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Archive for the ‘Car Accessories’ Category

Why wheel locks are important: A safety lesson from a dealership in Georgetown TX

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

As you might have heard over the weekend, 192 wheels and tires were stolen from 48 new cars at a Georgetown TX dealer. The theft is valued at a loss of $100,000 for the dealership and police have no information on potential suspects. You can read the news articles here and here.

Why would a group of people (we’re assuming it’s a group of people because the theft was too big for one person to do alone) steal the wheels and tires from 48 new cars? Well, we know there’s a big market for “cheap” wheels and the price of tires has risen dramatically with the increase of petroleum price. But the more important question is HOW did these people achieve this? And, if they were able to do this to 48 cars in a few hours without anyone noticing, how vulnerable am I that this could happen to me?

Although there’s no app for that, there is a solution: wheel locks. Wheel locks protect your wheels and tires from getting stolen. As you know, wheels don’t have alarm systems and they can’t be tracked – once they’re gone, there’s no way of recovering them. Wheel locks prevent this from happening by locking your wheels and tires in place and serving as a security sign (like security system signs on front yards). It also protects you from having to spend $600 on a new set of tires.

At Howdy Honda, we put wheel locks on every vehicle – we want to protect you from having to spend a significant amount of money on new tires and protect ourselves from being in a situation like the dealer in Georgetown. So while wheel locks might seem like added “stuff;” there is a real, useful and smart reason why we do it: safety. It’s much better to spend a little bit extra now, than have to unnecessarily spend 5x, 6x, 7x more on a new set of tires later.

And just like any other Honda accessory, the factory wheel locks are made with a superior quality alloy (which is better than what you’ll find in Pep Boys or any other automotive shop) and they are covered for 3-years/36k miles.

Honda factory wheel locks cost about $60 here at Howdy and you can stop by the dealership to buy them or order Honda parts online.

Tags: dealership georgetown tx, georgetown tx dealer, honda wheel locks, why wheel locks are important
Posted in Car Accessories, Honda Safety, Honda Vehicles, Howdy Honda News, Tips and Tricks | Comments Off

What you ought to know about replacing your Honda’s tires

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

Rarely will an accident require you to replace all four tires. Usually, only one or two tires will have to be replaced, if any at all.

When you have to replace a tire, especially when you’re not going to be replacing the full set, you have to make sure you are getting the exact replacement in order to ensure your vehicle handles properly. This means that you no only have to get the same manufacturer, size, and model, but most importantly, the same vehicle manufacturer’s part number. Using any new or used tire will cause a miss-match that will result in less than optimal performance.

Honda works very closely with several tire manufacturers to produce an original equipment (OE) tire that optimizes the handling characteristics of your specific Honda. To do this, OE tires are engineered differently with stiffer casing, reinforced sidewall and tread design tuned for better handling. OE Honda tires are specifically designed for noise reduction, optimal handling, fuel economy, weather adaptability, and tire life.

Howdy Honda is equipped to provide you with the proper replacement tires for your Honda in Austin TX, or the proper information for you to secure the correct tire.

Tags: honda tires, honda tires austin, tires for honda in austin tx
Posted in Car Accessories, Honda Efficiency, Honda Models, Honda Safety, Honda Vehicles, Service Department | Comments Off

7 Reasons why you should insist on Honda Genuine Parts for your Honda

Saturday, January 5th, 2013

Whenever you need to replace a part on your Honda, a Genuine Honda part is the best choice. No matter what anyone else tells you, Genuine Honda parts will give you peace of mind for the following reasons:

1. Fit: Before assembly, all body parts look similar. However, once installed you might see a noticeable difference in the way the part fits. Non-Honda Genuine parts can leave unpleasant gaps between body panels, a sure sign a repair was made which can reduce your car’s value. On the contrary, a gap that is too small can make body panels rub together compromising the paint and making it easier for rust spots to appear.

2. Finish: Generally, “finish” refers to the paint job. Genuine Honda parts are treated with a special primer process that helps fight corrosion and promotes pain adhesion for the best possible finish.

3. Design: Honda designs its parts, both those that come with the car originally and replacement parts, with safety in mind. Many of these parts come with crush zones that allow the part to bend and crumple like an accordion, absorbing the energy of an impact, rather than transferring it into the cabin (where you and your passengers are).

