Simple Guide to Towing Trailers, Boats, and Campers Across West Michigan

One of the best parts of driving a larger Ford Truck or SUV in West Michigan is being able to tow heavier toys along on your next adventure. Whether you’re towing a boat, a trailer loaded with dirt bikes or ATVs, campers, or even snowmobiles, there’s a rugged Ford vehicle that’s more than up to the task. Although, if you’re new to towing, you might have some questions about all the ins and outs. In this latest Borgman How To, we’ll cover some important mechanical, safety, and operating tips to get you towing like a pro in no time!

Be Kind To Your Powertrain!

This first part is very important: when you’re towing something, your vehicle is heavier and needs to work that much harder to get moving. If you don’t compensate for this, you could easily damage your engine, transmission, or both. Before you do anything, it will be worth reviewing your owner’s manual and double checking your towing and payload weight ratings, as well as any vehicle-specific information not covered here.

To illustrate why this is important, we’ll quickly go over how the engine and transmission work together. When you press the gas pedal, the engine spins and the more you press it down, the faster it goes. Without a transmission, the engine would have to work very hard to get the vehicle moving from a stop and rev much too high around 35mph – resulting in severe damage from both cases. Much like the gears on a bicycle, the transmission has different sets of gears for the different “stages” of acceleration. From a stop, the wheels spin slower but with much more force. The inverse is true in the higher gears.

When you add the extra weight of the trailer into this equation, you have to make sure the transmission doesn’t shift too early -which overworks the engine. There are a few easy rules to follow here:

• Use Tow/Haul Mode if you have it. Otherwise, use whatever setting you have to turn off overdrive (the highest gear.)
• If you tow heavier loads, in hot weather, or over long distances, it may be a good idea to have a transmission cooler installed.
• Keep an eye on how your vehicle is shifting: lower gears are preferred when towing up hills.

Check All Of Your Connections

Since every vehicle is different, you’ll have to refer to your owner’s manual for the proper procedures when attaching and loading a trailer. There are some important things to check for though in any circumstance. First and foremost, make sure all of your tires are properly inflated – and this includes the ones on the trailer. Second, ensure your trailer’s brake/taillights are properly connected, attached, and working. While you’re back there, it’s worth noting that your trailer’s license plate is attached and visible as well. Third, check your tongue weight. Usually, you want 10% to 12% of the trailer’s weight resting on the tongue of the trailer but this may differ from case to case. Finally, check your connection to the hitch, as well as the chains. These are your safety net should the hitch fail, so give them as much attention as the hitch itself. After 10 to 15 minutes of driving, safely pull over and check these again – sometimes bumps in the road can wiggle them loose.

Everything looking good? Now it’s time to get comfortable driving with a trailer!

The Secret To Safely Towing a Trailer: Practice, Practice, Practice.

Even if you feel confident about towing a trailer on public roads, it’s absolutely necessary to get acquainted with it before heading out. Have an experienced friend bring your rig to an empty parking lot so you can practice things like backing up, braking, making lane changes, and adjusting to the change in handling. The key is to do everything slow and steady.

Though some trailers come equipped with brake assistance, you’ll still be able to feel the extra weight when stopping. The heavier the load, the more pronounced this gets. Once you know what to expect, plan ahead and bring the rig to a stop with extra room to spare in front of you. There are two reasons for this. First is to give yourself some extra time to react should you miscalculate. The other reason is to allow about 10 feet or so to creep forward after coming to a complete stop. This releases some heat from the brake pads and rotors, guarding against “glazing” and prolonging their life.

Turning is also going to be much different – remember that the trailer is going to cut to the inside of your path so make sure you give it plenty of space!

Backing Up: You Can Do It!

 Another thing you’ll need to experiment with is backing up, and just so you know: it can be very frustrating and counter-intuitive at first. Though many newer Ford Vehicles come equipped with Trailer Backup Assist, where all you have to do is turn a knob to steer the trailer, learning to do it the old-fashioned way is an invaluable skill to have.

