Choosing Monaco Ford

If you are looking for a Ford vehicle in Connecticut, you certainly have your options of dealerships.

But not every dealership is like Monaco Ford in Glastonbury.

When shopping for a new car, it is important to choose a dealership you can trust, rely on, and feel comfortable doing business with.

This is where Monaco Ford stands out among the competition.

Monaco Ford has been family owned and operated since 1922, and is currently employing its fourth generation of ownership.

Selling cars is a tough business and dealerships can come and go. This is particularly true of car dealers opening their doors for the first time less than a year ago. Is the dealer you buy a car from going to be there in the future when you need assistance?

If the dealership you’re working with is Monaco Ford, the answer is yes.

This long-term relationship is especially important for customers who like to have their car serviced at the same dealership for the life of their vehicle.

When you are on the lot or in the showroom shopping for a car does the sales and service staff treat you with respect? If not, run. If you feel like the sales or service staff is not treating you properly, it will taint the rest of the car buying process. If you are feeling uncomfortable, you are probably better off shopping elsewhere.

We guarantee that you will never feel uncomfortable when shopping for a car at Monaco Ford.

At Monaco Ford, we like to say our customers become our friends! Every time you come in, you will be greeted with a smile and will receive the friendly, personal service you deserve.

Oh, and have we mentioned our vehicles? We have everything you need, including new Ford vehicles, pre-owned Fords, and certified pre-owned Fords. Any model that you are looking for, we have!

Our service is also top notch. Whether you need something fixed on your vehicle, or just need to bring it in for some routine maintenance, you’ll find that our trained service professionals can handle every need with ease.

Whether you need to purchase, finance, or service a new or pre-owned Ford, you’ve come to the right place.

Monaco Ford has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding eight times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers.

Ready to see what we have to offer? Stop in and see us or give us a call at 860-652-3000.

Why You Should Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly

We all know that we should do regular maintenance on our vehicles, but do you know how important it really is?

Regular maintenance can help to determine if parts or components of the vehicle are starting to fail. This way, Monaco Ford in Glastonbury can advise you how they should be repaired or replaced. 

Catching an issue early can help prevent further issues with the part, as well as a costly repair bill. If a part is starting to fail, it can cause other issues to other nearby parts on the vehicle. 

Regular repairs can also help keep the vehicle working efficiently and at top performance levels. This can help keep the parts lasting as long as they should. Maintenances can also help improve the fuel efficiency and mileage when you drive. 

Transmissions can be a major issue for your vehicle if it starts to fail. If you are having transmission problems, you may begin to notice that it changes gears a little sluggishly or that it sounds like it is struggling when you are trying to get up to speed. 

While this does not necessarily mean that your whole transmission will have to be replaced, it can mean that you need some work done. 

Air conditioning issues are another problem that can be very costly. And we know you don’t want to be without your air conditioner in this heat. 

Water pumps are part of this system and if your water pump goes out, this can mean that you have problems keeping your vehicle cool. A blower motor can be another culprit that will not allow the cool air to get to you. Make sure that you have air conditioning service done so that you keep your air conditioning system working as efficiently as possible. 

There could also be another issue with the air conditioning system. If you notice there is not as cool of air blowing out of the vents, make sure to bring the vehicle in. This way we can inspect the system for you to make sure your vehicle is provided with good cool air. 

The way that your vehicle drives is very important to your safety. When you have newer tires with the correct tire pressure, you will give your car the foundation it needs to drive on the road, no matter what the weather is like. This, along with tire alignment, has an effect upon the way that your car handles. 

You want to be sure that you take care of all of these issues to keep the handling of your vehicle to a maximum level for the safety of you and those around you. Grip on the road will make a big difference in how you are able to handle driving in the rain or on clear weather days. This is why it is important to inspect the tires. 

When you come to Monaco Ford, we’ll make sure that your car is running in tip-top shape and that you and those around you are safe when you’re on the road. 

Ready to stop in and have us check out your vehicle? Give our professional service department a call at 860-652-3000. 

Want to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury’s new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Increasing Your Gas Mileage

With gas prices climbing, everyone is looking for a way to save some money at the pumps.

There are quite a few different things that can help you increase your gas mileage.

When it comes to your car, make sure to set the car tires to the proper inflation. Properly inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. 

You will also want to tune up the engine. A properly tuned engine maximizes power and can greatly enhance fuel efficiency. 

Select the narrowest possible tires for your vehicle that will satisfy your driving style and demands. Narrow tires have less frontal area, thus reducing aerodynamic drag. You may also want to choose low-rolling-resistance compound tires. These can increase fuel economy by a few percent.

