When on the road, most drivers are constantly looking at their mirrors. This is due to the fact that these mirrors allow the driver to get a better idea of what’s going on around them. They make it easier to see vehicles, people, or other things that may be behind the vehicle. Although all vehicles tote a collection of mirrors, not all of them come equipped with a number of high-quality mirror features. Before going to a Ford dealer in the Costa Mesa, CA, area, it is important for driver to take the time to learn about these mirrors. By learning about these mirrors, the driver can choose a vehicle that can keep them safe on the road.

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

Many drivers will use their vanity mirrors to check up on the passengers in the back of the vehicle. Drivers will also use it to look at themselves clearly and conveniently. However, this can be difficult in the nighttime. In the past, the driver or front seat passenger would have to turn on the interior light and then use the vanity mirror. This was distracting and inconvenient for the driver. Thankfully, many modern vehicles come equipped with illuminated vanity mirrors. This innovative feature makes it easier for the driver or front seat passenger to use the vanity mirror in the nighttime.

Heated Side Mirrors

Although it is warm in Southern California, many parts of the country can be extremely cold during many months of the year. When visiting these parts of the U.S., drivers who aren’t used to driving in wintry conditions are putting themselves at risk of getting into an accident. An example of this is having frosty side mirrors. Thankfully, drivers that aren’t used to driving in wintry conditions can purchase a vehicle with heated side mirrors. This useful feature can remove frost or fog from the side mirrors of a vehicle. Anyone from the Costa Mesa, CA, area who is interested in purchasing a vehicle with heated side mirrors may want to check out the Ford Edge.

Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

One of the final mirror features that drivers should look for when purchasing a vehicle is an auto-dimming rearview mirror. This unique feature automatically dims the mirror for the driver. This reduces the amount of glare that the driver has to endure when driving during the nighttime. This can increase the driver’s visibility and help the driver stay focused on the road.

Any driver who is thinking about purchasing a new vehicle should look for a vehicle that comes equipped with illuminated vanity mirrors, heated side mirrors, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors.

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When purchasing a Ford truck in Costa Mesa, CA, many drivers are often struck with a difficult question: Should they purchase a midsize, full-size or heavy-duty truck? All of these different options tote their own sets of positive and negative aspects. Any driver who is looking to purchase a truck should know the differences between these vehicle styles. The driver should also be aware of the positive and negative aspects of each individual style. This will maximize the chances of the driver making a decision that he or she won’t regret.

Purchasing a Midsize Truck

Anyone who is looking for a solid truck that offers great power and towing capabilities may want to consider a midsize truck. These powerful vehicles are perfect for getting jobs done around the home, property, neighborhood, or town. They are also optimal for towing objects like trailers and small vehicles. Midsize trucks will often have a maximum seating capacity of two to five people. This makes them a great choice for small contracting businesses with a minimal amount of crew members.

Purchasing a Full-Size Truck

If a midsize truck just won’t do, the driver may need to consider looking at some full-size trucks. These are beastly vehicles that tote even more power than midsize trucks. A great example of a full-size truck is the infamous Ford F-150, which can be found at a Costa Mesa dealer. These powerful vehicles are optimal work and family vehicles. This is thanks to their optimal storage space and higher seating capacity. Anyone seen driving around in a full-size Ford truck in the Costa Mesa, CA, area will definitely get some attention from other drivers.

Heavy-Duty Trucks

Anyone looking for a vehicle with unmatchable power and storage space should look no further than a heavy duty truck. These vehicles are enormous pieces of automotive machinery that can get any job done. This makes heavy-duty trucks the perfect vehicle for anyone in construction, landscaping, or any other industry that requires hauling heavy loads. However, this doesn’t mean that heavy-duty trucks should only be used for work. These monstrous vehicles are also great for hunting, camping, and trips to the beach. The only downside to heavy-duty trucks is that they burn through gas at an unbelievably fast rate. However, any driver that doesn’t mind gassing up more often will enjoy a plethora of benefits in their heavy-duty truck.

