Track Day
Start Your Engines. It’s Track Day.
Maybe it’s – ha ha – rush hour and nobody’s moving. Maybe you’re trapped behind that one slow what-the-freak-is-wrong-with-you guy in the fast lane on the interstate. Or maybe you’re just taking the kids to soccer practice when it happens.
Your eyes start to drift toward the extreme upper range of the speedometer and you wonder… what would it be like to put the accelerator all the way down? To experience g-forces as you lean into the curve. To feel your pulse quicken and the (figurative) wind blow through your hair?
We’ve been there. And we know what the remedy is: track day.
At a track day event, you can – safely – feed your need for speed. It may not be quite as Bill Elliott/Dale Earnhardt/Mad Max/Tokyo Drift as you envisioned, but man, it’s a rush.
And an education.
What’s a track day?
Simply put, it’s an organized event that allows non-race-car drivers to let loose on an established course – with no backseat drivers and no Smokeys. You can test your driving skills and the limits of your vehicle (more on that in a moment).
Tracks have different formats. Most often, participants are members of a car club; other times, individuals can sign up. Track days may be organized by manufacturer or model. Drivers are usually grouped by experience level to ensure that the vehicles are traveling at about the same speed. Tracks also usually allow various runs throughout the day, and experts or instructors are often on hand as well.
Do I have to have some sort of souped-up sports car? Different tracks have different rules, but, in general, no.
An estimated 95 percent of novices use their regular street cars with no modifications. Unmodified vehicles are actually preferred over heavily modified ones, according to the website No Money Motorsports.
Your car needs to be in decent mechanical shape with relatively new tires (less than 5 years old) and fresh brake pads and brake fluid. Because racing is super hard on brakes, NMM adds that track-specific pads are a good idea but are not a requirement, especially for your first day on the track.
What you can’t run on the track are vehicles with a high rollover risk such as lifted vehicles and certain trucks and SUVs. If you have a convertible, it absolutely has to have rollover protection. As of early 2023, most tracks also have stopped allowing hybrids and EVs.
[FORD]
If you drive a Mustang, you’ll be in good company on track day. But don’t let the GTs and Shelbys – or the super-competitive Dark Horse® — intimidate you. Yother vehicles in the Ford lineup perform just as well. If you’re still driving a Fiesta (discontinued in June 2023) – good for you. The car’s tight handling does especially well in the curves.
If you have questions, talk to the staff at your dealership. We love to share information about ways to enjoy your vehicle.
How do I find a track? Most track days are organized by car clubs, so finding a local enthusiast group is a good place to start. You can also check out your preferred raceway and see if it has a track-day schedule. Another good strategy is to visit car shows to connect with folks who share an interest in track days or your specific vehicle make and model.
OK, cool. I’m ready! I can show up and put the pedal to the metal, right? No. Absolutely not!
First, go check out track day – or two, or several – as a spectator. Talk to experts and other track enthusiasts. Pay attention. Ask questions. Watch how things are done. Ask some more questions.
When you’ve done this homework, you’ll be almost ready for the track.
FINALLY you can start prepping for your track day. Here’s how:
- Find out if you need insurance.
- Bring your driver license. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? But it’s easy to forget even simple necessities in all the excitement.
- Make sure your helmet – yes, you will need one – has the right safety rating for the track you’re running. Most places require SA2010 or the current SA2015 standard.
- Wear the right clothes: comfortable pants, a long-sleeved shirt and comfortable, flexible shoes. You may eventually want to invest in some driving gloves or driving shoes. And don’t forget sunscreen. You’re going to spend more time outside watching and talking to other car folks than behind the wheel. You may also need a hat or a jacket, depending on the weather.
- Show up early for the drivers’ meeting.
This is when you’ll find out all the details that will make your day easier, including:
- How the event will be run
- What vehicles will be on the track
- How long the runs will be
- Where you can pass slower vehicles on the track
- Who is in charge of the event
- The meaning of the flags
The meeting is also where you can ask questions, such as whether instructors will be available to share pointers and driving tips. If there are driving coaches or other experts on hand, listen, learn and take advantage of their knowledge.
Learn how to drive the track. Some tracks have classes for beginners, or lead-follow laps to get you familiar with the track. Other times you might need to talk one-on-one with an instructor or coach who can explain terms like breaking points, apexes and the proper line.
Many track-day organizers and driving schools will assign instructors to track beginners. This person will be in the car with you beginning with the first session and, increasingly often, for the entire day.
A few miscellaneous tips:
- Consider bringing a GoPro or other recording device so you can relive the fun of your track day, share it with your friends and family – and identify where you need to improve. Track staff can help with that last part.