Try this: grip the steering wheel on the sides and use only your mirrors to see. Go very slow. If the trailer needs to go right, raise your right hand. Raise your left to go left. If the trailer starts to “jackknife,” or starts forming an “L” shape relative to your vehicle, stop and slowly pull forward to straighten it out and try again. Jackknifing will put strain on the hitch and the trailer, so it should be avoided if possible. The important thing is to not give up – it’s not an easy thing to do, and will take practice and patience to get the hang of it. Once you’ve got it down, be sure to congratulate yourself and revel in your accomplishment!

Time To Hit The Road To Adventure!

Ok, so now you’re comfortable with the added length of your vehicle with trailer in tow, and know what to expect regarding acceleration, turning, and braking. It’s time to hitch up your camper or trailer and embark on your summer adventure! Be sure to run through the list above before setting out and double check all of your connections. If your trailer is taller than your vehicle, make sure you know the full height and plan your route accordingly. You’ll also be going slower than normal and stopping for gas more often, so give yourself some extra time. Once everything is in order and your load is properly secured, it’s time to head out.

Every time you stop after the first 10 minute “pull over and double check,” be in the habit of inspecting the trailer for anything out of place. On the road, keep an eye on other vehicles and where they are in relation to the back of the trailer. If you have your signal on and aren’t sure if it’s safe to merge, some drivers know to flash their lights to let you know the trailer is clear. This is common “trucker code” and hope it comes in handy – no matter which end of it you’re on.

What To Do If Your Trailer Starts Swaying or “Fishtailing.”

It happens to the best of us: the trailer gets a little squirrely out on the highway. This can happen because of a sudden gust of wind, the rush of air from a passing car, or making sudden movements. The best way to guard against this is referring to your owner’s manual for tips on loading the trailer and checking tongue weight or postponing the trip on windy days. Should you notice your trailer swaying on the road, here’s what you can do to save it.

First, stay calm and resist the urge to hit the brake – this will only make things worse. Take your foot off the gas and gently apply the trailer brake. Newer Ford Vehicles equipped with Trailer Sway Control will do this automatically. Do this in short pulses until it straightens out; the trailer moving slower than your vehicle will “drag it” and only allow it to move forward, not side-to-side. In an absolute worst-case scenario, you can speed up a little bit to correct it on the opposite end, assuming you have room in front of you. However, your first instinct should be to apply the trailer’s brakes and not your vehicle’s.

Be Aware, Be Safe, and Tow Like a Pro on Your Next Adventure in West Michigan

Planning your next trip to the lake or up north this summer? No matter if you’re going to use your new-found towing prowess or not, ensuring that your vehicle is in good working order is key to making your journey a success. The experts at the Borgman Service Center can help by performing a careful and thorough inspection of your vehicle’s critical components like the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, and more. We can even help with more advanced features like the Trailer Sway Control or Trailer Backup Assist too.

Take a look at our latest Service Specials or use our easy Online Service Scheduler to make your next appointment. During your visit, be sure to ask about our Lifetime Warranty on Brake Pads as well as our Low Price Guarantee on our selection of name-brand tires. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Borgman Ford would like to wish everyone in West Michigan a fun, happy, and safe Fourth of July weekend. Though Independence Day isn’t until Wednesday, US 131, I-96, and I-196 are sure to be packed this weekend with people flocking up north or to the lakeshore.

If you’ve ever experienced a sudden stop on the expressway, and after crawling along for a while, discover there was no apparent reason for the slowdown, you’ve just witnessed a “Phantom Traffic Jam.” Apart from being a nuisance, Phantom Traffic Jams cause headaches for logistics companies too, so Ford and Vanderbilt University teamed up to identify the causes and how to prevent them. The biggest reason was reactionary braking, and we already have the tech for that: Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control! Watch the video below and read some excerpts from the Official Ford Media Center to learn more.

We Have The Tech: Ford, Vanderbilt Show We Don’t Have To Wait For Self-Driving Cars To Mitigate Phantom Traffic Jams

Ford and Vanderbilt University researchers are demonstrating this week that so-called phantom traffic jams could be minimized with widespread use of adaptive cruise control available today in most Ford vehicles.

