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Spring has finally arrived in Michigan, which means the 2023 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon is just around the corner! The 2023 race is planned for Sunday, April 23 at 7:30 a.m., and Zeigler Auto Group—including Zeigler Ford—is excited to support this year’s event. Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Marathon. more Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon Dates & Events As the name suggests, the marathon begins in downtown Kalamazoo, MI on Sunday, April 23. This is the first time in three years that the full marathon has been included in the line-up of events, and over the weekend downtown Kalamazoo will host a variety of races. Sunday’s events include a Half-Marathon, 10k Run, and 5k Walk & Run. There are also events on Thursday April 20 and Saturday April 22. Thursday features the PNC Kids’ 1K Packet Pick-Up at the Gazelle Sports in downtown Kalamazoo. On Saturday the PNC Kids’ 1K and Ascension Borgess Health Expo & Packet Pick-Up take place in downtown Kalamazoo. You can view the full schedule of events here. Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon Finally Returns The big story of this year’s event is the return of the full marathon. For the last few years some events have been held virtually. The marathon is finally returning after most other events started back up in 2022. If your serious about running the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon is an even more important race. The marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, giving racers an opportunity to compete in next year’s event. Get a full breakdown of the marathon, course maps, and details on other events on the official website.

If you are looking for a mid-size pickup with impressive capability, you want to check out the 2023 Ford Ranger. The Ranger has excellent fuel economy, good acceleration, and plenty of passenger space in its interior. You can order the Ranger as a two-door truck with a six-foot bed or a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed. Read on to learn more about why drivers love the '23 Ranger. more Introducing the 2023 Ford Ranger Ford has added a new Splash Jungle Edition package to the '23 Ranger lineup for the Lariat SuperCrew model. The Splash Jungle Edition package focuses mainly on appearance giving the truck a new Eruption Green Metallic exterior paint color and a new black mesh grille. Additionally, Ford has added the new Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat to its available paint scheme options. Power and Performance The '23 Ford Ranger is powered by a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine that pumps out 270 horsepower and an impressive 310 lb-ft of maximum torque. This truck has impressive speed and agility, especially when you are looking to crawl around rugged trails over the weekend. Rear-wheel drive models of the Ranger feature 8.4 inches of clearance, while four-wheel drive models have 8.9 inches of ground clearance. Towing Capacity The '23 Ford Ranger has impressive towing capabilities. This mid-size pickup truck can haul up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. This truck has a high-strength steel frame and solid rear axle that ensure your truck can hold up under tremendous pressure. The '23 Ford Ranger also features trailer sway control which works automatically to slow the vehicle down when it senses the trailer movement. Work Hard, Play Hard The available FX4 and Tremor Off-Road Packages offer extra protection to your '23 Ford Rangers undercarriage with exposed steel skid plates. These plates are optimally placed to protect your engine, transmission, gas tank, and other vital components so that you can play and work hard. The '23 Ford Ranger also has independent front suspension. The double A-arm front suspension system has nitrogen-pressurized shocks that work to keep you comfortable. The system helps you stay in control even over the most challenging terrain. Ford Trail Control The '23 Ford Ranger comes with Ford Trail Control. This incredible system lets you set your preferred speed while on trails and in off-road situations. The system will adjust your braking and acceleration to maintain that speed. Allowing you to focus on the trail ahead and not where your feet are. If you want a powerful mid-size pickup truck with excellent tech and convenience features, check out the '23 Ford Ranger. Stop by Zeigler Plainwell Ford and ask us about our Ford trucks, including the Ranger, Maverick, and F-150, today.

