2015 Ford Fiesta Review

It is said that the best things come in small packages and that statement is spot on when describing the 2015 Ford Fiesta.

The newly redesigned Fiesta has combined attractiveness and power with a price tag that won't send you into sticker shock. Fiesta is ranked in the top three of most affordable subcompact cars. The starting MSRP on the base model is just $13,965, not too shabby for a car that seats up to five people. All of those passengers will be amazed by the high quality interior and well built cabin. Whoever is lucky enough to be the co-pilot will appreciate the spacious and comfortable front seats and plenty of leg room.

Everybody who drives the 2015 Fiesta will feel power usually saved for vehicles much larger and definitely more pricey. For the first time in Fiesta history there is a model with an optional 3-cylinder, 1.0L turbocharged engine that provides plenty of punch when your foot hits the gas pedal. It is fueled by direct injection, 123 HP and 125 LBS of torque. That motor was voted 2014 International Engine of the Year. The Fiesta ST model has a turbocharged 4-cylinder, 1.6L EcoBoost engine that ups the ante on the acceleration of the 3-cylinder to even greater heights. That same force can be found in Fiesta's SE and Titanium models as well. No matter which Fiesta you feast your hands on, you will have the luxury of 28 MPG in the city and a whopping 36 MPG on the highway. So while your Fiesta will be small and compact, your wallet will be overstuffed with all the money you'll save on gas!

Now that you have your Fiesta filled with fuel you will want to drive it all over to show off to your friends. Of course, in this era where we can turn on our house lights from our phones, nobody will be impressed with your car unless it has the latest technology. Thankfully, this 2015 Fiesta is chalk full of gadgets. It all starts when you enter your vehicle using the optional intelligent access with push button start. This gives the Fiesta owner the ability to open the driver's door and start the car with the key securely stuffed in one's pocket. If you allow a friend or family member the pleasure of driving your new Fiesta, Ford's MyKey option encourages responsible driving by limiting top speeds and decreasing audio noise when your guest driver gets behind the wheel. There is also an optional rear view camera with reverse sensing system for helpful backup assistance to anyone who is driving. Another cool feature is the automatic headlamps that activate when wipers are in motion. As in other Ford vehicles, some of these new Fiesta's offer the owner the SYNC system with MyFord Touch. This phenomenal feature comes with a 6.5 inch LCD touch screen, SYNC voice activation, available navigation, SD card reader and 2 USB ports. The Titanium model also has a premium Sony audio system.

We know that those interior features are music to one's ears, but the Fiesta's exterior is pretty fabulous too. The 15 inch wheels on the base model are spunky and cute and make a great little brother to the sweet looking 17 inch painted aluminum wheels that decorate the Titanium model. Those wheels are accompanied by dual chrome exhaust, front fascia lower extensions and side rocker molding. Sport tuned suspension and advance trac with electronic stability control are a couple of other features of the Titanium, which provides a nice balance to its 197 HP and 202 LBS of torque. You can also choose a rear spoiler and a fancier grill on the Fiesta Titanium making it look way more expensive than just the $17,915 you spent on it. Ambient lighting in all Fiesta models starting with the SE enhance the spotlight that is placed on this incredible vehicle.

One last thing that is great about the 2015 Fiesta is that even though it has upgraded considerably from year's past, it hasn't forgotten where it came from. Once again in 2015, you will be able to purchase the Fiesta in a hatchback model. The hatchback comes in four variations starting with the base S at just $14,365 and climbing to the ST type, which you can buy for only $20,945. A unique feature of the ST model is that it is the only Fiesta that can be found in the color Molten Orange. Talk about juicing up the excitement level! You may go to many parties in your lifetime, but none will share the thrill you will have everyday when you climb into your very own Fiesta!

The Benefits and Differences Between Buying and Leasing a New Car

Growing up the daughter of a used car dealer, it was instilled into me that you always buy a car - a used car - because it’s the best investment for your money.  From age 16 until now (I’m 26), I’ve had 5 different cars...all used of course.  And they truly were good investments.  I bought them at a great price (thanks to dad) and I was able to sell them in a few years and get back almost what I paid for them.  It worked for me and it works for a lot of people.  

Now that I work at a new car dealership, the temptation of a shiny new car is always around me.  I decided to step out of my comfort zone and lease a new Fusion.  It was pretty terrifying at first, I’m not gonna lie, but once I sat down and thought through the logistics I felt a lot better.  Next to your house payment, most peoples’ highest monthly payment goes to their car - so obviously it’s a huge investment and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Each option has benefits, and each option would be appealing to different people for different reasons.  If you’re like many car buyers who haven’t tried leasing, you may not truly understand how it works and what it has to offer.  Continue reading.