The team conducted what is believed to be the largest, most realistic demonstration of its kind, showing that existing technology could help minimize phantom traffic jams, which happen for seemingly no reason and can cause hazardous traffic backups.

On a closed Ford test track, 36 drivers simulated normal highway traffic using adaptive cruise control, which can automatically slow down and speed up to keep pace with the car in front without getting fatigued or distracted. Those drivers then drove the same course, but without the technology – meaning they had to manually brake and accelerate the vehicle.

The results: vehicles using adaptive cruise control reduced the impact of a braking event more than those vehicles without the activated technology. Even with just one in three vehicles using adaptive cruise control, the test yielded similar traffic-busting benefits.

“A fun Fourth of July family road trip can quickly become irritating when traffic slows to a crawl – especially once you learn there was no reason for the gridlock,” said Michael Kane, supervisor, Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology. “We encourage Ford owners who have adaptive cruise control to use it during their summer travels in the hope this smart technology today can be that first step to help ease commutes.”

Ford currently offers adaptive cruise control on 71 percent of U.S. models. To read the full article, visit Media.Ford.com.

Test Drive a New Ford with Adaptive Cruise Control at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids!

If Adaptive Cruise Control sounds like something you’d like to have for your next adventure in West Michigan, visit Borgman Ford today and browse our selection of Ford Vehicles equipped with the new feature. It is available on most of the Ford lineup, so if it’s on your wishlist, let us know and we can order you the exact New Ford Vehicle you want.

If you have any questions about this or any other feature on a New Ford Vehicle, feel free to drop by and our staff will gladly help you out. We invite you to take any New Ford you’d like out for an Extended Test Drive, but will never pressure you into a sale. If it’s love at first drive, you’ll always get a Fair Trade Deal at Borgman: The Best in the West!

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Borgman Ford is happy to report that Ford Motor Company has ranked number 2 among all automakers the 2018 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. This is the second year in a row Ford has earned this spot, with the Ford F-Series Super Duty, Ford Expedition, and the Ford Mustang all receiving top honors in their segments.

Also of note, Ford has only improved their score over the last five years, making this year their best to date. Some of that is owed to the crowd-pleasing and easy-to-use Ford SYNC®3 system, which is now available in almost every New Ford vehicle in the lineup.

This recent article published in the Official Ford Media Center tells more – here are some excerpts:

Ford Motor Company Earns Its Best-Ever Score In 2018 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study; Five Nameplates Receive Highest Honors

Ford Motor Company has earned its best-ever scores in the 2018 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, thanks to overall quality improvements that are outpacing the industry, especially in advanced audio, connectivity, entertainment and navigation technology. Now in its 32nd year, the J.D. Power study, which measures vehicle quality by analyzing the first 90 days of ownership, ranks Ford Motor Company No. 2 among all automakers.

Ford’s scores are helped by substantial improvements in technology quality. Almost every Ford and Lincoln vehicle equipped with SYNC® 3 connectivity technology, leads its quality segments with significantly better than average quality scores.

“Customers want a vehicle that keeps them connected whether they’re going places or just out enjoying a drive,” said Jim VanSlambrouck, Ford’s Director of Quality for The Americas. “Our improving quality scores show we are delivering smart vehicles for a smart world that are also easy to use.”

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Shop The Award-Winning New Ford Lineup at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

West Michigan auto shoppers looking for the unparalleled quality of a Ford Vehicle and excellent customer service choose Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids. Our friendly and courteous sales staff would be delighted to help you with the New Ford Super Duty, New Ford Expedition, New Ford Mustang, or any other New Ford Vehicle on our lot.

We’ll make sure that all of your questions are answered before you make a decision, give you a Fair Trade Deal on your current vehicle, and will never pressure you into a sale. If you want to be sure you’ll love a New Ford, swap with us for a day through our Day Trader Program. Come and see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Borgman Ford is Grand Rapids & West Michigan’s one stop shop for all of your collision repair needs. Whether you drive a Ford, Mazda, or any other make of vehicle, our experienced team of professionals will restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition.

