Thanks to our friends at DriveSteady for this great infographic. Enjoy!
Howdy Honda Blog
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Archive for the ‘Tips and Tricks’ Category
Source: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.
What to do if you get caught in a flood inside your car in Texas
Monday, May 13th, 2013
Although it is rare for us in Texas to get rains that result in heaving flooding, we have been (thankfully) experiencing short burst of heavy rain every few weeks or so. Fortunately none of these weather systems have produced significant flooding, but they have produced enough water accumulation in some areas. And just like the old adage says “better be safe than sorry,” we’ve put together a safety reminder list of what to do (and not do) in the case you and your car get caught in a flood.
Do:
Stay calm
Turn the headlights and hazard lights on
Unbuckle your seatbelt
Unlock your doors
Take outer clothing off
Lower your window slowly. Climb out of your car. Reach a higher ground. Call 911
If you can’t lower your window, use the door. The door won’t open until the water pressure has equalized inside and outside of the car, so don’t try to force the door to open. Once the door is open, swim to safety and call 911.
Don’t:
Try to cross or drive on a flooded road. A couple of feet of water is enough to sweep your car.
Don’t try to drive across flowing water.
Don’t panic
Don’t try to save your possessions.
Don’t try to break the window (glass will explode inward of the vehicle)
Don’t stay with your car
Don’t stand on the roof of your car.
Don’t try to return to your car even if it looks like the water is receding
In Which States are Car Repairs Most Expensive?
Wednesday, January 16th, 2013By: David Nelson
Owning and operating an automobile can be a costly adventure for many people. Of course, the price you pay for your Honda is a smart long term investment, as we all know a Honda is one of the most reliable names in the automobile world. In general, car owners can easily forget to factor in monthly fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs, and there’s also the added expenses when repairs are necessary. The tricky thing is that repairs can cost more or less, depending where you live in the country.
For example, drivers in Wyoming paid the highest average costs in the U.S. for general car repairs, according to CarMD.com Corporation.1 The average cost for a vehicle with a check engine light on came to an average of $389.18 in Wyoming. That’s 17 percent higher than the U.S. average for overall repairs, including a 19 percent more for labor and 15 percent more for parts. The lowest? That was in Indiana, where drivers paid $283.95 per transaction. Other western states that made it into the top five most expensive states for car repairs were Utah (#2), California (#3), Montana (#4) and Arizona(#5). These states are home to half of the nation’s national parks and many other car-driving tourist locations.
Texas Personal Loans
Texas is one of the middle states for car repairs. Texas set the benchmark in line with the national average at a cost of $333.75, If you have to get car repairs there, you can choose to find cash advance in Texas to help you, if your short-term cash flow. A payday loan is a cash advance you can get before your regular paycheck comes in. You secure it with a personal check or electronic transfer. There’s usually a fee involved to borrow the money, and it’s wise not to let the loan get too large, as payday lenders usually charge high interest rates.
What’s the Options?
There are options to costly car repairs 2 in service centers: You can opt to buy car parts on your own, and have your main auto shop do the repairs; you can buy refurbished or aftermarket parts, or you can learn how to do repairs yourself. The first option seems more reasonable. Many car owners can find lower-priced car parts and with a manufacturers’ guarantee on them, and can get them installed correctly at their local auto shop for a fraction of the overall price.
Aftermarket | Refurbished Parts
You might also want to buy an aftermarket or refurbished car part. Benefits include a lower price (about half of the cost of new parts); they come with warranties and have already been tested for defects. Using aftermarket or refurbished parts can certainly save you hundreds of dollars on the cost of replacement parts.
Lastly, if you’re skilled enough with your Honda cars to get out the tools and work on the car yourself, then go for it. However, if you’re not that confident making repairs yourself, please bring your vehicle to our Honda Service Department in Austin TX.
Remember, it always helps to have a backup vehicle available, just in case something goes awry with your own auto repair. Any kind of delay can slow down your own auto repair, whether it’s another part that needs repair, or a rare part that you need to have shipped in from elsewhere. As in most car-related experiences, it helps to maintain your car, keep its oils filled and take care of your investment.
1.) corp.carmd.com/Page/Detail/214?subId=215
2.) www.business2community.com/automotive/save-money-on-car-repairs-five-money-saving-tips-0289388
David Nelson is a consultant who specializes in business strategies. He holds a degree in business administration with a major in finance and lives in the Chicago area.3 Tips for getting your Christmas tree home safely
Thursday, December 6th, 2012
We all love the annual tradition of putting up the Christmas tree in the house. But transporting that tree to your home can quickly become a stressful and complicated task. If you aren’t careful, you could end up being one of the many people that end up with a tree on the road – it does happen!
To avoid this situation, this Austin Texas Honda dealer has put together a brief Christmas tree transportation checklist. By taking a little extra care, you can assure that your tree arrives home safe and sound.
1. Find a tree that fits inside your vehicle or can easily be strapped to the roof. Basically, select the tree based on the available space in or on your vehicle. A roof rack is great to have for a tie down if strapping your tree to the roof.
2. Place a tarp or blanket under it, whether you are transporting it inside and outside. A tree can leave needles everywhere in your interior and can scratch the roof so it’s best to protect it with something.
3. Get the tree netted before you leave; it’ll save you a lot hassle as well. And make sure to bring enough rope or cord to wrap around the tree and secure it to the roof rack or cargo hooks.
If you do these things, you should be all set – almost. But don’t be too confident with your tie job. Make sure to double-check how secure the tree is in or on your vehicle before leaving. A healthy tug and you are on your way!
Oh yeah, and please drive cautiously.
Happy Holidays!
HondaLink Connectivity & Connection Tips
Friday, November 16th, 2012
HondaLink app
The 2013 Accord EX-L sedan and higher trims, as well as the EX coupe and higher trims, are equipped with the HondaLink. The following is an overview of the login/registration process and some connection tips.
Logging in
After downloading HondaLink featuring Aha application from the Apple App Store or Andriod Play Store:
1. Use your HondaID and password to log into HondaLink. Your HondaID username and password is the same one you use for the Honda OwnerLink. If you don’t have an OwnerLink account, select Register and follow the registration steps. If you are having trouble logging in using your HondaID, please contact Honda Automobile Customer Relations (ACR) at 800-999-1009.
2. Once logged into HondaLink, your HondaID needs to be associated with an Aha account.
– If you’re an Aha listener, select “Yes, I’ll log in” and input your credentials.
– If you’re new to Aha, select “No, sign me up” and you will be guided through the account creation steps.
Connection tips:
- Android phones must be connected by Bluetooth in order to work with Pandora or Aha. This requires that the phone be paired to the vehicle and that the connection priority in the audio system be set to “Bluetooth.”
– Apple iPhones can be connected by USB or Bluetooth. We recommend using USB as the connection method. This requires you to use an USB cable to connect your iPhone to the vehicle and that the connection priority is set to USB. You can still make and receive calls using Bluetooth HandsFreeLink as long as the phone is paired to the Accord.
How to set the USB/Bluetooth Connection Priority in your new Honda
Thursday, November 15th, 2012
Honda iMID Interface
The default Connection Priority setting in your new Honda is Bluetooth which is compatible with Android phones and iPhone.
Android Phones: Must be set to “Bluetooth” Connection Priority. This is the default setting.
iPhone: Can be set to “Bluetooth” or “USB” Connection Priority (USB is recommended). Note: If you use Bluetooth to connect to Pandora and/or aha, a 12V charge cord should be used to charge the phone if charging is desired. Using the vehicle’s USB post to charge the phone whole connected by Bluetooth may disrupt the Bluetooth connection.
Follow these steps for both Panodora and aha to change the USB/Bluetooth Connection Priority:
1. Press the Audio button
2. Press the MENU button, select Change Source, and select Pandora or aha
3. Press the SETTINGS button, select Audio Settings
4. Choose Bluetooth (default) or USB
If you encounter any issues or problems setting your Connection Priority, please don’t hesitate to give Howdy Honda a call at 512-443-4300.
The ultimate Thanksgiving playlist for the road
Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
Although I blog about Honda, cars and Austin events all day long, I am also a music junkie. My music collection is extensive and would probably take us about week to listen to it completely. When I go on long road trips during the summer or the holidays, I tend to make specific playlists that go along with whatever the destination is or what we’re celebrating. This my Thanksgiving playlist for the road.
Remember that in this time of year we need to stop, say “thanks” and appreciate all of life’s blessings; after all, it is Thanksgiving. And, of course, we have to throw some holiday spirit into the mix.
“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
“Beautiful Day” by U2
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
“Carol Of The Bells” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
“Jingle Bell Rock” by Randy Travis
“Put A Little Love In Your Heart” by Annie Lennox and Al Green
“Thankful” by Kelly Clarkson
“Thank You For Loving Me” by Bon Jovi
“Thank You” by Led Zeplin
“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” by Sly and the Family Stone
“Thank You For The Music” by ABBA
“Thank You” by Dido
“The Chanukah Song” by Adam Sandler
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge
“Winter Wonderland” by Ella Fitzgerald
“Without You” by David Guetta featuring Usher
What other songs would you include in this playlist?
Deer Driver: November is the most dangerous month for car vs. deer collisions
Monday, November 5th, 2012
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.
- Deer travel in herds, so if you see one, keep in mind that more could come running out behind at any moment.
- Deer are at their most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
- 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.
- If you can’t avoid a collision, stay in your lane as swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- 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.
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:
