Stop on Red Week: Promoting Safety at Intersections
Intersection crashes are among the most dangerous traffic incidents, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities. National Stop on Red Week, held annually during the first week of August, aims to raise awareness and promote safe driving. This initiative serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of obeying traffic signals and highlights the devastating consequences of running red lights.
The History and Importance of Stop on Red Week
National Stop on Red Week was established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) in 1995 to educate the public about the severity of traffic collisions and the role of traffic signals in preventing accidents. The first stop sign appeared in Detroit in 1915, and by the late 1920s, the familiar red background and octagon shape were standardized to minimize confusion and ensure clear communication to drivers.
The statistics are alarming. In 2016 alone, 808 people were killed, and 137,000 were injured due to drivers running red lights. Between 2008 and 2021, an estimated 11,296 people lost their lives in crashes related to red-light running. These numbers underscore the critical need for initiatives like Stop on Red Week to remind drivers of their responsibility to follow traffic signals.
Why Stop on Red Week is Crucial
Traffic signals are not mere suggestions; they are vital control mechanisms that keep intersections safe. Stop on Red Week emphasizes its role in preventing accidents and saving lives by teaching the dangers of reckless driving. Ignoring red lights and stop signs can lead to catastrophic accidents, highlighting the importance of controlled speed and direction at intersections to make roads safer for everyone. While most drivers know basic traffic laws, their significance can sometimes be forgotten, making Stop on Red Week a crucial refresher that underscores why these rules exist and their life-saving impact.
Advanced Car Safety Features
Modern technology has brought forth a range of advanced safety features aimed at preventing accidents, particularly at intersections. Here’s a closer look at some of the most effective features related to automatic emergency braking:
- Blind Spot Detection: Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, helping prevent side-impact collisions.
- Forward Collision Warning: Monitors the road ahead and warns drivers of potential collisions, giving them time to react.
- Brake Assist: Boosts braking power during emergency stops, reducing stopping distances.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, now a standard feature in many new vehicles.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Helps drivers stay in their lane by providing corrective steering when needed.
These features work together to enhance safety and minimize the risk of accidents caused by human error.
Be Safe This August with New Safety Features
National Stop on Red Week is a crucial campaign that underscores the importance of following traffic signals and the dangers of reckless driving. This week-long initiative strives to decrease intersection-related accidents and save lives by promoting safe driving habits, raising public awareness, and encouraging the use of advanced vehicle safety features.
At Casa Ford, we are proud to offer Ford vehicles with some of the best safety features currently on the market. Independent of what type of vehicle you currently own or are looking for, our cars offer Pre-Collision Assist and Auto High-Beam Headlamps features in most new models. Trade in your outdated car today and upgrade to ensure your safety on the road this Stop on Red week!
Americans have been crazy for cars since the first horseless carriage was displayed. On Car Collector Appreciation Day this July 12th, we look at some of the most unique classic Ford trucks to date! Which ones are your favorites?
1956 Ford F-100
A wrap-around windshield with curved glass, a smooth rounded hood, and slanted A-pillars. A car with these features would look out of place today, but in 1956, Ford committed to their aesthetic, creating the later-named “Big Window” truck. Providing amazing panoramic views, the Ford F-100 was as unique as it was rare. Only 6,000 were ever made and most can often be found at shows around the US or at vintage meets, belonging to proud car collectors who are fans of bold and vintage car designs.
1966-1973 Ford Bronco
Since its first generation, the Bronco was engineered for the ride and was agile on the trail with great off-road prowess that rivaled many vehicles of the decade. In the early days of the Bronco, Ford offered several different body styles. While around 225,580 Broncos were built between 1966 and 1977, none was as unique as the U13 roadster. Only 5,000 Bronco U13 roadsters were ever made, with declining numbers making this a special rare find. Broncos are often heavily modified with cut fenders, so finding an intact vehicle is equally as rare as finding a remaining Bronco U13.
1975 Ford F-150
Evolved from the F-100 and to fill the middle-of-the-line needs of those who didn’t need something as powerful as the F-250, the 1975 Ford F-150 was perfect for 9-to-5 workers who still needed a pickup truck without all the towing power of the F-250. It was extremely successful, with a third of truck sales in 1975 being taken by F-150s, filling the needs of the everyday person for the next 40+ years. The F-150 had enough power for hauling with stylish chrome finishes, two-tone color options, and internal finishes that made it incredibly comfortable. While the 1975 F-150 trucks aren’t as difficult to find as our other two favorites, it still made its mark in American classic truck history.