If you’re visiting the Borgman Ford Collision Center, chances are you’re not having the best day of your life. Customers sometimes have to spend untold amounts of time on the phone with their insurance company, only to come away with incomplete or conflicting information.

Below, we’re going to go over a few common points of confusion when navigating the collision repair process. We’ll also highlight some of the services we provide to get your vehicle back on the road faster and lessen the inconvenience.

By Michigan Law, You Have The Right To Choose Your Own Body Shop

If you’ve ever been in an accident, right after reporting it to the police you usually spend some time on the phone with your insurance company. The insurance company may tell you exactly which shop to take your vehicle to. This might make you feel uneasy, and rightfully so – you may not know this shop or their reputation.

Choosing your own collision center is your decision by law. However, don’t expect the claims representative to just say, “Ok.” Remember the insurance companies have agreements with one or more shops in your area. They’ll want to send referrals to them in exchange for lower rates and the use of used or aftermarket parts. A common tactic used to funnel customers to their preferred shops is to warn them about possible delays, added hassle, special requirements, added cost or less warranty coverage, which wouldn’t be a problem with their preferred shop. Do not allow yourself to be pressured by this.

Insurance companies have certain expectations their preferred shop must maintain, so the insurance company who sends the most business their way, gets their rules followed more closely than others. So, if you are one of the unfortunate customers who have insurance through a smaller company, you will be delayed in the repair process so the larger insurance companies get their needs taken care of first. We treat all customers fairly and perform the repairs as quickly as possible.

Rest assured: the Borgman Ford Collision Team has many years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and will do so on your behalf. We will make sure your vehicle gets thoroughly inspected, and the work gets done right the first time – complete with a lifetime warranty. We make every attempt to use original new parts as recommended by the manufacturer, even if we have to lose some money on the repairs. Your vehicle will also be returned to you in a timely fashion, no matter what kind of horror stories the adjuster is telling you over the phone.

“We will work with any insurer to get the job done, but we work to satisfy the customer’s needs first,” says John Workman, the Body Shop Manager at Borgman Collision. “Not officially partnering with insurers has allowed us to advocate for the owner – they’re ultimately who we want to leave happy.”

No, You Don’t Need An Estimate For Approval From Your Insurer

Although you will get an estimate for the cost of repairs to your vehicle from Borgman Ford, it may not necessary for the insurance company to have one before the process can begin. Your insurance company may accept our estimate or send their adjuster who inspects the damage to your vehicle and makes a determination as to what the cost of the damage is. The funds are intended to compensate your losses for the damage to the vehicle, and Borgman Ford can help by negotiating that amount to ensure that it’s enough to restore the vehicle to pre-incident condition. This brings us to our next point:

If Your Vehicle Is In Our Facility, The Adjuster Will Be Able To See Hidden Damage

Even if you were only in a minor fender-bender, there may be hidden damage to structural or mechanical components of your vehicle, so it’s worth having it looked over. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals that do this every day, but in some cases, it’s not always possible to inspect a vehicle fully when at your home or at a drive-up facility. Borgman Ford will ensure that the adjuster has the ability and resources to go through your vehicle with a fine-toothed comb while we act as an extra set of eyes during the process for you.

Choose Borgman Collision For Auto Accident Repair in Grand Rapids & West Michigan

If you’re involved in an auto accident while out cruising West Michigan, let the experts at Borgman Ford Collision take the hassle out of the insurance and repair process. No matter the extent of the damage, our team has many years of experience restoring all makes and models to their original condition and navigating the insurance claims process. As a “one-stop” collision repair center, we do everything we can to lessen the inconvenience for our customers. We work for you, the customer, not the insurance companies and we promise to keep your best interests in the forefront of the repair process. Here are some of the benefits of choosing us:

• We work with all insurance companies
• We service all makes and models
• Lifetime warranty on workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle
• Factory-trained and certified technicians
• I-CAR Platinum certified technicians
• I-CAR Gold certified shop for over 12 years
• All-new aluminum F-150 Ford certified
• We use as many factory OEM parts as possible
• Pick-up and delivery service available
• Free loaner vehicles available
• Se Habla Español

Should you find yourself in need of our services, we’ll keep you moving and handle all the details so that you don’t have to! Give us a call at 616-249-8857 or visit our Collision Repair Center Page for more information.

