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It is important to know what your credit is. This is true in general, but it is especially true if you are planning to finance a car. Knowing your credit score allows you to know that you are getting the best rate possible. Checking your credit report regularly can also help you protect your score by disputing any inaccurate charges or records on your credit. Reporting agencies like TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax are required to provide your score for free on an annual basis. The standard unit of determining credit worthiness is called a FICO score, which is named after Fair Isaacs and Company, the firm that pioneered this scoring process. Your credit score changes over time, and moves up and down based on factors such as opening up new lines of credit, paying off older accounts, and so forth. According to Fair Isaacs and Company's website, a FICO score is based on 5 factors with different weighting: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), and types of credit used (10%). As a consumer you are entitled to one free credit report for each of the three main credit bureau companies (Trans Union, Experian and Equifax) per year at no charge. The website to receive and view this data is https://www.annualcreditreport.com. By viewing your credit reports each year, you can pick up on errors in reporting and have them fixed before you make a purchase. Catching these errors sooner rather than later will save you headaches down the road. Achieving and maintaining an excellent credit score is important because people with higher scores are more likely to be approved for loans and have access to lower interest rates. If your credit is less than perfect, you can still get an auto loan, but you will pay a higher interest rate than someone with excellent credit. One way to save money is to opt for a shorter-term loan, such as a 3- or 4-year loan instead of a 5- or 6-year loan. Your monthly payments will be higher because you are paying off the debt sooner, but shorter loans tend to have lower interest rates than longer term loans. A car loan can also be a good step towards repairing a credit score that is not as high as you would like. Because payment history is the most heavily weighted category at 35% of the total score, and is also one of the "good" types of credit used, taking out a car loan and making timely payments can begin to repair a credit score quickly. According to Craig Watts, consumer affairs manager for Fair Isaac Corp. "The mantra for getting a great score is pay your bills on time, keep account balances low, and take out new credit only when you need it." If you are interested in a car loan, be sure to check out http://www.nhcarcredit.com.

Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your vehicle running properly for as long as possible. By following the service schedule in your owner’s manual, you can save yourself costly repairs and headaches down the road. Vehicles are complicated pieces of machinery, but knowing when it’s time for a tune-up doesn’t have to be. First and foremost, be sure to follow your oil change schedule. The motor oil is what keeps your engine running smoothly and you want to be sure that oil is clean! Over time, motor oil becomes dirty and begins to break down. If you wait long enough, it turns into what the technicians in the shop refer to as “sludge.” Dirty motor oil can and will damage your engine, the most expensive part of your whole vehicle. Luckily, the oil change schedule can be found in your owner’s manual, and once your oil has been changed, the technicians put a helpful reminder sticker on your windshield indicating when you need to have your car service again. Your spark plugs should also be changed on a regular schedule found in your owner’s manual. That being said, there are a few telltale signs that you made need to change your spark plugs ahead of schedule. If your vehicle has a rough idle, you may need to change your spark plugs. When you vehicle is stationary with the engine running, the engine should produce a smooth, constant sound. A rough, jittery idle can be indicative that the spark plugs are not functioning properly. If your vehicle is not starting up right away, it may be that your battery is low, or it may also be that your spark plugs are not providing the spark needed to get the engine turning. A faulty spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, meaning that at least one of the cylinders is not firing properly. A misfiring engine is not only jerky and unpleasant to drive; it also produces higher amounts of emissions, and can cause your vehicle to fail a state inspection. Another sign of spark plugs that need to be changed is lack of acceleration. This is very easy to notice. You will put your foot down on the gas and the vehicle either does not respond at all, or it responds more slowly than usual. On a related note, because the engine is not running at peak efficiency, you will notice that you are going through gasoline faster than usual. Replacing the spark plugs will keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Irwin Ford invites you to make the switch this month and see why Ford has been such an enduring brand. Ford just launched the completely redesigned 2015 F-150 which is now 700 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, which has seriously worried the competition since this new model blows the doors off both the Silverado 1500 and the Ram 1500. Plus, with Irwin Ford offering a $1,000 savings voucher, 0% APR for up to 72 months on many models, $0 down payment, and no payments until spring, there is no better time to make the switch to a Ford!