The 2023 Ford Bronco is an excellent SUV that is ready to hit the trails on the weekend and haul the family around during the week. This SUV is available in a two-door and four-door body style and features plenty of powertrain options so you can get the right Bronco for your needs. Read on to learn more about the 2023 Bronco and its incredible features. more Meet the 2023 Ford Bronco The 2023 Bronco base model hits the streets with a snappy 2.3L four-cylinder engine that pumps out 300 horsepower. However, if you are looking for more trail climbing prowess, opt for the more powerful 2.7L twin-turbo V6 powertrain. This V6 delivers an impressive 330 horsepower. Both of these powertrains are matched to a silky 10-speed automatic transmission with the option for a 7-speed manual with the 2.3L powertrain. Changes for 2023 Ford has made a number of changes to the 2023 Bronco this year, and the biggest is the introduction of the 1960s-inspired Bronco Heritage Edition. This special edition is based on the Big Bend trim and is equipped with the Sasquatch package. The Heritage Edition features the 2.3L four-cylinder engine and includes the option for either the 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. The exterior of this model is a throwback to the Ford Bronco of the past. This SUV looks incredible with its signature white grille and roof. The 2023 Bronco Heritage Edition is powerful with plenty of trail-ready features and looks stunning on the street. Interior If you could describe the 2023 Bronco with one word, it would be customizable. This 4X4 has plenty of options for you to choose from, including two and four-door body styles, soft tops, hard tops, removable body panels, and more. Additionally, you can select the available rubberized flooring and marine-grade vinyl upholstery for easy cleaning. The built-in rack on top of your dash inside this SUV is the perfect place to stash your smartphones, keys, and GoPro cameras. If you aren't interested in the easy clean marine-grade vinyl upholstery, upgrade to the available leather upholstery. The leather looks, feels, and even smells incredible, letting you enjoy that "new car" smell for much longer. Towing The 2023 Ford Bronco has incredible off-road capabilities with an equally impressive towing capacity. When equipped correctly, this adaptable 4X4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is excellent for hauling your camping gear, dirt bikes, or snowmobiles out for a weekend of fun. If you are looking for an exceptional trail-ready SUV that doubles as an excellent daily driver, you need to check out the 2023 Ford Bronco. Swing by Zeigler Ford Plainwell and check out our new and used inventory, including our commercial and electric vehicles, today. Image courtesy of Ford.com

Take a drive in Ford Ecosport, Edge, or Explore and visit the best museums around Plainwell, MI for fascinating glimpses into the past through vast collections of artifacts and captivating exhibits. See nearly 400 vintage American automobiles and 40 airplanes, explore the wonders of science, and discover the universe. more 1. The Gilmore Car Museum The Gilmore Car Museum preserves the history of the American automobile through a vast collection of 1,500 artifacts. There are nearly 400 automobiles on display, the oldest being an 1899 Locomobile Steam Car. The museum boasts the Model A Ford Museum, the world's largest museum dedicated to the trusty Model A, and the country's most extensive collection of automotive mascots and name badges. Visit the 1928 Model A Ford dealership, a recreated 1930s Shell gas station, and an 1890s train depot, and enjoy a delicious meal at the authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner or at the Heritage Cafe in winter. Address and Hours The Gilmore Car Museum is a 16.7-mile drive from Plainwell at 6865 West Hickory Road in Hickory Corners. The museum is open daily from December to March between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., from April to November, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum Go on a family adventure to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum to see the collection of 55,000 artifacts, including a real Egyptian Mummy, explore the universe and dive to the bottom of the Great Lakes at the planetarium, and explore the natural wonders of the living Rain Garden. At the Innovation Gallery, kids can look inside the human body and build a racecar, and at the Children's Landscape, preschoolers can go on a self-guided, hands-on journey to learn more about the world around them. Address and Hours Kalamazoo Valley Museum is at 230 North Rose Street in Kalamazoo, 15 miles from Plainwell. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 3. The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum The internationally renowned Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum is packed with multifaceted exhibition experiences, from STEM-related hands-on stations and multi-sensory interactives to the Apollo 11 moon landing and joining scientists searching for alien life. The museum covers flight innovation from the 1700s and displays over 40 aircraft from the Golden Age of Aviation, WWII-era aircraft, and civilian and home-built planes. The exciting indoor airborne amusement park-style rides include state-of-the-art flight simulators and a heart-pounding two-story drop. Address and Hours The museum's Flight Innovation Center is at 6151 Portage Road, and the Flight Discovery Center is at 3101 East Milham Road in Portage, 20.5 miles from Plainwell. Both centers are open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy the informative and visual exploration at these fantastic museums filled with cultural, artistic, historical, and scientific artifacts. While you're out and about looking at riveting exhibits, stop at Zeigler Ford Plainwell to take a closer look at the new 2023 Ford models on display.