- Stay hydrated. Driving is strenuous (and sweaty). Water and electrolyte-replacement drinks can keep you prepared for your next event.
- Eat right. You need to keep your energy levels up, so prepare like the pros with carbohydrate-rich foods the night before and the morning of the event. Think pasta for dinner and oatmeal or a muffin before you suit up. Energy bars make a great snack during the day.
And remember: ask for help if you need it.
How to prepare your vehicle:
- Check everything on the car – brakes, fluids, tires – and consider having the vehicle serviced beforehand. Many tracks have a pre-run tech inspection to make sure cars are ready for the event.
- Bring your gear – a floor jack, jack stands, cordless impact wrench, socket set, wrenches and screwdrivers, just for starters. Experts also recommend a pressure gauge. Tires heat up on the track and pressure increases beyond the standard operating range for daily driving. Your tire gauge should be the type that lets you accurately drop a few PSI before you hit the asphalt. Check the pressure when you come out of a session too.
- You may also need some blue tape (for putting your number on the car), a quart of oil, window cleaner and paper towels.
When you’re on the track:
- Racing experts have some driving tips and track etiquette for newbies, including:
- Don’t overtake into corners. It’s disrespectful of both other drivers and the organizers.
- Don’t tailgate other drivers.
- Don’t crash on your first lap. You would not be the first to let your excitement get the better of you, but – chill, ok? The track is cooler early in the day, your brakes and tires are cold and you can’t just jump put there and red-line it. Besides, you’ll need a few laps to get a feel for the course and how your car responds to it.
- Don’t overtake or pass other drivers until you can do it safely. Yes, you’re on a track, but you’re not in a race. Don’t get competitive.
- Don’t go faster than you’re comfortable with.
Remember that the goal here is to have a fun day out, not smoke your fellow drivers who also want to have a good day at the track.
After you’ve enjoyed your first track day, come by and tell us about it! The staff at your local dealership would love to hear about your adventures. And if – or when – you’re ready for a dedicated track car, we are here to help you find the one that best fits your needs. Start your engines!
The Ultimate Towing Guide
The Ultimate Towing Guide
Whether that trailer you’re hitching to your vehicle is loaded with work equipment or personal watercraft for a weekend at the lake, you have to know how to hook things up correctly, safely and efficiently.
Towing is a serious task and a safety-first attitude is paramount. Even if you have experience and excellent driving skills, things happen on the road – vehicles can cut you off or phone-zombie pedestrians might walk out in front of you. Your safety – your life and the safety and lives of others – depends on your knowledge, your skills, and the way you configure and maintain the trailer or other vehicle you are towing.
So let’s start with some basic terms:
- Hitch: This is a structural component that’s bolted to your vehicle. It serves as the primary connector between your vehicle and the thing you’re towing.
- Hitch classes: Hitches are generally divided into five classes depending on the materials and design of the hitch and the strength and size of the vehicle for which it is intended.
- Class I: light duty, up to 2,000 pounds – that’s enough for a trailer loaded with a canoe, a couple of jet skis or a teardrop camper. Cars and many small crossover SUVs are in this category.
- Class II: up to 3,500 pounds. This category includes some larger cars, midsize crossovers and some minivans.
- Class III: up to 8,000 pounds. Here’s where you find your pickup trucks, larger crossover SUVs and the occasional minivan.
- Class IV: rated up to 10,000 pounds. This category consists mainly of full-size trucks and SUVs.
- Class V: got 20,000 pounds or so to haul? This is your category, one filled with super-duty.
- Fifth-wheel towing: a heavy-duty form of towing explicitly designed for large (and often luxurious) campers, which are often called fifth-wheels as well. This requires a heavy-duty dual pickup truck as well as a specialized connector called kingpin jaws that must be mounted in the truck bed. Towing capacity can range from 15,000 to 30,000 pounds.
- Gooseneck: like fifth-wheel towing, gooseneck also requires a dual truck and a bed-mounted connector – this time, a hitch ball. Capacity is similar to the fifth wheel, though gooseneck is also used with flatbed and livestock trailers.
Ball and ball mount: the part on the trailer that connects to the hitch on your vehicle. - Configuration: this refers to how your trailer is loaded. Experts advise putting the bulk of the weight – about 60 percent – in the front half of the trailer. The heaviest items should go in front as well and weight should also be equally distributed left to right.
Campers – -them too. Heavy stuff toward the front. Doing so will ensure that you have equal pressure on the tires for an easier towing experience.
Successful towing is a result of configuration, drivetrain, wheelbase, engine, hitch and gear ratios working together.
