Parking in downtown Grand Rapids MI can be a drag, but someday in the not-so-distant future, your Ford may be able to do it for you like your own personal valet! Borgman Ford was intrigued by this recently-announced demonstration by Ford, Bedrock, and Bosch, where they will show how parking garages of the future could feasibly operate more conveniently and efficiently.

Using a modified Ford Escape, Bedrock’s Assembly Garage, and smart technology from Bosch, Ford is looking to prove that automatic parking in urban areas can be both easy and convenient for drivers, as well as profitable for garage operators. Without the need to allow space for drivers and passengers to disembark vehicles, garages will be able to hold more vehicles. That means more parking spaces – something Grand Rapidians know we need more of. See some excerpts from the official announcement from Ford below:

Ford, Bedrock, And Bosch Exploring Highly Automated Vehicle Technology In Detroit To Help Make Parking Easier

Many people enjoy driving… until it’s time to park. So why not leave the task to the vehicle?

Ford Motor Company, Bedrock and Bosch are launching a demonstration project with connected Ford Escape test vehicles that can drive and park themselves inside Bedrock’s Assembly Garage in Detroit using Bosch smart infrastructure. This is the first U.S. infrastructure-based solution for automated valet parking where the vehicle will park itself inside a parking garage.

The research will take place in the Corktown neighborhood, the site of Ford’s new mobility innovation district, anchored by Michigan Central Station. The district will draw mobility innovators and disruptors from around the world to develop, test, and launch new solutions to solve urban transportation challenges, improve mobility access for everyone and prepare for the increasingly connected and autonomous world ahead.

“We are continually searching for opportunities to expand our leading suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technologies that help people drive more confidently and we believe automated valet parking technology holds great promise,” said Ken Washington, chief technology officer at Ford Motor Company. “Our work with Bosch and Bedrock also aligns with our vision for the future, which includes increasingly automated vehicles that are more aware of their surroundings while requiring less on-board computing to help improve design, packaging and affordability.”

The demonstration project will enable the three companies to gain valuable insights regarding user experience, vehicle design, parking structure design and application to expand the technology and its application.

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

Looking For Your Next Ford? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

While we’re still several years away from the widespread use of the systems above, many New Ford Vehicles do park themselves in normal parking spots with Active Park Assist. Many also house advanced technologies like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake assistance, and more. We’d love to show you these features during your visit to our showroom!

Check out our vast online inventory, find your favorite, then use our easy online shopping tools to schedule your test drive. Our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have, and will help you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle and budget. Remember, Borgman is home to the Price Match Guarantee and the Love It Guarantee – read more about what makes us the Best in the West on our Why Buy Borgman page. We hope to see you soon!

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Looking for something to listen to on your next road trip through West Michigan? Borgman Ford is pleased to share that the first two episodes of “Bring Back Bronco” are now live wherever you listen to podcasts! Whether you’re a lifelong Ford Bronco fan or you’re just now getting acquainted ahead of its triumphant return, this 8-part podcast will follow the history of the Ford Bronco, starting with its introduction in the 1960s, hiatus in the 1990s, and the team dedicated to bringing it back referred to as the Bronco Underground.

You can find these two episodes wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the other six! Below, we’ve included some excerpts from a post on the Official Ford Media Center detailing what this podcast series is about. Enjoy!

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

Ford’s New Podcast, “Bring Back Bronco: The Untold Story,” Breaks New Ground As Bronco Mania Swells

On August 10, Ford debuted Bring Back Bronco, an eight-episode podcast series about the history of the Ford Bronco. Listeners can click here to listen to the trailer and sign up for notifications on their preferred podcast app when each new episode debuts.

Hosted by former National Public Radio transportation and economics correspondent Sonari Glinton, Bring Back Bronco takes a journalistic approach to telling the story of Bronco – from the birth of the iconic SUV, its life until it was canceled in 1996, a notorious police chase in 1994, and the efforts of dedicated Ford employees to bring back a family of Bronco vehicles this year. It is the most comprehensive audio story of this uniquely American SUV.