Ford's all new 2015 F-150 has made a big splash with its aluminum body panels which have reduced the weight by 700 pounds! The bold new redesign has drawn praise for its stylish grille and attractive body lines, but the true test of any truck is what it can actually do. With that in mind, let's compare the 2015 Ford F-150 to the 2015 Ram 1500, both equipped with V8 engines. The F-150's 5.0L V8 produces 387 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the Ram's 355 lb.-ft. So Ford has a clear advantage in the torque department. In terms of pure horsepower, the F-150 has a slight edge over the Ram, producing 385 horsepower compared to the Ram's 383 horsepower. The F-150 runs laps around the Ram when it comes to maximum payload: at a max payload of 3,300 pounds, the F-150 can handle nearly double the 1,800 pounds that the Ram can manage. How much does it cost to run the thing? 2015 The F-150 is rated at 22 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined whereas the Ram can only manage 19 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg combined. This means that the F-150 is 20% more efficient in terms of fuel consumption while delivering better torque, more payload, and more horsepower. What's the price difference, you ask? The F-150 has a starting MSRP of $25,420 compared to $25,410 for the Ram. So for $10, you get an extra 32 lb.-ft. of torque, 2 more horsepower, 20% better fuel economy, and an additional 1,500 pounds of payload capability. That is $10 well spent. If you want a truck that works like a truck, your choice is clear: get an F-150. There is a reason that the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America for 38 years and counting: it is the best truck on the market.

On the evening of Tuesday, November 18 starting at 5 p.m. Irwin Ford Lincoln will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang. This will be a night filled with fun, food and prizes. The guest of honor will be long time Laconia resident Walter Ayer, Jr. with his original Mustang purchased for $3,322.35 at Irwin Ford back in 1964. Dave Clark, the sales manager at that time, will also be at this very special event. From the moment the Ford Mustang was introduced 50 years ago, it was destined to be the classic and much-loved American muscle car. Within a year of its introduction, nearly half a million Mustangs were driven off of Ford dealership lots Just like Walter Ayer, Jr. did 50 years ago at Irwin Ford Lincoln All are welcomed to join Irwin Ford Lincoln as they look back to over 50 years and celebrate the all-new 2015 Mustang modernized once again. Since its debut at auto shows around the world, excitement has been building for the all-new 2015 Mustang. The all-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage has evolved to attract a wider array of customers. Mustang is now available with three engines, offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort. All are welcome to this special event whether they previously purchased from Irwin or not. RSVP to betty.ballantyne@irwinzone.com or call 603-581-2968.

Routine maintenance is necessary to prolong the life of your car and to maximize your car's fuel economy, but did you know that some routine car maintenace may even have a positive effect on your health? According to a recent article released by the Car Care Council, your vehicle's air conditioning and ventilation system can become clogged with pollen, dust, and other pollutants. The cabin filters that clean the air coming into your car need to be changed regularly the prevent the build up of dust and pollen in your car's ventilation system. According to Rich White, excecutive director of the Car Care Council, "A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in the car than when walking down the street." Cabin air filters should be replaced regularly, according to the specificiations listed in your owner's manual. A good rule of thumb is that air filters should generally be replaced once a year or every 12,000 miles. Having air filters replaced is quick and affordable, and can done while you wait with no appointment necessary at our Laconia Quick Lane location. Be sure to include your car on your list of spring cleaning items, and have those air filters replaced. That way, your car will drive better and you will breathe easier during the apring allergy season.

Irwin Ford is proud to announce the Presidents Month Sales Event going on from now until February 28th! Many of our new Ford trucks, SUV's, and sedans offer 0% APR financing in addition to our  low prices, $1,000 savings voucher, and more! The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling, most trusted truck on the road for years. Test drive a new F-150 today and you will be amazed by its solid construction, spacious and quiet interior, great visibility, and sheer power. Plus, is you happen to try an F-150 with the EcoBoost engine, you will be driving a full-sized pickup that has the power and ability of a V8 and the fuel economy of a V6! If you are looking for a mid-size sedan, look no further than the stunning new Ford Fusion. Fusion got a gorgeous redesign for the 2013 model year, and features am attractive grille, sleek atheltic stance, and crisp body lines. The Fusion is available in a variety of configurations and has several available engine sizes. The standard engine on the new Fusion is a naturaly-aspirated 2.5L I4 engine that acheives up to 34 mpg on the highway. There are three different turbocharged EcoBoost engines to choose from: a 1.5L, a 1.6L, and a 2.0L. The two smaller engines top out at 37 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0L EcoBoost will get you 33 mpg in the FWD congiguration and 31 mpg in the AWD configuration. The AWD option will continue to be popular with New England drivers due to its reliable performance in a variety of road conditions. Any Ford fans with long commutes to work will love the Fusion Hybrid, which provides an incredible 47 mpg in both city and highway driving. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is able to boast this amazing fuel economy thanks to its 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I4 Hybrid engine. Or if you are looking for sheer unbridled driving fun, defintiely check out the Fiesta ST which is a whole lot of fun in a tiny package!

Irwin Ford is excited to tell you about our three-day Black Friday sales event beginning this Wednesday at 8:00 am. If you are looking to buy or lease a new Ford truck, SUV, or car, then listen up! Irwin Ford is offering a $1,000 savings voucher, no payments for 90 days, and 0% APR financing for up to 60 months on most models! If this great deal sounds like something you are interested in, don't wait to take advantage of it because the sale ends at 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 30th! This deal runs for three days only at Irwin Ford: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (we're closed for Thanksgiving).

