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Preston Automotive Group (PAG) is pleased to announce the expansion of their Auto Body services in Dover, DE. This strategic expansion is set to enhance our auto body services in Kent County and further strengthen our commitment to the community. The acquired facility was previously Shift Collision, located in the heart of Dover, with a rich history dating back nearly 50 years as Scotton’s Service Center, renowned for truck and bus repairs. By integrating this facility into the Preston Automotive Group family, they will continue delivering top-notch auto body services under the branding of Preston Auto Body of Dover. The transition will see Preston Auto Body of Dover relocating to the new facility. A specific timeline for this move has not yet been established but we will continue to serve our valued customers during this smooth and seamless transition. Their experienced management team will be overseeing this move and expansion. All five of Preston Automotive Group's existing auto body shops hold the prestigious iCar Gold Class® certification, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and industry-leading standards. The new addition to Dover will uphold this high standard, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service and care. The expanded Preston Auto Body of Dover will offer a comprehensive range of services, from minor dent repairs to major collision restorations, all executed with the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Stay tuned for more details coming soon! CONTACT US

A New Beginning Already a Ford Motor Company Top Volume Dealer Hall of Fame inductee, Wilson has been named the next Chairman of the National Ford Dealer Council at the company’s annual meeting on November 6 in Dearborn, MI. Wilson, who is the Founder and Chairman of Preston Automotive Group (PAG), iFrog Marketing Solutions, and also holds vested interests in numerous other businesses across the Delmarva area, was previously Vice Chairman for the Dealer Council. "I am honored and humbled to serve Ford and the Ford Dealer Body,” said Wilson. “Together, we will continue to build on Ford’s truck leadership, Ford Blue, Ford Pro, and Model e. It’s an exciting time, and Ford's product lineup is second to none, in my opinion.” Wilson succeeds Tim Hovik, Owner/General Manager of Top 100 Ford dealer San Tan Ford in Gilbert, Ariz. Edward Marcel Stivers III was named the Vice Chairman alongside Wilson. “The National Dealer Council Chair position is so critical to our engagement with our dealer network,” said Andrew Frick, President, Ford Blue. “Dave, in this role, will represent the voice of nearly 3,000 Ford dealers across the country. I think Dave is perfectly positioned to have this role, as he is a very successful Ford dealer, and has eight Ford dealerships of different sizes that truly reflect the structure of the entire network. The Future is Bright “Dave’s approach of working together to drive our business forward is so important in this very dynamic industry, and I have total confidence in his ability to lead our dealers and work with Ford to improve our position in the market with a focus on our customers,” added Frick. The Ford National Dealer Council represents all Ford dealerships in the United States, and works closely with Ford Motor Company, Model e (electric vehicle division of Ford), Ford Credit, and Ford Pro. The elected council’s objective is to enhance customer experience at Ford dealers and seek innovative ways to evolve sales and service offerings for the brand. Our Proud Ford Family “Ford is committed to serving their customers, and this group will help drive that forward,” said Wilson. “Treating our customers like family will help to strengthen our sales and service offerings and increase loyalty for the Ford brand. We are #BuiltFordProud.” Preston Ford, a Top 100 Ford Dealer for the last 10 years, is one of eight total Ford rooftops under PAG, including Pittsville Ford on Route 50 just outside Salisbury, which also boasts a Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center. Wilson became a first-generation dealer at age 22 when he founded PAG and the original Preston Ford location in Preston. “PAG is a family business that I am proud to say my family heavily participates in, and we also feel like every PAG associate is part of our family,” said Wilson. “The opportunity to serve as Chair of the Ford Dealer Council is a testament to their hard work, as well.” Caring for Our Community The familiar Preston emblem can be seen on cars throughout the Shore. PAG customers proudly display the monthly Preston Frog given in honor of that month’s charitable organization with the purchase of any vehicle. These organizations include causes such as Breast Cancer Awareness, American Heart Association, Save the Bay, and programs to provide lunch to local school children. The charitable work is done through the Wilson Family Community Foundation, which Wilson launched in 2019 with his wife, Peggy Wilson. The Wilson Family Foundation has made significant contributions to the communities that they proudly serve. CONTACT US