4. Quality: As you know, what makes a Honda is the quality and engineering that goes into each and every part and system – all working in harmony so that your vehicle provides you with exceptional performance, safety, durability and value.

5. Safety: In the event of an accident, a Honda that was repaired with Honda Genuine parts is more likely to provide the level of safety and security that Honda built into the car. Genuine parts are Honda-designed and factory built for your specific Honda so crush zones will be able to absorb the impact.

6. Structural Integrity: All body components of a vehicle contribute to its structural integrity. Even things like windshields and doors help keep the structural integrity in a collision or roll-over. Each Honda Genuine part is designed to deliver the structural performance characteristics necessary to provide a safe and efficient vehicle.

7. Resale Value: Honda vehicles are known for their high resale value. When you use Genuine Honda parts, you are helping your car look new and helping it maintain its high value when you trade-in or sell.

You can order and purchase Genuine Honda parts in Austin TX here, at Howdy Honda.

Tags: genuine honda parts austin tx, honda oem parts, honda parts austin, original honda parts
Posted in Car Accessories, Honda Safety, Honda Vehicles, Service Department | Comments Off

Christmas car decorations you will want

Monday, December 10th, 2012

The holidays are upon us once again. With that, usually, come boxes full of ornaments, lights, wreaths, figurines, and an endless supply of red/white/green/gold items. And while some people don’t jump for joy at the thought of spending hours decorating, others can’t wait for this time of year and make their house THE one to see in the neighborhood. Now, I ask myself – do these people also put this much emphasis on decorating their cars? I mean, why not, right? If they don’t, this Austin Texas Honda dealer has a few ideas on how to make their vehicles a little bit livelier during the holiday season. Here are some of our favorite car decorations:

Rudolph

Wreaths for the steering wheel

Christmas lights magnets

Antenna toppers

Santa in the backseat

Santa in the front bumper

Posted in Car Accessories | Comments Off

5 2013 Honda Accord accessories you will want

Saturday, November 10th, 2012

So you got a brand new 2013 Honda Accord and are loving it. Now it’s time to make it even better with these 5 must-have Accord accessories.

Back up sensors

Back up sensors

The next best thing to having eyes in the back of your head, Back-Up Sensors will have you slipping in and out of tight spots with ease.

- Color-matched to your vehicle
- Four sensors emit audible beeps that quicken as you approach objects

Fog Lights

Fog Lights

Fog Lights can add visibility crucial in navigating poor weather conditions, including rain and snow as well as dense fog.

- Precision optics provide a highly controlled light pattern to enhance visibility
- Special housing is resistant to water, impact, and corrosion
- Plug-in connectors mean no wire splicing or cutting which enhances reliability

Remote Engine Start System II

Remote enginge start

It’s all about comfort and convenience. With the Remote Engine Start System II you can start your car from up to 400 feet away, before going outside in the cold or heat.

- Integrates with your vehicle’s security and immobilizer systems to ensure protection
- Activates the Auto Climate Control to 72° regardless of last A/C settings
- The remote includes an LCD display that indicates vehicle and in-cabin temperature status
- Comes with pre-wired set-up for your specific model
- Lock/Unlock Door and Trunk Release
- Carries 3-year/36,000 mile warranty when installed at time of purchase

Caution: Never start your Honda in an enclosed area as this may cause carbon monoxide build-up. Not available for manual transmission vehicles.

Auto Day/Night Mirror with Compass

Auto Day-Night Mirror

A car is fast approaching from the rear. Headlights begin to blind you. No worries. The Auto Day/Night Mirror automatically darkens to reduce the glare. No hand adjustments necessary.

- Built-in compass makes using maps and following directions easier
- Reduced glare reduces night time eye strain
- Automatically adjust for all light conditions

Interior Illumination

Interior illumination

Interior Illumination provides an upscale and aesthetically pleasing touch to your interior with a soft glow of light in the driver and passenger foot wells.

- Blue LED soft light (Available in Red for Sport Trim)
- Integrates with interior lights
- Includes on/off feature

Tags: 2013 Accord Accessories, 2013 Honda Accord
Posted in Car Accessories, Honda Accord | Comments Off

Back row seat thefts are on the rise

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

There’s a new kind of vehicle theft trend going around. While many people worry about getting items they leave in their vehicle – or the vehicle itself – stolen, now there’s a new concern. All over the country, car owners are having their back row seats stolen.