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The New Ford Expedition is a favorite of many West Michigan SUV shoppers. People with large families, adventure-seekers with toys to tow, or those looking for a premium driving experience gravitate towards the Ford Expedition because of its many features that accommodate those needs. Now, there’s another reason to consider the New Ford Expedition: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Expedition with a 5-star crash test rating, and it’s the only SUV in its class to earn that rating.

This recent article published in the Official Ford Media Center tells more, see below for an excerpt.

Ford’s Red Hot Expedition Tops Government Crash Test Ratings With Five Stars, Making It Best Among Competition

The all-new 2018 Ford Expedition has earned the government’s highest possible crash test rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making this full-size SUV a leader in safety.

Expedition is equipped with dual seat belt pyrotechnic pretensioners in the anchor and retractor, which contributes to safety, helping to keep occupants in place in the event of a crash.

“As a father of four and longtime Expedition owner, safety was a top priority when engineering the entirely new Expedition,” said Andrew Kernahan, Ford Expedition chief program engineer. “We are proud of the many features Expedition offers today that help keep our customers safe on the road.”

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Custom-Build Your New Ford Expedition at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

Borgman Ford is West Michigan’s proud home of the Ford Expedition – the safest SUV in its class, and the most spacious and luxurious vehicle in the New Ford Lineup.

If you’d like to drive home a New Ford Expedition, or simply explore options, visit our Online Showroom to compare all of the New 2018 Ford Expedition or the more spacious New Ford Expedition MAX. If you see one you like, we urge you to come check it out as soon as possible, because these SUVs sell quickly. We find that the best option for our Expedition customers is to meet with us and build the exact SUV they want, and we’ll have it delivered to our showroom as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to Contact Us. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Borgman Ford Commercial works with many different businesses in West Michigan to provide, customize, and service their fleet of Ford Transit Vans, Transit Connects, and F-Series Trucks. We’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of non-profit businesses too, all with their own unique needs and we welcome the challenge of meeting them within their budget. While we don’t see many disaster relief vehicles in this part of the country, there are places in the U.S. that need them all too frequently, especially going into Hurricane Season.

This latest article and video from the Official Ford Media Center tells more about the needs of non-profit disaster relief organizations and highlights the Ford Transit challenge the Ford Fund is running this summer. The most innovative disaster relief organizations will receive grants to build their perfect Transit Van! Read more below:

Ford Fund To Award Customized Transits To Nonprofits With The Most Innovative And Effective Disaster Relief Solutions

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dQk2mGyJqfY

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season is underway and Ford Motor Company Fund wants to provide disaster relief teams with the best equipped and most capable vehicles when people need help.

Natural disasters can hit with a devastating punch, presenting first responders with unique and dangerous situations. Beginning today, Ford Motor Company Fund is accepting applications for the second Ford Disaster Relief Mobility Challenge, an opportunity for nonprofit partners to tap into their expertise and creativity to customize a Ford Transit to fit a particular need in their community.

The Ford Disaster Relief Mobility Challenge works like this:

• Applications from certified U.S. – based 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations must be submitted by August 31, 2018 at fordbetterworld.org
• Winning entries will be selected based on proposed vehicle use, the unique challenge facing the community and the ideas deemed best at meeting that challenge with a Ford Transit
• Three grants of up to $70,000 each will be awarded to purchase a Ford Transit cargo or passenger van, and for the cost of equipping and customizing the vehicle
• Winners will be notified in September – during National Disaster Preparedness Month

“When natural disaster strikes, it is critical to move the right people, the right materials and the right vehicles to impacted areas to help people as quickly as possible,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Nowhere is our mission to strengthen communities more urgent than in recovery efforts during the hours, days and weeks following a natural disaster.”

To read the full article, visit Media.Ford.com.

Borgman Ford Commercial: Your Home for Custom Ford Transit Vans in West Michigan

Mnay West Michigan Businesses and Non-Profits alike turn to Borgman Ford Commercial for dependable and highly-customized Ford vehicles. Especially in the case of non-profits, Ford fleet vehicles like the Ford Transit allow them to do their work more efficiently and with less downtime. If you know of any non-profit disaster relief companies in West Michigan that would benefit from having the exact Ford Transit Van to meet the needs of their work, please share this article with them or give them a link to FordBetterWorld.org.

Whether you need to build one Ford Fleet Vehicle or many, the friendly and courteous sales staff at Borgman Ford Commercial is happy to help. We’ll make sure all of your questions are answered and review all of your options before you make your decision, and work with our network of upfitters to customize your new vehicles so they’re 100% ready for work. See our full Ford Commercial Inventory, or Contact Us to get started. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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School’s out for the summer and many West Michigan families are getting ready to hit the road. Whether you’re going on a longer summer adventure, or just driving the family to the beach, understanding and maintaining two important systems in your vehicle will help avoid hot weather breakdowns.

Keep Cool With Well-Maintained Air Conditioner

A car, truck or SUV air-conditioner system does not simply blow cold air into the car. The air-conditioning system is actually designed to remove the hot air from within the vehicle cabin and dispel it to the atmosphere outside the car.

In order to do so, the air conditioner system relies on a number of components to operate effectively. Like all mechanical parts, these items are prone to wear and regular system servicing helps to protect them from breakdown. The air conditioning system is pressurized by a gas known as a refrigerant. Each vehicle specifies how much refrigerant is used to fill the system.

When the air in your air conditioning (AC) begins to lose power and the air doesn’t feel too cold, it may be time for an AC recharge. It must be noted, however, that recharging your AC is a temporary fix to a likely bigger problem. If your system is indeed missing refrigerant, your AC system has a leak and needs to be inspected and repaired. Refrigerant does not evaporate in an airtight system so air is leaking in.

During our A/C Inspection, we check the following for function:

• Compressor
• Condenser
• Expansion valve or orifice tube
• Receiver, drier, or accumulator
• Evaporator

From a quick tuneup or air conditioner flush to replacing components, let the experts at Borgman attend to your car’s air conditioning system – while you wait!

Radiator Risks in Summer Heat

While cabin comfort is important to the humans in the vehicle, proper engine cooling is equally important for the health of your vehicle’s engine. Hot, summer air in heavy traffic or traffic jams can stress even a well-maintained radiator. Overheating is the #1 cause of summer breakdowns, according to ASE.

Low coolant levels in high heat can kill your engine. Also be aware that if you have a damaged radiator or hoses, the coolant may leak causing your engine temperature to rise even more. In summer weather, always keep an eye on vehicle’s temperature gauge.

Make sure your radiator is adequately filled with coolant at the right concentration — usually a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, but check your car’s specifications. The radiator should be flushed every two years. If it hasn’t been serviced, do so before you hit the road.

Also take time before a long trip to inspect your hoses, looking for leaks, cracks, peeling or separation. While the engine is still warm, squeeze along the hose’s length — it should feel firm, but not hard. If the hose is spongy or soft in even one section, consider replacing it before it fails and causes bigger problems.

Carry duct tape, which may serve as a very short-term fix for a blown hose while you seek help. However, remember that duct tape can’t stand too much heat.

Intermittent Overheating Causes
If your car is overheating at idle, but it’s fine the rest of the time, then there are a handful of different problems that you might be dealing with. The most likely reason for this type of problem is that your fan isn’t working, but the reason, and the fix, will differ depending on the car you drive. Intermittent overheating problems can also be caused by low coolant, air in the cooling system, a bad coolant temperature sensor, or even a faulty gauge.

Here are some of the basic things you can check when your car overheats at idle:

• The coolant level
  • Only check when the engine is cool.
  • Low coolant can cause overheating.
  • Air bubbles in the cooling system can also cause issues.
  • Only use the specified type of antifreeze to top off the system.
• Fan belt problems
  • If the fan is driven by a belt, check the belt.
  • A loose fan belt can result in overheating.
  • If the belt is loose, frayed, or missing, replace it.
• Electric radiator fan problems
  • If the fan is electric, check to see if it’s plugged in.
  • You may be able to test the fans by turning on your A/C, which often causes the fan to turn on or cycle.
  • The fan motor may be burned out, or there could be a problem with the fan switch, a resistor pack, or wiring.

