Fernelius Blog

Vehicle Battery Maintenance 101

Technology makes the world go 'round - and it keeps today's cars operational. That's why it's imperative to ensure your vehicle battery is in tip-top shape. It doesn't matter if you're running a DOHC aluminum V-10 or EcoBoost I4 engine in a Mustang, a turbocharged GTDI EcoBoost in a Fiesta, an I4 GTDI DOHC turbocharged VCT engine in a Ford Escape, or a completely different make and model.

At Fernelius Ford in Cheboygan, MI, we know exactly what kind of battery you need and how best to keep it maintained. Most batteries will last for about five years, but that's highly dependent on conditions and how often you drive. Think it might be time to switch out your car battery? Look for these signs of aging:

• Audible slow crank when you attempt to start your engine
• A lit check engine/battery light
• A strange odor, similar to that of rotten eggs

If you recognize any of these signs or have other reasons to be concerned about your battery, visit Fernelius Ford for a complimentary computerized battery test. If a replacement is needed, you can rest assured that every Motorcraft® battery we install features the latest technologies in design and engineering; this provides dependable power to today's high‐technology vehicles across a wide range of conditions.

Other benefits of Fernelius Ford battery installation include:

• Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts
• Full‐service maintenance and repair facility
• Parts and labor warranties
• Clean, comfortable waiting areas with free Wi-Fi
• Shuttle service to and from your home
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Call 877-495-1022 with any questions or concerns, submit your query online or schedule your complimentary battery test today. At Fernelius Ford, we know all about the battery needs of your specific vehicle and will help guide you through the process of getting a test and possible replacement. 

Preparing Your Vehicle for An Accident 

Every driver knows that the best time to talk about a collision is before it happens. At Fernelius Ford in Cheboygan, we know when our customers buy a Ford, they want to keep it a Ford. That's why our team works hard to keep Ford owners ready for the worst, just in case. We recommend taking these four steps before you get behind the wheel:

1. Print a Collision Guide and keep it in your glove compartment. It has all the information you'll need to collect if you're ever in an accident.
2. If original parts aren't included in your policy, talk to your agent about getting original parts coverage. 
3. Make sure you have our dealership body shop contact information.
4. Take extra precautions when seasons or driving habits change.

You should also review these steps so you know exactly what to do if the time comes:

1. Make sure everyone involved is OK, then call 911.
2. Collect information using the Collision Guide.
3. Arrange for a tow if needed.
4. Contact our expert collision service technicians. (You don't have to go to the shop your insurance company recommends.)
5. Review the estimate and ensure original parts are listed as replacements. 
6. Sign only when you are comfortable with the estimate.
7. Remember, the only way to keep your vehicle a Ford is to use original Ford Collision replacement parts for repairs. At Fernelius Ford, it doesn't matter if you're running a DOHC aluminum V-10 or EcoBoost I4 engine in a Mustang, a turbocharged GTDI EcoBoost in a Fiesta, an I4 GTDI DOHC turbocharged VCT engine in a Ford Escape, or a completely different make and model - the Fernelius Body Shop and Collision Center has you covered. We handle jobs big and small, and we are certified to do aluminum bodywork. All major insurance companies are accepted; we'll even help you communicate and coordinate with your carrier.

No one wants to get into an accident, but as the saying goes: hope for the best but expect the worst. Preparation is never time wasted. View more information about Fernelius Ford and being prepared for an accident at ferneliusford.com.

How to Research Your Next Vehicle

Ready to get behind a new set of wheels or just considering an upgrade and need more information? As every car owner knows, purchasing a new vehicle can sometimes be a rather daunting process, but Fernelius Ford in Cheboygan offers a way to make it as simple, seamless and enjoyable as possible. 

Our easy-to-navigate, online Research Models feature allows drivers to view various vehicles and conduct all the research they need before deciding.

To access the feature, follow these three simple steps:

1. Visit ferneliusford.com.
2. Click on "New Inventory."
3. On the left-hand side, under "Ford Model Research," click on "Research Models."

From there, you can filter vehicles by price, MPG and horsepower. You'll find every new Ford car, truck, and SUV in our inventory. If you're searching for something specific - such as a DOHC aluminum V-10 or EcoBoost I4 engine in a Mustang, a turbocharged GTDI EcoBoost in a Fiesta or a I4 GTDI DOHC turbocharged VCT engine in a Ford Escape - or are simply interested in researching vehicles within a certain price range, our Research Models tool is sure to help you narrow down the possibilities.

Once you've narrowed down the specific vehicles you're interested in, you'll see a gallery of photos, a video, as well as basic information such as fuel economy, exterior color, interior color, and body type. The description will also list highlighted features, detailed specifications, dealer notes, and Kelley Blue Book consumer reviews.

After you've decided which vehicles you're interested in, we have all the next steps you'll need to take on our website! You can easily schedule a test drive, value your trade and get pre-approved online.

Get started at ferneliusford.com today, visit our showroom Monday through Saturday on North Straits Highway in Cheboygan, or call 844-327-8314 to speak to a team member about your next vehicle. 

Fernelius Collision Center Helps Relieve the Stress of an Accident

Did you know there are more than 26,000 car accidents every single day? The team at Fernelius Collision Center and Body Shop in Cheboygan understand just how stressful a collision can be, that's why they offer to do all the work for you.

Regardless of your type of vehicle: an SUV, sports car, pick-up truck, or van in any make or model - the Fernelius Collision Center has you covered.

Our expert team offers expertise and excellent customer service and they handle jobs big and small. All major insurance companies are accepted, and Fernelius Collision Center will communicate and coordinate the repairs with your insurance carrier.