The Ford Maverick is a new addition to the Ford truck line-up, and its 2023 model delivers an updated impression of the new truck. Let’s take a look at some of the best features available on the new Maverick. more The Tremor Package Off-roaders can take advantage of the Tremor package, which upgrades the Maverick to tackle even the most difficult terrain. Specifically, the Maverick Tremor Off-Road Package includes suspension upgrades, advanced all-wheel drive, Trial Control, and a 1-inch lift. It’s a great suite of upgrades that further elevates the Maverick—literally—alongside a number of design changes that make the Maverick Tremor truly stand out. 4K Tow Package When you absolutely need the most towing power, the 4K Tow Package is a must-have. With the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine an the 4K tow package, the 2023 Ford Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds and easily haul your boat or camper along on a weekend trip. Whether you’re headed up north during a holiday weekend, driving out to Lake Michigan, you’ll appreciate the extra towing power. Ford Co-Pilot360 The available Ford Co-Pilot360 features suite includes a wide range of tools to make driving safer and easier. Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, automatic on/off headlights, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control help make your drive even more convenient and effortless. The 2023 Ford Maverick can be customized to your needs, and delivers fantastic baseline performance. Take a moment to browse our inventory at Zeigler Ford in Plainwell, MI, and visit us for a test drive!

Regular services will ensure that your Ford is always in excellent condition. Your car manual lists the schedule for all the services for your car. At your For d dealership, we can perform the full range of maintenance necessary to keep your car working efficiently and effectively for years to come. These are a few of the services that we offer. more Brake Servicing Your brakes are your Ford's most important safety feature. They enable you to control your speed and stop at any time. Good brakes can make the difference between a near miss and a collision. Regular serving is the key to keeping your brakes in good condition, as it allows our technicians to carefully examine every part of your braking system. We automatically check and replace the brake pads, examine the calipers and rotors for signs of damage, and check the entire system for possible leaks. We test and replace your brake fluid, and we'll also examine the brake master cylinder and the brake fluid reservoir. When your brakes have been serviced by one of our Ford-trained technicians, you know they're in perfect condition. Battery Testing and Replacement The battery is one of the most important components in your car. It provides the electrical charge that cranks your engine to start your car. A car battery has a limited lifespan, and it will usually need to be replaced within five years. The cause of most battery failures is the breakdown of the chemicals inside the battery that prevent it from storing and supplying electricity. Our computerized battery tester can quickly test your battery and advise on any potential problems. For safety, it's advisable to test your battery when it's three years old and then once a year after that. This level of testing will ensure our battery always has sufficient power and won't suddenly fail. Wheel Alignment Service Correct wheel alignment is important for many reasons including reducing wear on your tires, preventing damage to the axles and maintaining fuel efficiency. When your car is new, its wheel alignment is perfect. As time passes, your wheel alignment can shift slightly. This shift won't be immediately noticeable but can become more pronounced. Any damage to your tires or wheels, for example bumping into a curb, can also affect your alignment. Our technicians can fix this problem easily, as we'll connect your car's wheels to our computerized alignment machine. The computer will assess your wheels and subtlely shift each one until your alignment is precisely balanced again. We have many other services available for your Ford. Call our service department today at Zeigler Ford Plainwell, and our Ford-trained technicians will take care of everything.

