Summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the Brewster, New York, area. With highs in the upper 70s and low 80s and lows that dip into the upper 50s or low 60s, this is a comfortable season for outdoor music, festivals, parties, and more. If you’re looking for engaging options to help fill your summer calendar, we have several suggestions in the Brewster area.

Brewster Summer Music Series

The Brewster Summer Music Series will take place every Wednesday night between June 14 and July 26, 2023. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., you can enjoy live music at the gazebo in Veterans Park. Bring your chairs and blankets and snag a spot on the lawn for a relaxing evening of live music.

You don’t even have to worry about dinner thanks to show sponsor Country Kitchen. The restaurant is famous for its comfort food favorites, such as country fried wings, chili, burgers, and pork chops. Call in your dinner order by noon on the day of the concert, and the Country Kitchen will bring your meal to the park. You can pick up your dinner between 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. If the show gets rained out, your meal will still be ready and waiting for you at Country Kitchen, so you can rely on an effortless evening no matter the weather.

Location: Corner of Railroad and Morningthorpe Avenues, Brewster.

Putnam County Country Fest and 4-H Youth Showcase

The annual Putnam County Country Fest and 4-H Youth Showcase will take place on July 29 and July 30, 2023. This annual event typically features live music, food trucks, local vendors, and 4-H exhibits. Inflatables and games keep the kids entertained while adults can browse the award-winning entries, handmade crafts, and other vendors. The excitement kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday and runs through 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The time-honored Duck Derby will return in 2023. You can adopt one duck for $5, five ducks for $20, or a flock of 25 ducks for $75. The contestant with the winning duck in this wacky race will take home a Samsung 50-inch UHD 4K Smart TV.

Location: 201 Gipsy Trail Road, Kent.

Putnam County Wine and Food Fest

2023 welcomes the 12th annual Putnam County Wine and Food Fest in Wells Park. On Aug. 5 and 6, you can sample wines, spirits, ciders, craft brews, and local beers from New York and surrounding areas. Live music adds to the ambiance throughout the afternoon. You can bring blankets or lawn chairs to set up a cozy spot to dine and sip your way through the event.

You can partake in the fine art of food and beverage preparation with cooking and mixologist demonstrations. Vendors will be on hand with crafts, art, and other wares. This is a family-friendly event with a little something for everyone. The festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days.

Location: 98 Oak St., Brewster.

Summer Reading Kickoff

The Brewster Public Library will kick off its summer reading program with a Talewise presentation of “Science Heroes: Saving Earth Together.” Come into the library on July 8 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to participate in the fun. This engaging story follows a pair of heroes who work together to save the planet from a polluting villain. Throughout the tale, participants get to conduct real-life science experiments that bring the story to life. After the program, you can sign up for the summer reading program, with unique challenges for all ages.

Location: 79 Main St., Brewster.

Live Music at Tilly Foster Farm

Throughout the summer months, you can enjoy live music on the beautiful sprawling acres of Tilly Foster Farm. Part foster farm, part special event venue, this is a perfect warm-weather destination. The summer lineup includes a rocking selection of tribute bands to bring you all your favorite tunes in a dance-worthy package. Concessions are available throughout the evening, and a full cash bar is available. Bring your own chairs and blankets to set up a comfortable spot for these outdoor concerts.

Upcoming shows include:

• Completely Unchained and “Live Wire”: Van Halen and AC/DC tributes on July 7, 2023.
• Resurrection: A tribute to Journey on July 8, 2023 (Including Best Shot: A tribute to Pat Benatar fronted by Melissa Lotardo).
• Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen on July 15, 2023.
• ZBTB: A Tribute to the Zac Brown Band on July 29, 2023.

Get your tickets early to make sure you have a spot. Some shows provide VIP seating options that offer extra comfort and convenience.

Location: 100 NY-312, Brewster.

End of Summer Foam Party!

Wrap up the summer at the Brewster Public Library with a summer foam party that’s enjoyable for patrons of all ages. You and your family can play in lots of bubbly foam at this festive warm-weather event. Register for your spot to participate in the fun on Aug. 17 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Don your goggles and water shoes to make the most of this party, and be prepared to get wet.

Location: 79 Main St., Brewster.

Summer Wolf Camp

If you’re looking for summer activities for children between the ages of 1 and 8, you can sign them up for Summer Wolf Camp at the Wolf Conservation Center. These week-long camps run from July 3 through Aug. 7. Each camp session runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Kids spend the week learning about wildlife, habitats, food chains, and behavior while hanging out among the wolves.

Location: 7 Buck Run, South Salem.

Enjoy a Busy Summer of Special Events in Brewster

Do you know of other great summer events in and around Brewster, New York? Contact our team at Brewster Ford to let us know. We love providing top-notch local recommendations for our customers. If you’re searching for a new vehicle to accompany you in your summer festivities, drop by and check out what we have available in our lot this season.

Photo Credit: group of people on grass field under sunny day by Aranxa Esteve is licensed with Unsplash License

Posted in Local Tips | No Comments »

The Ford F-150 has been leading the field of full-size light-duty pickup trucks for many years. It offers class-leading payload and towing capacities, and with a choice of nine trim levels, three cab and bed sizes, and six engines, you’re sure to find an F-150 at Brewster Ford of New York State to suit your needs.

Whether you’re looking for a basic work truck, a luxurious hauler, or a high-performance off-roader, you can find it in the versatile F-150 lineup. Each model has a comfortable and well-equipped cab with an abundance of high-tech features, but you can add your own style to the cab with accessories such as seat covers.

F-150 Trim Levels and Configurations

The 2023 Ford F-150 is available in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited models, each with increasing levels of luxury and equipment. You can also opt for the off-road specialized Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R trim levels. Depending on the trim level, you can choose a two-door regular cab, a four-door extended SuperCab, or a spacious SuperCrew cab. You also have the choice of a 6.5-foot regular bed, a longer 8-foot bed, or a 5.5-foot short bed.

In the regular cab, you’ll find a 40/20/40-split bench seat with seating for up to three people. The SuperCab has seating for up to six with a front bench seat or two bucket seats with a flow-through center console. The rear bench seat has 60/40-split flip-up cushions that provide extra storage space. The SuperCrew cab also seats five or six, depending on the trim and your choice of front bench or bucket seats.

Interior Amenities

With the workhorse XL trim, you get keyless entry, hard-wearing cloth upholstery and vinyl flooring, air conditioning, a 4-inch driver information display, a tilting and telescoping steering column, and a 12-volt power outlet. The XLT comes with carpeted flooring and the option of an 8-inch driver display.

The Lariat trim adds a touch of luxury with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic temperature control, a leather-bound steering wheel, a 12-inch digital instrument display, and cool ice-blue ambient lighting. You also get push-button start, driver memory functions, a wireless charging pad, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

In the King Ranch trim, you’ll find unique leather upholstery, genuine wood accents, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a power tilting and telescoping steering column, and unique floor mats. Partitioned lockable, fold-flat storage helps keep your small and valuable items safe and out of sight.

Stepping up to the Platinum or Limited trims gets you model-specific multi-contoured upholstery with massaging front seats. Standard in the Limited trim and available for other models is a fold-out work surface that turns your F-150 into a mobile office, meaning you can work efficiently wherever you are. Tremor and Raptor models have their own unique interiors.

Infotainment System

To keep you entertained and informed on the Brewster roads, F-150 XL offers the SYNC 4 infotainment system. It features an 8-inch touch-screen display, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and, depending on the cab, a four- or six-speaker sound system. The XLT adds enhanced voice recognition, while the Lariat trim gives you satellite radio and an impressive 12-inch touchscreen with split-screen capability.

With the King Ranch and Platinum trims, you get an integrated navigation system and an eight-speaker, 640-watt B&O sound system. In the Limited trim, you can immerse yourself in concert hall-quality sound with the 1,080-watt B&O Unleashed audio system featuring 18 speakers, including headrest speakers.

Technology Features

The F-150 comes standard with forward collision mitigation, post-collision braking, reverse parking sensors, and auto high beams. Moving up the trims gets you features such as a lane-keeping system, rain-sensing wipers, and a 360-degree camera system. The top two trims also come with intelligent adaptive cruise control.

F-150 Interior Accessories

While the Ford F-150 is superbly equipped inside and out, you might want to add your own personal touch to the cab with the many available accessories. You can buy non-genuine aftermarket parts, but at Brewster Ford, we recommend buying original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or Ford-recommended accessories. That way, you can be sure they’re designed to fit your vehicle perfectly and complement your truck’s interior.

Whether you want to customize your truck’s cabin, get additional storage, or add another layer of protection for the seats and flooring, you can find the solutions among Ford’s accessories. Protect the carpets with all-weather floor mats and liners, or get extra cupholders and cargo organizers to help you stay organized. An in-console safe provides a secure, out-of-sight place for your valuables, and you can add a touch of class and protection with door sill plates.

If you take your dog out in the winter, you can protect your seats from mud and wet hair with a pet hammock. It’s designed to be attached to the front and rear headrests and hang between the front and rear seats. Seat covers are also a great way to add style and help protect your truck’s cloth or leather seating when you’re blazing the trails or heading onto a muddy work site.

What Are the Best Seat Covers for the F-150?

The best seat covers for your F-150 are those that are designed specifically for the vehicle. On the Ford accessories page, you can find a wide range of stylish and durable covers for your truck’s front and rear seats. A variety of colors and designs enable you to add a unique look to the cabin. If you use your truck to go hunting, you even have a great choice of brown or green camouflage designs to personalize your truck.

Get OEM Accessories and Parts from Brewster Ford

When you’re looking to accessorize your F-150, you can browse online to find what you want from the comfort of your home. Then, simply order it from us at Brewster Ford, New York. You can use our online order form, or you can visit our friendly team in our parts department. We’ll have it delivered to your door, or you can bring your truck to us, and we’ll fit it for you.

Photo Credit: Image by Luke Scarpino is licensed with Unsplash license

Posted in Buying Tips, Ford Models | No Comments »

Ford’s F-Series trucks have been America’s best-selling vehicles for over four decades, and that trend seems to be continuing in 2023. The figures are largely due to the enduring popularity of the Ford F-150 full-size, light-duty pickup. Ford has continuously improved and upgraded the F-150 to stay ahead of the pack.

The 2023 F-150 is the lightest truck among its closest rivals, but it still offers class-leading payload towing capability. Here at Brewster Ford in New York, we’ve put together a guide to how much the F-150 weighs and how much it can carry and tow.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Ford Tips | No Comments »

If you’re looking for the ideal vehicle to take your family on road trips, the 2023 Ford Expedition is a luxurious and comfortable cruiser that quickly eats up highway miles. This large two- or three-row SUV offers powerful performance, a refined ride, and plenty of passenger and cargo space.

For a large vehicle, it’s surprisingly economical, so you’ll need to make fewer stops at the gas station on your road trips. Today, we look at the Expedition’s fuel tank size, range, and features that make every journey a pleasure for the driver and passengers.

Expedition Overview

The 2023 Ford Expedition has bold and elegant styling, giving it a sophisticated road presence. It’s available in the XL, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum trims and the off-road-oriented Timberline model. You can choose the more extended wheelbase Expedition Max for interior space in all but the XL and Timberline trims.

Exterior features for the XL include LED headlights, daytime running lights, running boards, 18-inch aluminum wheels, rear privacy glass, and power mirrors with approach lamps. The XLT adds a power liftgate, while the Timberline gets a more rugged look, along with LED fog lights, signature lighting, and power-folding mirrors with memory. Higher-spec models offer a panoramic moonroof, LED taillights, power-deployable running boards, and a hands-free liftgate.

Powerful Engines

Under the hood of most Expeditions is a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V-6 engine that delivers 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission. On the Platinum trim, the engine output increases to 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.

Meanwhile, the Timberline’s engine power is boosted to deliver 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque to the standard four-wheel-drive system. Other trims come standard with rear-wheel drive and offer four-wheel drive as an option.

Ford Expedition Fuel Tank Capacity and Range

The standard Expedition has a fuel tank capacity of 23.2 gallons. With fuel economy of up to 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg for highway driving, you get a range of 371.2 miles around town and 533.6 miles for highway cruising. With four-wheel drive, city mileage stays the same, but the highway economy is up to 22 mpg, giving you a range of 487.2 miles.

With a tank capacity of 27.8 gallons, the Expedition Max gives you a range of 444.8 miles for city driving and 639.4 miles on the highway. When equipped with four-wheel drive, the Max returns up to 16 and 21 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively, for a highway range of 583.8 miles.

The more powerful Timberline does up to 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, enabling you to drive 440.8 miles on the highway on a single tank of fuel. Expedition Platinum models return up to 16 and 22 mpg for city/highway driving, respectively, and can cover up to 510.4 miles between fuel stops. The Platinum Max has a range of up to 611.6 miles with its bigger tank.

Towing Capacity

The Expedition offers superb towing capability if you want to take a boat or recreational trailer on your adventures. The towing capacity is 6,600 pounds for rear-wheel drive models and 6,500 pounds for four-wheel drive models. With the available heavy-duty towing package, the towing capacities increase significantly to 9,300 pounds with rear-wheel drive, 9,200 pounds with four-wheel drive, and 9,000 for Expedition Max models.

Road Trip-Ready Interior

Inside the Expedition’s spacious cabin, you’ll find high-quality materials and all the amenities you need. With comfortable seating and plenty of space for passengers in all three rows, even the longest trip is pleasurable. This large SUV can seat eight people or seven with the available second-row captain’s chairs. The XL is the exception, with its two rows and seating for five.

With a full load of passengers, you have 19.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats for your gear. Folding down the third row gives you 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the second and third rows folded, you get a vast 104.6 cubic-foot cargo area. For the longer Expedition Max, the figures are 34.3, 73.3, and 121.5 cubic feet. So you won’t need to leave anything or anyone behind.

Interior Features

In the XL, you’ll find push-button start, cruise control, stylish cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8-inch driver information display, three-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilting, and telescoping steering column. The XLT adds a power-folding, reclining third row, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The Timberline has unique upholstery with faux leather-trimmed cloth seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and power-folding tip-and-slide second-row seats. It also offers remote start, driver memory functions, power-adjustable pedals, and steering column, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and a 110-volt power outlet.

The Limited trim offers you adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and ambient lighting. The two top trims feature unique, model-specific upholstery and trim, while the Platinum trim also offers multi-contoured front seats with a massage function.

Entertainment

The standard SYNC 4 infotainment system has a 12-inch touchscreen, navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker sound system. It also has a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, so everybody can stay connected. Up to four USB ports and four 12-volt power outlets keep devices charged and ready to use.

The XLT gets satellite radio, while the Limited trim adds a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with HD radio. The King Ranch and Platinum models feature a 15.5-inch touchscreen and a stunning 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen Unleashed audio system. If your passengers need more entertainment, you can opt for a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest screens and Amazon Fire TV.

Are You Ready To Hit the Road in the Ford Expedition?

If you’re ready to experience the superb 2023 Ford Expedition, contact us at Brewster Ford today to schedule a test drive in and around the Brewster, New York, area. When you’re ready to buy, we can arrange the best finance deal for you.

Photo Credit: Ford Expedition Max Limited in Fire Valley by Tim Depickere is licensed with Unsplash License

Posted in Ford Models | No Comments »

Updated: June 2026

Brewster, New York, is an absolute gem of a town, offering an abundance of delights for residents and visitors alike. If you haven’t ventured out to fully explore the area, you are missing out on some incredible hidden treasures. Whether you’re entertaining foodies, looking for scenic outdoor spaces, or planning a weekend excursion, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Brewster, New York. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve refreshed our guide to the ultimate things to do in Brewster, NY!