Changing your oil regularly is one of the most important things to can do to keep your car or truck running reliably for many years, but many people have questions about oil changes. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions our Ford-certified technicians get. Question #1: Why is changing your oil so important exactly? Answer: Oil's primary function is to protect the engine. It does this by keeping the moving parts lubricated, and by transferring heat away from critical engine parts. Over time, the additives in oil that help it protect the engine break down, and the oil does not work as well, leaving the engine vulnerable to damage. Eventually, sludge will build up in the engine, which can render the engine inoperable. Question # 2: How often should I change my oil? Answer: It depends on what kind of oil you are using. Mineral oil is made from refined crude oil. It is the least expensive options, and works well for most cars for normal use. Generally, it is advisable to change your mineral oil every 3,000 miles or 4 months, whichever comes first. The next step up in terms of both price and performance is a synthetic blend oil. Synthetic blends are the most widely-used type of oil due to their solid performance and mid-range price. Synthetic blends should be changed every 5,000 miles or 5 months. Full sytnthetic oil contains no actual oil. They have incredibly long service lives, and only need to be changed every 10,000 miles or 9 months. Full-synthetic oil gives the best performance available but is also the most expensive option. That being said, it also delivers the best, longest-lasting performance. Question # 3: Do I need to schedule an appointment to have my oil changed? Answer: Nope! We built a separate Quick Lane facility specifically to help our customers get oil changes and tire rotations... no appointments necessary!

Thank you to everyone who came out last Thursday to help Irwin Ford raise money for the Laconia High School ice hockey team! Irwin Ford was able to partner with Ford through the Drive 4UR School program to raise money for the program by test driving Ford vehicles. The way Drive 4UR School works, is a Ford dealership partners with a local high school and the two work together to raise money for a stated program (band, drama, or in this case, ice hockey). The dealer provides Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs to be test driven, and the participants drive on of these vehicles and fill out a brief exit survey. The Ford Motor Company pays the school $20 for each completed survey for up to 300 surveys. 69 people came out to support the Laconia ice hockey team, raising $1,380 for the team and having a lot of fun in the process. We hope that the next time we have the opportunity to help out Laconia High School, we can break this record. Thank you all for your help!

The 2014 Ford Fiesta is available for sale with a starting MSRP of $14,000.  Edmunds.com called the 2014 Fiesta "fun-to-drive, with a nicely trimmed cabin, excellent build quality, and plenty of connectivity features." The 2014 Fiesta is available as either a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback, each available with a variety of features and trim levels. Even the most basic model (the "S") comes standard with a navigation system, Bluetooth, side/curtain airbags, traction and stability control, and much more. Additional options increase through the SE and Titanium trim levels and include amenities such as power moonroof, leather seats, post-collision safety system, MyFord Touch, and much more! The 5-door hatchback even comes in a top-of-the-line ST trim level, which features rally-inspired details and more options than you can shake a stick at. The 2014 Fiesta ST has the same 1.6L turbocharged engine available in the much larger Ford Fusion. This engine produces 197 horsepower, making this small car into a rocket! Car and Driver goes so far as to call the 2014 Fiesta ST model a "fiesty firecracker." Stop by Irwin Ford today to learn more about this exceptionally fun little car!

By John Lobdell, Parts Department In today’s world every thing is VIN (vehicle identification number) specific. Without this seventeen-digit number, we essentially do a lot of guessing on how your vehicle is built and with what options. The very first question we usually ask is, “do you have your VIN?” This is because it saves us all a lot of time if we can enter the VIN and have the computer use the VIN information to decode the year/make/model of your car or truck. Knowing your VIN is vital to keeping our questions as short as possible. It is still possible to look parts up for your vehicle with-out your VIN number but it takes much longer, as we have to the year, make, and model, trim level, and package of your vehicle. By asking these types of question we get to narrow down the many different choices of replacement parts available depending on what you are looking for. All these extra questions make the process take longer for you, and it can even lead to mistakes that would not have been made by using the VIN. When I originally started in this business, we had two different ways of looking up parts for a car our truck. The first method was the old tried-and-true book or catalog. The other method was called a microfiche, which was the cutting edge technology for those times. It was always a good idea to have both methods to work from because if the bulb burned out on the microfiche then we were out of business until we got a new bulb. I personally preferred the books more. Because we did not have online catalog systems, we had to look everything up individually. Today, the computer uses the VIN to break your vehicle down to the specifics of how it was built, which saves us all a lot of time. This computer-based VIN decoding technology allows the Parts Department to serve you faster and more accurately. Even though we can still break the VIN number down manually it is so much faster and easier to allow a machine to do it. So the next time you’re looking for parts, don’t be surprised when we ask for your VIN.