Whether you drive an automatic or manual shift, you need to take good care of your transmission. Without regular fluid flushing and inspections, gearbox problems quickly develop. Some driving habits and conditions also take a greater toll on transmissions than others. Let's take a look at four signs of trouble that should prompt you to visit your local Ford dealer right away for transmission repair. more Your Gears Are Grinding An early indication of gear problems is often pained grinding sounds when you shift. Here, something is causing the moving parts to struggle and scrape against each other. Most often, this stems from low transmission fluid, so check your fluid levels and also have a technician take a look. Your Gears Are Slipping Slipping gears is a worrying experience when you're out on the road. When gears are no longer working properly in tandem with each other, you might find your car shifting gears independently. You might also find your gears sticking and refusing to shift. Your engine might also start revving loudly whenever you try to change gears. Your Clutch Is Dragging Inadequate fluid, overheating, and other faults can cause a clutch to fail. The two sides of the clutch may stop engaging or disengaging as they should. When a clutch refuses to disengage properly, this is called clutch drag. It will cause a great deal of noise and sudden jolting in your car when you try to shift gears. Your Fluid Is Leaking With insufficient fluid, your gearbox won't have enough lubrication to keep everything working smoothly. It will also overheat rapidly. A fluid leak will drain away the fluid and cause these problems to develop in no time. Never ignore any reddish liquid puddling under your car, which might point to a transmission fluid leak. Severe Driving Habits and Conditions Some driving conditions put much more strain on a transmission than usual. These conditions include prolonged periods of idling and regular short trips that don't give the transmission time to warm up properly. Driving over rough, dusty terrain also takes its toll on a gearbox. As does driving in excessively hot or cold environments. If your car undergoes any of these severe conditions, you may need more frequent inspections at your local dealership to compensate. The recommended servicing interval for transmissions is usually every 30,000 miles for manual shifts and every 60,000 miles for automatic shifts. But severe driving conditions require you to have more frequent visits than this. How a Ford Dealer Inspects Your Transmission Firstly, a technician needs to diagnose the problem. They'll use a diagnostic tool to interface with your car's onboard computers to gather useful data about your gearbox performance. They'll then carry out a long list of manual checks and tests, including searching for leaks and corrosion, measuring upshift and downshift timing, testing performance in neutral and reverse, and many more. Any faults they find, they'll quickly repair. Have your transmission inspected today at Zeigler Ford of Plainwell. We have one of the region's largest vehicle inventories and courteous, helpful staff.

Who doesn't love a good pizza? The aroma of melted cheese and tangy tomato sauce wafting out of a warm, freshly-baked crust is enough to make anyone's mouth water. If you're looking for the best pizza in driving distance of Plainwell, MI, then you're in luck. Grab your keys and head out on a pizza-eating adventure to find the best slice in the area! more Joe's Pizza & Sports Bar Joe's Pizza & Sports Bar is truly a Plainwell pizza landmark. This classic, family-owned pizza joint has been serving up delicious, hand-tossed pizzas for over 30 years. You'll find classic pizza toppings like pepperoni and extra cheese, as well as specialty pizzas like the BBQ chicken and shrimp scampi. Their pizzas are served up on a crisp, flavorful crust that's baked in a brick oven for a truly authentic pizza experience. When you're looking for a Plainwell pizza joint that's been serving up delicious pies for decades, you can't go wrong with Joe's Pizza & Sports Bar. It is located at 127 E Bridge St, Plainwell. BC Pizza Plainwell BC Pizza is a Plainwell favorite. Serving up fresh, authentic, New York-style pizza since 2000, this local pizza joint continues to serve up quality pies that keep customers coming back. Their New York-style pizza has a wonderfully crisp, thin crust that's baked in a coal-fired brick oven. They're also known for their delicious calzones, pizza rolls, and strombolis. BC Pizza is also proud to be a gluten-free friendly restaurant. You can create your own pizza masterpiece or try one of their signature pizzas, like the Veggie, the BBQ Chicken, or the Supreme. Located at 396 Oaks Crossing, BC Pizza is a Plainwell pizza joint that you'll want to visit again and again. Salvinos Located at 1290 M-89, Plainwell, Salvinos is an authentic Italian pizza joint that features 10-inch, hand-tossed New York-style pizzas with a crisp, flavorful crust. When you're craving pizza but want more than just a slice, Salvinos also serves up hot and tasty strombolis and calzones. They have a full menu of Italian-inspired sandwiches, like Italian hoagies, hot Italian subs, and Italian roast beef. If you're looking for an Italian-inspired pizza joint that's fast, friendly, and fresh, Salvinos is the place for you. These pizza joints have been serving up delicious pies for years and are sure to please. Visit one of these great pizza spots when you're craving a slice of pie! Navigating the Plainwell in a new Ford Expedition with your family will be a pinnacle of comfort and convenience. Visit us at Zeigler Ford of Plainwell to check out our extensive new models, customized financing, and exceptional service!

