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Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids MI, is proud to represent a company with as much philanthropic reach as Ford. September is Ford Global Caring Month and all across the globe, Ford’s Volunteer Corp is hard at work to brighten the lives of people and improve their community infrastructure. These projects include enabling access to clean water and building homes all over the world, to other community-based projects as close to home as Detroit. The Ford Motor Company Fund has also chipped in $700,000 to support these projects – providing the global volunteer corp with tools, materials, and other necessary support. A recent article from the Official Ford Media Center tells more about their ongoing efforts, and we’ve provided some excerpts about the good work they’re doing. Take a look below, or visit Media.Ford.com to read the entire article. Ford Volunteer Corps Deploys Thousands Of Employees Into Communities Worldwide During Ford Global Caring Month Ford Global Caring Month is underway with more than 10,000 Ford Motor Company employees signed up so far to make people’s lives better in 40 countries during September – and registrations are still coming in to the Ford Volunteer Corps. Ford Global Caring Month is the signature annual event of the Ford Volunteer Corps, an opportunity for teams of Ford employees to band together and help meet the urgent needs of people in powerful, impactful ways that strengthen the entire community. During September, Ford volunteers in the U.S. will concentrate their efforts on neighborhoods. Specifically in Detroit, Ford volunteers will join hundreds of others in planting more than 600,000 daffodils on Belle Isle — one for every resident of the city. They will also be taking part in a project that will create safe pathways for students to school in the Regent Park neighborhood, which is not far from the Ford Resource and Engagement Center on Detroit’s east side. “Healthy neighborhoods offer comfort, security and shared experiences that can make life richer and more enjoyable,” said Todd Nissen, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. “Neighborhoods are the building blocks of stronger communities, where people can find the assistance and the opportunities they need to raise their standard of living.” Continue reading on Media.Ford.com. About Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI Borgman Ford has been family owned and operated since 1960. Our founder Fred Borgman founded the dealership on the principle that being honest and transparent customers should serve as the cornerstone of the business. Fred outfitted his sales team with red sports jackets to make them more visible – and therefore accountable – around town. Soon, Borgman became known as “The Home of the Redcoats,” which was synonymous with friendly, professional, and transparent conduct. If you're in the market for a New Ford or Pre-Owned Vehicle in West Michigan, visit our dealership any time and see our selection. Times have certainly changed since the 60s, but our dedication to Fred's vision has not. Our staff will make sure all of your questions are answered and will never pressure you into a sale. Our customer service is what has set us apart for almost 60 years. Come see why we're the Best in the West!

The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids is always here for your automotive needs, and a part of that means working with you as a team to ensure your vehicle is operating smoothly and safely. Parents with new teen drivers can do the same, and while teaching the basics of auto maintenance with your teen driver will make them a more aware, responsible owner, it can also be a fun bonding experience. Whether or not you have a new driver in the house, learning to care for a vehicle's various systems will help everyone stay safe on the road and stave off expensive repairs. Join us in our latest Borgman How To as we go back to school for basic vehicle maintenance! You can download a printer-friendly version of this article here for the glove box. #1. Checking Your Tires / Wheels Ultimately, tires are the single most important safety feature of a vehicle. As the sole point of contact with the road, tires play a role in starting, stopping, and predictable handling. Though it's an easy thing to forget while going to class or off to the movies, simply doing a quick walk around the vehicle gives you the opportunity to act on any issues before they become dangerous. Here are some things to watch out for: Under-Inflated or Flat Tires. To re-inflate, check proper (cold) PSI level for your vehicle's tires; it's usually printed on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb. Worn-Down Treads or Uneven Tread Wear Bulges or Sidewall Breaches Wheels that look "off" or leaning while they're parked straight Bent or Misshapen Rims Every now and then, check and make sure the spare is inflated and in good shape Another thing to know is how to recognize a flat tire while out driving, as well as how to change to the spare. A steady “thwop thwop thwop” noise, pulling to one side, or “sloppy” turning are good indicators that a tire is low. The owner’s manual will be the ultimate authority on changing the tire, but here’s the basic procedure: Park the vehicle as far over to the side of the road as possible and turn on the hazard lights. Remove the spare tire and jack from the trunk and place the jack under the designated lift point. Don't raise the vehicle yet; use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts first. Raise the vehicle and remove the tire, then mount the spare on the posts