Cory Stirewalt Named Kannapolis City Schools' Outstanding Teacher of the Month

Kannapolis City Schools recognized Cory Stirewalt for his excellence in the classroom by presenting him with the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher of the Month Award for March 2016.  Cory is an exceptional AP and Honors Social Studies teacher at A.L. Brown High School. Although his classes are rigorous and challenging, he is a well-loved teacher whose students excel academically and leave the classroom prepared for college and the future.

When asked why they are nominating Cory for the Hilbish Ford Outstanding Teacher of the Month Award, one parent praised him for his excellent teaching instruction, as well as how he approaches his job as a teacher and leads his students by example. The parent said he recently asked his child a couple political questions and was pleased to hear very thoughtful and intelligent responses, rather than receiving the usual one word answers. This was a result of time spent in Cory’s class last semester. Parents also commended Cory for his presentation skills during open house and the time he took at the beginning of the semester to provide information about what to expect in the class and to explain his educational philosophy.

We are extremely proud that Cory is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are and delighted to present him with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award for March 2016. Congratulations!

Click here to nominate an outstanding teacher in the Kannapolis City Schools district.

Ford Only Automaker on Ethisphere Institute's List of 2016 World's Most Ethical Companies

Ford Motor Company is the only automaker named a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company® by Ethisphere Institute – a distinction that comes as ethics in business increasingly affects customers and their purchase decisions.

“This honor celebrates our employees who are committed to doing the right things and making the right choices,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “Ethics and corporate citizenship are the foundation of what drives us to make people’s lives better.”

This marks the seventh consecutive year Ethisphere Institute has named Ford a World’s Most Ethical Company.

Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, honors companies with top ratings in five categories – ethics and compliance, corporate citizenship and responsibilities, culture of ethics, governance and leadership and reputation.

For decades, Ford has recognized the importance of strong corporate citizenship and how that ties to success and building the company’s reputation. More than half of respondents to the 2016 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient said they learn more about a company before deciding to do business with them. More than one-third decided not to do business with a company if they perceive the business has a negative reputation.

“Ford understands that trust is the cornerstone of everything it does, and their commitment to being an active part of a global community helps explain why they are the only automaker Ethisphere has recognized every year since 2010,” said Timothy Erblich, Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer. “Being honored for the seventh time is no small achievement. Congratulations to everyone at Ford for being recognized.”

Click here to see why Ford was named World's Most Ethical Company in 2016.

To view the complete list of 2016 World’s Most Ethical Companies, visit http://ethisphere.com/worlds-most-ethical/wme-honorees/.

In addition to this honor from Ethisphere Institute, Ford has received additional honors, including:
Forbes 2015 America’s Best Employers (133)
Human Rights Campaign 2015 Corp. Equality Index – 100 percent
Fast Company 50 Most Innovative Companies
Universum 2015 U.S. Most Attractive Employer – Engineering (18)
Universum 2015 World’s Most Attractive Company – Engineering (15)
Fortune Change the World List
Fortune World’s Most Admired
LinkedIn 100 Most InDemand Employers
Forbes Best Companies for Work-Life Balance

KCS Kindergarten Teacher, Deanna Shue, Receives Hilbish Ford's Teacher of the Month Award

Deanna Shue, Kindergarten Teacher, Jackson Park Elementary School
   

Deanna Shue is a loving and passionate kindergarten teacher at Jackson Park Elementary School. She loves every single student and it shows. Deanna spends quality time with each student and teaches them in a way they will learn. She understands that every child can learn in their own way. One parent praised Deanna for not only teaching her students reading, writing and math, but for giving them a safe learning environment where they gain self confidence. Another parent stated that Deanna was “placed on earth to teach and influence kids”. The parent also said, “She doesn’t just teach for a job, it’s a passion and gift”. This parent had Deanna as a first grade teacher 20 years ago and she was thrilled that her daughter was in Deanna’s kindergarten class.

We are extremely proud that Deanna is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are and delighted to have Tim Vaughn, General Manager at Hilbish Ford, present her with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award.  Congratulations!

Ford Explorer Makes Dramatic Return to TV on 'The X-Files'

Ford Explorer fans should be on the lookout for more than a UFO sighting in the return of "The X-Files"!  A Ford Explorer Platinum will carry FBI Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) throughout the highly anticipated six-episode series. 

“The X-Files” aired the first of its new episodes immediately following the NFC Championship game on Sunday, January 24th.

