Blog

Winter-Ready Ford Trucks Winter can be tough on both people and their vehicles. The cold temperatures, snow, and ice can take a toll on even the toughest of trucks. As winter approaches, it's important to make sure your truck is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it. If you live in Wilmington, North Carolina, then you know that the winter weather can be unpredictable. That's why it's important to ensure that your Ford truck is properly prepared for the cold months ahead. But don't worry, Ford trucks are known for their durability and reliability in all kinds of weather conditions. With a little bit of preparation, you can turn your truck into a winter-ready machine. Truck Repair in Wilmington, NC The first step in preparing your truck for the cold weather is to make sure it's in good working condition. This is especially important if you're using a used truck that may have unseen issues. Finding a reputable and experienced truck repair shop in Wilmington, NC is crucial. They can perform a thorough inspection of your truck and make any necessary repairs. This will not only ensure your truck is ready for the winter, but it will also prevent any unexpected breakdowns during the cold months. Winter Tires for Your Ford Truck One of the most important aspects of preparing your truck for winter is investing in a good set of winter tires. Regular all-season tires are not designed for the harsh conditions of winter. Winter tires have a different tread pattern and rubber compound that provide better traction on snow and ice. And when it comes to finding the best winter tires for your Ford truck, you have plenty of options. From specialized snow tires to all-terrain tires with the snowflake symbol, there's a wide range of choices to fit your specific needs and budget. Contact our service department to talk to an expert about which tires fit your truck's exact needs for winter. Best Ford Trucks for Winter Driving Ford trucks are known for their tough and rugged performance, making them great vehicles for winter driving. However, some models may handle better in harsh weather conditions than others. The Ford F-150 is a great option for winter driving. Its powerful engine, four-wheel drive capabilities, and advanced safety features make it a reliable and practical choice for the cold months. But if you're looking for a truck specifically designed for harsh winters, the Ford Super Duty might be the right fit for you. With its heavy-duty frame and towing capabilities, as well as advanced features like the available snowplow prep package, the Super Duty is built to handle even the toughest winter weather. Additional Tips for Winter-Ready Ford Trucks Aside from getting your truck inspected and investing in winter tires, there are a few more things you can do to get it ready for the cold months. Regularly checking and replacing your windshield wipers, topping off fluids, and keeping a winter emergency kit in your truck are all important steps to take. It's also a good idea to have a set of tire chains or sandbags in case you encounter deep snow or icy roads. With these tips and preparations, your Ford truck will be ready to take on whatever winter has in store. Don't wait until the first snowfall to start getting your truck ready. Start now and ensure a safe and smooth winter driving experience with your reliable Ford truck. And remember to always drive carefully and cautiously in the winter weather, no matter how well-prepared your vehicle may be. At Capital Ford of Wilmington, we offer a wide selection of Ford trucks and expert service to help you get your truck winter-ready. Contact us today for all your truck needs in Wilmington, NC!

Source: Ford The 2023 Ford Escape is the latest addition to the impressive lineup of SUVs and crossovers from Capital Ford of Wilmington. With its sleek design, advanced technology, and powerful performance, this vehicle is perfect for those seeking a versatile and reliable ride. Exterior Design One of the main highlights of the 2023 Ford Escape is its sleek and sporty exterior design. The front fascia features a bold and aggressive grille with the signature Ford logo in the center. The headlights have a sharp and modern look, giving the vehicle a futuristic touch. Moving towards the back, the Escape has a sloping roofline that adds to its overall aerodynamic profile. The rear end is characterized by stylish taillights and an integrated spoiler, creating a streamlined appearance. Interior Features Inside, the 2023 Ford Escape offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with seating for up to five passengers. The seats are designed to provide ample support and cushioning, making long drives more enjoyable. The dashboard is equipped with a large infotainment display, providing access to various features such as navigation, music, and connectivity options. The interior also boasts high-quality materials and sophisticated finishes, adding to the overall luxurious feel of the vehicle. Engine and Performance The Escape offers a wide range of powertrains, starting with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that can be paired with either front- or all-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, there is also a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder option available. In addition to these gas engines, the 2023 Escape will also feature a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option. The hybrid model consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined output of 210-hp. The plug-in hybrid model is expected to have similar performance capabilities. Safety Features Ford has always prioritized safety in their vehicles, and the 2023 Escape is no exception. It will come equipped with advanced safety features such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features aim to not only protect the occupants of the vehicle but also prevent accidents from occurring. If you are interested in learning more about the 2023 Ford Escape, we encourage you to visit our finance center and service center at Capital Ford of Wilmington. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you with any inquiries or concerns you may have. We look forward to helping you get behind the wheel of this highly anticipated vehicle.

