Your Guide to the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
If you’re someone who frequently goes camping or has off-roading adventures, then an SUV like the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is an excellent option for you. This sporty SUV has several rugged features that make it ideal for traversing all types of terrain. Learn more about this SUV before you visit your Ford dealer.
The Ford Bronco Sport is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, with several trim levels to enhance your off-road driving experience. The Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Heritage Limited trims all have something amazing to offer.
Big Bend
The Big Bend trim has Intelligent Access with push-button start, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking as standard features, as well as a five-mode Terrain Management System. This 4×4 SUV is powered by a 1.5L EcoBoost Engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Heritage
The Heritage trim is inspired by a classic Bronco model from 1966, so this trim has plenty of callback design elements, such as plaid cloth seating. The roof of this SUV is painted in Oxford White, and there are unique side decals in Oxford White in the Heritage Bronco script.
Outer Banks
The Outer Banks trim has 18-inch Ebony Black-painted machined-face aluminum wheels with all-season tires. Rear parking sensors and heated front seats are standard with this trim. This SUV also has heated side view mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control.
Badlands
The Badlands trim has a Shadow Black roof, flip-up rear glass, and a Safari-style roof to truly capture the off-road spirit of the SUV. LED signature lighting, LED fog lamps, black roof rack side rails, and a unique carbonized gray grille with white Bronco lettering add to the overall style of this vehicle. This trim comes with standard 17-inch carbonized gray-painted aluminum wheels, Pirelli all-terrain tires, and a 2.0 EcoBoost engine.
Heritage Limited
The Heritage Limited trim has several premium features and vintage design elements. This SUV comes with standard all-terrain off-road tires and 17-inch Oxford White-painted aluminum wheels. The powertrain is the powerful 2.0L EcoBoost engine, which comes with standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition.
Can You Custom Order Your Bronco Sport From Your Ford Dealer?
If you want to upgrade your Bronco Sport with freestanding packages, such as the Badlands Premium package or the Topo Graphic package, then you can visit your dealership to place your custom order. Your dealership can walk you through other customization options you have, such as interior upholstery and exterior paint colors, so you can drive away with the precise aesthetic and features you want.
The 2023 Bronco Sport is a great SUV for all kinds of drivers. Visit Gates Ford Lincoln to take a closer look at this SUV today.
Your Guide to the 2023 Ford Explorer
Comfortably seating up to seven passengers, the 2023 Ford Explorer takes on challenges and adventures head-on with reliable performance, off-roading prowess, and excellent fuel economy. Adding to all this is its luxurious interior and advanced technology, ensuring that every drive is a relaxing one for all.
Strength and Versatility
The 2023 Explorer’s three engine options offer plenty of strength to help tackle demanding driving conditions, both on and off-road. The base engine, a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, produces a muscular 300-horsepower output, while the intermediate option is a 318-horsepower 3.3-liter hybrid V6, which offers up to 28 mpg of fuel efficiency on highways.
Although the first two engines are sure to satisfy most drivers, if you’re looking for even more strength, the strongest engine is a 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 400 horses and lends the vehicle an impressive 5,600-pound maximum towing capacity: perfect for bringing a camper or trailer along on outings. When nature calls, both four-wheel drive and a seven-mode terrain management system are offered, making off-road adventures a breeze.
Comforts and Technology
Diamond-perforated leather seats are available throughout this edition’s spacious cabin, with a heating setting for chilly days and a tri-zone climate control to provide three separate temperature zones for passengers who have different preferences. The twin-panel moonroof is sure to be appreciated when the weather’s nice, and the stylish ambient lighting feature lets you choose a preferred color when setting a mood inside.
As the hub of the vehicle’s many sophisticated tech features, the SYNC 3 infotainment system provides navigation assistance, smartphone connectivity, and a world of entertainment options, and while its 10.1-inch touchscreen is certainly responsive and easy to use, you can also use your voice to control everything while driving. A 14-speaker premium audio system complements this setup, as does a convenient Wi-Fi hotspot that you can connect to virtually anywhere within a 50-foot range of the vehicle.
Advanced Safety Features
Many of the Explorer’s hi-tech safety systems work as a team to help you avoid collisions, like Pre-Collision Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking. By actively monitoring your lane for potential front-end collisions, these features function seamlessly together to first warn you of possible collisions before then applying the brakes if you’re still approaching other vehicles too quickly.
There’s also the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which can detect vehicles in your blind spot zones when heavy rain or fog are causing poor visibility, and to always maintain optimal brightness, the Automatic High-Beam Headlamps adapt to changing lighting conditions on the road as needed.
