Spring into Action: Essential Maintenance Tips for the New Season

April is a time to celebrate renewal and there’s no better reminder than Earth Day to take a closer look at how our everyday habits impact the environment. The good news? Small changes in how you drive and maintain your vehicle can make a big difference. At Don Tester Ford, we’re committed to helping drivers reduce their environmental footprint while still enjoying the performance and reliability they expect. Here are a few simple ways you can drive greener this spring and beyond. Drive Smarter, Not Harder Aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration, speeding, and hard braking can significantly reduce your fuel efficiency. By driving smoothly and maintaining a consistent speed, you can improve gas mileage and reduce emissions. Eco Tip: Use cruise control on highways when possible and avoid unnecessary idling to conserve fuel. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Keeping your tires properly inflated not only improves fuel efficiency but also extends the life of your tires. Eco Tip: Check your tire pressure at least once a month, especially during seasonal temperature changes. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently and produces fewer emissions. Regular oil changes, clean air filters, and properly functioning engines all contribute to better fuel economy. Eco Tip: Schedule routine service with Don Tester Ford to keep your vehicle running at peak efficiency. Lighten Your Load Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle can decrease fuel efficiency. Extra items in your trunk or cargo area force your engine to use more energy. Eco Tip: Remove unused cargo and roof racks when they’re not needed to improve aerodynamics and mileage. Consider Fuel-Efficient or Electric Options If you’re thinking about upgrading your vehicle, consider exploring hybrid or electric options. Ford offers a growing lineup of eco-conscious vehicles designed to reduce emissions without sacrificing capability. Eco Tip: Talk to the team at Don Tester Ford about fuel-efficient models that fit your lifestyle and driving needs. Reduce Trips & Plan Ahead Combining errands into one trip and planning efficient routes can help cut down on fuel usage and emissions. Eco Tip: Avoid peak traffic times when possible and use navigation tools to find the most efficient routes. Celebrate Earth Day Every Day Going green doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul, just a few mindful changes can have a lasting impact. By adopting eco-friendly driving habits and staying proactive with vehicle maintenance, you can help protect the environment while saving money at the pump. Drive into a Greener Future with Don Tester Ford Whether you’re looking to improve your current vehicle’s efficiency or explore more sustainable options, Don Tester Ford is here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing expert service and guidance to support your journey toward greener driving. Visit Dontester.com or stop in today to learn more about eco-friendly driving and vehicle options.

As the crisp air settles in and the first snowflakes approach, it’s time to ensure your vehicle is fully prepared for the challenges of winter. At Don Tester Ford, we want you and your family to stay safe and comfortable on the road, no matter how harsh the weather gets. Here’s our essential winter readiness checklist to get your vehicle ready for the cold season ahead. 1. Check Your Antifreeze Levels Antifreeze (or coolant) is vital for protecting your engine from freezing temperatures. Low antifreeze levels can cause your engine to freeze, leading to costly repairs. Make sure the coolant mixture is appropriate for winter conditions — typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water — and top it off if needed. 2. Inspect Your Tires for Snow and Ice Winter driving demands tires that can handle snow, ice, and slush. Inspect your tires for sufficient tread depth (at least 4/32 inches for winter driving) and look for any signs of wear or damage. Consider switching to winter tires if you frequently drive in snowy conditions — their special tread design and rubber compounds greatly improve traction and control. 3. Test and Replace Windshield Wipers Visibility is crucial in winter weather. Old or worn wiper blades can leave streaks and reduce your ability to see during snow or rain. Check your wipers and replace them if they are cracked or leave streaks. Also, fill your windshield washer reservoir with a winter-grade fluid to prevent freezing. 4. Examine Your Battery and Electrical System Cold temperatures put extra strain on your vehicle’s battery. Have your battery and charging system tested to avoid surprises on a frosty morning. If your battery is over three years old or shows signs of weakness, consider replacing it before winter hits. 5. Prepare an Emergency Kit In case you get stuck or stranded in winter weather, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include essentials like a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Let Don Tester Ford Help You Prepare for Winter Our expert service team at Don Tester Ford is ready to help you get your vehicle winter-ready with comprehensive inspections, maintenance, and genuine Ford parts. From battery checks to tire installations and fluid top-offs, we’ve got you covered. Schedule your winter readiness service appointment today and drive confidently this cold season. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the beauty of winter with Don Tester Ford! #DonTesterFord #WinterReady #FordService #VehicleMaintenance #NorwalkOH

At Don Tester Ford, the only family-owned Ford dealership in Norwalk, Ohio, we believe the best kind of shopping experience starts with trust, transparency, and local pride. Whether you’re celebrating a hardworking dad or a recent grad ready for the next chapter, we’ve got the reliable vehicles, service savings, and small-town service that make all the difference. You Pay What We Pay: Ford Employee Pricing for Everyone Right now, select new 2024–2025 Ford models are available with Employee Pricing for All—meaning you pay what we pay. It’s a great time to upgrade your ride or treat someone special to something dependable. Eligible Ford models include: F-150® and F-150 Lightning® Escape®, Bronco®, and Bronco Sport® Mustang®, Mustang Mach-E® Maverick®, Ranger®, Transit® (Cargo Vans) Explorer®, Expedition®, Super Duty® (pickup models only) This offer is only available for a limited time and applies to new retail orders or in-stock delivery taken by July 7, 2025. Come see us at Don Tester Ford in Norwalk to browse our inventory or custom order your next vehicle. Dad-Approved Maintenance: Our 3-Pack Oil Change Deal If your dad ever said, “Take care of your vehicle and it’ll take care of you,”—he was right. This Father’s Day, show your appreciation with a gift he’d actually use (and secretly love): The Tester Care Maintenance package. The 3-Pack Deal includes: 3 full oil changes 3 tire rotations Complimentary multi-point inspections Whether he’s gearing up for weekend fishing trips, hauling gear for summer projects, or just likes knowing everything’s running right, this deal is a Dad-level smart move. And if you’re the one who inherited the “don’t ignore that rattle” gene, grab a pack for yourself too. Trust our local Norwalk Ford service team to treat every vehicle like it belongs to family—because here, that’s exactly how we do things. Father’s Day-Approved: Give the Gift of a Well-Maintained Ride Schedule Service Now