If you’re looking to make the switch from a gas-powered vehicle to a hybrid or electric vehicle, you can turn to your Ford dealership for an impressive lineup. From performance vehicles to pickup trucks to family-friendly SUVs, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at the cars and trucks that showcase Ford’s commitment to sustainability.  

The Ford Mustang Mach-E 

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV. It has a sleek exterior design with the performance and power you expect from a Mustang. Power comes from either one or two electric motors and a standard-range or extended-range battery pack. The Mach-E GT Performance model will go from zero to 60 in just 3.7 seconds, but even the base models have 290 horsepower. It also comes equipped with a 15.5-inch touch-screen display and a full suite of advanced driver aids.  

The Ford Maverick 

The Maverick is Ford’s hybrid truck. This vehicle can serve as a weekend warrior or daily commuter and is ready for anything. A hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor is available, with 191 horsepower and front-wheel drive. Even when equipped with the hybrid setup, the Maverick can tow up to 2,000 pounds, and when it’s not towing, it can reach up to 42 mpg in the city.  

The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid 

The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is the perfect SUV for family drives. It has a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors that combine to generate 210 horsepower. With a fully charged battery, the Escape PHEV can travel up to 37 miles before the gas engine automatically kicks in. It takes about 3.5 hours to charge the battery with a Level 2 charger and comes with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a full suite of active safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.  

The Ford F-150 Lightning 

The Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck is an all-electric truck. It takes the best of the F-150 series trucks and gives it a fully electric powertrain that can generate up to 580 horsepower. All Lightnings come standard with all-wheel drive, and if you have an extended-range battery, it can travel up to 320 miles before needing a charge. The Platinum model can reach 60 mph in just four seconds and delivers a smooth and comfortable ride over any road surface.  

The Lightning has a front cargo bay and a 5.5-foot bed. Inside, it has a 12-inch touch screen, with a 15.5-inch touch screen in the higher trim levels. Both come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all models have a 12-inch digital driver information display.  

If you’re ready to make the switch to electric power with your next vehicle, these Ford models offer everything you need. You can choose from hybrids if you want the best of both worlds or go all electric with the Lightning or Mach-E.  

If you’re looking for a car with a roomy cabin, a smooth ride, and an available sporty trim, then check out the 2024 Ford Edge at your local Ford dealer. Its design focuses on comfort, and it delivers plenty of power to keep everybody satisfied.

A Comfortable, Roomy Cabin

The Edge offers a roomier cabin than many competitors, and there are lots of storage cubbies for passengers to place their personal belongings in during each ride. There’s also a lot of room for cargo in the back, especially with the rear seats folded; it fits 29 carry-on suitcases when the rear seats are down. With the rear seats up, the Edge has seating for five, and all passengers will find themselves with enough personal space to feel comfortable on long trips.

Sporty ST Model

If you enjoy a zippy ride, then consider the sporty Ford Edge ST. This model has a 335-hp twin-turbo V6 engine under the hood, and it’s an absolute joy to drive. It’s particularly stable when rounding corners. The ride remains comfortable even on bumpy roads, and its well-weighted steering wheel enhances the driving experience.

The V6 offers a more athletic ride than the 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder base engine. The base engine, which is best for drivers who prefer a more relaxed ride, still has a lot of power, though. It provides a pleasant in-charge feel while driving both in the city and on the highway.

Super Smart SUV

This SUV is packed full of innovative tech features that make the car feel smart and advanced. It gets better over time thanks to Ford Power-Up. Some of the tech features, like the rearview camera, enhance safety. Others, like the available wireless charging pad, add some convenience to the cabin.

The SYNC 4A infotainment system is the smartest feature of all. You can navigate the system on the 12-inch vertical touchscreen, or you can use voice commands to access its numerous features. It gets even more functional when synced up to your smartphone, completely wire-free. Navigation, music streaming, and control over the AC are just a few of the features you’ll find on this system.

Intelligent Safety Features

Speaking of smart, innovative tech, the available Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology makes every single journey feel more secure using advanced driver assistance features. Features include a blind spot information system, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and a lane-keeping system.

Come by Gates Ford Lincoln in Richmond, KY to take the Ford Edge out for a test drive today. You can buy or lease an Edge from us and return for a range of services to keep it in great shape.

