Jan 29

Tips For Driving In Wet Conditions

Wet Conditions

Driving when the weather is rainy can be stressful. However, there’s no reason to fear soggy or slick conditions as long as you exercise caution behind the wheel and remember to practice these safe driving habits. 

Slow Down & Leave Room

It’s never a good idea to speed or drive too close to the car in front of you. This can be especially hazardous on slippery pavement. When the roads are wet, make sure to drive the speed limit, observe a safe following distance behind other vehicles, and give yourself plenty of room to stop.   

Don’t Slam The Brakes

If you start skidding while driving in the rain, your first impulse might be to stomp on the brake pedal. Resist this urge. Instead, gently pump the brakes and concentrate on retaining control of your vehicle until you are able to stop or steer out of the skid.

Avoid Cruise Control

Cruise control can be a great way to improve your driving experience on the highway. However, using this technology when roads are wet can affect your vehicle’s traction and increase your risk of hydroplaning or skidding. Turn off cruise control in slick conditions so you can maintain complete control of your vehicle.

Make sure to follow these tips to stay as safe as possible during rough driving conditions and reach out to us at Nick Nicholas Ford if you have any additional questions!

Dec 14

New Year Means New Ford Models

Ford Ranger

 

It’s a new year, and that means Ford is getting ready to launch some exciting new models in the near future. At Nick Nicholas Ford, here’s what we’re looking forward to in Ford’s 2020 lineup.

2020 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape will be all new for the 2020 model year. This compact SUV will get slightly larger and will be built on a completely new platform to create a smoother, more modern performance.

2020 Ford Explorer

The next generation of the Ford Explorer should debut sometime in 2019. The three-row SUV is expected to be larger and more spacious than before, and it will come in both rear- and all-wheel drive.

2020 Ford F-150

Some big changes are on the horizon for America’s favorite pickup truck. In 2019, the first-ever Ford F-150 Hybrid pickup truck will debut in the Ford 2020 lineup. That’s just one of the many updates that we’re expecting to see for the 2020 Ford F-150, which will undergo a complete redesign for the new model year.

2020 Ford Bronco

Next year, the Ford Bronco will return after being off the market since 1996. This off-road-ready SUV will be based on the Ford Ranger mid-size truck.

Nov 12

The Customizable, Capable 2019 Ford Ranger Is Coming Soon

2019 Ford Ranger The all-new 2019 Ford Ranger is coming soon to Nick Nicholas Ford, and here’s a look at some of the features you can expect from this exciting pickup.

The Ranger aims to dominate the mid-size truck segment with class-leading payload and towing capacities. Featuring a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds, the Ranger can tackle any home project. A maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds ensures that the Ranger can tow everything from small trailers to boats.

Trailer Sway Control and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking come standard on all Ford Ranger models. Higher trims include even more active safety technology, including a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Forward and rear sensing systems are available as well.

Eight color variations ensure that the 2019 Ranger boasts an eye-catching appearance. The available 501A equipment package includes a premium sound system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and remote start functionality. The available Technology Package includes advanced systems, like Adaptive Cruise Control and Navigation.

Additional packages, like the Chrome and Sport Appearance Packages, create a unique aesthetic. An FX4 Off-Road Package adds a Terrain Management System and Trailer Control to the capable truck. An additional Trailer Tow Package adds a spray-in bedliner, tray-style floor liners, and rectangular running boards.

Look for the 2019 Ford Ranger to start arriving at Nick Nicholas Ford and other dealerships early next year.

Oct 16

Fun Fall Events in Inverness

Fall events in Inverness

Fall is many people’s favorite time of year, as it ushers in cooler weather, beautiful fall foliage, and festive autumnal activities that the whole family can enjoy. This year in Inverness, take part in some local fall events for an experience that is sure to be fun and festive. Here are a few fall events in Inverness that we recommend here at Nick Nicholas Ford.

Cooter Festival is a three-day music festival that is entering its fourteenth year. The festival takes place Oct. 26-28 and will feature seven bands, two water shows, carnival activities, fireworks, and more.

