Seven Signs that Your Car Needs a New battery

Car batteries—they’re something drivers often don’t think about until there is something wrong. Especially before the cold weather comes, it’s important to think about the state of the battery in your car. To prevent yourself from becoming stranded on the side of the road or in a parking lot, learn the warning signs of a dead battery.

1. Age. The age of your battery can be an excellent indicator of a weak battery. Car batteries can last beyond three years, but it’s important to inspect it annually to ensure that it is in good working condition.

2. Slow Engine Crank. Have you ever gotten into your car only to find out that your engine struggles to turns over? This might be an indicator of a bad alternator or starter, but if both of these areas are in good working order, it’s likely a problem with your battery.

3. Low Battery Fluid. Car batteries often contain a translucent covering that allows you to keep an eye on the battery fluid. If the fluid level is dipping below the energy conductor, then it’s time to test your charging system or get a new battery.

4. Poor Driving Habits. Your driving habits can actually shorten the lifespan of your battery. Poor driving habits can include taking too many short trips (less than two minutes) that don’t allow enough time for your battery to recharge and extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations.

5. Battery Leaks. Battery leaks can cause corrosion around the posts of your battery. Leaked battery fluid must be removed, otherwise, it can cause irreparable harm to your battery’s life.

6. Swollen Battery Case. Excessive temperature fluctuations may cause your battery case to swell up or bulge. If your car is sitting in heat or abandoned for long periods in the winter, the battery will cease to work properly.

7. An Unpleasant Smell. If your battery is indeed not working, it can emit a weird gas smell that’s similar to rotten eggs. Have your battery inspected as soon as possible to ensure that your car is running smoothly.

Make sure you know the signs of a weak battery before you find yourself in an emergency. It can save you tons of money and prevent a great deal of hassle. For more information on proper car maintenance and practicing safer driving habits, visit Tenvoorde Ford.

5 Tips You Need to Know About Nighttime Driving

It’s very important to be hyper vigilant when driving at night. Without taking proper precautions, nighttime driving can be hazardous to you, your passengers, and others on the road. Take heed of these tips to stay safe on the road after hours:

Have the Proper Eyewear Handy

If you wear eyeglasses or have a prescription for contact lenses, it is crucial you wear your glasses or contacts while driving at night. If you are unsure whether you need a prescription or not, visit the eye doctor to check your vision.

There has been speculation that yellow tinted glasses can aid in nighttime driving, but as many sources have already proved, the yellow tint actually decreases your intake of light, meaning you only think you can see better. The best way to avoid nighttime glare on the road is to wear prescription glasses with an anti-reflective coating.

Lights and High Beams

Always remember to turn your lights on an hour before dawn and an hour before dusk. High beams can also aid your vision during nighttime driving, but it can also be detrimental to other drivers. High beams should only be used on low traffic roads with poor visibility. Make sure to turn off your high beams at least 500 feet from an oncoming driver to avoid blinding them and causing an accident. Keep in mind that basic high beams shine about 350 to 500 feet ahead of your car, and when driving at 60 mph it takes more than 200 feet to come to a complete stop. Even with your eyebeams on, there is little time to react and stop on time. Using your high beams may expand your visibility slightly, but defensive driving is still a must.

Animals on the Road

We share this world with many types of animals and creatures who sometimes find themselves in front our vehicles while we are traveling at very high speeds. You should always be on the lookout for animals on the road, but even more so at night when nocturnal animals are active and not easily seen. An easy way of spotting critters on the road is to look for the reflection of their retinas in your headlights. Animals are attracted to lights so they can be easily spotted by their glowing eyes staring back at your vehicle. If you see an animal in the road, large or small, slow down and avoid swerving. Animals are attracted to headlights so they will tend to follow your headlights if you swerve; you may end up endangering the animal and yourself.

Stay Awake!

According to The National Sleep Foundation, 37% of people have fallen asleep at the wheel at some time in their life. That means 103 million people in America have fallen asleep while driving. As much as you may want to get home after a long day, you are endangering everyone on the road by driving tired. To avoid accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel, drive with a friend, take a break every 1-2 hours, get a good night’s rest before a long drive and pull over if you need to rest.

Stay Clear of Impaired Drivers

It is common knowledge not to drive if you are under the influence, but sharing the road with impaired drivers can be just as dangerous. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 people die every day from crashes due to impaired drivers. Impaired drivers are most commonly found on the roads between the hours of midnight and 3 AM. If possible, refrain from driving during those hours to avoid drunk drivers, not to mention the risk of accidents due to fatigue or animals crossing the road.