Source: Pexels Are you looking to save some money on your next oil change? Or maybe you're just curious about the difference between doing it yourself and having a professional do it for you. Well, look no further because we are here to break down the pros and cons of each option. How To Change Your Own Oil Changing your own oil can seem like a stressful process but with the right tools is actually a simple, step-by-step procedure. Learn how to change the oil in a car with our guide: Gather your supplies: You'll need new oil and a filter, an oil pan, a funnel, and a wrench or socket set. Locate the oil filter and drain plug. These are typically found underneath the car, so you may need a jack to lift it up. To drain the oil, place the oil pan under the drain plug and unscrew it. Once the oil is drained, put it in its old bottle and bring it to your local auto parts store for disposal. Use your wrench or socket set to remove the old filter and replace it with the new one. Using your funnel, add in the new oil until you reach the correct level on the dipstick. While this may seem like a straightforward process, it does require some time and effort on your part. Make sure you have the right tools and knowledge to do it right. Going to a Dealership On the other hand, going to a dealership or mechanic is the easier option. You simply drop off your car, relax in their waiting room, and their mechanics will take care of everything for you. However, paying for this convenience is not for everyone. Some other benefits of visiting a dealership: Speed and convenience: Going to a dealership will save you time and effort especially if you schedule ahead. Expertise: Trust a trained technician to get your oil changed right the first time. Warranty maintenance: If your car is still under warranty, getting regular oil changes at the dealership will ensure your warranty stays valid. Added services: In addition to changing your oil, dealership technicians may also perform a multi-point inspection and top off other fluids in your car. Common Oil Change Questions How Often to Change Oil In My Car? While the general rule of thumb is to change your oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, this may vary depending on your car's make and model. It's best to consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations. Can I Use Any Type of Oil? No, it's important to use the type of oil recommended by your car manufacturer. This can vary based on factors such as climate and driving habits. Consult your owner's manual for the correct type and viscosity of oil to use. Can I Reuse Old Oil? No, it's important to dispose of old oil properly and use fresh, new oil for each oil change. Reusing old oil can lead to engine damage and decrease the effectiveness of your oil. What Does an Oil Change Light Mean? The oil change light in your car typically indicates the end of your oil's lifecycle. However, there can also be other problems indicated by an oil change light. It's always best to check your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to reset the light after an oil change. Making the Decision Ultimately, the decision between doing your own oil change or going to a dealership comes down to cost and convenience. If you prefer having someone else handle it, you'll receive excellent service at a Ford dealership. Oil changes done at home can be easy if you have the time, tools, and knowledge to do it yourself. This can also save you money. Whichever option you choose, make sure to keep up with regular oil changes to keep your car running smoothly. The experienced technicians at Capital Ford of Wilmington will ensure that your car is in top shape. You can even save money by taking advantage of our coupons for your Ford oil change. Visit our service center today for your oil change!

