Gas isn’t as expensive as it used to be, but it still pays to squeeze the best mileage out of your vehicle. The following tips are designed to give your vehicle quite a boost when it comes to fuel efficiency. In fact, these tips can help you improve your gas mileage by 10% or more, depending on your vehicle and overall driving conditions.

Practice Gentle Starts and Stops

You might not put the pedal to the metal every time you take off from a stoplight, but you might tend to push that accelerator pedal just a bit harder than necessary. An aggressive launch might put you in the lead in the Stoplight-to-Stoplight Drag Race, but you’ll waste fuel while doing it. A gentle take-off not only boosts your gas mileage, but also save plenty of wear and tear on your vehicle.

The same applies when coming to a stop. Smooth deceleration is just as important as smooth acceleration, so try to take it easy on your brake pedal. You can do this by judging your stopping distances better and anticipating when the traffic light turns yellow. You’ll save more fuel plus you won’t wear out your brake pads as often.

Watch Your Speed

We all want to unleash our inner speed demon on the highway but pushing your car to the speed limit and beyond can quickly turn into a game of diminishing returns. Most gasoline-powered cars achieve their optimal gas mileage at 55 mph, according to recent data. Any faster and your fuel economy quickly plummets.

Adhering to local speed limits can help you save fuel, in most cases. When it comes to interstate driving, however, setting your cruise control somewhere in the 55-to-65 mph range will help you burn less fuel on those long drives.

Avoid Unnecessary Weight

Unless it’s moving day and you’re trying to stuff as much in your car as possible, then chances are you don’t need to keep all that stuff in your vehicle. Nevertheless, we often carry more stuff in our vehicle than we need to bring. The added weight places extra strain on your engine, which in turn causes your vehicle to burn more fuel.

Shed some dead weight if you want your vehicle to perform better fuel-wise but be careful not to toss out anything that you might need an emergency, such as your spare tire or vehicle jack.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Did you know that your gas mileage can take a 0.2% hit for every 1-psi drop in tire pressure? Under inflated tires create extra rolling resistance your vehicle must overcome, which it does so by burning more fuel. Check your tires often and make sure they’re inflated at the pressures recommended by the manufacturer. You’ll find that info on the placard nestled in the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual.

But don’t try to over inflate your tires in search of better gas mileage. Not only are the fuel economy gains extremely negligible, but you’ll also end up with a harsher ride, additional tire wear and a greater risk of a blowout.

Stick to Your Vehicle’s Recommended Fluids and Fuel

Whether your vehicle calls for regular or premium unleaded, it’s a good idea to stick with what the manufacturer calls for. Using regular unleaded in lieu of premium, for example, might help you save a few cents per gallon at the pump, but you gas mileage will most likely suffer for it.

Modern engines that require premium unleaded can change their timing to compensate, usually at the expense of fuel economy. Older engines may suffer from pinging and detonation that kills fuel efficiency while also doing some potentially serious damage to your engine.

The same goes for your engine oil. Always use the specific type of oil recommended for your vehicle. Using engine oil of a heavier weight than recommended (such as using 10w30 in place of 5w30) simply exposes your engine’s moving parts to additional friction, making engine work harder and burn more fuel in a process.

Don’t Idle So Much

You might not realize it but idling for long periods of time can just as easily destroy your gas mileage as any of the other bad habits mentioned so far. Your engine uses anywhere from a 1/2-gallon to roughly a gallon of fuel for every hour it operates at idle. That’s a lot of fuel you could put to better use on the open road.

Fortunately, most modern vehicles now come with start/stop technology that automatically shuts off the engine when stopped for brief periods. If you have an older vehicle, consider shutting it off if you’ll be sitting still for a while.

Invest in Regular Maintenance

Good maintenance is always the key to good gas mileage. Ignoring the need for regularly scheduled service and tune-ups will always drag down your vehicle’s fuel economy, not to mention the impact lax maintenance has elsewhere. A dirty air filter, filthy engine oil and/or worn spark plugs can all contribute to your car’s declining fuel economy in one way or another.

You should always have your vehicle serviced according to the schedule recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual. Your owner’s manual will also tell you exactly what parts need replacement on a regular basis and how often it should take place. Common parts like oxygen sensors and spark plugs are also crucial for emissions performance, so keep that in mind during your next service.

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With so many Ford models to choose from, how do you choose the best one for your family? Just think who your loved ones are and what they like to do around Red Wing, MN. Then take a look at our suggestions.

