The Borgman Service Center – Your Home For Expert Brake Service in West Michigan

Brakes do an awful lot of work, even on a simple trip around Grand Rapids or to the grocery store. Bringing a moving vehicle to a complete stop is no small feat, even though we may take it for granted. On the other end of that brake pedal are some clever feats of engineering that harness the power of hydraulics and friction to turn a vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat.

The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids is your home for making sure your brakes and other systems within your vehicle are properly functioning and maintained. In our latest Borgman How To, we’ll give you a general idea of how this system works and enough insight to know when it’s losing performance. Here’s the “Brake-Down” of major components:

• Hydraulic Components: The two main components connected to the brake pedal are the Master and Slave Cylinders, which compress fluid to multiply the force from the brake pedal. The fluid is distributed to the vehicle’s wheels to power the brakes.
• Disc Brake Components: Disc brakes are very common on the front wheels because of their efficiency. They consist of a rotor, calipers, and pads with an open design to quickly dissipate heat.
• Drum Brake Components: Drum brakes are very common on the rear wheels because of their durability. They consist of a metal drum that spins with the wheel, and shoes that press against the insides. They require much less maintenance and are often used for the emergency brake.

Hydraulic Braking System Basic Components

Hydraulics are based Pascal’s Principle: “Pressure exerted on a fluid is distributed equally throughout the fluid.” This is possible because fluids don’t compress the same way gasses do, enabling you to press down gently on a brake pedal and have that small amount of pressure affect all of the fluid in the system. It is then multiplied and used to stop the entire vehicle. The system you’d find in a New Ford or Mazda is more complex than this example, but here’s a rundown of the basics:

When you use the brake pedal, it pushes on a plunger in the master cylinder, building pressure. Brake fluid is forced through the plumbing to the 4 wheels of the vehicle, where slave cylinders further amplify the hydraulic force. This fluid then actuates pistons in the brakes with enough force to create enough friction to stop the wheel. Modern systems also use enhancements like a “brake booster” which uses vacuum to assist with compressing the master cylinder. This whole hydraulic system is responsible for stopping the vehicle and therefore your safety and those around you, so it is common to see redundancies like two master cylinders. If you notice your brake pedal feeling spongy or needing more pressure than usual, check your brake fluid level and schedule an appointment.

Note on Brake Fluid: If you do your own fluid checks, and we highly recommend that you do, you might notice low brake fluid. A little fluid loss is normal as the pistons in the calipers extend with wear (the system is actually just getting bigger) but a dramatic loss usually points to a leak. While hydraulic theory applies to most liquids, brake fluid is specially-formulated for vehicles. It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture, and this is to make sure the boiling point stays high (fluids boil under pressure) and that water cannot pool in the brake system. If you open a bottle of brake fluid and don’t use all of it, seal it up tightly and write the date on the bottle. It’s already started absorbing water from the air, so you’ll want to use it in 3 to 6 months or throw it away.

The Difference Between Disc & Drum Brakes

Disc brakes, the ones you’ll interact with most, are often found on the front wheels because they’re more heat-efficient and easier to service. Here, pressurized fluid from the slave cylinder squeezes down on the rotor through the caliper pistons. The rotor is attached to the wheel and spins, but the caliper is mounted to the vehicle itself.

Brake pads are fixed to the inside of the caliper and are made of high-strength and heat-resistant materials like ceramic or carbon. As they squeeze down to the spinning rotor, they generate enough friction to slow the vehicle. On the front wheels, brakes have to work harder and can reach temperatures of over 900°F. Disc brakes work best here because they cool much faster than drums – thanks to their open construction. The pads wear faster, but they’re much easier to replace.

Drum brakes are built differently. Instead of a rotor, a metal drum houses a series of shoes that push against the rotating edges from the inside. Their construction is more durable, but they tend to trap heat so they’re often only used on the rear wheels. If the shoes (different type of pads) are heated well above 900°F, they lose their “grippiness” – colloquially called heat fade – and the vehicle may not be able to stop.

