4 Key Highlights of the 2024 Ford Explorer

Before you load up the family and head out on a New England road trip, take a closer look at your vehicle. Summer driving puts unique demands on your Ford, from coastal highways to mountain passes, and New England brings some of its own very unique challenges to vehicles. Skipping a pre-trip inspection could mean trouble down the road. Staying current with Ford service in Hamden, Connecticut, is one of the smartest things you can do before the season gets busy. more Check Your Cooling System First Summer heat isn’t just a threat to your patience—it’s one of the biggest threats to your engine. Your cooling system works overtime when temperatures climb, and a weak hose or low coolant level can quickly turn into an overheating situation. Have a technician inspect the coolant level, hoses, and radiator cap before any long drive. It’s simple and it’s one of the most important steps in summer car maintenance Connecticut drivers often overlook. Inspect Your Tires for Long-Distance Driving Tires are your only connection to the road, and they deserve close attention before a road trip. Do a penny test on the tread depth, and look for uneven wear, cracks along the sidewalls, or low pressure. Hot pavement increases tire pressure and can accelerate wear on already-thin tread. Proper inflation also improves handling and fuel efficiency on those long stretches through New Hampshire and Vermont. Test Your Battery and Electrical System Heat is actually harder on car batteries than cold weather. If your battery is more than 3 years old, it is a good idea to have it load-tested before your trip. A weak battery may start fine in your driveway but fail at a rest stop two states away. Your Ford service technician can test the battery, inspect the terminals, and check the alternator output in one visit. Review Your Brakes, Fluids, and Filters Brakes wear gradually, so they can be easy to ignore until something goes wrong. If you notice any pulling, grinding, or a soft pedal, it’s time for an inspection. Beyond brakes, make sure your brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid are all topped off. A clean engine air filter also helps your engine breathe properly during summer car maintenance Connecticut service visits. Don’t Forget Your Air Conditioning Goes without saying for most New Englanders, but it bears repeating. New England summers can turn brutally hot and humid quickly, and a failing air conditioning system can make a road trip genuinely miserable. If your A/C has been slow to cool or is making unusual sounds, have it checked before you leave. A technician can inspect the refrigerant level, compressor belt, and overall system performance to make sure everything is running as expected. Pre-Trip Ford Service Can Be Shockingly Easy in Hamden, CT It’s annoying to add another thing to your to-do list before a getaway, but taking the time to address these items before your trip can make the difference between you actually enjoying it or not. And you’ve got some cool options at your disposal to make service stress-free on you and your schedule. Ford Mobile Service lets a technician come right to your house or work for simple services like an oil change or batter replacement. If it turns out to be more work, Ford Pickup and Delivery lets a technician come and get your vehicle and bring it back when it’s ready. Using genuine Ford parts will make the service process easier and more convenient, too. Whether you’re taking off for the weekend or exploring New England further and longer, starting with a solid vehicle inspection is always the right call. Schedule your Ford service with Bob Thomas Ford in Hamden, CT, and head into summer with confidence.

