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We are happy to announce that Wade Ford has been nominated by the Marietta Journal for the Best Auto Dealer in Cobb County! It has been our pleasure serving this amazing community over the years, and we are honored to be considered for the title. Wade Ford has watched our community grow since our doors first opened in 1933. As the oldest operating Ford dealership in Georgia, we feel an incredible connection to the people and history of this great state. During the Great Depression, Wade Ford helped stimulate the local Atlanta economy through Model-T sales, and we’ve been involved in community outreach ever since. Supporting local education and athletic programs in our region, such as Campbell High School Athletics Program, South Cobb School Athletics Program, Kennesaw State University, and Smyrna Spartans Youth Sports, is incredibly important to us as a locally owned and operated business.   To our Cobb County friends and neighbors, we thank you for your years of patronage. If you would like to show support, follow the link below and vote for Wade Ford! Click here to vote!

If you’ve been looking for your future vehicle, you may have come across Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® connectivity listed as two of the features you can get in your new Ford car, truck, or SUV. But did you know that you can use your SYNC® 3 system to connect with these two features? Here’s how! more Benefits of using Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® Both features can be helpful to your drive. In fact, these features can help you stay compliant with the Hands-Free Georgia Act that many other states are also adopting. With Apple Car Play® and Android Auto®, you’re able to utilize voice commands and the easy-to-use Ford navigation screens while operating your vehicle. You can use these features to interact with others while you are driving by listening to voice messages and texts, replying to texts, making phone calls, and accessing directions to get to your destination. You can also access the songs and playlists from your favorite music streaming applications to listen to in your car. Read more: How do I use the Ford SYNC ® 3 Voice Command System? How to set up Apple CarPlay®® to SYNC® 3 Connect your USB cable to your smartphone. A screen will appear. Press ‘Continue’ to connect. This will only happen the first time you use this device. Accept the terms and conditions. Again, this will only happen when you first use this device. Tap ‘Yes’ to turn 911 Assist on. You can now interact with Apple CarPlay® through your touchscreen. This will enable you to use the voice controls and apps of this system through your Sync® 3 System. The apps you’ll be able to use are picked by the Apple CarPlay®. You should note that you can press the SYNC® icon to return to the SYNC® 3 touchscreen. By doing so, you’ll be able to use both the Apple CarPlay® and some features of the SYNC® 3 system. If you want to return to Apple CarPlay®, you can press the Apple CarPlay® icon at the bottom feature bar. How to use Android Auto® with SYNC®3 Tap ‘Settings’ on your touchscreen. Select ‘Android Auto® Preferences.’ Enable Android Auto®. Use plug in USB cable to phone and vehicle Select ‘continue’ from pop-up screen. You’ll only need to do this the first time. Agree to the terms and conditions. Another one that you’ll only need to do the first time. Select ‘yes’ to turn on the 911 Assist feature. Accept terms and conditions on your phone. You’ll only need to do this once. You can now use Android Auto® on your touchscreen! Like the Apple CarPlay®, this will allow you to use voice commands in your vehicle. The apps you can use are selected by Android Auto®. If you want to use your SYNC® 3 system, you can tap the tachometer icon at the bottom right corner of your screen. This will allow you to access both Android Auto® and some of the SYNC® 3 features. If you want to return to the Android Auto® system, simply click on the Android Auto® icon located on the bottom bar. Ford vehicles with the SYNC® 3 system in Smyrna, GA Need to find a Ford vehicle with the SYNC® 3 system in Smyrna, GA? Wade Ford is ready to help! We’re just a short drive from Atlanta, Marietta and Kennesaw. Wade Ford has a large and diverse selection of 2018 and 2019 Ford models with the SYNC® 3 system, so come on over to test drive your future vehicle today! As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Wade Ford. Our knowledgeable team would be happy to help you out!

