Honda Mall of Georgia: Tire maintenance tips

You may give them a kick when checking out a new car but your tires need much more attention than a love tap. Keeping your tires in good condition can do more than just keep you on the road, it will improve gas mileage, vehicle handling and reduce the risk of breakdowns or accidents.

Basics

Knowing what tire size and pressure you need is the beginning to keeping your tires in shape. The vehicle manufacturer's recommendations can be found in the glove-box, the trunk lid or on the door edge as well as other places. Tire pressure limits can be found in the owner's manual.

Under Pressure

Tire pressure is important in vehicle handling, gas mileage and load limits. The pressure is the amount of air inside the tire measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Keep in mind that an increased load will put more weight on the tires and can affect the pressure limit. Checking the tire pressure is simple with a pressure gauge that can be found at your local auto or hardware store. Some air pumps used to inflate tires may have a pressure gauge as well. The maximum inflation pressure can be found on the tire sidewall or in the vehicle owner's manual.

Important: In order to reach the correct recommended tire pressure, the tires need to be gauged when they are "cold." This does not mean outside temperature, rather that you should check the levels when the tires haven't been driven on for more than three hours. Driving increases the pressure level from heat and friction and will give you an inaccurate reading.

Tread Softly

If you aren't drifting, you'll want to get the most traction possible while driving. Changing your tires when the tread has worn is important in preventing accidents or blowouts. There are indicators on your tires that will let you know when they need to be replaced. You'll see raised pieces of rubber throughout the tire between the grooves. Another way to check is placing a penny upside down between the treads - if you can see Honest Abe's head - it's time to change your tires.

Keeping Your Balance

If you don't want your car doing the shimmy shake, you need to keep your tires balanced. This requires the weights on your tires being placed correctly to counterbalance any heavy spots on the wheel. An alignment will keep the tires correctly positioned with the vehicle's frame and will keep you driving straight. Both a balance and alignment require equipment found in a mechanic shop and should be completed by a certified technician.

Repair and Rotation                                                                                      

If your tires are all the same size, you can prevent uneven wear and tear by having them rotated. Your owner's manual should illustrate how and when to rotate your tires. If you have the correct tools and proper knowledge this is a maintenance technique you can perform at home, but relying on a professional's help is always a good way to go.

Sometimes you may notice low tire pressure even with proper maintenance, which could mean you have a puncture in your tread. A puncture in the tread can be repaired with a tire plug repair kit if the damage isn't too large. Any puncture to the sidewall cannot be repaired. A nice trick to finding the puncture involves removing the tire from the axle and slowly turning the tire in soapy water. If you see bubbles from the tread, that's more than likely the place of the puncture. It takes steady hands and muscle to plug the tread so make sure you're prepared to do the work if you take on the task at home.

Come in today and let the service professionals at Honda Mall of Georgia take care of your tires and your car!

 

Call 877-891-3532 and speak to our friendly staff today! Learn about our latest Honda Specials, set up an informative test drive, get details on any vehicle, request a brochure, schedule a service appointment, discuss your trade-in or even talk financing on your next car. We are here to help you.

Honda Mall of Georgia is your local Honda dealer located in Buford, GA. Your satisfaction is our goal!

Still deciding on which Honda you’d like to be driving? Searching for OEM factory rebates? Are you comparing lease programs or internet specials? Maybe you simply want our best price on a new or used car? For all of this and more, look no further than Honda Mall of Georgia. Our team is made up of professional associates that offer you a no-pressure environment and operate with the quality you'd expect. We look forward to helping you with your next new or used car purchase.

Click Here for Dealership Directions

Sales hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Service hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Sunda

Honda Civic wins Green Car Award

Honda's staple sedan, the Honda Civic, was named to the 10 Best Green Cars of 2012 by kbb.com earlier this month. Attributes like value, features and comfort all went into kbb.com's editors considerations as not just fuel efficiency was the reason to win.

"The 2012 Honda Civic sedan is the complete package for any consumer, and one that also provides a host of fuel-efficient powertrain options," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of corporate planning for American Honda, in a released statement. "We're delighted that Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com editors acknowledged the most versatile offering in the class."

The editors of kbb.com also had words of praise for the Civic in the statement, namely the many model options the car has to offer this year.

The Civic is available right now at a great price at Honda Mall of Georgia so come in a test drive today and see how much you could save on gas alone!
 

