5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Vehicle
By: Libby Cook, Marketing Intern @ Brighton Ford
Buying a new vehicle can be stressful and intimidating, especially if it’s your first time, so being prepared is essential. Understanding what you are looking for and asking the right questions can make your car buying experience fun and exciting. Here at Brighton Ford, we want to share five questions you can ask yourself before buying a new vehicle.
1. Is this the best time for you to purchase a new vehicle?
An excellent place to start is deciding whether this is the right time to purchase a new vehicle. Making a large purchase like buying a car is exciting but don’t get caught up in the excitement when it may not be the best time. Consider your budget, lifestyle, credit scores, and purchase pricing. Also, consider the time of year; depending on the type of vehicle, it may be better to purchase it during the summer rather than the winter.
2. Would you want a used or new vehicle?
After deciding when is the right time to purchase a vehicle, consider whether a used or new car best fits your budget. Buying new comes the peace of mind that you are the first to owe the vehicle and have a factory warranty but can be higher in price. Today you can also customize your vehicle to best fit your lifestyle. However, buying a used car with miles on it can be budget-friendly. Even with all the bells and whistles, you get the exact vehicle for a more affordable price tag. Deciding to buy used or new should best fit your budget and lifestyle.
3. What model/type of vehicle will best fit your lifestyle?
Another vital question is what type of vehicle you are looking to purchase. Consider your lifestyle whether you have a family that you need to drive around. The mileage you drive on average and the price of gas. Whether you are looking for something sporty or larger to haul things, these are essential things to consider so you can get the perfect vehicle that best fits your lifestyle. You may also want to consider if it will fit in your garage or parking space. It sounds odd to think about, but it would be pretty frustrating to buy a new vehicle and find out it doesn’t fit in your garage!
4. What do you currently like and dislike about your vehicle?
It is essential to understand what you like in a vehicle and dislike. Knowing whether or not you want all the bells and whistles or just the standard features for the car can help make your car buying experience smooth and easy. Consider both the features you need and want in the vehicle. Don’t be afraid to do a quick google search or watch a youtube video on the different features available for the type of car you want.
5. Are you the only person driving the vehicle, or will it be comfortable for everyone?
Lastly, consider whether the vehicle is for you only or if others will drive the vehicle. Having a comfortable vehicle for all drivers means a win-win for everyone. If you are 5’4”, a small vehicle may be perfect, but it might not work for your 6’1” significant other! Also, consider if your kids will drive the vehicle or not. Larger vehicles may not be the best to learn how to drive in, so maybe going with med size or smaller vehicle would be better.
Knowing what you want and need in a vehicle can make your car buying experience smooth and fun. Purchasing a new car shouldn’t be stressful but exciting. Having these five questions in your back pocket could make the experience ten times better.
5 Tips to Avoid Road Rage
By: Libby Cook, Marketing Intern @ Brighton Ford
We all have experienced stressful driving situations where we became aggressive or had experience with an aggressive driver around us. Road rage is an extension of aggressive driving, and everyone is susceptible to experiencing road rage. Driving in a stressful and anxious situation can cause potential bursts of road rage. Here at Brighton Ford, we want to share the five best tips to avoid road rage for you to have an enjoyable and safe driving experience.
1. Leave Early to Go to Places
We are more prone to experience stress when we are late to where we need to be. When stressed while driving can lead to aggressive driving and road rage. Allowing yourself enough time to drive to your destination means you’re less likely to be stressed or anxious while driving.
2. Get Enough Sleep
Not having a good night’s rest can contribute to irritability and anger while driving. Lack of sleep makes you more susceptible to road rage and creates a dangerous environment to drive in. Be sure to get enough sleep the night before to ensure a better driving experience for the next day.
3. Create a Relaxing and Stress-free Environment in the Car
Listening to upbeat and soothing music can help avoid aggression or triggering thoughts while driving. Creating a relaxing atmosphere will prompt driving safer and calmer.
4. Be Aware of Your Driving Habits and Triggers
Pay attention to your driving habits and triggers that make you more susceptible to road rage, whether driving conditions or issues outside the car that filter into your mood. Recognizing them can help reduce their likeliness and approach the situations more positively.