“The Bronco is an iconic vehicle, with an unusual history of twists and turns, ascents and descents,” said Ford Chief Communications Officer Mark Truby. “It demands a fresh storytelling approach to shed light on what makes it special and so compelling to its huge fan base, as well as for new fans who will discover the rich history along with the new Broncos.”

The narrative of Bronco runs in parallel to seismic shifts in American car culture, social politics and the transformation of Detroit, all of which is illuminated by Glinton and guest story-teller and Detroit history expert Bailey Sisoy-Moore, as well as the people inside and outside Ford who have been part of Bronco’s history and rebirth in 2020. “The Bronco is on a very short list of American vehicles that provide a true lens through which you can view the changes in the fabric of America,” said Truby.

Learn more about Ford’s Bring Back Bronco Podcast here, and read the episode guide.
 

Reserve Your New Ford Bronco at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids Today

If you want to be one of the first in West Michigan to drive a New Ford Bronco, visit Borgman Ford today and ask one of our friendly sales associates how you can reserve yours. We’ll work with you to determine which version of the Bronco is right for you and the types of adventures you want to go on, then guide you through the online reservation process. 

If you’re short on time, you can also head over to this page to reserve your Bronco through Borgman online today. Of course, we’re happy to help you if you get stuck. Come see why after 60 years in West Michigan we’re still the Best in the West.

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With West Michigan going back to work, Borgman Ford is proud to introduce the 2021 Ford F-150! Available later this year in the fall, the New F-150 comes complete with a fresh new look, even more technology to help you stay connected, and a host of improvements that raise the bar even higher for all other light duty pickups.

It targets the most towing, payload, torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup and introduces all-new features to increase productivity. It also has new connected vehicle innovations such as over-the-air updates that help keep F-150 at the forefront of purposeful technology, and even an available all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid powertrain with Pro Power Onboard – an integrated power generator. This is perfect for running power tools, air compressors, lights for camping, or anything else that needs electricity on the go.

The all-new F-150 all begins with the same durable, proven foundation businesses have been depending on for years: a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. However, Ford has added some enhancements to make this model the most aerodynamic F-150 ever. New active grille shutters, an automatic active air dam, and new geometry all work together to reduce drag and improve the truck’s fuel economy.

There are also subtle changes in the cab and tailgate of the New F-150 made with contractors or busy professionals in mind. The new optional Interior Work Surface is ideal for signing documents, working on a 15-inch laptop, or eating a meal (when the truck is parked of course!) Every 2021 F-150 also comes standard with new cleats mounted to the sides of the tailgate to act as tie-down locations for extra-long items in the bed. New clamp pockets are built into the tailgate, so customers can hold materials down for precision work. An available flat Tailgate Work Surface also includes integrated rulers, a mobile device holder, a cup holder, and a pencil holder.

“We see it as our duty to deliver not just what our customers want and need, but what they might have never thought possible,” said Craig Schmatz, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “The F-150 will be tougher than ever, and with fully connected over-the-air updates, it opens up a much wider range of potential enhancements – from system upgrades to feature offerings.”

There are many other features too, and you can read the full reveal of the 2021 Ford F-150 by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Interested in Reserving a 2021 Ford F-150 pickup? Talk to Borgman Ford Today!

If you want to be among the first in West Michigan to drive the newly-redesigned 2021 Ford F-150, Contact Us today and we’ll help you through the ordering process. However, the 2021 F-150 won’t arrive in Grand Rapids until later this year, so if you’re looking for a dependable truck for your adventures today, check out our massive Online Inventory and come test-drive your favorite! Remember, if you see a better deal somewhere else, show us and we’ll match it: we will not be undersold! Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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Though West Michigan has gotten a brief reprieve from the summer heat, more warm weather is surely on its way. Driving in a hot car is downright miserable, so if it’s been a few years since your air conditioning system has been inspected, or it’s just not working as well as it used to, then it’s time to come into the Borgman Service Center for an inspection.

