Fall is finally here! The weather’s getting cooler, leaves are changing color, all signs that winter is not far behind. And while we may not be able to get you mentally ready for the change of the seasons, we can certainly help you prepare your car for fall and winter! Welcome to Fall Car Care Month at Cleveland Ford!
The Quintessential Fall Car Care Month Checklist
Fall is the perfect time to start checking up on your car. The weather isn’t entirely too cold yet, the Holidays are still a ways off, and you aren’t facing any severe weather conditions yet. The autumn season is prime for getting out in the garage or bringing your car to our service centers to get everything checked out before the real test of your car’s performance comes.
Now you may be asking yourself, why is it important to check up on your car before winter? Well, dealing with car problems when it’s cold out is just not a great time. And we want you to always be having a good time when driving your Ford. And while these tips may seem like common sense, you’d be surprised just how often these can fly under the radar and end up causing much more serious problems down the line.
15 Tips to Prepare Your Car For Winter
- Checking and Refilling Fluids: All of your fluids play a crucial role in keeping your Ford performing at its absolute best, and during the cooler months you don’t need anything less. Taking a look at your oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid and refilling or changing any that need it is a great way to prepare your car for the winter months ahead. Also, checking your antifreeze/coolant is an absolute must, as that will keep your engine from getting too cold should the temps drop.
- Change the Oil and Filters: While we’re on the topic of fluids, your oil is a big one that you should be up to date on. Ignoring an oil change, especially in winter is not a great idea. Old oil in your system greatly increases the risk of your engine overheating, severely damaging the engine. Check when your Ford is due for its next oil change and make sure you get the filters changed as well. That way your brand-new oil stays new for as long as possible!
- Test the Heating/HVAC: Yes, your AC system may seem like an afterthought when it comes to having to prepare your car for winter and Fall car care. However, your HVAC is also responsible for filtering the air, dehumidifying your windshield, and heating your car. So making sure everything there is in working order before the weather gets too cold is probably a good idea.
- Tighten Your Hoses: Making sure your antifreeze and fluids are all topped off is great, but it won’t do you any good if it can’t reach your engine. If your hoses have any leaks or breaks, there’s a good chance you’ll overheat your engine when the cold weather hits and your engine has to work overtime to keep it warm. Be sure to give your hoses a good look over and tighten any that seem loose.
- Look at Your Belts: This actually goes hand in hand with your hoses. Hot summer months can severely degrade the belts in your engine. When checking under the hood, you should look for any signs of excessive wear, fraying, cracks, or looseness. If you do notice any of these, bring your Ford over to Cleveland Ford and we’ll set you up with a new belt.
- Test Your Exhaust: Checking your exhaust system as part of your fall car care checklist could actually save your life. If there’s a leak in your exhaust, carbon monoxide could seep into your car. Not only that, but a damaged exhaust system can also result in lower mileage. Keep on the lookout for weird noises, smells, a vibrating gas pedal, or a rumble when your car is sitting still. All are signs that your exhaust system is damaged. Our Ford-trained technicians will look for rust, holes, leaks, and other damage that may be present during our inspection.
- Check Your Brakes: You want to be able to stop when you need to stop right? Especially if the weather is giving you trouble, you don’t want your brakes to be something else to worry about. Bring your Ford over to Cleveland Ford and our service team will make sure your brake system is in good working order. Replacing your brake pads and rotors is an essential part of your Fall car care and winter prep.
- Inspect All 4 Tires: The quality of your tires is just as important as that of your brakes. If your tires are worn down, they’re not going to do you much good in snow or rain. Make sure to not only check the tread but also their pressure. Tires tend to lose pressure when the temperature drops and changing a flat in 30-degree weather isn’t fun. If you really want to future-proof yourself, getting a good set of snow tires or all-season tires will be greatly beneficial.
- Pay Attention to Steering and Suspension: You want to be in complete control of your ____ in the event of bad weather. Making sure your power steering and suspension are up to par is the best way to remain in control at all times. If you’re worried, our team can take a look at your shock absorbers, struts, and chassis to see if anything needs adjusting or replacing.