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Local Tips | No Comments »

If you’re looking for a capable vehicle for your next family vacation, Ford built the 2023 Explorer with adventure in mind. The Explorer is an accommodating three-row SUV that can carry your whole family on weekend excursions near and far. Sometimes you need to tow a trailer or other cargo.

After all, the Brewster area is close to several lakes and state parks where boating or camping might be on your weekend agenda. So you might wonder if the 2023 Ford Explorer can tow a trailer to help you with your family’s adventures. Read below as our team at Brewster Ford looks at a few of the 2023 Explorer’s specs.

2023 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity

The towing capacity for a 2023 Ford Explorer depends on the trim level and options you select. More specifically, the powertrain and drivetrain you choose determine how much your Explorer can tow. A quick overview reveals the following towing capacities:

Powertrain Options	Towing Capacity
2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4	5,300 pounds
3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6	5,600 pounds
3.3-liter V-6 Hybrid	5,000 pounds

 

So to answer the question that started it all, yes, you can tow a trailer with a 2023 Ford Explorer. If you’re looking to pull a camper, the average weight for a 26-foot travel trailer is between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, so even the Explorer with the lowest towing capacity can take such a trailer for a cruise. If boating is your goal, an Explorer can tow a small fishing boat, cuddy cabin, pontoon boat, bow rider, or something similar, all of which average from 1,500 to 5,000 pounds.

2023 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

The 2023 Ford Explorer comes in eight trim levels to meet your needs. The trim levels in order of least expensive to most expensive are as follows:

• Base.
• XLT.
• ST-Line.
• Limited.
• Timberline.
• ST.
• Platinum.
• King Ranch.

If you’re interested in learning about all the available options for these trim levels, check out our model showroom, where you can build your Explorer to your desired specifications.

2023 Ford Explorer Performance

The 2023 Ford Explorer has three engine options. The Base, XLT, Timberline, and Limited trim levels come standard with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which has more than enough power for most of your needs. The ST-Line, ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trim levels boost the performance level up a bit with a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Rounding out the group is the hybrid engine, a 3.3-liter V-6 with an electric motor available on the Limited and Platinum models.

Most trim levels come standard with rear-wheel drive, although four-wheel drive is optional. The only trim level with standard four-wheel drive is the Timberline.  All trim levels have a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain you choose. Combined estimates range from 20 mpg on the base engine’s four-wheel-drive configuration to 27 mpg on the hybrids with rear-wheel drive.

2023 Ford Explorer Trailer Tow Package

Ford knows that drivers looking at an Explorer might be interested in towing. With enough room for up to eight passengers, plenty of cargo space, and off-road capabilities, Ford made the 2023 Explorer for rugged outdoor exploits. With each trim level, you can add a Class IV Trailer Tow Package to help get you tow-ready as soon as you leave the lot.

The Class IV Trailer Tow Package’s main feature is a frame-mounted hitch with trailer connections. A frame-mounted hitch is the best way to help your SUV reach maximum towing capacity. The installed trailer connections make it easy to connect your trailer to your SUV’s electrical system to ensure taillights, turn signals, and brake lights are all in working order.

The tow package also includes trailer sway control, allowing you to maintain control no matter what situation arises. Trailer sway control works with AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Ford’s electronic stability control system, to selectively brake and adjust engine power to help you maintain control of your trailer.

2023 Ford Explorer Additional Features

While towing might be a priority, it’s certainly not all that the 2023 Ford Explorer offers. Ford designed this SUV with both comfort and convenience in mind, offering various features that promote smooth and easy travel for you as the driver and your passengers.

You and your front-seat passengers can enjoy generous legroom and a wide windshield that provides ample viewing to take in the sites around Brewster. Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control allows your front-seat and second-row passengers to select the temperature that best suits their needs. A power-folding second-row seat makes it as easy as pushing a button to access the third-row seats.