sticking out of the hub. Following a star-pattern, incrementally replace and tighten the lug nuts - this ensures it's tightened down evenly. Lower the vehicle and tighten them more with the tire on the ground until they're as tight as possible. It's important to check them again after a short while to ensure none of them have worked themselves loose. Bring your vehicle and your tire to the Borgman Service Center as soon as possible. #2. Checking Your Oil & Fluids Under normal circumstances, the only fluids your vehicle will need regular fill-ups of are gasoline and windshield washer fluid. However, there is a schedule for replacing the other fluids that'll be specific to your vehicle with engine oil being the most frequent and important. The others include the transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. (Kids, blinker fluid doesn't exist. In this one particular instance, don't listen to dad.) These fluids all play a role in keeping their respective systems lubricated and cooled, so if you notice anything strange happening, this is a good place to start looking for issues. Do not open the Radiator Cap (not the same as the reservoir) on a hot engine. The system is under pressure and can spray fluid as hot as 260°F if the engine is overheating. Also, never, ever open up the air conditioning system. The pressurized gas inside is harmful and an environmental hazard. It's almost always best to check fluid levels on a cold engine to ensure accuracy. Some fluid reservoirs are translucent and have "min" and "max" levels molded into them, so it's easy to see if they're low at a glance. Others like the engine and transmission have dipsticks. To check those, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a non-fibrous cloth, replace it, then carefully remove it again. The fluid will stick to the tip between marked "min" and "max" areas. If something is low, fill it up with the fluid specified in your manual, taking care not to overfill. Engine oil and coolant can burn up in the engine if you have a bad gasket (burning oil typically makes black smoke out of the tailpipe, coolant makes white-ish blue) but the other systems are closed. That means if you're losing brake, steering, or transmission fluid, you probably have a leak. You can use Borgman's online scheduler to make an appointment with our Service Center and have our experts find it. One more thing worth mentioning: if your engine is overheating due to lack of coolant and you don’t have any extra, distilled water can be used as a temporary replacement until you can get it to Borgman for a flush. Do not throw water on a hot engine to cool it down. #3. Check Your Belts Most cars these days have just the one accessory belt or "Serpentine Belt." As the engine spins to turn the transmission and the wheels, it also turns this belt. This belt spins different pulleys on the accessories, which include the water pump - which circulates coolant, the alternator - which generates electricity, and others like the power steering pump, air conditioner, and more. It's worth a look while the hood is open to see if it's cracked or looking worn down. The other and hugely important belt is the timing belt, but some cars have a chain here instead. This belt or chain ensures that all four cycles in the engine happen precisely when they're supposed to, and should be inspected regularly by a trained eye. If replacement is needed, it needs to be done as soon as possible. If it breaks, you'll likely need to replace the engine too. #4. Battery Care While the engine is running, the serpentine belt turns the alternator and generates electricity for the spark plugs. To start the engine though, you need stored electricity to get the process going. That's what the battery is for, and the alternator recharges it while you drive too. To make sure you have enough juice to turn the starter motor and fire the spark plugs, make sure your headlights and interior lights are off before leaving the vehicle. If your battery is drained (it happens to the best of us,) your manual will tell you how to hook up the jumper cables to a donor vehicle. If you keep a set in the trunk, you don't need to hope someone will have some. If your vehicle doesn't start because there's white buildup on the terminals, this could be something you can fix yourself. Carefully disconnect the battery (yup - read the manual) and mix up a good amount of baking soda with hot water. Put on a pair of thick rubber gloves and safety goggles, then grab an old toothbrush. Dip the brush in this mixture and use it to scrub off the corrosion. The baking soda will neutralize the acid and it's abrasive enough to remove the buildup. Be extra aware of anything that could complete a circuit between the two posts on the battery, and keep the battery away from heat sources or open flame. Thoroughly dry the terminals and the connectors, carefully reconnect the battery, and see if the vehicle starts. If that didn't fix it, our experts here are more than capable of finding the issue. #5. Headlights, Brake Lights, and Turn Signals The lights mounted around your vehicle aren't just helpful to you, they alert other drivers of your position and intentions. Making sure they're all working is a social and legal responsibility. If you have a lamp out, in many cases it is something you'll be able to take care of yourself. The light bulb you'll need will be specified in your manual or in a manufacturer-specific book in the supermarket. Your manual will also illustrate where you'll be able to access the bulb connector to replace it. Fair warning here: some of these may require tools to remove the light assembly, or can just