“Pairing the vehicle that set the bar for SUVs with the show that set the standard for sci-fi television is a great relationship,” said Ginger Kasanic, Ford marketing manager, SUVs and technology. “To be a part of an iconic television show that is so technology-centric is a perfect fit for Explorer – a vehicle loaded with driver-assist technology.”

Ford Explorer Platinum will be integrated into a scene from the second night of the show’s two-part premiere, slated to air at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST Monday, January 25th.

Along with the appearance of Explorer, an Escape, Mustang and black Taurus will be featured throughout the season as well, continuing Ford Motor Company’s long history with “The X-Files.” Ford vehicles were featured when the show debuted in 1993, with Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) notably referring to his Ford Taurus as “a good American car.”

About Ford Explorer Platinum

• Ford Explorer is the best-selling SUV in the United States for 25 years.

• Since introduced as an all-new model for 2011, Explorer has achieved four consecutive years of sales increases in the United States.

• Ford Explorer Platinum debuted last fall with amenities that include a leather-wrapped interior, industry-exclusive 500-watt Sony® Audio System, and smart technology such as enhanced active park assist, a lane-keeping system and rain-sensing wipers.

 

7 Winter Maintenance Tips for Ford Owners

Congratulations: You’ve made it halfway through the chilliest season of the year. Now you just need to get through the final stretch before spring arrives in all its glory. Follow these winter maintenance tips to help keep your vehicle running smoothly—because road trip season is just around the corner.


1. Check the battery. Battery issues are the most frequent cause of breakdowns, and cold temperatures can drain batteries far faster than warm ones. You may be able to head off disaster if you simply keep your battery in good shape.

DIY: Examine the battery terminals and cables, making sure they’re tight and free of corrosion.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center for a battery check if: the battery grinds or clicks when you start up, your headlights are dim or your battery is more than three years old.


2. Winterize your wiper system. It’s a good idea to install winter wipers; they’re stronger—to move snow and ice—and have an extra layer of rubber to protect against corrosion and rust. And we suggest using Motorcraft® Windshield Washer Fluid with the necessary freeze protection level for your area.

DIY: Changing your own wipers is not too tough. Just check your owner’s manual for the correct blade size and specific instructions on how to replace yours—or follow these seven easy steps. Consider Motorcraft® Winter Wipers, which have a neoprene anti-icing boot and application-driven pressure points to keep the blades on the windshield. Learn how to refill your washer fluid here.


3. Get your tires right. Winter’s icy, wet roads will affect your tires’ traction. But when are winter tires necessary? The general rule of thumb is that in areas of extreme snow and ice you should use winter tires, which are designed to push slush away and keep you on the road. In areas of light or moderate snow, go with all-season tires.

DIY: Find out which tires match your Ford vehicle and driving conditions here.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center if: your alignment feels off. The Works™ package from Ford covers a tire rotation and pressure check, which can help you avoid uneven wear and increase your fuel economy.


4. Check and change your oil. Nobody wants to be stuck on the highway when it’s 10 degrees outside. So keep in mind: Colder temperatures can cause oil to thicken, which makes it more difficult for the oil to
travel through your engine...which can lead to a failure.

DIY: We recommend Ford’s Motorcraft® oil, which is specially designed to prevent over-thickening in low temperatures.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center if: you want to save time and increase convenience—an oil change is included in The Works™ package.


5. Regularly check your coolant. Not only does coolant keep your engine from overheating in the summer, it prevents engine fluids from freezing in the winter. But when your coolant ages, the freezing protection can diminish. Check your owner’s manual to find out the recommended interval between coolant changes.

DIY: Monitor your coolant levels every time you fill up your tank, and top up as needed—it’s simple.


6. Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or fraying. Pliable materials in belts and hoses are more likely to get brittle and break in the winter, because the cold makes them stiffer. A damaged belt will reduce your engine’s efficiency, and a leaky hose could lead to an overheated engine and costly repairs.

DIY: Look for frays, cracking or glazed surfaces in the belt and hoses. Pinch and squeeze the belt; if it pulls more than a half-inch, it might need to be adjusted.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center if: you hear squealing sounds from the engine, which could mean your belts are damaged and need replacing.


7. Pay attention to your suspension. Every time you hit a bump in the road, your suspension takes a hit to smooth your ride. And because it is located on the underside of your vehicle, the suspension is especially susceptible to damage in the winter, because of the increased grime, salt, gravel and potholes.

