The Importance of Tire Rotations

Many drivers enjoy the freedom of leasing a vehicle, preferring to swap their ride every few years instead of committing to a purchase. If you are interested in leasing a Ford in York, our team is here to help! Burns Ford is proud to serve locals throughout York County and beyond, committed to providing a superior shopping experience. From the cities of Lancaster and Rock Hill to the town of Fort Mill, our loyal customers keep coming back! more Your Credit Score Matters There are two main factors that impact your average credit score, including the following: Payment history Your payment history makes up 35% of your score, and is a powerful indicator of your ability to consistently pay bills on time. Credit use Credit use comprises 30% of your score and refers to the amount of available credit already in use. For example, if you already have a sizable loan or maxed-out credit cards, financing or leasing a vehicle will likely be more difficult. Bad credit? We can help! While a low credit score may result in a higher interest rate, our Ford Finance department will work hard to ensure it doesn’t keep you out of a reliable ride. Keep in mind, though, that you may pay more each month – and over the course of your lease term. South Carolina lenders may also request a higher security deposit when leasing a vehicle in York to compensate for the increased risk. A lower credit score may also limit your choice of vehicle, so prepare to be flexible. Again, you might not be able to get the latest model, but our Ford credit specialists are committed to getting you into a great vehicle. Whether you choose a loan or a lease, now is your chance to improve your credit score! A good payment history when leasing a car or buying a vehicle in York can help get you back on track. The Pros and Cons of Leasing Leasing a vehicle is similar to renting one. When your lease ends, you simply return the vehicle. Here are some advantages and drawbacks of leasing a Ford in York: Pros of Leasing Lower monthly payments than buying Enjoyment of vehicle at peak performance before mileage adds up Small down payment (Note: No money down offers may be available!) Less sales tax Lower repair costs due to the vehicle’s factory warranty Opportunity to drive a higher-end vehicle than you could afford to buy Ease of returning the car and swapping to a new model every few years without the hassle of selling Cons of Leasing Higher cost over time compared to purchasing a car and driving it for a few years Continued monthly payments if you lease one car after another Mileage limit of 12,000 miles/year (typically) Confusing, wordy lease contracts from the leasing company Potential for costly wear-and-tear fees Costly penalty for terminating a lease early No equity or ownership in the vehicle Call the Burns Ford of York Finance Department Today! If it sounds like leasing is a smart option for you, please contact us today! Buying a used car may be another affordable alternative to buying new – and our pre-owned inventory can’t be beat!   The Burns Ford of York Finance Department is prepared to put together a customized financing package, but you can get started now with this free online credit application. Fill it out, then get in touch to discuss available finance offers!

Here at Burns Ford of York, our service technicians work hard to keep your vehicle on the road – not stuck on the side of it. But in case you experience car trouble between tune-ups, it’s important to have an emergency roadside kit stocked with the essentials. more Top Reasons For Vehicle Breakdowns The following scenarios often result in breakdowns, but most can be avoided by sticking to your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule. Low or dead battery Tip: Have your battery checked, especially if it’s more than 3 years old, and watch for warning signs such as dimming headlights. Engine trouble Tip: Watch for signs of overheating and make sure your cooling system is functioning properly. Transmission issues Tip: Schedule regular service and if your vehicle starts to make strange noises, bring it in immediately. Flat tire Tip: Watch tire pressure and tread. Brake problems Tip: Have brake pads, fluids and rotors checked twice a year and replace when necessary. Insufficient fuel Tip: Keep an eye on your gas gauge and fill up before it gets very low. What to Include in Your Kit Despite taking preventative measures, you may still find yourself on the side of the road. That’s why it’s incredibly important to keep your emergency roadside kit in your vehicle at all times. Be sure that it includes the following essentials: A spare tire, jack and wheel wrench Jumper cables Basic tool kit Flashlight and extra batteries Car charger for phone First aid kit (including bandages, aspirin, gauze, scissors, tape, etc) Nonperishable, high-protein snacks (nuts, granola bars, etc) Drinking water Reflective triangles and vest to increase visibility Rain poncho Small fire extinguisher Duct tape Assembling your own emergency kit is simple, but pre-made kits are available as well. Here are three all-inclusive kits that Burns Ford of York recommends: Justin Case Premium Travel Pro Auto Safety Kit Roadside Emergency Assistance Kit Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit Schedule a Tune-Up Today! Routine maintenance is the best way to avoid a breakdown, and here at Burns Ford of York, we’re proud to provide the highest quality vehicle service. Trust our team to keep your car, truck or SUV running smoothly – even as the miles add up! For more information about emergency roadside kits or to schedule a service appointment, get in touch today! Call 877-826-3968 or click here!

As we cruise into summertime, soaring temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle. Regular maintenance becomes more important than ever to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly throughout the scorching summer months. more Burns Ford of York is proud to provide trusted, quality Ford service – and helpful hints to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape! Tips to Prevent Overheating In addition to the recommended Ford maintenance schedule, these tips can help keep your vehicle road-ready: Store bottles of coolant and distilled water in your vehicle in case you need a quick top off. Check coolant levels regularly, especially when driving in hot weather or preparing for a trip. Watch your temperature gauge and act immediately if you see it start to rise. Get leaks fixed right away. If you notice one, don’t hesitate to give us a call! What to Do If Your Engine Overheats If your car overheats, follow these steps – and be sure to schedule service with the team you trust here at Burns Ford of York! Turn off the air conditioner when you see the temperature gauge rising. If you’re sitting in traffic, put your car in neutral or park – or rev the engine to circulate coolant. If the temperature gauge continues to rise, blast the heater to transfer heat away from the engine. Sweating it out could save your engine! If all else fails, pull over, turn off your car and pop the hood. If you have to open the hood manually, be sure to let the engine cool first. If the coolant tank is empty or appears to be leaking, top it off. If you don’t have any on hand, water is a good short-term solution. Open the radiator cap, protecting your hand with a cloth. DO NOT pour cold water into a hot radiator to avoid cracking the engine block with the change in temperature. Because a 50/50 coolant and water mixture is necessary, your vehicle won’t run long on just water. Only use it in a pinch, and be sure to add coolant as soon as possible. Schedule Service Today An overheated engine can result in costly repairs, so prevention is key! Start your summer off right with a multi-point inspection here at Burns Ford of York and conquer the road ahead with confidence. Call 877-826-3968 or click here to make a service appointment.