Thankfully, the rear brakes are doing much less work than the front, and this is by design. As the weight of the vehicle shifts forward while stopping, too much braking force in the back can lock up the rear wheels and cause them to skid. The master cylinder sends less force to the back to counter this, making the rear brakes more supplemental than active. However, the emergency brake is usually connected to the back wheels, so it’s important to have them inspected – even if they don’t need service as often.

Need Your Brakes Inspected or Replaced? Visit The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids!

If you’re hearing a squealing noise when you stop, that’s a metal tab rubbing against the rotor letting you know it’s time to visit the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids. Our highly-trained and certified technicians will make sure that any maintenance on your brakes is performed properly, and keep an eye on connected components for faults – so you can get back to exploring West Michigan safely.

During your visit, be sure to ask the Borgman Quick Lane staff about the Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee. Now whenever you need new brake pads, we’ll waive the part cost and replace them with dependable, long-lasting Motorcraft pads for as long as you own the vehicle. You can browse the latest Service Specials, Schedule an Appointment online, or Contact Us with any questions you may have. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Next Generation of Ford Focus Arrives at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids Fall 2019

Borgman Ford is very pleased to share the reveal of the upcoming Global Ford Focus, which will make its debut in West Michigan sometime next year. Being a global vehicle or “world car,” this latest version features design, features, and architecture that’s flexible enough to contend in many different markets.

This is also one of the first Ford vehicles to be borne out of Ford’s new human-centered design process. Though it occupies the same footprint as the current Focus, this one features a longer hood and more effective use of interior space – both for passengers and cargo. The Global Ford Focus will also come available with a host of technology and connectivity features, including onboard WiFi. North American powertrain details have yet to be announced, so stay tuned.

The announcement comes to us from an article posted in the official Ford Media Center – take a look at some excerpts below:

All-New Global Ford Focus Is The Most Innovative, Spacious, Connected And Fun-To-Drive Focus Ever

Ford recently introduced the all-new Focus car for global customers, featuring the latest advanced and affordable technology with more comfort and space and a better fun-to-drive experience.

Redesigned from the wheels up after hundreds of hours studying and speaking with Focus customers around the world, the next-generation Focus will be tailored to each global region, even as the company becomes more efficient.

“We’re evolving our successful One Ford strategy to find new ways to create a sporty-looking small car our customers will love,” said Jim Farley, president of Global Markets. “We’ll tailor which cars in the Focus line-up we offer in markets around the world to ensure we best meet customers’ different needs and preferences.”

The all-new Focus features 4-door sedan, 5-door estate/wagon and 5-door hatchback body styles, depending on the market. Today, Ford is revealing the luxurious Focus Vignale, sporty ST-Line, adventure-oriented Active and upscale Titanium in Europe and ST-Line and Titanium in China. Ford will introduce Focus in North America closer to its on-sale date next year.

Focus Signals Future of Ford Vehicles

The all-new Focus is one of the first vehicles delivered using Ford’s revamped product development process, which uses human-centered design to better deliver the models, features and technologies customers around the world truly value.

For the next-generation Focus, that means:

• A longer hood with cab-rearward interior that provides a strong, reassuring on-road presence. While it looks bigger than the previous Focus, its overall dimensions are unchanged so it’s still easy to move about urban environments.
• More interior space for all passengers, so it’s easier to get in and out of the car, and more cargo area in larger global Focus models.
• Advanced design with aerodynamics that look modern while helping to improve efficiency.

The all-new Focus goes on sale in Europe and China this year and North America in the second half of 2019.Read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Drive a Thrilling & Efficient Ford Focus Today at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids!

Cruise West Michigan in style with all the features you need to stay connected in 2018 (and less time at the gas station.) Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today and test drive one of our New Ford Focus Hatchbacks and Sedans. We give everyone a Fair Trade Deal on their current vehicle with no smoke and mirrors and no bull. If you have questions during the process, our friendly and courteous sales staff will make sure all of your questions are answered before moving forward.

Want to make sure you’ll love a New Ford Focus? Take one on an extended test drive with our Day Trader Program and be sure to check our specials for the latest deals. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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As crews around Grand Rapids work to patch up our numerous potholes, the best way to protect your tires from cracks, splits, and other shock-related damage is to rotate them regularly and keep them properly inflated. From the outset, the concept of a tire seems pretty simple. Their rubber construction and treads grip the road in many different driving conditions. They’re filled with air to act as a cushion, push back onto the road, and keep wheel weight down – and therefore fuel efficiency up.

