Surfer and graphic designer Tasha Rivard lives in a 2010 Transit Connect in Carbondale, Colorado.Move Over, Jack Keruouac, Jackie’s Hitting the Road

At Borgman Ford, we know just how popular the Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit Van are becoming. Our Commercial Department regularly helps business operate their fleets with these sturdy, economical and fabulously flexible vans. But we were intrigued with this story of women hitting the road in outfitted Transit vans. It’s a great read with great ideas. 

• The Ford Transit is the ultimate platform on which to build a roving home that enables a life of adventure. 
• The Halcyon phenomenon of road tripping is not terrain restricted to men. Women are now finding the freedom, flexibility and lower costs of van life not just liberating, but empowering.
• A grandmother who works as a photographer, a champion cyclist, and a graphic artist who surfs are among Ford owners who cite cost, reliability and the country’s widest dealer network as purchase considerations for converting a van into a home for the road. 
• Who do you know who’s road tripping Michigan in a Transit Van? Let us know, and Read on!
• Check out our comprehensive inventory of Transit Vans here.

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Road Warriors: Entrepreneurial Women Discover Life on the Road Can Feel Just Like Home, Thanks to Ford Transit

When Teri Lou Dantzler returned home from her New Zealand vacation in 2016, one of the first items on her to-do list was researching vans.

That’s because Dantzler, a landscape photographer and grandmother, had just spent her holiday camping in a large vehicle, or “camper-vanning,” as it’s known in some parts – and loved it. After deciding to purchase a Ford Transit, she spent the next four months working with her father to outfit the vehicle with everything she needed to accommodate long road trips to capture the best photos around the U.S. – a bed, workspace, refrigerator, freshwater system and plenty of storage – and documented the whole thing on YouTube.

Living in vans – once upon a time a lifestyle dedicated mostly to surfer dudes – is now expanding to include women like Dantzler. In fact, more and more women are tricking out vans and taking their lives on the road, choosing Ford Transit and Transit Connect as platforms on which to build their own homes. Women buying Ford vans cite their lower costs, reliability, safety and security, and serviceability through Ford’s extensive North American dealer network as key purchase considerations.

“Now, I can live out on the road for extended periods of time,” says Dantzler, who also added solid maple cabinetry and purpleheart wood inlays, power inverter and solar panel to recharge the battery to her Transit. “In between venturing to unique photo locations, I do meet-ups and conduct live photography classes – all from my home on the road.”Freedom is ‘Incredible’

For Rebecca Gross, a former Air Force captain and champion cyclist, it’s easy to be productive out on the road. Eight months out of the year, Gross depends on her 2017 Transit cargo van to get her to cyclocross and mountain biking events. She says the freedom is incredible.

“It’s always an adventure,” says Gross. “I’m happier having control over my time. I can coach and work on the road – anywhere I choose – then stop when I want and go for a ride.”

It took just a matter of days and a few hundred dollars in materials for Gross and a friend to outfit the Transit for her home on the road. She built a platform bed with storage underneath, a counter and another storage system for cycling gear and personal items.

“On a cyclist’s budget, the Transit is a lot more affordable option,” says Gross. “The dealer was surprised to hear what I was planning to do with it, but personalizing the van just the way I wanted was really fun.” She estimates the cost was $10,000 less than competing vans.

Equally important to Dantzler and Gross is the extensive Ford dealer network across North America. With more than 3,200 Ford and Lincoln dealers and more than 675 commercial vehicle centers in the United States, Ford Transit owners enjoy significantly greater access to service and maintenance compared to Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners.

“I need reliability because I put a lot of miles on my van and so far, it’s been awesome,” says Gross. “It’s my happy place.”No more rent?

Surfer and graphic designer Tasha Rivard lives in a 2010 Transit Connect in Carbondale, Colorado. Like Dantzler, she spent much of her free time studying abroad in Australia traveling the Outback in a rented van. After, she moved to Hawaii, where she met friends living in their vans. When she “stumbled across a Transit Connect at a Ford dealership” two years ago in Texas, Rivard began planning her own home on the road.

Rivard’s Transit Connect includes a compact bed that rolls up to expose a workspace with a desk for her freelance design, and art and jewelry projects. A 100-watt solar panel charges a house battery that powers her refrigerator, lights and other electronic devices.

“The whole ‘not paying rent’ thing gives me the freedom to live in places I might not be able to otherwise,” says Rivard. “That has allowed me to go after new job opportunities and live basically anywhere while keeping life simple.”

Like many who call their vans home, Rivard keeps up a gym membership where she can exercise and get a shower. She also has a portable electric shower hooked up to a freshwater tank in the van where she can rinse off after a morning surf.

Van life is very community-oriented, and once you get into it, you quickly realize how many other people are doing it too, says Rivard, who credits social media with helping her create connections with like-minded individuals. Safety has never been an issue either. “You get used to picking the right spots, and you just rely on common sense,” she says.