5. Remember road-sharing mentality and safe driving habits.
When stuck in traffic or driving in general, remember that everyone has to get somewhere and is waiting to get there too. Keep in mind best driving practices like maintaining your distance between you and other cars, anticipating mistakes to be made, and upholding behaviors that keep conditions safe. Remember, the cost is not worth creating dangerous driving conditions.
The Heart of Brighton with Kim Adams
We are so excited to announce the launch of our podcast “The Heart of Brighton with Kim Adams.” When we were planning ways to give back to our community, we thought it would be the perfect addition to what we are currently doing. We partnered with Speakeasy Podcast Network – a new podcast company located in downtown Brighton, next to Stout.
Our podcast is hosted by Kim Adams. Every episode she interviews a local business owner, non-profit or someone who does good things in the Brighton community. This is a hyper-local podcast for those who live or work in the Brighton area. We offer our podcast at no charge to our guests and simply want to help them spread awareness about their organization or products.
Our guests so far have been:
John Cueter, Brighton Ford https://youtu.be/C-aeDHXSq0o
LACASA (Bobette Schrandt) https://youtu.be/stIBENJniGQ
Veterans Connected (Bryan Bradford and Jeff Yeakey) https://youtu.be/BNom6V3vejQ
Card My Yard Brighton (Cody Alexander) https://youtu.be/CNtmGfh4g5s
The Dance Project (Jamie Nicholson) https://youtu.be/2g3K2mD0hdY
If you know of any Brighton businesses or nonprofits you’d like to see on our podcast, please let us know at info@brightonford.com!
We are #BrightonFordCommunityStrong
Holiday Happenings
December 2021 has been one for the books. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful customers and such a fantastic team. Because of all of you, we were able to give back in so many ways this month.
Our 22nd Annual Toys for Tots toy drive and Santa Night was our most successful yet! We filled an entire UHaul truck – double stacked!! Continuing the tradition, Brighton Ford was able to donate $5,000.00 to Brighton Elementary Schools. The schools competed to donate the most new, unwrapped toys for the toy drive and the prizes were:
1st Place – $3,000 to Hilton Elementary
2nd Place – $1,000 to Hawkins Elementary
3rd Place – $500 to Hornung Elementary
4th Place – $500 to Spencer Elementary
It was amazing to see everyone’s smiling faces as they drove through the North Pole (our service lane) to donate toys, wave to Santa and Mrs. Clause, get a candy cane from Elsa and pick up a treat bag! Hundreds of children came through and even more donated prior to the event. Thank you again to everyone who donated!
A special thanks to the following people and businesses that helped with this event:
R&R Sound and Lighting – https://rrsoundlighting.com/
Barb Vogelheim State Farm Agent – https://www.yourbrightonagent.com/
Santa Ed – https://believesantaed.com/
Kim Adams – https://www.facebook.com/realKimAdams
Gary Dunn & Howell Toys for Tots – https://howell-mi.toysfortots.org
Our elementary principals
BAS Pack of Social Emotional Learning Dogs – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1843987375852467
Our amazing Brighton Ford team!
We are better together and we are #BrightonFordCommunityStrong
Top 5 Winter Safety Tips for your Vehicle
Winter is quickly approaching and you’ll want to be sure that you vehicle is safe and running at it’s best! Maintenance on your car, truck or SUV can be confusing and expensive, so we’ve narrowed it down to the Top 5 Winter Safety Tips for your Vehicle.
- Winter tires – When you live in Michigan, or similar climates, we suggest switching out your tires to a dedicated set for winter driving. Winter tires will dramatically improve your safety and performance during the winter months with superior tread patterns that are specifically designed for traction on snow and ice. A good set of winter tires will perform better in the cold due to the soft rubber compounds that enhance grip. Just as importantly, be sure to switch your tires when the snow melts and temps rise in the spring.
- Windshield washer solvent – This is a simple but very important tip! Be sure to keep your windshield washer solvent (or fluid) filled with all-season specific fluid. Almost any brand will do, but purchasing a solvent specifically designed for cold temperatures will ensure that you can keep your windshield clear and defrosted in wintery weather conditions.