- Test The Battery: Bering able to rely on your battery during the winter months can be a huge weight off your shoulders. So be sure to check the charge and quality of your current battery. If it’s been more than three years, it may be time to replace the battery completely. Visit our service center and we’ll be able to set you up with a brand-new battery just in time for Winter.
- Replace Your Wipers: Did you know that the quality of your windshield wipers actually factors into your yearly inspection? That’s because if your wipers are leaving heavy streaks on your windshield, you’re not going to have very good visibility. And visibility is essential in any type of winter weather.
- Wash Your Car: This may definitely seem unnecessary, but hear us out for a second. Cleaning your car of all the summer mildew and dirt can help prepare it for what’s coming. Waxing your car can also protect it from snow, ice, and salt as well. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to regularly clean your car after it snows. Icemelt and salt can accumulate and erode certain components of your undercarriage if left on for extended periods of time. While not as immediately important as other tips on your Fall car care list, it won’t hurt.
- Clean Your Headlights: Between dead bulbs and cloudy headlight covers, there’s enough to check to warrant this being on your Fall car care list. Your headlights do two things out on the road. They help you see what’s in front of you, and they help other drivers see you. Make sure both of these functions are unimpeded by checking your bulbs and cleaning your headlight covers.
- Pack Roadside Kit: If the unfortunate happens and you have car issues or slide on ice or snow, having a pack of supplies to fall back on is a great idea. Some things that should be in your roadside kit include an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. You can never be too careful.
- Get AAA/Roadside Assistance: No Fall car care list would be complete without roadside assistance. These guys can be literal life savers and save you from having to sit out in the cold waiting on a tow company and praying that they’re open. Companies like AAA offer 24/7 support and assistance so they’re always there when you need them.
Stay On Top of Your Fall Car Care
It may seem like a lot to keep track of, but if you follow this Fall car care checklist, you’ll be more than prepared for when the colder months roll around. And if there’s anything you need to replace or you can’t check out yourself, you can always make Cleveland Ford a part of your winter car prep by scheduling an appointment with our service center on S Lee Hwy. Make sure you prepare your car for winter right with Cleveland Ford!
Dance The Night Away At Mambo Under the Stars
Music brings people together and in today’s current state, we definitely need to come together. It’s the one thing that doesn’t include judgment or prejudice, where people can simply enjoy themselves. That’s exactly the goal of this year’s Music Under the Stars at the Museum at 5ive Points!
Every year the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points offers the Cleveland community a night full of music and fun. This year’s theme is Mambo Under The Stars, featuring the Premiere Jazz Orchestra for an incredible night of Latin Jazz. To pair with the incredible music of the Premiere Jazz Orchestra, those attending will also have the chance to learn how to dance in traditional Latin style by Nelson Rodriguez from NelRod Studios before the band starts their set. That way, everyone is well prepared to dance the night away! While dancing all night is sure to work up an appetite, Misfit Tacos will be serving Cuban-themed tacos to get you back out on the dance floor. Attendees will also have access to a cash bar and concessions throughout the night.
These events have been a huge success in bringing the Cleveland community together. Last year’s Music Under the Stars event brought together over 300 community members, ranging from infants to 90-year-old seniors. This year, they hope to bring in even more people. The Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points has always been a place for the community to gather and learn about history and different cultures. This regional history museum tells the story of the Ocoee Region and helps to keep history alive.
If you want to attend this year’s Mambo Under the Stars, online tickets are still available by visiting the Museum Center’s website. Non-Museum member tickets are $15 with member tickets being $10. You can also get special VIP tickets that come with a buffet and drink ticket, as well as access to the VIP Lounge, available for $40 for members and $50 for non-members. Kids under 12 are free, and you can also pick up tickets at the door for $20! We hope to see you on the dance floor for an unforgettable night on Thursday, October 13th at the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points!
Summer may be over, but we’re still in the thick of hurricane season. While Florida usually gets the brunt of the storms, there are good chances that those strong residual winds, rains, and other terrifying weather will affect the Chattanooga area as well. And when that happens, it’s crucial to protect your Ford from the damage these strong storms can cause.