The Preston Automotive Group wants to make sure that our clients always get the service they need for any upcoming season. Fall brings beautiful scenery; leaves falling and the weather cooling down to a comfortable temperature. However, keep in mind that this lovely fall weather can cause some issues for your vehicle if it is not properly maintained. We have listed out some of the aspects of your vehicle that you may want to check out before the fall season really gets into full swing. Windshield Wipers - Spring and winter aren’t the only times for intense weather, as autumn also commonly entails late-night thunderstorms and even sometimes snow as you round the season out. A windshield that is dirty could lead to eye fatigue and even safety problems if the issue persists. Make sure that your windshield wipers have blades that are working correctly and replace them if you find any problems or missed spots. You should also make sure that you have enough windshield wiper fluid to keep your windshield completely clean. Oil - You probably spent much of this past summer on the road, whether it be heading down to the beach for some fun during the day or taking that long road trip that your family has been craving all year. Either way, you’ve probably accrued some mileage on your car, truck or SUV. Make sure that you check your vehicle’s handbook to see how often you should be changing your oil. Having fresh oil can prevent engine problems and keep your fuel economy at the optimal rate. If you need your oil and/or filter changed, then come into one of the Preston Automotive Group’s service areas and get your vehicle back to peak performance. Cooling/Antifreeze Systems - Even though fall is here, the summer heat may not be completely gone quite yet. Make sure your engine makes it through these last few hot weeks by ensuring that the cooling system has been flushed out and filled back up with coolant that is both factory approved and the right amount. Bring your vehicle into one of the Preston Automotive Group service stations and get your coolant levels checked and refilled, if needed. We can also make sure that your levels of antifreeze are where they should be, so your engine continues to perform how it should as we get closer to winter. So bring your vehicle into a Preston Automotive service department today and get it ready for the fall season under the hood.

Our staff at the Preston Automotive Group knows that you are busy enjoying the dog days of summer with your loved ones. However, we want to remind our customers how crucial it is to keep your Ford maintained on a regular basis. Your Ford is one of the most important tools in your life and like all machines, it needs to be serviced so it can keep taking you on all of your adventures. You never want to encounter any issues while you are out cruising on the road, so be sure to make a service appointment at Preston Ford, Pittsville Ford, Rtown Ford, Boulevard Ford of Lewes, Boulevard Ford of Georgetown and Denton Ford before you leave on a summer road trip. Our expert service departments at our Ford dealerships are standing by to thoroughly inspect your Ford. You will find our experienced and factory-trained service technicians waiting to fix whatever problems you have, take your Ford for a test drive to see how it is performing and ensure that nothing else will come up before returning your Ford F-150 or Ford Fusion to you. It is our goal to give our clients the complete peace of mind that they need to hit the road because we want them to enjoy every minute that they drive. You already are dealing with plenty in your busy life, so leave your Ford in the dedicated hands of the service department at our Ford dealerships. If you are a do it yourself type and like to work on your vehicle then before you take your Ford to one of our Ford dealerships, there are different things you can do to keep your Ford running at peak performance. You should check that your fluid levels are good to go by looking over your dipstick and studying where the placement on the fill line is located. After lifting up the hood of your Ford Escape or Ford Explorer, be sure to see if your belts or hoses have deteriorated and how your engine is looking, along with how it is running. Due to the fact that your tires are one of the most used components of your Ford, do not forget to inspect their status. If you notice that the tread is worn down, it might be time to replace them. Look over your spark plugs carefully, because their condition is directly related to your fuel economy. You also want to make sure your battery is fully charged and ready to power your systems. Here at the Preston Automotive Group, we are here to keep your Ford operating at its maximum capacity. You deserve to fully enjoy the rest of your summer, so schedule your maintenance appointment at one of our Ford dealerships today!

