Ford Blue Advantage ยท Northwest Wisconsin
Buying a certified Ford for Wisconsin winters
Updated Oct 23, 2026
Part of the Ford Blue Advantage guide at Swant Graber Ford. Shop certified inventory.
Ford's Gold (172-point) and Blue (139-point) inspections both check frame damage, exhaust, brake lines, 4x4 hub and transfer case operation, battery, starter, tire tread depth and flood damage, which are the items road salt and cold hit hardest. Neither checklist says a vehicle is rust-free, so look underneath yourself and ask for the completed checklist.
Shop certified usedShop used FordsCall Ford 715-537-9500
Winter-critical items on Ford's checklists
| Winter concern | On Ford's checklist | Gold item | Blue item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame and underbody corrosion | Frame damage | 139 | 112 |
| Exhaust rot | Exhaust system condition | 141 | 114 |
| Brake lines in salt | Brake lines, hoses and fittings | 166 | 134 |
| 4WD in snow | 4x4 hub operation and transfer case | 145 | 118 |
| Cold starts | Battery; starter operation | 121; 119 | 94; 92 |
| Traction | Tire tread depth; normal tire wear | 150; 151 | 122; 123 |
| Remote start | Remote start system operation | 7 | 4 |
| Defrost and heat | Heating system; defog/defrost | 42; 43 | 26; 27 |
| Diesel cold starts | Diesel glow plug system | 123 | 96 |
| Flood history | No evidence of flood, fire, major or hail damage | 23 | 14 |
Item numbers from Ford's Gold and Blue checklists, retrieved Oct 23, 2026.
Check these yourself
- Look at rocker panels, wheel arches, cab corners and bed supports on trucks; surface rust is common, flaking or holes are not.
- Ask for the CARFAX report and where the vehicle was registered.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; open recalls are free to fix.
- Test 4WD engagement, heated seats, remote start and the block heater cord if equipped.
- Use the 14-day/1,000-mile window: if something shows up in the first cold snap, the Money Back Guarantee or warranty applies under Ford's terms.
Questions
Does the Ford certified inspection check for rust?
Ford's Gold and Blue checklists include frame damage, exhaust condition and brake lines, hoses and fittings, but neither says a vehicle is rust-free. Inspect the underbody yourself and ask for the completed checklist.
Does the Ford inspection check 4x4?
Yes. Both checklists include 4x4 hub operation and transfer case (Gold item 145, Blue item 118).
Related
- 172- and 139-point inspections, section by section
- Gold Certified explained
- Blue Certified explained
- How to use your coverage: claims, roadside, returns, transfer
Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-9500. Doc fee $127.50.
Sources
Program details current as of Oct 23, 2026. Ford may change terms; the vehicle's warranty documents control.
- Ford, Gold Certified Inspection (archived Sep 8, 2026), retrieved Oct 23, 2026
- Ford, Blue Certified Inspection (archived Oct 9, 2026), retrieved Oct 23, 2026
- Ford, Gold Certified 172-Point Inspection Checklist (PDF), retrieved Oct 23, 2026
- Ford, CARFAX Vehicle History Report (archived May 11, 2026), retrieved Oct 23, 2026
- NHTSA, Recalls lookup, retrieved Oct 23, 2026