Payment:  When a payment is figured on a lease, the dealer is basing it on what’s called a “residual” value, or what the manufacturer determines the vehicle to be worth at the end of the term of the lease.  So if it's not worth what you can buy it for, you're protected to not have to own it. Therefore the payment is generally lower because you’re paying on a percentage of the vehicle as opposed to when you purchase a car, you’re paying on the entire amount of the vehicle.  

Warranty:  On a short term lease, you’ll be under the full warranty for the entire duration of your lease.  On a purchase, depending on how long you keep your car, you’ll be under the manufacturers warranty until it expires and then you’ll be responsible for any repairs from that point forward.

Options:  When your lease expires, you have 3 options.  1. You can lease a different car.  You’ll start over with the full warranty plus you’ll have the latest and greatest of what’s out there.  2. You can purchase the car you just finished leasing.  Maybe you really love the car and don’t want to see it go - then just buy it!  You’ll pay the value that was locked in at the beginning of the lease (the purchase option price).  3. You can simply walk away.  Maybe you decided you didn’t want to lease again and just wanted to go in a different direction; it’s all good!  When you purchase a car, you will pay for it until you’ve satisfied your loan and then it’s all yours.

So like I said earlier, both leasing and buying has its advantages and each one appeals to different buyers.  Talking to a sales professional about your options is always a good idea.  After all, it’s what they’ve made their career out of and they can give you all the information you need to make a well informed decision.

So whether you decide you want to lease a new car, or purchase a new or used one, all of us at Fred Martin Ford are eager to help you drive away with your perfect vehicle!

2015 Ford Mustang Review

The 2015 Ford Mustang has been fully redesigned from end to end in order to make itself even more attractive to a worldwide audience.

That doesn't mean, however, that the new Mustang doesn't stay true to its roots. The 2015 Mustang is still as American as granny's freshly baked apple pie, but has enhanced itself greatly. Now it brings the iconic pony car into a more fuel efficient future without sacrificing any of the trademark swagger or performance that we all have fallen in love with. This Mustang offers a best in class 21 MPG in the city and an astounding 32 MPG on the highway for a combined 25 MPG. In other words, you can truly lead this horse to water (or the gas pump), but you can't make it drink.

J.D. Power and Associates has given the 2015 Mustang a top rating in all reliability categories including powertrain, body and interior. None of the five types of Mustang parked in the stable has an engine with less than 300 HP. The most standard model, the V6 Fastback, is loaded with a 3.7L/V6 and can be taken home for as little as $23,600. The first ever 2.3L EcoBoost engine can be found in the Eco Fastback and Eco Premium models for just $2000-$4000 more. At $32,100, the galloping GT Fastback burns up the road with a 5.0L/V8 and carries a Herculian 435 HP with 400LBS of torque. Larger intake valves and exhaust valves makes this type of engine possible. At the top of the Mustang food chain is the ultra-powerful GT Premium priced at a reasonable $36,100.

Whichever Mustang model you prefer, you will not feel like you are driving an ordinary vehicle. Everyday you drive your new Mustang it will feel like "Throwback Thursday" due to the return of the old fastback roofline. Yet, the 2015 stays contemporary with modern sheetmetal surfacing and features such as HID headlights. Also featured in the 2015 is an all new fully independent double ball joint front and rear suspension, improved pitch control during hard acceleration and braking and less body roll.

The interior goes retro with the familiar dual-cowl dashboard and large circular gauges, but the rest of the inside is redesigned to allow you to feel that you are seated in the cockpit of a stealth fighter jet. Flat toggle switches have been added to the center stack of the console to give it a sporty,fancier look and to give you easy access to four selectable drive modes. Large instruments and robust round vents accentuate the interior.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard in all 2015 Mustangs because, really, who doesn't want to shift this magnificent machine themselves? Other optional equipment includes: intelligent access with push start, illuminated entry, enhanced 6-way leather trimmed power seats, Shaker pro audio with 12 speakers, subwoofer and amp, launch control, dual-zone temperature control and BLIS with cross traffic alert. The wheels on this near perfect pony start at 17" and range up to 19x9". Wheel finish options are sparkle silver, black painted, gloss aluminum or ebony black aluminum depending on which model you choose.