Blending first-class interior comforts with rugged versatility, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport offers the best of both worlds and is now here at your local Ford dealership.

Engines and Versatility

With standard four-wheel drive and two turbocharged engines available, this edition is more than ready for both off-road terrains and long-distance journeys. While the first engine, a 1.5-liter, delivers 181 horsepower and an estimated 28 MPG in fuel economy on highways, the other engine, a larger 2.0-liter, pushes output to 250 horses while still getting up to 26 MPG.

A multimode terrain management system, G.O.A.T. modes, comes standard alongside an off-road suspension system, allowing you to adjust the vehicle’s performance with different optimized settings ranging from Sport to Rock Crawl modes. You’ll also get excellent ground clearance and up to 23.6 inches of water-fording capability when opting for the Badlands model and its available all-terrain off-road truck tires.

Luxuries and Appearance

The vehicle’s cabin is both luxurious and comfortable thanks to the 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, heating settings for both front seats, and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. While the 60/40 split-folding seat clears more space for cargo, the Cargo Management System helps you secure everything.

Along with a wide variety of exterior paint colors to choose from, with earthy shades like Cactus Gray and head-turners like Hot Pepper Red Tinted Clearcoat, many wheel options add to this vehicle’s stylish appearance, including a bold-looking set of 18-inch Ebony Black-painted ones. The Safari-style roof comes with a roof rack that’s perfect for hauling cargo, and you’ll find plenty more convenience in the heated side mirrors, rear floodlights, and LED fog lamps.

Tech and Driver Assistance

Many hi-tech entertainment and driver-assist features are offered as well, with the SYNC 3 infotainment system providing both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, turn-by-turn navigation guidance, and hands-free calling. There’s also AppLink, allowing you to open and control apps with your voice or steering wheel controls, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad, a universal garage door opener, and plenty of off-roading tech features like Ford Trail Control and the 180-degree Trail Cam.

On highways, Pre-Collision Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Evasive Steering Assist can all help you avoid collisions. The Lane-Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, and BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert are all available, too, as well as both the rear parking sensors and Rear View Camera.

Reliable versatility, first-class interior amenities, and a rugged exterior are just some of the many things offered by the 2024 Bronco Sport, so come test-drive it by contacting us today at Gates Ford Lincoln in Richmond, KY.

Do you need a new car battery from your Ford dealer? There are a few ways to tell when the time has come and your current battery is about to give up the ghost. Watch for the following signs, and come see us if you notice them.

The Engine Cranks Slowly

When you turn the key in the ignition, if your engine cranks more slowly than usual, it’s often a sign that your battery is losing charge. A healthy battery should start the engine quickly and smoothly. Slow cranking is typically one of the first signs that your battery is struggling, and it’s letting you know you have a little time left, but not a lot. Now is the time to start budgeting for that new battery.

There Are Electrical Component Issues

If you start experiencing issues with your vehicle’s electrical components, such as dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, or the infotainment system resetting, it could indicate that your battery is failing to provide consistent power. The problem could also be your alternator, but it’s hard to tell without a professional checkup. Either way, you’ll likely need some repair or maintenance.

The Check Engine or Battery Light Comes On

Most Fords have a check engine light or a battery light on the dashboard that illuminates when there’s an issue with the battery or charging system. If this light turns on, always have your battery tested by a professional.

The Battery Looks Swollen or Leaking

Physically inspect your battery whenever you check your oil and before the winter and summer. If the case appears swollen, bloated, or if there’s any leakage, these are clear signs that the battery is damaged and needs to be replaced. Extreme temperatures can cause a battery to swell and fail.

The Battery Is Old

Car batteries typically last between three and five years, so if your Ford’s battery is approaching or has exceeded this age range, it’s wise to start considering a replacement. Battery performance can decline significantly after this period, even if there are no overt signs of failure, so, again, now’s the time to start budgeting.

You’re Needing Frequent Jump Starts

If you find yourself needing to jump-start your Ford frequently, this means the battery can no longer hold a charge effectively. While occasional jump starts may be necessary at times, especially in cold weather, frequent need for a jump is a red flag. One day, that jump just won’t take and you’ll be stranded.