Thanks to Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 technology, you can feel secure in controlling this SUV. This impressive driver assistance technology suite includes standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot information system, a lane-keeping system, a rear backup camera, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features include rear parking sensors, available front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera with a split-view display, and reverse brake assist.

If you’re concerned about staying connected while on the road, the 2023 Ford Explorer has you covered. A 10.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system comes standard, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Every trim level except the Base model includes an impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system with an HD radio that includes 12 speakers and a subwoofer.

2023 Ford Explorer Bottom Line

The 2023 Ford Explorer is a versatile three-row SUV that can carry you and your family on your next great adventure. With enough power and towing capacity for travel trailers and boats, the Explorer is a great option if towing is in your plans. A well-equipped interior includes all the comforts and conveniences you’ve come to expect from Ford vehicles.

If you’re interested in taking a look at a 2023 Ford Explorer, check out our latest inventory online to see what’s available. Be sure to take a look at our special offers   to find some of the best deals in the Brewster area. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Photo Credit: Image via OEM

Posted in Ford Models | No Comments »

Do you want to buy an SUV that will be big enough to fit you and all your family members? Then you should consider going with a 2023 Ford Explorer. The 2023 Ford Explorer is one of the most spacious SUVs on the market today, making it the perfect choice for drivers who want to seat large families comfortably. So, how many seats does the 2023 Ford Explorer have? And how much cabin space will you and your family have in the interior of one? Our team at Brewster Ford has put together this guide so you can find out more.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Ford Models, Ford Tips | No Comments »

You probably understand how important it is to check your oil and change it regularly. You may not realize that it’s just as important to check your transmission fluid. If you don’t keep a close eye on it, you might find yourself in a position where it’s either very low on it or even completely out. That’s why you should make it your mission to check your transmission fluid occasionally.

We should point out that many modern-day vehicles have sealed-for-life transmissions, which means you can’t access the transmission fluid. Luckily, the highly trained and professional team at Brewster Ford’s service center will be able to work on your transmission for you.

Today, we will explain why your car must always have the right amount of transmission fluid in it. We’ll also discuss how to check your transmission fluid level without much effort. Finally, we’ll tell you what you should do when it’s time to replace your transmission fluid. Keep reading to get the information you need.

Why Is Transmission Fluid Important?

The oil you put into your car’s engine lubricates all its parts and keeps them working as they should. It also keeps your engine cool while your car is running. Transmission fluid does the same thing for your car’s transmission. It’ll lubricate all the different bearings and other moving metal parts within your transmission and prevent them from getting too warm.

You shouldn’t drive around in your car with low transmission fluid. Without enough transmission fluid in your vehicle, it could seriously damage your transmission and result in costly repairs. It could even force you to part ways with a car ahead of schedule simply because you didn’t take the time to check on your transmission fluid.

What Can Happen If You’re Low on Transmission Fluid or Run Out of It?

If your car is low on transmission fluid and you continue driving it around, you might not notice any changes right away. But it won’t take too long before you see signs that your car doesn’t have enough transmission fluid. Here are several signs that should be on your radar:

• Trouble shifting from one gear to the next.
• Slipping or jumping gears.
• Acceleration delays.
• Strange grinding sounds.

Eventually, you might also experience total transmission failure. If things get to this point, you’ll have no choice but to replace your entire transmission or consider getting a new car altogether.

How Often Should You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

When it comes to your car’s oil, you should check it about once a month to see where it stands. While doing so, you should also check your transmission fluid to ensure it’s acceptable. You might be able to get away with doing it less often, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want to do is put off checking your transmission fluid for months on end and pay the price for it.

How Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

We will give you a basic breakdown of the steps needed to check your transmission fluid. But before doing that, we want to emphasize that you should always refer to the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle before checking your transmission fluid. It’ll provide you with valuable information, such as the location of your transmission fluid dipstick. It might also give you more in-depth instructions on checking the transmission fluid in your particular make and model car.