The undisputed king of the American SUV realm is back in 2019 and looking better than ever. Although the 2020 edition ushers in the sixth generation of this legendary American SUV, Ford didn't neglect the model for the finale of its fifth-gen. Packed with features, style, convenience, and power, the Explorer remains one of the top SUVs on the market. Here are just a few items on a long list of things we love about the 2019 Ford Explorer. The Space One aspect that's always made the Explorer handy is its cargo and passenger space. The 2019 Ford Explorer continues this trend with a sizable, three-row cabin that comfortably seats up to seven passengers. Both the first and second row have captain's chairs, providing unmatched comfort, while the third-row bench seat still offers plenty of headroom, leg room, and hip room. more If you need space for errands, projects, or stuff, the Explorer has you covered. Even at full passenger capacity, there's still 21 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Need to haul more cargo, but still need room for passengers? Fold the rear seats down for a seating capacity of five and 39.2 cubic feet of storage volume. When you need the entire rear for cargo, don't fret. Simply tuck the seats away for a spacious 80.7 cubic feet. The Power Three engines grace the Explorer in 2019, and each offers something worth experiencing. The stock engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that's good for 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. At the next level is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four that's also found in the Ford Mustang. With this at the helm, you'll get 280 horsepower and up to 310 pound-feet of torque. The true show-stopper is standard on the Sport and Platinum trims. Here you'll find a monstrous 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 that cranks out an impressive 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. When put to the test, this engine goes from zero to 60 in a swift 5.8 seconds, touting sports-car-esque refinement. You won't find that among most of the Explorer's competitors. The Advanced Tech Features The 2019 Ford Explorer comes brimming with technology throughout the cabin. One of the more intriguing features is the Ford+Alexa app. Harnessing the power of Amazon's Alexa and the Ford Sync 3 infotainment system, you can access up to 30,000 commands via voice recognition, ask for directions, shop on Amazon Prime, and even turn your smart devices at home on and off. Other highlights include a front-facing 180-degree camera for full vision, driver-assist features that keep an eye on the road when you can't, and a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate for easy access to the rear of the cabin. With so many amenities, features, and more, the Ford Explorer is the ideal vehicle for families, singles, commuters, and just about anyone else who enjoys convenience, comfort, and reliability. It may be the last year of the fifth-generation Explorer, but that doesn't mean you have to let go. Schedule a test drive today to see what makes this SUV one of the best in the segment. Image via Ford.com

While production vehicles are very convenient for producers and consumers alike, it can be difficult to personalize your car. After all, there are only so many color options you can choose from, and only so many trim levels. But, the 2019 Ford Mustang brings you a feature called the MyMode, which helps you take personalization to a whole new level. Let’s check out what this technology feature does for your drive! more Technology features in the 2019 Ford Mustang If you are looking to personalize your vehicle, the MyMode is a good way to go. This is a technology feature that you can have if you choose the available 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster. While this is already something that many people enjoy, the MyMode brings everything up a notch. There’s no more need to constantly set the driving mode and settings when you hop in the car. MyMode will remember your preferred settings. This means that it will change the drive mode, exhaust, and steering options to match what you personally use. Of course, there are many other great technology features in the 2019 Ford Mustang. Things like the B&O™ Premium Sound System, which gives you 12 speakers and a subwoofer, so you can really crank up the music. You’ll also have HD Radio™ technology for you to listen to, in case you aren’t interested in your own playlists. Read more: How Does the 2019 Ford Mustang Stack Up Against its Competitors? Safety technology Even thrill seekers don’t actually enjoy getting hurt. That’s why it is best to have some great safety technology features. Thankfully, the 2019 Ford Mustang has the available Ford Safe and Smart package. This safety package includes things like the Lane-Keeping System, which does much like what the title says by notifying you if your vehicle starts to drift into a different lane. It also includes the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. This, as you might imagine, gives you a warning if you are about to run into a pedestrian, and can potentially help you avoid a potential collision. While these features aren’t infallible, they do have the potential to help you avoid accidents. Get your 2019 Ford Mustang today Is a 2019 Ford Mustang one of your future vehicles? Then come on over to Wade Ford! You can take this vehicle for a test drive and see the MyMode and other technology features for yourself.