Storms can cause a lot of damage, especially if you’re unprepared. Falling trees or limbs, hail, debris blown around by the strong winds, and all of this and more can pose significant risks to a car sitting out on the street unprotected. And there’s nothing worse than waking up after a crazy storm to see your car dented or windows cracked or broken as a result. While your favorite local Ford experts at Cleveland Ford are here to help repair any damage, we’d rather you avoid that situation completely. So here are some things you can do to keep your Folrd out of harm’s way!
How to Protect Your Car During Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Strong storms like hurricanes or even severe thunderstorms can produce some crazy weather conditions. These can include hail the size of quarters or larger that can fall at speeds faster than 100 miles per hour, fast and strong winds sometimes reaching speeds of 74 miles per hour, and incredible amounts of heavy rain averaging around 16 inches, all resulting in flooding from storm surges, personal and property damage, and more. If you’ve left your car out on the road in the middle of a hurricane, tropical storm, or even a severe thunderstorm, there’s a good chance that your car will be on the receiving end of some crazy damage from trees, debris, water, and a lot more. We’re here to help give you some tips on how to protect your car in the event of severe weather events and future-proof yourself a bit in the process.
Preparing Your Car For The Storm
Protecting your car from any potential damage is definitely the first thing you should be thinking about. There are a handful of things you can do to prep your car from the barrage of wind, rain, and more that is bound to come during any severe weather event.
- Remove any crucial documents and personal items
- Lock all doors and close windows and moon/sunroofs
- Protect windows and lights with foam and duct tape
- Set your hand/emergency brake to brace your car
- Fill the gas tank
- Use a car cover or large blanket/rug
The number one thing you want to do is secure any and all documents as well as personal items. This can include your insurance cards, registration, and any other important papers you may be keeping in your glove box. In the event of flooding, you definitely don’t want any of those papers to receive any severe water damage. Once you’ve got all you wanted to out of your car, you can begin adding layers of protection. Placing foam against the windows secured with duct tape will support your windows during intense winds. Setting your parking brake gives your car something to brace against in the event of flooding and winds. And of course, covering your car with a heavy blanket paired with a tarp will help protect against falling debris or hail. Filling your gas tank is a really good way to give yourself an out if you suddenly need to move your car or evacuate from your house or apartment. All of this, as well as anything else you come up with, will be great ways to protect your car the best you can from damage during a storm.
Where to Park Your Car During a Storm
Knowing where to park your car during a storm can give you a huge advantage and help you avoid serious damage. It should come as no surprise that parking under a tree or next to the water is probably not the greatest idea during an intense storm. You want a place that does more to protect your car and avoid anything that may easily break off and land on said car. Places like covered parking garages are very ideal, as they provide not only nearly complete coverage on all sides but often place your car at a higher elevation which can protect your car from flooding. You definitely want to avoid basement or low-level parking areas, as those will be the first places to flood during heavy rainfall. However, any enclosed parking space will be more ideal than an open-air parking lot, so if you have a parking garage best make use of it. And even if you’re car is protected on all sides, it’s still a good idea to implement all of the layers of protection. More protection is always a good idea.
Future-Proof Yourself
Before any serious storm, if you’re expecting the chance that your car may be damaged, it may be a good idea to take pictures of the condition of your car BEFORE the storm. Most car insurances do provide a level of natural disaster coverage. However, insurance also typically will look for any reason not to pay out that coverage. If you take pictures of the condition of your car before the storm, you have a solid baseline to compare any damage that may have taken place during the storm. And photo evidence is irrefutable in most cases.
Driving During a Severe Storm
Obviously, it’s not a great idea to head out on the road in the middle of a hurricane or other severe weather event. However, some situations are unavoidable, like having to evacuate from your home or apartment building, or driving back home and you get stuck in a storm. So if you’re going to be driving in the middle of one of the worst situations possible, be smart about it.