Call 877-891-3532 and speak to our friendly staff today! Learn about our latest Honda Specials, set up an informative test drive, get details on any vehicle, request a brochure, schedule a service appointment, discuss your trade-in or even talk financing on your next car. We are here to help you.

Honda Mall of Georgia is your local Honda dealer located in Buford, GA. Your satisfaction is our goal!

Still deciding on which Honda you’d like to be driving? Are you comparing lease programs or internet specials? Maybe you simply want our best price on a new or used car? For all of this and more, look no further than Honda Mall of Georgia. Our team is made up of professional associates that offer you a no-pressure environment and operate with the quality you'd expect. We look forward to helping you with your next new or used car purchase.

Click Here for Dealership Directions

Sales hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Service hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Sunday

Honda has Best Retained Value for second straight year

Edmunds.com has awarded Honda the 2012 Best Retained Value award for a second consecutive year. According to Edmunds.com, the awards recognize brands and models that have the highest projected residual value after five years, expressed as a percentage of their True Market Value.

"Honda's focus on retail sales has always benefitted our most important client: Honda customers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda, in a released statement. "This valuable award from Edmunds.com is recognition of Honda's unending mission of providing true value to customers - one that extends well beyond the showroom."

Four Honda vehicles, the Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Honda Odyssey and Honda Civic Hybrid were all recognized in their categories for Best Retained Value, with the Honda Fit earning an honorable mention.

"Honda has long had a reputation for dependable used vehicles, and that is reflected in today's booming used car market," said Joe Spina, director of remarketing at Edmunds.com, in the statement. "Honda's family of vehicles continues to expand the company's status as one of the best values available to car buyers today."

Honda Mall of Georgia has all models in stock right now!

Call 877-891-3532 and speak to our friendly staff today! Learn about our latest Honda Specials, set up an informative test drive, get details on any vehicle, request a brochure, schedule a service appointment, discuss your trade-in or even talk financing on your next car. We are here to help you.

Honda Mall of Georgia is your local Honda dealer located in Buford, GA. Your satisfaction is our goal!

Still deciding on which Honda you’d like to be driving? Searching for OEM factory rebates? Are you comparing lease programs or internet specials? Maybe you simply want our best price on a new or used car? For all of this and more, look no further than Honda Mall of Georgia. Our team is made up of professional associates that offer you a no-pressure environment and operate with the quality you'd expect. We look forward to helping you with your next new or used car purchase.

Click Here for Dealership Directions

Sales hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Service hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Sunday

Crosstour Concept aims to impress

Last week at the New York International Auto Show, Honda revealed the 2013 Crosstour Concept, a mid-size CUV that will go on sale at Honda Mall of Georgia this fall.

The 2013 Crosstour will be available with a V6 and six-speed automatic transmission, with a four cylinder version optional.

"Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda, in a released statement. "The 2013 Crosstour Concept shows how Honda will strengthen the styling and add even more content to one of the most efficient offerings in the class."

Design status

The Crosstour Concept has been restyled to provide a mean front-end and clean rear fascia. The mid-size crossover will look more SUV-like with a new rear-fender finish.

The new grille is bolstered by new integrated foglamp treatments and a slotted finish beneath the headlights. Sporting 18-inch alloy wheels, the Crosstour Concept is painted a similar color to the two new shades available with the 2013 Crosstour.

Honda says the interior will feature heavily revised trim materials and an 8-inch in-dash information display, keyless ignition and steering wheel mounted paddle shifter on the V6 models.

Two powertrains will be available in the 2013 Crosstour: a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V6 engine or a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four cylinder engine, according to Honda. The V6 models will have a six-speed automatic transmission and Honda Variable Cylinder Management to improve fuel economy. Honda's Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected, will be available on the Crosstour EX-L model.

All in the name of safety

Honda has mounted a camera behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is veering from its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them. This camera will be used for the Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning technology. Honda-exclusive LaneWatch blind-spot display is another safety option which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for a better view of the passenger-side roadway. An ExpandedView Driver's Mirror will also be standard on the Crosstour. Other standard features include an auto dimming rearview mirror, auto on/off headlights, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface. A hard-drive based navigation system, Pandora Radio interface, XM Satellite radio and an SMS text-to-speech function are other available features, according to Honda.

The 2013 Crosstour will be available later this year at Honda Mall of Georgia and we'll keep you updated on any more information about the new Crosstour!