- Test your battery – Have your battery on your vehicle tested by a professional. Battery power drops as the temperature drops and you don’t want to be stranded when its cold and blistery outside.
- Keep your fuel tank half full – This is one of the easiest things you can do to keep yourself safe in the colder months. Inclement weather can mean unexpected stops in your travels and keeping your fuel levels at at least half full at all times can give you peace of mind that you won’t run out of gasoline. If you drive an electric vehicle, try to keep your vehicle charged as much as possible. Colder temps can deplete the charge at a faster rate and snow-covered roads might mean your journey will take longer than expected.
- Check tire pressure weekly – Most newer vehicles have automatic tire pressure monitors, so this will be monitored for you. If you don’t have this feature, check your tire pressure weekly in the colder months. Tires perform best when filled to the suggested PSI and each tire is different. Look for your manufacturer’s recommendation, which is printed on a label inside your car. If you are unsure how to check, your local dealership will be happy to take a look for you!
The Brighton Ford Service team is here to get your vehicle ready for the winter months! We offer complimentary inspections and currently have a sale on tires. We encourage you to schedule an appointment by calling us at 1-800-NEW-FORD!
Tour de Livingston 2021
Congratulations to all of the riders who participated in the Tour de Livingston 2021! We were honored to support this event
We are #BrightonFordCommunityStrong
Welcome New Brighton Area School Teachers!
Brighton Area Schools welcomed 30 new teachers to the district for the 2021-2022 school year. As part of their welcome back orientation, they set out on a road rally around town to familiarize themselves with the schools and local businesses who support our educators! At their stop at Brighton Ford they collected a welcome back gift, had to snap a photo in front of the new Bronco and left us an inspirational message in chalk.
On behalf of the entire Brighton Ford team, welcome to the district! We’re so glad you’re here!
For more information about Brighton Area Schools, activities, games, and more, please visit https://www.brightonk12.com/
Senior Survivor at BHS
This year, Brighton High School is continuing the time honored tradition of their Senior Survivor competition! Teams of seniors compete to raise the most money for a chosen charity. This year’s funds will go to the ‘I Will Right Now Foundation’ which assists members of the community experiencing financial difficulties due to medical and other issues and the ‘Fund a Life’ foundation; which aids Brighton Area Schools families and students going through life challenges. As of Monday, the participants have raised about $30,000 for charity. This number will only grow as the participants continue to work hard up to their graduation.
The seniors set up events throughout their last few weeks in school to allow the entire community to participate. For example, Team Purple (sponsored by Brighton Ford) has organized a large amphitheater concert and a car wash. They are currently the winning team! During the day, the teams continue to raise money through things like bake sales, coffee carts and selling apparel like masks, shirts and scrunchies. The program is so dedicated that their competitors are required to sleep over at the school for the last week. They have taken over the BHS media center with tents so their efforts towards the cause never stops.
If you are as inspired by this event as I am, you’re probably wondering how you can help. You absolutely can, even if you are not a student at Brighton High School. Teams are now accepting online donations! If you are able, please donate through the link below. Any amount will help these amazing Brighton based charities!
Drive 4 UR School for Teacher Appreciation Week
We ❤️ Teachers!!!!
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week and in partnership with the organization DonorsChoose, Ford will donate $1 million to support thousands of teachers in funding their classroom needs through a Drive 4 UR School National Test-Drive Event.
The first $500,000 of Ford’s donation will be awarded to teachers and classrooms selected by participants
who complete a virtual test-drive during Teacher Appreciation Week. After completing all steps of the
virtual experience, participants will receive a $50 DonorsChoose gift card via email which they can use to
donate to any teacher or classroom project they wish to support on the DonorsChoose website.
The remaining $500,000 donation will benefit classrooms across the country that serve low-income
communities and will help to ensure students have the resources needed to further their education.
Take your virtual test drive NOW by visiting www.drive4urschool.com
1st Annual Classic Car Show
Connect with us