You read the first paragraph right – thieves have figured out how to easily open vehicle rear gates as well as side doors to steal the back row of seats, especially in SUV’s. That fact, along with the high price that SUV seats demand has added to the new theft fad. SUV seats can cost up to $4,000 for replacement at a dealership.

Unfortunately, one of the states listed as having the most of these kinds of thefts is right here inTexas. With the amount of SUVs in the state, we can understand what makes this stat high here. Reports of the thefts have been reported on “Good Morning America” as well as “Fox & Friends.” A recent surveillance tape showed a third-seat theft taking place in about 40 seconds. With that kind of ease and the price that the seats bring to the thieves, it’s no wonder why these kinds of thefts are becoming popular.

InLos Angeles, police have encouraged people to engrave their vehicle’s VIN number under their seats. While this may seem extreme, it may be the only way to protect against this kind of theft right now, as well as a way for consumers to possibly get their seats back.

As a Honda dealer in Central Texas, we also recommend you get your back seat engraved with your VIN. As much as we like seeing you around here, we don’t think it’s necessary for you to have to spend a significant amount of your hard-earned money due to somebody else’s illegal actions.

Check out the AOL video of the surveillance camera:

Tags: honda dealer central texas
Posted in Car Accessories, Howdy Honda News, Tips and Tricks | Comments Off

15 Funny car costumes for Halloween

Saturday, October 20th, 2012

Halloween is one of my favorites times of year. There’s something about turning into someone/something else that’s exciting, fun and liberating. Plus, let’s not forget the candy. How is that not one of the best parts of Halloween?!

Anyways, in my search for the best Halloween costume, I came across a bunch of hilarious car owners who dressed up their cars for Halloween! I know there are a few cars in Austin that can be added to the following list, and I’m sure you’ve seen them around. Keep Austin weird, right?

Enjoy the following pictures, laugh out loud, and share (everyone deserves a good laugh)!

Tags: car costumes, halloween
Posted in Car Accessories | Comments Off

New Retrofit Kit can turn any car into a hybrid

Monday, August 13th, 2012

MTSU students have developed a way for every car to become a hybrid.

Hybrid vehicles are all the rage these days. While the hybrid system is generally available on newer cars, students from the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) have developed a way for nearly every car to be converted into a hybrid. The Plug-In Hybrid Retrofit Kit is estimated to cost approximately $3,000 if it were to be sold.

University Professor Charles Perry recently fitted the school’s technology to a 1995 Honda station wagon and showed off how the process works. Basically, an electric motor is added to the rear wheel of the car and linked to a battery system in the rear of the vehicle. The battery augments the actual engine drive system of the car to help the vehicle become much more efficient – improving fuel mileage 50-100%.

The system is designed for those that drive primarily in the city, as it does not provide the advantages at a high rate of speed. In city driving, though, the system can assist the vehicle greatly and provide outstanding fuel mileage. A big part of the system’s success is being fitted in unused space on the vehicle without interfering with the braking process.

For us, the hybrid process at MTSU shows the innovations that can be achieved in the vehicle industry, even by students. We’re not sure if the process will ever reach the mainstream, but we have some used Honda cars that we’d be interested to see it on.

Watch how the Plug-In Hybrid Retrofit Kit works:

Tags: plug-in hybrid retrofit kit
Posted in Car Accessories, Vehicle Efficiency | Comments Off

Honda Reveals New In-Car System: HondaLink

Thursday, July 19th, 2012

Yesterday, Honda finally revealed details about the long-awaited infotainment system: HondaLink.

What is HondaLink?

HondaLink is the brand new in-vehicle connectivity system developed by Honda, set to debut on the all-new 2013 Honda Accord.

How will it work?

Honda has partnered with Harman to utilize the Aha app to stream content into the HondaLink system. With this technology, HondaLink will connect you to cloud-based news, music, information and entertainment feeds using an audio-based interface to deliver the content. The audio will be streamed to the vehicle through USB (iOS) or Bluetooth connection (Android).

What can you expect?