Customers are always treated like family, so every crew member is committed to doing what it takes to make your experience as stress and hassle-free as possible.

Highlights of the hassle-free Fernelius Collision Center experience includes:

• Free estimates
• Walk-ins welcome
• On-site rentals and door-to-door service
• Ford-certified aluminum repair
• Certification in ASE, ATEG, and the State of Michigan
• Uni-body, and full-frame repair
• All insurance carriers accepted
• Equipment offered includes blow-therm prep, spray booths, and the Axalta paint mixing system

Remember, your vehicle means your choice. Don't let your insurance company dictate where your car, truck, or SUV is repaired. Choose Fernelius and become a member of our family! View more information at ferneliusford.com, or call 231-627-9966.

Our team has a downloadable collision guide that you can print and keep in your glove compartment. It will help you be prepared with all the information you'll need to collect in case you're ever in an accident.

Ford Escape vs Ford F-150: Which is Right for Your Family?

Ford vehicles are legendary, and none are necessarily better than others, but a certain model might be the better choice for you and your family. When choosing a Ford, it's important to consider who will be driving the vehicle, where it will most often travel to and be used for, and what kinds of features will be required for certain activities.

A common dilemma for both new Ford and current Ford owners alike is: Should I get an Escape or an F-150? The team at Fernelius Ford in Cheboygan has laid out the highlights of both, so you can consider your options and make an informed decision:

The 2020 Ford Escape offers several great features to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. These include simple music searches, capacitive touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, and climate control. The Escape also comes equipped with SYNC 3 to bring you the power of Apple CarPlay™ 160 and Android Auto™ compatibility. It starts at $27,105 and seats five.

The 2020 Ford F-150 XL, on the other hand, boasts a 3.3L Ti-VCT V5 engine that delivers responsive performance with 290 horsepower. It also features a two-bar-style black grille with black nostrils and black surround, as well as a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist. It starts at $28,495 and seats six.

Looking for a cozy, climate-controlled vehicle to transport your kids to and from activities on cold winter days? Then the Escape might be your best bet. If you need something with a lot of power so you and the family can pull the camper around on weekend getaways: then the F-150 sounds like the ideal choice.

Regardless of what you decide is best for you: the Escape, F-150, or something completely different, you will find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle at the Fernelius showroom. Our entire team strives to give every customer the ultimate guest experience. Learn more at ferneliusford.com or by calling 844-327-8314.

The New 2020 F-150 XLT

New year, new truck. If you're in the market for a new Ford truck but haven't heard all about the 2020 F-150 XLT, read on. Both aesthetically pleasing and powerful, this popular new truck is stylish and functional, plus various models can pull between 5,000 and 8,000 pounds.

Family-owned-and-operated Fernelius Ford has several new F-150 XLTs in its inventory. The automatic, 4WD F-150 XLT seats six and will get you 18 mpg/city and 23 mpg/hwy.

Here are a few of the truck's key features:

·       Grille - Chrome Two-Bar Style with Chrome Nostrils, Black Surround and Black Background Mesh. Chrome bumpers and black side mirrors with skull caps also come standard.

·       3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Engine. The 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 delivers responsive performance with 290 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. The twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) opens and closes the valves in precise duration to suit operating conditions; power output is optimized at every point across the performance brand. The 3.3L also has the Ford port-fuel and direct-injection (PFDI) system with two injectors per cylinder - one is mounted in the air intake port and the other is inside the cylinder. The six-speed automatic transmission has three selectable modes to suit every driving condition: normal, tow/haul and sport. 

·       17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels. The XLT's 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels are standard; they're included in the XL Chrome Appearance Package as well as the XL Sport Appearance Package.

Ready for a test-drive? Head over to Fernelius Ford to view the 2020 Ford F-150 XLT's quality, craftsmanship and toughness for yourself. From the moment you walk into the showroom, you'll know Fernelius's commitment to customer service is second to none. Each member of the team will strive to make your Ford experience a good one, for the life of your vehicle.

Fernelius Ford Now Open in Cheboygan

Have you heard? The Fernelius family has expanded to include a new Ford dealership in Cheboygan. During the grand opening on December 12, 2019, attendees were treated to a tour of the new facility, which features an open-concept layout, spacious showroom, as well as a comfy-yet-sleek waiting area. There's also a new service area and car-delivery bay, which were designed for customers' comfort and convenience.

If you missed the grand opening, don't hesitate to stop by and ask for a tour of your own. Family-owned-and-operated Fernelius Ford serves Alpena, Indian River, Petoskey, Mackinaw City, Onaway, St. Ignace, Rogers City, and beyond.

Our dealership offers a wide selection of new Ford models and has something for everyone, whether you need a family vehicle or are looking for a turbocharged automobile. Come in to view the Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Ford Fiesta, Ford Super Duty Truck, Ford Taurus or Ford Transit.

From the moment you walk into the showroom, you'll know Fernelius's commitment to customer service is second to none. Each member of the team strives to make every guest's experience with Fernelius Ford a good one, for the life of your vehicle.

Fernelius Ford technicians are proficient with all Ford engines, from the DOHC aluminum V-10 and EcoBoost I4 engines in Mustangs and the turbocharged GTDI EcoBoost in the Fiesta, to the I4 GTDI DOHC turbocharged VCT engine in the Ford Escape, so no matter what your vehicle needs are, Fernelius has you covered.

Check out Fernelius Ford's online inventory to find your next vehicle today. Don't see exactly what you're looking for? Simply fill out this form and a member of the Fernelius family will contact you when a new vehicle arrival matches your search. You can also head over to Fernelius Ford on N Straits Hwy. or call 844-327-8314 to speak with someone directly.  

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