From Car Collector Must-Haves to Contemporary Power
Ford has been one of the leading pickup truck automakers from the beginning, creating models that incorporate power, luxury, and design for drivers who work hard and play harder. As we celebrate car collectors this month with their exquisite taste, we look to Ford’s current offerings of trucks that make everyday life easier and are sure to win their places in the history books of the future.
At Casa Ford, we can help you find the new or pre-owned vehicle that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking at the new 2024 Ford F-150 or need a bit more power from a trim like the F-150 XLT, our team of experts is excited to help you find a Ford that fits your lifestyle from work to leisure. Visit our dealership for a test drive and take on the world in style with our powerful pickup trucks today!
Last month, Ford sold 8,966 EVs, 65% more than a year ago making it the company’s third-best monthly result ever. Promising sales in EVs show that the people want the future, and Ford is happy to provide by bringing innovation to automotive technology.
Smarter Cars, New Tech Investments
Ford has dedicated themselves to pushing the technology envelope. From renovating Michigan Central Station and transforming it into a cultural and technology hub to their bold predictions that level 3 autonomous cars are only a few years away. “We still have a lot of execution to do. I’d say we’re just a few years away from another vibrant period for the company and, as leaders, we see it before everyone else sees it.” Said Ford CEO Jim Farley.
In level 3 autonomy, the car can control its speed and steering in tandem while monitoring its surroundings – something that mainstream automakers in the United States haven’t achieved to this day. If Ford can make good on its ambitious vision, it could be the first major US automaker to lead the market in autonomous driving, surpassing its rivals in the latest proverbial tech race of electric vehicles and technology features.
Making EVs More Accessible
How do you change a market landscape? By making certain trends, features, and products more accessible – whether by visibility or price. Beyond dedicating Ford’s research power to technological features, CEO Jim Farley has also said that the company wants to make electric vehicles more affordable. Ford has every incentive to continue pushing EVs, with their sales figures skyrocketing in May 2024 compared to the year before. In its third-best month ever for electric sales, Ford is one of the leading domestic automakers for EVs despite recent remarks about slowing down all-electric vehicle production.
If electric vehicles can successfully balance affordability and performance, Ford may reverse their remarks on delaying all-electric EVs. However, the growing popularity of electric cars also depends on infrastructure support in North America. This means we could expect more hybrids and plug-in hybrids until nationwide technology adapts for the new age of automobiles.
Go Electric with Tech-loaded Ford Cars
Ford already has many great options for electric and hybrid cars such as the 2024 Escape Plug-in Hybrid or the all-electric 2024 Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, all packed with tech options like on-board navigation, park assist, evasive steering assist, and remote start. Join the high-tech Ford family today at Casa Ford and find electrifying deals on these revolutionary vehicles. Our team can help you find the right plug-in hybrid or EV that’s right for your needs!
What To Do When Your Engine Overheats
As we inch closer to the sweltering days of the summer, prepare for the El Paso temperatures to reach their zenith. June, the hottest month of the year in our region, has an average temperature of a scorching 96 degrees. Consequently, it’s time to take the necessary measures to protect both yourself and your automobile.
The experience of your car beginning to overheat can be quite unnerving, with the potential consequences equally distressing. An overheated engine can inflict serious damage on your car. Moreover, it can abruptly leave you stranded amidst nowhere with the mercury level soaring to triple digits. Today, at Casa Ford, we delve into the tell-tale signs of overheating and the steps you should adhere to in case your engine overheats.
Watch for the Signs
Your engine typically relays information through unusual sounds to indicate the need for maintenance. Similarly, it generally gives a warning before it starts overheating. Four indicators that your engine is on verge of overheating include:
1. Smoke-like steam escaping from under the hood.
2. An unusually sweet odor coming from the engine.
3. Engine temperature gauge needle rapidly moving towards the red.
4. Flashing of the “Check Engine” light or any similar indicator.
Steps to Follow When Your Engine Overheats
- Switch Off the Air Conditioner and Crank Up the Heat
Though it seems wildly counterintuitive, this is the first step you should immediately take once you suspect the engine is overheating. Switching off the air conditioner alleviates stress on the engine, while increasing the heat in the cabin diverts the heat away from the engine.