Pros and Cons of Buying vs. Leasing A Car Thinking about buying or leasing a Ford car? Here are the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision. Come check out our great selection at Capital Ford of Wilmington! When it comes to buying a car, there are generally two options: purchasing the car outright or leasing it. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to weigh these carefully before making a decision. As a Ford dealer in Wilmington, we understand that this can be a daunting task, which is why we've created this guide to help you make an informed decision. So let's dive in and explore the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing a car. Buying a Car - The Pros No mileage limits: Unlike leasing, there are no mileage restrictions when you own a car. You can drive it as much as you want without worrying about paying extra fees. Ownership: When you purchase a car, it becomes your property. You can modify it as you please and keep it for as long as you like without any restrictions. Potential for trade-in or resale value: When you decide to upgrade to a new car, you have the option to either trade in your current vehicle or sell it for a good resale value. This can help offset the cost of your new car. No monthly payments after the loan is paid off: Once you pay off your car loan, you no longer have to make monthly payments, giving you more financial freedom. Buying a Car - The Cons Higher upfront costs: When buying a car, you will need to shell out a larger amount of money upfront, either in the form of a down payment or the full purchase price. Maintenance and repair costs: As the owner of the car, you are responsible for all maintenance and repair costs. This can add up over time and may result in unexpected expenses. Depreciation: Cars depreciate in value over time, which means that your car will be worth less than what you paid for it in a few years. Leasing a Car - The Pros Lower upfront costs: When leasing a car, you typically only need to pay a small down payment and monthly lease payments, making it more affordable upfront. Lower maintenance and repair costs: Since the car is under warranty for the duration of your lease, you won't have to worry about paying for any major repairs. Ability to drive a new car every few years: With a lease, you can upgrade to a new car every few years without having to go through the process of selling or trading in your current vehicle. Lower sales tax: In most states, you only have to pay sales tax on the monthly lease payments rather than the full purchase price of the car. Leasing a Car - The Cons No ownership: Unlike buying, you don't own the car when you lease it. This means that you can't modify it or keep it for as long as you like. Annual mileage limits: Most leases come with an annual mileage limit, and if you exceed this limit, you will have to pay additional fees. No trade-in or resale value: Since you don't own the car, you can't trade it in or sell it for a good resale value when you want to upgrade. Monthly payments for the duration of the lease: With leasing, you will have to make monthly payments for the entire duration of your lease agreement. Choosing Between Buying and Leasing a Car When deciding between buying and leasing a car, it's essential to consider your personal needs and financial situation. If you prefer owning a car, have the funds to make a larger upfront payment, and plan on keeping the car for more than a few years, then buying may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you want to drive a new car every few years, don't mind not owning the car, and prefer lower monthly payments, then leasing may be the way to go. As a Ford dealer in Wilmington, we offer both buying and leasing options for our customers. Our car showroom has a wide selection of vehicles, and our experienced team is always available to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget. We also have great car lease deals in Wilmington to make leasing even more affordable for our customers. Visit us today to find the perfect Ford vehicle for you! So, whether you choose to buy or lease, we'll make sure you drive away confident and satisfied with your decision. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to buying or leasing a car, so be sure to carefully consider all the pros and cons before making your decision. Schedule a test drive to come see which car fits your lifestyle. At Capital Ford of Wilmington, we're here to help you every step of the way! So come visit us today and let us find the perfect solution for your car needs. Thank you for considering Capital Ford of Wilmington as your trusted Ford dealer. We look forward to serving you! Stop by today and see what we can do for you!

At Capital Ford of Wilmington, we understand that buying a car is an important investment. One of the best ways to save is to consider choosing a used car over buying new. When you view vehicles from our used car dealership, you not only get access to our selection of reliable models but also get considerable savings on your purchase. Here are three reasons why our customers prefer buying a used car from us. Easy to Find Great Value When you shop with us at Capital Ford of Wilmington, we make it easy to find a great car at an affordable price. Our large selection of used cars grant the ability to compare different models and trims in order to get the perfect fit for you and your budget. Whether you're looking for a used car under $5000 or something that's "like new," we have it all. We also have experienced salespeople on hand who can help you filter through our inventory and suggest potential models that may fit your needs. Save Money on Depreciation The biggest reason people choose to buy a used car instead of new is the amount of money saved due to depreciation. With a brand-new vehicle, the value will decrease as soon as you drive it off the lot and can lose up to 20% within the first year. By opting for a used model, you can avoid this initial decrease in value. Reliable and Cost-Effective At Capital Ford of Wilmington, we make sure that all of our used cars have been thoroughly inspected for quality and safety. We also offer vehicle history reports on request to provide extra assurance when buying a used car. Not only are these vehicles reliable, but they are cost-effective in the long run. With regular maintenance like oil changes, you can keep your used car running smoothly for many years to come. We understand that buying a car is a stressful process and we want our customers to feel confident in their purchase. When browsing used cars in Wilmington, NC shopping from our dealership will give you access to reliable vehicles at an affordable price. Visit us today at Capital Ford of Wilmington to find the perfect used car for you. For more information, don't hesitate to reach out and contact us! We look forward to helping you find your dream car.

Coming Soon: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor The Ford F-150 has paved its way in the industry by being known for its power, durability and reliability. And every year this truck just keeps getting better. We don’t know everything about the 2018 Ford F-150 yet but it looks like the best is going to just keep getting better. In 2018 the Ford F-150 will be getting even more powerful with a new standard 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Engine and new available 3.0L Power Stroke® Diesel Engine. But the engine isn’t the only thing getting an upgrade in 2018. The new models will have available cargo upgrade to help you get the absolute most out of your truck. Available LED box working lights, class-exclusive integrated tailgate step, stowable loading ramps, and cargo management system make this truck bed like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The 2018 Lineup will include: The XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum and Limited trim levels. • Ford F-150 Raptor: • 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Engine • Auto Start-Stop Technology • Dynamic Hitch Assist • B+O Play™ Sound System • FordPass ™ App • Sportage Appearance Package • Special Edition Appearance Package • Chrome Appearance Package • STX Appearance Package Tougher, smarter, and more capable the 2018 Ford F-150 is going to take the world by storm. Keep checking our website for the most up-to-date information on the 2018 Ford F-150. In the meantime feel free to come in and test drive the brand new 2017 Ford Ford F-150 Raptor at Capital Ford of Wilmington today!

There are so many decisions to be made when picking out a new car! What size vehicle you want, what features are important to you, and how the vehicle feels when you drive it can all be factors in making a final decision. One of the most crucial parts of finding your next vehicle is the test drive because how will you truly know what you want if you don’t test drive it first? It allows you to make sure that the vehicle is the right fit and will feel comfortable to drive while being able to make sure that it is easy to use. Test driving should be an exciting experience and we are here to help every step of the way! Read below for 5 useful tip in getting the most out of your next test drive. 1) Come Prepared: Before coming to the dealership make sure you have done some vehicle research to have an idea of what you are looking for. There are so many vehicles out there and to make the most of your time you want to have a good idea of exactly what you are looking for! What kind of space do you need? Do you feel like you have enough room? What kind of budget do you have? After answering those questions find 2 or 3 vehicles that fit the description of what you are looking for and schedule your test drive! 2) Get a good feel for the vehicle before you drive it: Is it easy to get in and out of? Do you feel like you have enough room? Is it what you expected? Do you like the placement of the controls? Can you see yourself driving this vehicle daily? First impressions can make a big impact. So figuring out how you feel just being in the vehicle can be super helpful in making a decision. 3) Drive Familiar Territory Whether it’s back roads, highways, or crowded parking lots you need to know that your new vehicle is going to work for you. During your test drive make sure to sample the different ways of driving that you use daily! 4) Test The Features It’s great to think that you want that backup camera or absolutely need bluetooth connectivity but those things won’t be helpful in your new vehicle if you don’t feel comfortable using them. Test the new features, ask questions, and make sure you feel like you understand how to use them before the test drive is over. 5) Get Different Perspectives Try out the vehicle from every angle. Sit in the passenger seat, the back seat, fold down the second row, pop the trunk, look under the hood. Explore every different way the vehicle might be used to make sure that it will work for you and your needs. Buying a new car should be exciting and test driving is all part of the fun! Buying a vehicle isn’t something most people do often, so feel free to test drive a few options to really find the best car, truck or SUV for you. Whether you choose the Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Escape, Expedition, F-150, Super Duty or any other great Ford models on our lot, we are ready to schedule a test drive for you today at Capital Ford of Wilmington!