For the Starter Family: 2020 EcoSport

If you’re starting your family with just the two of you, or have a young child, you want something that’s easy on the budget. The 2020 Ford EcoSport is the manufacturer’s most affordable offering. This compact SUV also saves you money at the fuel pump with an EPA-estimated 29 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG in the city.

You’ll get plenty of safety features, such as a Rear-View Camera and the Blind Spot Information System, which tells you when another vehicle has entered your blind zone. And it doesn’t skimp on comfort with room for five until you fold down the 60/40-split rear seatback. Then, you get 50 cubic feet of cargo volume. The car also satisfies your high-tech needs with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 10 speakers.

Executive Leanings: 2020 Ford Fusion

Now that you’ve been promoted to the executive suite, you want to take your family to office functions in a sedan that impresses with a mature outlook. The 2020 Ford Fusion updates your lifestyle while going easy on the environment with up to 43 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway from the hybrid option.

Find your away around using the available voice-activated touchscreen Navigation System. By using the Ford+Alexa app, you can continuing speaking commands to get traffic information, control supported smart devices at home, or manage options on the available SYNC® 3 infotainment system.

You and your loved ones can relax on the spacious seats that keep everyone cozy with available built-in heating and cooling. On cold winter days, you’ll the warmth of the available heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. On fair-weather days, open up the available Power Moonroof to bring fresh air and sunshine into the cabin.

For Large Families: 2020 Ford Expedition

Does your large family like to take vacations together? Then the 2020 Ford Expedition keeps everybody in one vehicle. The largest SUV from the manufacturer seats up to eight people on three rows with those in the last row getting power reclines. When you fold down back rows in the MAX versions, you get up to 121.5 cubic feet for carrying school projects or garage sale treasures.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost® generates up to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. With the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, towing power approaches 9,300 pounds, which is more than enough to pull your favorite trailer or water toys.

Your road trips are protected by Ford Co-Pilot360™, a suite of driver-assist technologies. They include Pre-Collision Assist that warns when you’re about to hit a car or pedestrian in front of you. If you don’t take appropriate action, Automatic Emergency Braking can stop your vehicle to prevent an accident. The Lane-Keeping System alerts you if you drift across the highway. And Adaptive Cruise Control puts you at a safe distance from other vehicles by automatically adjusting your speed.

For the Adventurous: 2021 Ford Bronco

If your family’s idea of weekend fun is exploring nature on off-road excursions, then the 2021 Ford Bronco encourages that sense of adventure. This four-wheeled voyager is available in multiple trims to fit your needs. Examples include the Base engages with the absolute essentials, the Black Diamond™ for riding the trails, and the First Edition for a fully-loaded return to the wild.

All these models share a 4×4 drive with either part-time selectable or automatic on-demand engagement. Engine choices include a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® with a seven-speed manual transmission or a 2.7-liter EcoBoost with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Options include a ground clearance of 11.6 inches to rise above obstacles and water-fording at up to 33.5 inches.

You can also define your drive experience with one of five standard drive modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery, and Sand. The Badlands trim adds Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawls while changing Sport to Baja. Activate Trail Control™ to automatically manage throttle and braking so you can concentrate on navigating over rough terrain.

What to Do Next

If you want to take a look at any of these Ford vehicles in person or want to see what else is available for family transportation, then bring all your loved ones to House Ford. Our friendly sales agents will be happy to take answer your questions while taking you and yours for a test drive.

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For many, the off-roading is a right of passage. At House Ford in Red Wing, MN, we are honored to sell some of the best Ford vehicles to tackle the terrain. Many quality Ford vehicles are available to help quench your thirst for life off the beaten path. Let’s take a look at some of these exciting Ford vehicles that are available for sale in your neighborhood.

The 2021 Ford Ranger

Nothing makes its presence known quite like the Ford Ranger- and its slogan, Built Ford Tough, certainly holds true. With the Ranger, it all begins with a meticulously designed steel frame and mounted bumpers. This world-class design helps drivers have enhanced confidence in even the most difficult paths. The turbocharged gas engine provides impressive horsepower for a mid-size vehicle and all you’ll need to navigate with confidence. Take a look at other available off-roading features the Ranger offers:

• Tremor Off-Road Package- The available tremor off-road package is your perfect complement for off-roading. It includes magnetic alloy-wheels, enhanced suspension, and an impressive front grille. The Terrain Management System gives drivers four different drive modes to help conquer various roadways with normal, grass/gravel/snow, mud, and sand.

• Off-Road Clearance- The angles for departure make the Ranger ready to handle the steepest elevations and maneuver obstacles with ease. Ground clearance ranges between 8.9-9.7 inches depending if you have the off-road package. This capability allows easier handling with uneven ground and a more comfortable ride.