Though sometimes spotting an issue with your a/c isn’t as cut and dry as “it’s working or it isn’t.” In this article, we’ll cover how air conditioners work as well as point out signs that it may be time to have your air conditioning system serviced.
 

How Your Vehicle’s Air Conditioning System Works

Using your air conditioner is pretty easy. You push the A/C button, turn the temperature gauge to cool, and select whether to draw in air from outside the vehicle or recirculate the air inside the cabin. Some newer Ford Vehicles may also have dual-zone climate control with thermostats, or separate controls in the back of SUVs. No matter which type of system your vehicle uses, the principles of how the air is cooled remains largely the same. But how does the system take hot, humid air and turn it into chilly, dry air? You might recognize some of these concepts from your high school chemistry class. It’s all basic thermodynamics.

In essence, what’s happening is this: hot, humid air is drawn in from outside, a refrigerant absorbs the heat as it turns from a liquid into a gas, the moisture in the air condenses into water, and the remaining cool dry air is blown into your vehicle. Then, a pump called the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant so this process can start all over again. 

The two basic parts of the air conditioning system are the compressor and the condenser. Refrigerants boil at room temperature, so when they’re exposed to air coming into the cabin, they suck up heat energy from that air and turn into a gas. A fan blows the resulting cold air into your vehicle and the hot refrigerant gas is returned to the compressor. Here it is pressurized and transformed back into a liquid inside the condenser, which looks a lot like a second radiator. When this happens, the heat it absorbed to become a gas is released back outside. After the pressure is released at the expansion valve, the liquid refrigerant is free to grab more heat and turn back into a gas, and the cycle repeats.

In case you were wondering how the refrigerant changes back into a liquid and releases its heat, this naturally happens when gasses are pressurized. The opposite happens when liquids are depressurized – you can boil water with a strong enough vacuum pump, no heat required! Boiling is actually when a liquid’s molecules have enough energy to break free from surrounding molecules – turning from a liquid into a gas. Heating a liquid adds this required energy while lowering the pressure lowers the amount of energy needed.

How Do I Know When There Is A Problem With My Air Conditioning?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of how your vehicle’s air conditioner works, you’re probably already thinking of how different pieces of the system not working would present themselves.

For instance, if your a/c is only blowing cold air on the highway, your condenser probably isn’t getting enough airflow. It could be that the metal fins are bent, or it’s clogged with dead bugs or other detritus.

It could be that you do get cold air, but it’s not very cold at all. In this case, it’s possible that you have a refrigerant leak, and need to take it into the Borgman Service Center as soon as possible. The gasses inside older air conditioners destroy the ozone layer, and the newer ones are powerful greenhouse gasses. Do not use the a/c recharge cans from the auto parts store – refrigerant gas is very harmful to breathe, and illegal to discharge into the environment. 

If your air conditioning doesn’t work at all, it could be your compressor, but our team of highly-trained technicians will be able to find the cause and keep you informed while we make repairs. If you are having a different problem with your a/c, we can help you find and fix the issue there as well.

Normal Things Air Conditioners Do That May Look Like Issues

Sometimes, you might see your vehicle’s air conditioner doing things that look like issues but aren’t issues at all. 

The most common non-issue we get asked about is, “why does smoke or steam come out of the air conditioning vents?” While this might look alarming, we assure you it’s completely normal. Cold, dry air is meeting the hot humid air inside your vehicle and causing it to condense. This is actually how clouds form, and nothing to worry about. However, if the vapor lingers or smells like something is burning, it’s worth calling us at the Borgman Service Center.

The other thing you might notice on a particularly humid day is a large puddle under your parked vehicle after a drive. If you blot the puddle with a paper towel, you’ll likely see this is just water. As the hot humid air is cooled in the air conditioner, moisture is drawn out of the air, condenses into water, and is drained out of the vehicle. It’s the same concept as a cold soda can sweating in the heat. However, if you’re noticing the interior carpet getting damp while running the air conditioner, those drains are clogged and need to be cleared out. The carpets should also be thoroughly cleaned before mold forms.

Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected at the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids, MI

If your air conditioning isn’t blowing cold air the way it used to, or you’re getting ready for your next adventure in West Michigan and want to be prepared, schedule an appointment with the Borgman Service Center today. Our friendly and highly-trained service technicians will inspect your air conditioning system for leaks, airflow, and problems with the electronics and report back our findings with an easy-to-understand report. 

As always, if you have any questions during your visit, our service advisors are here to help you make informed decisions about your vehicle. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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Borgman Ford is so excited about the return of the legendary Ford Bronco, but we were even more excited to learn that the Bronco would be a family of hyper-capable SUVs! If you’re like us and can’t wait to take one of these New Ford Broncos on an adventure in West Michigan, head over to our Bronco Page and get your pre-order in today! 
 

Meet the New Ford Bronco: Available in 2-Door and 4-Door Models

?With its unquestioned toughness and durability, the all-new Bronco was built to carry outdoor enthusiasts to wherever the wilderness calls them in West Michigan. Tackle dunes, trek down muddy trails, or blaze your own trails in the snow. The New Ford Bronco can handle the sharp drops and steep inclines of rugged off-road terrain with an available best-in-class departure angle of 37.2 degrees and a 29-degree break-over angle, so you can adventure with extreme confidence. The New Ford Bronco also boasts an impressive ground clearance of 11.6 inches and can ford through up to 33.5 inches of water thanks to its high-mounted air intake.

The New Ford Bronco also features best-in-class 2.3L EcoBoost I4 or 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engines, along with a highly capable 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Other available features include selectable drive modes, a high-tech intelligent 4×4 system, removable roof and doors, and more!

Pre-order the Ford Bronco 2-Door or 4-Door Model Here

Meet the New Ford Bronco Sport: Four Builds for Every Type of Adventurer

While the rugged, utilitarian look of the 2 or 4-Door Bronco is exactly what some are looking for in their ultimate adventure vehicle, the Bronco Sport adds a little bit of style into the mix. By combining classic Bronco styling and capability with an unmistakably modern design, each of the four Bronco Sport models: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands, are all equipped with essentials like 4×4, a Safari Style Roof and a Terrain Management System.

In the Bronco Sport, you’ll find the handling and features within will enable beginners to take on West Michigan’s trails with confidence while letting seasoned explorers challenge themselves. 

Pre-order the Ford Bronco Sport Here

We’ll be posting all the latest updates about the Ford Bronco Family on our here blog, so keep an eye out for the latest updates. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Summer is here in West Michigan, and if you’re trying to decide which SUV is the best fit for your adventures, this month Borgman is taking a look at three leaders in the SUV market. Read on as we compare the 2020 Ford Explorer, the 2020 Chevy Traverse, and the 2020 Honda Pilot to help you make the best decision for you or your family. See how the 2020 Ford Explorer stacks up and if you’d like to test drive one, check out our huge selection and get in touch with us today! We’d be happy to help.While these three vehicles are similar in a lot of ways, we feel the 2020 Explorer has some key advantages over the others for West Michigan adventurers. These include a better towing capacity, selectable drive modes for different terrain, and adaptive cruise control for long road trips. Let’s take a look at how the different SUVs compare below:

Engine Options, Fuel Efficiency, and Towing

Under the hood of the 2020 Ford Explorer, you’ll find a number of different engine options to choose from – each suited to a different style of adventuring. The most common engine is the 2.3L I4 EcoBoost, which balances the responsiveness of a turbo with increased efficiency. For hauling a trailer or heading off the beaten path, the Explorer Platinum or Explorer ST models come with a turbocharged 3.0L V6, with the latter producing up to 400 horsepower.