As fun to drive as it is versatile, the 2023 Explorer offers outstanding performance and plenty of creature comforts inside its accommodating seven-passenger cabin. Contact us at Gates Ford Lincoln today to see this popular Ford SUV’s many other impressive features from behind the wheel.
It isn’t always easy finding something new for family dinner night. Fortunately, Richmond, KY has lots of options. We’re here to share our top four picks for great family restaurants only a short drive away.
1. Straight From Texas Bar-B-Que
If your family is hungry and looking to enjoy a huge meal you’ll want to try this excellent barbecue option. On Wednesday nights they have a deal on wings and on Thursday, they have a deal on huge plates of nachos. You can put together meals with briskets, sausages, wings, chicken, pork, or ribs. For sides, they offer mac and cheese, baked beans, green beans, tater salad, cole slaw, and collard greens.
During the summertime family dinners are topped off with their Alamo Ice Cream shop next door. You’ll find this restaurant located at 306 North Street here in Richmond.
2. El Mamut
This local restaurant has a great family-friendly atmosphere. You’ll want to hang out for a while and let everyone enjoy their meal. Adults will love the long burger menu and will want to check out the macaroni burger. The buffalo chicken wrap is another delicious option.
The kid’s menu is lengthy and includes cheeseburgers, quesadillas, mac & cheese, pizza, and chicken fingers. It’s available for children 12 and under. This restaurant is located at 2187 Lexington Road.
3. Giovanni’s Pizza
Everyone in your family will want to join in for pizza night at Giovanni’s. You’ll be glad you have the space with your third-row seat in your new Ford Expedition XLT Max. Their all-you-can-eat buffet makes for an easy lunch or early dinner option. They serve pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and calzones.
Alternatively, this is a great restaurant to build your own pizza to share with the family. This is an easy way to help picky eaters get what they want. This restaurant is located at 805 Eastern Bypass #1.
4. Nuevo Vallarta
When it’s time for a great big Mexican dinner with all the options, you’ll want to head to 709 Big Hill Avenue. There, you’ll find Nuevo Vallarta with its large fajita menu and great service. The classic chicken or steak fajita option is a great choice. Adults looking for tacos or a wide selection of seafood options will find it here.
The kid’s menu includes a cheese quesadilla, burrito with rice and beans, or enchiladas. It also includes a cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, or chicken strips. Everyone should find something they’ll like at this family-friendly dinner spot.
With family dinner taken care of for a while, you’ll want to move on to the next family car. Fortunately, our dealership has plenty of high-quality options for you to choose from. Visit Gates Ford Lincoln now to see our wide selection of new vehicles.
Meet the 2023 Ford F-150
In the world of full-size pickups, the 2023 Ford F-150 is a truck like no other, as it effortlessly blends incredible performance and off-road versatility with sophisticated technology. Few other pickups come close to offering the luxury comforts that this one does inside its cabin, and when you throw in plenty of productivity features to match, you have the perfect pickup for tough jobs, fun-filled road trips, or whatever other adventures you have in mind.
Engines and Versatility
Known for its performance, this edition of the F-150 offers a wide array of powerful engines to choose from that range from a muscular 325-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 to an adrenaline-inducing 700-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8. If you’d like to tow a heavy trailer, whether for work or recreational outings, this pickup can haul up to 14,000 pounds when fully equipped.
When shifting from low to high speeds, the 10-speed automatic transmission that comes standard with every engine offers smooth rides with quiet shifts. To take on mud, sand, snow, and other challenging terrains, there’s both an available four-wheel-drive system and Selectable Drive Modes: an on-the-fly terrain management system that lends the vehicle additional traction when you need it.
Comfort and Productivity
Inside and outside, this truck offers a wide array of productivity and comfort features in its many seating options. You can fold out the interior work surface to get important work done on your laptop while sitting in leather-trimmed seats with a massage function. When extra space for cargo is needed, the available 60/40 partitioned bench seat easily flips down, and a storage container beneath the rear seat is available for select models to keep smaller items safely locked away.
When loading cargo or equipment in the bed, you can check if you’re nearing your payload capacity with the Onboard Scales feature, which can let you know how much more weight the vehicle can handle by displaying an illuminated indicator in the tail lamps, on the in-cabin touchscreen, or through the convenient FordPass app.
Technology and Safety
The F-150’s SYNC 4 system is easily the highlight of its many impressive tech features, as it provides everything from hands-free calling with its Bluetooth smartphone connectivity to satellite radio access, all on an available 12-inch touchscreen. If you or any of your passengers should happen to forget your smartphone charging cables at home, there’s no need to fret, as you’ll have a wireless charging pad available that’s both quick and convenient.