Visit Borgman for a cooling system checkup, and we’ll inspect your vehicle’s system and replace any damaged or worn components, such as water pumps, thermostats, and hoses.

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Since the arrival of the New Ford EcoSport earlier this year, many younger auto shoppers at Borgman have been pleasantly surprised by it. Not only does it have all of the features they’re looking for in a vehicle such as Ford SYNC 3, FordPass, and four-wheel drive, but also that it’s incredibly affordable.

Ford has been watching this segment closely especially now that the oldest of Generation Z are seniors in college. In fact, subcompact SUVs like the Ford EcoSport have experienced meteoric growth among that age group in the last year over their compact car counterparts. This latest article in the Official Ford Media Center explains more about why this might be; below are some excerpts.

It’s Not All About Millennials; Gen Z Drivers Help Make Subcompact Utility The Fastest-Growing Auto Segment

The music is different and fashion senses change. But when it comes to driving, the young adults who make up Gen Z – people born after 1995 – share plenty with their parents and grandparents. They love SUVs.

Gen Z makes up more than one-quarter of the U.S. population. Nearly one-third have reached driving age and are already having an impact on the auto industry. Despite their reputation for being a ride-share-loving generation, 92 percent own or plan to own a vehicle – according to a 2016 study by KBB/Autotrader.

As to what type of vehicle today’s youngest drivers covet, many are already shifting away from once-popular subcompact cars and gravitating toward the still-young subcompact SUV segment. Just four years ago, 18- to 24-year-olds in the United States purchased 8,121 subcompact cars and only 443 subcompact SUVs. In 2017, that same age group purchased 3,981 subcompact cars and 2,840 subcompact SUVs – a 541 percent spike for subcompact SUVs.

“I’d never heard of EcoSport, but I loved it the minute I saw it,” said Kelly Oswald, 19, one of the first EcoSport owners in the United States. “I went in looking to buy a used car. I didn’t expect there to be an affordable option to buy a new car.”

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Test Drive a Ford EcoSport at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids

Looking to go small and live large in West Michigan this summer? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids and see our selection of the All-New Ford EcoSport! As Ford’s offering for the budding subcompact SUV segment, the Ford EcoSport comes loaded with connectivity features the younger generation is looking for at an affordable price.

Our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you might have. If you want to be sure that a Ford EcoSport, or any New Ford Utility is right for you, ask about our Day Trader Program and take one on an extended test drive! Remember, if you see a better deal elsewhere, let us know and we’ll match it. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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Borgman Ford has some exciting news for West Michigan Ford Truck fans, especially those who value performance and capability. The 2019 Ford Raptor arrives later this year, and it’s chock full of upgrades like class-exclusive FOX™ 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks, a New Trail Control system and all-new Recaro sport seats. These feature alongside some new paint options and appearance tweaks too.

What’s particularly interesting about the shocks is this: they can adjust themselves while the vehicle is moving based on the terrain. For instance, if the truck is in mid-air, the system will stiffen them up to smooth out the landing, but relax them on super-bumpy roads. Also worth noting is the New Trail Control System, which behaves somewhat like cruise control for trails. It will automatically adjust the power and brakes for each wheel, so all you have to do is steer.

A recent article in the Official Ford Media Center tells more; here are some excerpts:

Upgraded F-150 Raptor Raises Bar Again In Ultimate Off-Road Performance with Smarter Shocks, New Trail Control

https://youtube.com/watch?v=jhJaHuHLqNw

Ford is making its iconic F-150 Raptor – the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup – even better with upgraded technology including class-exclusive, electronically controlled FOX™ shocks, new Trail Control™ and all-new Recaro sport seats.

The upgrades are focused on key components that have made F-150 Raptor the benchmark in off-road trucks for an even tougher, smarter, more capable trail runner.

“Raptor’s success is rooted in its incredible suspension, superb vehicle control and the confidence the truck instills in its owners,” said Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance vehicle programs. “Upgrades to the 2019 F-150 Raptor have improved all three to new levels that the competition will have to benchmark – again.”

