Grande Ford Truck Blog | San Antonio, TX

Ford’s New Tech To Reduce The Spread Of COVID-19

July 23, 2020July 23, 2020
by grandeford

The latest development in Ford technology could be lifesaving, as it helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. A new heated software raises the interior temperature in the Police Interceptor Utility, allowing law enforcement to essentially bake the virus out of the vehicle.

Ford worked with The Ohio State University department of microbiology to discover how hot the cabin would need to be, and for how long, in order to significantly reduce the virus’ presence. Their studies found that temperatures at or greater than 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes will cut down viral contraction on surfaces found in the vehicle’s cabin by 99 percent.

The cabin is heated by using the climate control and the engine together with the new software. When the software is activated, it heats the powertrain to the high temperatures, and turns fan and heat settings on high. Interior temperature is monitored by the software, and maintained at 133 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for 15 minutes.

Law enforcement will be able to monitor the sanitation process from outside the Police Interceptor Utility vehicle. Taillights and hazard lights will indicate the beginning of the process by blinking in a preset pattern, and will signal when sanitation is complete. There will also be an area in the vehicle’s instrument cluster that shows the progress.

Stop by Grande Ford and celebrate Ford’s significant contribution to help protect police offers with us!

Ford

Ford F-150 Hybrid Rumors | San Antonio, TX

June 18, 2020June 18, 2020
by grandeford

Ford is one of the leading automakers in the world, especially when it comes to green mobility. In fact, there are rumors that the brand recently developed a Ford F-150 hybrid. While the Detroit Auto Show was canceled this year, there is evidence the brand may have used the show to debut its new eco-friendly Ford F-150.

The vehicle in question is the 2021 Ford F-150, which is believed to be a hybrid or an all-electric version of the most popular vehicle on the market for the past three decades. Ford was one of a few automakers that were eager to move the North American International Auto Show from January to June, where it would release new vehicles, including the latest F-150.

“We continue to look forward to the fresh new festival-style approach within the Detroit community, and we have made investments in new Ford displays that can make the most of new-vehicle reveals,” a Ford spokesperson said in a statement to Auto News.

Along with the new F-150, the Ford brand is scheduled to release the latest version of the Bronco and Bronco Sport. While there’s no word yet as to when the latest F-150 and Bronco will appear later in the year, we couldn’t be more excited for these releases.

Contact us at Grande Ford for more exciting updates from this progressive automaker or stop by in person to take one of our F-150 models for a whirl.

Service

Maintain the Health of a Vehicle That You Seldom…

May 1, 2020May 1, 2020
by grandeford

While most vehicles are utilized as daily drivers to get workers to their destination on a daily basis, other cars and trucks don’t see as much daily use. Still, car care is essential for keeping your vehicle in shape so it works safely and smoothly when you do take it for a spin. Here are a few tips to maintain the health of a vehicle when you’re not driving it much.

Check the Pressure of Your Tires
Although the tires on your seldom-driven vehicle may not be exposed to the open road, they can still be vulnerable to a loss of pressure. This can result in serious problems when the time comes to drive it. So, be sure to keep an eye on your vehicle’s tire pressure.

Check the Battery
One of the worst feelings any driver can experience is starting up their vehicle, only to discover that the battery is dead. There are ways to prevent this scenario. You can check the voltage of your vehicles battery, even when it’s not in use. You can also have a means of recharging your battery when it comes time to drive your vehicle again.

Use a Car Cover
Not all of us have garages where we can store our vehicles when we aren’t using them. For those of us who lack a garage, consider investing in a car cover to protect your vehicle from the outside elements.

For more tips on how to maintain the health of your vehicle, call us at Grande Ford to speak to one of our certified technicians.

Ford

Ford Announces The Built To Lend A Hand Program

April 7, 2020April 7, 2020
by grandeford

Ford’s vehicles are built tough — and amid the COVID-19 crisis, the automaker is proving that they’re built with compassion, too. Ford’s leadership just announced the rollout of the Built to Lend a Hand program: an initiative that will help customers impacted by the pandemic.

If you choose to finance your purchase through Ford Credit, Built to Lend a Hand can cover your first three months’ worth of loan payments, and defer the following three months. When the program was announced, Ford’s North American president stated, “Our dealers are incredibly connected to their communities. They’re willing to lend a hand by doing whatever it takes to help our customers in this time of need.”

In addition to mitigating the economic impact of the coronavirus — both within the automotive industry and the overall global market—the Built to Lend a Hand program is meant to help those in need secure much-needed transportation. As Mark LaNeve, vice president, U.S. marketing, sales, and service, said, “We’re a family business with a 100-plus-year legacy of steering through crises all over the world. We’ve faced down many kinds of disasters, and we’ll face down this one just the same — taking care of our customers along the way.”

The program currently applies to all new 2019 and 2020 models, with the exception of the 2020 Super Duty. If you want to learn more about the Built to Lend a Hand program, eligible vehicles, or how we’re working alongside Ford to give you reliable transportation in these trying times, give us a call at Grande Ford.

Grande Ford

Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Ford Truck

March 21, 2020March 21, 2020
by grandeford

Ford trucks are known to be durable and reliable, but every vehicle needs regular care and maintenance. Here’s a rundown of the maintenance your truck should receive every spring.

Hit the car wash

Even though our San Antonio winters aren’t rife with snow and road salt, springtime is still a perfect reminder to wash your vehicle. When the weather warms up, give your truck a deep clean — and don’t forget to pressure-wash the undercarriage to get rid of any accumulated road grime that could lead to rusting. Also, consider taking the time to wax your truck. It’ll go a long way towards protecting the exterior from acidic debris, such as splattered bugs and bird droppings.

Wiper blades

Late spring and early summer bring heavy rainfall to the San Antonio area. Make sure your truck is ready to weather the storm by cleaning your windshield wipers. However, if they’re cracking or leaving streaks, its’ time to replace them.

Tire care

To stay safe on the road during spring showers, make sure your truck’s tires are in good condition. Check their pressure and tread depth, and consider bringing your vehicle to our service center for a tire rotation and alignment.

Oil change

Regular oil changes prevent engine damage and keep your truck’s powertrain running smoothly. Plus, when you bring your vehicle in for an oil change, you can have us check and replace the rest of its essential fluids.

Battery

Few scenarios are more frustrating than getting stranded in a parking lot due to a dead car battery. At our service center, we can check and replace your battery, if necessary.

Brakes

Your truck’s brakes are its most vital safety system. At our service center, we can check your truck’s brake system to make sure it’s in working order so you don’t find yourself sliding in slippery conditions.

Need help with service and maintenance? Bring your vehicle to Grande Truck Center for top-quality customer service and expert care.

San Antonio

Off-Road Adventures near San Antonio, TX

February 20, 2020February 20, 2020
by grandeford

There’s nothing like taking your Ford F-150 off-road for some fun in the mud and dirt. Here are four spots where you can have some off-road adventures near San Antonio.

Check out General Sam’s

At General Sam’s ATV & Offroad Park, you can play all day in the mud as long as you have your own 4×4 vehicle. There’s plenty of space to let loose and slide out here, but not so many sheltered spots for spectators, so dress for the dirt.

Find Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls Adventure Park is a beautiful spot with lots of nature to explore a bit less mud than General Sam’s. The terrain is varied and fun to drive from grass to rocks and the park offers camping and ATV rentals.

Next to the Creek

Creekside Offroad Ranch provides some wild rides. Expect to get stuck in the mud here. There are plenty of water features here, so knowing how to swim is a plus, too. This area also offers tent camping and an RV park with electricity and water hookups for cleaning up after your ride.

Go to Xtremes

Xtreme Off-Road Park and Beach in Crosby tends to have the most visitors of the four, which can be a lot of fun if you like racing and playing in the mud with like-minded folks. There are plenty of spots for camping, fishing and hanging out with friends, old and new.

For more outdoorsy destinations in the San Antonio vicinity, give us a call here at Grande Ford. We’ll be happy to share more of our favorite places.

Grande Ford

Valentine’s Day in San Antonio

January 14, 2020January 14, 2020
by grandeford

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and the last thing you want is to be scrambling to make last-minute plans. This year, plan ahead on something different. If you’re in San Antonio, you’re in luck, as we’ve gone to the trouble of picking some of our favorite unique Valentine’s Day spots.

Hotel Havana

For a classic, romantic evening, the Hotel Havana downtown is hard to beat. Its colorful interior and excellent food make for the perfect Valentine’s Day date if you’re looking for an elegant night out with that special someone.

Downtown Speakeasy

Dinner and drinks is an obvious choice, but switch it up a little this year by checking out one of San Antonio’s cool speakeasy-style bars like Bar 1919. These hidden gems are perfect for a romantic date, especially if your partner appreciates historical settings and traditions.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

Looking for something to do while the sun is still up? Hop over the San Antonio Botanical Gardens to stroll through 38 acres of flowers, trails, Japanese Gardens, and more.

The Pearl Famers Market

Really want to impress this year? Take your date to the Pearl Farmers Market to pick up the freshest ingredients around. Whether or not you’re able to turn them into an excellent Valentine’s Day meal later on is up to your cooking skills, but the Pearl Farmers Market will definitely get you halfway there.

Need a new ride to impress your beloved with on Feb. 14? Stop by Grande Ford to purchase or lease a 2020 model.

Grande Ford

4 Tips for Successful New Year’s Resolutions

December 30, 2019December 30, 2019
by grandeford

Here at Grande Ford, we know how hard it can be to stick to your New Year’s resolutions. Whether you’re vowing to keep up with oil changes, stick to the speed limit, or make healthier choices at the drive-thru, these resolution-keeping tips will help you meet your goals in 2020.

Set Realistic Goals

Make sure the resolutions you make are based in reality. If you set a goal you’ll never be able to meet, you’ll quickly give up. Instead, make resolutions that you’re capable of attaining.

Have a Plan

Don’t wait until 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1 to make your resolutions. Plan them ahead of time. And while you’re planning, don’t just describe your resolutions — come up with steps you’ll take to make them a reality.

Get Help

You’re not in this alone. Enlist your family members and friends to help you stick to your resolutions. The extra support and motivation you’ll receive will be priceless.

Don’t Give Up

If you’re finding it hard to form a new habit or ditch an old one, don’t give up — it takes time to change your ways. Even if you fail at first, there’s no need to quit altogether. Try making a resolution for the next 24 hours, then build on that to get back in the groove.

No matter how simple or complicated your goals are, these tips can help you stay on the path to successful New Year’s resolutions. Speaking of resolutions… If you need a bit of help keeping your car-care goals for 2020, call us here at Grande Ford to schedule a service appointment for your Ford.

Ford Vehicles

Best Fords on Campus

September 30, 2019July 23, 2020
by grandeford

Fall means a fresh semester of school for college students here in San Antonio, Texas. The Ford Fiesta, Fusion, and EcoSport models are great choices for a first vehicle, especially if you value fuel economy and safety.

Celebrate with a Fiesta

The 2019 Fiesta hatchback offers 25.4 cubic feet of cargo space for transporting groceries or dorm supplies, and achieves 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway when you choose the automatic transmission.* Not only is the Fiesta stylish, but it boasts a defensive design. Steel reinforcement in potential impact areas such as the floor structure, front rails and beams, creates a complex roll cage that will increase passenger safety during a collision.

Stylin’ in a Fusion

The 2019 Fusion is a stylish sedan that comes in gas-powered, hybrid, and all-electric varieties. The gas version achieves 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. By contrast, the hybrid gets 43 mpg for city driving and 41 mpg on the highway.** The Fusion boasts modern safety features, including the BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) and available Enhanced Active Park Assist, to make driving a bit easier.

Beautiful and earth-conscious EcoSport

The 2019 EcoSport offers the best of both worlds: the roominess of a hatchback and the style and safety features of a sedan. The EcoSport gets an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.*** It has some of the same protective features as the Fusion, while adding a Reverse Sensing System to simplify parallel parking. It is also available with four-wheel drive, if you desire a bit more traction when traveling in inclement weather.

Stop by Grande Ford to test-drive any of these capable models for yourself.

*EPA-estimated rating: 27 city/37 hwy/31 combined mpg, 1.6L Ti-VCT with six-speed automatic. Actual mileage will vary.

**EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.

****EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.