Here’s where it gets really interesting: for 2020 the Ford Explorer returns to its roots with Rear-Wheel Drive, with All-Wheel drive as an available option. While the other two SUVs also feature AWD options, they are both Front-Wheel Drive standard.

If cruising around town or down the highway is more your speed, and you’d like to save on fuel, the Explorer also comes as a hybrid with a 3.3L V6 engine and a combined rating of 25mpg, compared with the 23mpg of the I4 with all-wheel drive. In addition, the 2020 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, with towing and trailer sway control coming standard with the 3.0L EcoBoost.The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse features just the one engine, though it’s nothing to sneeze at. The Chevy 3.6L V6 produces 310 horsepower, just squeaking out the Explorer and with comparable fuel efficiency ratings. However, towing is where the Traverse powertrain falls short: about 600 pounds short in fact, with a rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Honda Pilot also features one engine: a 3.5L V6. Though being close to the Chevy in terms of displacement, the Honda engine produces a mere 280 horsepower and 3,500 towing capacity, though that number climbs to 5,000 with the AWD model. In terms of fuel-efficiency, the Honda Pilot is lock-step with the other two: 23 mpg combined.

Interior Features

The 2020 Ford Explorer interior has seen some dramatic changes for the new model year, and they are some of the most high-tech Ford has shown to date. Ford SYNC 3 permeates the interior controls through a 10.1-inch touch screen on the center console, and a full 12.3″ LCD instrument panel sits behind the steering wheel, which is customizable to your tastes.Seating 7, the Ford Explorer also features easy-access second-row seating and with the rear seats folded down, boasts 87 cubic feet of cargo space. Other features are available such as 360-degree view cameras and tri-zone climate control to ensure everyone arrives safely and comfortably. With these features and many more, the 2020 Ford Explorer is ready for anything West Michigan can throw at it.The 2020 Chevy Traverse boasts similar features as the Ford, albeit with not as much flash. Inside, you’ll find an 8″ Infotainment screen, a simulated top-down view of the vehicle to help prevent accidents while parking, back-up cam, and seating for 7. However, the Chevy Traverse may be expanded to accommodate 8 passengers with an available option. With the rear seats folded down, the Chevy Traverse also holds 98.2 cu/ft of cargo, a bit more than the Ford Explorer.The 2020 Honda Pilot is just as generous with the tech as the other two. Their whole host of safety features comes standard, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, collision assist, and more. Though it has the smallest LCD screen of the bunch at 5″, by all accounts Honda’s system is polished and responsive. The Honda Pilot also seats 8, and features 83.9 cu/ft. of cargo space with the seats folded down, the smallest of the three.

Adventure-Readiness

The 2020 Ford Explorer saw the return of rear-wheel drive to the model, giving it a big advantage over its front-wheel drive competitors this year. This provides a little extra “oomph” when driving down uneven trails, better handling, and an extra 600 pounds of towing capacity the Chevy Traverse and the Honda Pilot just can’t match. Plus, the 2020 Ford Explorer comes available with Intelligent 4WD and Terrain Management System – an easy-to-use selectable dial that optimizes the powertrain for various conditions like sand, snow, slippery, towing, and more. You couldn’t ask for a more complete adventure-ready SUV in this category.

The 2020 Chevy Traverse offers something similar, though not as robust. A dial in the center allows you to switch between FWD, AWD, Tow/Haul, and Off-Road, which means extra rear-wheel torque. The 2020 Honda Pilot gets closer, with an available All-Wheel Drive system that adapts to changing road conditions, with an override that allows you to set it to snow, mud, and sand modes. 