Have you gone on Ford’s official YouTube channel lately? You may want to check it out. They’ve posted some helpful and informative things. We've taken one of their videos to share with you right here! Now, you can see how you can use the Ford SYNC®3 Voice Command System in your Ford vehicle. more Ford SYNC®3 how-to video Is it legal to use my phone when driving in Georgia? It is not legal to use your phone when driving in Georgia. This means that you cannot text, call, or use your phone to switch songs when you are driving. That’s where the benefits of the SYNC® 3 system comes in. If you have this system, you can do things like answer a text, listen to a text, and answer the phone, all with just a few voice commands. So, if you have the SYNC® 3 system you can potentially help your drive be safer using this hands-free system. Voice commands of the SYNC® 3 system We won’t list all of the voice commands, but here are some you may find yourself using more often. “USB.” This puts it in USB mode, which you can then use these commands: “Play (track name) “Shuffle (on/off) Play artist (name) Play playlist (name) Play genre (name) “Bluetooth Audio” “Climate” pause for a bit “Max A/C” “Set temperature to (number) degrees” “Call (name) on cell/work/home” “Find POI/Place (name, such as ‘bookstore’ or ‘airport’) “Listen to text message” “Reply to text message” These are only a few commands you can use. If you are looking for more, you can contact us here at Wade Ford, or look on the official Ford website! Where can I find a Ford vehicle that uses SYNC® 3 near Smyrna? People who live in cities or towns close to Smyrna such as Marietta, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Cumberland can come on over to Wade Ford! Here, you can find Ford vehicles that have the SYNC® 3 system! If you don’t know where to find us, you can get directions to our dealership here. We have many Ford vehicles here at our dealership, so don’t miss out on your chance to get one today! A Ford vehicle with the SYNC® 3 system can be a great help to your daily drive, and can potentially help keep your drive safer with its hands-free experience. We hope this has helped you figure out how to use this excitingly convenient technology. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Wade Ford! For more neat tips and tricks, be sure to check out our blog.

With a hip vibe, a diverse culture, and eclectic nightlife, no other city in the world has a feel quite like Atlanta. On New Year's Eve, the excitement increases tenfold. Whether you're celebrating in Buckhead, downtown, or Midtown, you're almost guaranteed to find an event or party that brings fun and like-minded people together. Here are just a few of the places to ring in 2019 around the Jewel of the South. Atlanta NYElectric 2019 If you love upscale events where only Atlanta's best and brightest go to celebrate New Year's Eve, head to Atlanta NYElectric 2019 at the Westin in Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta. Just like the countdown to New Year's, NYElectric has five hours of open bar, four of Atlanta's hottest DJs, three areas to mingle with friends and other attendees, two floors to explore, and one awesome countdown to the new year. With over 2,000 in attendance, it's sure to be a wild time. more Admission starts at $105 and includes open bar, access to an eating area, discounts on rooms in the 73-story Westin, and even a silent disco room. VIP tickets go as high as $777, but they include a VIP-only seating area; premium open bar with top-shelf liquor, wine, and beer; priority check-in; early entrance; and appetizers. Whether you go general admission or VIP, you're in for a treat. IRIS New Year's Eve Experience If you're a fan of electronic dance music, or EDM as it's known by listeners, you won't find a better New Year's Eve party than the IRIS New Year's Eve Experience at Believe Music Hall in Atlanta. Here you'll get to hear some of Atlanta's top EDM DJs, as well as enjoy a laser lights show, free giveaways, free party favors, and up to $5,000 in prizes. What makes this event even more special is the venue. Opened in May 2018, Believe Music Hall is Atlanta's newest nightclub. Built inside a century-old church, the three-story, 15,000-square-foot venue provides an awesome sound and an atmosphere unlike any other. Tickets range from $25 to $75, and parking is $5. The Blind Pig Parlour Bar Draped in Victorian-era decor with a modern swag, the Blind Pig Parlour Bar is a taste of today mixed with Prohibition-era speakeasy. For $105, you can go to their New Year's Eve bash, which is sure to be one of the best in the city. Admission gets you an open bar from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., party favors, appetizers, hors-d'oeuvres, desserts, and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. If you're a beer drinker, you might want to think about going for a premium cocktail, as the Blind Pig serves up some of the best in the city. To keep the party rocking until late, the Blind Pig's house band, Fukushima Tuna, will be playing all of your favorite songs, ranging from rock to Top 40 and more. Wherever you decide to go for your New Year's Eve bash, make sure to drink responsibly. Image by Carol VanHook | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