In truth, there’s a bit more going on here. In our latest Borgman How To, we’ll expand upon our previous Tire Article and go over why it’s important to keep your tires balanced and rotated.

What a Tire Rotation Is and How It Saves You Money

Here’s a scenario: about a year ago you put four brand-new tires on your car. You notice that the rear tires still look fairly new, but the front ones, especially on the edges, look a little more worn. Instead of replacing the front tires, you can simply have them moved to a different position on the car, or rotate them.

Generally, your front tires wear faster than the rear ones because they’re doing a lot more work. All of the turning, braking, and acceleration (in a front-wheel drive car) happens here, and the rear wheels are more-or-less just along for the ride. Front tires also feather on the edges from turning, so rotating wears them in a different place and grants you thousands more miles out of them. Plus, it reduces the risk of blowing a tire due to concentrated wear on specific areas.

A fringe benefit of having this done on a regular basis is that our technicians can keep an eye on your brake and suspension components for wear. With the wheels off, they’ll be able to spot hidden issues before they cause expensive problems or make the vehicle unsafe.

Removing the wheels also allows a thorough inspection of the tire itself. It can be looked over for cracks, pits, or bulges – all of which will need some sort of intervention. It also makes things like cupping or bald patches much easier to spot, which almost always point toward an issue with your alignment.

What Does It Mean To Have Your Tires Balanced?

The term ‘tire/wheel balance’ is pretty self-explanatory. Because tires and rims are not perfectly round, they need to be adjusted on a special machine to counteract any uneven weight distribution. A tire can have a static imbalance (up and down) or a dynamic imbalance (side to side,) and both will generate vibration and road noise. Unbalanced tires can also contribute to uneven tire wear and put stress on other components, like your axles. We can check for this when we do a rotation or adjust your alignment and will attach weights to precise locations on the wheels as needed.

Bonus: How to Change A Flat Tire

Learning to change a spare tire is something best learned in the daylight and in your own driveway, rather than out of necessity on the side of the road. Your tire removal procedure may be found in your owners manual, but there are a few things that can help make the process easier, and a couple of safety tips too.

First, find a safe, level area to pull over and place reflective warning markers near your vehicle to alert other drivers. Before you raise the vehicle, use the wrench to ‘crack’ the lug nuts loose while the tire is still on the ground. Sometimes it takes a lot of force to do this and if the vehicle is raised you’ll only spin the wheel – and run the risk of the vehicle falling off the jack.

Once the lug nuts are loosened a little bit, begin to raise the vehicle, consulting the owner’s manual for lift points and proper jack procedure. Now you may fully remove the lug nuts and the wheel. Place the spare wheel back on the posts and replace the nuts following a star pattern. If you repeat this pattern gradually, you ensure that the wheel is evenly affixed to the hub. A severely dynamically unbalanced wheel can work the lug nuts back off while you’re driving!

After the wheel is back on and the lug nuts are snug, lower the vehicle and use your wrench to tighten them down a little further. Spares are not designed to be driven around at high speed or long distances, but if you don’t have another choice, be sure to stop and check that the lug nuts remain on there tight – the wheel can settle a bit as it’s driven and needing to tighten the lug nuts again is normal.

Visit the Borgman Ford Service Center for Complete Tire Care in Grand Rapids!

Whether you need your tires rotated, balanced, or replaced, the Borgman Ford Service Center is here to help. Our highly-trained and certified staff will make sure that your tires are in proper working condition, are balanced, and installed correctly. We’ll also inspect different parts of your vehicle while you’re here to keep an eye on its overall health.

You can check out our latest Service Specials, Schedule an Appointment Online, or Contact Us with any questions. Remember to check your smartphone’s app store for the Borgman Service Rewards App and get a Free Oil Change on your 5th visit! Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Enjoy Better Connectivity While Cruising West Michigan

Since FordPass was introduced, Borgman has been very impressed with the “cool-factor” of being able to remotely start, lock, unlock, and locate your new Ford using a smartphone. However, we know there are a lot of Ford drivers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan that would like this feature, but FordPass wasn’t an option when they bought their vehicle. That’s why we’re so pleased to announce that Ford is making FordPass available to this summer to anyone driving a 2010-17 Ford with their FordPass SmartLink device!

