Replacing a battery is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Without the battery powering all of the electrical gizmos in your car it wouldn’t even start. In other words: no battery, no movement.

It’s easier than you may think to tell when your battery needs to be replaced. All you have to do is pay attention to your car. Here are a few signs that can tell you it’s time to replace your battery.

1. The sound when it starts.

When you start your car, you may notice a sound like choking or a slow chirp sound. This is the sound of a starter that’s unable to turn over quickly enough to create a spark. This is a telltale sign that a battery needs to be replaced.

2. The horn isn’t loud enough.

When you honk your horn, you should be able to hear it in your vehicle. If the battery’s a little weak or needs to be replaced, you may notice the horn growing lower and quieter. The headlights might also be dimmer than usual.

If any of this happens, pay a visit to the service center at Formula Ford Lincoln in Rutland, VT. We’d be happy to help you determine if your battery needs to be replaced. We can then do the job and replace it, if necessary.

Tags: car battery service, service, service center
Posted in Service | No Comments »

Are you on the hunt for a midsize sedan? Well, if so, we here at Formula Ford Lincoln have a sneaking suspicion you’d find a great deal to appreciate about ours, the 2017 Fusion.

“Such as what?” you wonder.

AutoGuide.com Managing Editor Jodi Lai is here to shed some light on the issue; tag along with her in the clip below:

The Fusion’s entry-level engine — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder — is, simply put, superb.

Matching with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the base four-cylinder makes a hearty 175 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.

Also of note is this engine’s fuel economy, as it’s expected to return 25 mpg combined (21 city/32 highway).

If you’d like to learn more about this dapper four-door, or wish to get behind the wheel of one, we encourage you to drop by our Rutland, VT dealership. Our automotive experts are ready to answer your every question about the Fusion, or any other Ford model within the present portfolio.

Tags: 2017, AWD, Fusion, New Ford Models, Sedan, SYNC
Posted in Fleet, News, Video | No Comments »

Check out my latest @carsdotcom TV spot just in time for National Child Passenger Safety Week: https://t.co/J2zzAl6GDJ@NHTSAgov @safekids

— Matt Schmitz (@MattAtHomeServe) September 14, 2017

New parents in the Rutland area often visit our dealership looking for a family-friendly Ford SUV. They want something with a lot of space, that is capable enough for winter driving, and won’t break the bank… but most of all, they want a vehicle that is going to be safe.

The car you drive is only part of the equation, however. During September 17 through 23—Child Passenger Safety Week—various organizations will be running campaigns to increase awareness of safety measures many parents forget.

Top tether

According to Safe Kids Worlwide, as many as 64 percent of forward-facing child seats are installed without the top tether anchor. Without it, the car seat can tip forward in a crash, causing serious injury.

Using the right seat for your child’s size

Make sure the car seat you choose is rated for your child’s weight and height, and keep your child in a rear-facing seat until they outgrow it.

Booster seats

Older children who outgrow their forward-facing seats may be most at risk. Parents may think they’re ready to ride using the vehicle’s safety belts alone, and “tweens” may have an ego about using “kid seats”—however, seat belts are designed for adult-sized passengers, and kids up to 13 years old may need a booster seat to be secured correctly.

Tags: family, safety
Posted in News | No Comments »

Friday, 11 August, 2017

There’s a new F-150 Raptor coming soon and we here at Formula Ford Lincoln are practically on the edge of our seats with anticipation for it! That said, we’re a little envious of the guys at The Fast Lane for being able to test drive one early, but we can’t be too upset since they give us some details on updates the 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor offers. From additional exterior color options to a new Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, you can expect this Raptor to be the best one yet.

While we wait for more details, we welcome one and all to come out to see us here at our Rutland, VT dealership today! With so many cars, crossovers, SUVs, and trucks to explore in our lineup of current new Ford models, your dream vehicle could be just around the corner. Drop by and discover driving bliss!

Tags: 2018, f-150, features, new ford, raptor, youtube
Posted in New Inventory, Video | No Comments »

Thursday, 10 August, 2017

If you’re seeking a sports car for your next daily driver, please allow your pals here at Formula Ford Lincoln to offer a word of advice:

Give ours — the 2017 Mustang — a try. This is one vehicle that’s sure to tick just about every box on your short list.

Wondering what those boxes are? Then, join carwow critic Mat Watson in the clip below. He’s here to explain it all:

While not quite as muscular as the top-tier trims, the base Mustang is nevertheless an animal.

Motivated by a 3.7-liter V6, the entry-level iteration produces a peppy 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

And while it’s all a matter of personal taste, we tend to prefer the manual option as it provides a truly dialed-in driving experience.

To learn more about this dazzling dynamo, or to take one for a spin, we suggest you set a course for our Rutland, VT location. Our automotive aces are on hand to address your every query about the Mustang, or any other Ford model within the current lineup.

Categories: Video, News, Fleet

Tags: New Ford Models, SYNC, Convertible, Coupe, Mustang, 2017

Tags: 2017, Convertible, Coupe, Mustang, New Ford Models, SYNC
Posted in Fleet, News, Video | No Comments »

Here’s to making new friends this weekend! Happy Friday! #Ford #Fiesta pic.twitter.com/gSZ58RypFq

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) March 24, 2017

Recent college grads occupy a unique position in the car buying community — they often have a new job and enough money to consider a new car. But they can’t afford a fully loaded luxury machine. The challenge is to find a vehicle that balances affordability with comfort and performance.

We recommend the 2017 Ford Fiesta. This compact strikes the affordability/comfort/performance balance brilliantly. Here are a few of the reasons the 2017 Fiesta is a favorite for many recent grads:

Efficiency

All engine options for the 2017 Fiesta offer great efficiency to keep you and your wallet away from gas stations. For the best gas mileage, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine can get up to 41 mpg highway. Even the 197-horsepower engine in the performance-focused Fiesta ST can achieve 33 mpg highway.

Convenience

It may not be the largest car, but the Fiesta Hatchback uses the space it has efficiently. Whether you’re moving out of a dorm or into an urban apartment, the Fiesta hatchback has the space you need. Pop the hatch, fold down the seats, throw in your boxes or luggage, and be on your way.

Amenities

Just because it’s a compact doesn’t mean the 2017 Fiesta lacks comfort. Available heated leather seats will keep you comfortable during cold weather. Ford’s new Sync 3 system gives control and access to a variety of features like hands-free calling and navigation. Available audio from Sony will make it seem like you’re sitting in the room with your favorite podcast.

Value

You’ll get a lot of car for the money with a 2017 Fiesta. Both the Fiesta sedan and Fiesta hatchback start at just under $14,000. That’s less than either Honda Fit or Chevrolet Sonic.

Tags: new inventory
Posted in New Inventory | No Comments »