• Customizable Cargo Ability- When you’re going on an adventure, you’ll need the ability to put store your cargo in the right place. You’ll have the option to give your Ranger the touch it needs with racks to place kayaks, mountain bikes, and much more. A sturdy cargo bed can help ensure you can load up anything without worrying about damage to your vehicle.

The 2021 Ford Bronco

If there’s any vehicle that has always proved to be built for adventure, it’s the Ford Bronco. Even when it was first introduced in the 60s, it was an exciting time for drivers because they knew a revolutionary vehicle was born. The Bronco has different models for off-roaders, depending on your passions.

• Base Model- The true original is the Ford Bronco base model, with the 4X4 standard and Part-Time Selectable Engagement to manipulate the torque. This allows drivers to control deeper sand and pull heavy loads as necessary. There are removable doors and a top that give the outdoors’ thrill, along with a seven-speed manual transmission.

• Big Bend- You can ramp up the Base model’s convenience features while still providing all your necessary off-roading needs. These add-ons include heated-seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and remote start access.

• Black Diamond- This Bronco model has more to bring off-roading to an entirely new level with a rugged front bumper and bash plates to protect the undercarriage while moving about more challenging terrain. There are also rubber floor mats that are washable to make clean-up a breeze.

• Outer Banks- If you’re looking to do your off-roading with a little bit of style, the Outer Banks model is for you. It has distinguishable LED headlights and taillamps, aluminum alloy wheels, and an available 12-inch touchscreen.

• Badlands- Go even more extreme with the Badlands model with front and rear locking differentials to ascend and descend with power. Large all-terrain tires can help you effortlessly handle the slickest environments.

• Wildtrak- The ultimate offroad experience awaits with the Wildtrak model, with its Sasquatch Package that flexes muscles with 35-in tires and a turbocharged V-6 engine. This version of the Bronco is truly setting the standard among the most capable off-roading vehicles out there.

Come See Our Off-Road Vehicles Right Here At House Ford

House Ford is proud to sell some of the most advanced Ford vehicles ready to take on any terrain. No matter which one you choose, it’s hard to go wrong. The only tricky thing to do will be to decide which one you want to try. If you’re looking for more information on either the Ford Ranger or the Ford Bronco, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. We’d be glad to show you inside one of these exciting vehicles. Call today to set up an appointment with our sales team.

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May 21, 2021

You deserve more from your truck — you deserve the 2021 Ford F-150. From the moment you get behind the wheel, you gain the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your truck can go anywhere and handle anything. The model overview below gives you a detailed breakdown of the standout features available for the new Ford F-150.

2021 Ford F-150 Features and Specs
The new F-150 accelerates quickly and can hold its own in adverse driving conditions. If you need to quickly haul something large, this model is capable of towing 5100 lb. with the proper powertrain and equipment. Even with such a punchy powertrain, the F-150 remains remarkably poised, even in the trickiest of road conditions. This list includes other performance features you should be aware of:

-Auto Start-Stop Engine Technology

-Hill Start Assist

-Electronic 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

Enhance your time on the road by enjoying the many safety and infotainment features of the F-150. There’s also Ford Co-Pilot360™, a suite of driver-assistance features designed to keep you safe no matter what. Add in available convenience features and navigation, and you have one of the most complete in-cabin experiences on the market. For more information on standard and available technology features, see this list:

-8-inch center-stack touchscreen

-FordPass™ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot

-SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

Updated exterior styling is to be expected with new iterations of trucks, but you should see what Ford has done with the F-150’s interior. Ample storage is available throughout this model, from its cabin to its 96 cu. ft. bed. After you stop focusing on the enormity of the new F-150’s available space, you can start thinking about what passenger comfort options you want to equip. This pickup also offers the following in the way of design:

-Fully-Boxed, High-Strength Steel Frame

-High-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body

-Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting

Try a 2021 Ford F-150 in Red Wing, MN

The F-150 is just begging to be driven off the lot at House Ford. We feature this Truck and many more in our inventory of new Ford cars for sale in Red Wing, MN. Make sure you look at our new Ford specials and schedule a test drive now.

*MSRP: Starting price represents the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the XL trim. The MSRP does not include destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual prices are set by the dealer and may vary. Photo is for marketing and example purposes only. Photo may not reflect starting MSRP or trim level.\n**EPA-estimated MPG for City/Highway for 2021 Ford F-150 XL. Actual mileage will vary. Displayed MPG is based on applicable EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.

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