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Archive for the ‘Howdy Honda Service’ Category

Deer Driver: November is the most dangerous month for car vs. deer collisions

Monday, November 5th, 2012
November car vs. deer

Watch for these guys on the roadways this month.

While the probability is lower in Texas, car vs. deer collisions still happen often enough here. And the fact is, November is the most dangerous month when it comes to dealing with deer on the roadways. According to research done by State Farm, car vs. deer accidents are actually three times more likely to occur in November than any time between February and August.

With November being a risky month to be on the roads – and the fact that car vs. deer accidents are up in general this year – claims are no doubt higher as well. So now is a good time to avoid hitting a deer with your car – even more than usual. In that spirit, and as one of the leading car dealerships in Central Texas, here are some tips to remember when dealing with deer on the roads.

  1. Deer travel in herds, so if you see one, keep in mind that more could come running out behind at any moment.
  2. Deer are at their most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
  3. Using high-beams at night is recommended, especially on country roads. This will give you the best chance of avoiding a collision with a deer.
  4. If you can’t avoid a collision, stay in your lane as swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
  5. Watch for posted deer crossing signs – as these are obviously high traffic areas for deer.

While you can do your best to avoid car vs. deer collisions, please don’t swerve if a deer collision seems inevitable. You could loose control of your vehicle all together. If it does happen, remember that Howdy Honda offers the best Honda auto repair service near Buda TX and in Austin. We can get your car fixed up right and get you back on your way in a hurry.

New service available at Howdy Honda: Auto Butler

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Let me introduce you to the new polishing and paint protection service available at Howdy Honda: the Auto Butler!

Auto Butler Austin TX | Howdy Honda Service 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a new car owner, we know you want to keep your vehicle looking great so it maintains its resale value. However, pollutants like the sun’s rays, bird droppings, tree sap, oxidation, etc can really damage your car’s paint and its appearance.  The Auto Butler Paint Protection program protects your vehicle from outdoor hazards and gives you that “new car finish” while maximizing your vehicle’s resale value.

The Auto Butler program is a two-step re-application process. Two distinct polishing and protection products are applied to the car and the it is run through the polishing machine to work these products on to the vehicle. Because no paint protection product lasts more than a year without re-application, the Auto Butler program includes a follow-up program where we will notify you every six months and schedule a re-application free of charge. This way we guarantee your vehicle has the protection it needs to prevent permanent damage to the car’s finish. Auto Butler also comes with a 3 or 5 year warranty that protects your vehicle against environmental damage, tree sap, bird droppings, fading and oxidation.

Check out the Auto Butler in action:

Everything You Ought to Know About Your Engine’s Timing Belt

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Honda Service Center in AustinWhile many people do a good job changing their own oil or tires, there are important vehicle components, such as the timing belt, that need to be left to the professionals.

The timing belt is what allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, which opens and closes the valves, and without it, the engine can’t run.

For this reason, changing the belt when recommended is crucial to your Honda’s maintenance. For Hondas manufactured after 1997, this is every 105k miles (not 60k miles like many other cars). DO NOT try to squeeze the life out of the timing belt because it will eventually break and potentially damage your entire engine; meaning hundreds of dollars worth of auto repairs and possibly an entire new engine.

Your safe bet is to replace the belt every 105k miles. However, if you hear slapping sounds coming from the engine, bring the car in because the timing belt might be loose.  You can also visually inspect the belt from time to time; you should look for cracks, shredding, excessive slack, or oil leaks from adjacent seals.

Rest assured that the small price you will pay to have the belt replaced could ultimately save your engine and save you a lot of money. Check your mileage and if your Honda is near the 105k, 210k, etc. -mile mark, bring it to the best Honda Service Center in Austin to get your timing belt replaced.

Are you a Sam’s Club member? Now you can get exclusive discounts at Howdy Honda

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Howdy Honda Sam's Club Auto Buying Program

Howdy Honda is now part of the Sam's Club Auto Buying Program

We are very happy to inform that we are now part of the Auto Buying Program for Sam’s Club Members. This program provides Sam’s Club Members special pricing on the purchase of a Honda and on their service visits. Here’s how the Auto Buying Program works:

If you are purchasing a new or used Honda you can do one of two things: 1. Go to www.samsclubauto.com, check out our inventory and receive the special pricing, or 2) Come to Howdy Honda with your Sam’s Club membership card and we’ll get you the Honda you are looking for, at the special membership price. If you look at our inventory on the Auto Buying site, remember to bring your Sam’s Club membership card when you come to Howdy Honda.

If you need to bring in your Honda to our Service Department, also bring your Sam’s Club membership card and present it at the time of arrival as well as on the check out to receive your special service discount.

See? It’s super easy! The only thing you really need to remember is to bring your membership card and show it when you come in.

Texas Hill Country Road trip: A 4-Day Itinerary

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Texas Hill Country Road Trip | Howdy Honda Blog

From: National Geographic Adventures

Although summer solstice is about a month away, summer inAustin (and Texas, in general) has arrived with full force. In that spirit, we put together road trip through Central Texas so you can pack your family in the Honda and head out for a remarkable road trip vacation.

Day 1: Head down IH35 from Austin to Gruene for a day-long fly-fishing trip and end the day at the oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall.

Day 2: Head southwest to Bandera for some cowboy adventures. There are a few places to go horseback riding and roam the limestone peaks of Hill Country State Natural Area.

Day 3: Head north to Fredericksburg through Route 16. If you are up to the challenge, bike the 45-mile loop from Fredericksburg to Doss through cattle ranches and farmland. If something more low key is your style, Fredericksburg is a beautiful German town with little shops and even a Bier garden.

Day 4: Continue going north to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for some rock climbing and/or hiking. After you’ve worked up an appetite in the park, head to Llano to chow down on some good old-fashioned BBQ.

After that you’re probably ready to head back home to Austin. At the end of the trip, you will have driven about 285 miles through the Texas Hill Country and created lots of wonderful memories. Nonetheless, before leaving on any road trip, remember to stop by our Honda Service Center in Austin to have your Honda looked at and make sure that it is in top condition for a long drive.

AutoPilot Airport Shuttle Service Program for Howdy Honda’s Service Customers

Friday, May 18th, 2012

Introducing Howdy Honda’s AutoPilot airport shuttle. This program was especially designed for Honda owners in Austin TX who have a busy travel schedule. Now you can leave your Honda getting serviced* at our Honda Service Center and we’ll take you to and from the Austin-Bergstrom Airport. Take a look at how the program works:

Transcript:

When you live in a town as great as the city of Austin, the best part of any trip is coming home again – and with Howdy Honda’s Auto Pilot service, you’ll find we’ve made homecoming even better.

At Howdy Honda, we’ve created our Auto Pilot service for busy travelers just like you. The combination of our world-class service and a free ride to and from the airport’s front door is the perfect complement to a great trip.

Next time you’re scheduled to fly, give us a call and talk to one of our friendly service advisors to schedule your service appointment.

On your way to the airport, stop at our Honda Service Center on Highway 71 east of I-35 and head straight to the service drive to check in your car.

One of our friendly employees will drive you the airport in our comfortable Auto Pilot shuttle and you’ll be on your way.

As you travel, our certified technicians will be providing the service your car needs and getting it ready for your safe return.

When you get back to Austin, our Auto Pilot shuttle will be waiting to pick you up at the airport. We’ll have you reunited with your vehicle and on your way home in no time.

So the next time you fly out of Austin, put your trip on Auto Pilot with Howdy Honda. You’ll see what we mean when we say we’re Austin friendly and Texas proud.

*The AutoPilot program is not available for our Honda Express Service Department. A Honda service appointment is required.

What is a transmission flush and why does my car need one?

Monday, March 12th, 2012
Honda repair austin tx
What is a transmission flush and why does my car need one?

The other day I was talking with Jesse, one of Service advisor; Eric, one of our awesome technicians; and a customer that had come in for some maintenance work on his Honda. While we were all talking, the subject of transmission flush came up: what it did and why it was needed. Thankfully, Jesse and Eric are great at explaining mechanical work and were able to give us some insight into this maintenance item. 

So let’s start with the easy stuff; what is a transmission flush? A transmission flush is simply the removal of the transmission fluid via a drain plug and then adding new transmission fluid. This process gives the transmission a sort of “cleanse” that helps reduce the strain on the components within the transmission and prolong its life.

Why does your car need a transmission flush? A transmission flush is essential due to the fact that by removing the old transmission fluid, any buildup that has occurred in the transmission will be removed also. The old residue inside of your transmission can potentially contaminate your fluid over time and put unnecessary stress on the transmission, thus increasing your chances of having to replace the transmission all together.

Recap: A simple transmission flush not only will make your transmission run better, but will also prolong the life of the transmission. In other words, you will be saving serious money by maintaining the transmission as transmission repair/replacement averages as one of the highest costs related to automobiles.

If you’re unsure when the right time to do a transmission flush is, check out your vehicle’s owners’ manual, Honda maintenance schedule or contact one of the service advisors at our Honda Service Center. The service advisors and certified technicians here at Howdy Honda know pretty much everything about your Honda (not in a creepy way, of course) and they’ll be able to quickly determine when a transmission flush is due on your car.

How to identify break problems

Monday, February 13th, 2012
Break Problems Austin TXAs with car tires, you always want your car’s breaks to be in tip-top shape. So being able to identify break problems will definitely help you be proactive and have your breaks always working in optimal conditions. Here are a few things to watch out for when identifying any break issues.      

If you happen to have disc brakes, they are generally quite easy to inspect. You just need to look and listen. Look between the wheel spokes and make sure that there is AT LEAST ¼ inch of brake pad there. If there is less, your brakes need replacing. On the other hand, while driving, pay close attention when you hear a high-pitched screeching noise when you apply the brakes. This noise is also an indication that your brake pads need to be replaced. Keep in mind though that this noise needs to be consistent for a few days or so because moisture can make your brakes squeak similarly.

There are several other things to be wary of as well including when your brakes are not as responsive, pulling, grinding/growling, or vibrating. For the most part if you feel any of these things occurring, something is going on with your brake system. These problems could be anything from your brake fluid, brake rotors to the brake linings.  

The moral of the story is to make sure that once your brakes start having any of these symptoms to take a look at them yourself and/or take them to a trained professional. By being proactive and aware of the current state of your brakes you will keep yourself safe at the moment you need your brakes the most.

If your Honda is experiencing any of these break symptoms, please bring it by our Express Service Center to get them inspected by one of our certified technicians. You don’t need an appointment for Express Service, so we can take a look at your Honda’s breaks when you have an hour to spare.

Get Those Stains Out of Your Vehicle Fabric

Monday, February 6th, 2012

honda repair in austin txThere are several car-related things that can ruin your day like scratches, dents, flat tires, and interior stains. A spill of morning coffee or milk from a bottle can leave what may seem like very lasting stains (and smells) inside your car. So if your head is nodding in agreement right now, try a few of these tips and tricks to get the toughest stains/stenches out of your vehicle fabric for good. Oh yeah, but if you have leather interiors, check the approved cleaning agents first to prevent real damage. 

Milk may do a body good but it doesn’t do so well on your car’s fabric. Yes, the stain won’t be bad, but the odor that ensues is nauseating. To get rid of these smells just simply sprinkle some baking soda over the spill and spray it with cold water. Once this sets, and dries, vacuum over it. If all else fails look into some enzyme cleaners as they will break down the stinky particles. Remember, the longer the spill sits, the more it’s going to smell. Yuck.