One last thing this new Mustang offers to prove it is competitive with the times is the new mobile app. This app displays a quick start guide, a race track locator, links to Mustang's resources, a brief history of the Mustang and a tour of this venerable vehicle. Fans of the Ford Mustang are also using this app to stay connected with each other and to share stories of their beloved brand.

With a wide range of engine options, new front and rear suspension and more refined interior as some of its highlights, the 2015 Mustang easily ascends to the top of its class. The way that Ford has fused these modern upgrades with all of the classic features Mustang lovers are used to has indeed put this pony at the front of the pack. One test drive and you'll undoubtedly want to be a part of the hard-charging "Pony Express".

Preparing your Vehicle for the Winter

     With the winter months upon us, it's time to start thinking about how your car will handle the snow and ice. One of our Ford Certified Technicians wanted to share a few simple things you can do at home to double check your car if you can't make time just yet to have it inspected at your local dealership.

• Check your tire pressure and tread depth. To ensure the pressure is at a safe level, get a pressure gauge and check your tires cold - meaning before you've driven or 3 hours after you've driven - by inserting the gauge onto the valve stem on each tire. The correct pounds per square inch (psi) will be on a sticker on the inside of your driver side door. To check the tread, place a penny in-between the "ribs" of the tire (the raised portion) and turn Lincoln's head so that it points towards the tread. If you see the top of his hair disappear between the ribs, your tire tread is still above 2/32"; which is good.

• Take good care of your wiper blades - they can be your best friend. We've all been there when you're driving through a strong rain or snow storm and your wipers are going a million miles a minute (or so it seems). To ensure you're keeping them at their highest quality for the longest amount of time, be sure to separate them from the windshield before trying to turn them on if they're frozen. You can also pull them forward off the windshield before a snowfall to keep them from freezing in the first place. Lastly, be sure not to let the wipers drag across the ice on the windshield. This will cut the blades and cause them to need replaced faster.

• Be sure to check the engine coolant and fluid levels. Because of the drastic temperature changes in our area, it is recommended that you check your coolant every 30,000 miles.  If it's getting close to that time frame, it may be smart to purchase a coolant tester just to make sure everything is still in tip-top shape. In addition to checking the coolant, take a peek at the antifreeze and the oil as well. Make sure you have enough of both under the hood, especially before going on any long trips, and keep some extra in your trunk just in case.

     There's always some other little tricks you can do to keep the frustrations of the icy weather to a minimum. You can spray silicon on the weatherstrips of your doors to help keep them from freezing shut. A hair blow drier can also be utilized to un-freeze your locks. But as always, stop in and have your vehicle inspected by a Ford Certified Technician to keep it in top notch condition. We'll even throw in a free car wash to clean that annoying winter salt from your ride!  Click here to schedule an appointment with our service department.

2015 Ford Escape Review

With its athletic looks and performance to match, the 2015 Ford Escape crushes rival crossover vehicles in the same class.

About the only vehicle that rivals the 2015 Escape is the 2014 Escape. The biggest change this model year is the advancement in how user friendly the My Ford Touch has become. Before we get to that aspect of the Escape, let's "touch" on how it continues as the leader in inexpensive crossovers.

There are three available Escape models to choose from ranging in price from $22,610 MSRP up to $29,000. Starting at slightly less than $23,000 the affordable Escape S comes in a 6 speed automatic transmission and has a 2.5L Duratec engine. It has an MPG split of 22 in the city and 31 on the highway. For a couple thousand dollars more you can enjoy the Escape SE with its 23/32 MPG and powerful 1.6L EcoBoost engine. Like the S, the SE has the standard 4.2 inch rear view camera and Sync with MyFord and adds secure key-less entry, a 10-way leather trimmed power driver seat with lumbar adjust and heating capability, Sirius XM satellite radio and Blis with cross traffic alert for added driver safety. For less than $30,000 an Escape driver can step up to the Titanium which utilizes all of the features of the other two models, but also comes equipped with HD radio, a hands free lift gate, Sync with MyFord Touch and driver and passenger seats with memory. One other feature of the SE and Titanium that really shows its boldness is that both models come with available 4 wheel drive with advanced trac and roll stability and ABS. So you can get your roll on without rolling too much on the pavement!