This enables owners of non-modem-equipped 2010 through 2017 Ford vehicles to extend the range of their key fob to their smartphone. It also provides a Wi-Fi hotspot, vehicle health monitoring, plus security and location alerts. This article published by Ford tells more, check out an excerpt below.

Upgrade Connected Features On Your Older-Model Ford With New Fordpass Smartlink, Available Nationwide Mid-2018

Millions of customers can soon upgrade the connectivity in their older-model Ford vehicles to include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, smartphone control of existing key fob features, vehicle health and security alerts, and vehicle location tracking.

Using a simple device that plugs into the OBD II port below the steering wheel, the new FordPass SmartLink experience gives owners of 2010-17 model year Ford vehicles those connectivity features normally available only on newer vehicles equipped with modems.

“Vehicle connectivity has improved at a rapid rate in recent years,” said Frederiek Toney, president, Global, Ford Customer Service Division. “We believe offering an affordable way for our customers to upgrade their older-model vehicles to include more modern technology will improve their ownership experience for years to come.”

FordPass SmartLink is available exclusively through Ford dealerships nationwide starting in mid-2018 and is the latest example of Ford’s aggressive connected vehicle plan. By 2019, 100 percent of Ford’s new U.S. vehicles will be built with connectivity.

With more than two years of research and development invested, FordPass SmartLink engineers, in collaboration with Aptiv and Verizon Connect, have worked to make the technology function seamlessly on 2010-17 Ford vehicles.

For more information, visit Media.Ford.com.

Interested in FordPass? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids!

Borgman Ford is here to help you stay better-connected while cruising around Grand Rapids and West Michigan this summer. Whether you’d like to upgrade your current Ford with FordPass features or browse our selection of New 2018 Ford Vehicles, our staff is here to make sure all of your questions are answered and will always give you a Fair Trade Deal.

If you’d like to experience FordPass yourself, please stop by anytime for a visit – we’d be happy to assist you! While you’re here, feel free to take your favorite vehicle out for a test drive, or on an extended one if you’d like with our Day Trader Program. Come see what makes Borgman the Best in the West!

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Help Borgman Raise $6,000 For The 2018 Thornapple Kellogg Senior Class

Borgman Ford has teamed up with the Thornapple Kellogg Senior Class to raise $6,000 for their graduation! Please join us at Thornapple Kellogg High School on Saturday, April 28th, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and take part in the Ford Drive 4 UR School event.

For every person who visits and goes for a test drive, Ford will donate $20 to the Trojan Senior Class of 2018. If enough people try out a New Ford, they will raise up to $6,000 for their post-graduation celebration! The goal for them is to make it a memorable year and say goodbye in a fun, safe way. Anyone 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license may participate, but only one valid test drive per household. It only takes a few minutes and your participation makes a big difference.

In 2007, Ford launched the Drive 4 UR School program to help raise funds for education. This allowed schools and their various programs to continue or expand their operations through participation with the community. Following the success of the program, Ford also launched Drive 4 UR Community to help other charitable and community organizations. Together, the two programs have raised over $35 million nationally. To learn more about the program, visit forddrive4ur.com.

We’d love to have your support for the 2018 Thornapple Kellogg Seniors. It doesn’t cost you anything – all you need to do is have fun cruising around in a brand-new Ford. We hope to see you there, and Go Trojans!

Thornapple Kellogg High School
10051 Green Lake Road
Middleville, MI 49333
Get Directions Here

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Help Borgman Support Healthy Living For Seniors in West Michigan

Borgman Ford is a proud supporter of Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, and this year we’d like to share a fun opportunity to go out, eat great food, and support seniors in our community. Please join us at the 4th-Annual Chef’s Specialty, held at the McKay Ballroom on May 17th, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. This year, Meals on Wheels is celebrating the warm weather with a garden theme, so don your favorite spring outfit! You can read more about the event below, or Click Here to purchase tickets.