Check the condition of your engine air filter. A dirty filter will reduce fuel economy, or make the engine stall when idling. You also want to replace the fuel filter according to the car manufacturer's recommended schedule.
 
Lightening your load can also help to increase your mileage. Get the lightest car that will serve your needs. If seats that you don’t use can be removed, take them out. If you use your trunk as a storage space for heavy things, find another place for them. 

On fuel-injected cars, make sure the oxygen sensors, engine emissions system, and evaporative emissions control systems are in good shape. When getting your oil changed, use a synthetic oil additive to either natural or synthetic oil. This can increase your gas mileage if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommended usage. 

When you fill up with gas, fill up halfway and try and keep your tank above one quarter full. If your fuel runs low, you could put stress on the fuel pump. Also, 10 gallons adds 60 pounds of weight.

At the gas station, buy quality fuel. No two fuels are the same and the cheaper brands can contain a higher percentage of ethanol, which burns at a faster rate. 

Try to avoid using the air conditioner in stop-and-go city driving as it causes the engine to work hard and consume more fuel. However, studies show that at highway speeds cars get somewhat better mileage with the air conditioner on and the windows rolled up. 

Monitor how hard your engine is working is key. Air conditioning, acceleration, and speed all affect work but these are not direct indicators. Try monitoring the revolutions per minute your engine is running at. 

Some of your driving habits can also impact your gas mileage.

Use cruise control to maintain a constant speed, and slow down. The faster you move, the harder your engine has to work to push through the wind. Speeding can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 33 percent. 

When accelerating, do it smoothly and with a moderate throttle. You also want to avoid braking wherever possible. Braking wastes energy from fuel that you have already burned, and accelerating after braking consumes more fuel than driving at a constant speed. 

Another thing to avoid is excessive idling. Idling a vehicle wastes a significant amount of fuel. Generally, if you can avoid 10 seconds of idling, you will save gas by turning the engine off and restarting.

Find your car's "sweet speed." Some cars get better mileage at specific speeds, usually at 50 miles per hour.

If your car has an automatic transmission with overdrive, make sure you enable overdrive except when towing very heavy trailers. 

Select a gear ratio that is appropriate to your engine, transmission, and driving conditions. If you travel on the highway often and do not carry heavy loads, try a numerically lower final drive ratio. 

Watching and predicting traffic signals can also help. Stop-and-go driving is wasteful. Don’t circle in a parking lot - creeping and accelerating. Look for a spot in the empty half of the parking lot. 

Maintaining a safe following distance will also help you increase your gas mileage. You will brake more and accelerate more to keep that unnecessary and dangerous narrow gap. 

Planning ahead will also help.

If you plan your trips and try to accomplish multiple things with each, it will help. It won’t increase your fuel mileage, but it will help you drive less.

You’ll also want to plan your route carefully. Take the route with the fewest stops, turns, and traffic. Take the highway when possible.

If you want to accurately track your mileage, keep a log of how many miles you go and how much gas you put in (including fractions).

Want to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury's new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

What You Can Expect from the High Five Show

When you come to the High Five Show at Monaco Ford, not only will you be supporting a good cause, but you’ll be having a lot of fun.

You can expect to get a sneak peek at the 2015 Ford Mustang, which, trust us, is pretty awesome.

The lovely ladies from the Tilted Kilt will also be selling 50/50 raffle tickets and gorgeous Ashley Boate – Miss Connecticut – will make an appearance.

We will also have other special guests.

The 3rd annual car show will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Aug. 28. When attending, please use our side entrance at 30 Oak St. in Glastonbury.

All vehicles are welcome and we are asking for a $10 donation per vehicle (including passengers) and for a $5 donation per spectator. Your donation includes food and drinks.

The tour is being run by Wounded Warriors Family Support, whose mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically.

Your help will help rally support in the community for our country’s military families and to raise funds for the construction of “smart homes” for deserving wounded warriors. Absolutely 100 percent of all donations to the High Five Tour 2014 go directly to the construction of these homes.

Hope to see you there!

Want to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury's new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Comparing the Ford C-Max with Other Plug-In Hybrids

With gas prices the way they are, plug-in hybrids are very attractive. 

The 2014 Ford C-Max Energi is a compelling alternative to the other leading plug-in hybrids – the Chevy Volt and Toyota Plug-in Prius. It offers 21 miles of all-electric driving, 620 miles of total range, and an attractive price. 