- Keep Calm, Spot a Safe Place to Pull Over, & Turn the Engine Off
When living in such a sudden, unsettling moment, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm. Your new Mustang is not on the verge of an imminent explosion; succumbing to panic increases your chances of committing a blunder leading to permanent damage. Gradually continue driving until you find a safe place to pull over. Once stopped, turn off the engine and monitor the temperature gauge, which should start reverting to normal as the engine cools down.
- Decide on Your Plan of Action
This scenario highlights the importance of charging your phone before setting off on any drive. Your car requires immediate attention from a nearby garage – ideally our award-winning Service Department, though it depends on your location. Call your preferred roadside assistance provider and have your vehicle towed, if necessary. If your engine has cooled and you think you will be able to drive to the nearest mechanic, cautiously restart the engine and continue driving. Keep monitoring the temperature gauge. If it starts rising again, pull over and let the system cool down again.
Give Your Engine the Care of Casa Ford
Though you now have the necessary knowledge to deal with these volatile situations, the question remains of what caused the overheating. There could be multiple reasons why your vehicle overheated; a coolant system leak, defective water pump, or low engine oil level could all be potential culprits.
To maintain your engine’s wellbeing, schedule your service appointment at Casa Ford. Our highly skilled technicians will identify the issue with your engine and provide oil changes, brake and battery inspections, and anything else your vehicle requires. Despite the high temperatures outside, we always stay cool and collected here at Casa Ford.
Five Ford Innovations That Changed the Game
Henry Ford didn’t invent the automobile. If you’ve ever participated in pub trivia or looked beneath a Snapple cap, you probably know this. What Henry Ford did do was mold our modern conception of what an automobile could and should be.
As the Industrial Revolution faded and left us with a new world to experiment with, the Ford Motor Company helped pave the road ahead with game-changing inventions and innovations. From establishing contemporary practices of mass production and employee benefits to introducing safe-driving features such as blind spot technology, Ford has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge thinking.
Today, Casa Ford takes a closer look at five of the most consequential ways Ford has changed the landscape of the auto industry.
Moving Assembly Line & Mass Production
Automobile manufacturing would never be the same following Ford’s implementation of the moving assembly line. By using a conveyor belt, Ford assembly plants efficiently moved the product to the worker, rather than employees scramble around facilities. After much trial and error, the process was perfected at the Highland Park assembly plant in 1913. Soon, new Ford automobiles were being fully assembled in just 90 minutes.
In addition, Ford introduced standardization, which reduced production costs and increased efficiency by utilizing standardized parts that could be shared across different models.
Model T
The original automotive game-changer for consumers, the Ford Model T was mass produced from 1908 to 1927. In that span, it established itself as the first mass-affordable automobile, resulting in car travel becoming available to middle-class America. Thanks to savings stemming from mass production and standardization, the average price of the Model T dropped from $780 in 1910 to $290 in 1924 – a truly staggering number, especially when adjusted for inflation.
Thanks to the moving assembly line and its interchangeable parts, the Model T (also known as “the Tin Lizzie”) became the most ubiquitous vehicle in the world by an absurd margin. By the early 1920s, more than half of registered automobiles throughout the world were Fords, with over 15 million Model T’s built and sold during that span.
$5 Wage / 5-Day Workweek
When Henry Ford proposed in 1914 that all Ford employees be compensated at five dollars per workday, it sent a shockwave through the working community – and for good reason. Five dollars per day translates to $153 per day by today’s standards, after adjusting for inflation. That’s good for $19 an hour, well above the stagnant federal minimum wage of $7.25.
Then, in 1926, Ford introduced another now-standard workplace practice with the five-day workweek. Though it was driven by the expectation that worker productivity would increase if given more leisure time, Ford also believed giving workers more time to purchase and consume goods would be good for business. The idea passed the test of time; nearly a century later, some companies are starting to explore expanding Ford’s vision and bumping the workweek down to four days.
The Trimotor Plane
One of the great “What If’s” in automotive history is the Ford Airplane Division, which shut down in 1933 due to the Great Depression. When Ford entered the aviation business during World War I, they introduced the Trimotor Plane, an aptly-named, three motor plane that became the United States’ first successful passenger airliner.
You can’t help but wonder what Ford could have further accomplished in the aviation space if they hadn’t been forced to shutter the division in the mid-1930’s. Unfortunately, in this case, the sky was literally the limit.