?Chef’s Specialty is one of Meals on Wheels Western Michigan’s signature events. This evening event is a time for close supporters and new friends alike to come together in a fun atmosphere to support seniors living healthy and independent in their own homes.

This event has over 250 attendees and offers a cocktail reception with hors-d’oeuvres, a cooking demonstration from Celebrity Chef Jenna Arcidiacono of Amore Trattoria Italiana, meaningful words from a client, raffle prizes, a photo booth, and, of course, a few surprises along the way!

Events like these help raise awareness for seniors struggling with hunger and also serve as a celebration for all the hard work Meals on Wheels Western Michigan and their volunteers do. Borgman firmly believes that helping and caring for others is an important part of belonging to a community, and we’re more than happy to support this cause. To find more opportunities and events like this one, visit the Community Section of our blog.

About Meals on Wheels Western Michigan

Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered, nutritionally balanced meals that are delivered to seniors in Kent and Allegan counties. These meals are prepared locally in their central kitchen. In addition to a nutritious meal, their drivers are delivering a much-needed safety check and a smiling face. In 2017, Meals on Wheels Western Michigan served 2,972 homebound seniors 547,816 meals.

For more information or to make a donation, visit MealsOnWheelsWesternMichigan.org.

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First Look of the Ford Bronco: Coming in 2020 to Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids

Since Ford announced the return of the Bronco at the North American International Auto Show last year, Ford Truck and SUV fans in West Michigan have been waiting to catch their first glimpse of the new off-roader. Over here at Borgman Ford, we’re just as excited about the Bronco’s return, so when we saw the above promo image hit the internet, we wanted to make sure our readers saw it too! Regrettably, the body is covered up in the image, but we’ll get a full reveal all in due time.

We can still glean some info about the new off-roader – even if there’s a big cloth over it. If you take into account the high ground clearance, short wheelbase, and bold, upright design, this is shaping up to be one tough little truck. The image also assuages fears that the New Bronco will simply be a re-badge of the Ford Everest, an SUV sold in international markets. Plus, there appears to be a full-sized spare on the back, which is preferred by many off-road drivers.

Ford teased another off-road SUV too. It appears to be a part of the B-Segment, making it a bit smaller than the Bronco, but featuring a pretty aggressive design. The headlights and grille bring a fresh new look to the Ford SUV lineup, so take a look at the photo below to catch a glimpse of what’s to come.

These reveals came to us as a part of Ford’s overall plan going forward, which is laid out in this article from the Official Ford Media Center. Below are some interesting excerpts, but you can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Ford Readies North America’s Freshest Lineup By 2020 With Onslaught Of Connected New Trucks, SUVs And Hybrids

Ford is revamping its lineup, building on truck, SUV and commercial strengths, investing in new propulsion and delivering standard connectivity on new vehicles, paving the way for over-the-air updates. All new Ford vehicles will have 4G LTE connectivity by the end of 2019.

By 2020, Ford will offer North America’s freshest lineup among all full-line automakers, with its average showroom age dropping from 5.7 to 3.3 years as it replaces three-quarters of its lineup and adds four new trucks and SUVs.

Ford also plans to drive growth with two all-new off-road models: the new Bronco and a yet-to-be-named off-road small utility – both designed to win a growing number of people who love getting away and spending time outdoors with their families and friends.

“Ford helped start the off-road phenomenon and has majored in off-road capability for decades – from the Bronco to the Raptor,” said Jim Farley, Ford president, Global Markets. “Now, we’re ready to reclaim our rightful place as the off-road vehicle leader.”

Ford also will grow its lineup of performance SUVs. Two additions to the Ford Performance lineup include the all-new Edge ST later this year, and an Explorer ST will soon follow. These two new SUVs will help Ford Performance deliver on its promise of 12 new models by 2020, and will help extend the division’s growth, which has risen 81 percent in the last four years.

Next-Gen Hybrid Electrics: Part of Ford’s new strategy includes going all-in on hybrids to bring more capability to customers of our most popular and high-volume vehicles like F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape and Bronco – and serve as a hedge for customers against higher gas prices.