Even this pickup’s many safety features are advanced, like the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which can prevent you from making unsafe lane changes by letting you know whenever other vehicles are driving in areas around you that you can’t always see with your side mirrors. There’s also the Lane-Keeping System, a feature that can grab your attention by using both subtle steering vibrations and indicators in the driver’s instrument cluster if you start leaving your lane without intending to.
Offering reliable performance, cutting-edge tech features, and all the latest in interior luxuries, the 2023 F-150 has more than earned its popularity with drivers. To see this legendary pickup in action from the driver’s seat, stop by and see us at Gates Ford Lincoln today to take it for a test drive.
With the weather warming up rapidly, we’re all feeling the call of the outdoors. There’s no season like springtime for reconnecting with the natural environment, and there are plenty of opportunities in Richmond, KY to get out into the wild. Here’s our list of spring activities that’ll make you feel closer to nature.
1. The Madison County Farmers Market
Held at 1238 Barnes Mill Road from mid-May onwards, the Madison County Farmers Market allows you to fully benefit from the best of spring’s bounty. Shop for the freshest fruit, vegetables, pasture-raised meat, free-range eggs, and homemade. Houseplants and flowers are also available. The market will run every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm.
2. The Bluegrass River Run
This is your chance to view the 60ft cliffs of the Palisades to their most impressive advantage, with a 6-mile paddle down the Kentucky River on June 3. There’s plenty of room in the bed of your Ford F-150 to bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddle-board, but it’s also possible to hire them onsite.
The journey starts on the beach in Fort Boonesborough State Park at 4375 Boonesborough Road. Register online to join in and gain a new appreciation of springtime on the river.
3. Strawberry Picking at Day Farms
If there’s one thing that tells you that summer’s almost here, it’s the sweet taste of strawberries. Day Farms runs pick-your-own sessions once the strawberries are ripe, usually around mid-May. Located at 11414 Richmond Road, Paint Lick, this location gives you the chance to get out in the strawberry patch and gather as many as you can carry. Opening dates and hours are determined by the strawberries’ progress, so watch out for news!
4. Floracliffe Nature Sanctuary
There’s no better place to get close to nature than the 346 acres of the Inner Bluegrass region at the Floracliffe Nature Sanctuary. Located at 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road in Lexington, it can be accessed through workshops, programs, and guided walks, so check out the schedule and sign up online. May 13 sees a Herpetology Hike at 9am, where you’ll go hunting to find frogs, salamanders, and snakes, or there’s a Golden Hour Hike at 6:30pm on May 18.
5. Kids Fishing Derby
The first weekend of June is Free Fishing Weekend in Richmond, and the Kids Fishing Derby will give the children a chance to appreciate fishing as a sport, as well as the beauty of Lake Reba on a spring day. This annual will be held on June 3 at 299 Lake Reba Drive, and will feature free fishing, games, and prizes for anyone aged 16 and under.
Every springtime is special, so be sure to appreciate this one and enjoy the time outdoors. And while you’re exploring Richmond, don’t forget to stop by and see us at Gates Ford Lincoln to view our latest collection of new and used cars.
Does Your Ford Need an Alternator Repair?
Your Ford alternator is responsible for generating electricity for all your car’s systems and devices. It converts mechanical energy generated by the turning crankshaft into DC. Over time the alternator can become damaged or fail. If either of these events happens, it’s time to see your friendly Ford dealer for an alternator repair. These are a few signs your alternator could be in trouble.
Blown Fuses
All the electrical systems in your car have fuses, and these fuses work identically to the fuses in your home. The fuses are designed to absorb electrical shorts or rogue electrical charges to prevent damage to their attached system. A fuse will blow out, and the system it’s attached to will shut down until the fuse is replaced.
If the alternator fuse blows, this creates a problem for your car. The alternator will automatically shut down, cutting off the electrical supply to your car’s systems. The battery will take over in supplying electricity, but its storage capacity is very limited. A fully-charged battery will usually run down in less than an hour. We can easily test your fuses and replace a blown alternator fuse. Once this is done, your alternator will work normally.
Dim Lights
Dim headlights, dash lights, and cabin lights can all be signs of an alternator problem. When your engine is running, the alternator supplies power to all these systems. As an alternator gets older, it slowly weakens and produces less electricity. When this problem starts, it’s not immediately apparent as an alternator produces more power than your car’s systems require.
As the alternator steadily declines, the reduced electrical supply will become obvious. The limited supply of electricity forces your car’s computer to assign power to systems as required. When this happens, the computer will often assign just enough power to the lights to allow them to illuminate. We can easily test your alternator, and install a new one if necessary.