Lastly, this goes without saying, do not drive if you feel the slightest bit impaired. If you are questioning if you should drive or not, the answer is always no. Get a ride with a sober friend or take a cab, it is never worth the risk. Apps like Lyft and Uber make it easy to find a quick ride. Check to see if there are free services in your area- they vary in different states and cities, but it may be worth a little research to find out if there are any free, cheap, or alternative services in your area.

Things To Consider Before Purchasing A New Vehicle

Purchasing a car is not a one day endeavor. There are many decisions to consider and factors to balance before you drive off the lot. Take a look below at our guide to purchasing a new car:

What can you afford?

Following a home, a vehicle is typically the next biggest expense. To determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a monthly car payment, subtract all of your living expenses such as home, groceries, clothing, utilities, insurance, and bill payments. Be sure to take account of regular car expenses including licensing, registration, insurance, and gas.

What function will the car serve?

Before you purchase a car, think about how you will use it. What do you need your car for? Will it be to get you from point A to point B? Will it be for your family of five to use for everything from school drop-offs, soccer carpools, and road trips? Will you use it for long commutes or short bursts of travel? These factors will determine what kind of vehicle suits you best.

Does it have good mileage?

Whether or not your car has good gas mileage can determine how much it will cost you in gas money a year. Older cars and large trucks and SUVs will have poorer gas mileage than a smaller vehicle, though can suit larger families better than smaller options.

New or used?

Is buying a brand new car a priority to you? The moment a new car leaves a lot, it begins to lose value. If you are on a budget, the best option is to buy a quality car that is two to three years old. You will benefit from an excellent quality car at a much better price.

Buy or lease?

With leasing, you are looking at lower monthly car payments and can usually get a newer car for a lower price. Repair costs are also lower since you are under the vehicle’s factory warranty. If you so choose, you can easily upgrade your vehicle every few years without having to hassle with trade-in or selling situations. When buying a car, however, you gain better value for your buck. Purchasing a car is an investment toward your future. With consistent upkeep, you can expect to use your car well after you are finished with payments. It all depends on your lifestyle.

What specials features do you prioritize?

Once you figure out the function you want your vehicle to serve, what are the secondary functions you want to consider? Are you or a member of your family a part of a sports team? Do you enjoy taking your family on camping trips or road trips? Then you might need plenty of extra storage options. If you are craving the best road safety features, look for a car that has anti-locking brakes, an electronic stability system, roadside assistance, side airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera for safety.

How much will it cost to insure your new car?

Different makes and models offer different insurance rates. Better safety features mean lower rates. Sports cars, on the other hand, are a little more pricey to insure. Before you sign the check, ask your insurance carrier for a quote on a new car.

Do your research.

If you invest even a small amount of your time into research, your hard work will result in finding the perfect car suited to your needs. Consumerreports.org is an excellent resource that offers a bounty of information on every available car on the market. Use it to compare safety features, costs, and more.

There are many factors to balance before it comes to purchasing a new car. For more resources and excellent customer service and support, visit the professionals at Tenvoorde Ford today.

The Best Summer Road Trip Destinations in Minnesota

Itching to get out of your house this summer? Hop in the car, and set out on a summer road trip! Minnesota has plenty of beautiful places to visit - all just a few hours from St. Cloud. Take a peek at some of the best destinations for a Minnesota summer road trip:

The St. Croix River

A great outdoor haven for adventurers from the city, the St. Croix River - nestled within forests, rolling hills, magnificent cliff sides and bluffs - has plenty of scenic views that make for a picturesque road trip. This destination is just an hour south of the cities, yet you will feel like you just stepped into a scattering of charming little European towns. Travel through Taylor Falls and Stillwater, Minnesota and cross the river to check out Hudson, Wisconsin.

The Twin Cities

For a more urban road trip, look no further than the Twin Cities. You’ll find endless opportunities for culture, history, music, festivals, and endless entertainment. Mix it up and venture through the city’s greatest culinary hotspots, tour the greatest stadiums in the city, or wander the greatest parks and recreation in the cities. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Science Museum, the Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden, the Como Zoo, and the many lakes, historic bridges, and festivals in the summer.