The C-Max is considered a small “activity” vehicle and the small wagon-like platform is versatile and functional. It is a small and tall wagon-like compact car. Five-passenger upright cars that squeeze maximum utility from a small footprint are popular in Europe, but until recently have not been available to American car buyers. Ford started selling the C-Max in Europe in 2002, but only began offering it in the U.S. in 2012.

The C-Max you’ll find at Monaco Ford uses the stylistic elements found in other Ford models, most notably an open Aston-like grille, long flowing headlights, raked windshield, and sloping roof line.

The space-maximizing proportions of the C-Max are pleasant and it is a practical and efficient vehicle. It is only available as a conventional gas-electric hybrid, or as the Energi plug-in hybrid. Both are among the most efficient cars on the road.

When stacked against conventional hybrids, the C-Max is considered a much more capable and enjoyable ride. Acceleration is brisk and handling is compliant.

The 2014 Ford C-Max no-plug Hybrid’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and 118-horsepower electric motor combine to provide a healthy dose of 188 ponies. Total output for the Energi plug-in version rises to 195 horsepower because of the larger battery pack’s greater ability to deliver electricity to the motor.

If you are mostly staying within the C-Max Energi’s 20-mile or so real-world all-electric range, and use the car’s “EV Now” mode, you can avoid burning any gasoline and enjoy the telltale driving characteristics of an EV. That means smooth, quick, and quiet acceleration. 

There are a few conditions when you will reach the limits of the EV Now mode: when zooming down the highway above 85 miles per hour, when the state-of-charge of the 7.5-kWh battery pack gets low enough to begin transition from charge-depletion to charge-sustaining, or for the “very rare event” of high battery temperature.

Fortunately, Ford engineers have perfected the art of hybrid smoothness so that it’s barely perceptible if the gas engine is actually on or not.

C-Max Energi drivers can also use the “EV Later” button, similar to the Volt’s Mountain Mode, to save grid-supplied energy for later use – or keep the vehicle in “EV Auto” mode, in which the vehicle operates more like the conventional C-Max hybrid. Regardless of the mode, performance strikes a good balance of power, refinement, and efficiency.

The EPA mileage rating for the C-Max Energi, when using a combination of gas and electricity, is 100 miles per gallon equivalent. After the EV battery is depleted and the C-Maxreverts into a conventional hybrid, the gas mileage is 44 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway, for a combined EPA efficiency of 43 miles per gallon.

The C-Max Energi at Monaco Ford is substantially more capable of driving purely as an EV than others and its technology is an innovative step forward for plug-in hybrids. 

Ford provides an “EV Now” button, giving C-Max Energi drivers the opportunity to go about 20 miles without using a single drop of gasoline.

It is a plug-in hybrid, capable of working like a pure electric car for drivers with a round-trip commute of 20 miles or less, and beyond that, like one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids on the road.

The Ford C-Max Energi’s battery pack is relatively small at 7.6 kilowatt-hours. That compares to the Volt’s 16-kWh pack. A smaller battery means lower driving range, but at the same time, less charging time required to fill up.

In other words, charging equipment in a plug-in hybrid like the C-Max Energi is really not that critical. Even with the relatively slow charging speed of the C-Max Energi’s 3.3 kW on-board charger, coming from a 240-volt home charger, the battery can go from empty to full in less than three hours – thereby restoring 20 miles of all-electric range.

In fact, there is a strong argument for simply using the cord set supplied with the vehicle, plugged into a common 120-volt home outlet, which can easily fill up the C-Max Energi’s battery pack overnight (in about six to seven hours). This allows owners to avoid the expense and hassle of installing a home EV charger. 

The Ford C-Max Hybrid, the basis for the plug-in Energi, has plenty of head and legroom for four tall passengers. It has a high roof, and large windows providing excellent visibility. 

The C-Max Energi performed well on safety tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, receiving four stars overall. It earned five stars in the side crash tests, and four stars in the front crash and rollover tests.

The long list of safety features includes: driver air bag, passenger air bag, rear head air bag, side air bag, four-wheel ABS, break assist, electronic stability control, child safety locks, integrated turn signal mirrors, and traction control.

Check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury's new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 8 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?

Looking For a Midsize Crossover Vehicle?

Performance, safety, fuel-efficiency. These are all things you look for when you’re looking for a new car. 

You also don’t want something too small, but you don’t need something too big either. A midsize crossover SUV is right up your alley. 

What’s the difference between the 2014 Ford Edge and the 2014 Nissan Murano?

Monaco Ford can help you compare them.

The 2014 Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV with seating for 5 passengers, and is offered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and with 4-cylinder or V-6 power. Ford offers the 2014 Edge in SE, SEL, Limited, and Sport trim levels. 