So what are the color options for the 2019 Ford F-150? There are 13 for you to choose from. Check out the different options you have, from Silver Spruce to Blue Jeans, there is a great color waiting for you on your future F-150! more 2019 Ford F-150 Colors Check out the table below, where you can find the colors of each of these vehicles. The names of the colors are listed below the picture, so you can know exactly what one you're looking at! There are 13: Abyss Grey, Agate Black, Blue Jeans, Ingot Silver, Magnetic, Oxford White, Platinum White, Ruby Red, Velocity Blue, Stone Grey, Race Red, Magma, and Silver Spruce. It should be noted that Ruby Red is in the large photo at the beginning of this post, and therefore is not in the table! Abyss Grey Agate Black Blue Jeans Ingot Silver Magma Magnetic Oxford White Platinum White Race Red Silver Spruce Stone Grey Velocity Blue Read more: What makes the 2019 Ford F-150 such a good vehicle to drive? Find your 2019 Ford F-150 today What better way to check out these colors than coming by for a test drive? The 2019 Ford F-150 is right here at Wade Ford, so be sure to contact us! There are many other great features that make this pickup truck a good option. This popular vehicle is well-known for having the power and performance to can get the job done. With a variety of trim options and cab options, the versatility of the 2019 F-150 does not stop at the multiple color options! If you have any questions about this model or any other Ford model, we can answer them! If you don't want to speak to us in person you can check out our blog! There is much more information on the Ford models you can find, so don't miss out!

What maintenance should my Ford vehicle have regularly? If you drive, then you probably already know that your oil needs to be changed about every 10,000 miles. But what other maintenance is there, other than making sure there’s air in your tires? Here are some things you should regularly be checking in your Ford vehicle. more How often should I rotate my tires? You should be rotating your tires from as soon as every 5,000 miles to around 10,000 miles. It’s a safe bet to rotate your tires when the oil is getting changed, especially since your car will already be in the shop. There are other things that you should be checking often, including things like your vehicle’s coolant levels, transmission fluid, and air filters. You should also make sure that the tread of your tires is deep enough. Bald tires can lead to accidents, especially in bad weather. Things like the headlights and taillights of your car are also features that you should keep an eye on. After all, it is difficult and dangerous to drive without fully functioning lights in the dark. While these are the more obvious things that you should keep an eye on, you might see some things needing work done more often than others., depending on how old your Ford is. However, there are things that will tell you when they need repair, such as your brakes, which can screech or squeal when they are going. The best way to tell if your vehicle needs maintenance is to pay attention to it as you drive. Are there any weird noises when you speed up, slow down, or idle? Does your car shake? Or has your fuel economy suddenly plummeted? These are all signs that you may need to take your car to the shop. Read more: How can I save money on a rental car? Where can I find vehicle maintenance in Smyrna? While it is a good thing to get vehicle maintenance done often, it can be a bit more difficult to find a good mechanic. However, if you live in or near Smyrna, GA, then you are in luck. Our team here at Wade Ford has the experience and knowledge needed to work quickly and efficiently to get your car back to you.