If you experience any of these symptoms, come talk to one of the professionals at Gates Ford Lincoln. Remember, a healthy battery is essential to maintaining your Ford’s performance and your safety on the road.

When your tires are worn down or damaged, it affects your car’s steering and braking ability and increases the risk of a blowout. This can ultimately lead to an accident, so keeping your tires in good condition is vital. To ensure your safety, below are ways to determine when you need new tires from your Ford dealer.

Age

Typically, a set of tires can last up to six years. However, it’s important to note that the rubber deteriorates with age due to environmental factors. As a result, even if your tires appear to be in good condition, there may still be underlying damage. One of the best ways to estimate the remaining life of your tires is by checking their manufacturing date.

You can determine the age of your tires by finding the tire identification numbers on the sidewalls. This number starts with “DOT,” followed by a series of numbers. The last four numbers indicate the week and year of manufacture, respectively.

Wear

It’s important to check the tread depth and wear patterns on your tires at least once a month. The wear indicators in the rubber become visible and make a noise when your tread is worn. According to the guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s best to replace tires if the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches, as they are considered unsafe.

Another way to tell it’s time to replace your tires is uneven tread wear. If you notice that the tread wear indicators are visible in some areas of the tire but not others, or if you see spots where wear appears different from those in other areas, you should get a new set of tires.

Damage

Examine each tire on your car regularly for signs of damage. Check for any cracks, cuts, or blisters on the sidewalls of each tire. Sidewall damage is usually caused by driving over debris on the road. Structural damage is a safety risk and can cause a blowout. 

Vibrations

When you’re driving, paying attention to your vehicle’s performance is crucial because you will often feel it when something is wrong with your tires. If you sense vibrations, it might indicate a damaged tire. Having your technician check it out as soon as possible is always better to keep you safe while driving. 
The tires on your Ford play a critical part in keeping you safe behind the wheel. You need to replace your tires if they are old, worn, or damaged beyond repair. If your tires need replacing, stop at Gates Ford Lincoln today for a set of new rubber, and the tire specialists will help you find the perfect tires for your vehicle.

The time to buy your dream Ford car, truck or SUV is now in Richmond, KY. No matter what your credit score is, Gates Ford Lincoln will help you get a trusted vehicle to help you get to your next destination. Our finance department is proud to help give customers easy pre-approval, loan options, deals and top dollar trade in offers to help you become financially stable. Check our finance pages to learn more about why our Ford dealership is a fan favorite in the Lexington-Fayette area for easy car buying. Learn about our credit restoration program below.

Stress-Free Car Buying

Life is full of unexpected problems from medical, personal or other reasons that can affect your credit negatively. Do not let the past affect your future. Gates Ford Lincoln is proud to work with many different lenders to help you find the right one for you. Our finance department will outline all fees, specials, details and other financial matters to help you make the right decision for your finances. Be sure to check out our used vehicles, certified pre-owned and vehicles for under $15k inventory to find a reliable vehicle without going over your budget. Getting the right car loan will help you show credit unions you are able to make payments and in return they will increase your credit score.

Visit Our Ford Dealership

Come test drive a hair-raising Ford Mustang, a spacious Ford Expedition or a powerful Ford F-150 in Richmond, KY today. Trade in your current ride and get pre-approved online today. Gates Ford Lincoln looks forward to serving drivers that are needing a credit restoration program near Frankfort, Lexington, and Louisville. Come to our Ford dealership or call us with any questions.

The 2023 Ford Mustang, available now at your local Ford dealer, is an agile and powerful sports car that always makes for a supple ride. This year’s Mustang comes in six brilliant trims, with both fastback and convertible body styles up for grabs.

Mustang EcoBoost

The EcoBoost comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower and marries with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Manually adjustable front seats and cloth upholstery come standard, as does Ford’s impressive SYNC infotainment system that affords drivers goodies like a 4.3-inch display and a six-speaker audio system. Driver-assistance features at this level include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.

Mustang EcoBoost Premium

The next trim up gains power-adjustable front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. You’ll also access an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker stereo. The EcoBoost Premium High package is available to add touches like a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a 12-inch digital cluster, and unique color schemes around the interior.