When it comes to the highly competitive full-size pickup truck class, the Ford F-150 tops the sales charts year after year. This truck debuted in 1975 and has gone on to be the best-selling truck of all time. The 2023 Ford F150 continues the tradition of excellence with plenty of configuration options and excellent payload and towing capability. more Basics About the 2023 Ford F150 The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that is available in a whopping 8 trim levels: XL, XLT,  Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor, and Limited. Depending on the cab configuration, this truck can seat from two to six passengers. a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed is available with the regular cab or super cab models, while the 5.5-foot bed is only available with the SuperCrew cab. New Features New for the 2023 model year is the Raptor R, which combines the existing off-road capability of the Raptor model with a new supercharged V8 engine. A new Rattler package brings off-road features to the base XL model, including dual-exhaust, 18-inch wheels, an off-road suspension system, and hill descent control. This package brings excellent off-road abilities to the bottom of the lineup. Engine Options There are seven different engine options for the 2023 F-150, and all seven have an automatic ten-speed transmission and are available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The standard engine for the XL and XLT trim levels is a 3.3L V6. A 2.7L twin-turbo V6 becomes standard on the Lariat trim level, and a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine is standard for the Limited. Beginning with the XLT, a 3.5 L twin-turbo V6 is available. The King Ranch and Platinum trim levels come standard with a 5.0L V8, while the Raptor trim comes with an upgrade to a 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 High Output engine. Achieve maximum horsepower and torque with the 5.2L Supercharged V8, which is standard on the Raptor R. Towing and Payload Towing and payload capabilities vary with the wide range of engine options available, but the Ford F-150 claims best in class in both areas. It tows up to 14,000 pounds when equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine, and has a payload capacity of 3,325 pounds when outfitted with the 5.0L V8 engine that comes standard with the King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. The Ford F-150 is a classic best-selling truck, and it's easy to see why. With a wide variety of trim levels, body configurations, and engine options, there is a version of this truck for everyone. Whether you need a work truck, an off-roader, or a luxury vehicle, there is a Ford F-150 for you. Stop by Zeigler Ford today and test drive one to see for yourself.

Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn't mean you can't have a blast this winter! There's still plenty of fun to be had, even when it's cold. For those of you in the local area, here are five great winter activities that are all within driving distance of Plainwell, MI. more 1. Ice Skating at Millenium Park (Portage, MI) Wintertime is the perfect season for ice skating. It's great to do with friends or family and is a lot of fun. A short drive from Plainwell is Millenium Park in Portage. Millenium Park is home to an outdoor ice rink that's open from November through February. You'll find it at 280 Romence Road. After you've worked up an appetite on the ice, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the nearby cafes. 2. Downhill Skiing at Bittersweet Ski Resort (Otsego, MI) Downhill skiing is a winter activity that many people enjoy. It can be a great way to get fresh air and some exercise while also enjoying the winter scenery. Bittersweet Ski Resort is one of the Midwest's premier skiing and snowboarding destinations. Located at 600 River Road in Otsego, it's just a short drive from Plainwell. There's something here for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities. 3. Sledding at Charlton Park (Hastings, MI) Sledding is a winter activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to have some fun in the snow, especially when it is fresh. Check out Charlton Park, 2545 S. Charlton Park Road in Hastings, if you're looking for some sledding fun! The park has several hills that are perfect for sledding. 4. Go Ice Fishing on Gull Lake (Gull Lake, MI) Gull Lake is a great spot for ice fishing, and plenty of rental companies will hook you up with all the gear you need if you don't have your own. Just make sure you buy your fishing license in advance. The lake is located in a town called Gull Lake, MI, near Hickory Corners. 5. Take a Stroll Through Downtown Marshall (Marshall, MI) Downtown Marshall is always charming but especially festive during the holiday season. Travel down Michigan Avenue and do some shopping at local boutiques. Then stop in one of the cafes or restaurants for a bite to eat. On Christmas, they have a must-see holiday parade. There you have it! Five fun wintertime activities, all within driving distance from Plainwell. The only thing better than any of these hot cocoa-related activities is touring the winter landscape in your Ford Edge with heated seats and satellite radio. If you have a winter afternoon to spare, get out there and make the most of everything this winter season offers. While you're at it, swing by Zeigler Ford in Plainwell and test drive the new Ford Edge model. It'll keep your family safe on those snow-packed roads this winter.