Although they are all similar, midsize, full-size, and heavy-duty trucks all offer different benefits. When purchasing a truck, it is important for drivers to know what these benefits are. This will help them make the correct decision.

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Whether you’ve been driving for decades or just a few years, it’s always smart to brush up on safe driving tactics. Not only will this keep you and your fellow drivers safe while on the road, it will also reduce the chance of a collision that results in pricey damage to your Ford Mustang in Costa Mesa. Here are some tips on defensive driving that every car owner should know.

1. Stash Away Your Cell Phone

In the modern age, cell phones have become a major road hazard for drivers. Answering a phone call or sending a text message takes your attention away from the road. Sadly, it only takes a few seconds of inattention to get into an accident.

Reduce distractions and minimize your urge to look at your phone by keeping it stashed away while driving. This can mean keeping it in the glove compartment, in the backseat, or even in the trunk while you’re driving. If you must answer a phone call, pull over to the side of the road before answering.

2. Eyes On The Road

In addition to cell phones, there are several other distractors that drivers encounter while on the road. When driving, all of your attention should be on the task at hand. This means avoid eating or drinking when your hands should be on the wheel. Don’t fiddle with the radio dials, or get engrossed in a conversation with your fellow passengers. And of course, you should never try to multitask by applying makeup or performing other grooming habits while driving.

3. Proceed With Caution

When approaching an intersection or a traffic signal, exercise caution and don’t take anything for granted. Though other drivers might have a red light, you never know when a distracted driver might run a red light or decide to roll through a stop sign. When a light turns green, look to your left, to your right, straight ahead, and then to your left again before proceeding forward. It might take a few extra seconds, but it could save your life.

4. Always Wear a Seatbelt

One of the most basic safety rules for drivers is often the one least followed. Before backing out of your driveway, make sure that you and all other passengers (including children) are wearing their seatbelt. If you have small children, make sure they are buckled into the appropriate car seats for their age and size. Don’t allow young children to ride in the front seat, as they can become injured by the airbag if it was to deploy during a collision. Also, make sure seat belts stay on for the entire trip.

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Your vehicle is an investment, and regular preventative maintenance will help increase its lifespan and the many happy years you spend driving. What is one of the most important maintenance tasks every driver should have done? Oil changes.

You likely often receive reminders from your mechanic that your Ford Focus in Costa Mesa should be receiving regular oil changes. But what does this even mean? While many drivers pay attention to the exterior of their vehicle and notice shifts in how it’s handling, they might not be putting thought into what’s taking place under the hood. However, having oil changes performed at regular intervals is important to keep your car running smoothly. Here’s why.

Avoid Engine Damage

Your engine houses several moving metal pieces that all work together in order to keep your car running and allowing it to perform various functions. Oil helps keep these metal parts lubricated, allowing them to glide over each other. When your oil is old, too thick or too thin, these parts are more likely to scrape against each other, leading to pricey damage down the road.

Prevent Overheating

With temperatures that reach well over 195 degrees Fahrenheit, your engine is one of the hottest spots in your vehicle. Oil is responsible for regulating your engine’s temperature and preventing it from overheating. When you go too much time between oil changes, this excessive heat can also cause vital parts to become warped or deteriorate, leading to pricey damage as well as breakdowns.

Improve Gas Mileage

Are you tired of how often you need to pull over to fill up your gas tank? Getting an oil change is a great way to improve your gas mileage! When your oil becomes too old or dirty, it loses its ability to keep your engine’s parts lubricated. This forces your vehicle to work harder in order to perform its same basic functions. Having an oil change means your car needs to burn less fuel in order to stay in motion, reducing stress on the engine and keeping your car running smoothly.

Reduce Buildup

As motor oil ages, it becomes gritty and dirty thanks to contaminants and debris. This prevents your engine’s vital fluids from reaching its various components, while allowing sludge and grime to build up. This reduces your vehicle’s performance by hindering your engine’s parts from running smoothly. Over time, this can result in premature engine wear (meaning pricey damage) and eventual failure.

