Kuni Honda Arapahoe

Learning to Read a Car Tire

2012-02-08T12:00:00.001-08:00

Inour blog entries, we like to provide insight on options that can simplify yourlife when it comes to your vehicle. Intoday’s instance, we’re going to provide you with tips on how to read a tire. Knowing how to read your tire can providedetailed information like the type of vehicle, if they’re seasonal, the speedrating, temperature resistance, as well as the width and diameter of the tire.

Read the manufacturer and the tire name. These are easy! They are printed in largeletters toward the outside of the tire. With more than 100 tire manufacturer’s it might be hard to pinpoint theperfect one for your vehicle. Bycontacting our service department, we can help you find a perfect fit. The tire name might just be a combination ofnumbers and letters following the manufacturer name.

Width and aspect ratio. This is a sequence of numbers near the centerof the tire. They would look somethinglike www/aa/SCrr orwww/aaCrr. The first series of 3 numberstells width in millimeters (from 155 to 315). The 2 numbers after the slash show the aspect ratio of the tire.

The prefix in front of thewidth and aspect ratio drtermine type.

LT – Light truck

P – Passenger

BP – Cosmetically BlemishedPassenger

ST – Steel Radial

The load index is the tiresize's relative load carrying capabilities. The higher the load index number, the larger load carryingcapacity.

TheZ,W, and Y ratingsare for tires that have extremely high top-speed capabilities.

Thecold inflation numbers are near the inner edge of the tires. This tells you the pressure the tire should be at tooptimize performance.

If you have any furtherquestions, please contact us at the dealership for more info!

# Automotive Advertising

What is the Rate for Super Bowl Car Commercials?

2012-02-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

In1995, the world was a simpler place. People conversed in person; we didn’tsuffer from severe neck pain from excessive smartphone usage and all was wellwith the world. However, Super Bowl commercialscost $1 million dollars. Back then, thatwas an excruciating price to pay for :30 seconds of uninterrupted commercialbliss. Fast forward to 2012, and youwould see Volkswagen paying a whopping 3.5 million for the 30-second championspot. According to Forbes, this is thehighest average ad price a network has ever charged for Super Bowl.

Inthe last decade in a half, the Super Bowl asking price has increased 5.7%annually. Accordingly, in 13 years wecould see pricing go up to $7 million. However,even with the super high asking price, NBC was able to sell out all 70 ad slotsby last Thanksgiving. WOW.

Lastyears Bowl had 111 million viewers, with advertisers paying upwards to $3million per spot. So how do the networks afford it? According to Forbes:

NBCwill pay the league $603 million in rights fees this year. The $245 millionthat NBC will bring in from Super Bowl commercials (70 spots at $3.5 million apop) will cover 41% of that payment. NBC’s Super Bowl advertising revenue alsocomprises 14% of the $1.81 billion it has to pay the NFL over a three-yearperiod. FOX and CBS pay more for their right agreements: $720.3 million and$619.8 million, respectively. FOX brought in $195 million from last year’sSuper Bowl and CBS generated $152 million the year before; those amount to 9%and 8% of each network’s respective three-year rights fees.

As the Super Bowl continuesto increase, what does the future hold? Only time will tell!

How Do YOU Find the Right Vehicle? (POLL)

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

At acar dealership, our main priority is finding the perfect vehicle for you: theconsumer. In today’s day and age, somany individuals are well versed in what they want. Through careful research in online forums,review sites and word of mouth, they know the exact model to fit theirlifestyle-all the way down to the trim color. In today’s blog, we would like to get YOUR feedback. We want to know how you research a newvehicle. Just leave your comments belowto discuss. Thanks for yourparticipation!

Feelfree to choose an option below or create your own!

1. I research cars through sites like Edmunds, Carand Driver and Consumer Reports to find a great fit with reviews I can trust

2. I talk to my friends and family about what carsare reasonably priced and affordable.

3. I use social media as a mechanism for questionsand answers on the newest vehicles.

4. I call up the dealership directly and inquireabout a vehicle

5. I visit my closest dealership’s website for moreinformation

# Automotive Advertising

App of the Week: Vlingo

2012-01-18T07:12:00.001-08:00

The daily commute can puta damper on your attitude. Lets face it,sometimes traffic is the worst thing in your existence. To make life easier, there’s an app for that. No it doesn’t fly you over traffic in a hovercraftvehicle equipped with back massager, but it does act as your personalassistant. According to Vlingo: “Tellyour phone what to do! The Vlingo Virtual Assistant turns your words intoaction. Vlingo combines voice to text technology with its "intentengine" to help you quickly complete your desired action. Simplyspeak to your phone or type a command through the ActionBar to get just aboutanything done while on the go.

Looking for directions toa restaurant? Need to do a quick mobile search for information on beeallergies? Can’t find the number for a plumber? Want to update yoursocial status to tell everyone about your new puppy? Maybe you need tosend a quick text to a colleague because you’re running late for a meeting? Or perhaps you’re looking for a safer alternative to texting while driving? Vlingo can do all of these things for you, and somuch more!

Vlingo has accurate voice recognition technology, speed and intelligence to help you stayconnected with the people, businesses and activities that are important to you.“

The best part? The app is free. It’s a safe alternative for getting infowhile on the road while keeping your family and yourself safe. Check it out right here: http://www.vlingo.com/. Vlingo is available on iOS, AndroidBlackberry, Nokia, and Windows smartphone platforms.

Automotive Advertising

Cool Gadgets: Gasket iPhone Case

2012-01-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

We’recar people…and if you’re reading this blog, then you are too. Our appreciation for the transportationdevices we use on a daily basis transcends the average user. You will never see a ‘wash me’ outline on oneour cars, never. Another item we neverleave home without is our smartphones. So, how can you combine your love of technology AND cars? Easily! ID America has created a Gasket BrushedAluminum Case. According to ID: “Integrate style to your phonewith our Gasket Brushed Aluminum Case. Precision-built to be light-weight andrigid the Gasket Brushed Aluminum Case brings out the race car driver in you.Integrate style to your iPhone with our Gasket Brushed Aluminum Case.Precision-built to be light-weight and rigid, the Gasket Brushed Aluminum Casebrings out the race car driver in you.” Interested? You can purchase oneon Amazon right here:

Automotive Advertising

Making Music Integration Easy

2012-01-04T08:02:00.001-08:00

Drivingis a fundamental tool for getting from point A to point B. That’s a given. In most cases, we need something to cut themonotony of driving day in and day out. Listening to music in the car has always been a great way to pass thatlong morning drive in traffic. If yourfavorite song is blaring through the speakers, it’s hard not to remember anostalgic memory tied to a rock ballad from the 70’s, or a classical piece ofmusic that rivets the soul. In today’sblog, we’re going a step further. We’regoing to provide you with some innovative ways to listen to music in yourcar. Feel free to read below and addyour own comments.

Cassettetapes, CDs and if you’re ‘seasoned’ enough, 8-tracks were always a distractionin the car. Now, with the emergence ofmp3 players like the iPod, you can hold thousands of music files in one smalldevice. You can connect your iPod fourways:

1. Aux-in connection: this is a common feature inmost cars and only requires an Auxiliary cable (which you can pick up for about$2 on Amazon) to be plugged into a car’s aux-in jack on one end and the musicplayer’s headphone jack on the other. Then, just select AUX on a car’s stereo and viola!

2. USB Port: most carmakers offer a computer-styleconnection. You can plug in youriPod/iPhone using the computer-sync cable it was supplied with. This allows you to control your deviceeasily.

3. Proprietary connection: This relies on a cablesupplied by the automaker that plugs into the iPod’s 30-pin connector on oneend, just as a USB cable does. The other end plugs into aconnection that's unique to the vehicle. Another connection setup uses atwo-pronged cable that has to plug into both the aux-in jack and a USB port.

4. BluetoothAudio: allows you to transfer a conversation from a mobile phone to a car’sstereo that also let you wirelessly stream music between compatibledevices. Typically, the only featuresavailable are pause/play.

Theseare just some of the ways music technology is making waves in the autoindustry. Choose the most convenient foryou and run with it!

Automotive Advertising

What's Your Online Klout? (yes...we spelled it that way on purpose)

2011-12-27T14:32:00.001-08:00

In today’s blog, we’re goingto discuss your presence in social media. You’re the much-needed backboneto a digital revolution. Providing comments, retweets, check-ins and aplethora of other content to the web. We have one question though: haveyou ever wondered how BIG your influence was? Well Klout, a scoringsystem of your overall online influence, might shed some light.

Klout scores you on a range from 1 to 100 with higher scores representing awider and stronger realm of influence. Klout uses over 35 variables tomeasure your reach and network score.

Klout explained: “True Reach is the size of your engaged audience and is basedon those of your followers and friends who actively listen and react to yourmessages. Amplification Score is the likelihood that your messages willgenerate actions (retweets, @messages, likes and comments) and is on a scale of1 to 100. Network score indicates how influential your engaged audience is andis also on a scale from 1 to 100. The Klout score is highly correlated toclicks, comments and retweets.

We believe that influence is the ability to drive people to action --"action" might be defined as a reply, a retweet, a comment, or aclick. We perform significant testing to ensure that the average click-throughrate on links shared is highly correlated with a person's Klout Score. The 25+variables used to generate scores for each of these categories are normalizedacross the whole data set and run through our analytics engine. After the firstpass of analytics, we apply a specific weight to each data point. We then runthe factors through our machine-learning analysis and calculate the final KloutScore. The final Klout Score is a representation of how successful a person isat engaging their audience and how big of an impact their messages have onpeople.”

Klout is an awesome new way to check your personal influence on the web…weknow, you’re DYING to see yours. Visit: http://www.klout.comand find out your score today!

Automotive Advertising

Free App Review: Car Butler

2011-12-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

Need a new app to feed your insatiable “app”etite? (see what we did there?). You’re in luck! We’ve got a free app for your viewing pleasure. It’s known as Car Butler, “the all-in-one app for people and their cars.” Car Butler is great. It offers features like: weather reports, GPS navigation, traffic information and the ability to locate such services as gas stations and repair shops. Car Butler’s main screen houses four icons along the bottom. The first one is commute, a navigation function that offers routes to your destination when you input an address or point of interest. The GPS works effectively, serving up smart routing options to nearby locales.

The next icon, Services, also has a Google Maps interface; paired with an overlay of icons that denote gas stations, repair shops, car washes and parking. Not to mention, they’re all powered by Yelp to help you decide with reviews.

There’s also Comprehensive Accident Reporting, an icon we hope you never have to use. It starts by letting the consumer choose between a one-tap 911 call or “Start Accident Report” button. Tap “Start Accident report” and you’ll receive an auto-fill form detailing the time and location of the accident via your GPS, as well as an accident description area for you to notate the details. You can also take verbal notes with the apps voice recorder feature and store up to four photos. It’s a great tool to have at a bad time.

Car Butler is a great tool to have, check it out here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/car-butler/id434217027?mt=8

Free App Review: Car Butler

2011-12-21T09:20:00.001-08:00

Needa new app to feed your insatiable “app”etite? (see what we did there?). You’re in luck! We’ve got a free app for yourviewing pleasure. It’s known as CarButler, “the all-in-one app for people and their cars.” Car Butler is great. It offers features like: weather reports, GPSnavigation, traffic information and the ability to locate such services as gasstations and repair shops. Car Butler’smain screen houses four icons along the bottom. The first one is commute, a navigation function that offers routes toyour destination when you input an address or point of interest. The GPS works effectively, serving up smartrouting options to nearby locales.

Thenext icon, Services, also has a Google Maps interface; paired with an overlayof icons that denote gas stations, repair shops, car washes and parking. Not to mention, they’re all powered by Yelpto help you decide with reviews.

There’salso Comprehensive Accident Reporting, an icon we hope you never have to use.It starts by letting the consumer choose between a one-tap 911 call or “StartAccident Report” button. Tap “StartAccident report” and you’ll receive an auto-fill form detailing the time andlocation of the accident via your GPS, as well as an accident description areafor you to notate the details. You canalso take verbal notes with the apps voice recorder feature and store up to fourphotos. It’s a great tool to have at abad time.