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family. There are several family-friendly events to attend in and around Atlanta. Let's discuss some of the events you should add to your holiday calendar. Victorian Christmas in Thomasville The town of Thomasville transforms into a charming Victorian Christmas village that the entire family will enjoy. Mom and Dad can enjoy a romantic carriage ride while the kids are engrossed in a screening of "Mickey's Christmas Carol." There are marshmallows for roasting and chestnuts for toasting as street performers sing all of your favorite Christmas songs. You don't want to miss the live Nativity or the many photo opportunities. Of course, Christmas in Thomasville wouldn't be complete without a visit from St. Nick. more The Rock Ranch Christmas Lights Christmas just wouldn't be the same without festive light displays. At The Rock Ranch, you can take the family on a drive through over a mile of Christmas lights. You can also board the Christmas Express Train and experience falling bubble snow, a snowflake light tunnel, and a dancing light show. Don't forget to stop by the Holiday Shop, where you can purchase unique gifts. Grab a bite to eat at the Christmas Cafe. On Saturdays, the kids can have breakfast with Santa followed by arts and crafts in his magical workshop. Winter Wonderland at Fernbank The Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers activities for Christmas fans of all ages at its Winter Wonderland celebration. One highlight of the event is the special exhibit featuring decorated trees and cultural displays showing how Christmas is celebrated around the world. Mom, Dad, and the kids will want to put on their silliest sweaters for the Ugly Sweater Holiday Party. After the party, see if you can conquer the Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. And don't forget to take a picture with the guest of honor, Santasaurus. Ponce City Market The Ponce City Market plays host to not one but two very special guests for the Christmas season. Not only can the kids get their pictures taken with Santa and give him their wish lists, but they can also visit with the Grinch in his lair. The Market Stage features choirs and bands performing classic Christmas carols. The entire family will enjoy gathering around the cozy firepits in The Tree Elves Holiday Forest to savor some hot cocoa and other holiday treats. Stone Mountain Christmas There is so much to see and do at Stone Mountain during the holiday season, that it might just be the ultimate Christmas destination. Hop aboard the Singalong Christmas Train for a 5-mile ride through some of Georgia's most beautiful Christmas light displays. Enjoy special performances of "The Littlest Christmas Tree" and "A Christmas Carol." Snack on delicious cinnamon bread and sugar cookies. The evening wouldn't be complete without the nightly Christmas tree lighting and parade. These are just some of the great Christmas activities Atlanta families can enjoy. Each of them provides the opportunity to create some very special moments and memories. Image via Desmond Williams | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

Traveling during the holidays is by no means a strange concept. Whether you are going to visit family or are just taking a well-earned vacation, many people are going to be on the road this December. So, you may want to consider getting your vehicle maintenance done before your 2018 holiday travels here in Smyrna, GA. more Wade Ford vehicle services We have plenty of vehicle services offered here at Wade Ford. This includes things like: Repairing or replacing the brakes of your vehicle Oil changes Filter changes Body repair Electrical repair Many other maintenance services your car may need to get in shape for your holiday travels. Our trusted team are experienced and friendly. If you suspect something is wrong with your vehicle, you can entrust the repairs to us! Read more: The 2019 Ford Edge provides a spacious way to drive in style How do I tell if my vehicle needs maintenance? While it can sometimes be difficult to know when something is wrong with your car, here are some warning signs that you may want to check out: Dashboard warning lights Vehicle or steering wheel shaking Abnormal squealing or screeching Weird smells Leaking fluids on the ground These are only a few things that may tell you something is wrong with your vehicle. The best way to keep your vehicle in its best shape is to make sure it has the proper maintenance regularly. That means you shouldn’t skip oil changes or tire rotations, and if you think there is something wrong with your brakes, take it into the shop! Having your brakes break in a familiar area can be frightening enough, but if they go when you are nowhere close to home, you’ll have to deal with mechanics you don’t know in an area you are unfamiliar with. If you have any further questions about vehicle services here at Wade Ford please contact us! We would love to help.