New Ulm

With a motto of “A City of Charm and Tradition,” this southern Minnesota town sits at the crossing of the Minnesota River and the Cottonwood River. New Ulm is home to Flandrau State Park, the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, and the August Schell Brewing Company. New Ulm also has can’t-miss German festivals throughout the year, the most famous of which is Oktoberfest. Drive along the incredible Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway.

Extend your trip by traveling west to the Jeffers Petroglyphs. Located in the middle of the prairie, this stretch of quartzite is illustrated with serpents, turtles, bison, and thunderbirds. Take a glimpse at this beautiful and mysterious parcel of ancient Minnesota history.

The North Shore

Breathtaking and expansive, the North Shore stretches along the coast of Lake Superior and is riddled with incredible state parks, historical lighthouses and ship ports, and forested cliff sides. Stop in Duluth and hit up Canal Park to visit the Vikre Distillery, the 1905 Aerial Lift Bridge, and delicious local eateries and boutiques. Nearby Glensheen Historic Estate, Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, Apostle Islands, and Jay Cooke State Park are just a few of the unforgettable places you can visit.

If you are looking to venture a little further north, travel to Grand Marais, Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park, and Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Camp, fish, hike, canoe, and stargaze to your heart’s content. The area is vast and sprawls across the Minnesota-Canadian border.

With so many beautiful sites and generous communities, take every opportunity you can this summer to explore our incredible state. Prepare your car for a summer excursion by reading through this road trip car maintenance checklist, and stop into Tenvoorde Ford for a maintenance checkup, oil change, and more before you hit the road.

Better Gas Mileage – Be on Mother Nature’s Fuel Efficient Nice List

It seems like every gas station has a coupon book or membership program encouraging you to save money on gas. That’s great, we all love saving money, but sometimes it seems like saving 5 cents doesn’t do much good, especially when it costs $20 to $40 to fill your tank. We did some research and found the best ways to conserve fuel:

Lead Feet = Bad Mileage

From the start, we usually have an understanding that driving on the highway achieves better gas mileage than driving on city roads. However, this does not mean that the faster that you drive the better gas mileage you will receive. Think of it like a Bell curve; up to about 55 mph you will achieve better gas mileage the faster you go, but when you pass 55 mph, you will start to burn more fuel. Just like with most things in life, moderation is best. Drive a moderate speed for the most efficient use of fuel.

Accessories Can Be A Drag

Reducing wind drag can dramatically increase your mileage. Consumer Reports did a test with a bike rack on a Honda Accord and found that the bike rack reduced the mileage by about 15 mpg - that’s a big difference! And when they put bikes on the rack it was even worse. So, remember to always take extra cargo racks off your vehicle when not in use.

Cold Starts Burn Fuel Faster

Thankfully, we are beginning to see less of this, but living in Minnesota, we have all experienced having to sit in a cold car waiting for the opportunity to see out the windshield. Unfortunately for us, cars really work best in warm climates. That’s why it’s important to let your car warm up before putting the car in drive. Think of it as stretching before a race, an athlete wouldn’t jump out of bed and start running as fast as they can, and neither should your car. The extra gas you use letting your car warm up will save much more on the roads.

Steady Does It - Stay Consistent

Speaking of stopping and going - drive consistently. Stepping on the gas at the stop light to beat the person next to you into the merge lane only reduces your gas mileage. It might save you a few extra seconds, but it does a number on your car. This is the same for braking hard, you car is working hard to keep up with pressured acceleration and braking and it can take its toll over time. Consistent driving is not only good on your gas mileage, but it is also better for your engine, brakes, and tires.

If you would like to see how your car is performing (or not performing), stop into Tenvoorde. We will inspect your car for other fuel-efficient setbacks and get you on your way to better fuel efficiency.

The Mustang: A Classic Ford Tradition

The love of the classics comes second nature to most car enthusiasts, and you can’t get much more classic than the Mustang. The first Mustang was introduced to the public in 1964. Baby boomers were the major purchasers of the time and wanted something very different from their parents’ cars. Almost instantly, people became passionate about this car, and it sold very well. Besides its sleek design, (at that time, second only to the Corvette) the Mustang was also affordable, which was appealing to buyers.

With the number of Mustangs on the road, they soon became used for racing. The Mustang started out in drag and sports car racing but became well-known in the stock car circuit. The model was perhaps most famously known for being driven by Dick Trickle, who would go on to set a national record with 67 short-track race wins in a single season in 1972.