CarButler is a great tool to have, check it out here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/car-butler/id434217027?mt=8

Automotive Advertising

Finding a Fresh Christmas Tree

2011-12-14T07:04:00.001-08:00

It’stwo weeks before Christmas and you’re running around frantically. The gifts are unwrapped, the food is unpreparedand your Santa hat is nowhere to be found. Stop. Take a deep breathe and relax,we’re here to help. Though we won’t beable to cook your holiday dinner, (we can make a mean roast, by the way) wewill be able to help you with one of your dilemmas: finding the perfectChristmas tree.

Findingthe perfect tree starts with one simple rule: look for the green! According to Elwood ChristmasTree Farm owner Lee Itzler, the best way to test the health of an evergreen isto grab a branch of your Christmas tree-to-be and lightly scratch the stem."If you see green, the tree will keep its needles longer."

Trees between 6 and 8 feetare always in high demand, taking between 8 and 10 years to grow 6 feettall. Once you pick out your tree, it’sbest to put it inside of your car as opposed to on top. Why? Itzer says: "Strapped on the roof,the trees get really beat up, wind burned, and desiccated. If you're a localdelivery it really doesn't make a difference, but if you're going on thehighway, then it should go in the car." If you do have to put it on the roof, put the trunk facing into thewind.

Once your tree is home safeand sound, it’s time to get a good stand with heavy water retention. The tree will soak up a lot of water over thecourse of the next couple days, so make sure to keep the stand full. Viola! Your tree skills have improved thisyear!

How do you retain your treeover the holiday season? Let us knowbelow!

AutomotiveAdvertising

Consumer Tips For Staying “Green”

2011-12-07T08:28:00.001-08:00

As2011 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on the year. For the auto industry, it was a tad rocky,but we’ve managed to bounce back. Inother aspects, it was a great year for hope and prosperity, instilling afeeling of pride for what we do as a whole. As Americans, we have been able to navigate a recession and emergevictorious. One aspect that should beaddressed is the environment. Asindividuals, we have a responsibility for the vegetation surrounding us and intoday’s blog; we delve into options for staying “green” in our currenteconomy. Feel free to add your own inthe comments section below!

According to CompatibleGreen Energy:

1. Use cloth instead ofpaper:Try trading in your paper napkins, paper towels, paper plates and papershopping bags, in exchange for more earth-friendly materials. Save the trees!People have been using cloth napkins, rags and shopping bags for centuries, notto mention that reusable, washable plates date back to the beginning of eating.

2. Grow something green: Plants use up CO₂andrelease oxygen. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Oxygen is good – plain andsimple. You can’t get much greener than that.

3. Make a compost pile: Instead of tossing yourleft over food in the trash, or sending it down the garbage disposal, make acompost pile. Anything that once came from a plant can be composted – fruits, vegetables,grains, beans, etc. Decomposed plant matter contains nutrients that make it agreat natural fertilizer.

4. Trade your wheels: It’s no secret that carsproduce pollution. In the name of health, try biking or walking instead ofdriving. Even using public transportation such as buses or trains is better forthe environment than driving your personal car everywhere.

5. Recycle: Ancient civilizationsrecycled their metals and we’ve been recycling ever since. Now, with a moderntwist, we can recycle metals, plastics, glass and paper. Recycled materials arebroken down and then processed into new products, such as high-grade paperbeing deinked, pulped and then repressed into more paper.

6. Reuse: Before you recycle, lookfor ways to reuse empty bottles, old newspapers or plastic containers. You canuse empty containers to store food, cleaning supplies or household materials.Not only is it good for the world to reuse your old materials, it might saveyou some money too.

Automotive Advertising

Car Facts of 2011

2011-11-30T08:30:00.001-08:00

Ourvehicles are an important part of our lives. They’re our main means of transportation, giving us access to the worldaround us. Some individuals enjoy takingtheir car apart to see how it works; others enjoy riding with the top down on asummer day. Either way, they’re a funaddition to our daily routine. Intoday’s blog, we’re feeding off of your love of cars and interesting facts byproviding some cool info not known to the general public. Thanks to our friends over atcrazy-facts.com, we have a list of facts for you. Enjoy and feel free to add your own!

· Top fuel dragstersaccelerate at up to 5g from standing start. The nitromethane injection produces6000 BHP.

· The fastest time forremoving a car engine, and replacing it is 42 seconds for a Ford Escort, on 21November 1985.

· An airbag moves up to4500 mph within a second when triggered. A force of 200g is generated. They aredesigned to explode at an impact speed of 19 mph. The bag inflates within 40milliseconds of a crash.

· The Ferrari Formula 1team is unique in the fact that it produces both chassis and engines for itscars.

· Ferrari makes a maximumof 14 cars every day.

· There were only 107models of the Ford GT40 made of which only 7 were road cars.

· The Worlds longesttraffic hold-up was 110 miles long, between Paris and Lyon on the FrenchAutoroute in 1980. A more recent contender for the title was a 100 mile longtraffic Jam, near Hamburg in Germany in 1993.

· The first knownautomobile was built in 1668, it was a two foot long steam powered modelconstructed by Ferdinand Verbiest, a Belgian Jesuit preist.

· Luxembourg has the mostcrowded roads in Europe with 570 cars per 1,000 people.

· The first car race everseen in the United States was held in Chicago in 1895. The track ran fromChicago to Evanston. The winner was J. Frank Duryea, whose average speed was71.5 miles per hour.

· In 1924 a Ford automobilecost $265.

· The first auto insurancepolicy is purchased in Westfield, MA, in 1897.

AutomotiveAdvertising

Our Guide to Quick Thanksgiving Recipes

2011-11-23T07:23:00.001-08:00

Weknow cars, but we also know FOOD! AsThanksgiving approaches, we know you’re working frantically to get things inorder. The Turkey and ham must beproperly prepared and seasoned, family members are waiting at the airport, andbeer must be supplied in plenty. You’vegot a lot to do. So, as time winds down,we’ve come to the rescue. Check out ourquick guide to a fast recipe you can put together under pressure. Oh, and have a great Thanksgiving!

SweetPotatoes

Ingredients

6 medium sweet potatoes or yams (2 pounds)

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

3 tablespoons water

½ teaspoon salt

Step 1: Scrub sweet potatoes,but do not peel. Place potatoes in3-quart saucepan. Add enough water just to cover. Heat to boiling; reduce heatto low. Cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain; coolslightly. Slip off skins. Cut into 1/2-inch slices.

Step 2: Heat remaining ingredients in 10-inch skillet over medium heat,stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly. Add potatoes. Gently stir untilglazed and hot.(Courtesy of Betty Crocker)

Automotive Advertising

Tips on Buying New & Used Cars

2011-11-16T11:28:00.001-08:00

Carsare an investment. We know that carbuying is a huge decision, affecting financing, safety, and reliance. We know that car buying is a difficult. We’re here to help. In today’s blog, we've decided to provide theadvantages of buying new and used. The decisionreally boils down to what you can afford and what option will give you peace ofmind in the future.

BuyingNew

· Reduced Maintenance – buying a new vehicle meansno worries for a while. Only theoccasional tune-up and oil change are required.

· Warranty Coverage – the manufacturer covers newvehicles under warranty for at least 3 years, some even longer. Withmanufacturer warranties, if something goes wrong it's the responsibility of thedealer and manufacturer to fix it.

· Peace of Mind – if you do encounter problemswith a new vehicle, you have legal recourse through state lemon laws (availablein every state).

· Roadside Assistance – All mainstream new carscome with free roadside assistance while the vehicle is under warranty. Also, you could be reimbursed for alternatetransportation should something goes wrong.

BuyUsed

· Increased Choice – With used cars, you have alarge choice of cars to choose from. Someone is always selling your dream car in mint condition.

· Improving Reliability – used vehicles don’t usuallyhave the same warranties as new ones, however the original factory warranty istransferable to a second owner at no charge.

· Just Like New – According to Edmunds: “Another trend that makesbuying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-ownedprograms. The idea started with luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benzand has become a popular alternative for car buyers.”

# Automotive Advertising

4 Vehicle Must Haves

2011-11-09T14:00:00.001-08:00

Thereare some basic items that everyone should have in their car. In 2011, it’s rare that you’ll be foundstranded, with the emergence of features that come equipped with every vehicle,but there are some things you GOTTA have in your vehicle. In today’s blog, we discuss some crucialitems for daily commuters.

JumperCables – These nifty cables are a lifesaver. I can’ even count how many times it’s saved me from a strandedsituation. If you forget to turn offyour lights, leave your car parked for a long time, or just have an olderbattery, jumper cables are awesome. We recommendthe AAA Heavy Duty 16′ 6Gauge Booster Cable.

12-VoltMini Air Compressor – This small compressor is powered by the vehicle via thecigarette power jack and includes a built-in dial air pressure gauge. You can use this to top off your tires beforea long trip. This saves money and keepsyour vehicle riding great.

JackStands – these are very important because they add a safety precaution for whenyou change your flat tire. Also, youshould only change your flat tire if you’re in a safe location. Get a set of sturdy jacks that featurepawl-and-tooth design and a one-piece multi-position ductile ratchet bar forextra strength.

FirstAid Kit – Be prepared for anything with a fully equipped first-aid kit. These usually include: bandages, gloves, butterfly closures, an instant cold pack,tape, antibiotic ointment, cotton tips, burn cream ointment, finger splints,alcohol prep pads, a first aid guide, sting relief prep pads, gauze pads,sterile antiseptic prep pads, scissors, and a roll of gauze.

Theseitems will be helpful, as well as the features readily available for yourvehicle. Feel free to add your owncomponents.

Automotive Advertising

Car App of the Week: Waze, FREE GPS Application

2011-10-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Lifehas been made simpler with the emergence of smartphones. Need to find a great place to eat? There’s anapp for that. Want to set up a reminderto pick milk after work? There’s an app forthat. Want to begin your plan for worlddomination by taking over your city with one swift button? There’s NO app for that, yet…but who knowswhat's in store for the future!

TheiPhone app store has a plethora of GPS apps that range from $.99 to $100, allallowing for a step-by-step guide to get from point A to B. Our app of the week, Waze, a new navigationsystem that provides step-by-step directions on a 3-D map, combiningcrowd-sourced info as well as accurate GPS, is the perfect solution. Also, theapp is totally free! According to 148Apps:“Waze is a free, social, mobile crowd-source navigation and real-timetraffic application for iPhone that gives its users a "real-time,"live description of the road/driving conditions around them. It's a free,useful, fun application everyone should download and experience!”

Wazefeatures:

· Constantly-updatedroad map

· Real-timetraffic updates

· Automaticrerouting

· Livereports from users on the road

· Turn-byturn directions

· Roadtweets – Twitter integration

· Foursquareintegration

· Automaticallylearned frequent routes

· Picturesharing from the road

· Usercontribution scoreboard

Download ASAP! For more, visit: http://www.148apps.com/reviews/waze/and http://www.waze.com/download/to download

Automotive Advertising

Buying Tires? Consumer Reports Provides Some Tips for Your Purchase…

2011-10-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Goodmorning, Bloggers! We’ve got a quick video for you inspired by the cautiouscommuter. Consumer reports has provideda guide to getting the best tires for your driving type. Check out the video below and take some timeto comment, we love your feedback!

Automotive Advertising

App of the Week: Siri

2011-10-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

You’veprobably heard a lot of buzz surrounding the new iPhone. After the unprecedented passing of Apple’shead honcho, Steve Jobs, a new iPhone 4s was released shortly thereafter. This new piece of hardware came with a newapp that would blow the socks off its users. This app: Siri, is a personal assistant. In other words, you can have your phone perform tasks for you. Reminders, locations, and a bunch of otherfeatures are preloaded into this awesome app. Don't worry, it’s not Skynet, but the voice recognition technology ispretty amazing. Enough talk, we’ll showyou:

Automotive Advertising

The Kookiest Auto Races…EVER

2011-10-12T06:26:00.001-07:00

Welove speed. The exhilaration we feelwhen we’re driving with the top down and the landscape is whizzing by is anAmerican pastime, almost a tradition in our culture. We pack Nascar Speedways to watch speeddemons circle a track, drive fast in the HOV lane, and mount up a ridiculousamount of speeding violations on a daily basis. We’re a speed-based country bent on getting to the next objective…quickly. As fans of the racing dynamic and the senseof adrenaline we get from it, I’ve decided to pull 3 crazy races into a list(Courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com) on our Blog. Check them out below:

RedBull Soapbox Race

It’sall about gravity with this one. Theobjective is to create a makeshift vessel that can be propelled with onlystandard wheels. The vehicle isengineless, and zooming downhill in this derby and winning could warrant aprize. The derby oozes creativity, with pastentrants being in the shape of a piano, a giant corn on the cob, and…the GoldenGate Bridge. Now that’s awesome!