Here are other parts of the equation that play important roles:
Know your vehicle’s GCWR.
Those letters stand for gross combined weight rating and refer to the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers and cargo plus the trailer and its load. It’s the maximum safe weight the vehicle can handle. Manufacturers determine the GCWR and smart drivers know not to exceed the guideline.
How do you find your GCWR? Look on the vehicle ID sticker on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
Know the tongue weight capacity. Tongue weight is the amount of weight the trailer and its load will put on the hitch. Make sure the trailer does not exceed your vehicle’s hitch capacity.
In general, tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of gross trailer weight.
How do you find the hitch rating and tongue weight capacity (TWC)?
If your vehicle has a factory-installed hitch, check your owner’s manual. Factory installations always specify max weight and TWC for both the vehicle and the hitch, which are generally the same. You can also check the label on your hitch.
If you can’t find it, contact your local Mullinax dealership. We’re here to help you find the information you need and to answer your questions about towing, hitches, trailers, and other details.
You can also calculate your gross towing capacity yourself. This article from StorAway2.com explains how, and also does some quick math.
Here’s a brief look at what you can expect from your vehicle’s manufacturer. For additional info, contact your Mullinax dealership.
You want towing capacity? You can’t go wrong with a Ford. On the low end, a Mustang with an after-market hitch can pull about 1,500 pounds – think a motorcycle in the summer or a snowmobile for a winter getaway.
The largest trucks, like the F-350 Super Duty, not only tow the heaviest loads, but they also offer such technology as blind spot coverage, sway control, trailer brake control, trailer backup assist, and a 360-degree camera package as standard features or available options.
Need more of a reason to buy a Ford for your towing needs? Check out the comprehensive towing guide on the company website.
Ready to put everything together? Here’s how to hook up:
- Ask a friend to help. Once you have some experience you might be able to do the hook-up alone, but having someone outside the vehicle giving you hand signals can make the process easier.
- Line up the vehicle so it’s directly in front of the trailer coupler.
- When you’re about a foot away from the trailer tongue, stop and adjust the trailer coupler height to ensure that the coupler will clear the trailer ball.
- V-e-e-e-e-e-r-r-r-r-y-y-y-y slowly, back your vehicle up the rest of the way to the coupler. Your friend can be indispensable in making sure you are lined up correctly. If you miss it a bit, just pull forward and try again. Hey, we’ve all been there. No judgment.
- When you are perfectly aligned, put the vehicle in park, engage the parking brake and lower the coupler until it is resting on the ball. The coupler latch should be in the upright, unlocked position. You also should have greased the trailer ball beforehand to ensure a smooth connection.
- Lower the coupler onto the ball, engage the latch and secure it with the cotter pin or coupler lock. Then jack up the trailer tongue slightly to test the connection. If it comes off the ball, it means the coupler was not properly seated. Take a breath (remember, we’ve all been there), unlatch it and try again.
- When everything is correctly seated, attach the tow chains in a crisscross pattern underneath the coupler. The chains are intended to catch the coupler, just in case it disconnects from the ball.
- Retract the trailer jack.
- Plug in the trailer wiring.
- Check the trailer lights.
If everything is working properly, you’re ready to go! Get out there and enjoy yourself. Or tow your trailer to the job site. Whatever you need to do.
Any questions? Our staff at your nearby dealership is ready to help with any issues you may have.
Guide to planning a road trip
A South Floridian’s Guide to planning a road trip
What do you think of when you hear the words “road trip?” Scenic landscapes rolling past the window? Your favorite tunes blaring through the speakers? A cooler of snacks in the back seat? Adventure on the horizon?
Reality isn’t always quite so easy-breezy. After all, someone has to pack the cooler, put the luggage in the trunk, volunteer to drive during the rush-hour stretches … and that’s not to mention the mandatory struggle over music control.
After reading our best tips for road trip bliss, you’ll agree the most important part of a successful journey happens before you pull out of the driveway.
No one knows road trip advice like Mullinax, so follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to smooth driving and new horizons in no time.
Step 1: Ready your ride
Almost any vehicle trouble you encounter on your road trip — a flat tire, a drained car battery, a failed engine, brake trouble — can be avoided by visiting your local dealership. Stay ahead of the curve and avoid a dreaded roadside breakdown by scheduling a visit before you leave.
At Mullinax Ford of West Palm Beach and Mullinax Ford of Vero Beach, our team will inspect every inch of your vehicle to prepare your ride for a safe journey. You name it, we’ll check it — including components from brake pads to suspension.
