Blog

Wine enthusiasts are invited to explore the heart of Georgia's wine country. Located in the foothills of the state's northern mountains, the city of Dahlonega is the area's wine tasting capital. It offers the highest concentration of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in the state. Enjoy award-winning vino and breathtaking views at one of these exquisite wineries. Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery Unwind and feel right at home at Cavender Creek Winery on 3610 Cavender Creek Road. This downtown tasting room takes immense pride in sharing their hospitality, knowledge, and enthusiasm for fine wines. Dahlonega's newest family grape farm, this intimate venue holds its wines up to the highest standards of quality. Sprawled over 15-acres, this property produces only 1,400 cases of truly hand-crafted Petit Manseng, Cabernet Sauvignon and American Norton varieties per year. more Accent Cellars Farm Winery Located at 215 Auraria Road, Accent Cellars Farm Winery is a topnotch urban micro-farm winery nestled just a two-minute drive from the city center. It produces hand-crafted wines and ciders and has earned a growing reputation in the area thanks to its festive atmosphere. Visitors will enjoy live music and a welcoming, knowledgeable staff, including the owners and winemakers themselves. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery If you're on the lookout for a highly-acclaimed, award-winning winery in Dahlonega, Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery is a must-stop venue located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail. With over 150 medals in major national competitions over multiple categories, this winery is an established leader in fine wine production. Wolf Mountain provides a premier experience. Sample this venue's Champenoise Sparkling Wine and order a tasty dish off the menu. It's filled with traditional European and Southern regional cuisine. Three Sisters' Vineyards and Winery Dahlonega's first family-owned and operated winery, Three Sisters' Vineyards is Lumpkin County's premier wine grower. It produces up to 4,000 cases of 100-percent locally grown estate wine. This picturesque 184-acre property at 439 Vineyard Way hosts the annual Georgia Wine Country Festival and has a unique collection of Southern folk art on display. With a laid back and fun atmosphere, relax on the patio and sip your favorite vintage at Three Sisters' Tasting Room. Kaya Vineyard and Winery Kaya Vineyard and Winery, formerly Blackstock Vineyards, re-opened in 2012. Located at 5400 Town Creek Road, it offers a full, resort-like experience with a restaurant, hotel, craftsman cottages, and an event facility. Kaya Vineyard and Winery is shaping up to be Dahlonega's largest winery retreat north of Georgia's capital city of Atlanta. Perched atop a 1,600-foot ridge, Kaya Vineyard offers one of the most exquisite panoramic mountain views in the area. Its tasting room features 12-foot windows to take in the scenery. Guests are invited to enjoy the 2,000-square-foot covered deck. All of Kaya's wines are made exclusively from grapes grown on the property, mainly classic European, Italian, and American varieties. Head to Georgia's world-class wine country today. Discover one — or all — of these exceptional wineries in Dahlonega. Wineries via Flickr by Witches Falls Cottages Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

The scenic North Georgia mountains provide breathtaking views, especially in fall as the leaves change colors. Experience the beauty of autumn in North Georgia by visiting these fall festivals in Dahlonega. Dahlonega Trail Fest Dahlonega Trail Fest takes place in Dahlonega Square Sept. 6-8 and is a festival that celebrates Dahlonega's place along the Appalachian Trail. Loved by outdoor enthusiasts, Dahlonega Trail Fest supports all outdoor recreation, such as hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and orienteering. If you love the outdoors, this is the festival for you. At the festival, visitors have the opportunity to meet authors, listen to speakers, and take part in workshops. You can also enjoy an abundance of live music and delicious food. Walking along Vendors Row at Trail Fest, guests are able to purchase outdoor gear from a variety of locally and nationally known vendors. more Gold Rush Days Festival Located in downtown Dahlonega, Gold Rush Days Festival runs from Oct. 19-20. This fall festival gives visitors a chance to experience autumn in Dahlonega and celebrate the history of Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Gold Rush Days is an annual event that hosts thousands of visitors each year. A family-friendly festival, Gold Rush Days hosts hundreds of art and craft exhibitors. Multiple food vendors will be available as you make your way through the festival. Hemlock Festival Every nature lover will appreciate the Hemlock Festival, which takes place from Nov. 1-3. The Hemlock Festival is a family-friendly three-day music festival that includes camping and other outdoor activities. All proceeds from the Hemlock Festival will be used to help protect North Georgia's hemlock trees and rehabilitate American chestnut trees throughout Georgia. In North Georgia, a parasite has been killing the hemlock trees along the Appalachian Trail. Therefore, the purpose of the Hemlock Festival is to raise awareness and raise funds to help these trees survive the devastating effects of this parasite. In addition to protecting hemlock trees, another goal of the Hemlock Festival is to restore the American chestnut trees, which were invaded by a fungus and almost completely eradicated. You can help protect North Georgia's trees and its ecosystem by participating in the Hemlock Festival each year. Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega Spend Halloween by trick-or-treating with your family along the streets of downtown Dahlonega. Taking place on Oct. 31, Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega offers Halloween fun for the entire family to enjoy. All you have to do is get your costumes ready and head out to downtown Dahlonega. Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega begins in Dahlonega Square. There's no need to worry about traffic safety, as all roads around Dahlonega Square will be closed off and traffic routed elsewhere for the duration of the event. Multiple fall festivals take place in Dahlonega, Georgia, each year. Each of these fall festivals presents unique opportunities to have fun outdoors and learn about the history and nature of the area. Enjoy exploring Dahlonega's beautiful landscape this fall. Image via Flickr by Kevin Arscott under the use of CC BY 2.0

A vehicle's transmission is the system that enables the vehicle to change gears at different speeds. The transmission is an essential component of the vehicle and must be taken care of to ensure the vehicle functions properly. Check out these five tips for keeping your automatic transmission up and running. Schedule Regular Maintenance With any vehicle, it's important to always schedule routine vehicle maintenance. Keeping your vehicle on a consistent maintenance schedule is the only way to make sure that all vehicle fluids are filled to the appropriate levels and that your vehicle is performing as it should. Let the professionals run a checkup on your vehicle every so often just in case there are any problems. With regularly scheduled maintenance, potential problems could be caught early on, saving you money on repairs in the long run. more Check the Transmission Fluid It's important to have the transmission fluid checked periodically. Similar to checking the vehicle's oil, all you have to do is pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, put it back in, wait a moment, and then pull it out to check the fluid level. You'll also need to check if the fluid is dark or smells bad, as this could be a sign of a more serious problem. Get the Engine Cooling System Serviced The cooling system is vital to the vehicle, as it helps prevent the engine from overheating and helps cool down the transmission fluid. In order to keep all parts of the vehicle in good working order, it's best to have the vehicle's engine cooling system serviced every so often. Transmission and engine repairs can be incredibly expensive, so it's a good idea to keep everything under the hood in optimal condition. Don't Change Gears While the Car is Moving It's harmful to the vehicle if you change gears while the car is still moving because it puts excess strain on the transmission. To take care of your automatic transmission, be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop before you change gears. For example, you want the car to be completely stopped before you switch from reverse to drive. Preventative Maintenance There are some preventative maintenance steps that you can follow to keep your vehicle's transmission healthy. First, have your transmission inspected by a professional annually. The service professional will check the transmission for leaking or other problems and will also check the transmission fluid's level, color, and smell. Second, it's better to let your vehicle warm up for a few minutes before you drive, especially in the wintertime. This is important because it lets the engine run and gets everything moving before you begin driving. Whether you're a novice or a professional regarding cars, it's important to learn how to take care of your vehicle so it continues to run in tip-top shape. With these tips, you'll be able to keep your vehicle's transmission in good working order for years to come. Image Via Flickr by Daniel Hartwig under use of CC BY 2.0

North Georgia is home to numerous wineries as well as gorgeous mountain views. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the view with a glass of wine in hand. Here's a list of the best vineyards to visit in Dahlonega, Georgia. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery was established in 1999 and features hillside vineyards similar to those of wineries in Napa. The grounds may give off a California vibe, but the wines offered at Wolf Mountain are more European in nature. Wolf Mountain proudly showcases its award-winning, handcrafted wine through numerous events and tastings around the 30-acre estate. Public events at Wolf Mountain include a variety of wine tastings and tours, a Sunday brunch, a cafe lunch, and a gourmet dinner. Wolf Mountain also hosts private events such as wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. more Accent Cellars Known as Dahlonega's micro-urban winery, Accent Cellars is located a couple of minutes outside downtown Dahlonega. It specializes in creating handcrafted wines that are made with fruit that's sourced from farms