Mustang GT & Mustang GT Premium

The GT comes exclusively as a coupe, retaining the features of the EcoBoost trim but upgrading to a potent V8 engine that makes 450 horsepower. It also adds rear parking sensors, power-adjustable front seats, and styling elements exclusive to this trim. The GT Premium, meanwhile, is available in either body style. It takes most of the features of the EcoBoost Premium, including the packages available, but adds genuine leather upholstery.

Mustang Mach 1

Like the GT, the Mach 1 is only available as a fastback. It houses most of the same features as the GT Premium trim, including the V8 engine, but comes with a number of exciting performance-enhancing features. These consist of distinct exterior style elements, an active exhaust, heavy-duty front springs, Brembo front brakes, a heftier radiator, a Torsen limited-slip differential, retuned chassis and steering, a bigger rear sway bar, and the MagneRide Damping System.

Mustang Mach 1 Premium

The Mach 1 Premium comes exclusively as a coup. It contains all the features of the Mach 1, including summer tires and a performance rear spoiler, but swaps out cloth upholstery for genuine leather. It also gains heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The tantalizing Mach 1 Appearance Package gives you a Fighter Grey exterior color, orange brake calipers, black and orange top and side stripes, and black and orange interior accents.

No matter what features, engines, or body type you’re after, there’s a Mustang to suit your needs. To take a new or pre-owned model for a test drive, or to get your current Ford serviced, come by Gates Ford in Richmond, KY, today.

If you’re someone who frequently goes camping or has off-roading adventures, then an SUV like the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is an excellent option for you. This sporty SUV has several rugged features that make it ideal for traversing all types of terrain. Learn more about this SUV before you visit your Ford dealer. 

The Ford Bronco Sport is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, with several trim levels to enhance your off-road driving experience. The Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Heritage Limited trims all have something amazing to offer. 

Big Bend

The Big Bend trim has Intelligent Access with push-button start, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking as standard features, as well as a five-mode Terrain Management System. This 4×4 SUV is powered by a 1.5L EcoBoost Engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Heritage

The Heritage trim is inspired by a classic Bronco model from 1966, so this trim has plenty of callback design elements, such as plaid cloth seating. The roof of this SUV is painted in Oxford White, and there are unique side decals ​in Oxford White in the Heritage Bronco script.

Outer Banks

The Outer Banks trim has 18-inch Ebony Black-painted machined-face aluminum wheels with all-season tires. Rear parking sensors and heated front seats are standard with this trim. This SUV also has ​heated side view mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control.

Badlands

The Badlands trim has a Shadow Black roof, flip-up rear glass, and a Safari-style roof to truly capture the off-road spirit of the SUV. LED signature lighting, LED fog lamps, black roof rack side rails, and a unique carbonized gray grille with white Bronco lettering add to the overall style of this vehicle. This trim comes with standard 17-inch carbonized gray-painted aluminum wheels, Pirelli all-terrain tires, and a 2.0 EcoBoost engine.

Heritage Limited

The Heritage Limited trim has several premium features and vintage design elements. This SUV comes with standard all-terrain off-road tires and 17-inch Oxford White-painted aluminum wheels. The powertrain is the powerful 2.0L EcoBoost engine, which comes with standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition. 

Can You Custom Order Your Bronco Sport From Your Ford Dealer?

If you want to upgrade your Bronco Sport with freestanding packages, such as the Badlands Premium package or the Topo Graphic package, then you can visit your dealership to place your custom order. Your dealership can walk you through other customization options you have, such as interior upholstery and exterior paint colors, so you can drive away with the precise aesthetic and features you want.
The 2023 Bronco Sport is a great SUV for all kinds of drivers. Visit Gates Ford Lincoln to take a closer look at this SUV today. 

Comfortably seating up to seven passengers, the 2023 Ford Explorer takes on challenges and adventures head-on with reliable performance, off-roading prowess, and excellent fuel economy. Adding to all this is its luxurious interior and advanced technology, ensuring that every drive is a relaxing one for all.

Strength and Versatility

The 2023 Explorer’s three engine options offer plenty of strength to help tackle demanding driving conditions, both on and off-road. The base engine, a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, produces a muscular 300-horsepower output, while the intermediate option is a 318-horsepower 3.3-liter hybrid V6, which offers up to 28 mpg of fuel efficiency on highways.