DIY: Perform a bounce test. First, park your car in a safe environment. Second, push firmly on one side of the vehicle. It should bounce and settle back in one smooth motion.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center if: your vehicle rocks several times in the bounce test, you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or seat, or it shakes more than usual when you hit a bump.

For more information about cold weather problems we commonly see in vehicles, contact Hilbish Ford's Service Center at 877-843-6193 or visit www.hilbishford.com.

Kannapolis City Schools names Adam Caskey as Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month for January

Adam Caskey is an outstanding 2nd grade teacher at Forest Park Elementary School in the Kannapolis City Schools system. He sets high standards for each of his students, giving them encouragement while also challenging them to achieve their personal best. Adam values each child’s ideas and provides a nurturing classroom environment for his students to learn and grow. His classroom is a community where his students engage in group activities and indoor educational games. In addition, he creates a sense of excitement among the students by giving leadership roles with jobs in the classroom, from being line leader and bathroom monitor to class electrician and botanist. One parent described Adam as dependable, respectful and professional. She said that “teaching comes naturally to Mr. Caskey” and that she is thankful her child is in an environment where she can thrive to her fullest potential.

We are extremely proud that Adam is part of our Kannapolis City Schools’ family, and we are delighted that Hilbish Ford is honoring his excellence with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award. Congratulations!

How to Maximize Your Ford's Fuel Economy While Driving

You may think that your vehicle’s fuel economy is set, based on its combined MPG rating.

 

But did you know that how you drive, as well as how you maintain your vehicle, can make a big difference in your vehicle’s fuel consumption?

 

Use the following tips to help maximize your fuel economy while driving:

 

Drive smoothly

Aggressive driving wastes fuel—especially while driving at highway speeds. So accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it’s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they can also prolong the life of your brakes and tires.

Slow down

Speeding wastes lots of fuel. Your fuel mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. That equates to paying an additional 26 cents per gallon for every 5 mph above 50 that you drive.

Only use A/C on the highway

Your fuel economy drops when you use the air conditioner at low speeds—by up to 15%. So if it isn’t too hot, turn off the A/C around town, and roll down your windows instead. However, at 55 mph or higher, using the A/C is preferable to open windows for two reasons: Your vehicle has much lower wind resistance with the windows closed. And because the engine makes more power at higher revs, it’s able to run accessories like the A/C compressor more efficiently.

Remove the rooftop carrier

Your vehicle was designed for good aerodynamics—but attaching a huge carrier or bike to the roof adds more wind resistance. So if you spend lots of time on the highway or are planning a long trip, try to transport extra items inside the vehicle, or attached to the rear. Washing and waxing your vehicle can actually lower wind resistance too.

Remove excess weight

Carrying around an extra 100 pounds in your trunk or back seat can reduce your mileage by up to 4%. To travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.

Keep the convertible top up

As much fun as your convertible is, you should put the top up during highway trips. You’ll have less wind resistance, less turbulence, and a better hairdo.

Keep the windows and sunroof closed

Take advantage of mild weather by leaving the A/C off, using vent air, and keeping the windows and sunroof closed. You will have less drag, and better fuel economy.

Use cruise control

Activating your cruise helps you save fuel in two ways: It keeps you from mindlessly driving at faster—and less fuel-efficient—speeds. And it maintains a constant speed, and won’t use additional fuel while accelerating.

Note that many modern vehicles will let you monitor your miles per gallon while you’re driving. Try to set your cruise control at your vehicle’s most fuel-efficient speed, as long as it’s at or below the legal limit.

Stay in gear when stopping

While shifting into Neutral and coasting to a stop sounds like it would save fuel, the opposite is true: Many modern fuel-injected vehicles go into a “fuel cutoff” mode when the engine senses that the vehicle is in gear, the rpm is above idle, and the throttle is closed. Shifting to Neutral may cancel that mode, so keep it in gear.

Turn off the engine while waiting

If your non-hybrid vehicle is safely parked, and will be stopped for more than a couple of minutes, turn off the engine. This is even more effective if your vehicle is powered by a large 6- or 8-cylinder engine, as they typically will waste more fuel at idle than smaller engines.

Combine trips

Your engine is more efficient when it’s warmed up. Many short trips that start with a cool engine will use more fuel than a single, longer trip. So when you have to drive for errands, get as many accomplished as you can in one trip to maximize your fuel economy.

 

Get more tips about going further in your Ford by visiting www.hilbishford.com.