Generally speaking, you’ll take the same steps when checking the transmission fluid in most vehicles. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to see how much transmission fluid is in your car at any given time:

1. Park your car on a level surface and pop the hood.
2. Look for the dipstick for your transmission fluid (it should have a transmission symbol to differentiate it from your oil dipstick).
3. Start your car and allow it to idle.
4. Remove the dipstick for your transmission fluid, wipe it off with a clean rag, put it back into place, and remove it again.
5. See where the transmission fluid lands on the dipstick (there are typically “full,” “low,” and “fill” lines that will be on it)
6. Look at what color your transmission fluid is (It should be reddish-pink and not a dark brown or black color).
7. Put the dipstick for your transmission fluid back and close the hood of your car.

What Should You Do If Your Transmission Fluid Is Low?

If you check the transmission fluid in your car and find that it’s low, this usually indicates that you leak. In that case, you’ll want to do more than add transmission fluid to it. You will want to schedule a vehicle transmission service so a mechanic can determine what’s happening. They should be able to pinpoint the source of a transmission fluid leak and fix it so that you can return your transmission fluid to the required level.

Contact Us To Schedule Transmission Service for Your Vehicle

Did you recently check your transmission fluid and discover it’s on the low side? Or did you check it and find it’s darker than it should be? Either way, Brewster Ford can help you get to the bottom of your transmission troubles. Get in touch with us today to schedule transmission service at our state-of-the-art service center on Route 22 in Brewster, New York. If your transmission is beyond repair or you simply decide it’s time to purchase a new vehicle, check out our online inventory to find the perfect replacement.

Photo Credit: transmission dipstick 1 by schwartz.mark is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Posted in Service Tips | No Comments »

Your pet is a treasured part of your family. From regular veterinary appointments to emergency care, it’s important to know where you can take your pet when they need medical assistance. Fortunately, the Brewster, New York, area has several outstanding options that you can choose from. Here are a few of the best local picks.

Brewster Veterinary Hospital

Brewster Veterinary Hospital is well-equipped to handle all of your pet’s needs. The facility includes a surgery suite, X-ray and ultrasound equipment, and an in-house laboratory that’s equipped for urinalysis, serology, serum chemistry, hematology, and parasite testing. Brewster collaborates with commercial veterinary laboratories for specialized testing and sampling procedures. The on-site pharmacy is stocked with everything from medications to heartworm preventatives and prescription pet food.

All of your pet’s needs can be taken care of here, including routine dental cleanings, bathing services, diagnostic tests, and dietary and behavioral counseling, to solve any issues that your pet may have. If your pet needs emergency care, you can contact the clinic after hours for information on how to best handle the situation. The hospital has indoor kennels with outdoor walking areas for pets that need boarding. You can drop off and pick up your animals anytime during regular operating hours.

Location: 3455 Danbury Road, Brewster.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Guardian Veterinary Specialists

Guardian Veterinary Specialists provides emergency care and advanced veterinary specialty services 24 hours a day so pet owners can always get the assistance they need. The spacious 29,000-square-foot facility includes 14 exam rooms, three surgery suites, a dedicated chemotherapy area, an isolation ward, and an intensive care unit. The building even has a rehabilitation area complete with a therapy pool.

The on-site diagnostic facilities mean that they can quickly and accurately diagnose any issue. The hospital provides access to digital X-ray, ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and fluoroscopy tests, as well as a full diagnostic laboratory. When pets need to stay in the hospital, they’re thoughtfully catered to. Feline guests have a separate waiting room and inpatient ward, so they don’t have to mix with canine visitors. You can spend time with your animal in a private visiting room while they’re staying on-site.

Location: 4 Hardscrabble Heights, Brewster.

Hours: 24/7.

