Planet Ford Offers Houston Severe Weather Assistance

Posted on November 4, 2015 by admin

STORM flood car repair houston

Severe weather in the Houston area has impacted our community. From homes to cars, many suffered significant damage.

At Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble (serving Greater Houston, Atascocita, Kingwood and Katy) we want to help. We know that times like these are already unpleasant and stressful.  Adding having to get a car repaired and dealing with insurance companies is the last thing you want to think about.

Flood Damage?
That is where our team is here to assist, and we have a special offer to help you save money, too.  Mention this ad/blog and receive 20% off any flood damage repair services from this past month’s storms.

Ready to Upgrade?
If it’s time to trade or simply buy a new car, ask about our Friends & Neighbors Pricing Event. Plus, bring us the best deal and we’ll beat it by $500.  We are here to help you find the right car at the right price, and get you quickly back on the road.

 

*Flood Damage Repair Offer: Applicable to flood-damage repairs. Must present at the time of write up. Max. discount per vehicle up to $1000. See dealership for details. For Best Deal Offer: Dealership reserves the right to purchase vehicle from competing dealership offering lower price & sell it to potential customer. Not applicable between Randall Reed Stores. Customer must have written official buyers order for new in stock like vehicle from competing dealership signed by authorized manager. The guarantee does not commence until customer takes delivery of vehicle. Factory incentives, rebates & other discounts do not apply. Exp. 11/30/15

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Randall Reed Recognized by Best Buddies

Posted on October 30, 2015 by admin
Randall reed planet ford best buddies Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble has had the honor or working with Best Buddies for a number of years. From trips to Disney to school parties, we have enjoyed offering support. Moreover, we love getting to know all of these wonderful kids.
So when we had the opportunity to join their recent fashion show, you know our Planet team was there! To make the evening even more special, Best Buddies honor Randall Reed with an award for all of his charitable contributions.
“I feel incredibly honored,” said Randall Reed. “The real reward is getting to see how much we are able to support these wonderful students. Best Buddies is a great program, and we are thankful to work with them.”
For more information on the Best Buddies program, you can visit their global website here or check out the Kingwood Park H.S. Best Buddies program on Facebook. Check out Planet Ford’s website for great savings on a Ford or updated information regarding community events.​
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Dwayne Johnson Teams Up with Ford for “The Specialists”

Posted on October 5, 2015 by randall

DwayneJohnson spokesman of service ford image001Planet Ford in Humble’s team thinks this is pretty cool.  There a new Ford Service campaign launching, which is always great news, but this time it features a heavy weight star at the center of “The Specialists at Ford.”

The American car manufacture’s campaign presents an elite crew of automotive technicians led by their commander. This awesome team of technicians known as “The Specialists.” They embody the dedication, training, diagnostic tools and Motorcraft parts that make servicing at your Ford Dealership the right decision.

Commanding “The Specialists” is big-screen action icon, producer and business entrepreneur, Dwayne Johnson. In addition to Mr. Johnson’s on-screen presence and producing successes, he is a long-time Ford owner. He currently owns three Ford vehicles—his favorite being the F-150. His genuine appreciation of the Ford Motor Company brand makes the alignment of Ford Service and Dwayne Johnson a great partnership.

Our Ford Service Department at Planet Ford on Hwy. (serving Houston, Atascocita, Kingwood, Conroe, Katy) is thrilled  about Ford’s new partnership with Dwayne Johnson. Combining Ford’s trusted reputation with the star’s tough, get-it-done attitude helps to reinforce Ford’s commitment to their Ford car, SUV and truck owners and dealers.

Mr. Johnson is known for his passionate and committed to serving and helping others in the community. Service to his community, his fans, and the people who need it most is one of the keystones to his success in life. This passion and commitment is echoed by the Ford Dealerships as they serve others in their communities through donations to charities, sponsoring local sports teams and much more-but ultimately servicing our Ford owner’s vehicles with their expert care.

Starting on October 12, 2015, this multi-year deal will be seen and heard on TV, Radio, Digital and Social.

Watch for Dwayne Johnson’s newest role starting on October 12th. Look for great Ford service at www.PlanetFord59.com.

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Ford “Steers” New Driving Technology

Posted on September 21, 2015 by randall

Ford Adapative Steering on 2016 EdgeFord is always at the helm of automotive innovation. So, it’s no surprise to the team at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble on Hwy. 59 (serving Houston, Kingwood, Atascocita), when the 2016 Ford Edge lands on the showroom later this year, Ford will introduce the company’s innovative new technology set to redefine the idea of “power steering.”

The American automaker’s new adaptive steering will now make it easier for drivers to maneuver their SUV at low speeds while making the vehicle more enjoyable to drive and even more agile at higher speeds. Adaptive steering will be standard on Edge Sport and available on Edge Titanium.

“First and foremost, all Ford Motor Company products have to offer a great driving experience,” according to Raj Nair, the Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “This technology can help make vehicles easy to maneuver and fun to drive.”

Ford’s new adaptive steering changes the ratio between the driver’s actions at the wheel  and how much the front wheels turn. In vehicles without the technology, this is a fixed steering ratio. With adaptive steering, the ratio will be continually changing as the vehicle’s speed changes which optimizes the steering response in all conditions.

So when the vehicle is at lower speeds, for example: pulling into a parking space or maneuvering in tight areas, fewer turns of the steering wheel are required. Adaptive steering makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn as it dials more steering into the road wheel.

At highway speeds, the system optimizes steering response, letting the vehicle react more smoothly to each steering input.

The system – created in collaboration with engineers from TKAG, a Germany-based automotive supplier – uses a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel, and requires no change to a vehicle’s traditional steering system.

The actuator – an electric motor and gearing system – can essentially add to or subtract from a driver’s steering inputs. The result is a better driving experience at all speeds, regardless of vehicle size or class.

After rolling out on the 2016 Edge, adaptive steering will be available for other Ford and Lincoln vehicles in the future. It is also being introduced in Europe, initially on Ford S-MAX and Galaxy.

When you’re ready to get your new Ford or pre-owned card, truck or SUV, take the drive on Hwy. 59 to the Planet Ford sign for savings, selection and award-winning service. www.PlanetFord59.com

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2015 Ford Focus ST: Top of the Curve

Posted on August 12, 2015 by reed

Many of us spend our childhoods dreaming of the car we’ll one day own. These dreams tend to skew towards the extravagant, as dreams often do, and we visualize Ferraris, or Lamborghinis, or Aston Martins. We dream of flashy, quarter-million-dollar cars because just the look, the sound, the exhilaration of driving something that goes from zero to 60 in three seconds captures our imagination. However, as the host of a video review of the 2015 Focus ST from XCARFilms muses about this very idea, he points out that for the vast majority of us, these dreams shall remain dreams, barring very particular circumstances. This is not cause for sadness in and of itself, though, and it is not a slight against those of us who will never be able to afford a car of that caliber.

The focus of this video is the 2015 Ford Focus ST, a performance-tuned variant of Ford’s popular compact sedan. He points out that when it comes to cars, the law of diminishing returns is very much at work; to get a car that goes from zero to 60 just a second or two faster than the Focus ST, you may have to spend twice as much money. Getting the best bang for your buck when looking at performance cars should be the priority, and the 2015 Focus ST arguably sits right at the top of that curve.

With 252 horsepower and reaching 60 MPH in 6.3 seconds, the Focus ST will barely touch a Testarossa or an Aventador. This pretty much goes without saying, and it is far from an insult to the ST. What the Focus ST offers is a hugely enjoyable drive, plenty of power, and excellent handling for a small fraction of the cost of one of those supercars. As with so many other things in life, bigger is not always better. Watch the full video and see just how much fun the Focus ST can be, and visit Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, TX to get more information on how you could own one of these fast, nimble, and immensely fun hatchback sedans.

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Help Your Ford Beat the Heat

Posted on August 12, 2015 by reed

We all know just how brutal the summer heat can be around Houston. Triple-digit temperatures and high humidity are par for the course, but what can often be overlooked is the debilitating effects these conditions can have on your car. MyFord Magazine released a helpful article full of tips on how to keep your Ford running smoothly during the hottest months of the year, as well as tips for keeping yourself and your passengers comfortable in the blazing Texas heat.

When your car has been sitting in the hot sun, waiting for the air conditioning to kick in can feel like an endurance test. To cool your car down as quickly as possible, it is best to put the air conditioning on full blast and set it to blow from the lower vents, with the windows rolled down. This will help push the hot air up and out of your car. Also, while the recirculate function (the button with a silhouette of a car and a circular arrow on your climate control panel) works well when the air conditioning is already blowing cold, it is not as effective when you’re initially trying to cool your car off. This is because it draws air from the interior of the car, and since the air in your car is well in excess of 100 degrees at this point, it will take much longer to cool down.

This will seem obvious as a way to keep your car cooler, but it is always best to find a shady spot in which to park. This is not always possible, so it is useful to have high-quality sun shades for your front and rear windows. Using sun shades will also help protect the interior of your car from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. Leaving your windows cracked gives the hot air trapped in your car a way to circulate out of the cabin as well.

These tips can help keep you cool in your car during the summer, but the intense heat can have more long-term consequences for the health of your car. Regular maintenance checks and cursory inspections of your tire pressure, coolant, and battery will help keep your car healthy in the heat. There are other things to factor in as well, and these guidelines can be found in the MyFord article here. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance can greatly extend the life of your car, so consult your owner’s manual and schedule your next service visit at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, TX (serving Houston, Conroe, Katy, and Atascocita)!

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Keep Your Ford Healthy This Summer

Posted on August 12, 2015 by reed

This summer has been brutally hot, peaking this previous week with temperatures approaching 110 degrees. The heat can have all sorts of implications for your Ford, and it is important to take the proper steps to make sure your car stays healthy. These ten tips will help you keep your Ford in fighting shape all summer. Keeping up with your scheduled maintenance is essential to the health of your vehicle, so make a point to visit the service department at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, TX – serving Houston, Humble, Crosby, and Conroe.

10. Check Your Tires

High temperatures can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate as much as a pound per square inch every ten degrees. Be sure to regularly check your tire pressure to keep your tires healthy, as tires that aren’t inflated to the proper pressure can reduce your fuel economy and even run the risk of a blowout.

9. Change Oil and Oil Filter

The oil in your Ford is essential to its continued health and functionality. The summer heat in the Houston area can cause your oil to thin out, which can reduce its effectiveness and cause overheating, and eventually can lead to mechanical failure. It is recommended that your change the oil in your Ford ever 7,500 miles, but high heat and hard driving during the summer may require more frequent changes.

8. De-Winterize Your Car

While there is usually no need for snow tires in Texas, the snow and ice storms we’ve experienced in recent winters mean that there will be salt on the roads for much of the season. Salt and grime can build up on the undercarriage of your Ford, and salt deposits will start eating away at the metal. Make sure to hose off the undercarriage if you have not done so already.

7. Check Hoses and Belts

Check all the hoses for cracks and leaks, and your belts for any cracks or significant wear. Broken or leaking hoses can cause the radiator in your Ford to fail, which will cause overheating and lead to many more problems.

6. Change the Air Filter

Have you replaced your air filter lately? A clogged air filter can seriously impact your fuel economy. Salt from the winter, pollen and other airborne particles in the spring, and general road debris can build up very quickly. Make sure to check your air filter regularly.

5. Replace Windshield Wipers

Thankfully, the massive rains of May and June are behind us, but Texas summers are notorious for sudden thunderstorms. Ensure your ability to drive safely in heavy rain by checking your windshield wipers regularly. If the blades are brittle, cracked, or worn down, it’s time for new wiper blades.

4. Check Your Brakes

Your bakes are one of the most crucial components in your Ford. Regular inspections of your brakes are essential; brake repair service gets more and more expensive over time if a problem is left unchecked.

3. Check The Coolant and Radiator

Cars already run at high temperatures, but without a well-maintained cooling system metal parts can begin to soften or even melt and fuse together, causing serious mechanical problems. Make sure to check your coolant levels regularly and make sure the radiator is clear of insects and debris.

2. Clean Your Battery

The summer heat can cause the chemicals inside the battery to expand. If the chemicals expand enough, battery acid will leak up through the poles and cause corrosion. This can lead to having to replace not only the battery, but the cables and terminals as well. Regular battery service is important, as the anti-corrosion pads and treatment will protect your battery and extend its life.

1. Maintain Your Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is the biggest part of making summer commutes bearable in the Texas heat. Make sure to have your refrigerant levels checked as recommended by your Ford owner’s manual. If it is not blowing cold, try the Recirculate function once the car has been running for a few minutes. If it still blows hot, refrigerant levels could be low, there could be a leak in the system, or the compressor could have failed.

These tips will go a long way toward keeping your Ford running properly and giving you peace of mind. The most important part of owning a vehicle, more than any items on this list, is keeping up with your regularly scheduled maintenance. Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, TX employs highly skilled and knowledgeable service technicians, and we strive to provide the highest level of service for your Ford car, truck, or SUV. Visit our website and check out our current Service Specials to get great deals, like a free brake inspection or rebates on select brands of tires!

For more information about how to protect your car from the summer heat, you can read the full article here: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/summer-car-maintenance.htm#page=0

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Planet Ford Summer Air Conditioning Tips

Posted on August 7, 2015 by admin

Screen Shot 2015-08-07 at 1.03.06 PMTexas temps this time of year are hot, hot, hot. It’s crucial that you’re car, truck or SUV’s air conditioning system is working properly to keep you cool — especially on during your summer road trips. Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble on Hwy. 59 (serving Houston, Kingwood, Atascocita, Katy, Conroe) has some quick tips to help ensure your car’s comfort and that vehicle’s A/C is running efficiently.

Quick Tips:

  • Did you know that selecting a lighter exterior color and/or a lighter interior color can aid in reducing heat buildup in your parked vehicle?
  • When you get into your car, lower the windows for a few minutes to allow the hot air to be pushed out of the vehicle.
  • Don’t hold back on the A/C, set it to max to help  quickly cool down the vehicle.
  • If you get too cold, don’t switch the A/C on and off; instead set the temperature or fan speed to help keep the temperature both comfortable and consistent.
  • For some the challenge is that it is too cold in the front, and not cool enough in the back of the vehicle. Instead of shutting the A/C vents in the front, redirect them to the ceiling or sides of the vehicle to keep air flowing to the rear.
  • When the temps do betting to cool down, consider the option of driving around town with the A/C off and the windows rolled down.
  • Park in the shade whenever possible and utilize a reflective windshield shade. It can greatly aid in the reduction of heat buildup in a parked vehicle. Cabin temperature at startup will be much lower, and temperature comfort will be achieved much sooner on your drive.
  • If your vehicle is equipped with a moonroof or large panoramic roof, it is best to  close the shade to help reduce heat buildup.
  • For vehicles equipped with a remote start, be sure to set the climate control system up for automatic operation so you can start the cool-down process before getting into your  vehicle.

Ford engineers have dedicated a great amount of time and energy in developing smart a A/C system, as well as helping drivers understand how to get the most from their car’s cooling systems.

Fast Facts:

  • Previous A/C cooled all of the processed air to just above freezing, then reheated the air to the desired temperature. However, Ford’s newer system cools the air down to just below the desired temperature, then reheats it slightly, which improves fuel efficiency.
  • Ford’s system is smart, too. If the sun is beating down on one side the car, the A/C’s sensors will detect an imbalance and emit cooler air on that side to help keep the overall cabin environment consistently cool and comfortable.

Service Matters:

  • It’s important to follow your vehichle’s maintenance schedule for when the cabin air filter should be replaced. Never just remove the filter; you should always replace it.
  • If your vehicle isn’t cooling as it should or cooling becomes inconsistent, bring it in for service right away.
  • After being on the road for several years, it is entirely possible some refrigerant may escape from the A/C system in your car which can result in the system not working properly. The only way to restore the system to peak its peek operating condition is to have the remaining refrigerant removed and a proper quantity of refrigerant added. It is best to have this work done at a certified dealership, such as Planet Ford on Hwy. 59, that uses only original replacement parts and supplies for your vehicle.

Need to service your Ford’s air conditioning system, our team of service experts at Planet Ford in Humble can help. Take the short drive on Hwy. 59 or log on to book your appointment today at www.PlanetFord59.com!

Learn more about Ford’s system at: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/07/22/tips-for-staying-cool-with-your-ford-vehicle-this-summer.html

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The Shelby Mustang GT350R Has Space-Age Tech

Posted on July 23, 2015 by reed

They say you can’t reinvent the wheel. Ford begs to differ. Ford Performance has revealed that the Shelby Mustang GT350R, its new street-legal track car, will offer the world’s first mass-produced carbon fiber wheels as a standard feature. Using highly advanced manufacturing methods and exhaustive batteries of testing, Ford and wheel supplier Carbon Revolution have created wheels that are purpose-built to handle the high-stress environment of the race track.

Weight reduction is one of the most immediate benefits of using carbon fiber wheels. Unsprung weight is significantly reduced, thereby drastically improving acceleration, handling and braking. These wheels weigh nearly fifty percent less than equivalent aluminum wheels; they are so light, in fact, that the Mustang GT350R’s suspension had to be completely recalibrated. Each wheel is molded in a single piece and undergoes intensive testing to ensure quality; 61 individual checks, over 246,000 data points, and more than 18,000 individual X-ray images are used to determine any flaws in the wheel before it is finished and shipped.

A car as advanced and powerful as the GT350R presents engineers and designers with a unique set of challenges, especially when dealing with a material like carbon fiber. It was necessary for Ford and Carbon Revolution engineers to ensure the carbon fiber wheels were strong enough to absorb impacts such as high-speed curb strikes. Thanks to the low weight and sky-high impact strength of the wheels, the suspension reacted so quickly to the curb strike that the driver performed the test twice to ensure that the impact had actually happened!

Additionally, resistance to heat, ultraviolet rays, and road chemicals were priorities in the design of these wheels. Temperature readings on the GT350R’s beastly brakes came in at more than 900 degrees Celsius, or 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit! A specially-designed ceramic plasma arc coating inspired by the process used on the space shuttle’s engine turbines effectively shields the wheels from this intense heat.

The initial production run of the new Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R will be limited to just 137 units to honor the 50th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350. Production will be ramped up for the 2016 model year. Visit Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, TX for more information, and watch for these track-born beasts to hit dealership showrooms starting this fall!

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Ford Offers a Tough F-150 with Luxurious Side

Posted on July 21, 2015 by admin

ford f150 limited houston Ford F-150s are the toughest trucks in their class with amazing hauling and towing capabilities. It’s no surprise that it has been the No. 1 truck selling truck in the US for over a quarter of a century.

As the love for trucks grow, so does the discerning taste of our customers at Randlal Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble (serving Houston, Atascocita, Kingwood, Katy, Conroe).  The Ford F-150 Limited is a stylish truck meets the growing needs of that discerning truck customers interested in exclusivity, capability and craftsmanship. The F-150 is perfect for drivers that want to differentiate themselves from other high-series truck buyers.

It is especially appealing for those looking for innovation? That comes standard in Ford’s F-150 Limited, which includes SYNC® 3 with AppLink™, and class-exclusive1 features such as a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, quad-beam LED headlamps, remote tailgate release and multicontour massaging front seats.

Check out this video:

ford f150 limited interiorThe Ford truck is stylish inside and out.  It has exclusive exterior and interior elements including a raised LIMITED lettering on the hood, unique custom satin-chrome grille and tailgate, 22-inch wheels, genuine fiddleback eucalyptus, Mojave leather seating surfaces, unique instrument cluster face and laser-engraved VIN plate with production number.

Come check out the good looks and rugged charm available in Ford’s Ford F-150 Limited edition at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford. The dealership is conveniently located at on Hwy. 59. You can shop online anytime at www.PlanetFord59.com!

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