The Mullinax service department may prescribe services like
- Topping off vehicle fluids (think of all the weeks of dirt that’ll build on your windshield without a steady supply of windshield wiper fluid!)
- Air conditioner repair, to keep you, your passengers and your snacks chilled
- Tire pressure adjustment, so that your wheels will grip the road through slick highways and muddy trails
- Oil and filter changes
- Replacing or adjusting your brakes’ pads, rotors and calipers
…all depending on your vehicle’s test results. Getting your car checked out before logging thousands of miles will ensure you and your passengers’ security. Safe to say that Mullinax takes safety seriously.
Step 2: Prepare some playlists
Whether your family prefers podcasts, audiobooks, music or even the sound of silence, be sure to have the rules of the radio established before leaving.
You might:
- Select a favorite book to rent on audio
- Contribute songs to one group playlist
- Give one-hour time slots for each rider to play their own music
- Use the standby “driver’s choice” rule (although this could annoy those too young to get behind the wheel)
If you’re looking for some playlist recommendations, search no further than Mullinax’s website, where we’ve curated our favorite hits by genre. From Latin pop to hip-hop, our picks are guaranteed to get you grooving behind the wheel.
Step 3: Situate the snacks
The number one rule for a successful road trip: avoid “hangriness” at all costs.
Packing your own snacks cuts down on gas station or fast food pullovers, sparing your wallet and boosting road time efficiency. Why spend time at McDonald’s when you can be admiring a scenic overlook or catching some Z’s at your AirBnB?
Our list of road trip snacks is chock-full of yummy (and efficient) bites.
Step 4: Research your route
It’s about the journey, people.
Sure, you may have an end destination in mind, but the beauty of a road trip is the places you see along the way.
Before you go, look at your route and mark landmarks to visit so you can cross off bucket-list locales while not detouring far from your original route.
Some ways you can squeeze in extra sightseeing are:
- Researching scenic roads or overlooks that diverge from mainstream highways
- Planning out overnight stays in cities you’ve always wanted to visit
- Stretching your legs at a national or state park, rather than a rest stop
- Taking a couple days out of your trip to explore a fun destination along the way
Step 5: Schedule spending
Budget, budget, budget.
You may be automatically saving air-fare money by taking to the streets rather than the skies, but that doesn’t give you a free pass for trip spending.
Create a daily or weekly budget, including money for souvenirs, lodging, food and gas, and stick to it.
Step 6: Book activities in advance
What do museum tickets, ferry rides and camping sites have in common? They fill up fast.
Save yourself the scramble for last-minute tickets by booking popular attractions ahead of time.
You and your family can save money and increase adventure by camping for even just a portion of your road trip. State or national parks generally have cheaper rates than hotels or motels, but they also book up fast, so reserve your spot well ahead of time.
Check campsite accommodations beforehand to know what to expect in terms of bathroom facilities and electricity.
Step 7: Navigation know-how
In the era of Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps, we’re not sure we’ve even retained the ability to hold a paper map rightside-up.
That being said, consider keeping physical maps in case you find yourself out of cell range.
You can also download offline maps of the regions you plan to explore, so you can voyage without fear of reception deserts.
But even cell phone maps are fading as built-in GPS systems become more common. Plug your destination into your dashboard and you won’t have to fumble for a phone or let navigation apps drain your cell battery.
Check out the major roads you’ll be using and have an idea in mind of your route’s logistics. That includes:
- Potential fun rest stops and gas stations — yes, Southerners, we’re talking Buc-ee’s.
- Major cities you’ll have to drive through — and when you’ll drive through them (avoid rush-hour and dinnertime traffic)
- Places to switch drivers
- Grocery stores to replenish your food supply
If you drive an electric vehicle, you’ll want to know how far you can go on a charge and where to find charging stations along your route. Most manufacturers provide an app that can help you figure out how often and where you’ll need to stop.
Supercharger stations, which charge electric vehicles more quickly than traditional destination chargers, are a roadtripper’s best friend, so know which of these stations you can plan to visit before you go.
Some chargers are even adjacent to restaurants or grocery stores that’ll allow you to get in some shopping or eating while you charge.
Step 8: Be Wary of Weather
Floridians usually won’t have to worry about icy streets or snow tires, but it’s always good to be prepared during northward expeditions.
Check the typical climate of your destination — and the route you’ll take to get there. Every Floridian gets excited about the idea of snow, but when driving, snow can be a hassle, not a miracle, if you don’t prepare properly.
You may need winter tires — and our Mullinax dealerships would be happy to help out with that service before your trip.
Also keep in mind how rainstorms or heat waves could impact your travel. Check temperatures and radars before you go and on the road to stay up-to-date (and know whether your umbrella can stay in the trunk).