Weak Battery
The alternator charges your battery, and the battery provides the power to start your engine and maintain the electrical systems when your engine is switched off. The battery can fail due to age, but it can also fail due to a weakening alternator. It requires a large electrical charge to start your engine. This power should be replaced by the alternator as you drive.
As we’ve seen, the alternator gradually produces less electricity. This lack of electricity will impact the battery, as eventually, the alternator won’t be able to fully charge the battery. When this happens, your battery will become steadily weaker as it supplies more power than it can replace. We can easily test your alternator and replace it if it’s failing.
If you’re experiencing any problems with your alternator, call us right away at Gates Ford Lincoln.
Visiting a museum is a fascinating, educational, and enjoyable activity. Whether you’re looking for something to do near Richmond, KY, or searching for places to stop on a road trip, why not take the time to check out one of the best museums nearby?
The Richmond Battlefield
The Richmond Battlefield museum, located at 101 Battlefield Memorial Hwy in Richmond, is a great spot to learn the history of the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky, that occurred in 1862. Opened daily from 6 am to 8 pm, the park encompasses a 600-acre area and contains numerous historical sites, including; a courthouse, church, and three houses built in the 18th century.
Tour the park and visit the Roger House, a stately Federal-style home constructed in 1811 that serves as the museum’s visitors center, or attend the annual Civil War Reenactment event held every August for a taste of what life was like during the 1860s. With its interactive exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and passionate enthusiasm for preserving this vital part of America’s past, The Richmond Battlefield is truly a remarkable experience.
The Bluegrass Heritage Museum
The Bluegrass Heritage Museum, located a short distance from Richmond at 217 South Main Street in Winchester, KY, is open Monday through Saturday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. You can find the Agriculture Exhibit that emphasizes the impactful role farming had on Winchester and Clark County’s economy.
Moreover, visitors can also explore the Military room, which pays homage to the soldiers who served in the American Revolutionary War and World War II. Furthermore, avid quilt enthusiasts will be delighted by the exhibitions of various quilts created in the early 19th century. Pick up a souvenir at the gift shop as a reminder of your trip to the museum!
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame
Established in 2022, The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame has already established itself as a popular attraction, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of Kentucky’s music heritage. From bluegrass and country to rock and jazz, this museum showcases the music of all genres throughout every gallery. You can even interact with instruments and create your unique sounds!
To top it off, they host regular concerts at the amphitheater with a wooden stage featuring numerous local artists. Located at 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, a short road trip to The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame promises a pleasurable experience in your reliable 2023 Ford Bronco fitted with air conditioning and an impressive audio system with 6-speakers!
With high-quality collections and interactive displays, you can learn something new and have fun in these museums. If you have any questions and need help finding the right car, contact us today at Gates Ford Lincoln.
3 Signs Your Ford Needs a Transmission Repair
Transmissions are complex pieces of machinery that convert the power of your engine into energy to move the wheels. Your Ford transmission requires regular maintenance to keep it working efficiently. If your transmission isn’t working as effectively as it should, you may need a transmission repair at your Ford dealer. These are a few signs that your transmission needs to be checked.
Your Transmission Won’t Shift
This is one of the most extreme transmission problems, but it can also be one of the easiest to repair. Your transmission should shift smoothly on the instructions of your transmission computer. If your transmission refuses to shift, your car might not be able to move at all. If your transmission has limited movement, you may not be able to access higher gears.
Several issues, including a broken linkage, a failed solenoid, a low transmission fluid level, or a faulty transmission computer, can cause a shifting problem. Our technicians will need to examine your transmission to pinpoint the cause of the problem. A low level of transmission fluid, for example, can be quickly and easily rectified. A broken linkage can be replaced, as can a failed solenoid. Your transmission computer can also be updated if necessary.
Leaking Seal
A damaged or worn seal can cause a swift loss of transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is vital, as it enables your gears to shift. A lack of fluid will increase the temperature in the transmission. A leak will remove the friction-resistant coating provided by the fluid, and this causes damage to the gears and other transmission components.
The most common site of a leak is the transmission pan gasket. This gasket is attached to the bottom of the transmission pan and is designed to prevent any leak. If your transmission hasn’t been serviced for a while, this gasket can shrink, and fluid will escape. Our technicians will examine the transmission to find the source of the leak, and we’ll seal the leak.
Strange Noises
A Ford transmission is completely silent. If you suddenly hear grinding, humming, whining, or any unusual sound, your transmission has a problem. The transmission is strongly built and very durable, but a small problem can rapidly cause damage to its components. We advise calling our service department immediately if you hear any noises while you’re driving.