The number one thing to avoid is any flooded roads or washed-out bridges. Even if you have a decent off-road vehicle that’s prepared for situations like that, you likely don’t have the necessary training or experience to come out of that unscathed. Find a new route that takes a higher road. Another road hazard to watch for is fallen objects or downed power lines. Storms can bring down a whole manner of branches, whole trees, telephone poles, and power lines that can pose a great risk to you on the road. Don’t take the risk of trying to move the branch and definitely don’t touch downed power lines as they are likely still live and extremely dangerous. Stay in your car and find a way around or a completely new route.
The way you drive will also change depending on the situation. During low visibility and high winds and rain, it’s best to slow down as much as you can. Driving slow allows you to have more time to respond to stalled vehicles or road hazards, while also giving you more control against strong winds.
Stay Safe Out There
Hurricanes, tropical storms, and other forms of severe weather are no joke. They’ve accounted for billions of dollars of damage and countless deaths over the years and we don’t want you to fall victim to the increasing danger these severe weather events bring with them. While these tips are not a guarantee that you’ll avoid any and all danger or damage by any means, they are certainly a good start to protecting yourself and your property. To learn more, please visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes and stay safe out there! Remember, a car is replaceable, you are not.
Sports play a huge role in the development of children. It teaches them discipline, and teamwork, and encourages them to strive towards personal and team goals, which directly carry over to everyday life. Unfortunately, school sports is a department that sufferers from underfunding, as do many aspects of schools. That’s why our team at Cleveland Ford is proud to be sponsors of the 2022 Lady Colts Ocoee Middle Softball team at Ocoee Middle School.
The Ocoee Middle Softball team has a longstanding tradition of preparing young women for competition at the highest level and their commitment to those girls has led to their teams winning numerous titles and championships over the years. But beyond that, this program is well known for its positive impact on not only the players but the families and communities of all involved.
The best part about this sponsorship is that it will have an immediate impact on the team. Costs are consistently growing to maintain the gear and equipment needed to give these girls a quality softball experience, paired with the traditions and small pleasures during games and practice. This means that the funds we’ve donated will be immediately used to improve the lives of every team member with updated equipment and more.
Helping kids grow and thrive has never been more important than it is right now. We are so excited to once again sponsor the Lady Colts at Ocoee Middle School and hope they have an incredible 2022 season! If you want to learn more about how you can support the 2022 Lady Colts Ocoee Middle School Softball team, head over to their website.
The Scott Family LETS Basketball Camp
Summer camp often ends up being the source of the best childhood memories. And when that summer camp also includes their favorite sport, that experience could be the thing that takes their love of that sport up a whole new level. Events like the LETS Basketball Camp are so crucial for kids. This year, Cleveland Ford had the privilege of being a sponsor for the LETS Scott Family Basketball Camp and helping to further their mission of giving back to the community and helping young men and women to learn and develop on the court.
After being on hold for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LETS Basketball Camp kicked off on July 19th and ran until the 22nd at the Bradley Central High School. The camp saw over 260 boys and girls ages 8 to 15 attend this year for absolutely no cost to the families. This fact alone sets the LETS Camp apart from other summer camps.
LETS or Life Education Through Sports is an alternative education and development non-profit organization founded by Retired Phoenix Suns Legend Alvin Scott and the Scott Family. The Scotts have deep roots in the South-East Tennessee and Cleveland-Bradley County area, having been born and raised in Cleveland.
Our sponsorship of the 2022 LETS Scott Family Basketball Camp directly supported the camp, which we are proud to have been a part of. Here’s hoping we can be a part of next year’s Basketball Camp and continue supporting the youth of the Cleveland-Bradley County and South-East Tennessee areas! To learn more about the Scott Family and the LETS Basketball Camp, visit their website! Thank you for being a constant stream of positive support for Tennessee.