Step 9: Keep the Car Clean
Pack any group of people into a tight space for miles on end and messes will arise. You can keep the car clutter-free and morale high by:
- Buying an in-car trash can for food waste and wrappers
- Keeping the essentials in the front (and banishing other supplies to the trunk)
- Looking into storage solutions like adjustable backseat organizers, roof racks or under-seat boxes
Making sure everything has a place in your car will cut down on rummaging-around time and keep the essentials on hand for your convenience.
Step 10: Lodging
Find spots for road-trip shut-eye by looking into:
- Short-term rental units, like AirBnB or VRBO
- Local B&Bs or inns
- Hotel chains
- Campsites at private, state or national parks
Alternate between campsites and hotels if you’re looking to get in some nature time while still maintaining a steady access to hot meals, showers and pillow mints. Or, if you’ve already got some camping experience under your belt and are ready to level up, check out Mullinax’s car-camping guide for what to pack on a hardcore wilderness adventure.
If you’re not feeling up to packing (or pitching) a tent, look into cabin rentals, which give you the comfort of a real bed and the ambiance of the wilderness.
Step 11: Planning is fun
A lot of preparation goes into a safe, efficient road trip. But think of the planning phase as a way to get excited about the trip to come, and snack-packing and map-drawing just became a lot more motivating.
Involve all your companions in the routing process, and make sure everyone can cross must-see items off their bucket list. There’s no trip like a road trip to explore the world around you.
At Mullinax, we’re happy to send you on your travels safely and in good spirits. Happy road-tripping.
Tips for Maintaining Resale Value
Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
Looking for a new vehicle? That’s exciting!
What are you going to do with your current ride? Probably either sell it or trade it.
Let’s figure out that you want cash in hand. Here are some ways to get the best price for your new-to-the-next-person car, truck or SUV (though many of these suggestions can help you pump up the trade-in value as well).
For starters, let’s look at some basic factors that affect auto resale value – we’ll come back for the details in a bit.
Year, make and model. Some vehicles are just more popular and able to command a higher price than others. Luxury cars and SUV, for example, generally have better than average resale value. Certain brands hold their value as well.
Because they’re really popular and run practically forever, Fords hold their value well. If you’re selling an Explorer, Escape, Mustang or F-series truck, most notably the F-150, you can expect a pretty decent payday – depending on some other factors that we’ll get to in a moment.
- Condition. Clean cars sell better than dirty ones, obviously. So do those that are well maintained, regularly serviced and in good repair.
- Mileage and age. More miles and/or more years equals less money. Age is generally less detrimental than mileage – and can even be a plus if your car is a classic.
- Upgrades and modifications. Bluetooth connectivity, infotainment systems and parking assist are things that can help you pick a few extra dollars out of your buyer’s wallet. Sunroofs and leather seats, same. Conversely, tinted windows, body kits and decals have more limited appeal and are likely to lower the vehicle’s value.
- Color. Black, white, silver and dark blue vehicles are more popular on the resale market. Neon green – not so much.
- Location. Vehicles in warm climates – Florida and Alabama, for instance – generally depreciate slower than those in colder environments where the weather has more of an effect on the engine and other components.
So that’s the overview – time for the details. What can you do – either while you own it or right now, before you start advertising – to make your vehicle more sales-worthy?
- Don’t. Smoke. In. The. Vehicle. Just don’t. Cigarette stench can work its way into your upholstery, headliner and other soft surfaces and is virtually impossible to remove. And if you accidentally burn a hole in something, be prepared to accept less money.
- While we’re on the subject, avoid eating and drinking in the vehicle too. Buyers might not object to the aroma of coffee or fries in general, but they tend not to like it when they’re surrounded by it in their new (to them) car.
- As for pets – same deal, at least put blankets or throws on the seats and wash them frequently to keep eau du dogue from permeating the interior.
- Clean it. When you shop at a dealership, what do you notice? That the vehicles – even the used ones – are immaculate inside and out.
- Your best bet: Consider having your vehicle professionally detailed. The pros know how to clean and spending a few bucks can really pay off.
- If you prefer to DIY it, here’s what to focus on, starting with the interior:
- Remove all personal items – those used napkins and coffee cups and… oh, is that an open bag of chips under the seat? How long has that been there?
- Shampoo the carpets.
- Clean everything – dashboard, seats, mats, windows, mirrors – every surface in the vehicle. If you can put a shine on it, do it.
- For plastics, leather or vinyl, use a conditioner designed specifically for auto interiors (Nexgen is a popular brand).