24Hours of LeMons

Accordingto HowStuffWorks.com “Whilethe actual 24 Hours of LeMans sports car race, held annually in the eponymousFrench city, features real racing cars that have been tuned and engineeredwithin an inch of their lives, the 24 Hours of LeMons race features real, well,lemons.” If you paid more than $500 foryour car, including modifications you won’t be allowed on the track. Our first car out of high school would haveworked perfectly.

Gumball 3000

The Gumball 3000 is a high-end car rally that runs annuallybetween locations since 1999. Thetradition began in London, making its way through Europe, ending in New YorkCity. Other Gumballs have gone from New York tothe Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles and from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to theCannes Film Festival in the south of France -- not a very long trip until youconsider that the route crossed the Mediterranean and passed through NorthAfrica on its way to the finish line. Have any you would like to add?

Automotive Advertising

Finding the Right Vehicle…For You

2011-10-04T14:50:00.001-07:00

Yourpalms are sweaty, your eyes are burning, and you’re nervously tapping your footagainst the floor. “Click” the sound of your mouse causes you to sweat as youfeverishly look for an ew car online. Itshouldn’t be THIS difficult! Having trouble deciding on what vehicle to purchasenext? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Choosing your next vehicle is a big investment that starts ahead with carefulplanning. We can help. Come in to see us any time for your questionsand concerns, we’ll be happy to help you. Until then, take a look at this brief video to help you decide what typeof vehicle is right for you, then come in for great assistance from our salesteam.

Doyou want a manual or automatic transmission?

Do you really need four-wheel drive? Or all-wheel drive?

Whatsafety features do you want?

Doyou require a lot of cargo capacity?

Willyou be doing any towing?

Doyou have a bad back and need flexible seating positions?

Willthe car easily fit in your garage or parking space?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zja6t0nI72Y

Automotive Advertising

Breaking Down Your VIN Number

2011-09-28T07:33:00.001-07:00

AVehicle Identification Number is a series of numbers we see all too often, butdo we really have an understanding for what they are? To the normal eye, it looks like a confusingseries of numbers. A VIN is the 17-digitstring of numbers assigned to every vehicle. It can reveal A TON of facts about your car, including airbag type,country of origin, engine size, model year and even the trim level! It’s can be stamped into a plate that’smounted on the dashboard, near the windshield, or on the driver-sidedoorjamb. It could also be stamped onthe engine firewall.

Ifyou’re looking to decipher the code, you can visit a site calleddecodethis.com, this site will translate the number into a readable document,changing the set of numbers into understandable content. The information is accurate and worth apeek. We ran a random vehicle, theresult being:

Thebenefit of this info is using it to obtain a vehicle history report. Beforeyou buy a used car — even if it's from a dealer — it's important to get thevehicle's VIN and use it to run a history report that can reveal if the car hasbeen reported stolen or if it has a salvage title.

Automotive Advertising

How Much Does An Electric Vehicle ACTUALLY Cost to Maintain?

2011-09-21T07:41:00.001-07:00

TheJetsons is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of electricvehicles, not necessarily a floating utopia equipped with flying cars, but it’sdefinitely a wave of the future. Withcountless manufacturers rolling our production vehicles and prototypes, it’snot difficult to get lost in the shuffle. We’ve heard the conversation around electric vehicles: they’re quiet,cheap to maintain, and environmentally friendly. Lets delve a bit deeper and get the actualprice of maintaining one.

Accordingto Edmunds: to figureout the cost of fueling an EV, start with the electric car's energy consumptionrate, which is expressed as kWh per 100 miles (kWh/100m). This figure will belisted on the EPA's upcoming EV fuel economy label (the 2011 Leaf's preliminarylabel is shown here,complete with an erroneous 12-cent per kWh figure in the cost estimate thatNissan says it is correcting). The next figure is your home electric rate,assuming that's the primary charging site. Multiply the kWh/100m figure by theelectric rate to get the cost per 100 miles. For instance, the Leaf's kWh/100mfigure is 34. If electricity is 11 cents per kWh — the national average — itwould cost $3.74 to go 100 miles.

Utility companies, and thetime and level of use set the electricity cost. You pay more for kWh at peak hours, making a lot of electric commuterspay more than the national average of 11 cents per kWh. How do real individuals save on theirelectric vehicles?

Tom and Cathy Saxon have twoelectric vehicles. They installedseparate electric meters for their EVs (electric vehicles) in July 2009 andhave been tracking them since then. TheSaxton's Tesla is consuming at a rate of 30.8 kWh/100m (bettering its officialEPA rating); the RAV4 is averaging about 35 kWh/100m. They pay an average of 11.25 cents perkWh. In other words, they drive about 30miles on a dollar’s worth of electricity, it would be much more expensive todrive with gas. Results do vary,depending on a couple factors like when and where you’re charging, but the truecost of filling up is a tad more complicated than expected.

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How to Save a Life: A Group of Samaritan’s Save Man From Burning Car

2011-09-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

I’m not one to be cynical; the world is a strange and coldplace, I know. It’s full of thieves,negative influences and shady politics, but today’s blog isn’t about debate. It’s about a brief epiphany I had earlier, asI watched a group of people lift a car (yes, you read that correctly) and savea mans life who was tucked under the vehicle, a man they didn’t “know fromAdam”. Their amazing bravery caused meto choke up a bit, wiping my tears with the back of my sleeve. The world DOES have good in it, and throughour daily routines, we sometimes forget. So, if you’re reading this blog entry, think back to when you’ve helpedsomeone, or look forward TO helping someone in the near future, and check outthe video below for an awe inspiring clip of perseverance throughstruggle. Feel free to add your comments!

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Twitter: Awesome Quotes Under 140 Characters!

2011-09-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

Follow us @Kuni_Honda1. HelloFans! If you’ve come to our blog today, you’re in luck. Twitter, the micro blogging social media siteis an amazing little tool for self-promotion. Through savvy, profound, and funny tweets, you can become a big playerin an ever-growing market. In today’sblog, from our friends over at allfamousquotes.weebly.com, we’ve got a greatlist of quotes for you to hit the site with, providing some fun and enticingquotes to increase your followers. Checkthem out below:

Best Twitter Quotes about marriage

Beforemarriage, a man yearns for the woman he loves. After marriage, the 'Y' becomessilent.

~Anonymous.

Marriagesare made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning.

~Anonymous.

Bachelorsknow more about women than married men; if they didn't they'd be married too.

~ H.L. Mencken.

Thebonds of matrimony are like any other bonds - they mature slowly.

~Peter De Vries.

Along marriage is two people trying to dance a duet and two solos at the sametime.

~Anne Taylor Fleming.

Thereis no such cozy combination as man and wife.

~Menander.

Aman in love is incomplete until he has married. Then he's finished.

~Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Asuccessful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the sameperson.

~Mignon McLaughlin.

BestTwitter Quotes about kids

Everychild comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged ofman.

~RabindranathTagore

Childrenare unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they're going tocatch you in next.

~FranklinP. Jones.

Anykid will run any errand for you if you ask at bedtime.

~RedSkelton.

Ifyou haven't time to respond to a tug at your pants leg, your schedule is toocrowded.

~RobertBrault.

Youcan learn many things from children. How much patience you have, forinstance.

~FranklinP. Jones.

BestTwitter Quotes Dads would love

Blessedindeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!

~Lydia M. Child.

Afather carries pictures where his money used to be.

~Anonymous.

Afather is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.

~Anonymous.

Daytimeis ruled by mothers and fathers come out at night.

~Margaret Atwood.

BestTwitter Quotes about Inspiration

Risksmust be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

~Leo Buscaglia.

Self-praiseis for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and behumble.

~John Madden.

Thebiggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.

~Oprah Winfrey.

Whatkeeps me going is goals.

~Muhammad Ali.

Positivethinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.

~Zig Ziglar.

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Facebook Makes Some Changes...

2011-08-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Facebook is the number one social media network on the planet, and as we all know, it has paved the way for millions of people to act and react simultaneously. You're on Facebook. Your family's on Facebook. And yes, your Mom is on Facebook. We're all familiar with the platform. Facebook is making some SUBSTANTIAL changes to their privacy policy. In part, inspired by Google+'s plethora of features. Accessibility is the main priority here and a lot of features are being moved to News feeds and profile pages as opposed to setting pages.

"A new drop-down menu will appear next to individual status updates and pieces of profile information (see above), enabling users to select the “audiences,” groups, and friend lists who can see those bits of their personal lives. The View Profile As tool will now reside at the top of your profile page rather than deep in the privacy settings, making it painless to preview what your mom will see before approving her friend request. Keep reading for a breakdown of some of the other big additions."
-Washington Post

Now, you will also be able to tag people who are not yet your friends, with users being able to accept or deny those tags before they're associated with you. An ideal feature for night's that you would like to forget by not being tagged performing a "keg stand". It helps protect your online integrity and private life.

A couple other features include:

Geo-location in status updates
Ability to change who sees Facebook updates after they've posted.
Change of "Everyone" terminology to "Public" (borrowing the lingo from Google+)

The changes begin on Thursday August 25th, showing a great initiative in Facebook's dominance. What else do you think Facebook should change? Let us know in the comments below!

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Automotive Advertising

Google has a Self Driving Car!

2011-08-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

How would you feel about a self-driving car? Sound a bit farfetched? Well, the geniuses at Google have been hard at work making this innovation come true. We don't even have the words to explain this awesome new technology. See for yourself why Google is a global company bent on world domination, one piece of technology at a time. This is truly amazing!

Feel free to comment!

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BIG List of Facts!!

2011-08-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

In today’s blog we’re talking BIG, with influences from Automopedia, we’ve provided a detailed list of great facts!!! Enjoy!

1. The 1st automobile racetrack in the US was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which consists of 3 million cobblestones.

2. In its 1st year the VW Beetle sold only 330 cars in the United States.

3. Women spend more than $65 million on new cars and trucks, influence 80 percent of all new car purchases, and will buy 60 percent of new cars in 2001.

4. In 1916, 55 percent of the cars in the world were Model T Fords, a record that has never been beaten.

5. 135 million cars travel the nation's roads and interstates each day.

6. The first Ford cars had Dodge engines.

7. One seventh of the new auto/truck sales in the US are in Southern California.

8. The average 1999 model year automobile cost $5,674 per year to own and operate.

9. In the 1970's cars were scrapped almost twice as often as small trucks, but over the years cars have become more durable and in 1999 the scrappage rate was almost equal.

10. The city with the most Rolls Royce's per capita is Hong Kong.

11. Windshield wipers were invented by a woman.

12. The brake light in the rear windows was put there after a suggestion by Elizabeth Dole.

13. The first person to win the Indianapolis 500 at a speed of over 100 MPH without a relief driver was Billy Arnold who won in 1930 with an average speed of 100.448 MPH.

14. The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles. At the time, the most known player on the market was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.

15. In 2002 30% of the cars sold were SUVs. It’s rumored the Chevy Nova sold poorly in Mexico because the word “Nova” is close to the Spanish phrase “doesn’t go.” Maybe it didn’t sell because it was a Chevy…or because it was Mexico.

16. Only FOUR automobiles were registered in the United States in 1895. I guess everybody had to learn to share!

17. Over 90% of car owners admit to singing while behind the wheel.

18. The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.

19. In 1960, you could purchase a brand new Buick La Sabre for under $3000. With that you basically got two-doors, a (manual) steering wheel and an engine.

20. Mary Anderson patented the windshield wiper in 1905 after she noticed snow and rain gathering on the fronts of trolley cars and automobile windows.

21. In 1898, the New York City Police Department used bicycles to pursue speeding motorists.

22. The World’s Oldest Car was built in France in 1884 for French Count De Dion.

23. In 2009 New York and New Jersey were surveyed as having the Worst Drivers in America.

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Automotive Advertising

What’s Your Social Media Influence?