US News gives the Edge a better critics’ rating, performance rating, and safety rating.

An EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine is optional for the Edge SE, SEL, and Limited, and any Edge equipped with a V-6 engine can be fitted with all-wheel drive.

Choose SE, SEL, or Limited trim and the 2014 Ford Edge is equipped with a 285-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 253 lb.-ft. of torque. A more fuel-efficient, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine is optional for these trim levels, making 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the Edge's front wheels. All-wheel drive is an option only with the V-6.

The Ford Edge Sport has a more powerful 3.7-liter V-6 that makes 305 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. In this version, the 6-speed automatic transmission features paddle shifters, and the Edge Sport is offered with FWD or AWD.

The most fuel-efficient version of the 2014 Edge has the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and is rated to get 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA. The standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine’s fuel-economy ratings range from a low of 18 miles per gallon in the city with AWD to a high of 27 miles per gallon on the highway with FWD. The most powerful model, the Edge Sport, is rated to achieve anywhere from 17 miles per gallon in the city with AWD to 26 miles per gallon on the highway with FWD.A key reason for choosing the Edge is its superior fuel economy – buyers can get up to 6 miles per gallon more from the Edge.

In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2014 Edge receives an overall rating of 4 stars (out of 5 stars). 

Every 2014 Edge is equipped with MyKey technology, which allows the owner to program speed alerts and limits, stereo volume limits, incessant seat belt reminders, and more. Additional safety-related upgrades, depending on the trim level, include rear par-assist sensors, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot information system, and adaptive cruise control with Collision Warning and Brake Support.

The first thing a lot of people notice about the Edge is the outward appearance – it looks the part of an SUV instead of a lifted wagon. Like the Murano, the Edge’s cabin is well laid out and equipped with high-end features: a six-speaker audio system, tilt and telescoping wheel, and three 12-volt power outlets. Additionally, the Edge’s interior is whisper-quiet, leaving drivers and passengers feeling as if they are in a true luxury SUV. 

With its trio of engine options, superior performance, hefty towing capacity and super-quiet interior, the Edge has certainly overtaken the Murano. 

Check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury's new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 8 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?

Monaco Ford Helping to Style Kids for Back-to-School

As we’ve said before, we may be a car dealership, but it’s not always about selling cars.

In order to prepare kids for the start of the school year, Monaco Ford will be teaming up with Style Saves for a back-to-school event.

Style Saves raises funds to allocate to underprivileged students in the South Florida area. Style Saves works with local retail stores, designers, and boutiques to provide these students with brand-new outfits for back-to-school. 

On Aug. 24, the first Back to School event outside of Miami will take place in Hartford at Casona, 681 Wethersfield Ave. Style Saves will be styling 60 students from the Boys & Girls Clubs and The Village for back-to-school. 

In order to do this, Style Saves is collecting donations of new and gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories for students ages 6-18.

If you have some items you would like to donate, you can drop them off at Monaco Ford, 767 New London Tpke. in Glastonbury.

Style Saves started with a small idea: build confidence through clothes. The hope is that the confidence imbued in these students through their new outfits reflects on their academic work and personal lives. 

For more information, visit www.stylesaves.org, e-mail info@stylesaves.org, or call Monaco Ford at 860-652-3000.

Monaco Ford Sponsoring CT Humane Society Pets

We’re a car dealership, but it’s not always about selling cars. We’ve been around for 92 years and it really is about giving back sometimes too.

A couple months ago, we became a monthly sponsor for the CT Humane Society. Each month, we’re going to sponsor a dog that is seven years or older, who for whatever reason, is looking for a home. 

Everybody always wants a puppy, and some people may not want to spend money on the adoption fee for a senior pet, so we’re looking to cover that.

Our family dog – who is also a rescue dog – is going to be seven in August and we would hate to think that somebody wouldn’t take him just because he’s a little bit older. Those dogs need love too.

This month, we’re sponsoring Ruby, an 8-year-old hound mix who is at the Newington shelter. She can live in any size home, including apartments, and she wants to live with kids 16 years and older. 

She really likes dogs and would enjoy a canine friend in her new home. She hasn’t had much experience with cats, but would be happy to share her home with felines that can appreciate her personality.

Ruby really likes to lounge around and enjoy plenty of naptime. 

Sound like the perfect pet for you? Stop in and see her and you're sure to fall in love!

Want to see what Monaco Ford has to offer on the vehicle front? Head over to www.monacoford.com to check out our new cars in Connecticut – as well as our pre-owned and certified pre-owned Fords.