Thursday, January 24, 2013

Throwback Thursday Trivia from Richfield Bloomington Honda!

Happy Throwback Thursday! The first Honda automobile imported to the United States was the N600. Can anyone guess which state was the first to import this Japanese vehicle?

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Honda GEAR Concept Makes Global Debut at the Montreal International Auto Show

At Montreal International Auto Show, Honda Canada provided the world with its first look at the new GEAR Concept Study Model – a vehicle that demonstrates Honda's innovative approach to providing the automotive answer for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles.

Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles, GEAR is a concept that represents an entirely new way of looking at the sub-compact vehicle. It is simple and utilitarian, but also customizable, connected and full of personality.

"Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "GEAR Concept tears down those walls – it's practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car."

***Courtesy of Honda.com and Autoblog.com 

Monday, January 14, 2013

Vehicle storage tips for keeping a non-driven car in good shape.

Cars are meant to be driven. Leaving a vehicle unattended for a long period of time can cause something akin to automotive atrophy, a slow deterioration of the vehicle that can create problems when you try to drive it again. Rust and corrosion can form on the body or inside critical components, gum and varnish can clog the fuel system, sludge and acids can form in the engine oil, mildew can grow in the interior, and constant sunlight can slowly fade the paint and deteriorate vinyl, leather, and rubber parts. That's why if you need to store your vehicle—whether for the winter or because it can't be driven for an indefinite period of time—certain precautions should be taken before you put it into mothballs.

Get It Covered

Leaving a vehicle unattended for a long period of time can cause something akin to automotive atrophy. The best place to store a car is out of the weather, preferably inside a building that's cool, dark, and dry. If you don't have a garage, look into renting one. If this isn't possible, a reasonable alternative is to store it inside a portable enclosure, such as in a car bag or portable garage. If the vehicle will be completely sealed from outside air, place a couple bags of desiccant inside the enclosure with it to absorb trapped moisture. However, if the vehicle needs to be stored outside without an enclosure, at least cover it with a quality car cover that has thick, multi-layered fabric.

Prior to putting the vehicle into storage, a few precautions will help keep it in good shape. The fuel system, for instance, can be a prime source of problems. If the car is stored with an empty tank, moisture can condense inside the system and cause rust and corrosion. On the other hand, if the car is stored with fuel in the system, the gas can gradually break down, forming gum and varnish. To help keep gasoline from deteriorating, pour a fuel stabilizer into the tank. Be sure to drive the car for about 10 miles after adding the stabilizer to make sure it gets circulated throughout the system. Normally, it's best to leave the tank full. However, if the vehicle will be stored in an enclosed location where gas fumes could be a problem, empty the tank about half way.

Additional Prep

  1. Other preparations that should be done before storing a vehicle:
  2. Change the oil and filter. Used oil contains acids, moisture, and other combustion byproducts that, over time, can cause corrosion inside the engine.
  3. Fill the engine with fresh oil and then drive the vehicle for a few miles to make sure the new oil gets thoroughly circulated.
  4. Pull the spark plugs and pour about a teaspoon of oil into each cylinder. Then replace the plugs. This will help coat the cylinders to prevent rust.
  5. Seal off engine openings with absorbent cotton to keep moisture out.
  6. Remove the battery and clean its top with a mixture of baking soda and water. Ideally, a trickle charger should be used to keep the battery fully charged while the vehicle is in storage.
  7. Top up all fluids, including transmission and rear axle. Also look at the color of the brake fluid. New brake fluid is clear. If the fluid in the car looks brown and dirty, the system needs to be flushed. Old brake fluid has a lot of moisture in it, which could cause rust in the system.
  8. Drain the cooling system. If the engine's block and cylinder head(s) are cast-iron, refill the cooling system with new coolant. If one or both engine components are made of aluminum, leave the system empty—coolant can react with the aluminum, forming corrosion.
  9. Loosen the drivebelts to take the pressure off of the pulley bearings (unnecessary if the engine has an automatic drivebelt tensioner.)
  10. If the car will be in storage for a year or more, support it on jackstands or blocks. This will take the weight off of the wheel bearings and suspension components. Also, remove the wheels and tires, lower the tire pressure slightly, and store them flat and out of sunlight.
  11. If the wheels and tires will be left on the vehicle, add about 10 pounds of pressure to each tire. This will help prevent flat spots.
  12. Wash and wax the finish. Also, go over vinyl, leather, tires, and other rubber components with the proper type of protectant.
  13. If you wash the carpet and upholstery, let the vehicle air out until the inside is thoroughly dry. Sealing up a wet interior is a sure formula for mildew.
  14. Remove the wipers to keep them from taking a set. Also, wrap the wiper arms with a cloth so they don't scratch the windshield.
  15. To help prevent mice or other rodents from taking up residence in the car, seal the tailpipe and any other openings.
  16. Write down everything that you've done to prepare the vehicle for storage. This will make sure that you don't forget anything when getting it ready to go back on the road.

Source: Auto Media