BBB Golf Classic 25th Anniversary
What better way to spend the summer than supporting local businesses with a relaxing round of golf? Well, they don’t call them the Better Business Bureau for nothing! The 25th anniversary of the BBB Golf Tournament kicks off on Wednesday, September 28th at Windstone Golf Club. This annual golf tournament gives businesses the opportunity to interact with other local businesses in their community, connect closer with customers, make new friends, and even raise awareness for their own businesses. Along with a great round of golf on a gorgeous course, the event features a bunch of other activities for all who participate. These include the opportunity to win prizes, bid on items from local BBB-accredited businesses during the silent auction, and enjoy incredible food from local restaurants. Breakfast will be provided by Cooke’s Food Stores, enjoy lunch from Food City, and an awesome dinner by Il Primo! Last year, former BBB CEO Jim Winsett was the honoree following a 17-year career with the Better Business Bureau. However, this year the BBB is solely focusing on its 25th anniversary.
This event started way back in 1998 and has been a staple in the Southeast TN and Northwest GA communities ever since. We’ve been Sponsors of the BBB Golf Tournament since 2020 and are extremely excited to be returning for their 25th anniversary! The BBB Golf Classic is the Better Business Bureau’s only fundraising event during the year and all proceeds go to help support services they offer to the public at no cost. One example of these services is the over 568,000 reports on local businesses they provided to customers who want to be sure they’re supporting trustworthy businesses.
Here at Cleveland Ford, being a part of the greater Chattanooga community and participating in events like these mean a lot to us. We love making new friends and opening new doors with other local businesses. We’ll have a team of 4 awesome golfers participating this year, so if you are involved with a local business or know someone who would be interested in participating in or attending this year’s BBB Golf Tournament, you can learn more about how to sign up right here! We can’t wait to see all of you at Windstone Golf Course on September 28th!
Celebrating July 4th in Cleveland!
What’s the best part about the 4th of July? The fireworks? Celebration of our nation? The cookout with family and friends? Maybe it’s the extra long weekend. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that July 4th is an incredible celebration, and this year we were able to be a part of the festivities along with Mt. Olive Ministries. This year’s 4th of July celebrations in Cleveland was held at Bradley Square Mall, a central location for all the beautiful people of Cleveland to meet, shop, and enjoy a spectacular show of fireworks. These fireworks are put off every year and act as the official show of the great City of Cleveland!
Over the years, Cleveland Ford has loved being a big part of making the 4th of July celebration a huge hit, and this year was no exception. The display was launched at Perry Stone Ministries, so everyone was able to see the show right over the Bradley Square Mall. The community was able to enjoy the show either from the Mall parking lot, nearby at Tinsley Park, or anywhere surrounding the Mall. And to make the show even better, Mix 104.1 FM was synched up with the show, which added a whole other patriotic element! While the fireworks weren’t until about 9:20 pm, the mall itself was open from 11 am to 6 pm, so the Cleveland community was able to enjoy the day shopping and the night celebrating.
We hope everyone had a fantastic time watching the fireworks and enjoying their Independence Day in Cleveland and we can’t wait to put on another incredible show for you next year!
Spread The Word With J103 FM and JFest
Music, worship, and connection, were just the beginning of this year’s Jfest by J103 FM. Every year, J103 puts on their annual JFest which brings in artists and people from all over the nation. This is the first Jfest event since the COVID-19 hiatus back in 2020, and they absolutely shattered all previous records, making the 2022 Jfest the largest in J103 history! Jfest was held at the Tennessee Riverpark on Amnicola, as it has for many years before. Thanks to the entire staff at Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, Chattanooga State, hundreds of volunteers, and support staff, not to mention all of the sponsors, food vendors, and everyone else, the 2022 Jfest was an incredible success!
Jfest 2022 also had a fantastic artist line-up with the co-headliners being Grammy winner Zach Williams and American Idol alum Danny Gokey. Other acts included Cain, Unspoken, The Afters, Colton Dixton, Caitie Hurst, and The Union Chattanooga. All got their time on the Lee University stage and played their hearts out for the 12,500 festival goers in attendance. The event wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display over the river.
This music festival has been going on since 1999 and has always been a place for wholesome entertainment for the entire community. Jfest is also the largest Christian music festival between Atlanta and Cincinnati to date and has seen the likes of Christian music legends including For King and Country, Mercy Me, and Lecrae.