Drivers across Connecticut have been rethinking what they actually need in a truck. Full-size pickups are capable machines, but they come with trade-offs—tighter parking, steeper fuel costs, and a footprint that can feel oversized for everyday driving in the city or doing weekend projects and tailgating. That shift in thinking is exactly why the Ford Maverick is drawing so much attention right now in Hamden, Connecticut, and why it’s earned titles like North American Truck of the Year ™ and MotorTrend’s 2026 Truck of the Year®. The compact pickup truck segment in Connecticut has grown steadily as buyers look for something more practical without giving up the utility of a truck bed. The Maverick fits that need in a way that feels purpose-built for real life. more A Truck That Fits Where You Actually Go One of the biggest reasons Connecticut drivers are making the switch is sheer size. The Maverick's dimensions are perfect for maneuvering through tight downtown streets, fits comfortably in standard parking spaces, takes on bumper-to-bumper traffic, and handles suburban driveways without the stress that comes with larger trucks. That city-friendly size does not mean a compromise on capability. The Maverick still delivers an open bed for hauling gear, a towing capacity that handles trailers and small boats, and a standard all-wheel-drive option for handling Connecticut's unpredictable weather. For drivers who want truck utility without truck-sized headaches, the Maverick delivers. Utility That Defies its Size It’s all about smart design. Maximizing space in a way that doesn’t feel stuffed in. The 2026 Maverick’s 4.5-ft. FLEXBED® provides 33.3 cu. ft. of total volume and offers a bed-extender accessory if you need it. The load-in height with the Multi-Position Tailgate down is about as high as a kitchen counter, so loading up to 1,500 lbs. isn’t back-breaking. This bed can handle stuff like a riding lawn mower or 16 bags of mulch, while smart additions like a couple of pre-wired outlets and Pro Power Onboard™ makes it a mobile generator when you need it. This truck can tow up to 4,000 lbs., and helps you with tech like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™, because size doesn’t mean compromise when it comes to the Maverick. Technology Built for Everyday Driving Beyond towing tech, the Maverick gives you extensive safety and connectivity features.  Available Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist features like Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage and Intersection Assist, which uses radar to detect oncoming vehicles when you’re making a left turn, lets you relax a little mentally. Other features like Automatic Emergency Braking instill confidence for navigating the kind of traffic you deal with in Hamden, CT on a daily basis. The 2026 Ford Maverick upgrades with a massive 13.2” SYNC® 4 touchscreen and standard 5G wireless connectivity across all trims. The Ford Connectivity Package adds a Wi-Fi® hotspot, connected navigation, streaming, and voice assistance—features that make the daily commute or weekend trip more connected and convenient. You can even do karaoke when parked—and paired with those tie-downs that double as bottle openers, your tailgating is on a new level. These aren’t extras reserved for luxury vehicles. Ford has made this kind of technology accessible in a practical, affordable package. The Ownership Experience Matters Too Choosing the Ford Maverick also connects you to a broader ownership experience. Ford Mobile Service allows technicians to handle many routine maintenance tasks at your home or workplace. Ford Pickup and Delivery means your vehicle can be serviced without disrupting your schedule. And the Ford Rewards program lets you earn points on service, parts, and accessories over time. For Connecticut drivers who value both the truck and the long-term relationship with their vehicle, these programs add real, practical value. Visit Bob Thomas Ford in Hamden, CT If you have been thinking about making the switch to a smaller pickup, the Ford Maverick in Hamden, CT is a no-brainer. The combination of award-winning design, real truck capability, and smart technology makes it one of the most well-rounded compact pickup trucks available in Connecticut today. Stop by Bob Thomas Ford to explore current inventory and find the trim that fits your life.

The 2026 Ford Maverick is the compact truck for Connecticut drivers. With its city-friendly size and impressive versatility, it’s no surprise that this boasts titles like Motor Tren d’s Truck of the Year™. From the tight streets of Hamden, Connecticut, to weekend tailgating and projects, or off-roading, the Maverick enhances every aspect of your journey with style and capability. more Versatility and Innovation in Every Detail The 2026 Ford Maverick is more than just a compact truck: it’s a gamechanger for Hamden drivers. Its innovative design includes a standard 2.5L Hybrid engine, offering an outstanding 42 MPG in the city without compromising performance. If you crave excitement, the available turbocharged engine delivers 250 hp and 280 lbs.-ft. of torque—a lot of muscle for a truck this size. With the capability to tow up to 4,000 lbs. and the Maverick’s FLEXBED™ system adding another layer of versatility with customizable storage solutions, it’s perfect for work, play, or anything in between. We Still Love Technology The 2026 Ford Maverick isn’t just about utility—it’s packed with advanced technology to enhance your driving experience. A 13.2” center touchscreen houses the SYNC® 4 infotainment system, and the Maverick got a serious entertainment upgrade this year with the available Ford Connectivity Package. You’ll have unlimited Wi-Fi® for up to 10 devices, a complimentary data trial, connected navigation, and enhanced voice recognition. This system lets you stream YouTube or even do karaoke when parked. Top that off with bed tie-downs that double as bottle openers and your weekend just became more fun. Why the 2026 Ford Maverick Stands Out What sets the 2026 Ford Maverick apart from other vehicles in its class is its ability to balance practicality with modern design. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver through urban areas like downtown Hamden, while still offering enough space for passengers and cargo. The stylish Maverick offers several trim levels and customization options, including unique wheel designs and premium interior materials. The rugged Tremor® trim boasts an advanced twin-clutch rear-drive unit, off-road suspension, and more trailblazing enhancements, while the luxurious Lariat® indulges you with a premium sound system, unique ActiveX® seating and safety features like a 360-degree camera. Whether you’re looking for a rugged workhorse or a stylish daily driver, the Maverick delivers on all fronts. Experience the 2026 Ford Maverick in Hamden, CT Ready to see what makes the 2026 Ford Maverick the perfect compact truck for Connecticut drivers? At Bob Thomas Ford in Hamden, Connecticut, we’re here to help you explore everything this innovative vehicle has to offer. From its hybrid efficiency to its cutting-edge technology, the Maverick is built to exceed your expectations.