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

Catch The Latest News & Updates from Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids

Want to stay up to date with the latest Ford News? We’ll be covering any developments on the New Ford Bronco as they arise, and the best way to stay connected is by Signing Up For Our Monthly Newsletter. Every month, we send out an email packed with all of the latest and greatest offers, share what’s new and exciting in the world of Ford, and show you a roundup of Manager Specials with huge savings on Ford Vehicles.

Borgman Ford has been giving Grand Rapids and West Michigan car shoppers Fair Trades & Honest Deals since we opened our doors in 1960. If you’re looking for a new vehicle, we invite you to visit and check out our enormous selection of New Ford Cars, Trucks and SUVs. Our friendly and courteous staff will help you find what you’re looking for and answer any questions, but will never pressure into a sale. Come experience our legendary Redcoat Service and see why we’re the Best in the West!

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Build Your Perfect Ford Mustang This Summer at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids!

The summer of 2018 is shaping up to be an exciting time for Ford Mustang fans, and Borgman Ford can’t wait to help enthusiasts in Grand Rapids and West Michigan get on the road to adventure. On top of the hotly-anticipated Bullitt Edition being released, Ford has announced that they’re bringing back the California Special – a version of the Ford Mustang that caters more towards drivers looking for a more premium, open-air experience.

This article published in the Official Ford Media Center tells more about what to expect from the California Special Mustang when it arrives this summer, as well as the origins of the iconic package. Take a look:

California Special Returns For 2019 Mustang, Plus Enthusiast Updates Include Rev-Matching, B&O Audio System And New Colors

America’s favorite sports car gets even more style and technology for 2019 thanks to the revival of the legendary Mustang GT California Special, new technology features including rev-matching on 5.0-liter manual-equipped models, the first-ever custom-tuned B&O Play premium audio system for Mustang and three new vintage-inspired colors and over-the-top stripes.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ny3yocV_B4A

California dreaming

When Mustang first hit the streets in 1964, owners clubs sprang up around the country, with many regional dealers creating their own personalized pony car designs. One – inspired by the 1967 Shelby GT notchback coupe prototype – came to be called the California Special.

That original version featured blacked-out grille, fog lamps and a side racing stripe that ended ahead of a new rear fender scoop. It wore a Shelby-inspired spoiler, custom tail lamps and twist-lock hood fasteners. Impressed, Ford put a limited number of California Special cars into production for 1968. Before long, the California Special had joined the ranks of Shelby, Boss and Mach 1 special-edition Mustangs.

Today, the 2019 California Special for Mustang GT is a visual standout, featuring a trademark fading stripe that traces from the 5.0 side badge to the rear fender scoop. A signature Ebony Black and Race Red script California Special badge adorns the trunk lid. At the front, the car follows the blacked-out open grille and picks up the Mustang Performance Pack 1 splitter. The California Special wears unique five-spoke painted machined wheels.

Inside, driver and passengers will discover rich black Miko® suede-trimmed seats with embossed GT/CS insignia and contrast red accent stitching, and custom embroidered GT/CS floor mats. Signature California Special script badging appears on the passenger-side dash panel.

“Few things are more satisfying than dropping the top on a California Special and taking a drive down the majestic Pacific Coast Highway,” said Mark Conforzi, Ford designer. “This signature design takes its cues from the original California Special, while enhancing the personality of today’s Mustang.”

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

Start Your West Michigan Adventures in a New Ford Mustang at Borgman Ford

Can’t wait to get on the road to your next adventure? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids and check out our selection of New Ford Mustangs on our lot, and take your favorite out for a spin! If you don’t see the model, trim, or configuration you want, Contact Us or use our CarFinder Tool and we’ll find it for you!

Should you have any questions about the New 2018 or 2019 Ford Mustang, our friendly and courteous sales staff is always here to help, and will never pressure or rush you through the sales process. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Shock & Struts Smooth Your Ride and Keep West Michigan Drivers Safe

After the West Michigan winter finally clears, you might notice that your daily commute is a little bumpier than you remember, or that it’s a little harder to turn the steering wheel. If that’s the case, it could be a sign that you need new shocks or struts, and the Borgman Service Center is here to help!

What Are Shocks & Struts? What Do They Do?