Saturday, July 23rd marks the grand opening of Frog Express, a new improvement to the Preston Ford service department. Now with no appointment necessary to visit our service department, Frog Express grants customers more convenience than ever. Applying to only Ford Light Duty cars and trucks, Frog Express will get the job done when you want it done, without having to call ahead. Transits and Super Duties do not apply for this program, but all Ford Light Duty vehicles apply. A number of services are available via Frog Express of the Preston Ford service department. The services include oil changes, tire rotations, battery checks, a 27-point inspection, wiper blades, cabin air, and air filter. With a $10 mail-in rebate, “The Works” are available for $29.95. This includes a synthetic blend oil change, brake inspection, fluid top-off and battery test. The Works also includes a check of the belts and hoses, a filter check, a multi-point inspection, plus a tire rotation and pressure check. During the week, Frog Express will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. With this new feature, the Preston Ford service department hopes to expand the appeal of our services to a wider audience, those that may not want to schedule their appointments ahead of time, a market that was formerly untapped before the days of Frog Express. We hope the customers of the service department enjoy this improvement and continue to make the Preston Ford Service Department the top Ford service department in Maryland.

Preston Automotive Group is elated to be pairing with the American Cancer Society to help make strides against breast cancer. Preston cares, and so does the American Cancer Society, as their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign serves as a celebration of survivorship and an expression of hope going forward for patients and caregivers. Aid us, and the millions of volunteers nationwide, in raising funds for breast cancer research, life-saving education, and essential patient services for those suffering from the illness. Here at Preston Automotive Group, we love to serve our community and we would love for you to help. The Real Men Wear Pink program exists to spread awareness about the dangers of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Local businesses are proud to support the American Cancer Society in their fight to make strides against breast cancer. We all know someone who has been impacted by cancer, so do your part and help the Preston Automotive Group and the American Cancer Society spread awareness about early detection and raise funds for cancer research. Donate now: https://www.gofundme.com/PAGPINK

Good news! We are back open after Winter Storm Jonas!  We apologize for the inconvenience, but it was necessary to keep the safety of our employees and customers as a top priority.  Come visit us today and shop great new year deals!  Our awesome associates are standing by to assist you with buying a new vehicle or to answer any questions you may have.  Thinking about trading in your 2WD vehicle for an AWD or 4X4?  We'll help you find the one that's right for you! Our auto body shops are also open for business and ready to serve you.  We offer many helpful services to make life easier for our customers: 24 hour towing—1-888-TOW-FROG Precise Unibody and Frame straightening Repairing & Refinishing, from minor dings to major collisions, no matter what make, model, or year the vehicle is Computerized mixing of paints, to insure that customers get the manufacturer color We have three locations ready to help you: Preston AutoBody - 410-673-7100 Cambridge AutoBody - 410-228-3764 Snow Hill AutoBody - 410-632-2044 Although the storm may be over, we urge you to continue to use caution when driving.  Ice on the roads may not be visible.  Stay alert and remember, if you find yourself in need of emergency assistance call toll-free 1-888-TOW-FROG.  We're here to help!

Governor Hogan Declares the State of Emergengy in Anticipation of Winter Storm Jonas With the impending arrival of significant snowfall, Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan, has officially declared a state of emergency effective January 22 through Saturday, January 23. The state of emergency came in advance of this major snowstorm (Winter Storm Jonas) that has been forecasted to hit the Mid-Atlantic region this weekend. Heavy snowfall is predicted to arrive over the weekend to Philadelphia and maybe further north. Governors in North Carolina and Virginia and they mayor of the District of Columbia have also declared emergencies. The National Weather Service said Wednesday that 12 to 16 inches of snow could come down between Friday night and Sunday morning. More than 50 million people could be affected by the “potentially paralyzing storm”, National Weather Service Director Louis Uccellini said on a call with reporters on Thursday evening. Know the Difference: Winter Storm Outlook - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days. Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening. Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions. Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately. What does a “State of Emergency” mean? States of emergencies have been declared to allow officials to coordinate and request emergency resources and support. A state of emergency also allows the Governor to access certain resources, like the National Guard, to increase the State’s response. When a state of emergency is declared it's a good indicator that residents should remain alert and follow official orders, news stations, and weather forecasts to be informed of the situation If you are stuck and need to get your vehicle out of a snowy situation please contact our 24-Hour towing service by calling 1-888-TOWFROG.

Car accidents are unfortunate, but are seemingly experienced by everyone at some point in life no matter how careful of a driver you are. That’s because while you are being careful there is bound to be someone else out there who is not paying attention to the road. So, we’ve put together a list of steps to remember if you ever get in an accident. First, you should check for injuries. If you are not sure, then call 911 for an ambulance just to be on the safe side. Don’t move anyone who might have a neck or spine injury. And if you are forced to stay in your car as a result of an injury then keep your seatbelt on because another car may not see your car if it is stuck in the roadway and cause further damage to you and the car. Once you have determined that there are no serious injuries and if it is safe to do so take pictures of the accident scene from several different angles. These will come in handy if you end up having to go to court to prove you're not at fault. As soon as possible, though, you’re going to want to move your vehicle from the roadway. This is to prevent further damage to your car, other driver’s cars and roadway backups. Bottom line, if there is a shoulder area, parking lot or other safe spot in which you can pull over, then do so. Whether you can or cannot move your vehicle to safety, you should turn your hazard lights on. We know that the normal person may not carry around flares or cones in their car but if you do have them then they are a good idea to use in order to warn other drivers of what is ahead. Unless it is just a very minor accident, the police should be called. Insurance companies like to see police reports when they are trying to piece together each drivers account of the incident. You also should be getting the following information from all other involved drivers: names, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance information, and the year, make, model and color of their vehicle(s). Even if you think it isn’t necessary, you should also get contact information of any witnesses to the accident. The insurance company won’t take testimony from anyone that was inside either of the cars involved in the collision. And plenty of drivers have gotten screwed over because they had no witnesses to prove it wasn’t their fault. So, #1 take away from all this: get contact info from witnesses if there are any. One of the final steps is to report the accident to your insurance company. The faster your create a claim the faster it can get resolved. If there is body damage that you wish to have fixed, whether it will be covered or not, one of our three Preston Auto Group Body Shops will work with you or your insurance company to get you a quick estimate and get you back out on the road as soon as possible. You can even get an estimate without bringing your car into our shop by using your smartphone. We have an app that can be used on desktop or mobile where you can upload pictures of the damage and get an estimate back right over the phone! Check out our Ribbit Quick Estimate App by clicking the link! Hopefully you are never involved in an auto accident, but if you are and you remember all of these steps, then you should be able to handle it quickly and efficiently without any hassle.

Paint the Plex Pink will be held on October 17 th and it is all about raising Awareness for Breast Cancer. As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so Preston Automotive is gearing up for a fun month and exciting day. Our sales consultants are wearing pink all month, so we encourage those of you coming to the event to do the same! The Paint the Plex Pink event will feature good food, kid’s activities, games, music, a special appearance by the Preston Frog, and of course the Preston “Drive to Inspire” Pink F-250 Truck. You will be able sign the truck to show your support for Breast Cancer Research. This event will only be going on between 1 and 4pm on Saturday the 17th, so if you’re going to be home with the kids, make sure you come out for this FREE event! Two years ago we had a fantastic turn out and we hope to replicate that this year. Some of the guys shaved their heads to show they were United for a Cure with those who had lost their hair due to the chemotherapy treatments associated with breast cancer. You certainly don’t have to do something that extreme, but just coming out for an hour or two will show just how much you care about this horrible disease - breast cancer. We look forward to seeing you at Paint the Plex Pink 2015!

If you’re excited about the 2016 Ford GT, then hold on to your seat because we just received news about the ordering process! The application process will begin in early 2016. Specific details about the process will be released closer to that date, but Raj Nair, Ford’s Global Director of Product Development, has said that anyone will be able to apply. They will however give priority to loyal Ford customers including current Ford GT owners. If you are one of those people that are in the market for one of the 2016 Ford GT’s, know these facts: They will be priced to compete with exotic sports cars including Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren. They will be producing them in Markham, Ontario, and will only be able to churn out about 250 per year. So yeah, this supercar is going to be super exclusive. You will be able to purchase the 2016 GT from any Ford GT Certified Dealership of your choice. Preston Ford of Maryland and Delaware will certainly be one of the few Ford GT Certified Dealers in the country. So, when it comes time to purchase, make sure you choose Preston Automotive Group. Since this car will be made with limited-production, high-cost materials, the service centers at the GT Certified Dealerships will also have to be specially certified. No need to worry about that either; we can assure you that our Service Department will be 100% GT Certified. The certification will allow us to work on all parts of the unique, mid-engined car including the carbon fiber body panels and passenger cell. This supercar will boast a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine outputting over 600 horsepower. Subscribe to our blog as well as our social media pages for more updates on the 2016 Ford GT. Hopefully you are just as excited as we are!