When you or any of the other 4 passengers climb inside the new Escape it will feel as roomy as an old time station wagon. The difference, however, between the Escape and that old dinosaur will be the comfort and control-ability. The Escape drives with a car-like sportiness with crisper handling than its competition, stronger power train and responsive steering. As far as the comfort level goes, it makes creators of rival crossovers very uncomfortable. The seats on the Escape are very slim yet firm. The rear seat flips to add to the already amazing amount of cargo space. Carpeted floor mats allows your passengers to comfortably remove their shoes on long rides. Available dual zone electronic auto temperature control keeps each front seat passenger cool or warm depending on their particular preference. There is also a center floor console with an arm rest that allows the driver to store small items and drive with relaxed style without eating up too much space. Eight cup holders, cargo floor hooks and second row coat hooks are also available. The SE and Titanium models also sport a sensational power panoramic vista roof that tilts up for a quick breeze or opens fully to give you and all your mates a majestic view of the sky. As part of the vista roof the Escape also offers a fixed rear skylight for your backseat guests. So whether you are by yourself on a quick run to the grocery store or packed in with four of your friends for a weekend getaway, the 2015 Escape doesn't discriminate.

Just because this crossover is sexier than its rivals it doesn't mean it's not as safe. It received a 5 star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Besides the advance trac and roll stability mentioned above, this Escape offers available park assist, five airbags, 4 wheel ABS, 4 wheel disc brakes with brake assist, child safety locks and traction control. Cruise control and audio controls are mounted on the leather wrapped steering wheel so drivers need not take their eyes off the road to adjust those functions. Add those features to the fun and fabulous available hands free foot activated lift gate, the heated exterior mirrors and the available rear spoiler and it's easy to realize that indeed it is the Escape owner who is truly spoiled.

Most Ford dealers have plenty of 2015's in stock so it is not too early to get a jump on your neighbors and make them jealous just in time for the Holidays. Purchase this fantastic Ford vehicle now then plan your own "escape" from boring, run of the mill crossovers!

Special Financing: What you need to know if you have less than perfect credit

“Bad things happen to good people.”  Our special finance manager says this all the time, and she means what she says.  It makes sense though - you can’t predict life.  And when it comes to unexpected bills, sometimes there just aren’t many options.  If you know that your credit is a little iffy, there are some things you should know before coming to the dealership that will best increase your chances of leaving with a car.

1. A lot of banks don’t go by credit score.  Banks that specialize in special finance understand that bad credit isn’t always the customer’s choice.  For that reason, many banks will still buy you as a “person.”  They will look at things like time on the job, stability, etc.  Not every 500 credit score looks the same in the eyes of the bank.  

2. Have your documentation ready and the process will be a lot smoother.  We will need your current pay stub, a current award letter, a current bank statement and a bill from last 30 days with name and address.  Bringing all of the relevant information with you will help the finance managers better do their job.

3. Bankruptcy or repossessions won’t keep you from reestablishing.  Just because either of those things have happened, it doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a new beginning.  Reestablishing credit is like starting at the bottom of the roller coaster hill - you’re slowly making your way up, anxious and excited, and once you make your way to the top, you get to enjoy the ride!

4. Push, pull or tow your trade in.  Just get it here!  If you have a vehicle you can trade in - even if it’s disabled - it’s going to help you.  Most times it can act as equity which will be in your favor when talking to the banks.

5. If you want to help yourself, we can help you. Our job is to get you started or re-established.  On most occasions you will drive off in a vehicle far exceeding your expectations!  There needs to be an understanding from both parties that rebuilding your credit and getting you into a reliable car is the top priority.  Remember to be open-minded.

Don’t let the fear of credit issues stand in your way of getting into a new car.  Our dealership is well equipped to help in these kind of situations, and we WANT to be able to help.  Now that you have the right tools to get you started, give us a call and let us get your credit turned around!  Click here to contact our special finance department today.

2015 Ford F150 Review

Customers who have been waiting for the 2015 Ford F150 to hit showroom floors are going to be rewarded for their patience.

Simply stated, the new F150 blows the beds off the competition. Of course that comes as no surprise to dedicated Ford owners. The F150 has been the top selling vehicle in the U.S. for the past 43 years. That's VEHICLES not just trucks (F150 has been the #1 truck for 32 years too)!

So what separates the 2015 from the rest? Let's start with where it all starts....the engine.

F150's engine comes in a 2.7L, a 3.5L V6, a 3.5L EcoBoost and a 5.0L V8. Horsepower in these bad boys can be as “little” as 283 HP with 255 lbs of torque or as much as 325 HP with 375 mighty lbs of torque. Maximum payload for towing goes all the way up to 8500 lbs. That falls in line with Ford's credo of making towing a ton easier.