Depending on which vehicle you drive, it will be equipped with either shock absorbers, struts, or both. It’s worth noting that a single wheel will have one or the other – never both. Shocks and struts are parts of your vehicle’s suspension, and they control how your body interacts with the wheels. This affects your steering, stopping distance, and weight dynamics. They also filter out bumps from the road and smooth out your ride.

While these two parts have similar duties, they are not interchangeable. Here’s the main difference: a strut is an integral, structural part of your suspension, and a shock is not.

?A shock, or shock absorber, is a pair of interleaved metal tubes that extend or shrink at a controlled rate, forcing the wheels to move or “travel” smoothly when going over a bump. It does this by squeezing oil through its own internal valves. Think of it like a bicycle tire pump that you can only go up and down at certain speeds. What this does is make sure that you don’t feel every single bump in the road, and that your wheels are held firmly to the pavement to maintain traction. Without them, you’re in for a very bumpy ride and your steering gets a bit sloppy.

A strut, properly called a strut assembly, consists of a shock absorber (the actual strut) with mounts for the different suspension parts, and a huge spring at the top to hold up the body and chassis. A strut is functionally similar to a shock, except that it’s designed to completely support the vehicle and tie all the suspension parts together. Without them, your vehicle would sit the ground and wouldn’t be able to move.

How Do I Know When It’s Time For New Shocks or Struts?

We don’t really notice our suspension until there’s an issue, but these unsung heroes can travel up and down a million times during their lifespan. If you’re cruising along and you feel like you’re riding in a bowl of jelly or on an old bumpy roller coaster, it’s definitely time for new shocks or struts. However, sometimes the signs aren’t as obvious. Here are a few things you can check for:

The Bounce Test. Place your hands on the fender directly above the wheel and press the body down. Now let go and watch carefully. Your vehicle should rise back up and stop. If it bounces, your suspension needs to be inspected. This can give you vital clues but isn’t an end-all-be-all test.

How’s Your Steering? If you feel like it’s a little harder to turn the wheel, but your power steering is ok, it could be related to your suspension. Worn out shocks or struts also contribute to that “floaty, loosey-goosey” feeling when turning or going over a bump.

The Brake Test. As we know, objects in motion stay in motion unless acted upon. If you think of your wheels and body as two separate objects, that means if one stops the other needs to be acted on to stop too. That’s a big part of what your suspension does. Go to an empty parking lot, pick up a little speed and brake hard. If you feel like you’re in a nose-dive, or your rear end bounces a bit, there’s a suspension issue that needs to be addressed.

Check Your Tires. Uneven tread wear or bald spots on your tires are a good indicator that there’s something wrong with your suspension. It could be that worn shocks or struts are allowing the tires to wander around, but it could also mean you just need an alignment.

For the mechanically inclined: Strut replacement should be done by a professional, and the biggest reason for this is safety. Without the proper tools or knowledge, removing the coil spring from the strut is extremely dangerous, and it could happen by accident. The second reason is that you will need an alignment afterward. While it’s not impossible to do yourself, it’s not fun and we have the know-how and equipment to do it quickly and accurately.

What’s The Benefit to Having Shocks or Struts Inspected Regularly?

The big thing about having your suspension parts inspected is safety. With a well-maintained system, your input on the steering wheel is much tighter and your stopping distance shortens dramatically. Your traction in bumpy or slippery conditions is much better too. This helps you keep control of the vehicle if you need to stop suddenly.

If shocks or struts are neglected, they can cause other serious problems in the long run. If your wheels aren’t being held in place very well, your tires and the bushings in your suspension parts feel it the most. You might notice some bald spots on your tires from bouncing around or worse, the coil can rub against the tire and slice the inside sidewall. Bushings are little rubber donuts that help reduce vibration where suspension arms link together. Lots of movement will wear these down faster, and without them, the suspension parts will start to damage each other.

Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids for Shock or Strut Inspection or Repair

If you think it’s time for some new shocks or struts on your vehicle, or if something just doesn’t feel right anymore, bring it into the Borgman Ford Service Center. Our highly-trained service technicians inspect your shocks or struts for leaking, dents, bends, or other more subtle signs of wear. You can easily Schedule an Appointment online or Contact Us to set one up or if you have any questions. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Treating Customers Right is a Borgman Family Tradition

Borgman has been giving auto shoppers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan fair trades since we opened our doors almost 60 years ago. When Fred Borgman founded the dealership back in 1960, the concept of being honest and transparent with his customers served 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.