be a total pain to reach. If you're not comfortable changing the light by yourself or you're not sure which bulb is the right one for your vehicle, bring it to the Borgman Service Center. We'll be more than happy to help. #6. Listening To Your Brakes For a multitude of reasons, a vehicle's braking system isn't something you should tinker with unless you're a car repair pro. However, if you notice screeching or scraping when you stop, it's from a metal clip around the brake pad rubbing on the metal rotor. It's there for the sole purpose of letting you know it's time to visit the Borgman Service Center for new pads. Luckily, Borgman offers a Lifetime Guarantee on Motorcraft Brake Pads - all you'll have to pay for is labor. If you feel your brake pedal getting "spongy" or notice a loss of fluid from the brake fluid reservoir, that almost always points to a leak in the system and you should schedule an appointment with us right away. #7. Something Not Working? Check The Fuse Your vehicle has a pretty complex network of wires and electronics, even if it's a little older. To safeguard against short circuits, they all pass through a fuse box. If there's too much current going through a circuit, the fuse breaks to stop the electricity from damaging the electronics or getting too hot. Your manual will tell you where your fuse box is, and which fuses are connected to specific circuits. If something isn't working, pull out the appropriate fuse and hold it up to the light. If the little metal horseshoe inside is broken, replace the fuse with a new one - making sure the little number on the top is exactly the same. If that doesn't fix the issue or if your vehicle keeps blowing the same fuse, Borgman has the tools and know-how to find the electrical fault. Drive Safely in West Michigan with the Borgman Service Center The Borgman Service Center has been helping drivers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan keep their vehicles running in tip-top shape for decades. Our trained experts will listen to your concerns and repair your vehicle in a timely manner. We'll use the highest-quality parts available and ensure that the work is done properly so you can get back on the road to adventure. Whether you need routine maintenance performed or are experiencing issues with your vehicle, we're here to serve you. Check out our latest Service Specials, Schedule your Appointment Online, and come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

Borgman Ford Congratulates Ford on the 50th Anniversary of Their Victory at Le Mans Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids is cheering alongside Ford this week as they celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their victory at Le Mans. To pay homage to their iconic Ford GT entered in the race, Ford has announced a special "Heritage Edition" of their modern GT. The most notable throwback to the legendary car is the blue and orange paint scheme - a color combo that has become one of the most recognizable in motor sports since Ford's 1968 victory. The Heritage Edition Ford GT also boasts carbon fiber accents and exclusive interior colors and materials. The special edition package will be produced in 2019 and 2020, with each edition bearing subtle graphics and embossings of #9 and #6, respectively. These are a nod to the two Ford GTs that ran in Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. There's much, much more to appreciate about Ford's super car though - read more below in these excerpts from the Official Ford Media Center: New 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition Honors Most Famous Paint Scheme In Motorsports The new 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition honors the legendary American Gulf Oil-sponsored Ford GT40 by featuring the most famous paint scheme in motorsports – plus a set of additional exclusive touches. “Many view the Gulf Oil paint scheme as the most famous in motorsports,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, global operations. “The 1968 GT40 quickly became a global sensation after beating its European competitors on the track four times in a row, and in honor of the 50th anniversary of its win, we’re paying fresh tribute to the original with a new heritage limited edition.” Known among racing enthusiasts as chassis No. 1075, the 1968 GT was one of just a few individual cars to achieve repeat victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the first time, an optional package provides exposed carbon fiber accents for both the interior and exterior of the Ford GT Heritage Edition. For 2019, the package features the No. 9 graphics on the hood and doors, as well as a ghosted image on the interior door panels. For 2020, No. 6 honors the same car that went on to win Le Mans in 1969 with a different number. You can read more about the Ford GT Heritage Edition by visiting Media.Ford.com. Check Out Cool Fords at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI Looking for a high-performance Ford Vehicle in West Michigan? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids and check out our selection of Ford Mustangs, Ford F-150 Raptors, Ford Focus ST hot-hatches, and more! If there's a particular vehicle or trim you really want, our staff will be more than happy to work with you to build the Ford of your dreams and order it for you. They'll also leverage their knowledge and expertise to help you make informed decisions about your vehicle and ensure all of your questions are answered, but will never pressure you into a sale. Read more about Borgman's Fair Trade Deals and our Day Trader Program, then come see why we're the Best in the West!

Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI is always excited to see the custom Mustangs that are created for charity benefits. This year's model in particular did not disappoint. The 700 horsepower monster pictured above was named the Eagle Squadron Mustang GT, and was sold for $420,000 at auction to benefit youth aviation education programs. Better yet, the car was delivered to its new owner at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit last weekend by none other than famed drift racer Vaighn Gittin Jr. In the excerpts from the Official Ford Media Center below, you can read more about the Experimental Aircraft Association, their mission and youth programs, and of course, the ultra-cool Mustang. Take a look: At Woodward Dream Cruise, Vaughn Gittin Jr. Presents Keys To Eagle Squadron Mustang GT That Raised Funds For Young Pilots Drift superstar Vaughn Gittin Jr. stopped by the Ford booth at the Woodward Dream Cruise today to officially hand over keys to the 700-horsepower Eagle Squadron Mustang GT to its new owner Brayton Williams. Visually stunning and unmistakably aggressive, the Eagle Squadron Mustang GT – painted in a camouflaged design to match the original Eagle Squadron Spitfire aircraft – features Gittin’s Mustang RTR carbon fiber wide-body kit and complete design package, including front chin spoiler, rear diffuser, upper grille with integrated lighting and a Gurney lip added to the Performance Pack rear spoiler. Front turning vanes, dive planes, rear flow conditioners and rocker splitters are also fitted. Under the hood, a Ford Performance supercharger kit first introduced at the 2017 SEMA show helps the Ford 5.0-liter V8 churn out its 700 horsepower and 610 lb.-ft. of torque at 12 psi of boost. 2018 marks the 20th year Ford has supported the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture fly-in and the 10th one-off Mustang the company has provided for auction. All proceeds are donated to the association’s youth education programs, which encourage and support the next generation of pilots. To date, Ford has worked with the association to raise more than $3.7 million. “Our thanks to Brayton for his support of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the next generation of pilots,” said Darrell Behmer, Ford Mustang design chief. “It’s been a great honor to work with Vaughn and his team to support this great organization, and to honor the pilots of the famed Eagle Squadron.” Keep reading on Media.Ford.com. Join Borgman Ford at the 28th Street Metro Cruise in Grand Rapids, MI If you love the Ford Mustang, come see us at the 14th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise starting Friday, August 24th! We'll be serving as the West Anchor for the cruise and our friends at the West Michigan Mustang Club will be holding a car show here on Saturday from 10 to 4. Stop by our showroom this weekend to see the cruise, or anytime to take one of our many New or Used Vehicles out for a spin. We hope to see you soon!

