by Admin | Jan 20, 2024 | Car Blog, Ford F-150, Used Cars
While we all love that “new car” smell and feel, buying a new set of wheels right now is a big expense. Bigger than ever! You see, interest rates are soaring, and it’s almost like the sky’s the limit in this economic time.
So, is there a way around the 14% interest for 60 months for a new ride when you don’t have that 825 FICO score? We tend to look at what we don’t have and not the treasure that’s already in our hands.
What’s this obsession with hoarding the new shiny?
Did you know that working on your current ride is like starting from a position of strength?
There are inexpensive DIY add-ons you can install to make your used car feel new and updated. And with a little creativity and elbow grease, you can upgrade your existing vehicle’s look, comfort, tech, and convenience right in your garage.
Interior LED Lights
Swapping out standard bulb lighting with battery-powered removable LED stick-on lights illuminates the cabin with a fresh modern glow. Use them to see passengers, items, and awkward corners better at night. There are options for colorful ambient lighting too.
Seat Covers
Dingy upholstery gets new life with the addition of cushy seat pads and breathable, protective seat covers. Choose patterns and materials that upgrade your interior’s look. Enjoy a refreshed seating experience, and the driving becomes enjoyable as well.
Decorative Chrome Accents
Peel-and-stick trims can chrome out vents, handles, knobs, and gauges on the cheap. It’s an easy way to modernize the aesthetic.
More ideas cover things like hands-free phone holders, backup cameras for safety, custom-fit floor mats, mini vacuums, Bluetooth music adapters, and exterior detailing. With small upgrades like these, older cars gain significant style and function. The journey feels as good as the destination!
Need help with upgrading or maintenance of your trusty ride? We can help. Contact us at A1 Performance Auto Repair, and we’ll give your car the TLC it deserves.
by Admin | Sep 20, 2023 | Ford, Ford F-150
Rewarding yourself with a Ford F-150 may be the nicest thing you can do for yourself. Forget fuel efficiency and other discouraging talk; a part in the back, even if you do it yourself, is a nice feeling.
However, there are some issues that come with such a large truck. More is expected from whom more is given! Do you agree?
Users have complained that the Ford F-150 is more prone to cabin noise than smaller vehicles.
Where the F-150 Cabin Noise is Coming From
Some F-150 owners have reported excessive wind, road, and engine noise.
The wind noise can be particularly noticeable at high speeds. This is because the F-150 has a large windshield and a tall body, which creates a lot of wind drag.
The road noise can also be noticeable, especially on rough roads, mainly because the F-150 has large tires that transmit much road noise into the cabin.
On the other hand, you may notice some engine noise, especially when under heavy load. But what do you expect from such a powerful engine, particularly when it’s overworking?
How To Reduce Engine Noise
Several things can be done to reduce cabin noise in the F-150. Some of the most common methods include using sound-deadening materials. These materials absorb sound waves and can be applied to the vehicle’s interior, including the floor, roof, and doors.
You may also consider investing in a quality sound system. A well-designed sound system can help to mask cabin noise. For the best result, place the speakers strategically and properly tune the system.
Most people overlook this, but a well-maintained vehicle will be less likely to produce noise. Make sure to keep your tires properly inflated, have a good tread pattern, and ensure the brakes are in good condition.
If you’re concerned about cabin noise in your F-150, you should talk to your dealer or a qualified mechanic. They can help you identify the noise source and recommend solutions. Talk to us at A1 Performance Auto Repair about your Ford F-150 issues, and we’ll fix them for you.
by Admin | May 4, 2021 | Ford F-150
Even though Ford F-150 is more youthful than the likes of Toyota Tundra, it packs more punch to embarrass peers in the job site and off-roading. The first generation Raptor came with a powerful 5.4-liter V8 and upgraded in 2014 to a 6.2-liter V8 with 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque.
A later F-150 came with EcoBoost 3.5 l V6 twin-turbo making an impressive 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Its grunt and ferocious surge forward gives the owners some deserved bragging rights. Acceleration is incredible. Even on the beaten path, you can easily forget you are in a 5500-ton pick-up.
Raptor is a desert racer and comes with the tools to do just that. This comes in handy when you need a proven work truck when the job is far away from civilization.
What about its Ability to Haul Stuff?
The 5.5-foot load bed has a decent 52.8 cubic feet capacity to haul enough materials. With the capability to carry up to 1000 lbs. for the SuperCab and up to 1200 lbs. for the the SuperCrew, you have no reason not to transport the stuff in one fell swoop.
A few can outperform the Raptor in its ability to haul stuff, but it makes up for the slight difference through its off-road capability. Of course, most gearheads or contractors would choose a blend of off-road capability and power to carry lots of stuff.
At 36.4 inches off the ground, some will complain the tailgate is too high, but the Raptor comes with a power lock.
Owning a Ford F-150 is a dream come true for most off-road enthusiasts. But it is also a match made in heaven for the worksite, considering its impressive horsepower and torque. The only shortcoming is its price tag. It does not come on the cheap, but the best never does, does it?
by Admin | May 13, 2020 | Ford F-150
In the US, pickup trucks have been quite popular for decades. The trend is picking up in Europe, mostly because the new generation pickup trucks are coming with modern-day creature comforts and a huge range of handiness.
Ford F-150 is ahead of the pack in terms of sales and popularity, and it’s for a good reason. Well, it’s hard to ignore such features as the Pro Trailer Backup Assist and split-view 360-degree camera, among others. You can choose the 5.0 litre V8 or the EcoBoost V6 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged.
Tips to Keep your Ford F-150 in Shape
Mind your Tires
The best time to check on the tires is when you are doing an oil change. Rotate the tires often, especially when doing routine maintenance to ensure even wear. Rotating also ensures a smooth ride and durability of the tires.
Typically, the tires experience uneven wear depending on the drivetrain of your vehicle, and this can exert more burden on the suspension.
Remember also to balance the tires to distribute the weight equally around the axle to reduce wear on the suspension. And if you happen to notice that your Ford F-150 is pulling to one side, then it indicates misalignment, and it can increase wear and tear on the tires. Get them aligned.
Remember the Oil Change
Oil change is one of the things that should never slip your mind. According to Ford, change the oil after every six months or 7500 miles, whichever comes first. For older than 2008 models, always replace the oil filter, every time you do an oil change.
Keep an Eye on the Driving Conditions
The driving conditions will determine the maintenance needs of your Ford pickup truck. Driving off-road and carrying heavy loads will require special maintenance. Your vehicle cannot sense the driving conditions, and it is up to you to determine and set the maintenance schedule. Talk to your mechanic.
A1 Performance Auto Repair European Specialists can help you with your Ford-150 maintenance. Reach out!