2011-08-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Good morning, fans! In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss your presence in social media. You’re the much-needed backbone to a digital revolution. Providing comments, retweets, check-ins and a plethora of other content to the web. We have one question though: have you ever wondered how BIG your influence was? Well Klout, a scoring system of your overall online influence, might shed some light.

Klout scores you on a range from 1 to 100 with higher scores representing a wider and stronger realm of influence. Klout uses over 35 variables to measure your reach and network score.

Klout explained: “True Reach is the size of your engaged audience and is based on those of your followers and friends who actively listen and react to your messages. Amplification Score is the likelihood that your messages will generate actions (retweets, @messages, likes and comments) and is on a scale of 1 to 100. Network score indicates how influential your engaged audience is and is also on a scale from 1 to 100. The Klout score is highly correlated to clicks, comments and retweets.
We believe that influence is the ability to drive people to action -- "action" might be defined as a reply, a retweet, a comment, or a click. We perform significant testing to ensure that the average click-through rate on links shared is highly correlated with a person's Klout Score. The 25+ variables used to generate scores for each of these categories are normalized across the whole data set and run through our analytics engine. After the first pass of analytics, we apply a specific weight to each data point. We then run the factors through our machine-learning analysis and calculate the final Klout Score. The final Klout Score is a representation of how successful a person is at engaging their audience and how big of an impact their messages have on people.”

Klout is an awesome new way to check your personal influence on the web…we know, you’re DYING to see yours. Visit: http://www.klout.com and find out your score today!

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Automotive Advertising

4 MORE Important Safety Features!

2011-07-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

“Driving is a privilege.” The statement has been instilled in us since we took over the wheel. Precautions like checking your rear-view mirror, adjusting side mirrors, and wearing your seatbelt become instinct on a road full of imminent danger. Danger can be avoided by taking precaution. In today’s blog, we discuss 3 awesome options for keeping safe while you drive

1. Antilock Braking System – this system prevents your car’s wheels from locking up by rapidly applying brake pressure. It kicks in during heavy braking, but light breaking on slick roads can also activate it. ABS has two distinct benefits: 1. Shorter stop distances on slippery surfaces. 2. Maintenance of steering control. It gives the average driver more control over emergency situations.
2. Stability Control – this uses sensors to monitor how closely a car’s path matches your intended path based on steering, throttle and brake inputs. Stability control is great at helping the driver maintain control during emergency maneuvers, and is especially useful when driving larger vehicles with a high sense of gravity.
3. Child Safety-seat Compatibility - All 2002 and up vehicles come with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in the backseat, which provides a more secure means of installation for child safety seats with tethers.
4. Tire-pressure Monitoring System – A tire-pressure monitoring system uses a dashboard warning light to let the driver know when a tire doesn't have enough air to be driven on safely Of course, even the best monitoring systems are no substitute for checking your tire pressure on a regular basis

What are some additional safety features you would recommend? Let us know!

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Automotive Advertising

How to Change a Flat Tire

2011-07-19T07:34:00.001-07:00

Imagine driving you car down a rural road on your way home from work. Your favorite song is blaring on the radio, and you finally feel a sense of ease from a busy day. At your favorite part of the song, you hear a loud pop, then the slow roll of a popped tire as you cruise to the median. First, you make sure that you’ve steered clear of any hazards. Then, you realize that your front left tire has become a disheveled piece of rubber. Hands on your hips, foot tapping the ground, you take a long sigh, but not one of relief, one of frustration. Darn! A flat tire.
Now, if you own a vehicle with run-flat tires or a low tire pressure warning system, you most likely won’t have to deal with these frustrations, if you don’t own those options, you’re in luck. We’ve got a step-by-step guide to helping you change that tire.
1. Get your tools – find your car’s spare tire, jack and tire iron. The spare is usually in the trunk under the floor mat, or in a minivan mounted on the back of the tailgate or underneath the vehicle.
2. Check air pressure- if you have an air pressure gauge check the tire’s pressure on the spare, hopefully it should be fine.
3. Remove flat tire- MAKE SURE CAR IS IN GEAR OR PARK, and that the emergency break is set. Also, make sure your car is on a flat surface.
4. Use the tire iron- (the L shaped bar that fits over the wheel lugs) to loosen each lug. They are usually very tight, so use a little force, they should loosen after a couple tries. Leave the lugs loose and move the jack under the car (shown on directions of jack). Raise the jack until it contacts the car’s frame. Continue to expand it.
5. Once the tire is completely raised off the ground, remove the wheel lugs completely.
6. Take the spare tire and line it up over the wheel studs, you’ll have to hold up the tire and try to line up the holes in the wheel. One tip is to balance the tire on your foot while you move it into position. Once done, the lugs should screw on easily. Once each of them is snug and you can't tighten them any further by hand, use the tire iron to finish the job.
7. Lower the jack- carefully, and then pull the jack away from the vehicle. Once the spare tire is on, carefully lower the jack. Pull the jack away from the vehicle. The final step is to tighten down the lugs completely. The reason you tighten the lugs now is that the tire is on the ground and it won't rotate around like it would if it was still hanging in the air.
Congrats, you’ve just changed a flat tire!!
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Automotive Advertising

7 Things You Should Have in Your Car

2011-07-13T07:53:00.001-07:00

Ok, as an individual who enjoys a tidy workspace, I can understand why you wouldn’t want to be compared to the vehicle equivalent of the individuals on the TV show: “Hoarders.” We also want you to keep safe while you make your daily commute, so we’re feeling a bit conflicted. In most cases, your vehicle is well equipped with the necessary tools to run smoothly. In today’s blog, with help from The Simple Dollar, we provide a list of some extra essentials that could aid you daily.
1. Owner’s manual This should naturally be in your glove compartment anyway, but you want to make sure that it is indeed in your car.
2. Maps Keep a detailed map of the state you’re in in your car at all times – or even a current atlas if you have room. Don’t completely rely on a GPS navigation system.
3. First aid kit (and manual) This can be vital if you’re in an accident and someone has injuries. Slowing down bleeding quickly can mean the difference between walking something off and going into shock.
4. Flashlight (and extra batteries) Similarly, a flashlight is utterly essential at night if you need to change a tire.
5. Bottled water This is necessary for sustenance if you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for a while.
6. Food! Non-perishables, need we say more?
7. Umbrella stay dry, my friends.
Got anything you’d like to add to the list? Well come on down! Add your essentials below:

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Automotive Advertising

Summer Cool Down!

2011-07-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

When summer comes to mind, I can think of only two words: Alice Cooper. The infamous ballad “School’s Out” is recycled every first day of summer as children flood from the schoolhouse in a raucous blur of textbooks and brightly colored backpacks It’s a time of childhood freedom, family road trips, and a generous amount of suntan lotion, all wrapped into a 3-month span. Driving your vehicle during the summer months can put wear and tear on your car, the extreme heat causing internal frustration and outward sweat spells. In today’s blog, we suggest ways to keep yourself and your vehicle cool during the summer months.
Our first option is an auto shade that sets in your front window. It cools your vehicle, and protects your dash from cracking from sun damage. Make sure your shade:
• Fits your car fully
• Dark and reflective shade
• HEATSHIELD- made to conform to specific makes and models of vehicles.
Another way to drop your car’s temperature is to install a window film, or tints on your vehicle. Several companies’ make a nearly clear film that reflects U.V. and infrared rays. By keeping your vehicle temperature down, it takes less time for your A/C to cool your car down. Thus, saving you energy and promoting overall efficiency. If you have any other options to contribute, please leave a comment below. Have a great summer!

Preventing Auto Theft

2011-06-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

The restaurant is dimly lit; creating an ambiance that is both inviting and tasteful. You bite into your steak, looking through the window outside as you measure the flavor of your first bite. It’s then; you see a shadowy figure huddled by the drivers’ side of your car. You watch, as if in slow motion, as the individual quickly enters your car via force and drives off in your brand new car. The scariest moment during theft is watching your hard earned vehicle being taken by someone who wanted a quick buck.
In today’s blog, we discuss some solutions for protecting your car from theft. Theft begins with opportunity, as we all know. The thief sees a opportune moment to strike. Diminish these opportunities by being prepared. An alarm system is a good beginning, however most thieves have a full understanding of most theft systems. Here are some ways to protect your vehicle:
Obviously, you should never do any of these things:
• Leave the windows down or the sunroof open;
• Leave the keys in the ignition, or someplace else in the car such as under the visor;
• Leave the car running and unattended, even for only a few minutes;
• Leave car unlocked
NEVER!
• Don't leave your spare key somewhere a thief is likely to look, like magnetically stuck to the exhaust pipe or sitting on top of the tire;
• Only leave the ignition key with the valet, and make sure that the key to the glove box is a different cut;
• When you park on the street, turn the front wheels sharply into the curb and always use the emergency brake;
• Disable the car in some way, either by removing the electronic ignition fuse or by some other method;
Stolen vehicles are usually sold as parts because it’s more difficult for police to track hundreds of vehicle parts, as opposed to an entire car. Want to keep your car immune from theft? Consider these options:
• Ignition and fuel kill switches;
• Floorboard, gearshift, tire/wheel and hood locks;
• Vehicle tracking device
• If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, back into the driveway; if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, drive straight into the driveway;
• If you have a garage, clean it out and park your vehicle in there, and always lock your garage doors;
• Install a motion-sensor light or alarm system on your garage doors;
We hope that we provided some great tips for you, guys. Have a great week! Feel free to share any experiences you might have had, or additional tips. Thanks!

What in the World is “Hypermiling”?

2011-06-21T12:21:00.001-07:00

The focal point of personal funding woes begins at the pump. Our recent blogs have discussed what precautions you can take to avoid high gas prices In lieu of rising gas prices; a select few have decided to go the distance. Literally. Some individuals have been getting above 65 mpg. Is this a typo? With LASIK eye surgery I can honestly say it’s not. Hypermiling has become the newest craze and in today’s blog, we delve into what it is and how it’s done. Oh, and as a precaution: DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!

Hypermiling is an unorthodox technique for increasing your mpg. These techniques include coasting for blocks with the car engine tuned off, driving at or below the speed limit, pumping up tire pressure far beyond recommendations and carefully manipulating the gas pedal to avoid fuel-burning excess. Options also include keeping the air-condition turned off, and the window cracked slightly. Hypermilers also carry a journal that records their daily commute, gas consumption and mileage. All in an effort to avoid the ever increasing price of gas.

Hypermiling has become a niche, with websites dedicated to the cause. Driving Safety advocates forbid some of their habits, but applaud others. Some Hypermiling habits are very dangerous. “Turning the engine off while coasting can, in some cars, leave the driver without power steering or brakes and allow the possibility that the steering wheel will lock up. Drivers can endanger themselves and others if they go too slow for the pace of traffic.” The list goes on.

However, some Hypermilers ARE safe. They obey all traffic laws and mix city and highway driving in a combination of strategic and gas saving options. Using a truck for a windbreak is dangerous, but safer Hypermilers stay the recommended distance while still maintaining a saving of mpg by putting safety before mileage.

Drive Safely!

How Electric Cars Work

2011-06-15T07:17:00.001-07:00

We enjoy electric toasters, electric music players, and occasionally the electric slide (for the musically inclined, of course). Now, electric cars have peaked our interest with promises of aiding the environment and saving on gas money. Many have thought about the purchase, but how do they work? In today’s blog, we touch on the subject of so much popularity.

First, they create less pollution than gas-powered cars, and are environmentally friendly. Vehicle power is derived from an electric motor. These motors use electricity in place of gasoline to power the vehicle. Electricity is fed to the motor, creating a magnetic field. That magnetic field causes a tightly wound coil to rotate while spinning the axle of the vehicle, turning the tires for motion.

Electric cars are literally ‘plugged in’ to juice up the engine. Electric cars with a battery use an electrical outlet to charge before they are operated. Another way is the hydrogen fuel cell. Fuel cells work when pure hydrogen combines with oxygen to create electricity. The only byproduct of hydrogen fuel cells is water. Yet another way is a solar power. Solar panels on a car collect energy from the sun and store it into the car's battery for later use.

Electric cars are great for the environment. They produce less noise pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Innovation and technology will continue to change and adapt to the times making electric cars a great alternative.