Call 877-891-3532 and speak to our friendly staff today! Learn about our latest Honda Specials, set up an informative test drive, get details on any vehicle, request a brochure, schedule a service appointment, discuss your trade-in or even talk financing on your next car. We are here to help you.

Honda Mall of Georgia is your local Honda dealer located in Buford, GA. Your satisfaction is our goal!

Still deciding on which Honda you’d like to be driving? Searching for OEM factory rebates? Are you comparing lease programs or internet specials? Maybe you simply want our best price on a new or used car? For all of this and more, look no further than Honda Mall of Georgia. Our team is made up of professional associates that offer you a no-pressure environment and operate with the quality you'd expect. We look forward to helping you with your next new or used car purchase.

Click Here for Dealership Directions

Sales hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Service hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Sunday

Honda Mall of Georgia is home to the Most Trusted Brand

Honda has been named the Best Value Brand and Most Trusted Brand in the 2012 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards. Consumer perception data from KBB's Brand WatchTM study was used to honor the auto brands that have most successfully captured positive consumer attention. Honda Mall of Georgia is proud to know we're a brand you trust.

"We are honored to accept two awards that point so directly to Honda's core tenets," John Mendel, America Honda's Executive Vice President of Sales, said while accepting the awards at the New York International Auto Show. "With Honda constantly striving to earn trust by providing the finest overall ownership value, it's inspiring to see those efforts resonating with consumers," Mendel said.

This is the second straight year Honda has been awarded by Kelley Blue Book for the Best Value Brand.

"With standout vehicles, memorable marketing and positive word of mouth, the winners of Kelley Blue Book's 2012 Brand Image Awards have secured enviable positions in the minds of in-market shoppers," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, in a released statement.

In the first year awarding the Most Trusted Brand, Honda earned the honor to no one's surprise. The editors of kbb.com commented that "Honda's reputation for superb resale value, exceptional quality and legendary dependability," are why Honda won and that sticker price isn't the only factor when choosing a car.

This is the fifth year Kelley Blue Book has awarded auto manufacturers the Brand Image Awards.

Call Honda Mall of Georgia or come in today and see why Honda is the Most Trusted Brand as well as the Best Value Brand for you!

Call 877-891-3532 and speak to our friendly staff today! Learn about our latest Honda Specials, set up an informative test drive, get details on any vehicle, request a brochure, schedule a service appointment, discuss your trade-in or even talk financing on your next car. We are here to help you.

Honda Mall of Georgia is your local Honda dealer located in Buford, GA. Your satisfaction is our goal!

Still deciding on which Honda you’d like to be driving? Searching for OEM factory rebates? Are you comparing lease programs or internet specials? Maybe you simply want our best price on a new or used car? For all of this and more, look no further than Honda Mall of Georgia. Our team is made up of professional associates that offer you a no-pressure environment and operate with the quality you'd expect. We look forward to helping you with your next new or used car purchase.

Click Here for Dealership Directions

Sales hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Service hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Sunday

Should I lease or buy my next vehicle?

Deciding between leasing or buying your next vehicle is a decision that requires knowing the differences between the two. Both options can be useful for certain situations and you should be comfortable in the route you'd like to take before choosing to lease or buy. This blog will attempt to inform you, so you can make the best decision for you.

Leasing

Leasing a vehicle differs from buying because when you lease a vehicle, you do not pay to own the vehicle. Leasing is an option that allows you to use the vehicle and make payments toward using the vehicle, but you aren't paying to own the vehicle. This is key in knowing what you need to use your vehicle for. A lease can lead to lower monthly payments and lower upfront costs, but again, you won't own the vehicle at the end of the lease. Leasing is best for you if you want a new model car every two to three years, want a car under warranty, have a stable lifestyle, can maintain the vehicle well and know how many miles you'll drive on average in a year.

Payments

Leasing is a type of financing, and the payments you make will be on what the difference of the price of the vehicle is now and the projected to cost at the end of the lease, known as depreciation. Because everything loses value over time, you'll lose money on the vehicle whether you purchase or buy. When you lease, you'll pay costs upfront like a security cost for wear and tear on the vehicle while you lease it and a finance charge to finance the vehicle. This may lead to lower monthly payments, but you may end up paying for charges and fees when you return the vehicle, depending on the terms of the lease. The cost of leasing long-term will be more than when you purchase a vehicle, but leasing is an option to explore if you are comfortable with the terms of the lease.