Citrus Got Talent is a local talent show that allows residents of Citrus County to perform their entertaining talents at the Cooter Festival. The competition is divided by age group, with preliminaries taking place Oct.27 at 9:30 a.m. on the festival’s second stage.

This magnificent festival is Citrus County’s longest-running juried art show. Enjoy works in a variety of mediums, including oil painting, photography, and watercolors. The festival will take place Nov. 3-4 in the historic downtown section of Inverness.

On Nov. 10, head to the Farm City Festival in Inverness for a day celebrating local agriculture and food.

Sep 21

Ford Celebrates 10 Million Mustangs Built

10 Million Mustang

After the Ford Mustang was introduced in 1964, American automaking was never the same again. The Mustang appeared in an array of classic American films, making a splash with its sporty and sophisticated design and exhilarating performance. The beloved model turned 50 in 2014, and this August, it crossed another milestone: Ford has now produced 10 million Mustangs.

The new 2019 Mustang GT convertible model is a marvel to behold, and this August in Michigan, a Wimbledon White version of it was the 10-millionth Mustang ever built. To celebrate such a momentous occasion, Ford gathered together 60 Mustang owners and enthusiasts from all model years to spell out “10,000,000” in the parking lot of the Flat Rock Assembly plant. In addition, Ford had three P-51 Mustang fighter planes perform above.

To commemorate the occasion, Jim Farley, the president of global markets for Ford, said, “Mustang is the heart and soul of this company and a favorite around the world.” The 2019 Mustang continues the nameplate’s prestigious legacy and offers modern power, performance, and style to drivers around the world. The 2019 model year also offers a special-edition Mustang BULLITT version of the vehicle, which is a tribute to the 1968 Mustang featured in the film “Bullitt” and driven by the forever-cool Steve McQueen. Want to test-drive the new Mustang? Stop in for a visit at Nick Nicholas Ford and we’ll get you behind the wheel.

Aug 15

Ford Uses Fighter Jet Tech for New Focus Head-Up Display

2019 Ford Focus HUD

The 2019 Ford Focus introduces the fourth generation of this beloved vehicle platform. From front to back, the new Focus features state-of-the-art technologies, from its smart connectivity features to its advanced active safety and driver-assist equipment. Among the fun and innovative features on offer is the new Focus head-up display, which draws from fighter jet technology.

The Ford Focus’s new head-up display is unlike any other. A key feature is its ability to prevent or reduce glare. If you wear polarized sunglasses, many other head-up displays are rendered unreadable. Ford’s smart display system projects information onto the windshield and “bounces back” polarized light to make sure that the display is easily readable at all times, no matter your eyewear.

Polarized sunglasses are a popular choice for drivers because they reduce glare, which causes problems ranging from minor irritation to severe headaches. As Glen Goold, the chief program engineer of the Focus, stated, “Wearing polarized glasses can make a massive difference to visibility for drivers affected by glare, such as when stretches of water, snow or even tarmac reflect sunlight. The head-up display we are introducing for the all-new Focus offers one of the brightest screens, has among the largest fields of view, and will be clearly visible to all our customers.”

The 2019 Ford Focus will be available next year, and you’ll be able to test-drive it here at Nick Nicholas Ford.

Jul 12

Check Your Tires with the Penny Test

Tires Penny Test

 

If you and your family plan to hit the highway this summer, you’ll want to make sure your car’s tires are in tip-top shape before you head out on your road trip. There is a very simple test you can do to make sure your tires are not overly worn, and all you need is a penny!

Penny Test

  1. Grab a penny. If you don’t have one on hand, just lift the nearest couch cushion and pick one of the many coins hiding underneath with the stray potato chips and buttons.
  2. Take the penny out to your car to check your tires.
  3. Insert the penny in head-first.
  4. If Lincoln’s head is fully immersed in the tire tread, your tires are good to go.
  5. If you can see any part of the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are too worn for the road and it is time to invest in a new set.