Join Borgman Ford & The West Michigan Mustang Club At The Metro Cruise! Calling all car fans:  Mark your calendars for Friday, August 24th - Saturday, August 25th and stop by Borgman Ford for the 14th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise! We'll be acting as the West Anchor for the cruise, just as we have in years past. The West Michigan Mustang Club will also be joining us this year and hosting a Mustang Show on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Stop by to check out some cool cars from yesteryear through present day, and see over 50 Years of Mustang history right on our lot! We hope to see you there! About the 28th Street Metro Cruise The 28th Street Metro Cruise began in 2005. The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce began the event to help drive business to the 28th Street corridor when M-6 opened on the south end of Grand Rapids. Since then, the event has grown from 85,000 attendees the first year to over 250,000 in recent years. The number of participating vehicles attending each year is estimated at well over 15,000. People have come from all over the United States to attend and participate in this annual car-fest. To learn more about the event, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com. Borgman: Grand Rapids' Home of the Fair Trade Deal While you’re here, feel free to peruse our selection of Ford Mustangs too! We’ll give you a Fair Trade Deal on any New or Used vehicle you see. Take a look at our current selection of Ford Mustangs here and visit the West Michigan Mustang Club’s website here. Photo Credit: West Michigan Mustang Club

Borgman Ford happened on a story this week that's sure to interest West Michigan Ford Performance fans and casual buyers alike. It tells the story of an elite team of engineers who push Ford's high-performance vehicles to their absolute limit. This is all done to collect data - pertaining to braking, steering, acceleration, and more. It sounds like maybe the coolest job ever, but it's their work that refines technologies such as EcoBoost Engines - now commonplace in Ford vehicles around Grand Rapids. This article and video from the Official Ford Media Center will explain more about how these drivers are chosen, trained, and work toward making every Ford Vehicle the best it can be. Take a look at some excerpts below: Elite Squad Of Ford Performance Test Drivers Helps Make All Ford Cars Better Donning a fire suit and helmet, strapping into a 500-plus-horsepower race car and taking it onto a test track to top out at more than 190 mph is part of an average workday for an elite squad of Ford’s high-performance driving engineers. These engineer drivers – known as tier-four test drivers – deploy their finely honed skills to take Ford Performance vehicles to their limits of traction, power and speed in order to ultimately apply their learnings to developing the company’s mainstream vehicles. “Not only are these elite Ford Performance drivers the best of the best, many of their peers believe they have the company’s coolest jobs in that they get to bring their enthusiasm, technical know-how and racing expertise to work every day,” said Ben Maher, technical specialist, global driver safety and leader of Ford’s internal driver qualification program. Of the more than 10,000 specially rated test drive engineers at Ford, only about 20 at any moment have completed the rigorous training and certification to qualify for tier-four status. To keep the team competitive, Maher leads a peer committee that identifies and nominates candidates from among the stable of tier-three drivers who have demonstrated readiness for the next level of training. You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com. Looking for a New Ford? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI If you're searching West Michigan for the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget, stop by Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today! With nearly 400 New Ford Vehicles to choose from, there's sure to be something here for everyone. Take a look at our New Ford Inventory Online and stop by anytime for a test drive! If you want to be sure you'll love a New Ford, ask about our Day Trader Program and swap rides with us for a day. If you have any questions, our friendly and courteous sales staff is here to help. Learn more about Borgman's Fair Trade Deals and come see why we're the Best in the West!