Top Vehicle Innovations of the Century

2011-06-08T07:56:00.001-07:00

Flying cars have always been something we would like to see in our lifetime, but…for now, we’ll have to settle for some really cool, helpful, innovations. Cars have gone a long way since the Ford Model-T and in today’s blog we discuss some of the most influential technologies to date.
1) Fold-flat rear seats – Honda’s foldaway seats in the late 1990’s took the concept of space saving to another level. Seats that tuck out of the way are much easier to deal with than those that have to be removed.
2) Electronic Stability Systems – introduced by luxury manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz in 1995, this computerized system applies the car’s brakes or cuts the throttle to keep the car going where you want it. This maintains car stability, working within the car’s limitations.
3) DVD Players – In 2002 Honda and Saturn introduced the DVD player, children in the backseat of minivans rejoiced. Innovation? Very much so. DVD players were shrunk and fitted into vehicles, providing a smooth comfortable ride, minus the bickering siblings in the background.
Do you have any innovations you would like to add to the list? There are countless other options available, add yours now!

Nice Paint Job! Quick Tips to Preserving Your Car’s Shine

2011-06-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” The age-old quote does have some clout in the modern day world we live in. A clean paint job can make your car shine and reflect (pun intended) your character. Wax, basically used on wood to create a water resistant barrier, and polish, used on modern vehicle paint, can make your car dull. It creates a cover over your paint job that makes it age faster. The main cog in keeping your paint job new is to avoid friction, meaning abrasive polish, waxing or buffering. Below is a quick step process for keeping that shine.

1.Pure liquid and non-abrasive application will preserve your paint, so choose a product that does not include wax, abrasives or polish.

2.Make sure it is a spray or mist.

3.Wash your car with clear water and grease cutting liquid soap.

4.Starting at the top, hose the car down, then grab a bucket of soapy water and a soft brush and do the same.

5.Hose the car while you scrub with the brush.

6.Take a soft towel and dry the vehicle without letting the soap dry.

7.Starting with a clean dry towel on clean dry paint, apply the spray conditioner sparingly to the top of the vehicle and spread it out.

8.Acrylic conditioners are absorbed into the paint and have a application spread rate of 10 to 1 in area sprayed to area covered.

9.Do not over saturate your paint.

10.After completing the top follow the same conditioning pattern as when washing, finishing at the bottom.

11.The total application time for a spray mist conditioner is under 10 minutes per vehicle.

12.Conditioners do not harden and will continue to add conditioning strength to the paint days after the application.

13.The effects will last for months, vehicle easily clean up with just water. No soap is needed when using a true acrylic paint conditioner.

14.The Shine will lasts for months, no wax is needed.

15.Reapply once a month and your factory shine will last longer than with any wax or polish being sold today.

(Courtesy of wikiHow)

5 Hot US Spots for a Road Trip

2011-05-25T08:08:00.001-07:00

“America the beautiful” written by Katharine Lee Bates is the soundtrack to planning a road trip, which is an inexpensive alternative to air travel. Road trips are both enjoyable and historically enlightening. You would be surprised as to what’s in your backyard. If you have been thinking of taking a road trip, look no further, we will provide you with several great spots to get some much-needed R & R.

Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is colder than most vacation spots, but it also offers some of the greatest historical sights in the US. World-renowned museums, shows, concerts, Red Sox games at World famous Fenway Park, and the Freedom Trail. If you enjoy the bar scene, you could also enjoy Boston’s plethora of pubs, hangouts, and just spend a day barhopping. Great food balances out the equation.

The California Coast
Take a direct ride up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco for a great view and an even more amazing feeling. You can bask in the sun on any beach that permits, check out the Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, the possibilities are as endless as the shoreline.

New York City
This is hands down one of the places required to visit on your trip (if you haven’t been). Public transportation to any location is convenient. The Empire State Building is amazing, Staten Island ferry, Greenwich Village and Soho, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and Times Square make New York City a town chock full of the American dream. Then when you’re too tired to walk and need a seat, watch a Broadway Show you will be amazed at the production value!

Disney World, Florida
Disney is a land of freedom from adulthood, and a child’s paradise. It has countless rides and amusement parks, colorful characters of our favorite cartoons, delicious food, and Mickey Mouse! What more could you ask for?

Grand Canyon, Arizona
One of the greatest national wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking formation of natural beauty. Views from the South rim, hiking trails, and a rafting tour make The Grand Canyon a stellar vacation spot. The scene is truly breathtaking. This should be one location where you should save massive space on your camera memory card. Say cheese!

Ok, so we’ve provided several spots for your next road trip. Have you had any road trips experiences you would like to share, or maybe we missed your favorite hot spot? Feel free to comment below:

Color Me Glad

2011-05-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

The color of your car can reflect your personal demeanor. When you’re angry, what color comes to mind first? Red perhaps, a sign of passion and love that makes you feel the physical presence of warmth? What about a passive or easygoing attitude? Blue, possibly? There’s no doubt that colors have a large effect on our buying power when choosing a vehicle. Colors don’t necessarily mimic character traits of the driver, because expense and size may also be an important factor. However, it could give a general idea of that individual’s persona. Check out some comparisons below:

Black: usually more aggressive drivers, with power and authority. They are in control and self assured individuals who are confident in their lifestyle.

Silver: calm, cool, and prestigious these are individuals who are in control of their lives.

Green: reflects the beauty of nature, so drivers tend to be more concerned about the environment and eco-friendly.

White: the symbol of innocence and purity. These are usually safe, social, drivers who are less involved with traffic accidents. They tend to pay attention to detail and careful in their endeavors.

Red: High energy, risk taking drivers who are passionate people. These cars are high ticketed and stolen most often. Red usually corresponds to a higher price bracket.

Blue: Calm and serene, blue drivers are loyal people who drive cautiously. They have a strong maternal instinct and like to blend in.

Yellow: joyful, fun at heart, and confident individuals.

Orange: hard to find, this color car makes you eccentric. You crave attention and generally have an upbeat attitude.

Gray: you’re stable and self-reliant.

Gold: like to be noticed, also exhibit wealth and pride. You enjoy being seen and usually are financially independent.

Brown: you’re rare, reliable, approachable, and friendly.

Pink: you love to smile and are usually in good health.

So, what type of driver are you? Feel free to comment!

What Type of Gas Should I Get at the Pump?

2011-05-11T07:49:00.001-07:00

Gas plays an extremely crucial part in our lives. As daily commuters, it’s a means to an end, our destination. As gas prices rise in the summer months, many are considering more fuel-efficient vehicles, transportation alternatives, and cutting their driving down considerably. One age old question that many consumers have at the pump, when they do visit, is what IS really the difference between gas types? It’s always the same scenario: you’re at the pump and you see the ambiguous numbers 87, 89, and 92 plastered on the front of the gas pump terminal. You read the benefits of the higher priced gas and think: “Is this really making a difference?” In today’s blog, we discuss the differences and how it affects your specific vehicle. Check it out!

When buying gas for your vehicle, you should consider a couple things. When you arrive at the gas station you fill up on unleaded gas, with three options: octane, special additives, and ethanol content.

Octane has three options: 87, 89, and 92. Large engines perform well on 87 octane, smaller cars do well with 89, and high performance cars run perfect on 92 octane. The higher the octane rating the more compression the fuel can handle before it ignites. If your engine begins to knock, then fuel is igniting from the compression, not from the spark. Thus, damaging your engine. If this continues to occur, it’s time to buy higher-octane gas.

Special Additives are beneficial because their utilized by fuel companies to keep the inside of the engine clean. For example, Exxon uses high amounts of additives in their gas to keep your system clean. All the major gas companies use detergent additives to help keep the engine clean, so this should not really be a consideration.

The final option is ethanol content. The lower the ethanol content, the better the fuel will burn in your engine, providing a longer life for your engine. Ethanol is also good because it improves fuel economy, sometimes giving up to a 20% boost.

Saving the planet, saving money, or prolonging the life of your car? These are all great options to consider, give us your feedback!

What Smartphone is For You?

2011-05-04T08:34:00.003-07:00

Today, as I scaled through my phone for the latest updates on Facebook, the most up-to-date news on AP mobile, and weather updates for the ensuing week, I thought to myself: WOW. I was able to perform several tasks from the swipe of my phone, before I even stepped foot into the bathroom for my morning rituals. I sat back and wondered: “are other people THIS bad?” Are other smartphone users as ‘plugged in’ as I am? In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the best smartphone based on your needs. The 3 big conglomerates: iPhone, Android based phones, and Blackberry by RIM lead the pack with their innovations. Lets dive in!

iPhone: the iPhone has a HUGE, dedicated fan base of followers. Debuting in 2007, the iPhone took the cake in innovation. Creating a user-friendly operating system that was simple to use, and quick implementation was ideal. Apple has introduced many innovative features in its smartphones and has redefined the mobile-device landscape, forcing the competition to evolve and play catch-up in many cases.With the new operating system iOS 4 the phones move quickly (except for older models losing some of that speed in the process). Pros: Operating System, App Store, Web Browsing, Hardware, and Flexibility. Cons: Battery Life, iTunes, Durability, Consumer-centric.

Blackberry: RIM’s (Research in Motion) first smartphone hit the streets in 2002 with a heavy focus on e-mail and corporate messaging. Blackberry’s niche in business makes it a strong contender in the smartphone market. Creating an operating system and hardware also contributes to RIM’s success. Blackberry has the best contact management, calendaring, and e-mail client of all the devices. It is built for the business user and has extras for the consumer. A strong emphasis in battery life provides THE most optimal power consumption for the business user. Pros: Battery Life, Operating System, Durability, Productivity, and Hardware. Cons: Apps, Web Browsing, Business-centric, and Server software.

Android: Android’s operating system is like no other. It is owned and operated by Google, flourishing on a plethora of devices. What started on specific phones has become strictly an operating system for countless phone manufacturers. Android prides itself on being open source, boasting an application store containing thousands of free and paid apps. Android outsells both Blackberry’s and iPhone becoming the number one selling OS. Pros: Google Apps, Android Market, Choice of Hardware, Open Source, ActiveSync. Cons: Battery life, applications, fragmentation.

So…what do you use? Feel free to comment!!

Car Fans Rejoice! Great List of Twitter Enthusiasts to Follow:

2011-04-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

If you’re composing a tweet while finishing your morning oatmeal, you have an appreciation for getting an early start. If you’re choosing a hashtag (community-driven convention for adding additional context and metadata to your tweets) to contribute to while crossing a busy street, you’re adventurous. If you’re texting while in the mall and happen to fall into a strategically placed water fountain, you need help. If your Twitter addiction needs to be tamed, we can’t help you, but if you have a love for the modern automotive industry, you’re in luck. We’ve got a comprehensive list, from Joel Feder of Social Car News and the best car-related twitter feeds to follow.

@AdamCarolla: Almost hosted TopGearUSA; lived to tell about it, ready to host a real car show with the WSJ's vivacious Dan Neil and TSD's Matt Farah.
@AM_Tingwall: Automobile Magazine engineer, triathlon master.
@Auto123: The Canadian automotive network, for those above the 46th parallel and beyond.
@Auto_Bird: On a mission to save the world from underinflated tires.
@AutoCritic: The Detroit News' formerly erstwhile car guy; won't let anyone else tweet for him.
@AutomobileMag: Official Twitter account of the Automobile Magazine team.
@AutoTrader_com: Billed as The Automotive Marketplace, you know it as the ultimate work time-waster.
@BerryLowman: Avid Corvette enthusiast, obsessed with speed.
@BobbyLlew: UK TV star and big electric-car advocate.
@Bprosperi: Loves F1, Mazdaspeed, and works in IT. Supporting data: drives a MazdaSpeed6.
@BurnOutRadio: Hilarious podcast talking everything automotive. Seem to do lots of burnouts. Even the Twitter page smells like smoke.
@CarandDriver: Official Twitter account of Car and Driver, the best monthly car magazine ever.
@CarCounsel: From automotive engineering to marketing, Daanesh has his finger on the pulse, even though he has no actual medical degree.
@CarGuyDad: Car dork who also happens to be a father. Refuses to be labeled daddy blogger.
@CBaccus: Lover of BMWs; ex-Ford and Lincoln marketer.
@CRCars: Official Twitter account of the Consumer Reports cars team.
@CGAutomotive: Official Twitter account of Consumer Guide Automotive.
@CleanMPG: Extreme hypermiler. Want to know the maximum fuel efficiency of a car? Ask here nicely.
@DanBedore: The personal account for Hyundai's PR/SM guy, who has a sense of humor about Michigan weather.
@DamonLavrinc: Senior editor at Autoblog, gearhead and geek (in the good way).
@DavidShepardson: Chief of the Detroit News' D.C. Bureau.
@DeepSouthMS3: Complete Mazdaspeed nutcase.
@DoctorDiesel: Knows diesels inside and out. There had to be one.
@Edmunds: Official Twitter account of Edmunds.com.
@EVChels: Want to talk electric cars? Follow Chelsea, learn, then live it.
@Frank_Bacon: The automotive journalist that everyone aspires to be, give or take 200 pounds and a free LCD TV.
@FoxCarReport: Official Twitter account of the Fox News automotive team.
@GM_Joe: Founder of Gaywheels.com; now a leader for GM's grassroots PR.
@HighGearMedia: The most prolific, most experienced car writing on the Web, with @nireson, @joelfeder, @ben_gt, @johnvoelcker, and @martypadgett driving
@HighMileage: Energetic Texan out to save car culture from the evil beige.
@HemmingsNews: The bible of collector cars, if some prophets would get off their duffs and write one.
@IDMPhoto: Takes photos of hot cars, usually gets to drive them. Not #losing.