Make sure the vehicle smells clean as well as looks clean. That icky bag of chips – start by throwing it out. A good shampoo session should take care of the lingering aroma, but you can also sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet and upholstery and vacuum really well. After a good cleaning, try throwing in a couple of dryer sheets or a cotton ball with a drop or two of your favorite essential oils under the seat. Orange peels, an open box of baking soda, or a couple of lumps of charcoal work, too. And – it’s true – some ground coffee beans in a jar with some holes poked in the lid can work olfactory magic. If you use any of these methods, remove them before you show the car to potential buyers.
For the outside:
- Return the vehicle to its original look by removing bumper stickers, decals, magnets, and anything else you might have added over the years.
- Wash the vehicle well – but gently. Consider using wash mitts rather than sponges because mitts are easier on the paint.
- Use a high-quality wax or sealant to protect the paint from damaging UV rays and make everything look glossy and pretty.
Under the hood, make sure everything is topped off, shined up and running well, including:
- Engine oil
- Transmission oil
- Antifreeze
- Wiper fluid
- All of the filters – oil, cabin, fuel and air
- Brake fluid
- All belts and hoses
- Wipers, front and rear
- Exterior mirrors
- Finally, fix anything that needs to be fixed – inside, outside under the hood, under the car, bumper to bumper. That means:
- Making sure the heat and AC work.
- Repairing dents, dings and scratches.
- Fixing any chips or cracks in the windshield – and remember to wash the outside of the windows as well as the inside.
- Checking headlights and taillights and replacing any that are burned out (oh, and give the headlight glass a good scrub too).
- Checking the brakes and replacing them if necessary.
- Inspecting the tires – make sure they are at the correct pressure and consider replacing them if they are worn.
You’re almost done! While you’re talking with the sales professionals at your nearest Mullinax dealership – and preparing for a test drive and signing the paperwork for your new truck, car or SUV – discuss ways to protect your vehicle. Doing so on an ongoing basis is easier and keeps your car in better condition than doing a last-minute cleanup.
Lastly we suggest:
- Maintain the vehicle scrupulously – and keep all of your maintenance documents.
- Bring the vehicle into the our service center if you think it’s developing a problem or you can’t identify where that annoying scratching sound is coming from.
- Don’t smoke in the vehicle, ever. We’d also advise not eating or drinking in the cabin either, but we know that’s not realistic. And you have to bring Fido along occasionally. Just be sure to clean everything out of the vehicle every time you use it. Trash and smells won’t have a chance to build up and you won’t need to do a deep clean as often.
Speaking of cleaning – give your ride a spa day on a regular schedule. Vacuum, clean the windows, the dash, the seats and everything else. Wash and wax the exterior regularly to protect the finish. Make sure the fluids are at the right levels.
Good luck! We look forward to helping you get the most form your next vehicle.
Smart As Ford — Screens & Seats
Ford truck customers see a whole lot of dirt and sweat, elements that can wear down your seat over time. That’s why our robots scientifically smash our test seats 51,000 times. Yes, they even have Hot Sweat Mode. We literally have your back side.
Now, that’s Smart as Ford.
Groceries and strollers?
We know Mustang Mach-E SUV customers carry around mountain bikes, hockey sticks, even lumber. That’s why we designed a touchscreen, made from chemically strengthened glass to help protect against cracking and scratching. We literally swung a hammer at it and scratched it with a key. Now it’s ready for just about anything life throws at it.
Now that smart as Ford.
For more see: https://www.youtube.com/@ford
Road to TwitchCon Las Vegas Ford x Full Squad Gaming
Speaker 1:
This is finally the end of our trip. We made it all the way from LA to Vegas. We had a great week in the Ford Gamer van. You know what? It’s time to play it back. Let’s get out of here.
Speaker 2:
What’s going on, guys? We are Full Squad Gaming and we designed a sports van that trailed to be the ultimate gaming van. And we’re taking it all the way to TwitchCon.
Today we’re trying video game foods in real life.
Speaker 1:
Went with some green sport drink.
Speaker 3:
I’m going to attempt to survive a hundred days in the Hardcore Minecraft in the forest.
I failed and I’m going to bed.
Speaker 2:
The Ford Bronco Raptor was just releasing Forza Horizon 5. So we’re here at the Bronco Off-Roadeo to try it out in real life.
Speaker 4:
Swag, welcome to the Ford Gaming van.
Speaker 5:
This is cool, bro. Honestly, man. Little kickback vibes.
For more see: https://www.youtube.com/@ford
Welcome to the Club – Mustang Mafia
Video Transcript:
Speaker 1:
Good morning New Orleans.