throughout Georgia, California, Texas, and other states across the United States. Accent Cellars features a wine-tasting area where guests can grab a quick bite to eat, sit down, and enjoy the wine. Food can be purchased on-site, or guests can bring their own food into the winery. The winery also hosts private events such as birthday parties and wedding rehearsals, ceremonies, and receptions. The interior of the winery can accommodate 60 guests, while the outdoor space can accommodate over 100 guests. Montaluce Winery Located in Dahlonega, Montaluce Winery features delicious wines and breathtaking views of North Georgia. The winery provides an on-site tasting room as well as a restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition to traditional wine-tasting events, Montaluce Winery offers a wine hike that lets guests explore the grounds by following a nature trail that leads through the vineyard. At the end of the hike, guests may take part in a wine tasting. The winery also hosts private events, including wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, and private tours and tastings. Kaya Vineyard and Winery Kaya Vineyard and Winery makes its home in Dahlonega and features a panoramic mountain view. All wines at Kaya are created from estate-grown grapes. The vineyards at Kaya are planted with European, Italian, and American grapes. The winery provides a tasting room as well as a covered patio with live music in the spring and summer. Kaya also hosts private events including weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. The main event offered is The Kaya Vineyard and Winery Tour, which takes guests on a tour of the grounds and the barrel room. After the tour, guests will have an opportunity to taste the wine. Reservations are required for the tour. Each of these wineries offers unique tasting events and incredible views of the North Georgia mountains. Explore the beautiful vineyards of Dahlonega today. Image via Pixabay.com

Ford continues to amaze car enthusiasts with each model year. With an incredible lineup of vehicles currently on the market, what will Ford come up with next? Here's a look at some of the most exciting future vehicles from Ford. 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 According to Ford, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will be the fastest Mustang model in its lineup. This new Mustang will include an upgraded 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine and a dual-clutch transmission. more Additional standard features for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 include an enormous digital instrument cluster, a MagneRide damping system, and an active valve exhaust system. These features, as well as the optional add-ons, are sure to make the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 the most impressive Mustang to date. 2021 Bronco With availability beginning in 2020, Ford is bringing back the Bronco SUV. This new-and-improved Bronco will include a completely redesigned exterior and interior. It's safe to assume that the new Bronco will feature plenty of up-to-date interior technology as well as multiple advanced safety and security features. You can bet that Ford will offer numerous ways to customize the Bronco by offering an abundance of add-on packages. Not much else is known about the 2021 Bronco so far, but Ford has promised that there will be more information to come soon. 2020 Super Duty Ford is well-known for its line of reliable and rugged trucks that can tackle any challenge easily and efficiently. For 2020, Ford is releasing a new 2020 Super Duty truck that will feature exterior and interior design enhancements. The upgraded 2020 Super Duty will come equipped with a 10-speed transmission and a choice of a 7.3-liter V-8 engine or a 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine. Advanced driver-assist technologies for the 2020 Super Duty include a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, trailer reverse guidance, pro-trailer backup assist, a 360-degree camera, and FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot. 2020 Transit Specifically designed for businesses, the 2020 Transit is so much more than just a van. The 2020 Transit is completely customizable with three engine options and various sizes of body lengths and roof heights. The engine configurations for the new 2020 Transit include a 3.5-liter port fuel and direct injection V-6 engine, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, and a direct injection 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine. In addition to these innovative engine options, the Transit also sports a 10-speed automatic transmission. New available driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, automatic high beam headlamps, and a rearview camera. Additionally, available intelligent all-wheel-drive can help drivers maintain control of the vehicle in adverse weather conditions. With these brand-new vehicles on the way from Ford, it's clear that the automaker has a bright future ahead. Stop by Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, Georgia, to inquire about Ford vehicles: past, present, or future. 2020 Ford Shelby via Ford