The Ford Mustang has always had strong competition with Chevrolet (via the Camero) and Pontiac (via the Firebird). After a few generations, Ford decided to make their Mustang larger in response to the competition. They also gradually made the Mustang more stable and comfortable. With numerous awards under its belt spanning decades of production, you can bet we'll be seeing this car for a long time to come.

The Mustang Run

On Saturday, May 21st, Tenvoorde Ford will be hosting our 11th annual Mustang run. It’s quite a sight, watching that many ponies start their engines and be set loose at once - you can see and hear over one hundred Mustangs drive around Central Minnesota. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!

There will also be a number of great prizes given away at the event - you could win a set of tires from U.S. AutoForce! And when you register and online, you will be entered to win a Power Wheels Mustang valued at $800! (check it out here.)


To register for the Mustang Run in St. Cloud, please visit mnmustangrun.com to sign up.

Springtime Road Hazards: Potholes

Springtime is here! You might notice the emerging green grass, blooming flowers, and, unfortunately, potholes. Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of ground water after the water has entered into the ground under the pavement. These potholes can cause serious safety hazards and can damage your car causing expensive repairs. Large potholes cause instant damage to your tire and wheel while smaller potholes cause damage to your wheel and suspension resulting in future acceleration and alignment issues.

Our quick lane services offer a variety of options to help keep you safe from pothole damage:

1. Wheel alignment and tire balance: Potholes can end up creating uneven alignment in your tires. Tires that are not properly aligned can cause your vehicle to sway in different directions causing a reduction in your gas mileage and uneven wearing on your tires.

2. Tire rotation: Tire wear can happen for a variety of different reasons - especially spring potholes! Occasionally rotating your tires can help extend the lifespan of your tires. Tire rotations are quick and efficient for our staff at Quick Lane - you don’t even need an appointment!

3. Complete vehicle checkup: Our trained staff will take the time to give your vehicle a full inspection and provide you with a full vehicle diagnostic. This inspection will include inspection of tires, brakes, belts, and hoses. We also check coolant and oil levels.

4. Brake inspection and suspension check: Potholes can pop up out of nowhere, requiring drivers to take quick action. Regular maintenance of your vehicle's brakes is extremely important since brakes are built to wear over time. Hearing any squeaking or grinding noises is a good suggestion that it is time to get your brakes checked.

Don’t let Springtime potholes get you down this season. Protect your vehicle by getting a Spring tune-up! We have trained experts on hand to help restore vehicle damage and keep our customers safe at their convenience. We are available for service work in extended hours including weekends and weeknights. Reminder: No appointment is required. Stop by at any time for our expert vehicle support!

How To Tell If You Need New Tires

Tires - they’re kind of like the feet of your car. If your car’s tires are in good shape, you car will… run… smoothly. If they’re not taken care of, you might have some problems. Regularly replacing your car’s tires is important to ensure safe driving, and there are a few warning signs to look out for to know when it is time to replace them. Be on the lookout for vibration, bulges, or cracks, and check the tread, and age of your tires for best performance.

1.      Vibration

Vibration is normal to feel while driving, however knowing the normal amount of vibration is important. Although there can be a number of reasons your car is vibrating, many times it can be fixed by new tires. Even if the problem is something else, (such as your struts or breaks) eventually it can lead to tire damage and then tire replacement.

2.      Bulges and Blisters

Regularly checking your tires for any bulges or blisters forming can prevent you from having a blowout while going down the road. If these bulges and blisters are ignored for too long, they can cause damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself and others. Remember to keep a close eye on weakening spots.

3.      Cracks

Cracks can be found on the sidewall of your tires. If you can easily see cracks, it is important to get them checked. This could indicate a leak or lead to tire failure. It is good to catch cracks early on to prevent any further issues.

4.      Tread

A tread wear indicator bar is found on most new tires. When the tires are new these should be practically invisible. If one or more of these bars begin to become visible, it means your tread is wearing down. If you don’t have a tread indicator bar on your tires (or don’t know if you do) stick with the ol’ penny trick.

5.      Age

It‘s recommended you replace your tires every six years. If you’re not sure of the age of your tires, it’s best to have them looked at to be safe. After all, better safe than stranded.

At Tenvoorde Ford, we are fully capable of checking your tires. We can determine if your car is suffering for regular wear-and-tear, if it’s time for new tires, or if your car is suffering from more serious issues.