and photographed. The vehicle was later reassembled inside of the building, where it remained for another five months.
- The only vehicle that rocker legend Jim Morrison ever owned was a 1967 Shelby GT 500.
- The F-Series has been ranked as the number one best-selling car in America consistently since 2013.
- The Signature blue logo seen on these vehicles today was not introduced until the company was four years into the production of their cars.
- Many attribute a huge portion of the company’s success to the founder’s invention of an assembly line. Henry began this line in 1913. It was a part-by-part line, seen today in various industries. It reduced the vehicle making process by nine and half hours. This innovation made the vehicle more affordable than it had ever been up until that time.
The next time a Ford F150 drives around Costa Mesa, people should consider that the vehicle is much more than just a truck. It is years, work, and facts that all work together to build this legacy in America.
Great Lending Options for Your Car
Once you have done your research to find the right kind of car and the right dealership for your needs, the next step is probably to figure out how you are going to buy it. A car like the Ford Mustang from Costa Mesa may be a little out of your budget unless you get a loan to make up the difference, so it should be important for you to find some of the best options when it comes to financing the portion that you cannot pay for outright. There are a few ways that you can go about getting a great deal.
Many people who go to dealerships will find that there are usually certain lenders that a dealership prefers to work with and may even be able to get you a better deal through if you use them. If you aren’t sure of your lending options, this may be a convenient place to start because the salesperson you talk to at the dealership should include this information while you are determining whether or not to get the car. You aren’t necessarily locked into this loan, however. There are some other options that you can look into.
If you choose to go with the lending options offered by the dealership, you can look into other options later to refinance. This could get you a lower interest rate so that you can gain less interest over time, or it can be used to lower your monthly payments if the current ones are a bit higher than you are willing or able to pay. You may want to spend some time looking through your options and seeing what kinds of ratings and other information you can get from past and current borrowers. You can also call the different lenders and ask questions to get more information and find out which loan option works best for you.
Sometimes, loan options and quotes may show up online when you check on your credit score. This could help make you aware of some options that you didn’t see when you originally got your vehicle. It may be worth looking into what your offers are and how they differ from the plan that you already have to determine if there is a better option for you or if you should stay with your current plan.
Depending on your needs, there is a variety of loan options for your new Ford Mustang. You may be someone who wants to pay off your loan faster and therefore you may want higher payments and a lower interest rate, or you may be someone who cannot afford high payments and you may look for a lower payment plan. Looking into your options ahead of time could help you determine what is better for you.
Increase Your Fuel Economy
For the most part, many people try to find ways to make their dollars last longer. Making the fuel in your Ford Fusion from Costa Mesa last longer should be no exception, especially with the price of gas that seems to be insisting on remaining high. With so many people worried about fuel economy from a financial standpoint as well as an environmental one, it should be something that people talk about more often. Here are some ways to increase yours.
One thing to keep in mind is not to ask your vehicle to bear more weight than necessary. For example, if you aren’t planning to bring your bike and ride it at the destination you are going to, take the bike rack off of your car. Excess weight can cause the engine to have to work harder to move the car, therefore using more fuel to go shorter distances. This is often why larger vehicles get fewer miles per gallon.
Another thing to keep in mind is to check your tire pressure and make sure that your tires are always properly inflated. Not only is this important from a safety standpoint, but low tires may cause some dragging and resistance from the vehicle, which will also mean that your engine has to work harder and use up more fuel to go the same distance.
Where some vehicles from Ford, Chevy and more will generally warn you with a check engine light or another similar system, not all vehicles will warn you when your gas cap isn’t on tight enough. Therefore, to make sure you don’t lose precious fuel to evaporation, you will want to make sure that your cap is tightened correctly every time you fill up. Over time, the seal on the gas cap may start to wear or break, allowing extra evaporation to occur. If you notice a decrease in fuel economy, one of the first things you may check is whether or not the seal for the gas cap is still intact enough to keep the fuel in your tank from evaporating. New gas caps should be relatively easy to find and cheap when you need to replace yours.