Even though vehicles today are equipped with more safety features than ever before, including lane departure prevention systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, and back-up cameras, none of these devices play as crucial of a role in driver and passenger safety as a seatbelt. Read on to learn why seatbelts matter and better understand the importance of bucking up. Safety You can't understand the importance of buckling up without talking about the obvious - safety.  This is a seatbelt's only function, to help keep you and your passengers safe.  When in an accident, they can keep you from being thrown through the windshield, ejected from the car, or flying forward where you could be thrown into or hit your head on the steering wheel. It's just as crucial for your passengers, whether they are in the front or back seats.  Again, this prevents them from possibly getting thrown from the vehicle. more You'll also notice that your seatbelts engage in less violent circumstances, such as when you have to break quickly or perhaps hit a rough patch of terrain.  This helps keep you in a position to have the best control over your vehicle and ensure you keep you and your passengers clear from harm. It's the Law “Click it or ticket” is a common slogan used in seatbelt campaigns.  It only takes a minute to click your seatbelt, abide by the law, and keep yourself and your passengers safe.  If you choose not to buckle up, you could be pulled over and cited.  These tickets will cost you hundreds of dollars and are meant to sting financially to drive home the concept that this simple action is far less expensive than the ticket, or worse, injury or death. Make it a Habit Next to entering your vehicle and maybe starting it, putting on your seatbelt should be one of your first actions.  If you get in the habit of doing this, it will begin to feel almost foreign not to.  Sit down, put on your seatbelt.  Period.  If you're the driver and you have passengers, make sure they all do the same. Even if you're just going “down the street,” go ahead and buckle up.  Sometimes, those situations where we think we'd be most safe are the ones that can surprise us because our guard is down and it's completely unexpected.  That's the idea with seatbelts though, right?  To protect you and everyone in your vehicle from the unexpected. Like any other standard piece of vehicle equipment, seatbelts are meant to be used each and every time you get into a vehicle.  Doing so further adds to the effectiveness of other safety features such as air bags. All vehicle models at Chestatee Ford come standard with driver and passenger seatbelts; some are even adjustable for personal comfort.  Come see us today.  With everything from luxury to off-road vehicles available, you're sure to find the car, truck, or SUV that's just right for you. Rock via Flickr by PabloEvans under the use of CC By 2.0 / Cropped from original

Dahlonega, Georgia, is home to wildlife galore. With the abundance of hunting opportunity, sometimes it can be overwhelming to find somewhere to hunt. With more than 600,000 hunters in Georgia, it's vital to utilize the public land properly. We've compiled a list of our three top hunting spots in Dahlonega. We hope one suits your needs and you can get the perfect prize! Chestatee Wildlife Management Area The Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is one of the top areas for hunting in Lumpkin and White counties. With more than 27,000 acres of land for you to explore, it's an ideal location for hunting deer, bear, and turkey, as well as fishing. Find somewhere and settle in for a day full of hunting fun. more The close access to water makes the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area area home to many wild animals, enabling you to see many different animals. There are visible hiking trails in the area to make it easy for you to find your way back after a day of hunting. The views you see here are ones you will remember for a lifetime, and the memories of the animals will be even better. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is located at 955 Dicks Creek Road in Dahlonega. A hunting license or Georgia Lands Pass is required to hunt at the park, and you'll need a fishing license if you also plan to fish. Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area The Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area is located in Fannin, Union, and Lumpkin counties and offers more than 20,000 acres of land, giving you access to deer and bear, as well as turkeys and other small game animals. Accommodations and facilities include hiking trails, a lake, and primitive campsites that are perfect for hunting, hiking, camping, lake and river fishing, and general wildlife viewing. Located at 905 Rock Creek Road in Suches, the park doesn't charge a fee to access the land; however, appropriate licenses are required to hunt and fish. Coosawattee-Carter's Lake The Coosawattee-Carter's Lake Wildlife Management Area is at the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in north Georgia and is managed by the Department of Resources as well as the Army Corps of Engineers. Situated on 6,000 acres of land, it's perfect for hunting deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, and small game animals. The accommodations and facilities at Coosawattee-Carter's Lake provide for canoeing, biking, hiking, hunting, primitive camping, lake and river fishing, private boating, water skiing, and general wildlife viewing. Wheelchair hunters are also welcome and need to apply via mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between Aug. 15 and Sept. 10. The Coosawattee-Carter's Lake Wildlife Management Area is at 750 Powerhouse Road in Chatsworth. There is no charge to come onto the land with the appropriate licenses required to hunt and fish. ATVs are not allowed on the property. There are fewer activities in life that epitomize the Ford Tough mission than hunting and fishing, and with so many hunting spots in and around Dahlonega, you have plenty of opportunities to have a memorable time. Bear via Flickr by Kylie Kae under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