Certain modifications and equipment installation may void manufacturer warranty. Consult your Ford dealer before installing any aftermarket equipment.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

About Teri Lou Dantzler

Teri Lou Dantzler is a professional photographer, based in the Seattle area. She teaches creative smartphone editing and leads tours in the Palouse region of WA. After living on the road for over a year she has decided to become a consultant to those who want to live a similar VanLife style. Follow Teri Lou on Instagram @artisticadventurervan or learn more at http://teriloublog.com

About Rebecca Gross

Rebecca Gross is a performance coach and professional mountain bike and cyclocross racer based in Colorado. She was the 2012 cyclocross masters world champion and 2014 cyclocross masters national champion. Learn more at https://www.rebeccasgross.com, or follow her on Instagram @rebeccasgross.

About Tasha Rivard

Tasha Rivard is a graphic designer/artist and digital marketing professional. She is an avid surfer currently based in California. She has produced logos, websites and social media content for a variety of apparel, sporting goods and outdoor products retailers. Follow her van journey at www.tinyvantravels.com, or on Instagram @tinyvantravels. Learn more about her work at http://www.tasharivard.com, or follow her art Instagram @tasha.rivard. 

Source: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2018/07/16/entrepreneur-women-life-on-the-road-ford-transit.html

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Borgman Ford Urges Grand Rapids & West Michigan Residents to Share Thoughts on Transportation

Borgman Ford has been serving the Grand Rapids and West Michigan community since 1960, and in that time we’ve had the unique pleasure of watching the city grow. In recent years, Grand Rapids has become a nationally-renowned destination for tourism, art, medicine, technology, and more. However, as more people flock here, the fastest-growing city in Michigan, issues with public transportation, traffic flow, parking, crosswalks, and other infrastructure have become more pronounced. The good news is, Ford is offering help.

We’re happy to share that Grand Rapids has been selected to participate in the Ford City of Tomorrow Challenge. This summer, Grand Rapids residents are encouraged to share their ideas in this crowdsourced, grassroots effort towards improving the transportation and infrastructure of their city. A combination of public voting and a panel of judges will determine the top idea or ideas and will award up to $100,000 to implement them in a pilot program.

No one knows or loves this city more than its residents, and this is our opportunity to make a lasting impact on Grand Rapids for the better. Below, you can read more about the challenge with some excerpts from The Official Ford Media Center, or visit Challenges.CityOfTomorrow.com to join the discussion and share your ideas.

Help Your City Develop Seamless Transportation – Ford And Grand Rapids Work Together To Create The City Of Tomorrow

Ford Motor Company and Grand Rapids are working closely with public stakeholders as well as AT&T, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, PlanetM, and The Right Place to launch the Grand Rapids City of Tomorrow Challenge – a crowdsourcing platform for residents, businesses and community groups to propose and pilot solutions that improve mobility in Grand Rapids.

As urban populations surge and new technologies emerge, the ways people move around cities are changing. In Grand Rapids, for example, the use of public transportation continues to drop and most families have two or more cars, according to American Public Transportation Association. With Grand Rapids experiencing the largest population increase in Michigan percentage-wise, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there is a need to alleviate congestion and reduce transportation wait times.

Solutions to many mobility issues already exist in some form, but the City of Tomorrow Challenge creates a more inclusive process in which residents can express their ideas as they participate in working to ensure a future where people and businesses can thrive. By working with communities to crowdsource new mobility designs and innovations, and funding pilots to test the top solutions, the program’s goal is to help improve quality of life for Grand Rapids residents and visitors by providing dynamic mobility options that build on the existing transportation system.

“As our city grows, we want to ensure we are working with our community to make getting around Grand Rapids easier,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We also want to strengthen confidence in our existing transportation systems. We have joined the City of Tomorrow Challenge because we believe Grand Rapids is a place where innovative ideas can improve mobility in our city.”

Throughout the eight-month program, those who live, work and play in Grand Rapids are invited to explore dynamic mobility options, including making the city’s streets more walkable and bike-friendly, extending the use of and the information that transportation systems provide, and enabling smart transportation choices. The Challenge includes a prize of up to $100,000 to fund pilots that test the top solutions in a real-world setting.

“Grand Rapids is already on the forefront of transportation with our vision for mobility,” said Josh Naramore, City’s Mobile GR-Parking Services manager. “With the City of Tomorrow Challenge, we can create a place that is a beacon of growth for years to come – a place where everyone can thrive.”

To continue reading, visit Media.Ford.com.

How You Can Get Involved with the Future of Transportation in Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids, MI is and has long been a great place to live and raise a family, and Borgman is grateful for all that have chosen us for a New Ford Vehicle over the years. As this city we’re all a part of continues to grow, Ford is allowing us to shape how our transportation systems grow with it. Whether you drive a Ford, take the bus, ride a bicycle, or walk to get around, your voice will be heard and who knows – maybe it will be your idea that’s implemented at the end of the challenge!

To find out more about the Ford City of Tomorrow Challenge in Grand Rapids, MI, and to share your thoughts, visit Challenges.CityOfTomorrow.com. Should your transportation needs include a New Ford Car, Truck, or SUV, check out our Online Inventory, read about our famous Fair Trade Deals, or explore our Day Trader Program. Come and see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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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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