Just because the F150 has all of that power it does not mean that any fuel economy has been compromised. In fact, it's just the opposite for this fuel saving stud! The 2015 F150 is the most fuel efficient truck yet. The exact numbers haven't been calculated due to the need to complete the fuel efficiency certification process, but once those numbers are figured out you can figure on some eye-popping totals!

If you are not gassed reading about the statistics of the new F150 then continue on and learn how modern this truck is. The F150 has taken a giant leap in truck technology. It was built using high strength, military-grade aluminum alloy for the body and bed. Also used was high strength steel that is 700 pounds less than its predecessor. For those of us who are into saving the environment, and really that should be all of us, Ford has also invoked the use of recyclable aluminum scrap. All of those materials help the F150 deliver the towing and hauling that was mentioned above while helping resist corrosion like never before.

The inside of the F150 is just as nifty as all of the things happening on the outside. Like a lot of new vehicles there is a command center on the dashboard of the truck. Unlike those others, however, the F150's uses the newest technology and graphics and is truly command central for all of the workings of the truck. All of that info can be found on a digitally delicious 8 inch screen. A 360 degree camera system allows the driver to see all four sides of the truck. The twin panel power moonroof is so spectacular it stretches over the rear seats! That air will come in handy when you are driving around town with the other 5 people you can haul in this six passenger piece. There is also enough room to make sure everyone brought with them what they need. There is a pull out bin in the middle front of the truck that splits 40/20/40 and a fold out storage bin that splits 60/40 plus under seat storage.

If you need more space to store things you can always use the truck's bed that has LED box lighting and sport mirrors!

No doubt this new Ford F150 is well suited to satisfy all former F150 owners. It's the lucky people who have decided to drive Ford for the first time that are really going to be transfixed by this truck!

Top 3 Myths About Buying a Car

In 1898, William Metzger became the first automobile dealer who was not employed directly by any specific manufacturer, making him one of the pioneer car sellers.  As the business of selling cars began to grow, the “car salesman” came to fruition.  So began this world that many people know as a way of life, some people see these individuals as “the villain”, as the process of buying a car became something that is more disliked than getting a tooth pulled at the dentist.  

But it does not have to be that way and car buyers should not think like that anymore.  I can’t tell you how many times I have heard customers say things like, “I can’t believe how easy that was!” or “We’re done already?”

Here are the top 3 myths that customers begin with when they walk into the dealership and are debunked when they leave with a beautiful new car.

1.  “All a car salesman cares about it making a sale.”  This could not be further from the truth.  Yes, many salesmen make their living off of commissions - but everyone has to earn money, right?  With technology encompassing our daily lives, a car salesman’s reputation can be bruised quite nicely in a very short amount of time.  Thanks to websites like Facebook, Twitter, Dealer Rater, etc. - consumers can quickly voice their disapproval and disgust with anything and everything.  Why would someone want to take that chance with their career?  Statistics show that a dissatisfied consumer will tell approximately 100 people about their experience compared to satisfied customers who will tell approximately 5 people.  Customer satisfaction is huge in this industry!  So not only will your salesman want you to leave satisfied (even if you did not buy a car), but they will also want the referral of your family and friends because it will enable their reputation and business to grow.

2.  “If I wait until the end of the month, I’ll get a better deal.”  We come to work everyday, and we need to make a living EVERY DAY.  Whether it’s the first week of the month or the last, a car salesman is going to do everything in their power to find you the perfect car and sell it to you.  Most manufacturer rebates are the same all month long (sometimes they do change mid-month), so there is not usually any extra money towards the end that will save you the big bucks.  So when you’re in the market for a car, don’t feel like you need to wait until a certain date - we would like to earn your business everyday!

3.  “Selling my trade outright will get me more money than if I were to trade it in.”  In some cases, this may be true.  However, you need to think about everything that goes along with selling a car as a private party.  You will need to list the car on a third party website (many charge for this service) or stick a For Sale sign in it.  Then you have to take time to show the car when strangers want to come see it.  And then you have to deduct the tax you make on it.  And then the stranger calls you up every time something goes wrong with it.  All in all, it’s sometimes more advantageous financially to sell outright, but you have to weigh the savings with the hassle it brings.

Unfortunately I can’t promise you that every car dealership that you visit will be a quick and easy trip.  Just like I can’t promise you that you’ll have great food at every restaurant, or a perfect haircut every time you go to a salon.  But I can say with certainty that buying a car is not the same as it used to be - the industry has grown and become more transparent.  Whether we want to accept it or not , much of this thanks goes to one particular phenomenon - the Internet.

2015 Ford Fusion Review

There are a lot of things to love about the 2015 Ford Fusion.