Overall Value

The 2020 Ford Explorer starts at $32,765, making it the most expensive of the models we compared today. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for: the Explorer hosts the most up-to-date technology in the cabin, larger screens, more comfort, and superior power, especially important if you plan to tow a boat or a camper this summer. Plus, and maybe we’re biased, but the newly-redesigned body for 2020 looks much more sleek and modern compared to the other two.The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $29,800, making it the most affordable option compared today. Though it triumphs over the Ford Explorer in some areas, there are serious compromises in others, the biggest one being choice. The Chevy has but one available engine for this vehicle, and while it’s capable in its own right, it simply can’t compete with the similar-sized Ford V6 if power is a factor for you.The 2020 Honda Pilot starts at $32,250, coming in just over $500 shy of the Ford Explorer. The Honda has its own unique strengths, it simply falls short of the Ford Explorer on engine options, cargo space, and infotainment options. It also has the lowest towing capacity of the three, but for buyers that don’t tow heavy loads while adventuring, it might be worth a look.

Get Out and Go Exploring at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids MI

Having trouble finding an SUV capable enough to take you off the beaten path? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today and test drive the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer. We promise you’ll love the breathtaking new interior and exterior, complete with features you’ll need for a comfortable trip. With enough power to tow a boat, camper, ATVs, or other toys weighing over 5,000 pounds plus Ford’s proven reliability, we welcome you to come and experience it for yourself.Take a look at our online inventory and use the new online buying options to get live help while you explore what we have to offer. Our team is happy to help with any questions you may have and get your deal all figured out, whether buying remotely or in our showroom. Remember, if you see a better deal elsewhere, let us know and we’ll match it. Come see why we’ve been the Best in the West for over 60 years!

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Borgman Ford is so excited to share the New 2020 Ford Edge ST-Line, a new SUV offering for West Michigan adventurers who love the performance-inspired design of the Edge ST but don’t want or need the extra power. Better yet, the Ford Edge ST-Line adds these interior and exterior enhancements for over $5,000 less than the cost of an Edge ST! 

Ford introduced this new model to meet the needs of auto shoppers, as sales of the Ford Edge ST surpassed the Ford Edge Sport last year. If you’re hearing this and thinking the 2020 Ford Edge ST-Line is just what you wanted for West Michigan adventuring, head over to Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today and talk to our staff about putting in a preorder. 

While our staff would be delighted to tell you all about the features of the 2020 Ford Edge ST-Line, we’ve included some excerpts about it from the announcement on the Official Ford Media Center. Check it out below:

New Edge St-Line Comes Standard With Great Value And Eye-Catching Style Inspired By Ford Performance

Ford introduces the 2020 Edge ST-Line model, a new choice for SUV customers who prefer Edge ST’s bold style but prioritize value over performance. Expanding the ST family by adding ST-Line will help even more customers find a Ford Edge that’s right for them.

“Edge ST continues to break new ground with terrific styling, powerful performance and smart technology,” said Craig Patterson, Ford SUV marketing manager. “But some customers want style and value and don’t need all of the horsepower. For them, Edge ST-Line hits the bull’s-eye – again.”

With a starting price $5,165 less than Edge ST, Edge ST-Line shares the same aggressive looks and includes all of the smart driver-assist technologies Edge customers can enjoy – advanced features that help take the stress out of driving.

Edge ST-Line styling inspired by Ford Performance includes a unique ST-style grille with body-colored bumpers, black ST beltline molding combined with lower sport cladding, standard fog lamps and signature LED lighting. Black roof rack side rails, 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels and unique Edge ST-Line badging further enhance the look of the new SUV.

You can keep reading on Media.Ford.com.

Preorder Your Edge ST-Line at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids Today!

