How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Spring break and summer vacation are right around the corner, which means hitting the road for your next adventure, getaway, or family road trip. Now’s the time to think about your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Out team at Mike Reichenbach Ford can help. more The Ford lineup is full of efficient vehicles that meet the needs of any type of driver. We know your fuel efficiency matters on a daily basis, and there are several fuel-efficient Ford models to choose from. Test out Ford’s efficient hybrids like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid. Ford’s lineup of electric vehicles, like the Mustang Mach-E or the F-150 Lightning, are emission-free and can help you maximize your efficiency on the road. While Ford has many new, eco-friendly models available, there are several ways you can maximize fuel efficiency, improve miles per gallon, and save money at the gas station with your current vehicle. With increasing gas prices, it's important to know the proper maintenance needed and optimal driving habits for your fuel economy. Our team at Mike Reichenbach Ford has done the research for you, so you can get the most out of your time and money! Read on to learn more. How to Improve Gas Mileage Your vehicle’s fuel consumption is a result of many different factors. These factors can include how you drive and maintain your vehicle. Follow these tips to know what to look out for and improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Maintenance Tips Properly maintaining your vehicle plays an important role in conserving fuel. The state of your tires, engine, oil, and gas tank can have an effect on your gas mileage. Proper Tire Inflation Making sure your tires are properly inflated can help your vehicle handle better and improve your fuel efficiency. Your fuel economy decreases with every pound per square inch (psi) lost in your tires. A psi that is too low can increase the rolling resistance of your tires on the road, which adds to the amount of energy your car has to use to move you along. Keeping your vehicle’s tires properly inflated can increase your gas mileage by up to 3%. Engine Tune-Ups A properly running engine can have a huge impact on your fuel efficiency. Regular tune-ups will help you make sure your engine is running at its best to save you time and money at the pump. You could expect to see up to a 40% increase in gas mileage just by replacing a faulty oxygen sensor. Use Recommended Motor Oil Your vehicle will run most efficiently when it’s using the right motor oil for the engine. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for which motor oil to use. Motor oil keeps your engine’s lubrication system running as efficient as possible, and using the wrong grade of oil can decrease your gas mileage by as much as 2%. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to figure out the right oil for your engine. Use the Correct Gas Which handle you grab at the pump can make a difference on your gas mileage! In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the manufacturer will recommend a certain fuel octane to help your car run optimally. The best type of gas for your vehicle depends on which make and model you own. If it’s recommended for your vehicle to use premium gas, don’t settle for unleaded. Premium gas can improve your fuel economy, helping you get further on one tank and decreasing emissions. Remember, only use the gas recommended for your vehicle. Reaching for premium gas if it isn’t recommended will only mean a higher price at the gas pump. Keep Your Gas Cap Sealed After you pump your gas, make sure your gas cap is sealed tightly. Your gas cap acts as a barrier and keeps air out of your gas tank. A loose gas cap can lead to air in the engine, which increases your engine’s fuel consumption. Driving Tips In addition to properly maintaining your vehicle, there are several driving tips that can help you get better fuel economy and go further between fuel stops. Slow Down Believe it or not, speeding wastes a lot of gas. It takes a lot of energy to drive at speeds over 50 mph, so maintain a steady speed while driving, accelerate smoothly, and brake softly and early. Also, aggressive driving wastes fuel, so pay attention to how you drive when you hit the road. Rapid acceleration and sudden stops can affect your fuel efficiency. Remove Excess Weight If you can help, always travel as light as possible. We understand that road trips require cargo, but excess weight can reduce your gas mileage by 4% with every 100 lbs. Use A/C Sparingly Your car’s air conditioning also uses a lot of energy from your engine, so using your A/C sparingly can help you save on gas. Even at low speeds, your fuel economy can suffer from A/C use. However, when you’re traveling at speeds of 60 mph, you can actually help your fuel efficiency by rolling up the windows and turning on the air conditioning. This eliminates drag, making your vehicle more aerodynamic. It’s important to know when it’s the best time to use your A/C! Use Cruise Control Cruise control is a great way to maintain your speed and conserve fuel during your ride. Cruise control allows you to stay at one speed and keep you from trying to match the high speeds of other drivers. Try to find your vehicle’s most fuel-efficient speed and set your cruise control to it during interstate travel. Turn Off the Engine When Idle When your car is in park, turn off the engine to keep it from idling. An idle engine can consume a half gallon to a gallon of fuel for every hour it’s idling. In addition to wasting fuel, idling is a source of incomplete combustion and releases harmful toxins into the air. Check Out New and Pre-Owned Fords in Florence, SC! Whether you’re searching for a used Ford near you or shopping for a new Ford in Florence, SC, Mike Reichenbach Ford is here for you! We’ll help you upgrade your ride from our huge selection of new and pre-owned Ford models and learn tips and tricks for getting the most out of your fuel economy. Come by and test drive popular Ford truck models like the Ford F-150, Super Duty, and F-150 Lightning. We also have popular Ford SUV models, like the Expedition and Explorer, that are perfect for your family’s next road trip. You can also place a custom order with us to get the right Ford for you. We make it easier than ever! Browse our inventory online then come visit us for a test drive! We’re conveniently located in Florence, SC - near Sumter, SC, Conway, SC, and Lumberton, NC.

So, it’s time for a new car – congratulations! But starting your search can be overwhelming, especially when new car price tags can be intimidating for your budget. On top of that, you also have to factor in how your credit score affects your purchasing power. If you’re not confident in your credit score, you may have questions about what financing options are available to you. The good news is that you still have options, even if you have less-than-perfect credit. Whether you're building your credit score or have bad credit, leasing a vehicle is always a good option to consider. Leasing a new vehicle is essentially a long-term rental in which you pay for the car's depreciation over the lease term rather than its full purchase price. A typical car lease term is 24 or 36 months. You’ll drive the car for the next few years, then bring it back with flexible end-of-lease options. more Leasing a new vehicle doesn’t necessarily require excellent credit, but good credit – a score of 670 or higher – is highly recommended. A lower score could result in higher monthly payments, a larger down payment, or the need for a co-signer. Car shoppers with higher credit scores typically qualify for the most competitive lease deals and promotional APR offers. When you apply to lease a new Ford vehicle, lenders review your credit history to evaluate risk. Your credit score may influence: Lease approval Security deposit requirements Monthly payment amount Available lease specials and incentives Required down payment So, could leasing a new Ford in Florence be the best option for you? Keep reading to learn more about leasing and how Mike Reichenbach Ford can help you drive home your dream car with a lease. How to Improve Your Chances of Lease Approval If you have fair to bad credit, you may still qualify for a lease by leveraging a few factors that can strengthen your application. These factors can include: Stable employment history Proof of consistent income Attempting to lower your current debt-to-income ratio Saving up for a larger down payment Bringing a qualified co-signer Keep in mind every application is evaluated individually, so speaking with our Ford finance team is often the best way to explore your options. Why Some Shoppers Choose to Lease a New Car Some drivers prefer to lease rather than buy, as the benefits of leasing better match their lifestyle and preferences. Leasing offers drivers: Lower monthly payments compared to financing Minimal upfront costs Access to the latest Ford technology and safety features for less Manufacturer’s warranty coverage lasts through most lease terms, with fewer auto maintenance bills covered by you Flexible end-of-lease options Short-term commitment: The opportunity to upgrade to a new vehicle every few years Contact Mike Reichenbach Ford of Florence for Our Current Lease Deals! Ready to get approved for a Ford Lease with less-than-perfect credit? Our team at Mike Reichenbach Ford is here to help. Remember, your credit score is only one factor lenders review. Your income, payment history, and overall financial stability also play important roles, and our team is ready to find the best lease option for your budget. Visit our finance resource page to discover more about leasing any of the popular Ford models we have available, such as: Ford Mustang lease deals Ford Ranger lease deals Ford Explorer lease deals Ford Bronco lease deals If you’re still unsure whether leasing or buying a car is best for you, our Ford finance specialists are here to help. Check out our Buy vs. Lease questionnaire to get started. Feel free to contact us with any questions about the financing process! From Sumter to Conway to Columbia, we have helped many overcome the obstacles of having fair to bad credit. We can help drivers overcome most credit problems and offer programs to get you back on the road and rebuild your credit. Get in touch with our team today to get started.

The 2026 Ford Maverick just claimed one of the automotive industry's highest honors: MotorTrend's 2026 Truck of the Year. Competition was stiff, including three all-electric GM contenders, but the Maverick stood out by proving that truck excellence isn't just about brute force; it's about how well the vehicle serves your real-world needs. more What makes this achievement particularly impressive is how the Maverick excelled across all six of MotorTrend's testing criteria: performance of intended function, engineering excellence, advancement in design, efficiency, value, and safety. Overall, the Maverick delivers exactly what you’re looking for in a pickup, without a premium price tag or frequent trips to the gas station. Let’s take a look at each of the Maverick’s five trim levels. The 2026 Ford Maverick Trim Levels Since its debut in 2022, the Maverick has filled the gap in the compact pickup truck market. If you’re looking for a truck that’s versatile enough to be a daily driver, a workhorse, and a weekend adventurer, it’s hard to beat the Maverick! It’s available in five different trim levels, making it easy to find the right Maverick for your lifestyle and budget: Ford Maverick XL - Starting at $28,145: The affordable entry-level Maverick is outfitted with LED headlights, 17-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, standard FLEXBED storage system, and Ford Co-Pilot360. Ford Maverick XLT - Starting at $30,645: The XLT adds style with 17-inch painted aluminum wheels and sport-inspired cloth interior. It also takes convenience up a notch with Intelligent Access with push-button ignition, a standard trailer package with a 4-pin connector, and available luxury/FX4 packages for additional features. Ford Maverick Lobo - Starting at $35,930: This street-focused performance trim is equipped with a lowered sport-tuned suspension and torque-vectoring AWD for a sportier ride. Ford Maverick Lariat - Starting at $38,909: The most upscale Maverick model, the Lariat comes standard with a luxury package that includes heated seats, a 400W power inverter, heated mirrors, LED bed lighting, and remote start. You’ll also enjoy other premium amenities like a B&O sound system, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, and ActiveX-trimmed heated seats. Ford Maverick Tremor - Starting at $40,645: As the dedicated off-road trim, the Maverick Tremor features an off-road-tuned suspension, advanced 4WD, increased ground clearance for trails, skid plates, and 17-in. machined-face dark-painted alloy wheels with orange accents. Discover New and Used Ford Trucks for Sale Near Sumter! Ready to experience the new Maverick for yourself? 2026 models are starting to arrive at our Ford dealership. Explore our 2026 Ford Maverick inventory online, then visit us for a test drive! If you're looking for a more budget-friendly vehicle or a work truck, don't forget to check out our used trucks for sale! Mike Reichenbach Ford proudly serves drivers in Sumter, Conway, Manning, and beyond!