Although the first two engines are sure to satisfy most drivers, if you’re looking for even more strength, the strongest engine is a 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 400 horses and lends the vehicle an impressive 5,600-pound maximum towing capacity: perfect for bringing a camper or trailer along on outings. When nature calls, both four-wheel drive and a seven-mode terrain management system are offered, making off-road adventures a breeze.

Comforts and Technology

Diamond-perforated leather seats are available throughout this edition’s spacious cabin, with a heating setting for chilly days and a tri-zone climate control to provide three separate temperature zones for passengers who have different preferences. The twin-panel moonroof is sure to be appreciated when the weather’s nice, and the stylish ambient lighting feature lets you choose a preferred color when setting a mood inside.

As the hub of the vehicle’s many sophisticated tech features, the SYNC 3 infotainment system provides navigation assistance, smartphone connectivity, and a world of entertainment options, and while its 10.1-inch touchscreen is certainly responsive and easy to use, you can also use your voice to control everything while driving. A 14-speaker premium audio system complements this setup, as does a convenient Wi-Fi hotspot that you can connect to virtually anywhere within a 50-foot range of the vehicle.

Advanced Safety Features

Many of the Explorer’s hi-tech safety systems work as a team to help you avoid collisions, like Pre-Collision Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking. By actively monitoring your lane for potential front-end collisions, these features function seamlessly together to first warn you of possible collisions before then applying the brakes if you’re still approaching other vehicles too quickly.

There’s also the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which can detect vehicles in your blind spot zones when heavy rain or fog are causing poor visibility, and to always maintain optimal brightness, the Automatic High-Beam Headlamps adapt to changing lighting conditions on the road as needed.

As fun to drive as it is versatile, the 2023 Explorer offers outstanding performance and plenty of creature comforts inside its accommodating seven-passenger cabin. Contact us at Gates Ford Lincoln today to see this popular Ford SUV’s many other impressive features from behind the wheel.

It isn’t always easy finding something new for family dinner night. Fortunately, Richmond, KY has lots of options. We’re here to share our top four picks for great family restaurants only a short drive away.

1. Straight From Texas Bar-B-Que

If your family is hungry and looking to enjoy a huge meal you’ll want to try this excellent barbecue option. On Wednesday nights they have a deal on wings and on Thursday, they have a deal on huge plates of nachos. You can put together meals with briskets, sausages, wings, chicken, pork, or ribs. For sides, they offer mac and cheese, baked beans, green beans, tater salad, cole slaw, and collard greens.

During the summertime family dinners are topped off with their Alamo Ice Cream shop next door. You’ll find this restaurant located at 306 North Street here in Richmond.

2. El Mamut

This local restaurant has a great family-friendly atmosphere. You’ll want to hang out for a while and let everyone enjoy their meal. Adults will love the long burger menu and will want to check out the macaroni burger. The buffalo chicken wrap is another delicious option.

The kid’s menu is lengthy and includes cheeseburgers, quesadillas, mac & cheese, pizza, and chicken fingers. It’s available for children 12 and under. This restaurant is located at 2187 Lexington Road.

3. Giovanni’s Pizza

Everyone in your family will want to join in for pizza night at Giovanni’s. You’ll be glad you have the space with your third-row seat in your new Ford Expedition XLT Max. Their all-you-can-eat buffet makes for an easy lunch or early dinner option. They serve pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and calzones.

Alternatively, this is a great restaurant to build your own pizza to share with the family. This is an easy way to help picky eaters get what they want. This restaurant is located at 805 Eastern Bypass #1.

4. Nuevo Vallarta

When it’s time for a great big Mexican dinner with all the options, you’ll want to head to 709 Big Hill Avenue. There, you’ll find Nuevo Vallarta with its large fajita menu and great service. The classic chicken or steak fajita option is a great choice. Adults looking for tacos or a wide selection of seafood options will find it here.

The kid’s menu includes a cheese quesadilla, burrito with rice and beans, or enchiladas. It also includes a cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, or chicken strips. Everyone should find something they’ll like at this family-friendly dinner spot.

With family dinner taken care of for a while, you’ll want to move on to the next family car. Fortunately, our dealership has plenty of high-quality options for you to choose from. Visit Gates Ford Lincoln now to see our wide selection of new vehicles.