Cleveland Ford was able to participate in the Jfest, where we featured two of our Ford models on the event field. We always love being a part of Jfest and meeting new, excited people. We can’t wait to return in 2023 right back at the Tennessee Riverpark on May 20th!
Supporting the Community with Bradley Sunrise Rotary
It’s rare for an organization to truly be open and accepting of everyone. But that’s exactly what the Bradley Sunrise Rotary is. Established in 1995, the Bradley Sunrise Rotary encompasses exactly what America is, a melting pot of cultures and people coming together to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. The Rotary Club consists of business professionals and community leaders of different backgrounds and creeds to work together towards a common goal.
For the past years, Cleveland Ford has been a sponsor of the Sunrise Gala, and we’re back this year for the 2022 Sunrise Gala happening August 13th. This Gala supports a variety of local and international non-profit organizations including the Habitat for Humanity, Men and Women of Action, Keep America Beautiful, and many more. Those attending this year’s Gala will enjoy a terrific dinner while expanding their understanding with Lt. Col. Robert Darling. Lt. Col. Darling is a retired United States Marine Corp veteran who flew attack helicopters for over twenty years including in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was also selected to fly as a presidential pilot with Marine Helicopter Squadron One and was handpicked to work for the Whtie House Military Office, Airlift Operations Department. He supported Former President Bush and his cabinet in the President’s Emergency Operations Center during 9/11. Along with earning his MBA in Financial Management, serving as Program Manager for the Chief of Naval Operations, and being a public speaker on crisis leadership and decision making, he is also the author of “24 Hours Inside the President’s Bunker, 9/11/01: The White House”. He currently acts as the President and CEO of Turning Point Crisis Management.
Cleveland Ford loves to support any effort towards unity, peace, and understanding, which is exactly what the Bradley Sunrise Rotary represents. This year’s Sunrise Gala will be held at the Museum Center at 5ive Points, and we are very proud to be returning sponsors of the event. If you would like to learn more about this Rotary club branch and how you can participate or support their cause, check out their website for all of their information!
The Isaiah 117 House
Going through the foster care system can be a rough and traumatic experience that hopefully ends in happiness for everyone involved. However, when children are removed from their homes and are waiting for foster families, many have to stay in less than ideal conditions and environments. So, a family who was going through the training in order to become foster parents decided that there had to be a change. The first Isaiah 117 House opened in Carter County in 2018. Fast forward to 2022 and the Isaiah 117 House now has 7 completely open transitional homes for children awaiting foster care in Tennessee and Indiana, and 13 houses under construction. They’re hoping to expand into Florida, Virginia, Texas, and Georgia, where they are currently raising awareness for the Isaiah 117 House and their mission.
The Isaiah 117 House offers an alternative to the Department of Children’s Services Offices where children taken from their homes out of concern for their welfare are usually brought to await placement. Instead of the children entering foster care with nothing, hungry, dirty, and scared, they leave Isaiah 117 Houses with 3-4 days of clothing including pajamas, socks, shoes, as well as a pillow, pillowcase, a stuffed animal, toys, toiletries, a backpack, duffle bags, and more of what they’ll need to ease their transition in the days ahead. The volunteers in each of these houses will also just sit with the children and play and listen to them, which surely means more than anything in a world where the “grown-ups” do all of the talking for them. They keep what they tell them in mind, especially when it comes to their favorite colors, characters, or items when they stock their bags before they leave.
To help fund their mission, Isaiah 117 House holds fundraiser events like their Golf Tournament, which we sponsored in 2021 and will be sponsoring again this year for their September Tournament. We were among the first sponsors for the Bradly/Polk County house when they opened their doors on October 18th, 2021, and are proud to be continuing our relationship with them this year! If you would like to learn more about how you can help through volunteering or participating in their fundraiser events like the upcoming Golf Tournament on September 23rd, you can find information about the Bradly/Polk house and the rest of their locations here! Taking care of children at their most vulnerable is extremely important, and we’re proud to be a part of making their lives better.
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