Speaker 2:
And that’s what made me fall in love with Mustangs. Originally was just the sound of it. When I was a kid, there was a guy that lived a couple of houses down from us. His name was Chris and he had a white, ’91 Fox Body. And that car sounded so good. It got into my soul. Chris inspired me, because he was a good guy and he had a bad car, right? But when I got my 2000 Mustang, I felt like now I got to become his character.
Every kid at the park knew me for having a nice Ford Mustang. I began ministering and teaching, being a leader of youth, and Mustang Mafia was then actually born. New Orleans has a flavor that no other city has.
Speaker 3:
Thank you for everybody coming together as a family today. I want to bless everybody today.
Speaker 2:
My grandmother owned a restaurant for years, and one of the things I remember as a kid, is every time somebody would come in and they can only afford this, she would give them a full plate of food. Her character and the way she lived her life bled into me and is the reason why I am the person I am. We get their attention with the cars, with the way they look, the way they sound. But once we have their attention, then we try to push it toward what we know they should be doing. The positive things in life.
Speaker 4:
The same way that we take care of the car, is the same way we have to take care of our life. Our health, what we’re doing with our family, all of those type of things. Each car, especially fixing a car, is a puzzle, because no two cars are the same. No two problems are the same.
Speaker 2:
Mustang. Mafia is not only here to help people who are in need, it’s here to lead people in the direction that we know our world should be going in.
Speaker 5:
What’s up, what’s up, what’s up?
Speaker 6:
What’s up with you? Now that I’m having a boy, I started to realize this is my next legacy. This is what’s pushing me to go further. This is what’s most inspiring me. And it’s the next chapter of Mustang Mafia.
Speaker 2:
That’s right.
Speaker 6:
Because we not going to last forever. This generation is coming up faster and faster and faster.
Speaker 2:
Yeah. You is getting old, bro.
Speaker 6:
Yeah. Hey, hey, hey, hey. Watch your mouth. Watch your mouth. Watch your mouth.
Speaker 2:
You is getting old, bro. I saw you. I saw you.
Speaker 7:
So today everybody, we have a surprise for you from Mustang Mafia and …
Speaker 2:
Teacher said y’all needed a new project to work on, right? Mustang mafia is not only going to provide the car, but we’re going to provide money for y’all to have parts to fix this car. Y’all do y’all thing this year, bro.
Speaker 8:
Thank you.
Speaker 2:
Yeah. Like I say, it’s easy to go fast and do a lot of stuff, but that’s not the meaning of these cars. You can really build a good family. And a lot of people don’t know that. They just think it’s just a Mustang just riding around, and it’s not. It’s bigger than just a car. It’s a unity. It’s a family.
Speaker 9:
What’s up, bro?
Speaker 2:
But yeah, that’s literally how I started.
Speaker 9:
Amazing how an idea can become a…
Speaker 2:
For real.
Speaker 9:
Something that you didn’t even, you know what I’m saying? It all started from an idea. Just now it’s boom.
Speaker 2:
From an idea.
Speaker 10:
One, two, hit it, boom.
Speaker 11:
Boom.
For more see: https://www.youtube.com/@ford
The Ford Bronco Wild Life Fund
Speaker 1:
The wild is calling on all of us all the time and every time. It’s pulling us out of the everyday to explore, protect, and find meaning. In New England, few places do this like the White Mountain National Forest. That’s why for years, Bronco Wild Fund and the National Forest Foundation have supported this place and many others through stewardship, protection, and access for all. First-timers, old-timers, everyone and every dog like Nicole and Ro, a couple of lucky locals.
Nicole:
Ready? The east is not known for having big mountains or really sprawling landscapes, but within the White Mountain National Forest, we have really cool, rugged alpine zone. We have mountains that feel like really big peaks and we have a ton of space to roam. You are always able to find somewhere new and like an ever-changing landscape and playground. It’s been really cool to see the impact Bronco Wild Fund has had here, planting trees, rehabbing trails, and just supporting the outdoor community. They’re also helping out the Trailhead Steward Program here, which is basically a team of friendly volunteers who help foster safety and responsible recreation outdoors. Hi Fawn, good to see you at this trail head again.
Fawn:
Hi, Nicole. Hi, Ro. How are you guys doing?
Nicole:
We’re good. We’re just out for a little hike.
Fawn:
Awesome. Where are you headed today?
Nicole:
We are going to go up to Champion Falls.
Fawn:
Oh, my favorite. And it’s running so well with all the water that we’ve had, so it’s great. However, we are getting reports from people on the way down that the rocks are slippery on the water crossing, so be careful.
Nicole:
Okay, thank you. Well, we’ll see you soon then.
Fawn:
Excellent. Have a great hike.
Nicole:
Thanks, Fawn.
Speaker 1:
Adventure always has been and always will be a bond between people and nature. And in that same spirit, Bronco Wild Fund and the National Forest Foundation are proud to protect and promote these important places together. Because it’s never just about the destination, it’s about how you get there and who you bring along for the ride. So as long as the wild keeps calling, we’ll keep being there to answer.
For more see: https://www.youtube.com/@ford
Team Rubicon Powered By Ford
For years, the Ford Motor Company has been supporting Team Rubicon, a group of veterans on the front lines of disaster relief. Now, we’re helping them with a major philanthropic investment and reinforcing their operations with a dedicated Ford Fleet of Broncos, F-Series trucks, and F-150 Lightnings, helping them respond faster, getting them to the places most can’t reach, and getting people in those places back on their feet. We are helping Team Rubicon serve those in need.
For more see: https://www.youtube.com/@ford
Making Mustang History
Video Transcript:
Jim Farley: “Can we take what we’re really good at, like a Mustang, and we do the unthinkable and take on the Europeans punch for punch at what they’ve been doing for decades as an underdog?”
Larry Holt: “Ford’s really going to make a road-going version of that GT3 race car.”
Mark Rushbrook: “It takes it to the best supercars in the world.”
Larry Holt: “How far can we push what’s under the skin of this car?”
Omar Oden: “This is a track monster.”
Mark Rushbrook: “It’ll make their jaws drop.”
Jim Baumbick: “All of that technology focused to go like hell.”
Larry Holt: “We were working with Ford Performance on a GT3 version of the new Generation 7 Mustang. We got 15% into that project. Jim Farley took a look at it. He goes, we need a road version of that.”
Jim Farley: “The vision for this is totally different than any high-performance Mustangs we had. All the latest racing technology from our race car, but actually on the street.”
Jim Baumbick: “We’ve never left anything on the track. We’ve applied it to the street vehicle to develop what we think is the ultimate Mustang.”
Jim Farley: “Now I get to see a talented, small challenger team bring it to life.”
Anthony Colard: “The studio kind of work like a skunk works office. We’re off the grid.”
Greg Goodall: “We looked for the best of the best, and if you look at the engineers at Ford and at Multimatic, they’re elite, topnotch, best in the world.”
Jim Baumbick: “We’ve engineered this vehicle 100% from the inside out.”
Anthony Colard: “It’s really formed for its function.”
Mark Rushbrook: “It’s got the power, it’s got lightweighting, it’s got big brakes, it’s got big aerodynamics. This car performs.”
Larry Holt: “We did some radical things. It’s got inboard suspension, like a lot of prototype race cars. You press a button, and in 10 seconds, you got a completely different characteristic on the car.”
Omar Oden: “We’ve practically replaced everything on the vehicle with carbon fiber to allow for lightweighting.”
Larry Holt: “It’s got active arrow, but we got some trick controls behind it.”
Omar Oden: “We have a titanium exhaust, the carbon ceramic brakes.”
Greg Goodall: “The vehicle also features magnesium wheels that are quite lightweight but are very durable for track applications.”
Larry Holt: “We put a transaxle in the back. A transaxle is what race cars have.”
Anthony Colard: “Because we moved the gearbox to the rear end, the weight balance of the car is a great 50/50.”
Larry Holt: “Was that an easy thing to do in a car that was never designed ever to? It was a smoke and heart problem to solve.”
Mark Rushbrook: “It’s not a cosmetic package. Every component, every system was thought through, engineered.”
Larry Holt: “You put all those building blocks together, you come out with a car that you know is going to be competitive in that space.”
Mark Rushbrook: “It’s not just strong in one area. It’s an all around athlete.”
Omar Oden: “I mean, this product is a technological tour de force.”
Larry Holt: “People will be just massively surprised and blown away by what Ford actually went and did there.”
Greg Goodall: “Mustang GTD is coming. This is a halo for the entire company.”
Mark Rushbrook: “There’s something special about this car. It’s not just taking it to the next level. It’s taking it up several levels.”
Jim Baumbick: “This was the Mustang that we always dreamed about building. There’s a lot of brands that compete for a special small group of people, but the Mustang is for everyone.”
Jim Farley: “I always promised myself that I would push my team to do things that were unnatural in the name of producing something that’s really special. That’s why I care so deeply about this car because it’s been in my head for five decades. I want to see Porsche, I want to see Aston Martin, I want to see Mercedes sweat.”
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