Blind Spot Monitoring
For decades, drivers changed lanes with the aid of three rear mirrors and their own intuition. That changed with the introduction of Ford’s BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). BLIS is responsible for detecting vehicles in your blind spot and alerting you to their presence. It has since paved the way for a plethora of modern collision-avoidance technology.
While Volvo was technically the first manufacturer to introduce this feature to the public, Ford’s 1995 concept car, the GT90, was the first vehicle fitted with modern blind spot technology. Ford unveiled its version of blind spot monitoring to a mass audience in 2009 with the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid.
Drive Into a New Future
Ford’s innovative nature hasn’t diminished; currently, it’s focused on expanding the reach of EV technology. With plans to put over 40 EVs and hybrid models on the road within the next few years, Ford’s next step is the complete electrification of its fleet.
You can get in on the EV action early when you shop at Casa Ford. Explore the Mustang Mach-E, an electric SUV with an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles. Or dig in to the electrified version of the F-150, the Ford F-150 Lightning. That said, no need to worry if you’re still committed to your gas-powered Ford. Our Service Department is here to handle your oil filter replacement, brake repair, and whatever else you need to drive into a bright, boundless future.
Five Times Ford was the Star of the Silver Screen
Ford has been synonymous with American automobiles since the primitive days of cinema, when crowds gathered at nickelodeon theaters to see moving pictures. (Accompanying sound was still but a distant dream.) As American cinema evolved, Ford developed a close relationship with Hollywood, which has only continued to strengthen.
Today, you can find Ford vehicles everywhere, from summer action flicks like the Fast and the Furious franchise to Oscar fare such as Ford Vs. Ferrari. And now, Casa Ford presents our featured presentation: five film appearances where Ford stole the show.
Bullitt (1968)
No blog about Ford in film – and really, automobiles in movies in general – should begin with anything other than Bullitt. This Steve McQueen-starring action flick is credited as the godfather of the modern car chase sequence. Cruising down the hilly streets of San Francisco in his 1968 Mustang Fastback, McQueen helped expand the scope of what cars were capable of in Hollywood. This Mustang wasn’t just an accessory to Bullitt’s iconic chase sequences – it was the star of them.
Grease (1978)
To best depict the nostalgia of the summer of 1958, this 1978 classic featured a 1948 Ford De Luxe. Still following? Grease endures today for several reasons: its iconic soundtrack, detailed set design, and the charisma of stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, to name a few. But it’s the greasers and their accompanying hot rods that serve as the beating heart engine of the film, inserting classic American muscle into this classic American tale of summer love. To answer Sandy’s friends’ inquiries of “Tell me more – did he have a car?” Oh yeah. He certainly did.
Men in Black (1997)
Agent J (Will Smith) and Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) keep tabs on extra-terrestrial life in this 1997 hit blockbuster. They do so from a custom 1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria (in black, naturally). It’s customized with rocket boosters to keep up with extraterrestrial shenanigans, but honestly, the choice of vehicle might have been counterintuitive to their mission. If you’re an alien seeing the Crown Victoria in motion, how could you not want to stick around on Earth?
Gran Torino (2008)
The titular 1972 Gran Torino in this 2008 Clint Eastwood film serves as the plot’s catalyst. Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a recently widowed Korean War veteran who isn’t happy about the economic state of his Rust Belt neighborhood. When a teenage gang member attempts to steal the Gran Torino as part of his initiation, Walt is drawn into their world. A surprise box office hit at the time, Gran Torino isn’t essential viewing today. Yet it marked the rare moment where Ford got the movie’s title all to itself.
Ford Vs. Ferrari (2019)
One of the most recent films to sport the Ford name is also one of the most critically acclaimed. It’s centered around a team of Ford engineers and their mission to dethrone the perennially dominant Ferrari team at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The film went on to receive four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Starring Matt Damon as Ford GT40 architect Carroll Shelby and Jon Bernthal as Lee Iacocca, Ford Vs. Ferrari is liberal with its use of historically significant Ford names. And yes, (nearly-60-years-old spoilers), Ford did defeat Ferrari in 1966 (and ‘67, ‘68, and ‘69).