What NOT To Avoid on Your Car

2011-04-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

“Car maintenance” is a phrase better left unsaid. The words alone mean big $$$ in most cases, and many people avoid their maintenance schedules because of it. It’s a draining expense that is required to get you from point a to point b. However, car maintenance is a vital tool in maintaining the life of your car. Plus, maintaining a good schedule means more money in your pocket and less shelled out to a mechanic. First, how often are you supposed to receive maintenance? All of your answers lie in a small space known as the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule-in the owner’s manual or in a separate maintenance log book-that includes details that vehicle’s need to sustain long and healthy lives. Taking a few minutes to assimilate the requirements will help you avoid the following car-maintenance pitfalls.

Dirty Air Filter

Air filters that are even semi-clogged hurt fuel economy. It’s like the equivalent of having a softball in your mouth while eating. Sometimes it’s difficult to know when to change the air filter, because it may not look dirty but could be trapping dirt internally. It depends on the weather in your area. If you live in a rural location with dirt paved roads or grimy city streets you might have to change it twice as often as the schedule calls for.

DO NOT Ignore Your Brakes

If you notice even the slightest difference in your breaks, like pressure, sound, feel or response, you should, no MUST visit a mechanic ASAP.

Tighten Your Gas Cap

Is the check engine light on? If so, make sure the gas cap is tightly secured before calling the dealer. This is one of the most common ways to set off the car’s diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system’s venting arrangement.

So, do you have any tips to add? Feel free to comment:

Keep Your Lil’ Ones Safe: Car Rules to Abide By

2011-04-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Remember being strapped in what resembled a parachute harness, in the abysmal backseat? You’re next to an annoying sibling who feeds off of the pleasure he/she receives when giving you a “wet willy.” You’re helpless because you can hardly move forward in your newly revamped booster seat, as it crushes your shoulders back into the seat. It’s the most uncomfortable seat known to man, and at 5 years old it’s like a cage to a wild animal, but when it comes down to it, you’re safe. Thousands of children’s lives are jeopardized in car related accidents. In today’s blog we provide a couple tips to keeping your lil ones safe.

1. SUVs aren’t safer: It’s BIG, bad, and menacing, but SUVs are no safer than ordinary sedans. They’re more likely to rollover. The safest vehicles are low to the ground and larger (station wagons).

2. A car does NOT have to move to be dangerous: Parked cars are also, surprisingly deadly. As many as 220 children per year are killed in non-traffic auto accidents. Some are strangled by a window when they’re leaning out, inadvertently leaning on the rocker-type power window switch. Other children, when alone, release the emergency brake, setting the car in motion. Finally, at least 30 kids die each year when their parents leave them in the car and they suffocate from overheating. "Children should never, ever be left alone in an automobile -- not even for a minute," says Terrill Struttmann, executive director of Kids in Cars, an education and advocacy organization he and his wife started after their 2-year-old son was killed by a car set in motion by two kids playing alone inside.

3. Kids don’t need to be inside a car to be hurt by one: nearly 400 children are killed each year when they’re hit by an automobile. ALWAYS keep an eye on your little ones, no matter how many times you’ve warned them to stay out of the streets. A survey conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide found that a majority of drivers speed in school zones, and that nearly a third violate stop signs in neighborhoods where there are kids.

Do you have any tips of your own? Feel free to comment below:

The Appeal of An Automatic Transmission

2011-04-06T07:23:00.001-07:00

Driving is a breeze, like the one you embrace when you’re hitting 60 mph in your convertible. An Automatic vehicle is just that easy. 82% of the vehicles sold in the US are automatic, which translates to no need for you to control the gear shift, your car does that for you. With an automatic vehicle, a consumer with a daily commute won’t have to worry about focusing his or her hand on the gearshift. Instead, they could enjoy a bagel, fix their rearview mirror, or give a welcoming wave to a recognizable friend in the next vehicle over. In today’s blog, we discuss its appeal.

Automatic cars are easy. There’s no clutch or shifter to control. That means city driving is a breeze and commanding steep terrain is simple. There’s no ‘rollback’ with an automatic car while its in drive, giving you more energy to controlling your car on the road. If you live in a busy city its also beneficial because of stop-and-go traffic. An automatic takes away the worry of shifting gears, leaving an open hand to perform a small task. Since automatic cars only require one shift “D”, while driving forward it has a wider appeal. So, if two people were sharing a vehicle after its purchase no learning would be required. If one person couldn’t control a manual transmission it could be easier for them to stick with an automatic.

Some cars offer a “best of both worlds” style known as manumatics. The term differs from brand to brand, but the vehicle could begin in automatic and be shifted into a manual mode that allows control through the gears like a regular manual without the hassle of a clutch.

Automatic cars also have a higher resell value. The appeal for an automatic is much larger than that of a manual. Thus, becoming an easier seller for when you trade-in your vehicle.

So, we’ve given you the facts. What will you choose??? What do you prefer? Feel free to comment below:

Hybrid and Electric Cars

2011-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

With the rise of gas prices Americans have been searching for alternatives to the normal gas-powered vehicle. With the emergence of hybrid vehicles and the newer innovation, electric, there are now alternatives to the norm. One question is, how exactly do they work? In today’s blog we discuss how these two alternatives function.

Electric cars are literally ‘plugged in’ to juice up the engine. Electric cars with a battery use an electrical outlet to charge before they are operated. Another way is the hydrogen fuel cell. Fuel cells work when pure hydrogen combines with oxygen to create electricity. The only byproduct of hydrogen fuel cells is water. Yet another way is a solar power. Solar panels on a car collect energy from the sun and store it into the car's battery for later use.

Hybrids use traditional gas engines and an alternative power plant. There are two types: electric hybrids and hydrogen hybrids. Electric hybrids use an electric motor as their alternative energy source. Hydrogen hybrids extract the element from water and add the hydrogen to the fuel-air mixture of the vehicle. So how do hybrids help the environment? It’s important to know that oil is a limited resource; also carbon dioxide is produced when it’s burned. In addition, the oil that is extracted from the Earth damages the environment from drilling. Although hybrids still use gas, they achieve higher gas mileage than a regular vehicle because of the secondary power source. The average estimate is a five-mpg improvement in fuel economy.

The ultimate decision is up to you!

How to Be a Rock Star Commuter

2011-03-23T08:38:00.001-07:00

Everyone has a moment in time when they THINK they’re musically inclined. You believe for a second you have the voice of an angel. There are only several moments like that however, in the shower, in the confines of your room (ALONE), or in your vehicle. In your car, your personal space is confined to the comfort of your seat. It’s like a personal vocal booth. You croon and bellow until your heart is content. You might also have some onlookers, fans, looking at you strangely from their car as you sing your life away. You want to have the best possible options when you’re doing so, in our latest blog we go over the best options for listening to music in your car besides the FM tuner.

iPod/Mp3 Player – If you have your favorite tunes locked in on your iPod/smartphone/Mp3 Player-a-majig and your car has an Auxiliary connection, (most cars after 2006 have them) then you’re in luck. You can purchase an auxiliary cable online (eBay has them as low as 1$) plug it into the car and the other end into the headphone jack of your device. Push play on your device and viola, HD music directly from your favorite jukebox.

Satellite Radio – satellite radio is commercial and static free, music is beamed directly from satellites in space. Two big companies, XM and Sirius, have paid subscriptions with countless radio stations to choose from. Music from all genres, sports, traffic, talk shows (Howard Stern) and weather are all included. Purchasing the tuner for your car starts around $75 bucks, with a monthly subscription of around $15. One drawback is that reception can be deterred in cities with skyscrapers, but purchasing an external antenna will fix the problem.

Car Audio w/Cassette Adapter – if you own an older car, don’t panic! You can still play your mp3’s on the road. By purchasing a cassette adapter, you can play your tunes via a headphone jack. First, plug your cassette adapter into your player’s headphone jack. Then, insert the dummy tape into your car’s cassette player. With $20 dollars you can use your modern mp3 player to play your tunes, rock on!!

3 Car Innovations that Changed the Way You Drive

2011-03-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Who said we can’t live a life of luxury…while driving 51 MPH in your innovative vehicle? Our cars are an extension of ourselves; they provide us comfort, style, and a vehicle to connect us between two points. In today’s blog we discuss the coolest car innovations to date. Don’t see your favorite on our list? Add yours!
1) Heated and cooled seats – Heated seats have been around for a while, however, cooled seats made their debut in the mid 1990’s. Electric coils warm the seat while air circulates to cool it. This is seen in countless luxury vehicles as well as sedans and SUV’s
2) Navigation Systems – Honda claims it was the first to implement Navigation in the 1990 Acura legend. The ‘co-pilot’ of your daily commute, navigation can guide you step-by-step to your destination.
3) Hybrid drivetrains – this innovation began in 2000. They combine gas engines with electric motors for power. On a gallon of gas you can travel longer, which is ideal when gas prices are on the rise.
These innovations have revolutionized cars, and will continue to spawn further technologies. Do you have a favorite? Leave your comment below:

Doggie Safety Tips (Car Edition)

2011-03-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

A wagging tail is a smile in dog form. Man’s best friend has been keeping us company since the beginning of companionship. In the age of the modern consumer it gets more and more difficult to keep your pet safe. In our recent blog post we discuss some great tips for keeping your ‘Lassie’ safe during a car ride. Below, we’ve provided a quick list of options:

1) Restrain your dog – We know dogs want to have their freedom, however it’s so much safer to keep them restrained while in the car. If your pet is unrestrained it can cause distractions and injury. Imagine making a sudden stop. Even at low speeds this can be very dangerous for your pet. For small and medium sized dogs a crate, or a harness works wonders in the back seat. Now, if you’re Great Mastiff is riding with you today (some grow up to 7 ft. in length) we suggest you have a big enough rear area to contain them. The Front seats can be used to block them in.

2) Don’t put your dog on your lap – Having your dog on your lap is like driving while using a Tablet computer. Huge distraction!! Your reaction time is substantially slowed and if the window is open, an extremely curious dog could run out into traffic.

3) Create a ‘pet friendly’ car – some items for a dog car utopia would be: a cushioned pet bed, extendable cargo area, rear ventilation (A/C or fan), rubber floor mats, and a spill-resistant water bowl. There are several vehicles ideal for dog lovers out there. A lot of car manufacturers are chasing dog lovers with new technology and innovations.

4) Don’t let your dog ride with their head out of the window – I know it’s tempting, but they can be easily injured by debris flying in their eyes.

5) Keep proper ID – just in case your dog gets lost while traveling, you want to make sure you have emergency contact info and up to date ID tags.

6) Prepare a doggie bag – make sure it contains clean up supplies, towel, feeding watering bowl, food, and toys to keep them well behaved

Don’t Leave Your Wallet at the Gas Pump

2011-03-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Jetsons have it too good. Floating space age hovercrafts are great for the environment (no emissions), make traveling efficient, and most importantly: they don’t use GAS! However, it’s not 2062, and in 2010, gas prices have taken an unexpected turn toward increased money signs. As the price of gas slowly rises, we provide several options to help you get your money’s worth in this week’s blog.
One obvious way to improve gas mileage is by purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle. There are countless vehicles to choose from: the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Chevy Sonic, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra to name a few. In the era of the smartphone, it’s easy to find an app that utilizes your local GPS to find the best surrounding gas prices. Try using Gasbuddy, a free app that checks local gas prices through a network of community users that keep in touch with real-time updates. Another great alternative is to keep up with vehicle maintenance. Check your tire pressure, receive oil changes regularly, flush your radiator, and keep your oil level reasonably leveled. This decreases wear and tear, and increases gas mileage. Also, Do not IDLE! Idling is a waste (unless you’re at a red light, we do advise you to obey traffic laws…hehe) Park your vehicle and go into a restaurant rather than idling in the drive-thru. It usually saves time, and definitely saves gas. Do you have any tips for us? Feel free to comment! We could all use the help!

How a Smartphone Helped Avoid a Speeding Ticket

2011-02-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

Imagine driving steadily on the open road, the highway providing a non-stop avenue to your destination. The weather is brisk, your favorite song is on the radio and your smartphone is in the passenger seat. Then, a flashing light impedes your rear-view vision. Your heart races, your palms are clenched on the steering wheel and your knuckles are white with fear.

A young man was pulled over for ‘speeding’ while a smartphone app ran simultaneously on his phone. The app: My Tracks, measures your location and speed, so he was able to offer his traffic judge documented proof that he was driving within the speed limit. He also asked the officer when he last calibrated his radar gun, when he was unable to answer, the judge ruled inconclusive evidence of speeding. The young man walked away scott-free! His smartphone app sealed the deal while his additional experience allowed him to walk away unscathed.

The My Tracks App is only for android phones, but there are also GPS tracking apps for apple (GPS speed, Speed tracker). It might not work every time, but if you’re going on a long drive that’s heavily policed, try utilizing one of these great tools.

Amazing Smartphone Apps for Making YOUR Life Easier (Car Edition)

2011-02-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

Life is rough, with schedules, play-dates, business meetings, and exhaustion lingering it’s hard to get a few seconds of ease. Well, there is a quick release. Millions of Americans have embraced the smartphone movement or the “computer in your pocket” mentality. It’s easy to pull your phone from your stone washed jeans, or khaki work slacks (whatever your preference) and update your Facebook, play a quick game, or catch up on the Huffington Post’s most recent article. It’s just that easy. Below, we’ve provided some cool apps that can ease that mental strain, and help you find that niche between work and relaxation.

Trapster, a free iPhone application allows drivers to scan the area for known speed traps, police hangouts, speed cameras or even stop-light cameras. Using the GPS capabilities in your smart phone it uses reported speed traps in Trapster’s network database to give voice alerts of approaching traps. This technology is due to a network of over 5 million Trapster users that constantly contribute trap locations.

GasBuddy is a lifesaver for savvy individuals with a frugal mindset. Gas changes fluctuate at the drop of a hat, sometimes varying as much as 20% within a couple city blocks. GasBuddy is a comprehensive source for up to date gas prices. The app lays out prices on a map and allows the user to choose one that fits their budget. Priceless.

Car Finder Plus is an app that records your position when you leave your car, tracking your location in the process. The GPS stores this location and when you’re looking for your vehicle after running your errands it provides a display of where to locate your car.

Repair Pal is a great companion for the everyday driver. It can tell you the right price to pay for repair, find a great mechanic in the area, and gives one-touch access to roadside assistance. Amazing! Plus the app is free!

There are countless smartphone applications available for your phone that helps make life a tad easier. Check out your smartphone application store for details and continue to drive safely!

Feel free to add your favorite app here:

Some of the Most Famous Cars in Modern Film & TV

2011-02-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

We’ve all experienced the magic. The popcorn is buttered to perfection and the lights are dimly lit. The slow stir of anxiousness floods your body. Watching a movie for the first time is an experience in itself. The character interaction with trying situations creates a bond between you and the protagonist, but it doesn’t end there. Movies have created certain characters that, even after the film is over, you still have a connection or admiration for. In some cases, a protagonist’s car can be given this title. A vehicle used by main characters in the plot have a mind and personality of their own, or are reflective of their character, creating a cool ensemble of on screen characters to watch. Here’s a look at some famous cars in cinema:

Ford 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
This car, American muscle defined, starred in the film Gone in 60 seconds with Nicholas Cage in 2000. The Mustang named ‘Eleanor’ in the film had 360-hp and in one scene launches 30 feet in the air over 15 feet of cars to land intact on the other side. WOW

1981 DeLorean DMC12
Maybe one of the most classic movie cars of all time, the DeLorean starred in Back To The Future with Michael J. Fox. It was able to break the law of quantum physics with a modified flux capacitor to travel through time at 88 mph. The ill-fated Irish sports car had a good run.

1963 Volkswagen Beetle
The distinguishable red and blue racing stripe, the number 53 on it’s hood and the human-like emotions of a Classic Volkswagen, all incorporated Herbie’s demeanor. The car star of several films of the same name, it was even able to drive himself from time to time!

1969 Dodge Charger
The General Lee was an icon. The Dukes of Hazard car had a confederate flag painted on its roof, doors that were welded shut, and a trunk full of sandbags and concrete to let it fly over those hills. The Duke boys had it good…

1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
This car was a super smart, crime-fighting machine built to protect its driver, (a young David Hasseloff) in the TV series Knight Rider. The car, known as ‘KITT’ was backed by an ‘Alpha Circuit’, which only the producers of the show know where it came from or how it made KITT speak.

1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Ambulance
Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters was a national hit when it was released in 1984 and with the “Ecto-1”, a white end loading ambulance corroded with dust and ghost catching technology, the Ghostbusters were able to speed through New York to solve problems with the macabre.

There are countless movies with unforgettable cars. What are some of your favorites?

How to Avoid a Traffic Jam

2011-02-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

Traffic is a hassle. It’s time consuming, exhausting, and just plain aggravating. If you commute to work in a large city you’ve most likely experienced it. It takes away from work productivity, time with your loved ones, and causes distress. There’s hope. By making some changes to your daily routine you can avoid traffic (for he most part, sometimes it’s inevitable) and smile on your way to work.

Please follow our ‘How to Avoid a Traffic Jam’ rules:

1.) Alternate route- check online maps and research the area, because street flow can be faster than the highway during rush hour.

2.) Access roads- during peak hours can save time and energy.

3.) Change your work schedule- most people work 8 to 5. Try coming in earlier and leaving later. A thirty-minute change can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a bumper-to-bumper halt.

4.) Do the speed limit- if everyone drove accordingly; traffic jams would be an imaginary thing of the past.

5.) Listen- try listening to the radio or watching the news before you leave for work. This helps you build an alternate route before your legs touch the brake pedal.

Do you have any pointers to add to the list? Feel free to comment!

Color Me Glad

2011-01-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

The color of your car can reflect your personal demeanor. When you’re angry, what color comes to mind first? Red perhaps, a sign of passion and love that makes you feel the physical presence of warmth? What about a passive or easygoing attitude? Blue, possibly? There’s no doubt that colors have a large effect on our buying power when choosing a vehicle. Colors don’t necessarily mimic character traits of the driver, because expense and size may also be an important factor. However, it could give a general idea of that individual’s persona. Check out some comparisons below:

Black: usually more aggressive drivers, with power and authority. They are in control and self assured individuals who are confident in their lifestyle.

Silver: calm, cool, and prestigious these are individuals who are in control of their lives.

Green: reflects the beauty of nature, so drivers tend to be more concerned about the environment and eco-friendly.

White: the symbol of innocence and purity. These are usually safe, social, drivers who are less involved with traffic accidents. They tend to pay attention to detail and careful in their endeavors.

Red: High energy, risk taking drivers who are passionate people. These cars are high ticketed and stolen most often. Red usually corresponds to a higher price bracket.

Blue: Calm and serene, blue drivers are loyal people who drive cautiously. They have a strong maternal instinct and like to blend in.

Yellow: joyful, fun at heart, and confident individuals.

Orange: hard to find, this color car makes you eccentric. You crave attention and generally have an upbeat attitude.

Gray: you’re stable and self-reliant.

Gold: like to be noticed, also exhibit wealth and pride. You enjoy being seen and usually are financially independent.

Brown: you’re rare, reliable, approachable, and friendly.

Pink: you love to smile and are usually in good health.
So, what type of driver are you? Feel free to comment!

Kuni Honda goes above and beyond your expectations!

2011-01-19T18:30:00.000-08:00

"I wanted to pass along how pleased I was with the great customer service I received yesterday morning at Kuni Honda. I pulled up around 7:10am and two people from the service dept waved me right into the service bay. I was immediately met by someone asking what I needed which was simply a bulb change for my brake light. She directed me to the Parts Dept, called them so they could meet me at the desk and then she came a minute later with the old bulb to show them what I needed. She then told me it would be just a couple of minutes while they washed my car so I had a cup of coffee. Within 5 more minutes I was told my car was ready - and even received an "apology" for moving the seat! Good customer service is hard to come by as everyone is so busy living in their own little world. This experience started my morning off so well and I was very appreciative as it was above and beyond my expectations." Melissa G.

We love happy customers!

2011-01-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

"Kuni Honda staff did whatever I asked them to do in an excellent manner that was on time." Kiran L.

Kuni Honda is a great experience!

2010-12-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

"I had service where I waited in the dealership. Kuni has internet and cable. It is clean and was a great experience." Rob W.

At Kuni Honda We Take Care of You!

2010-12-22T11:41:00.001-08:00

"They (Kuni) have really good customer service. They take care of my Honda and do quality work. I appreciate the little touches like a cold bottle of water in my car." Jennifer M.

We're Nice People at Kuni Honda!

2010-12-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

"They (Kuni staff) were polite and did what I needed them to do. They were nice people."

Oksana B.

Airbags are important!

2010-12-08T13:08:00.001-08:00

There are many myths floating around about airbags, including that they are not actually provide safety, but rather hinder it. That is the opposite of true. Airbags can save your life.

Airbags are there to provide your delicate human body with extra protection in the instance of a fatal car accident. Seat belts do the best they can, but sometimes with high impact we need more to protect us.

Airbags work by stopping your momentum during impact. The basic laws of motion work against us in an accident, and airbags are there to help against that.

Get your airbags checked out every once in awhile, safety first!

For more information on the history of airbags, check out:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/airbag.htm

Kuni Honda Arapahoe is the place to go!!!

2010-12-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

"I was really pleased with the work. The guy was courteous and smiling. They did their best to get me out as soon as possible. The place (dealership) was nice and had a TV and free coffee?everything was set up nicely." Siham M.

We keep you in the know at Kuni Honda Arapahoe!

2010-11-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

"I called them at noon and got my car back by 4 pm. They were very accomplished and kept us well-informed." Edward T.

Everything done well at Kuni Honda!

2010-11-17T11:57:00.001-08:00

"Everything was done well. I didn't have an appointment, but I got in and out. It was a fair price and everything was done right." Gary N.

Michael L. likes Kuni Honda Arapahoe and so will you!

2010-11-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

"They (the staff) are always very friendly. They let me know what they will do up-front and the accurate estimate of the time frame is appreciated. They have a very comfortable waiting room." Michael L.

Alicia O. is a Happy Customer!

2010-11-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

"The service was done quickly. The people were very nice and kind and not pushy. They did what I needed to have done. They also had a really nice place for me to wait while the car was taken care of." Alicia O.

We Always Get the Job Done!

2010-10-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

"Even when I go in without an appointment, they take care of me. They get it done when they say they will and there are never any surprises." Wendy L.

Our Customers Leave Happy!

2010-10-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

"Kuni staff was good to me. They washed the car and gave me a ride home (in the free courtesy shuttle). The dealership was spotless and they left me a bottled water in my car. Wonderful, funny and polite." Denise F.

Vince R. is a happy customer!

2010-10-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

"Dear Kuni Honda, I am writing you to let you know how grateful I am with regard to the service I received during my most recent servicing of my 2009 Pilot. I came in this past Saturday for some routine maintenance and a chirping noise in the engine area. I wasn't prepared to wait all day so my service advisor, Shawn, promptly asked one of the attendants to give me a ride home in the shuttle. Even though it doesn't run on Saturdays, they got me home in a hurry. I was contacted late in the day that my vehicle was ready and they offered to come pick me up. I agreed and waited for the attendant to pick me up. We got to Kuni after the 6pm closing but Shawn stayed late to greet me and hand over my keys. I really appreciate your staff picking me up and staying past closing to delivery my car to me." Vince R.

Way to go, Lorenzo!

2010-09-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

"I wanted to recognize Lorenzo for outstanding customer service during my recent visit. Lorenzo was professional and courteous, providing clear explanations of required services. Thank you." Ross B.

Top Six Teen Cars for Cheap Insurance Rates

2010-09-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hooked you on the title, right? Everyone with a teenager of driving age who wants a car to zip around with friends, to and from school and various activities is interested in the subject of best teen cars for cheap insurance rates.

Hey, it’s a tough topic in many households. I mean, kid wants to drive, parents are tired of toting them around at inconvenient hours (anytime becomes inconvenient after a while), but budgeting is tight these days and money isn’t getting any easier to come by. Then, there’s the whole issue of sky-high rates and risk pools and all that for teen drivers. Seems like the deck is stacked against parents and teens, doesn’t it? Well, there are some cars that are generally cheaper to insure for teen drivers – given the fact that the teen has a good driving record and a few other factors.

We’re not going to get into all those factors in depth here, except to note that driving record (at least three years in order to get a “good driver” discount), age, gender, location, type of vehicle, and amount of coverage all play a role in the amount of premium for the teen driver’s car. Keep in mind that new or newer cars have more standard safety equipment than some older models – and you want all the safety features you can get in a car for your teen: anti-lock brakes, extra airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control. Also look for models that scored better than average on government crash tests.

And now, the list:

While there are certainly other cars that may offer reasonable (cheap relative to other cars) insurance rates for teen drivers, here are six that stand out. Maybe you drove one when you were a teen. At any rate, check them out. Your teen may thank you for it. And the family dinner table will be a lot less contentious.

1. Ford Fusion - The mid-size Ford Fusion four-door sedan is mostly unchanged for 2011. Eye-catching style, available all-wheel drive, nice interior, great fuel economy (23 mpg city/33 mpg highway in base four-cylinder with six-speed automatic), and unique Ford SYNC system appeal to parents and teens.
Safety features, standard or optional abound, including six standard airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and integrated blind spot mirrors, optional lane departure warning, and optional MyKey (which limits top speed to 80 mph, radio volume to 45 percent, and continuously chimes when seat belts are not fastened). Whether you buy this car for your teen or allow him or her to drive the family Fusion, it’s a great choice for less expensive insurance rates. Fusion is also a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2. Ford Focus – Dated styling (2011 is the last year before a much-needed redesign), but high fuel economy (25 mpg city/35 mpg highway in base inline four-cylinder and five-speed manual transmission), plenty of safety features (six standard airbags, electronic stability and traction control, optional MyKey), and available SYNC system make the 2011 Ford Focus a good choice for a commuter car for teens. It won’t win any beauty contests, but it may be less to insure.

3. Ford Fiesta – The all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta, on the other hand, available in hatchback and sedan models, is winning raves from automotive reviewers and young drivers alike. It’s fun to drive, has high build quality, is one of the least expensive small cars, and gets great fuel economy (estimated 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway). There’s a total of seven standard airbags – including side-curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. And, like Fusion and Focus, integrated blind spot mirrors, ESC and traction control. The 2011 Ford Fiesta is the first mini car to win the Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS since the introduction of tough roof strength requirement for rollover protection. Ford also offers lots of options to customize Fiesta, further appealing to young drivers.

4. Honda Fit – Kelley Blue Book named the Honda Fit one of its “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000.” It’s easy to see why. Fit is versatile, fun to drive, and very fuel efficient (28 mpg city/35 mpg highway with four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission). Fit for 2010 also achieves a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in frontal crash testing, has six standard airbags and stability and traction control (Fit Sport with navigation).

5. Honda Civic – Another IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Honda Civic sedan is a traditionally inexpensive car to insure for teen drivers. Six airbags, ESC with traction control, and daytime running lights are standard. Fuel economy in the base four-cylinder engine with five-speed automatic transmission is 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

6. Chevrolet Cruze – With a class-leading 10 airbags (including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger), the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, expected in dealer showrooms by the end of 2010, has outstanding safety features for a small car. It has not yet been tested by either NHTSA or IIHS. ESC and ABS are also standard. Fuel economy is 26 mpg city/36 mpg highway and up to 40 mpg highway with Cruze Eco.

Other best teen cars for cheap insurance rates to consider: Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB.
Note: It would be remiss not to mention other cars besides the Honda Fit that KBB designated as “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000.” These include the Honda Civic, Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Kia Soul, and Ford Fiesta.
Bottom line: Check with your insurance provider regarding the best insurance rates for your teen driver. Be sure to inquire about premium differences between one vehicle and another. And stress the importance of maintaining a good driving record and getting good grades in school – both of which will have a significant impact on how much insurance will cost for them to drive.

One Happy Customer!

2010-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

"Alfred, My recent visit was very pleasant. Everyone was kind and courteous. From the gentleman that assisted me pulling into the service area who handed me a bottle of water to the two fine young ladies that made out the work order and discussed repairs for my vehicle with me. Its service like this that keeps me coming back. Please convey my appreciation to them and thanks for great customer service." Trevor B.

2010-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

"I had never been to Kuni Honda before, but after this visit, this is the only place I will take my Honda for servicing. The staff was incredibly helpful and attentive to my needs. The snacks and drinks in the waiting area are invaluable as I had three little boys under 7 with me for the service visit. I can't rave enough about the attentiveness of the entire Kuni staff. A man came through and restocked the snacks and asked if all our needs were being attended to. Above and beyond really! Kudos to Kuni!" Holly G.

2010-08-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a testimonial from one of our happy customers!

"Hi Alfred, Thank you for taking such good care of me and my car yesterday. Truly the service and Joe were exceptional. I had been buying Hondas from other dealers in Denver but decided to give Kuni a try. I have been nothing but delighted with the car, the service, and the staff at Kuni. I am now a Raving Fan of Kuni."
Liz B.

Driving with Pets: A Dangerous Distraction

2010-08-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Driving with your pets can be a dangerous business.

In 2008, there were 6,000 fatalities due to accidents caused by distracted drivers, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

And, in a recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Kurgo, a pet product company, an overwhelming 80 percent of respondents said they've driven with their pets on a variety of car trips including day trips, local errands and leisure trips, the pet store, dog parks and to work.

But only 17 percent said they use any form of pet restraint system when driving with their dog, causing a distraction AAA says is equal to talking on a cell phone or texting while driving.

To help make the ride safer for you and your pet, "Early Show" Correspondent and Resident Veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell shared some easy ways drivers with pets can prevent some of these dangers:

The most important headline for pet owners: Restrain your pet. Keep them in an enclosed area. This is safer for a number of reasons. First of all, keeping your pet in a tighter space will keep them from wandering around. If you have a pet wandering while you are driving, the chances you will be distracted are pretty good. Whether it's to get them from scratching the seats, or to stop them from barking, almost inevitably, your attention is going to be drawn away from the road. Having a driver distracted by a pet can be just as dangerous as a driving while texting or talking on the phone. Secondly, a dog or cat in an accident can create a deadly amount of force if thrown from the car.

TIP: USE SAFETY BARRIERS THROUGHOUT THE CAR
Safety barriers are important to your pets for two reasons. First, they stop your bet from being projected in case of a short stop. Second, they stop your pet from becoming a distraction by keeping them in one place. There are two different sets of barriers for your car. One fits in the opening between your trunk and your back seat. These are most often metal or plastic bars. These stop your pet from being projected forward in case of an accident. They vary in size depending on your model of car, so make sure that you get the proper one for your vehicle. These will run you somewhere between $50 and $100.

The other barrier sits in between the front seats and back seats. Most often these are made of netting, strong fabric or plastic. These created mostly for the driver, to stop a dog from suddenly jumping in your lap, or onto the gear shift. Again, you need to make sure when purchasing a barrier like this that it fits into your particular model. These are a bit cheaper than the cage barriers, and will run you between generally between $10 and $40.

TIP: MATCH DOG SIZE TO PROPER SEATBELT RESTRAINT
Dog seat belts are adjustable straps that keep your dog in place while he or she is inside your car. This is the best safety device intended to reduce the possibility of getting injured, especially for agitated animals like dog. Seat belt restraint ensures that your dog will behave properly while riding and prevents him from hitting the hard interior of your vehicle when there's a sudden stop.

Once a dog car harness is worn on your pet during your long road trip, you will have the peace of mind knowing that your pet will not roam or create damage inside you car. At the same time, you dog can't jump over the window because he is properly secured. This will eliminate pet driver distraction.
The proper use of seat belt harnesses DEPEND SOLELY on the size of your dog. Big dogs require big seat belt restraints, and smaller dogs will only be restrained with smaller devices. Matching your dog's size to the belt is the only way that these restraints can be effective, and depending on the size the price can run you from $10 to $50.

TIP: DOGGY BOOSTER SEATS ARE ALSO SAFE AND COMFORTABLE
Another option to seat belt restraints are booster seats. Booster seats for dogs are a safe, effective way to keep your dogs safe in the car, providing a comfortable seat for the dog to enjoy while strapped in through the car's seat belt or booster seat attachments. Smaller breed dogs, especially, can benefit from a booster seat, as they can easily get jostled around in a seat belt restraint or large carrier.
If you have a mid to large breed dog, a booster seat is probably not a good option for you. Most booster seats on the market are only equipped for dogs up to 40 pounds. There are many other options available however, including back seat hammocks, seat belt restraint systems and zipline and harness restraint systems. For smaller breed dogs, booster seats are ideal.

TIP: WHEN USING A CARRIER, SECURE PROPERLY
First and foremost, if you are using a carrier to put your cat or dog in the car, make sure you have the proper sized carrier for your animal. If you get a carrier that is too small, the animal won't be comfortable, and if it's too large, the animal will get bounced around during the ride. But when using a pet carrier, it's important that it is secured properly, so that it doesn't fly around during a collision.

© MMX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

When To Switch To a Front Facing Car Seat

2010-08-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

No matter if you are ready to buy a front sitting car seat or are already making use of one you ought to be attentive to the statutes and requisites of applying similar seats. These exactions are installed in place to help in making sure your squirt is uninjured and there assuredly aren’t many circumstances more valuable than that.

The kind of vehicle seat that you require counts on the age and weight of your youth that will be sitting in it. Auto seats for babies are made so that the little angel looks at the back of the auto. Tests have decided that this location is the safest for infants during a wreck. The laws, both federal and local, are written with these test outcomes in mind.

The protection features of seat belts can’t be designed to efficiently secure all sizes of people that will travel in the auto. The safety straps are put in place to protect a male of average size. To readily protect a kid, these belts need a hand from a safety seat.

Lets go over some specifications and recommendations for employing a front facing car seat.

Reverse facing auto seats should be used until the baby is over one year old. If your infant was born early or has began to grow slowly he or she can still use the rear looking seat as long as it fits.

When your kid can pull himself up and weighs over 20 pounds you can begin utilizing a front facing car seat. Between the ages of one and four and weight of 20 pounds to 40 pounds kids are required to sit in a front facing car seat.

If you are employing a convertible chair that is facing the front and your kid’s ears are above the back of the chair you should begin utilizing a booster seat with a tall back.

During the time that the child weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and is four years old and above they can use a booster seat with a tall back. These seats help protect the head and spine from injury.

At the time your kid can sit upright against the back of the seat with the knees over the front of the seat, they can switch to just using a seat belt.

Don’t fail to remember that the law says that the back seat is the most protected spot for any squirt, under 12 years old, during a ride in a car. Don’t neglect safety and if you aren’t sure about how to properly implement your front facing car seat you should get in touch with your local law department.

Kuni Honda Arapahoe - KHA-Toons :30 TV (7/2010)

2010-07-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Kuni Honda Arapahoe - Honda Super Highway CR-V (7/2010)

2010-07-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Kuni Honda Arapahoe - Honda Super Highway Accord (7/2010)

2010-07-02T09:32:00.001-07:00

Kuni Honda Arapahoe - Honda Super Highway Civic (7/2010)

2010-07-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

First Blog

2010-05-07T19:02:00.001-07:00

We are really excited to begin blogging! Please stay tuned as we will be bringing you lot's of helpful information about our dealership and our product...Honda!