Increase of Dealers to Sell Ford Electric Cars

The green revolution is sweeping nearly every industry, and the automotive industry is no exception. In an effort to reduce emissions and minimize drivers' carbon footprints, many automobile manufacturers began with gas/electric hybrid vehicles. Ford has its share of models – the C-Max Energi and the Fusion Energi, as well as an all-electric plug-in vehicle, the Ford Focus Electric.

Ford slowly introduced these products into the vehicle market and, thus, they were a bit difficult for drivers to get their hands on. In the near future, though, the number of Ford dealers selling these models will more than quadruple. Our local South New Jersey Ford dealers were among the first 67 to be certified to sell these models last April, along with only two other states: California and New York. But the dealerships in these three states did a great job of making hybrid and electric Ford models an important option for energy-concerned car buyers; soon, more than a third of the Ford dealers in the US will be selling plug-ins. That's more than 900 dealers, an increase of about 700 since last year.

Instead of these newly-certified dealerships being concentrated in the aforementioned three states, they'll be all across the country to mirror the demand. Plug-in dealerships feature at least two on-site charging stations so that buyers can experience how they work and see them in action. It's expected that there will be a growth in sales of these plug-in models throughout 2013, especially when considering how enticing the lease deals can be.

Maintain Your Car in the Jersey Winter

Despite what the calendar may say, taking a step outside will reassure you that the cold front in New Jersey is still in full swing. In a temperamental climate like this Northeastern one, it's important to make sure that your car is running, quite literally, like a well-oiled machine; in cold and snowy conditions, overlooking the smallest aspect of routine maintenance could be a huge safety hazard. Here are a few cold-weather auto tips:

First and foremost, it's important to check your antifreeze. Without enough antifreeze, you could be looking at some corrosion in your radiator, engine, or heater. You can have this tested at any auto service station or repair center, or you can buy a tester at an auto supply store for about $5. In any case, it's important to make sure you've got a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze in your radiator.

Then, of course, keep your tires in check. This is also good advice for anyone looking for new and used cars for sale in South New Jersey during the winter months – look at the tires! Tires that have been consistently rotated and that have a decent amount of tread on them are crucial for navigating the roads in wet or icy conditions. Without enough tread, you won't be able to get traction and you'll be much more likely to get into an accident.

Make sure that your windshield wipers are replaced regularly as well. Ice and snow take a toll on wipers, so you may need to do this more frequently in the winter. The last thing you want is to be unable to brush away snow and rain from your windshield, causing it to freeze and making it extremely difficult to see.

Aside from these three biggies, make sure that you're getting regular oil changes, cleaning your battery posts (no one wants to hear the dreaded sound of a failing starter in the midst of winter), and make sure your brakes are in good condition.