Borgman is joining Ford in celebration this week, as the ten millionth Ford Mustang has just rolled off the Flat Rock assembly line here in Michigan! This particular vehicle is a 2019 Ford Mustang GT V8 convertible in Wimbledon White, boasting a whopping 460 horsepower. What makes this one special though, is that it pays tribute to VIN 001 – the first ever serialized 1964.5 Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang has long been a favorite here in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, just as it has around the world for decades. The car has become something of a cultural icon, appearing in countless movies and bringing people together. This includes our friends at the West Michigan Mustang Club or the 50+ fans that visited Flat Rock to pay tribute and make the above photo possible. This recent article from the Official Ford Media Center tells more - see some excerpts below! Ford Celebrates Production of 10 Millionth Mustang Ford is celebrating the production of its 10 millionth Mustang – America’s best-selling sports car of the last 50 years and the world’s best-selling sports car three years straight. The 10 millionth Ford Mustang is a high-tech, 460 horsepower 2019 Wimbledon White GT V8 six-speed manual convertible equipped with the latest driver assist technology and built at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. The first serialized Mustang (VIN 001) produced in 1964 was the same color and model with a three-speed automatic transmission and 164 horsepower V8. “Mustang is the heart and soul of this company and a favorite around the world,” said Jim Farley, president of global markets, Ford Motor Company. “I get the same thrill seeing a Mustang roll down a street in Detroit, London or Beijing that I felt when I bought my first car – a 1966 Mustang coupe that I drove across the country as a teenager. Mustang is a smile-maker in any language.” Ford is celebrating the milestone with employee celebrations at its Dearborn headquarters and its Flat Rock Assembly Plant, including flyovers from three WWII-era P-51 Mustang fighter planes and Mustangs produced for more than five decades parading from Dearborn to Flat Rock, where the Mustang currently is manufactured. During its 54-year production history, Mustang also was built in San Jose, Calif., Metuchen, N.J., and the original Mustang production facility in Dearborn, Mich. You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com. Shop New Ford Mustang at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI Searching around West Michigan for a New Ford Mustang? Look no further than Borgman Ford! Take a look at our Online Inventory and stop in for a test drive, or Contact Us today to start designing your own. The 2018 Ford Mustang is the most customizable iteration yet, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help. We'll sit down with you to review colors, engines, accessories, and other options, but will never pressure you into adding anything that doesn't fit your vision or your budget. Come build the New Ford Mustang of your dreams and see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

Last year Borgman Ford shared an article with West Michigan readers about Ford's implementation of wearable exoskeletons in the Flat Rock, MI plant. These "suits" help support workers while working in the plant, especially employees that perform repetitive, overhead tasks. We are pleased to announce that Ford is sending exoskeletons to fifteen different Ford assembly plants across the globe. This recent article, published in the Official Ford Media Center tells more about how the vests help reduce worker fatigue, discomfort, and injury. Take a look below: Ford Rolls Out Exoskeleton Wearable Technology Globally To Help Lessen Worker Fatigue, Injury Imagine lifting a bag of flour or a watermelon over your head up to 4,600 times a day as part of your job – that is similar to what some Ford employees do every day as they work to build vehicles around the world. Repetitive motions like those can lead to fatigue and injury for workers, but now Ford is rolling out a new wearable technology globally called EksoVest that helps reduce injury risk in some plant workers after a successful trial in two U.S. plants. Ford employees in 15 plants and seven countries around the world are able to use an EksoVest to help lessen the physical toll that their job takes on their body. Ford partnered with Ekso Bionics to enhance this wearable technology that elevates and supports a worker’s arms while performing overhead tasks such as reaching up with a power tool to screw bolts to secure the car’s brace – all while standing underneath the vehicle. "Building vehicles is physically a tough job," said Bruce Hettle, Ford group vice president, Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. "We care about our employees and are trying to help them do their jobs with the least amount of wear and tear on their bodies possible." All of Ford’s North American assembly plants have EksoVests and they are being used in plants in Asia Pacific, Europe and South America as well. To read the full article, visit Media.Ford.com. Drive a New Ford from Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI Borgman Ford proudly represents a company this focused on employee safety and wellbeing, as this reflects the values we've upheld since we opened our doors in 1960. If you're looking for a high-quality Ford Vehicle in West Michigan, we invite you to stop by and visit our expansive Ford showroom. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget, but will never pressure you into a sale. If you want to be sure a New Ford is right for you, ask us about our Day Trader Program and go on an extended test drive. Come see why we're the Best in the West!