Be sure to replace your air filters regularly to get the best fuel economy. Not replacing your filters often can mean that clogs are making it harder for things to circulate as needed. This could mean that extra fuel is being used to make up for the lack of ventilation and air circulation.
There are many tips and tricks out there when it comes to increasing your fuel economy. Where some of them may be unfounded ideas, there are many things that you can do to help your vehicle go that extra mile before running low on fuel and having to fill back up.
Tips for Teaching Your Teen Driver
For many parents with teenage children, one dreaded part of having them grow up is having to teach them how to drive a vehicle. Where some parents may not mind, this can be considered a nightmare for other parents. Whether driving a Ford Focus from Costa Mesa or a different type of car entirely, these driving tips can help you teach your teenager with as little stress as possible.
An important first step for parents teaching their kids to drive is to know when you need help. Where some parents can handle teaching their children to drive from start to finish, others may lack the time, the patience, or the calm it takes to teach a young teenager how to drive in the beginning stages. For these parents, there are usually options available such as a driver’s ed class through school or hiring a one-on-one driving instructor. For some parents, it may be easier to have the instructor teach the teenager from start to finish, where for some others the instructor may only be needed until the teenager has some experience with all types of driving, allowing the parents to take over teaching in a calmer matter.
Another thing to keep in mind, which ties in to the first point, is to always remain calm while instructing. Freaking out will likely only make your teenager more stressed and less focused, which can increase the likelihood of an accident. If you are the type of person who cannot remain calm while in the car with an inexperienced driver, you may want to refer back to the first point above and get someone else to help.
Once your teenager has become more adept at driving and gets the basics down, try to make sure that he or she is exposed to a variety of different road and weather conditions. Don’t focus solely on back roads; go out onto highways and into the busier parts of town. Also make sure to teach some lessons in the rain. Preparing for these situations in advance can help your teenager navigate them on his or her own later when the situations arise after they get their license, and it is better to learn how to drive in bad weather when you are expecting it and can instruct them in a relatively private location instead of them having to learn while doing it in a busy area.
There are many tips and tricks out there to help you as a parent ensure that your teenager gets the help he or she needs when learning how to drive. So don’t be afraid to break out the Ford Focus and hit the road once he or she gets a permit so that you can get in as much teaching as possible to prepare for the driving test.
Preparing for All Sorts of Driving Conditions
Depending on where you lived when you learned how to drive, there may be some weather conditions that you have never been exposed to. In this case, you may have issues driving in those types of weather conditions if you are exposed to them later. When driving the new Ford Flex from Costa Mesa, you want to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Here are some things you can do to help you prepare.
The first step is to make sure that the tires on your Ford F150 from Costa Mesa are relatively new. The tires should be aligned properly and have a good amount of tread, especially in the winter, because these factors can help you brake and turn better without skidding. Even if you think you got your tires taken care of recently, it should be important to get them checked before going into wintery weather.
Another thing to do is to remember to slow down during bad weather. If there is moisture on the road, it can be more difficult for your car to make turns or to stop without sliding, and you want to make sure that you are going slowly enough to recover from a potential accident. It can also be safer to drive a bit more slowly so that you have more time to react if you see an animal or another car. However, be careful not to drive too slowly, especially on a highway, because if the car behind you cannot see you very well they may rear-end you.
In foggy conditions, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you and other drivers are visible. Be sure to have your fog lights on at all times, and if you have to brake make sure that your brake lights work. Do not follow other cars too closely in any sort of inclement weather.
Car trouble can be inconvenient and dangerous at any time, but this is especially true in bad weather. If you need to, be sure to pull off the road in a safe location as soon as you can and call for help. However, don’t think that car trouble is the only time that you can get off the road. If bad weather starts and you are uncomfortable driving in it or feel unsafe, it is perfectly reasonable to pull over in a safe location and wait for the weather to pass so that you can continue driving.
In an ideal situation, you should be able to stay home during periods of severe weather to help avoid a crash. However, there may be times that you have to go out in less than ideal driving conditions, and in these cases, it always pays off to be prepared.