The 2019 Ford Ranger has been re-imagined and is now better than ever with the technology, design, and performance that you desire at a price you can afford. Chestatee Ford is proud to be able to offer you this newly designed truck with its many best in class features. Read on and discover why the 2019 Ford Ranger is the perfect mid-size pickup. Technology You Crave The 2019 Ford Ranger has many upgraded technology features that consumers have been craving, including the Ford Co-Pilot 360, the voice-activated SYNC 3, and the FordPass Connect. more Drive the highways with confidence and crowded roads with ease with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 offering driver assist technology such as BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear-View Camera to help you navigate the world around you. The SYNC 3 system includes voice-activated communications and entertainment. It is easy to use and consists of an 8-inch center stack touchscreen and a user-friendly interface that allows you to stay connected any time you are in your truck. Finally, the FordPass Connect keeps you connected with LTE Wi-Fi capability. Design Features Inside and Out The design features of the 2019 Ford Ranger are no longer isolated to the just interior; the exterior has just as much to offer now. Starting with a twin dome hood and rounded wheel arches to show off its new off-road design, the exterior also features a newly designed Ford grille and a variety of performance packages that allow you to customize the way your new Ranger will look. Moving inside the 2019 Ford Ranger continues to emphasize function and style while adding the essential element of comfort with supportive and firm seating accommodating up to five in the spacious and versatile four-door SuperCrew. Controls and instruments are easy to operate and read thanks to the optional dual LCD instrument cluster productivity touch screens providing an array of useful operating information and the available 8-inch center touchscreen. Finally, the available Ford navigational and connectivity features, premium Bang & Olufsen audio performance, and driver-assist technologies create an experience everyone will love. Power and Performance The power and performance of the 2019 Ford Ranger are phenomenal, starting with the electronic four-wheel drive easy shift option that allows you to change from two-wheel to four-wheel drive with a simple turn of the dial. Drive comfortably regardless of where you may be thanks to the Terrain Management System, providing four selectable drive modes including normal, grass, gravel, and snow to choose from. Best-In-Class Gas Torque There is nothing like raw torque when tackling the demands of off-road terrains. The 2019 Ranger has you covered thanks to the 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering 310 pound-feet of torque and 270 horsepower while the 10-speed SelectShift optimizes gear progressions offering quick, smooth shifting up and down. With more technology than ever and the power you have come to expect from Ford, the 2019 Ford Ranger indeed may be the perfect mid-size pick-up truck around. Stop into Chestatee Ford to schedule a test drive and experience it for yourself. White Ranger via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

They say to experience a place you need to experience its food truly, and Georgia is no different. Whether you're a local to the area or just passing through, taking time to enjoy one of the favorite comfort foods around is a must.  Here is our list of the four best restaurants serving chicken and dumplings in Dahlonega. Wagon Wheel The Wagon Wheel with its friendly staff and homey decor is a perfect place to stop in for a bite to eat whether out with the family or just grabbing a bite with friends.  In addition to chicken and dumplings, they offer an excellent selection of breakfast favorites, hoagies, sandwiches, clubs, wraps, and dinner entrees. more Located at 1108 North Grove Street in Dahlonega, Georgia, the Wagon Wheel is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Crimson Moon In addition to their delicious chicken and dumpling soup, The Crimson Moon offers an electric "New South" menu with several gluten-free and vegan options available, with the majority of their items "Moon Made." Enjoy brunch daily with a variety of drinking and dining atmospheres both upstairs and downstairs. Visit their cozy Coffee House for one of their hand-crafted organic/shade-grown fair trade coffee drinks or step back in time to the Half Moon Saloon for a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and beer. Located on the historic public square of Dahlonega in the second oldest commercial structure, The Crimson Moon is open Monday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Yahoola