Borgman Recommends Checking Your Transmission Fluid Often to Extend The Life Of Your Vehicle The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids is dedicated to keeping you out on the road to adventure in West Michigan. For this reason, we recommend having your transmission fluid checked or changed every 30,000 miles, despite what you may see in your owner's manual. We hope everyone who drives a vehicle in West Michigan understands why having your engine oil changed regularly is important. It's the lifeblood of your engine, but we don't often see the transmission getting the same love. The engine and transmission work as a team to keep you moving, and keeping an eye on your transmission fluid level is just as critical. In this Borgman How To, we're going to briefly touch on how automatic transmissions work and why having the fluid changed regularly is paramount for maintaining a healthy vehicle. What On Earth Is Going On Inside An Automatic Transmission? There's a running joke that automatic transmissions are powered by magic. They're ridiculously complicated pieces of machinery, which only underscores why it's important to take good care of them. Engines spin fast, and abruptly, so the automatic transmission takes all of that spinning and translates it into smooth, consistent power to the wheels. In a standard transmission, the driver would do this by slowly releasing the clutch pedal. To effectively mimic this, the first step is a device between the engine and the transmission called the torque converter. Here's basically what a torque converter does: Imagine a hollow drum with two sets of fan blades (like on a desk fan) stacked neatly inside. They're on the same axis but can spin at different speeds. The drum is filled with oil, so as the first fan starts spinning, it starts churning the oil. That oil pushes against the second fan's blades and slowly starts to turn them. This is the basic principle of a fluid coupling. Torque converters employ this to smooth the power output between the engine and the wheels, though there are more parts in there than what we described. This is because it plays a few different roles, and the big one is powering the transmission fluid pump - which acts as the heart of the transmission. Ok, We Have Smooth Power. How Does It Automatically Shift? Here are the broad strokes. Unlike in a manual transmission, all of your different gear sets are spinning at the same time when the vehicle is moving. However, only specific sets are allowed to transmit power to the wheels. Transmission fluid is pumped around through different valves and channels based on how much pressure is built up. When certain ones are filled, it clamps and releases different gears, which "shifts" the transmission to another gear ratio. The result: the faster you go, the more fluid pressure builds up. Then, different gears are "activated," and the car shifts from 1st to 2nd to 3rd, and so on. Why is Transmission Fluid So Important? Transmission fluid has a few different jobs, and to do them properly it needs to have very specific chemical properties. Apart from flowing throughout the valve body and controlling the shifting, it also keeps all of these parts cool and lubricated. Your vehicle's transmission will have been engineered to accept a specific type of fluid, and using the wrong fluid can and often will result in damage. As the fluid is used, the chemical makeup can start to degrade, and the inevitable wear of internal parts can start to contaminate it. Both of these things will shorten the life of your transmission, so it's worth talking to your service advisor every 30,000 miles or so to have your fluid checked. Another thing we should note is that transmission fluid is made to endure extreme temperatures and will not burn up like engine oil does. This means that if you're losing fluid, you almost certainly have a leak somewhere. With some owner's manuals recommending that you have your transmission fluid changed every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, irreparable damage may already have been done by the time anyone notices a slow leak. Having the transmission inspected regularly can alert you to issues before it's too late. Transmission Fluid Checkups at the Borgman Service Center If you're noticing some spots in your driveway, or your vehicle is shifting "weird," it's a good idea to visit the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids for an inspection. Our highly-trained and certified technicians will make sure that your transmission fluid is in good shape, check the seals, and replace it with the correct high-quality fluid if needed. Thinking it's time for a tune-up? Browse the latest Service Specials, Schedule an Appointment online, or Contact Us with any questions you may have about your transmission or any other part of your vehicle. Come see why we're the Best in the West!

Tow Smarter Through West Michigan in the 2019 Ford Ranger When the 2019 Ford Ranger pickup arrives at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids this upcoming winter, there's one very handy feature you're going to want to check out. New Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat models will include the Blind Spot Information System, and you'll be able to adjust the "size" of your blind spot to include the length of your trailer! Whether you're a towing pro or just getting the hang of it, having this "extra set of eyes" so to speak can be a valuable thing while heading out to your favorite getaway for the weekend. Take a look at how the system works in this article from the Official Ford Media Center below: https://youtube.com/watch?v=NJ9_AME0Ng0 When the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger goes on sale later this year, customers will be able to get innovative towing technology not available in any other midsize pickup. Taking boats to the slip or ATVs to the dunes is easier with Ford Ranger’s class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage. After hooking up a trailer, radar housed in Ranger’s taillights monitors blind spots all the way to the back of the trailer. The system keeps drivers informed of the presence of a vehicle in the truck’s blind spots until that vehicle passes. Ranger can store up to three trailer profiles, including a trailer’s length, to let the radar system know how far back to provide warnings when another vehicle is traveling next to the trailer. You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com. Be One Of The First in West Michigan to Drive a New 2019 Ford Ranger The New Ford Ranger is expected to arrive in Grand Rapids and West Michigan sometime in early 2019. If you'd like us to contact you when they arrive, simply Fill Out This Form and one of our friendly staff members will be in touch. If you're interested in a New F-Series Truck today, take a look at our Online Inventory and stop by anytime to take one for a spin. If you want to make sure you'll love a Ford Truck before you make a decision, swap rides with us for a day through our Day Trader Program. Come see why we're the Best in the West!

