Holiday Driving Tips

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Right? Right?  Um…hello?  Ok, so maybe once the gifts are wrapped, the food is prepared and Santa has left an abundance of presents and cookie crumbs, then you can take a breather and enjoy the holiday cheer.  These next couple weeks will be hectic, we know.  It’s a great time of the year, but the stress that goes into it can be overwhelming.  There’s hope, however.  In today’s blog, we’re providing some quick tips for navigating your holiday season safely. 

1.)   If you’re going on a road trip, please make sure your car is serviced properly.  Come into our dealership anytime for oil, brake fluid and tire condition checks.

2.)   SLEEP WELL.  Get a good night’s sleep before you venture into the world.

3.)   Plan your route; this will help you in the long run.  Unsafe detours can be dangerous and expensive.

4.)   Bring a paper map.  GPS is the wave of the future, but a paper map can act as backup if you’re GPS malfunctions.

5.)   Buy snacks and drinks before you leave, because stocking up at gas stations can be costly.

6.)   Tell at least 1 family member where you’re headed.  So, if something happens, you have a reliable person to get the message out.

7.)   DO NOT announce on social media that you’re leaving for vacation.  Secure your home and leave at least one light on.  This will detract burglars from your home.

8.)   Leave early.  If the common rush hour time is 9:30, leave a couple hours early to compensate for time.

Do you have any tips to add?  Feel free!  Have a safe drive and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

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Automotive Advertising

Teach Your Teen to Drive with Driver’s Ed App

We understand that it might seem peculiar that we would talk about a smartphone app called Driver’s Ed, as we want new driver’s (and experienced alike) to drive safely with their eyes focused on the road and not on the screen of a smartphone, but this app is strictly for NON-DRIVING USE.  And quite frankly, it’s an awesome way to learn the ways of the road…off-road, of course.

As parents, friends, and colleagues we instill the fundamentals of driving: look back when you reverse, buckle your seatbelt, etc…this smartphone app is a study guide for individuals preparing to take the permit test for their license.  The app is currently FREE and brought to you by a leader in online drivers education with full-featured study companions and quizzes from a database of more than 350 questions. 

The app records your results so that you can track your progress and review incorrect answers.  Get to know the material by taking tests and perfecting your driving skills before you take the real thing. 

Flash cards are also an added feature that allows test takers to study the material fairly quickly.  Driver’s Ed even lets you download your state’s specific Driver Manual so you can study on the go.  Driver’s Ed is a great app for studying for the permit exam because there’s nothing like having another safe driver on the road. 

Download it here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drivers-ed/id297942237?mt=8

How You “Merge” in Traffic Tells Your Personality

Merge. Absorb.  Amalgamate. However you put it, you’re doing it wrong.  Yes, you.  Car merging is an age-old necessary evil.  Since the days of Model T’s vying for the same lane in a congested street, we’ve always had a nervous tick when the merge sign rears its ugly head during our morning commute.  “Do I let them go ahead of me?  Do I speed up and pass this group of cars?” Questions begin to manifest when we’re deciding on our merge tactics.  The best part, is how much our decisions reflect our personality.  In today’s blog, we’re breaking it down.  

“A man drives as he lives.” 

–Cynthia Gorney

There are two types:

Lineuppers – the individuals who take their time, usually ahead of the impeding merge point.  They wait in line patiently as traffic slowly moves toward a goal.

Sidezoomers – these individuals race ahead of the line and dart into an opening at the last second.  Usually without using their blinkers or any indications.

Lineuppers are usually less aggressive and more accommodating drivers who see driving as more of a community-based activity.  Sidezoomers are more aggressive and opportunistic when it comes to driving.  

Why Late Merge? 

Late merging can be cause for some crashes.  Due to aggressive driving, abrupt changes or sudden stops, a late lane merger can cause a conflict.  In most cases, drivers don’t know when to merge so they take the latest opportunity they can to move quickly.  

The Gentle Merge

Another option is to cruise about a quarter-mile of stopped traffic with a signal on, requesting an opening.  Eventually, one person will let you over, or you’ll find a nice gap to squeeze into.  Try it!

So, what kind of driver are you? 

How Radar Detectors Work

Picture this scenario:  You’re cruising down the highway with your family, enjoying the lush greenery surrounding the open road.  A game of eye-spy is heating up as you look around the landscape, trying to find a spot of yellow your daughter has found on the road trip.  Before you know it, you spot a state trooper, his badge reflecting off the afternoon sun, and a radar gun pointed directly at your vehicle.  You panic, looking down at your speedometer; that’s when you realize you’re doing a couple miles over the speed limit.  Your hands clam up and before you know it, POOF! You’re being pulled over. 

So, how exactly do these radar guns work? Well, “Radar” is an abbreviation for Radio Detection and Ranging.  Speed Trak Police Radar can be found in almost every police vehicle.  It’s estimated that 20 million speeding citations are issued annually and that police radars are used in 13 million of these cases. 