Now milk may not leave such a bad stain, but coffee and dark sodas are less unforgiving. Blot as much of it as you can immediately without spreading the spill and scrub the stain with a small amount of dish detergent and cold water (you can also scrub the stain later if you can’t treat it right away). Keep blotting and sponging until the stain is lifted. One thing to remember, with all spills, always use cold water as hot water helps set the stain.

The last one I’m going to mention can be a little tricky, bodily fluids. It’s a great idea to bring the dog on cross country trips (after all, they are part of the family), but when nature calls, nature calls. And your car fabric plus your sense of smell pay the price. To clean up this accident, start the same way with blotting up the stain, and then use a mixture of vinegar, dish detergent and cold water to sponge the soiled area. Repeat the blotting step. If the stain remains, use a combination of ammonia and 3% hydrogen peroxide and drop droplets on the stain until it disappears.

This is not doctrine, but merely a set of guidelines for some of the more common spills and stains. Nonetheless, if there’s a stain you just can’t get out at home, don’t hesitate to bring your car to our Service Department and we’ll help you get it out.

Tires: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Tires for Hondas in Austin TXWe all know that there are many integral parts to the automobile: engine, transmission, brakes, etc. The one part that is commonly overlooked? Your tires. Think about it, whether you’re driving to the grocery store, work, or going on a road trip you’re always on your tires. Well, duh! What’s your point? My point is simple; by regularly maintaining your vehicle’s tires you will increase your and your passengers’ safety, AND keep your fuel economy at optimal levels. While thinking about tire maintenance, there are several different things to check and/or look at:  

1. Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is really important because it prevents accidents due to under-inflated tires. Use a tire-pressure gauge, under $5.00 at a local hardware store, and make sure that the PSI (pressure per square inch) is at the optimal level for each tire. Look inside the driver’s door for the precise air pressure level for your tires.

2. Tread

Another big thing to keep your eyes on is your tire’s tread. This is important because balding tires lose traction that is vital in Mother Nature’s elements. On top of that, bald tires are more susceptible to bursting while on the road. (Not something you want to be a part of.)

3. Weight limit & Irregularities

Lastly, you need to know your tire’s weight limitations because carrying extra weight on your tires can jeopardize your safety and fuel economy. Also, keep tabs on your tires by picking up on any gouges, cuts or slashes that may be there so you can quickly get them repaired.

If you suspect your vehicle may have faulty tires, or you need new ones, Howdy Honda has a shop full of tires for Hondas. Did you know that Honda designs tires that are specific for Honda cars? Learn something new every day.

And for those of you that like to know everything about everything, here’s a fun infographic  about car tire facts:

Tires for Hondas in Austin TX

Source: drivesteady.com



Howdy Honda is your Austin TX Honda Dealer

Howdy Honda is a friendly car dealership that takes great pride in our our Texas roots. We make a personal commitment to every customer that visits our dealership that they will be treated warmly with the utmost dignity and respect. We want our customers to be customers for life which is why they are considered part of our Honda family. View and leave us a testimonial about your experience.

Whether you are looking for a new Honda car or used car in Austin Texas we can help you into the car of your dreams. We pride ourselves on our great prices on Honda SUVs and crossovers in Austin. We also sell great vehicles to great customers from Bastrop, Georgetown , Leander, Round Rock, San Marcos, Buda. We also have plenty of Honda hybrid cars on our lot.

Here at Howdy Honda we are always updating our list of Hondas that are on sale in Austin TX. If you find a car on sale that you are interested in don’t hesitate to see what we can offer you for trading in your car. You can also fill out our car loan credit application to see what kind of financing is available for your budget. If you are looking for auto parts or automotive repair in Austin Texas we can help you get your car back on the road as well.

Enjoy your visit... We are Howdy Honda... Austin friendly and Texas proud!

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