Look For The 2019 Ford F-150 Limited at Borgman Ford Later This Year Attention Ford Truck Enthusiasts: Ford just announced some serious upgrades coming to the F-150 Limited later this year. The biggest is that the 2019 model will include the same 3.5L high-output EcoBoost Engine as the Ford F-150 Raptor, delivering more power than ever in an ultra-luxurious package. The interior of the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited got some attention too, with the most notable addition being the new Camel Back two-tone color. Other exciting options include heated, massaging, and ventilated leather seats, genuine ash wood accents, Ford SYNC 3, onboard WiFi, and more. This article from the Ford Media Center serves as the official announcement - take a look below for some excerpts: 2019 F-150 Limited Gains High-Output EcoBoost V6 Making It The Most Powerful, Advanced, and Luxurious F-150 Ever For Ford pickup fans who love Raptor power but want a more upscale package, America’s truck leader is delivering with the new 2019 F-150 Limited. “F-150 Limited customers create their own success. The truck is their reward,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “They wanted more power, so we combined Raptor’s engine with Limited’s business-class features to deliver Baja fierceness, boardroom style and the grit to tackle tough jobs.” Rated at 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, the new Ford F-150 Limited leads the competition, offering more power than any light-duty pickup on the road. F-150 Limited sports a new dual exhaust system with exhaust tips smoothly integrated into new rear bumper cutouts. You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com. Shop New Ford F-150 Trucks at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI Be on the lookout for the New 2019 Ford F-150 Limited at Borgman Ford later this year, or stop by today to see incredible deals on our current lineup of New Ford F-150 Trucks. With over 100 Ford Trucks on our lot, we have one of the biggest selections in West Michigan and there's sure to be one that suits your needs, tastes, and budget. Our friendly sales staff is here to help you answer any questions you may have about the New Ford F-150, but will never pressure you into a sale. If you want to be sure you'll love the truck, ask us about our Day Trader Program and swap vehicles with us for a day! Check out our Manager Specials for the biggest savings, and visit soon to see why we're the Best in the West!

The Ford F-150 is a West Michigan favorite and a hot seller at Borgman Ford. The built-tough overachiever is also on pace to smash all records in terms of sales since 2004, Ford reported earlier this week in it's mid-year sales report. The popularity of the F-150 is also helping fuel the company's sales momentum for Trucks and SUVs year-to-date. The newly launched EcoSport had its best month with a 23% gain in sales in June, and the all-new Ford Expedition gained 37% in the first half of the year. Earlier this year, Ford Motor Company had surprised many with its announcement that by 2021 it would discontinue all but the Ford Mustang in passenger cars and focus it's attention on producing its award winning line of crossovers, SUVs and trucks. Ford has not confirmed rumors in the auto world that it is developing a station wagon-style crossover vehicle to rival the popular Subaru Outback that may carry the Fusion name forward. The sales gains in its truck and SUV category lend credence to the company's conviction that it should play to its strengths. “As leaders in truck and SUV sales, the Ford brand had an incredible first half with almost 1 million sold. F-Series has posted gains for 14 consecutive months, while Ford SUVs posted a new record June sales month and Transit sales gain 25 percent. Our all new Lincoln Navigator continues as the hottest new product in the country, with triple-digit gains in the first half,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.