Buying

Purchasing a vehicle differs from leasing because you are paying to own the vehicle at the end of the loan. You won't need to return the vehicle, extend your lease or change your terms to own. While this may result in higher monthly payments, this allows you to build equity in the vehicle, but keep in mind you'll never get the full value of the vehicle back because of depreciation. Buying is a solid option if you don't mind driving the same vehicle for an extended period; won't be deterred by possible repair and maintenance costs throughout the life of the vehicle or may have changes coming in your life.

Payments

Buying a vehicle will cost more in the beginning because your monthly payments will be higher, but once you have paid off the loan, you will not spend any more money on owning the vehicle. You will continue to pay DMV fees, insurance payments and for maintenance, but you own the car and are free to sell or trade the vehicle for the equity you have earned. Keep in mind that when buying a vehicle, monthly payments will always be higher than a lease, but the long-term cost of buying is significantly less than continually leasing vehicles.

Buy vs. Lease: What should I do?

Both leasing and buying have pros and cons and these should be discussed based on your personal situation. While leasing will not cost as much per month, be aware of added costs when you return the vehicle, such as going over the allotted mileage per year. Also know that leasing to buy will cost more than buying outright from the beginning. Buying a car will cost more in the beginning, but it also allows you to retain the vehicle and any value it has after you finish paying it off. You may also pay more in repairs and maintenance that are out of warranty, but you won't be hit with fees for driving the vehicle too much in a year. In order to make the most out of your next vehicle, take the time to decide what would work best for you in buying or leasing, once you are comfortable with your payments, it's all about enjoying the ride.

Click here for more information on finance options from Honda Mall of Georgia.

Call 877-891-3532 and speak to our friendly staff today! Learn about our latest Honda Specials, set up an informative test drive, get details on any vehicle, request a brochure, schedule a service appointment, discuss your trade-in or even talk financing on your next car. We are here to help you.

Honda Mall of Georgia is your local Honda dealer located in Buford, GA. Your satisfaction is our goal!

Still deciding on which Honda you’d like to be driving? Are you comparing lease programs or internet specials? Maybe you simply want our best price on a new or used car? For all of this and more, look no further than Honda Mall of Georgia. Our team is made up of professional associates that offer you a no-pressure environment and operate with the quality you'd expect. We look forward to helping you with your next new or used car purchase.

Click Here for Dealership Directions

Sales hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Service hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Sunday

Honda Odyssey enjoys big week

The Honda Odyssey was given two awards last week, being named one of 2012's "Smartest Family Cars," by Parenting Magazine as well as receiving the 2012 MotorWeek Choice Award for Best Minivan.

"The Odyssey was conceived as the ultimate family vehicle, and the Odyssey Touring Elite takes that concept to an unprecedented new level," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in a statement. "Being listed among the 'Smartest Family Cars' pays tribute to the Honda R&D team in Ohio and manufacturing team in Alabama responsible for designing and building the best minivan on the road."

The Odyssey was chosen by editors at Parenting Magazine because of the many family-friendly features, which includes a blind-spot monitoring feature and a 16.2-inch display capable of screening two different programs simultaneously.
"Beyond great packaging, class-leading fuel economy, unparalleled safety ratings and cutting-edge family-friendly features, the Odyssey was designed to be fun to drive." Accavitti said of the second award. "Being honored with a Motorweek Driver's Choice Award for a second consecutive year confirms that the Odyssey remains the best minivan choice for those who truly enjoy driving."

The MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award is given annually and Honda vehicles have been rewarded 29 times. This marks the third time the Odyssey has defended its MotorWeek crown after it was also selected last year.

Call 877-891-3532 and speak to our friendly staff today! Learn about our latest Honda Specials, set up an informative test drive, get details on any vehicle, request a brochure, schedule a service appointment, discuss your trade-in or even talk financing on your next car. We are here to help you.

Honda Mall of Georgia is your local Honda dealer located in Buford, GA. Your satisfaction is our goal!

Still deciding on which Honda you’d like to be driving? Searching for OEM factory rebates? Are you comparing lease programs or internet specials? Maybe you simply want our best price on a new or used car? For all of this and more, look no further than Honda Mall of Georgia. Our team is made up of professional associates that offer you a no-pressure environment and operate with the quality you'd expect. We look forward to helping you with your next new or used car purchase.

Click Here for Dealership Directions

Sales hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Service hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Sunday