If you’re looking for the perfect vehicle for cruising around West Michigan, head over to the Borgman Ford Showroom in Grand Rapids today and ask about preordering the 2020 Ford Edge ST-Line today! However, if you’re looking for something for summer adventures and can’t wait for the release, take a look at our wide selection of New Ford Edge SUVs. Our staff is here to help you and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

We’ve proudly served West Michigan with Fair and Square Deals for over 60 years, and it’d be our pleasure to serve you. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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With summer coming up, it’s important to know that your vehicle’s cooling system is running at peak capacity. Whether you’re planning a simple road trip across West Michigan with the family or towing the boat out to Lake Michigan, your radiator and coolant play vital roles in keeping your engine running. Overlooking problems, or simply being unaware of them can sideline your vehicle in moments, so trust the experts at the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids to inspect your vehicle before starting your adventure.

This month, we’re talking about coolant system flushes, why they’re important, and how often you should have one done.

What Do Radiators & Coolant Do?

Your vehicle’s radiator is a large heat exchanger located at the very front of your vehicle. A fan pulls heat away from the hot engine while the coolant moves throughout it, absorbing heat as it works its way through channels. When the pressurized coolant moves through the zig-zag of pipes in the radiator, the heat is released outside of the vehicle. The coolant is then returned to a reservoir where the process starts all over. 

When your engine burns gasoline to produce power, heat is released as a result. If not for the radiator and coolant, this heat would build up in the engine and start warping the metal components. This will quickly damage the engine and often require a complete replacement.

Why Do You Need A Coolant Flush, And How Often?

The Borgman Service Center recommends having your coolant flushed every 30,000 miles or every 5 years, whichever comes first. As it’s used, the coolant begins to break down and lose the chemical properties that allow it to absorb heat more readily than plain water. Coolant also had properties that prevent corrosion. Once the coolant starts to break down, contaminates and corrosion can start to build up within the coolant lines, impacting efficiency and possibly damaging the radiator.

Flushing the coolant means draining the old coolant out, using new coolant to flush the contaminants out, and then filling the system with new, fresh coolant. When done at regular intervals as recommended, coolant flushes keep your radiator and engine running at peak efficiency and extend the life of these components.

Radiator Flushes & Maintenance at the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids

Heading out of town this summer? Trust the experts at the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids to make sure your vehicle is running at peak efficiency. We offer many services from oil changes, coolant flushes, and complete repairs. No matter what your vehicle needs, our highly-trained technicians can handle it.

Schedule your appointment online today and don’t forget to check our latest Service Specials. We’re also offering Free Pickup & Delivery during the Michigan shelter in place order. It’d be our pleasure to serve you. Come see why we’re the Best in the West for over 60 years!

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Getting ready for summer adventures in West Michigan and not sure which SUV to choose? Borgman is comparing the 2020 Ford Escape, the 2020 Chevy Equinox, and the 2020 Honda CR-V to help you make your decision. We’ll go head to head on key features of each and show how the 2020 Ford Escape stacks up. If you’d like to test drive the new Ford Escape for yourself, check out our huge selection and get in touch with us today! We’d be happy to help.

While these three vehicles are similar in a lot of ways, we feel the 2020 Escape has advantages in all the right areas, namely in towing capacity and overall design. It’s sleek, yet boasts more power for trekking your way through West Michigan’s dirt roads and campgrounds with enough cargo space for whatever gear you need to bring along. Plus, with new hybrid options including a plug-in variant, fuel-conscious shoppers don’t have to compromise either. Let’s get started!

Engine Options, Fuel Efficiency, and Towing

There are two standard turbocharged engines in the 2020 Ford Escape lineup: the 1.5L EcoBoost and 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The first delivers spirited performance with an estimated 27 City and 33 miles per gallon highway mileage, with the bigger 2-liter engine capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Chevy Equinox matches the Escape’s engine displacement with their own 1.5L and 2.0L, both turbocharged as well. The Chevy Equinox’s larger engine is also capable of towing 3,500 pounds but with the smaller 1.5L coming up short on efficiency with an estimated 31 mpg highway. The 2020 Honda CR-V offers one engine: their 1.5L turbocharged engine, with a hybrid option available as well, and edging the others out with an estimated 34 mpg highway. However, the Honda CR-V uses a CVT transmission which gives it an edge on fuel efficiency, it may be the reason for the CR-V’s 1,500 towing capacity.

Interior Features

For 2020, the newly redesigned Ford Escape comes with a host of new interior features worth celebrating, including a standard WiFi hotspot. CoPilot 360, Ford’s suite of safety features, also comes standard. The available SYNC 3 infotainment system, 8″ screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and many other features are there for you to explore as well. You can even upgrade to the 12″ display you’ll find in the 2020 Ford Explorer, wireless phone charging, B&O stereo system, and WAZE integration.

The Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V offer similar features, though not nearly as many are standard. Both feature a 7″ screen standard, but one interesting standout was the Bluetooth wireless communication in the Chevy Equinox can handle two devices at once – something that’s invaluable for frequent passengers or someone with both a work and personal phone. Both vehicles feature their manufacturer’s own infotainment operating systems. 

Cargo Space & Adventure-Readiness

?The 2020 Ford Escape is the ultimate companion for adventuring in West Michigan. Though light on its feet, All-Wheel Drive is available on standard and hybrid models, with the only exception being the plug-in hybrid model.
With the seats folded down, the Escape boasts 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space – plenty of room for water skis, wakeboards, camping gear, or anything else you need for your summer excursions.

The Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V also feature available All-Wheel Drive options. The Chevy sports 63.9 cu/ft of cargo space with the seats folded down versus the Honda CR-V’s 75.8 cu/ft, making it the clear winner in this category.

Overall Design and Value

The 2020 Ford Escape starts at $24,885, with an impressive new, sleek, and contoured exterior design. Though the Chevy Equinox is priced at a slightly lower $23,800, the Escape triumphs with many more features included standard. The 2020 Honda CR-V starts at $25,050, and while the difference is close and the CR-V does have more cargo space, bear in mind the CR-V comes with fewer choices and less than half the towing capacity.

Choose Your Adventure at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids MI

Can’t decide which vehicle you want to take you on your summer journeys? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today and test drive the all-new 2020 Ford Escape or Escape Hybrid. We promise you’ll love the sleek new look and standard features you need for a comfortable trip. With enough power to tow water toys, dirt bikes, or an ATV and Ford’s proven reliability, we welcome you to come and experience it for yourself.

Take a look at our online inventory and use the new online buying options to get live help while you explore what we have to offer. Our team is here to answer any questions you might have and get your deal squared away, whether you’d like to buy remote or visit our lot. Remember, if you find a better deal somewhere else, let us know and we’ll match it. Come see why we’ve been the Best in the West for over 60 years!

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Borgman Ford salutes our essential workers in West Michigan fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is our absolute pleasure to show thanks to them through a new program from Ford. Essential Workers can visit the Borgman Service Center now through June 30th and get “The Works” service package free for their vehicle.

To reap the rewards of this program, all eligible customers must be enrolled in the FordPass Rewards Program and will receive enough points to their account to cover the cost of one The Works package. Though you must claim your points before June 30th, 2020, the points may be redeemed at a later date.

To be eligible, customers must provide verification of employment such as a badge, pay stub, name tag, business card, an official letter stating essential worker status, or another form of verification that will align with a qualifying job category.

With The Works, you will get everything you need to maintain the performance of your vehicle including tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, vehicle inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, filter check, plus a belts and hoses check.

If you’re not enrolled in FordPass Rewards, registration is easy. Simply visit this page and fill out the form. Soon, you’ll be earning points for things you do every day, then using them for discounted services at the Borgman Service Center.

If you have any questions at all about this program, FordPass Rewards, The Works service package, or anything else, please do not hesitate to Contact Us. Again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to West Michigan’s essential workers. Thank you for all that you do, and it’d be our pleasure to serve you.

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