Radar Guns send out a signal of radio waves at specific frequencies in a specific direction.  Then, those waves bounce off objects, including vehicles, and return to the radar gun’s receiving station.  When the waves reflect off a moving vehicle, a measurable frequency shift, called Doppler Shift, occurs.

So, police radar guns perceive a vehicle by transmitting a pulse that reaches the target and then comes back to the observer.  What ensues is the Doppler Effect, in which the frequency of the pulse is compared to the frequency of the reflection and speed is calculated using the difference.

And…that’s how it’s done!  Had any crazy radar gun experiences?  Feel free to comment

This Holiday Season, Give to the Unfortunate with Toys for Tots

It’s the holiday season, and with that said, we’re pumped for the great times with family, the breeze of cool winter weather, and the abundance of gifts we will be able to give and receive.  We’re an automotive dealership and we appreciate every individual that comes in to see us for service, new car purchases, and overall questions about their vehicles.  We appreciate your business and understand that you have a life and family of your own.  However, some of the less fortunate might not have that luxury. 

In today’s blog, we’re taking a road less traveled.  We’re going to talk about how your new, unwrapped gift for a little boy or girl can brighten their holiday season for years to come.  Toys for Tots mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.  So, you’re probable asking: “How can I help?”

You can contribute to your local Toys for Tots campaign in several ways. You can donate a toy at one of the area toy drop locations, host a Toys for Tots event at your home, office or other venue and collect toys for Toys for Tots, or volunteer at the local warehouse.

Please select your state and county from this link: http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys.aspx and you will be redirected to the Toys for Tots website for your local community. Once there, follow the prompts for your desired action, or select the “Contact Us” option from the menu bar. You should be provided with contact information for the local campaign Coordinator.  It’s that easy!

Win a Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers Jersey at Metro Ford

Metro Ford of Madison (formerly known as Capital Ford) is celebrating the Green Bay Packers' Quaterback, Aaron Rodgers, for bringing the Cheesehead's to a record of 7-3!  We're car guys, but even WE can appreciate our hometeam destroying the competition! 

In celebration, we're giving away an authentic Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers Jersey next week.  All Facebook fans who enter the contest are eligible to win! So, have you entered yet?  To enter, click HERE and don't forget to visit Metro Ford of Madison for our newest new and pre-owned specials!

Metro Ford is a premier Ford dealership located in Madison, WI, From the moment you walk into the Metro Ford showroom, you'll know a commitment to Customer Service and choice selection. We strive to make your experience with Metro Ford a good one – for the life of your vehicle. Whether you need to Purchase, Finance, or Service a New or Pre-Owned Ford, you’ve come to the right place. Call 888-485-7871 for your No-Obligation Internet Price Quote from our Internet Department.  

Our FAVORITE Instagram Photo of the Month

If you're like us, then you have a certain appreciation for the automobile.  It's smooth contour lines, leather seats and the speed and power that comes from a great engine.  As big social media fans, we can also appreciate a vehicle captured in the right light.  In today's blog, we're showcasing our favorite Instagram photo of the month.  A collective effort from our peeps at the dealership.  Check out our favorite below! Then visit us at http://metrofordofmadison.dealerconnection.com/ for all of your Ford needs

5 Hot US Spots for a Road Trip

“America the beautiful” written by Katharine Lee Bates is the soundtrack to planning a road trip, which is an inexpensive alternative to air travel.  Road trips are both enjoyable and historically enlightening.  You would be surprised as to what’s in your backyard.  If you have been thinking of taking a road trip, look no further, we will provide you with several great spots to get some much-needed R & R.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is colder than most vacation spots, but it also offers some of the greatest historical sights in the US.  World-renowned museums, shows, concerts, Red Sox games at World famous Fenway Park, and the Freedom Trail.  If you enjoy the bar scene, you could also enjoy Boston’s plethora of pubs, hangouts, and just spend a day barhopping.  Great food balances out the equation. 

The California Coast

Take a direct ride up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco for a great view and an even more amazing feeling.   You can bask in the sun on any beach that permits, check out the Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, the possibilities are as endless as the shoreline. 

New York City

This is hands down one of the places required to visit on your trip (if you haven’t been).  Public transportation to any location is convenient.  The Empire State Building is amazing, Staten Island ferry, Greenwich Village and Soho, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and Times Square make New York City a town chock full of the American dream.  Then when you’re too tired to walk and need a seat, watch a Broadway Show you will be amazed at the production value!

Disney World, Florida

Disney is a land of freedom from adulthood, and a child’s paradise.  It has countless rides and amusement parks, colorful characters of our favorite cartoons, delicious food, and Mickey Mouse!  What more could you ask for?

Grand Canyon, Arizona

One of the greatest national wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking formation of natural beauty.  Views from the South rim, hiking trails, and a rafting tour make The Grand Canyon a stellar vacation spot.  The scene is truly breathtaking.  This should be one location where you should save massive space on your camera memory card.  Say cheese!

Ok, so we’ve provided several spots for your next road trip.  Have you had any road trips experiences you would like to share, or maybe we missed your favorite hot spot?  Feel free to comment below: