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The Ford F-150 is known for its durability as well as its versatility, and the 2019 model isn't any different! With seven trims to choose from, the F-150 is bound to meet all your work needs and still be comfortable for leisure activities! 2019 F-150 Trims In the Ford F-150 family, your choice of different models will include the Limited, Raptor, XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. more 2019 F-150 Changes Overall, the 2019 F-150 will have limited changes from the 2018 version. It’s anticipated that many of the 2018 features will be represented on the 2019 models along with some upgrades, depending on the trim. A few changes are expected such as several new exterior colors, minor trim updates, and rear-exit dual exhaust outlets. The F-150 features three engine types: the 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost turbocharged engine, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, and an optional 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel engine. The 3.5-liter has an automatic 10-speed transmission. Ford has released information that the F-150 Raptor will be equipped with Fox Racing shocks, Trail Control for off-road excursions, and redesigned seating. Fuel Efficiency The estimated fuel economy figures released by Ford rates the 2019 F-150 at 30 miles per gallon. F-150 Pricing Pricing for the 2019 F-150 models is expected, at this time, to stay competitive with its current 2018 price tag. The F-150 has made a name for itself as a powerhouse for work, a tough off-the-road vehicle for adventures, and as a comfortable leisure truck. Schedule a test drive with Drive Direct today and find out why it's worth waiting for! Image via ford.com

With spring here, it's time to do some spring cleaning and reorganizing. One thing you don't want to forget to spruce up is the inside of your minivan. Improving the organization in your minivan can go a long way to prevent the dreaded weekly cleanups of the interior. Those with large families know how fast the mess factor in the back seats can escalate. So stay on top of the clean game with these five top minivan organization tips. Add Custom-Fit Floor Mats more Spending a few extra dollars on custom-fitted floor mats can make worrying about spills a thing of the past. Cleaning around the back seats, which are often a minefield of old French fries, sand, dirt, and much more is as easy as removing the mat and dumping the contents into the trash. Forget the vacuum: Many of these mats can be hosed off for easy cleanup! Equip Your Car with Cleaning Essentials Keeping adequate cleaning supplies in your minivan can prevent small messes from turning into big ones. Items such as leather wipes, disinfectant wipes, a spare trash bag, and a battery-powered vacuum can all be stowed comfortably in the compartments below the seats, such as those found on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. When you don't need them, they'll be entirely out of sight. Behind-the-Seat Hooks Adding extra organization and storage options is always a great way to keep order in the back of your minivan. Storage hooks that hang behind the seat can hold backpacks and other belongings for easy access. It also keeps items off the floor, so they don't slip underneath the seats, not to be seen for months on end. Those with older kids or more full seats in the minivan may find that behind-the-seat hooks take up too much valuable legroom. In this case, turn to handy extras such as Command hooks, which can be hung anywhere. Take Advantage of In-Cabin Storage Vehicle designers have added all kinds of helpful storage space throughout the cabin for drivers and passengers to stay organized. For example, the Chrysler Pacifica features a storage compartment underneath the console for private storage, making it perfect for purses and other valuables. Be sure to also take advantage of areas under the floor of the cargo compartment and under the seats. It's more convenient to keep some items in your car at all times, but that doesn't mean you need to keep them in plain sight. Go Wireless Wireless charging is finally here! When shopping for a new vehicle, see if there are options to include a wireless charging port. This can greatly reduce clutter for front passengers by removing all the wires around the cabin. For example, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica includes a wireless charging station as well as a USB-C port that provides ultra-fast charging times. This year, resolve to keep your minivan clean, organized, and free of clutter. Many features of the newly redesigned Chrysler Pacifica are designed to help you stay organized – give us a visit at Drive Direct and see what we’ve got for you! Image via chrysler.com

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car, and routine oil changes are essential for protecting your engine and keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Here we'll take a look at what happens during an oil change and – more importantly – what happens if you don't change the oil. When Should You Get Your Oil Changed? You should follow your car manufacturer's specifications, but the recommended oil change interval is generally between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. more However, you may need to change your oil more often if you typically drive less than 5 miles at a time, regularly carry heavy loads or tow a trailer, go off-roading, or drive mostly in extremely hot, cold, or dusty conditions. Some modern cars feature oil-life monitoring systems that automatically let you know when it's time for an oil change. What Happens During an Oil Change? When you take your car for an oil change, the technician will first check the oil level and condition, as these can indicate problems. They will then either lift the car up or go into a pit underneath it. The oil drain plug will be removed to allow the old oil to drain out into a container. While the oil is draining, the technician will remove and inspect the old oil filter and replace it with a new one. The next step is to replace the drain plug and refill the engine with fresh oil. The technician should use the grade of oil recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using the wrong grade can reduce your gas mileage by 1% to 2%. What Happens If You Don't Change Your Oil? Over time, the engine oil starts to wear out and break down, causing it to work less efficiently at absorbing heat and lubricating the engine components. Eventually, your smooth, clear oil will turn into dirty sludge. As it continues to circulate, your engine will have to work harder, and the reduction in lubrication can cause you a whole lot of problems. Not changing the oil can result in: A void warranty. If your car has a warranty, it can be voided by not changing the oil at the manufacturer's recommended intervals. A blown head gasket, which can be an expensive repair and can lead to other engine damage. Inefficient performance. Apart from lubricating, your oil helps keep your engine clean. Dirty oil and a clogged oil filter can lead to less efficient performance and increased fuel consumption. A seized engine. When the oil becomes less effective at lubricating and reducing heat, the engine parts will start to grind against each other. Eventually, the components can warp causing the engine to seize up completely. That would mean a new engine or a new car. So, there you have it. Scheduling a regular oil change is a simple and cost-effective way of keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently and prolonging the life of your engine. It’s one of the quickest and least expensive maintenance services and will save you money in the long run. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

With spring here, you're probably eager to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather! Maybe you're planning a road trip for spring break, or you're visiting family for the weekend. One way to help make your trip a success is to prepare your car for the spring season. Here are four ways to get your car ready for spring. Wash Your Car One of the last things you want to do when it's freezing outside is wash your car, so there's a good chance you've been putting off this essential chore. As soon as the weather starts to warm up, you should give your car a good washing. Winter weather can be pretty harsh on your vehicle, especially if you live in an area where it snows. more Road salt can eat away at the car's paint if it builds up, and if you haven't washed your car in a while, it probably has all kinds of dirt and grime on it that can cause even more damage. If you decide to save some money by not going to a car wash and washing your car yourself, be sure to add baking soda to your bucket of water. It can neutralize road salt and make it easier to remove tough buildup. Inspect Your Tires Winter weather is also tough on your car's tires. Cold air can cause a drop in tire pressure and snow-covered roads can cause extra wear and tear on the tread. You should check the tire pressure and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Consult your owner's manual to see how much air your tires need. Tire pressure can affect your vehicle's gas consumption, so keeping the correct amount of air in your tires can save you money while also preventing a dangerous blowout. If the tread on your tires is too worn, you'll want to replace them. Get an Oil Change The spring season is the perfect time of year to change your car's oil, especially if you had to use a winter blend during colder months. Winter blends are thinner than warm weather blends, and they'll thin out further when it's hot outside. Even if you use a multi-grade oil suitable for year-round use, you should still change your oil according to the intervals noted in your owner's manual. Dirty oil can cause significant damage to your car's engine. Check Your Windshield Wipers If you live in an area where it snows, you'll inevitably have to use your windshield wipers to clear away ice. This ice teams up with the cold winter air to tear up your windshield wipers. Replacing worn-out windshield wipers is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to prepare your car for spring. Even if you don't see signs of wear and tear, you should replace your wipers if they leave your windshield streaky. Hopefully, you find these tips to be helpful! By preparing your car for spring, you can drive with confidence and enjoy your car for years to come. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

While driving is an essential activity in our daily lives, it's also an expensive one. A significant expense for most drivers is purchasing fuel. However, by maximizing your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you can spend less time and money at the gas station! Here are four tips for maximizing fuel efficiency. Clean Out Your Car One of the easiest things you can do to maximize your vehicle's fuel efficiency is to clean out any unnecessary items. When your car or SUV is weighed down, it has to consume more fuel. Make sure that the kids don't leave their backpacks and athletic equipment in the car after school. After a shopping trip, you should remove all of your bags. more If you have a roof rack or bike rack that you're not using, take it off the SUV. When you do have to use a cargo box, use a rear-mounted box instead of a roof-mounted box. A cargo box on the rear causes less resistance. Remove the box as soon as you're finished using it. Simply put - don't use your vehicle for storage! Inspect Your Tires Inspecting your tires not only ensures that they're safe to drive on but can also help you conserve fuel. Under-inflated tires can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by up to 3%. Your owner's manual will tell you how much air your tires should have. Because changes in temperature, frequent driving, and many other factors can affect tire pressure, you should check it once a month. You should also consult your owner's manual to see how often your car's wheels should be aligned. If the wheels are out of alignment, your tires will suffer from excessive wear and tear. Worn-out tires put extra strain on your car's engine, forcing it to consume more fuel. If you start to notice that your car pulls to one side or is harder to steer, you should take your car in for an alignment even if it hasn't reached the interval listed in the owner's manual. Check the Gas Cap If you're driving down the road and your "Check Engine" light comes on, don't panic - but don't ignore it either. It could mean you have a loose or broken gas cap. While this is a simple fix, it can impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency by letting fumes escape from the gas tank. Escaping fumes aren't just bad for your car; they're harmful to the environment. After fueling up the car, always make sure to tighten the gas cap when you put it back on. If you notice your cap is broken or missing, replace it as soon as possible. Don't Idle In the last few years, manufacturers have added a start-stop function to vehicle engines. The reason for this new feature is the unnecessary consumption of fuel when the car is idling. Even if your car doesn't have start-stop technology, you can still turn off your car's engine when you're stopped at an extended red light. You don't have to warm up your car before you drive it either. This is another unnecessary habit that wastes fuel. Hopefully, you find these tips helpful. By maximizing your car's fuel efficiency, you'll boost your budget and enjoy your car even more! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License