Our Ford-trained technicians are experts at repairing transmissions, and we’ll find the cause of the problem. Most strange sounds in the transmission relate to problems that can be easily repaired if they’re examined as soon as the problem appears.
If your transmission shows any of these signs, call us right away at Gates Ford Lincoln.
Getting a Brake Repair for Your Ford
The braking system in your Ford gives you control over your speed. It allows you to stop whenever and wherever you want. This system, however, requires regular services to keep it in good condition. Driving conditions, the environment, and heat and pressure in the system can all lead to damage. As your Ford dealer, we can repair any problem for you. These are signs that you may need a brake repair soon.
Burning Chemical Smell
If you smell a sickly chemical odor when you brake, this is a sign you have a brake problem. Brake fluid is essential for your brakes to provide the hydraulic power that enables the braking system to function. Brake fluid needs to be changed at regular intervals according to your car manual. If the fluid isn’t changed when it’s due, it will slowly develop problems.
The fluid gradually loses its heat-resistant properties. The pressure in the braking system will heat the fluid, which can start to burn. This produces a chemical smell. It’s important to visit us ASAP before this happens, as burnt brake fluid prevents your braking system from working.
Hard Brake Pedal
You always expect resistance when you step on the brake pedal, but not total resistance. A hard brake pedal is a situation where the brake pedal almost won’t move when you step on it. It requires far more effort than it should depress the pedal. This is dangerous, as it reduces your ability to stop suddenly should you need to.
The hard pedal is caused by the failure of the brake pedal booster. The booster uses a vacuum system to provide 10x human strength to engage the brakes. Any failure of the booster due to wear or damage can compromise the vacuum. If the vacuum is damaged, the booster won’t work. Our technicians can test the booster and install a new one if it’s damaged.
Braking Vibrations
If you feel a vibration through the pedal each time you brake, we need to check your rotors and brake pads. The most likely cause of this problem is worn brake pads. The heat from braking can liquify some of the adhesives on one of the worn pads. The liquid adhesive is then spread across the rotor.
The adhesive will dry very quickly but leaves an uneven surface on the rotor. More adhesive will be added to the surface each time you brake. The vibrations you feel are caused by a brake caliper grabbing an uneven rotor surface. We can replace the damaged pads and clean the rotor to fix the problem.
Worn or damaged brakes are dangerous. Call us today at Gates Ford Lincoln.
Image courtesy of Ford
In Richmond, KY, when the trees burst with fall colors, it’s time for pumpkins, apples, cider, and bonfires. So, get behind the wheel of a Ford EcoSport, Explorer, or Expedition and take the family to find all the best fall activities along the way.
1. The Millstone Festival
The Millstone Festival is a celebration of all things local and is held at the beginning of October in Richmond’s historic downtown district. Here, you’ll taste delicious harvest-time foods and beverages from local vendors and be entertained by the finest local talent.
The festival is great fun with a homebrew contest, a chili cook-off, a car show, and live music by favorite bands such as the Local Honeys, April with Whiskey River, Clark Kissick and Friends, and Vintage Voodoo on the Madison County courthouse lawn.
2. Pumpkins and More Harvest Festival
Joining the festivities at Baldwin Farms at 1113 Tates Creek Road in Richmond has been a favorite fall outing for many families in the area over the past 30 years. The festival runs continuously through October, and it’s tradition to head to the farm to pick the best pumpkins, winter squash, and gourds from the harvest, run through the corn maze, pet the farm animals, and climb Mt. Baldwin.
The farm sells crispy fresh produce, snacks, and beverages, and visitors can explore the farm in the saddle over weekends.
3. Evans Orchard and Cider Mill
Take a 38-mile drive to Georgetown for delicious fall produce and traditional family fun at Evans Orchard and Cider Mill at 198 Stone Road. The 300-acre farm spreads out over apple, peach, and pear orchards and vegetable patches that are fresh-picked and sold at the farm’s market.
Here you can also buy a wide selection of homemade jellies and jams, honey, and freshly pressed apple cider. The farm also welcomes you to pick your own apples, pears, and pumpkins from the second week in September onwards.
4. Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Go on a fall family outing between the beginning of September and the end of October to Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at 623 Talmage-Mayo Road in Harrodsburg, 43 miles from Richmond. Go on hayrides, search for the biggest pumpkin in the patch, and find your way through ten acres of corn mazes. The fall fun gets bigger and better each year with a petting zoo, zip lines, gigantic jump pads, and cozy bonfires at night.
Load your family in a Ford, have a ball driving to all the great fall destinations packed with excitement, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Make a stop at Gates Ford Lincoln part of the fun and check out the lineup of new Ford models on display.
Image courtesy of Pexels
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