If you check your tires with the penny test but still are not sure if they are safe for the road, call Nick Nicholas Ford today to make an appointment at our service center. Our friendly service technicians will be happy to answer your questions and help you to get your Ford vehicle into peak road-trip shape.

Jun 12

Local July Fourth Events in Inverness, FL

Independence Day

 

The Fourth of July is a holiday for celebrating America’s independence loudly and proudly. This year, gather your family, friends, and neighbors and come out to one of these events right here in Inverness.

Inverness Patriotic Evening 2018

On the evening of July 3, join the community in celebrating the stars and stripes at Liberty and Wallace Brooks parks. At 5 p.m., food trucks and Cone Beer vendors will be open and ready to satisfy your hunger and thirst. At 6:30 p.m., the opening ceremony will be hosted by the mayor, city council members, and the Nature Coast Young Marines. At 7 p.m., Rhythm Express will begin playing all your favorite funk and classic Motown tunes. Finally, at 9 p.m., a breathtaking fireworks display will take place over Lake Henderson.

Patriotic Rock the Park 2018

As a part of this year’s Patriotic Evening, Wallace Brooks Park will also be hosting the family-friendly and kid-centric Patriotic Rock the Park event. Starting at 6 p.m. on July 3, DJ Trae and Ryan Downs will be leading fun activities and playing plenty of hit tunes. Children can enjoy tug-of-war, free face painting, and more.  The opening ceremony starts at 6:45 p.m. and wraps up at 9 p.m. with the Lake Henderson fireworks show.

Happy Independence Day from everyone at Nick Nicholas Ford in Inverness, FL!

May 31

Join the Nick Nicholas Ford Fantasy Racing League 2018 for a Chance at $50,000

Fantasy Racing League

 

If you thought the racing season couldn’t get any more exciting, think again. Join us for the Nick Nicholas Ford Fantasy Racing League 2018 to compete against other stock car racing fans for a chance to win a $50,000 grand prize, along with plenty of weekly prizes. If you haven’t already, tell your friends and get ready for a whole new level of racing-season excitement!

 

Through November 18, we designate a race event to follow each week. After you have successfully registered to participate online, you can submit a Top 10 Finisher prediction for each week’s race. This submission must include your predictions for the top 10 finishers in their exact order.

 

Each week, you’ll receive three points for each predicted driver that finishes anywhere among the top 10 finishers and 10 points for each driver who finishes in the exact position that you predicted.

Prizes

Make sure you choose carefully each week, though, because the prize for correctly predicting all top 10 finishing drivers in their exact order for any given week is $50,000 cash. Even if you don’t nail your predictions on any given week, it’s still possible to win $500 for accumulating the most points over the length of the season.

Apr 22

Ford EcoSport Storm Could Become Raptor Performance Model

Ford EcoSport Storm

The Ford F-150 Raptor made waves in the pickup truck segment when it debuted, providing loyal fans of the Ford F-150 with a performance-based, off-road variant of the best-selling truck. Now, with news that the upcoming Ford Ranger is getting its own Raptor performance model, speculation is swirling that a Raptor variant could be in the works for a less likely nameplate in Ford’s lineup — the EcoSport. A sportier performance trim called the EcoSport Storm recently made its first appearance in Brazil, leading experts to theorize that a Ford EcoSport Raptor could be coming stateside

Ford EcoSport Storm

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence to surface is that the Ford EcoSport Storm’s front grille bears a suspicious resemblance to the grille of the F-150 Raptor. Other cool features appearing on the EcoSport Storm include 17-inch wheels, black and orange leather seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen to go with the updated SYNC 3 infotainment system.

The possibility of the U.S. Ford EcoSport getting a Raptor performance model is still up in the air. However, with the EcoSport’s Brazilian cousin getting a new, sportier trim and other Ford vehicles getting Raptor variants, we at Nick Nicholas Ford are hoping that this small crossover will get its turn in the spotlight.