Get Five Star Results at Casa Ford
Here at Casa Ford, we’ll find you the perfect co-star to help tell your story. Drive into El Paso’s number one Ford dealership today and we’ll help you drive out in a new or pre-owned Ford vehicle from our extensive inventory. Experience the versatility of the best-selling 2024 Ford F-150. Or go electric with the Ford Mustang Mach-E. At Casa Ford, we’ll help you write the script so that you can get to work on producing your masterpiece.
Celebrate National Car Care Month this April
April is National Car Care Month, and we know what you’re probably thinking: why? It can be easy to forget, but outside of the El Paso area, most of the country has to trudge through long, cumbersome winters. Thus, April has become the designated time to recoup after the winter, handling any maintenance issues that may have gone ignored and making sure your vehicle is set for the rainy season ahead.
Although we don’t have to deal with as many issues as elementally-challenged car owners in the north and northeast, stormy weather is still right around the corner. That makes April the ideal month to inspect each component of your car, ensuring it’s in top shape for the year ahead. For your convenience, Casa Ford presents this handy checklist of everything you should take care of this April.
1. Check and/or Replace Your Tires
Our tires thankfully don’t get wrecked by winter weather, where each 10-degree drop can cause their air pressure to lose a full PSI. Nevertheless, checking the state of your tires is an appropriate way to kick off National Car Care Month. You should get your tires aligned at least once a year – which the trained technicians at our Service Department can handle for you. Check your air pressure to make sure your tires are at their optimal PSI, as indicated by the sticker inside your driver’s door. Lastly, check the wear on your treads; if they’re exhibiting significant wear or damage, we’ll help you find a perfect set of new tires for your vehicle.
2. Check Your Brakes
You should check your tires so you can get where you want to be. Conversely, you should inspect your brakes to prevent winding up where you don’t want to be. If you hear any squealing, squeaking, or other unorthodox noises emanating from your brakes, it’s time to schedule your service immediately. Squealing brakes are most likely a sign that your brake pads are thinning. Your brakes’ rotors, linings, and drums should all be thoroughly inspected. An ideal time to do this is during every oil change. Speaking of…
3. Get Your Oil Changed
It used to be that every 3,000 miles was the standard checkpoint to change your oil. Thanks to modern lubricants (who said technology was good for nothing?), that number has shifted to intervals of 5,000-7,500 miles. (That number can climb significantly higher if your car’s engine requires full-synthetic oil.) Although it’s convenient to have to change our oil less frequently, it also makes us more susceptible to forgetting about it altogether. Get in the habit of making April your regular time of year for a standard oil change.
4. Refill All Other Fluids
Your car is thirsty by nature, and it takes more than motor oil to satisfy it. Check your brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid, refilling them to their recommended levels. As the heat intensifies this summer and storms develop, these various fluids will be paramount to both your car’s health and your personal safety.
5. Clean Your Car
It’s spring-cleaning season – an exercise that shouldn’t be exclusive to your home. Give your car a thorough wash to relieve it from all this dry air. If you take it to one of our local car washes – such as El Paso’s Splash N’ Dash – be sure to take advantage of any available vacuums, cleaning out all the dirt and debris that might have accumulated over the past few months.
Take Care of Your Spring Maintenance at Casa Ford
If this spring checklist seems daunting, don’t fear; you don’t have to tackle everything yourself. At Casa Ford, our trained technicians are on standby to handle all your spring maintenance needs. From oil changes to tire rotations, we’ll handle every service your vehicle requires in one convenient stop. This April, treat your car for National Car Care Month by taking it to Casa Ford: El Paso’s automotive home for all things Ford.
February in El Paso: The Perfect Time to Transform Your Tax Refund into a Vehicle Investment at Casa Ford
February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day in El Paso; it’s also tax time! As you anticipate your tax refund, consider turning it into a wise investment. Casa Ford in El Paso invites you to explore how your tax refund can be the ideal downpayment for a quality used car.
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Unveiling the Wonders of Franklin Mountains State Park in A Used Car from Casa Ford
El Paso, with its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, offers a multitude of outdoor adventures, and Franklin Mountains State Park stands as a crown jewel. For those looking to explore this natural wonder, a reliable used SUV or truck from Casa Ford in El Paso is your perfect companion.
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Are you contemplating the switch to an electric vehicle and wondering about charging options in the greater El Paso area? Fear not, because the Ford BlueOval™ Charge Network is expanding, and with Casa Ford at the forefront, owning a new Ford EV in El Paso has never been more convenient.
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