Southeast Animal Hospital

You can get all the services and solutions you need for your pet’s health at Southeast Animal Hospital. Whether you have a dog, cat, fish, or exotic animal, this facility can help. Southeast Animal Hospital even offers limited medical services for large animals. They provide preventative care, dental treatment, and diagnostics, including digital X-rays, ultrasounds, and an in-house laboratory. Southeast Animal Hospital can handle soft tissue surgeries, such as spaying, neutering, mass removal, and gastrointestinal procedures, as well as orthopedic surgery from a board-certified surgeon by special appointment.

If you need to go out of town, Southeast Animal Hospital can board dogs, cats, and exotics. The veterinarians also offer house calls when you can’t get to the clinic and compassionate end-of-life services when needed.

Location: 1535 Route 22, Brewster.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Putnam Animal Wellness

Taking regular care of your pet is as important as getting regular auto maintenance, which is why Putnam Animal Wellness specializes primarily in routine services. You’ll find the Putnam Animal Wellness clinic housed inside Pet Kraze Brewster. The clinic offers basic pet care, including well and sick visits, vaccine clinics, spay and neuter services, and weekly dental clinics.

There’s an in-house pharmacy, surgery suite, and hospitalization area. Putnam Animal Wellness works with nearby specialty practices and external laboratories as needed to make sure every animal gets comprehensive care.

Location: 100 Independent Way, Brewster.

Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday, noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Roosevelt Veterinary Center

Roosevelt Veterinary Center offers medical services for small animals backed by both Eastern and Western philosophies. You can get lifelong care for your pets, from puppy and kitten packages for routine vet appointments and vaccinations to wellness care, dental services, diagnostics, imaging, and surgery. This hospital offers spay and neuter services, mass removal, intestinal surgery, biopsies, and amputations.

The Roosevelt Veterinary Center even offers acupuncture as an alternative pain treatment. Nutritional counseling can help pet owners naturally treat skin issues or prevent obesity. If it’s time for end-of-life care, these veterinarians offer both in-clinic and at-home euthanasia.

If you need someone to care for your pet while you’re away, you can check them into the Roosevelt Mansion. This pet hotel has a spacious outdoor dog park and private kennels with off-the-floor bedding. If you’re simply busy during the day, you can check your pet in for doggy daycare between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Location: 2001 Route 22, Brewster.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Comforting Care Veterinary Services

Comforting Care Veterinary Services offers at-home services for clients in Putnam, Westchester, and southern Duchess counties, as well as in-office services at the Brewster clinic. Dr. Walling is the primary provider at this veterinary care center and specializes in helping pet owners through difficult times, such as hospice and palliative care.

Services include at-home pain management for pets with terminal illnesses and palliative care to keep older pets comfortable after surgery or when dealing with chronic pain. Dr. Walling is certified in veterinary medical acupuncture, so you can even explore this therapy as a pain management solution for your animal. When necessary, Dr. Walling will also provide at-home euthanasia that first with your schedule, with options for weekend and evening appointments.

Location: 4005 Danbury Road, Suite 3, Brewster.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Do you know of a great veterinary clinic that we missed? Contact our team at Brewster Ford and let us know so that we can add it to our list.

Photo Credit: Image by Karsten Winegeart is licensed with Unsplash License

Posted in Local Tips | No Comments »

If you’re considering purchasing a new SUV for getting around in Brewster, New York, safety, comfort, or technology features might mean a lot to you. You also want to ensure it can endure your long trips to and from work. The 2023 Ford Explorer is an excellent pick if you do a lot of driving. It comes with a range of large gas tanks. Many other positives, such as its ability to tow a trailer, serve as a welcome bonus.

The Ford Explorer offers fuel economy ratings that are on par with those in its segment, with competitive performance. If you spend much time on the road, you may wonder how much gas the Ford Explorer can hold in its tank. Read below as our team provides the answer and guides you through the Explorer’s fuel efficiency, towing capacity, driver assistance technology, and other important features. And be sure to browse our inventory or contact us at Brewster Ford to take advantage of any available 2023 Ford Explorer special offers and discounts.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Ford Models | No Comments »