While Raptor has plenty of torque and horsepower, building a high-performance off-road truck isn’t just about engine power – it’s also about the suspension. Raptor’s suspension upgrades make it even more capable of clawing away at the terrain.

To enhance Raptor’s already proven internal bypass shocks, Ford Performance worked directly with FOX to develop all-new electronically controlled Live Valve technology for the new platform that continuously adjusts damping in real-time. This class-exclusive setup uses sensors in the suspension and body to maximize comfort, handling and bottom-out resistance.

“By automatically varying compression rates, Raptor can now make the most of its suspension travel of 13 inches at the front and 13.9 inches at the rear,” said Salenbauch. “The 2019 Raptor is not just more capable off-road. It’s smarter.”

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Start Your West Michigan Adventures in a New Ford F-150 Raptor from Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids

Searching Grand Rapids for a rugged and off-road-capable truck? Stop by Borgman Ford and see our selection of New Ford F-150 Raptor pickups! Borgman has one of the largest selections of New Ford F-Series Trucks in West Michigan, and if you don’t see exactly the one you want, we’ll order it for you!

Our friendly and courteous sales staff are here to answer any questions you may have, but will never pressure you into a sale. We’ll also give you exactly what your trade is worth – no gimmicks, shell games, or bull. You can read more about our famous Fair Trade Deals here. If you see a better deal on a New Ford F-150 Raptor elsewhere, let us know and we’ll match it. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids is pleased to announce that thanks to some fancy footwork, Ford was able to resume production of F-Series Trucks. Just in case you haven’t heard, one of Ford’s suppliers, Meridian Magnesium Products, was shut down after a fire broke out in their facility. This, in turn, interrupted the supply chain and halted production of F-Series trucks and a handful of other Ford Vehicles.

Ford got to work with the help of a global team of experts to get Meridian back into production and recover tooling from the damaged facility. Now, production has resumed with minimal interruption. While the fire was tragic and we’re keeping those injured in our thoughts, West Michigan auto shoppers need not worry about finding their next ride at Borgman. This recent article from the Official Ford Media Center tells more – here are some excerpts:

Ford Restarting F-150, Super Duty Production Ahead Of Schedule After Fire At Magnesium Parts Supplier

Ford Motor Company is restarting production of the popular F-150 at Dearborn Truck Plant Friday after just over one week of downtime. The company has also successfully repaired the supply chain for Super Duty, with production targeted to restart by Monday at the Kentucky Truck Plant as well as the Kansas City Assembly Plant that also makes F-150 pickups.

This follows the massive May 2 fire at the Meridian Magnesium Products facility in Eaton Rapids, Mich.

“While the situation remains extremely dynamic, our teams are focused on returning our plants to full production as fast as possible,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, Global Operations. “The ramp-up time to full production is improving every day.”

Ford teams, together with suppliers including Walbridge and other contractors, worked nearly around the clock to get America’s best-selling vehicle franchise back on line as quickly as possible.

The teams removed 19 dies from Meridian’s badly damaged facility, and in one case, moved an 87,000-pound die from Eaton Rapids, Mich., to Nottingham, U.K., via an Antonov cargo plane – one of the largest in the world – in just 30 hours door-to-door. A die is a tool used to cut or shape material using a press.

“Faced with unexpected adversity, the Ford team, including our global supply partners, showed unbelievable resiliency, turning a devastating event into a shining example of teamwork,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing. “Thanks to their heroic efforts, we are resuming production of some of our most important vehicles ahead of our original targets.”

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Shop Ford F-Series Trucks at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

Looking for a New Ford F-Series in West Michigan? Check out Borgman’s huge selection of New Ford F-150 and New Ford Super Duty trucks! With over 100 to choose from, there’s sure to be the one you’re looking for. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help and will make sure all of your questions are answered but will never pressure you into a sale. If you want to be sure that a New Ford F-Series is the truck of your dreams, ask about our Day Trader Program and go for an extended test drive! Browse our selection of New Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks and come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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