If you follow our blog, then you already know that April has been deemed Car Care Awareness Month.  As Spring turns into Summer you’re going to want to have your vehicle’s maintenance in tip top shape.  So, we, along with carcare.org, have put together a list of regular maintenance items that you should be checking and how often. There are a handful of things that you should be checking regularly — before any longer trip of 50 miles or more and every now and then in between — just to be safe.  You’ll want to find out about any Dashboard Indicator Lights that are on.  This includes but is not limited to the check engine, low engine oil, low tire pressure, and door ajar lights.  You’ll also want to check out your actual lights.  That would be Headlights, Taillights, Turn Signals, etc.  Some of these are illegal to drive if they are burnt out. Tire Inflation and Condition is another thing that should be checked frequently.  We mentioned the tire inflation dashboard light but your tires may be low without the light being on — AND most older cars don’t even warn you.  If you are driving with under or over-inflated tires, that will cause them to wear unevenly.  It’s alway important to look for irregular wear on your tires, so that way you know what to do to fix it.  Whether it may be needing an alignment or simply putting some air in or taking some air out like we said before, and that it is important to regularly check your tires.  Another thing you should be checking often would be Windshield Washer Fluid. It is important to be able to see while driving (obviously), so being able to clean your windshield off at a moments notice is imperative.  Make sure your washer fluid is somewhere close to the Full line.  One of the last things we recommend you check frequently is your Engine Oil Level. If we had to rank the most important components of a car, then the engine would be at the top because without an engine the car would not go.  That being said, the engine wouldn’t matter at all without oil, so if you think about it, that means engine oil is the most important component of a car.  And just because you got an oil change last month, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be checking the oil level several times before the next change.  You could have a slow leak, your oil cap could have been put back on loosely, or any number of other reasons, and then you may find yourself with a blown engine. Now that you know what to check on a regular basis — once twice a month — here are the maintenance items you should be checking (or getting someone to check) every 3 moths or 3,000 miles. 3 Months / 3,000 Mile Maintenance Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Dashboard Indicator Light On Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid You probably noticed that some of this was repeated from regular maintenance.  That is simply our way to stress that you keep on top of it at a minimum of every 3 months.  The following will be the maintenance that we recommend to have completed every 6 months or 6,000 miles. 6 Months / 6,000 Mile Maintenance Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Chassis Lubrication Dashboard Indicator Light On Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid Wiper Blades All these items are important, but the ones that should stick out to you are the fluids: the transmission fluid, engine oil, and power steering fluid.  These are all extremely important to making a car “go” and should be check at a minimum of every 6,000 miles.  The next set of maintenance recommendations are to be completed every 9 months or 9,000 miles. 9 Months / 9,000 Mile Maintenance Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Dashboard Indicator Light On Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid All of this is repeat checks, but that is only because the next big check should be coming every year or 12,000 miles.  Depending on your state regulations, this is usually when you will have a car inspection.  However, if you aren’t required to get an inspection every year, as it is in Maryland, then you should be doing these things on your own. 12 Months/ 12,000 mile Maintenance Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Brakes Cabin Air Filter Chassis Lubrication Dashboard Indicator Light On Coolant (Antifreeze) Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Steering and Suspension Tire Inflation and Condition Wheel Alignment Windshield Washer Fluid Wiper Blades Hopefully you are keeping up on your vehicles maintenance.  We can’t force you to keep your car up to date on it’s maintenance, but we can provide the information you need to do it yourself and we will certainly be there to help you if there’s something your can’t do yourself.  You can bring your vehicle into one of Preston Automotive Group’s several dealership service locations.  We will complete the maintenance and give you a complete rundown of what was completed.  It takes all the pressure off of you and you will have the peace of mind knowing that you are driving in a safe and maintained vehicle.