A completely personalized experience. HondaLink lets you personalize content channels based on the music, news and social feeds that you use on your daily life. This means that the platform will give you access to a myriad of podcasts, Facebook/Twitter feeds (that will be read to you), music through Slacker, and listings from Yelp. While in your car you will be able to select the digital content through voice recognition, steering-wheel mounted controls, and in-dash audio system controls.

Why is it better than other infotainment systems in the market?

By using Aha for HondaLink, you will get a platform that updates regularly and is not tied to an aging automotive architecture. Many connected systems in other vehicle makes are embedded into the operating system in the car, which limits the upgrades the system will go through for future versions. Operating as a connectivity app, HondaLink not only offers the same services and an intuitive experience, but it also lets you preset your favorite digital content on your phone before you even step foot inside the vehicle.

“Honda’s strategy is about leveraging the cloud to bring a wealth of new information and services to Honda owners,” said Charles Koch, American Honda manager of new business development. “This is the next evolution of the connected car and the connected customer.”

Check out Honda’s new HondaLink video below.

Tags: 2013 Honda Accord, Honda Infotaiment system, HondaLink
Posted in Car Accessories, Honda Accord, Honda in the News, Honda Models, Honda Technology, Honda Vehicles, New Honda Cars | Comments Off

The 5 Accessories You Will Want On Your 2012 Honda CR-V

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

So you got a brand new 2012 Honda CR-V and are loving it. Now it’s time to make it even better with these 5 CR-V accessories:

Back-up Sensors

With the Back-Up Sensors, you’ll soon be zipping in and out of parking spots you may have previously passed up as too small. The four sensors emit audible beeps into the cabin while you back up, signaling objects as you approach them. Those beeps quicken as your vehicle gets closer to objects.

Back up SENSOR 2012 Honda CRV Accessories

Back-up Sensors

Auto Day/Night Mirror

The Auto Day/Night Mirror reduces the glare of bright headlights from the cars behind you. It automatically adjusts for all light conditions, and perfectly replaces the standard mirror.

Auto Day/Night Mirror

Roof Rails

The Roof Rails, along with the Cross Bars can securely haul items on top of your CR-V depending on your choice of roof attachment. Extruded aluminum and capron resin means long-lasting, sturdy construction.

Roof Rails

Cross Bars

The Cross Bars are designed to fit with the roof rails (above) and made to accommodate the Honda roof rail attachments for versatile use. And when you are living in Austin, there’s no shortage of items you can carry on the roof (bike, kayaks, etc.).

Cross Bars

Tent

A creative way to turn your Honda into a durable camping system:

- Tested to rigorous Honda specs.
- Includes handy carry bag with matching logo.
- 10 ft. x 10 ft. sleeps 6 people.
- 6 ft. x 6 ft. Rainfly extends usable area to the rear of the tent and provides additional rain protection for the entire tent roof.
- Great for tailgating at sporting events. Use it to provide shade and a bug-free environment at outdoor group/family functions.
- Full access to vehicle while inside tent.
- Extends usable space/sleeping space from tent into vehicle.
- Can detach from vehicle for day trips from the campsite/running errands.
- Can be used as a standalone ground tent.
- Main tent material is high quality polyester with 1,200mm of waterproof protection.
- Floor is high quality double-coated ripstop polyethylene.
- Lantern holder and gear loft inside tent.
- 7 ft. of ceiling space inside.
- 2 doors, plus vehicle pass-through.
- 3 mesh windows, and skylights provide good ventilation.
- Stylish color scheme.
Tent

Tags: 2012 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda CR-V Accessories
Posted in Car Accessories, Honda CR-V, Honda Models, Honda Technology, Honda Vehicles, New Honda Cars | Comments Off

Howdy Honda Blog

Archive for the ‘Car Accessories’ Category

Why wheel locks are important: A safety lesson from a dealership in Georgetown TX

What you ought to know about replacing your Honda’s tires

7 Reasons why you should insist on Honda Genuine Parts for your Honda

Christmas car decorations you will want

5 2013 Honda Accord accessories you will want

Back row seat thefts are on the rise

15 Funny car costumes for Halloween

New Retrofit Kit can turn any car into a hybrid

Honda Reveals New In-Car System: HondaLink

The 5 Accessories You Will Want On Your 2012 Honda CR-V

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