Creek Grill Whether a local foodie or an out-of-town guest looking to take in all that Dahlonega has to offer, Yahoola Creek Grill provides a dining experience you won't forget. Featuring a made-from-scratch menu using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, their dishes strike the perfect balance between contemporary and classic Southern cuisine. Along with delicious chicken and dumplings, they offer lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus; the Yahoola Creek Grill is an ideal location for weddings, family gatherings, or other large events where you can experience beautiful mountain views from any of their versatile dining areas. Located at 1810 S. Chestatee Street, The Yahoola Creek Grill is open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday - Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reid's Cafe Known for their friendly staff and excellent service, Reid's Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, children's, and dessert menus featuring chicken and dumplings, cooked sausages, and four sizes of Ribeye steaks. Located at 5337 Thompson Bridge Rd in Gainesville, Reid's Cafe is open Monday - Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. With so many great restaurants available in the Dahlonega area, there is always one to visit and experience something new. Mmm...chicken dumplins via Flickr by jeffreyw under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

So you've just bought a new truck, and you're wondering how you can keep it in shape so that it lasts you a long time. Luckily there are several things to you can do to keep your truck in great working order. Let's discuss a few truck maintenance tips. Oil Changes A routine oil change is one of the best things you can do for your truck. Your truck's engine needs clean oil to stay lubricated and protected. When the oil gets dusty, dirty, or filled with debris, it can prevent the engine from functioning properly and can even cause serious damage. You should consult your owner's manual to see how often the oil should be changed and what type of oil is best for the engine. You should also make sure that the air filter is changed regularly as clean air is just as important for your truck as clean oil. more Tire Rotation It's a good idea to have your truck's tires rotated whenever you take it in for an oil change. Regular rotation not only helps reduce wear and tear, but it also ensures that the tires wear evenly. When your tires are unevenly worn, it can put an unnecessary burden on your truck's suspension. Plus, even tires make your ride more comfortable. Fluid Checks Motor oil isn't the only fluid your truck needs in order to function properly. You should regularly check the levels for your truck's engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. The proper amount of engine coolant keeps your engine from overheating, which can cause engine malfunction and damage. Power steering fluid reduces wear and tear on the system's components, like the power steering pump and rack. While windshield wiper fluid may not seem that important, it's essential to keeping your windshield clean, which actually makes it less susceptible to damage. Brake fluid is responsible for keeping the components of your truck's braking system working properly. Without it, your truck would not be able to stop when you apply the brakes. Regular Inspections Just as it's important for you to go to the doctor for an annual checkup, it's important to take your truck in for regular inspection. During an inspection, everything, from your truck's battery to the spark plugs to the brake pads, is inspected for wear and tear and replaced if necessary. Routine inspections can catch problems before they get worse and end up costing you more money. Regular Cleaning Keeping your truck clean is just as essential as maintenance. Dust and dirt can cause your truck's exterior paint to wear away. If you live in a region where it snows, road salt can cause even more damage. The same is true if you live near the ocean or any other body of salt water. Hopefully, you find these tips to be helpful. By keeping track of your truck's maintenance and staying aware of possible issues, you can enjoy your truck for several years to come and hopefully save some money as well.   Image via Dealeron

If you're in the market for an SUV that can handle all your adventures, the Ford Edge and Ford Escape are both great choices. Both SUVs combine style and performance with the safety and reliability Ford vehicles are known for. Let's compare some of their exciting features. Exterior While the Edge and the Escape both feature a stylish and sporty exterior, the Edge is slightly larger at 188.1 inches in length and 75.9 inches in width. The Escape is 178.1 inches long and 72.4 inches wide and features the signature trapezoid-shaped grille Ford is famous for. Fog lights, chrome accents, and dual exhausts are added to the Escape's upper trim levels. The Edge has a slightly more muscular build with an eye-catching chrome grill, 18-inch wheels, and sleek wraparound taillights. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to get noticed while driving the Escape or the Edge. more Interior Both the Edge and Escape provide plenty of room for family, friends, and fun. While both SUVs comfortably seat up to five people, the Edge provides slightly more cargo space. The Escape has a maximum cargo space of 68 cubic feet compared to the Edge's 73.4 cubic feet. Depending on trim level, the Escape's upholstery choices include cloth, leather/leatherette, ActiveX cloth/leather, and all-leather seating. With the Edge, you have the upholstery options of cloth, premium cloth, leather, and Miko simulated suede/leather. Performance The Edge and Escape were both built to perform in any condition. Both SUVs come standard with six-speed automatic transmissions. The Escape SE, SEL, and Titanium are available in all-wheel-drive configurations. The Edge SE, SEL, and Titanium also offer an all-wheel-drive option. All-wheel-drive comes standard on the Edge Sport. Engine options for the Escape include a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. With the Edge, your engine options include a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 3.5-liter V-6, and a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6. When it comes to towing, the Edge has a maximum capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the Escape's 3,500-pound tow capacity is one of the highest in its class. Technology Both the Edge and the Escape feature the latest technology to keep you safe and connected. Ford's Sync 3.0 infotainment system is available in both SUVs and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With this compatibility, you can access all your favorite music, apps, and navigation tools. You can also make calls and send texts hands-free. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring are all safety features that the Edge and Escape have in common. Also included in both SUVs are lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, park assist, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Edge features front and rear parking sensors. Whether you choose the Edge or Escape, you'll be provided peace of mind whenever you take the wheel. These are just some of the amazing features you can expect from the Ford Escape and the Ford Edge. Consider a test drive so you can decide which one is right for you. Ford Escape SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2018 via Flickr by RL GNZLZ under the use of CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

If you're in the market for a new work truck, the Ford F-150 is a great choice. With several trims to choose from, there's an F-150 that's sure to meet your needs and your budget. Let's discuss what these various trims have to offer. XL The F-150 XL is a sturdy workhorse with all the power and capability you need to get the job done. It comes equipped with a 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine that's capable of putting out 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, you never have to leave any of your gear behind. The XL has a miles per gallon rating of 20 in the city and 25 on the highway. While cloth seats are standard, you can opt for a vinyl bench seat, which is perfect for heavy-duty work use. more XLT Like the XL, the F-150 XLT is powered by a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine capable of putting out 265 pound-feet of torque. It can also tow up to 7,700 pounds. What sets it apart are some added luxuries that make it a great truck for drivers who are frequently on the road for work. The XLT comes standard with a CD player and Ford's SYNC infotainment system, meaning you won't miss your favorite music or those important work calls. Lariat If you need an even more powerful ride, the F-150 Lariat comes standard with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine capable of putting out 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. With the Lariat's LED box lighting, you can tackle any task, day or night. The Lariat also features BoxLink, which can be used to secure ramps, storage bins, dividers, and so much more. The Sync 3 system and an 8-inch productivity screen make the Lariat's cabin a great entertainment and workspace. King Ranch The F-150 King Ranch comes equipped with a powerful 395-horsepower 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8 engine capable of producing 400 pound-feet of torque. It features a heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated seats, perfect for when your work takes you into warm or cold climates. The King Ranch's color touch screen displays phone, audio, and navigation functions. Other features that help you get the job done include a remote tailgate release and a 110-volt/400-watt power inverter. Raptor The F-150 Raptor, powered by a twin-turbo, intercooled, DOHC 24-valve, 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, puts out an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard as an all-wheel drive, and with its higher ground clearance and upgraded suspension system, the Raptor can handle any terrain. It's the perfect truck for getting the job done and then having some fun off-road. Platinum While the platinum was built for work, it's also designed for comfort. Features include automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, and black carpet flooring with unique front and rear mats. These are just some of the trims available on the F-150. Consider taking a test drive so you can see which one works best for you. Ford F-150 via Flickr by SoulRider.222 under the use of CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original