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Innovations in automotive technology over the years has made most cars more efficient, comfortable, and easier for even beginner drivers to handle. However, even with these improvements in car mechanics, regular preventative car maintenance is still important.

Though it’s an errand that many might not look forward to, your Ford Fusion in Costa Mesa needs to be taken in to the mechanic for a tune-up regularly, as well as have oil changes, tire inspections, and fluid level checks performed often. Read on to learn why.

1. Improve Performance

Over time, you might notice that your car doesn’t deliver the same performance that it used to. Perhaps it feels slower, has a reduced acceleration, or requires you to stop at the gas station more often than before.

Regular maintenance checks, such as keeping your tires inflated and having oil changes performed, have a major impact on your car’s performance. You’ll notice an increase in fuel economy, less resistance and vibrations from the road, and an overall improved performance.

2. Safer Ride

In addition to enjoying a smoother ride, preventative maintenance will also keep drivers safer while on the road. Having regular brake checks done will catch worn-down brake pads before you’re unable to stop your car quickly. Having your wheels aligned will help improve handling, meaning that you will better navigate the busy roads. And having your fluid levels checked and topped regularly will prevent your engine from overheating and/or failing when it matters most.

3. Avoid Breakdowns

Your car is full of parts that need to be replaced at regular intervals, depending on the number of miles you put on your car each year. Neglecting to have parts serviced or replaced when necessary can cause your car to breakdown, leaving you stranded and needing to shell out a lot of cash for repairs. By keeping an eye on these parts and replacing them when they begin to show signs of wear and tear, you’ll avoid major headaches down the road.

4. Increased Longevity

One of the biggest reasons that drivers find themselves in the market for a new car is a lack of performance or increased repair needs from their current vehicle. In order to get the most out of your car and continue to drive it for years to come, regular maintenance is important. This includes both keeping the engine in good shape and regularly washing the exterior to keep it looking like new. This way you’ll own a car that you feel good about driving down the road without developing envy for newer models.

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To keep your Ford F-15O in Costa Mesa running at optimal performance, routine maintenance is important. It’s not enough to just keep your vehicle filled up and make sure that the exterior gets washed – you also need to perform tasks such as checking your fluid levels regularly and taking it in for a tune-up. But with a lengthy list of possible maintenance tasks you can perform, which ones take priority? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Oil Change

Think of motor oil as the lifeblood of your Ford Flex in Costa Mesa. Your engine relies on oil to keep all of the moving metal parts lubricated (helping it operate smoothly while preventing damage) and to keep your engine cool. Follow your vehicle’s guidelines to determine when you need to have your oil changed. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to bring your vehicle in for an oil change every six months or 6,000 miles.

2. Tire Pressure

Your tires are responsible for carrying your vehicle from Point A to Point B. To keep your vehicle running optimally and improve fuel efficiency, it’s important to keep your tires properly inflated. Tires that don’t have enough air pressure will not roll as easily, resulting in greater drag that will force your car to use more fuel to move forward.

3. Tire Tread

In addition to checking your air pressure regularly, get into the habit of inspecting your tread. When your tires are worn, you run a greater risk of slipping while on the road since they are lacking in traction. Use the penny test to determine whether you need new tires. To do this, stick a penny in your tire grooves, with the head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread has worn too low.

4. Spark Plug Replacement

Your spark plugs are responsible for giving your engine the literal spark it needs in order to operate. These parts should generally be replaced every 45,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Having fresh spark plugs put in will reduce the likelihood of your engine misfiring, surges, and difficulties starting. You’ll also benefit from better gas mileage, improved acceleration and a better-performing vehicle overall.

5. Brake Check

Your brakes are arguably the most important safety component of your car. To make sure your vehicle is able to stop properly, have your brake pads inspected every 6,000 miles. Take your car in sooner if you hear a squealing or grinding sound when stopping, as this is a sign that your pads are scraping against your rotors.

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Whether you’re in need of routine maintenance for your Ford Explorer in Costa Mesa or suspect you need a repair done, you’ll want to find a reliable auto mechanic that you trust. Your vehicle is an investment, after all. Your car expert needs to be knowledgeable, within your price range, and experienced handling your specific make and model. These tips will help you find the perfect mechanic to take care of your vehicle.

1. Ask For Recommendations

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find local businesses that have already been vetted by someone you trust. Take advantage of social media to ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations on mechanics they have worked with in the past. This is even more beneficial if they drive a vehicle similar to your own. Ask what their experience working with the mechanic was like, inquire about the process of working through insurance, etc.

2. Online Research

Even if you receive recommendations, drivers should conduct online research on the background of every prospective mechanic. Read through online reviews on websites like Yelp and Better Business Bureau to see what past customers have to say about their experience. Take a look at the company’s social media pages as well to see what life is like behind-the-scenes. Mechanics with blogs are often a smart choice since they are actively presenting their knowledge and expertise.

3. Certifications & Memberships

Check with local regulations in your area to see what kind of insurance, certifications, and other paperwork your mechanic is required to have. Ask for a copy and call the insurance company to verify that all requirements are legitimate and up-to-date. Take note of specialized training, as well as certifications like Automotive Service Excellence, which guarantees their mechanics have at least two years of on-the-job training.

4. Vehicle Experience

When checking out the credentials of your prospective mechanic, you should make sure that they have experience working with your particular make and model. Your Ford Fiesta in Costa Mesa deserves to be in skilled hands, after all. Your mechanic should have all of the repair and diagnostic tools they need on-hand in order to provide you with top-notch service. This experience will also give them the know-how to diagnose issues with your vehicle and offer effective solutions.

5. Pass By

Whether you have multiple vehicles you’ll be bringing to the shop or want to ensure you’re making the best choice, consider passing by the shop you’re researching. How clean is the establishment? Is it always busy? Do customers look harried or relaxed? This will all clue you in to what you can expect when bringing your vehicle in.

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While opting for a used car can save drivers a considerable amount of cash over a new vehicle, it’s smart to make an informed purchase. Before purchasing a used Ford Escape in Costa Mesa, consider having a mechanic inspect the vehicle ahead of time. These trained professionals will know what potential issues to keep an eye out for and will let you know if you’ll be facing any pricey repairs.

Making a purchase at a Ford dealership in Costa Mesa can put your mind at ease, since dealerships often have all vehicles inspected before displaying them on the lot. However, keep these tips in mind when purchasing privately.

Do You Perform Inspections Ahead of Time?

Depending on who or where you are purchasing your used vehicle from, the seller might have different policies on having a third-party mechanic perform an inspection. Ask your current mechanic if they would be open to you bringing a car to them ahead of the purchase in order to have it looked over. Though you will likely need to pay a fee for this service, it’s an excellent way to identify any potential problems or mechanical issues before they end up costing you.

What Are Its Maintenance Requirements?

In addition to having your mechanic check for potential issues, you should also inquire about what vehicle upkeep will be like. Ask when you should expect to bring the car in for its next round of maintenance, such as an oil change, tire rotation, and air filter replacement. Some vehicles might require more frequent maintenance than drivers are prepared for, so it’s best to ask what ownership will be like down the road.

Does Anything Need to Be Replaced?

Some parts on your prospective new vehicle might be nearing the end of their lifespan, such as the timing belt. Knowing that these parts will likely need be changed soon can give you negotiating power when deciding on the final selling price of the vehicle. Depending on the cost for replacement, you might also want to consider opting for another vehicle instead of shelling out for a pricey repair.

What Are Common Issues?

Even if the car is in great shape, drivers should know everything about what to expect with their new car. Ask your mechanic what kind of experience they have with your vehicle’s make and model. Do they know of any common mechanical issues that many drivers experience? Are there any smart tips they can share to make every day driving easier, such as for fuel economy?

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The tread on the tires of your Ford Edge in Costa Mesa are responsible for providing your vehicle with traction. These grooves shift water, snow and other slippery things away from your tires, keeping you safe while driving and preventing your vehicle from slipping all over the road.

Your tires need to be changed and rotated over time in order to both ensure an even wear and prevent bald spots from putting you at risk. In the United States, your tires need to be replaced when the tread depth is 2/32 of an inch or less.

Some tires feature tread wear bars that provide an instant visual reminder that you need to replace your tires. Otherwise, one of the easiest ways to do this is to measure your tire tread using either a gauge ruler or conducting the penny test.

Penny Test

Take a penny and stick it in between the grooves of your tires. The coin should be upside down, with the head facing you.

Check and see where Lincoln’s head lines up with the groove lines. If his head is buried, your tires have more than 2/32 inches of tread left and should last you awhile longer. However, if the head is visible, head to your local Ford dealer in Costa Mesa to have your tires changed right away.

Quarter Test

Don’t have a penny handy? The same test can be carried out with a quarter. In the same way, take a quarter and stick it into the tread grooves, making sure it’s upside down and facing you.

If the tread is touching Washington’s head, you have at least 4/32 inches of tread left, which is good. However, if you can see space between his head and the tire, your tread is likely wearing thin.

When To Do It

Once your tire depth reaches 4/32 inches, you should be monitoring it closely to make sure your tread remains in safe territory.

Check to see if all four tires are wearing evenly. If not, you should consider having your tires rotated. This helps extend the lifespan of your tires and prevents you from needing to shell out cash for a replacement too soon. On average, drivers should have their tires rotated every 6,000 miles.

Balancing your wheels will also prevent uneven tire wear and minimize wheel vibrations to provide drivers with better handling. This should be done every 6,000 miles or whenever you replace your tires.

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Having a great car to ride in is essential to being comfortable for the long haul. It’s important that you pick something that resonates well with you and your needs. Sometimes, you want the right amount of power that goes with your car. Getting something muscle wise is a great addition to your overall car collection. Think of how it adds value to you and your home. Here are some of the benefits of a muscle car.

More Overall Value

When you buy a car, think of what it brings to the table. Of course, a car depreciates when you buy it fresh off the lot. However, something like a vintage Ford Mustang in Costa Mesa only appreciates in value. Why? It’s a sacred vehicle that only the collectors truly appreciate. Whether you have it for yourself or get it from your elder, a good muscle car only attracts the attention of those seeking something with enough horsepower and style to light up a big room. This is something that your average car doesn’t possess. Make sure that you have the right idea of what it’s worth. Of course, a great muscle car has a lot of style.

Style Is a Great Representative of a Solid Vehicle

Muscle cars typically have a solid motif that involves incredible style. Everything from the look and feel of the vehicle plays a part in why someone would purchase a muscle car. You’ll be able to turn heads with something as physically appealing as a great muscle car. People tend to respect you more because it’s not a typical ride you see every day. Just imagine driving down the street in a drop-top muscle ride and everyone sees you. It adds that bit of a young profile to the overall personality of your vehicle. This is great because even if you’re up there in age, it shows you will be youthful at heart. You’ll begin to get the most out of your car. A good muscle car has a great resale price.

More Buck for Your Resale Price

Good muscle cars are very appealing. Why? They look good and have an engine that supersedes most. You have a great niche on hand that makes people want to spend their hard earned money to buy it. If you have something that’s a bit more vintage, you’ll be able to secure a car that’s more valuable. Instead of buying an average car pre-owned or new, this takes precedence for the car collector who wants to get something unique.

These are just a few of the advantages of purchasing a muscle car. This could be a wise investment that ultimately makes you profit. By knowing what you have in your arsenal, you’ll have the right mindset to buy the best vehicle possible.

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