The new Fusion brings back many of the incredible options of the 2014 edition, but adds some features that make this one even more sensational.

For starters, the 2015 Ford Fusion is the first vehicle in its class to offer available inflatable second-row safety belts. These belts help distribute crash force energy across more of the torso than a traditional belt, which reduces risk of injury while providing support to head and neck.

A major safety advantage like that is one reason why its no illusion that the Fusion is ahead of the pack.

Need more proof? The Fusion has a standard back-up camera with 8 inch screen that allows the driver the luxury of an extra set of eyes while maneuvering. It also has advance trace brake traction control to help with stopping.

The best news about the Fusion is it can be purchased for as little as $22,000. That small amount will give the Fusion owner 1 touch power windows, SYNC voice activated technology to aid in controlling music and making hands free cell calls and an awesome 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the freeway.

If that magnificent mileage is somehow not enough for you then take a look at the exciting 2015 Fusion Energi Hybrid. This model allows you the availability to either plug in and charge the 7.6 KWH lithium-ion battery with continuous variable transmission or help you pretend you are a guitar star from the MTV generation and go unplugged to take advantage of the estimated 44 miles per gallon.

No matter which Fusion your choosin' you will have room for five passengers. You will also have available standout features such as Sirius/XM satellite radio, Sony premium sound, keyless entry, 10-way power driver's seat and dual exhaust.

The standard gas operated Fusion possesses a 2.5 Duratech engine with Select Shift six speed automatic transmission and a thumb switch on the gear shift knob. Some of those models are equipped with a 1.5 or 2.5 EcoBoost engine with available Automatic Start-Stop, so the engine choices are almost endless.

Great price, gas reliability, top shelf technology and powerful engines make the 2015 Fusion a force in its field.

  

The best way to feel the fury of Fusion is to try one on for size. Test drive the 2015 Ford Fusion soon and get ready to be blown away. Having your checkbook handy is probably a good idea too because once you find a new Fusion you'll want to own one.

3 Important Reasons to Use Nitrogen in Your Tires

If you’re like me, you probably don’t put your tires in the list of top priorities to watch on your car. Besides the amount of gas in the tank and what radio station is currently on, I’m pretty focused on the road and where I’m headed.  But your tires have a bigger role on the car than you think.  Not only are they playing a huge part in getting you where you need to go, they also affect a lot of different factors that can boost or hinder your car’s performance.

The question, or even debate, that is beginning to arise is whether you should be using regular air (like we’ve done for years and years) or the newly popular nitrogen service.  As more studies are done, it’s beginning to become apparent that nitrogen benefits greatly outweigh the benefits from having just plain air in our tires.  Now don’t get me wrong, air is obviously a good thing - I wouldn’t be sitting here if it weren’t for air - but sometimes you just need to say, “Out with the old and in with the new!”

So why isn’t everyone using nitrogen in their tires if it’s so much better?  Fair question.  The answer, in my opinion, is that the general public isn’t educated enough on the benefits of nitrogen yet.  Good news, you’ve come to the right place - continue reading.

Here are the cliff notes: nitrogen tires will stay fuller longer, help with fuel economy, and increase the life of your tires.  The main reason for these three benefits is because nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules.  Simple physics.  But why would that make a difference?  Here’s why:

1. Because of the larger molecules, there is less air loss through the tire walls.  This will keep your tires at the correct PSI longer, therefore needing filled less often.  Safety is also increased because you have a smaller chance of blowouts and worn treads due to under-inflated tires.
2. Money is saved at the pump because inaccurate tire pressure lessens rolling resistance which in turn gives you better gas mileage.
3. When air is pressurized, the humidity in it condenses to a liquid and just sits in the tank where it’s being held.  When you hit up your local gas station for air, you’re not just putting the air but also the liquid into your tires.  As you drive, the heat of the tire will cause the water to expand into gas and in turn will increase your tire pressure.  In addition, having water in your tire will contribute to rim corrosion.

Many dealership service departments all across the country offer the nitrogen service.  And even if your tires didn’t come nitrogen inflated, that doesn’t mean you can’t get them filled that way.

Now obviously you should still check your tire pressure regularly; nitrogen isn’t the end-all, be-all.  But I think you’ll find a more consistent reading than you did when you were using air, in addition to better wear on your tires and slightly longer periods in-between visiting the pump.

If you have more questions about the benefits of nitrogen in your tires, the Fred Martin Ford service department would be happy to help.  Click here for more information on our hours and services.