Should you find yourself with the inclination to ride in the bed of a pickup truck in Georgia, you may want to reconsider not only whether if it is legal, but also whether or not it is a good idea. Spoiler alert; it's not a good idea. more Is it safe to ride in a truck bed? You forgot the chains and straps you need to hold those boxes or whatever you need in place. It may be tempting to have a buddy or teenager hop in the back of the truck to hold it in place. But you may want to hold up on this, especially if it is a minor in the bed of the truck. If we are completely ignoring the fact that common sense says it’s probably not a good idea to ride in the bed of a truck, then maybe you’ll want to check out the other reasons why it’s a bad idea to do so. First and foremost, unless you have a truck we’ve never heard of, there probably isn’t going to be seatbelts in the bed of the truck. Most states in the United States has a seatbelt law, and Georgia isn’t an exception. If the person who wants to ride in the bed of a truck is under 18, it is illegal for them to do so, and you can be ticketed for it. It is unwise to ride in the bed of a truck, especially if it is during high speeds. While you may have confidence in your own driving, you cannot control others. This means that the cars around you aren’t predictable, and you never know if someone isn’t paying attention. Accidents happen and getting into an accident while in the bed of a truck can be extremely dangerous and possibly fatal. Just think of how much more exposed the person in the back is, with no protective gear or seatbelt. Read more: Is it safe to turn your child’s car seat around? Get your tire rotation at Wade Ford today Keep your truck from the wear and tear of everyday use by keeping up with repairs. Have you gotten your tire rotation recently? It can be easy to forget to have common maintenance done, but it can be important to remember these things, especially if you are traveling over the holidays. Take a moment to schedule an appointment here at Wade Ford! Our friendly team would love to make sure your vehicle is in its best shape before you travel.

If you are considering the purchase of a 2018 Mustang, Ford has made the decision even sweeter by including more technology to the S550. The following is a list of our favorite new features, sure to make you contemplate upgrading that Mustang sitting in your garage for new a 2018 Ford Mustang instead. 2018 Mustang GT Gen 3 Coyote Engine Mustangs have always been known for their power and 2018 certainly doesn't disappoint. That's why No. 1 on our list has to be the brand-new version of the super popular Coyote engine in the Mustang GT. For the first time ever, the 5.0-liter is actually a 5.0-liter in terms of cubic inches with a slightly wider bore to 5.035 liters. The latest technology adds direct injection to aid the port-side injection, which provides low-end torque. Additionally, Ford was able to up the compression to 12.0:1, which aids efficiency and power, increasing horsepower up to 460 at 7,000 rpm and torque to 420 pound-feet at 4,600 rpm. more 2018 Mustang Transmissions You've got to get that power to the pavement, right? So, No. 2 on our list is the variety of upgrades available on transmission options offered for the 2018 model. Most impressive is definitely the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. At a staggering sub-four second 60 mph sprint, this transmission is sure to deliver the best acceleration to the Mustang GT. Die-hard stick-shift enthusiasts, you will be thrilled with the improved MT-82 six-speed manual transmission. The MT-82 has been redesigned for excellent torque performance. In addition, the EcoBoost models will see a new clutch to address the additional torque to 350 pound-feet. Even more exciting is the news that a twin-disc clutch is being featured on GT models for better torque management and pedal feel. 2018 Mustang MagneRide Damping System Let's face it, with that much power and torque, a smooth ride isn't easy to achieve, but Ford's answer makes No. 3 on this list — the MagneRide Damping System. Acquired from the GT350R and GT350, this technology is a great improvement for the GT and Mustang EcoBoost. MagneRide is a computer-controlled suspension system, tightening and loosening shocks and struts individually, dozens of times each second. Digital Instrument Cluster and Customization Options Rounding out our list of favorite features is one that truly lets you make your new Mustang just the car for you. Coming in at No. 4 is the new 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster. This feature definitely sets the 2018 apart from all other model years. Although it's not standard, the optional digital gauge is a choice that won't disappoint. Normal, Sport+, and Track all have different gauge layouts customized toward your type of driving. Customization options include over 12 wheel options, active exhaust, and red Recaro interior. With the 2018 Mustang, Ford is truly giving the ability to customize the perfect vehicle to the buyers. Your friends at Wade Ford can't wait to help you choose the 2018 Mustang that's right for you. Image via FotoSleuth | Licensed by CC BY 2.0