Times have certainly changed since then, but our dedication to Fred Borgman’s vision has not. Borgman Ford Mazda is still family-owned and operated, with Fred’s grandson Matt sitting as General Manager and ensuring that everyone who visits is treated with respect.

What is a Borgman Fair Trade Deal?

When we say we give everyone a “Fair Trade Deal,” here’s exactly what we mean: when you bring your current vehicle to us, we offer you what it’s worth. It doesn’t matter if you intend to trade it for a new vehicle or sell it outright – the number is the same. No low-balling, “x-over-your-trade” shenanigans, predatory guaranteed-approval-style lending, or bull. Here’s an excerpt from a review someone left us on Google:

“Worked with them on my last 2 vehicles. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly throughout the entire process. I priced out the same vehicles at 2 other dealers and Borgman beat them both in price and trade in amount.”

Below are some of the practices we don’t engage in and why.

Here’s The Deal With Those Minimum Trade-In Offers You Hear About

We hear the “get (thousands) extra on any trade” offer quite a lot. What usually happens is the dealer will shuffle numbers around to make it work in their favor.

According to this story on AutoNews.com, a woman visited a dealership after seeing an ad promising $3,500 extra for her trade. Her current vehicle didn’t have much value, so the dealership made their losses back by adding $3,500 to the price of the vehicle she was buying. What’s worse, a condition of that program prohibited her from negotiating the price. Then, she was saddled with a 14.95% interest rate and didn’t feel that this was made clear to her while in the finance office, resulting in a lawsuit.

Always check the fine print on any ads like these, because dealerships may put all sorts of stuff in there to legitimize a financing a shell game. If you look at the Better Business Bureau’s advertising guidelines for West Michigan, they actually frown upon the practice of advertising a flat minimum trade value – see Item 15 on Trade Allowances or read this article on Mlive.com for more information.

Watch Out For Predatory “Guaranteed Credit Approval” Ads

We’ve all seen or heard these types of advertisements: “Bad Credit? NO Credit? If you make $xxx per month, our lenders can get you APPROVED!” Sound a little too good to be true? According to this page on AutoCheatSheet.com, it often is. Here’s what they had to say about guaranteed financing offers:

In some states, it’s legal to advertise Guaranteed Credit Approval. These dealerships will blanket advertise they can get anyone approved. Approvals from these types of companies usually require very large down payments and they limit you to only one or two high-profit vehicles. The vehicles a dealer acquires for these types of programs are normally of poor quality. There are many avenues a dealer can take when attempting to sell you a specific car you really don’t want to buy. Here are a few examples:

• The car doesn’t matter. You’re not buying a car, you’re buying an opportunity to re-establish your credit.
• I only have one car I can approve you for, but it’s a nice one!
• I know it’s not the car you want. Just make payments for 6 months, come back, and you can trade it for a vehicle you want.
• You won’t be able to get approved for a car anywhere else. We got you approved for this car and you can drive it home today.

At Borgman, this will never happen. Our financing department will work to give you the best deal we possibly can, and we refuse to engage in these misleading practices. If you’d like to read more about auto loans in Michigan, the Department of Insurance and Financial Services put together a handy guide to keep buyers informed. You can download the PDF on Michigan.gov.

Borgman Keeps The Car-Buying Process In West Michigan Honest & Transparent

First and foremost, our business operates under the Golden Rule. We treat every customer that visits us as if they were family, and we ensure that they understand what’s in front of them before making decisions.

We don’t participate in the types of “deals” mentioned here. They’re gimmicky and needlessly complicated at best, and immoral and predatory at worst. We don’t employ any high-pressure tactics or goad you into signing a deal that you don’t feel comfortable with. We strive for 100% satisfaction on all aspects of the car-buying process and we completely understand if you need time to consider your options.

If you’re in the market for a New Ford or Mazda and want to make sure you don’t get the runaround, take a look at Our Online Inventory and visit us to test drive your favorite! We’ll always give you a Fair Trade Deal on your current vehicle, and we will not be undersold. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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