4 Vehicle Must Haves

There are some basic items that everyone should have in their car.  In 2011, it’s rare that you’ll be found stranded, 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 crucial items for daily commuters.

Jumper Cables – These nifty cables are a lifesaver.  I can’ even count how many times it’s saved me from a stranded situation.  If you forget to turn off your lights, leave your car parked for a long time, or just have an older battery, jumper cables are awesome.  We recommend the AAA Heavy Duty 16′ 6 Gauge Booster Cable.

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

Jack Stands – these are very important because they add a safety precaution for when you change your flat tire.  Also, you should only change your flat tire if you’re in a safe location.  Get a set of sturdy jacks that feature pawl-and-tooth design and a one-piece multi-position ductile ratchet bar for extra strength.

First Aid 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.

These items will be helpful, as well as the features readily available for your vehicle.  Feel free to add your own components.

Annual Summer Maintenance Checklist

Summertime is here!  Small children are parading the streets with a sense of pride and enjoyment, parents are scrambling to avoid the heat by hibernating near air-conditions and consumers nationwide are looking forward to the faint smell of charred BBQ.  This summer, we’re running down our checklist of car maintenance tips for our customers.  In today’s blog, you’ll find a quick list of services we can provide that will help you maintain the life of your vehicle and ensure a smooth summer this year. 

Radiator Flush – Coolant is important to your radiator and should be replaced accordingly. 

Replace Air Filter – This should be replaced twice a year.  It only takes us a few to complete the change.

Tire Check – summer traveling IS the rainy season.  Try and make sure that your tires are up to snuff.  Ask us about the tire pressure and we can provide a thorough breakdown.

Replace Wipers – When’s the last time you replaced your wipers? This is important for wavering summer rain.

Inspect Your Brakes - It's a good idea to inspect your brakes twice a year just to be sure everything is up t snuff. Car safety should always be a top priority. Go ahead and check your brake fluid while you're at it.

Check Your Battery – Corrosion buildup can happen quickly.  Check your battery posts and cables to ensure you’ll have no starting problems.

Come in today for a maintenance check and we’ll be happy to help!!!

The Top Car Technologies Voted By Car Buyers

A J.D. Power Report discussed car buyers’ favorite technological advances when it comes to their vehicles.  We all play victim to the vast power and influence of electronics.  From the DVR recorder in our homes we use to record shows like Desperate Housewives and Top Gear, to the iPad that sits on our lap at the dinner table, we’re all connected in one way or the other.  At the dealership, we love new technology.  So, according to J.D. Power and Associates, these are the top 10 technologies car buyers’ need:

1.    Run-flat tires – these tires protect you from a flat by providing an additional 50 miles at 50 mph to get to a gas station after your tire pops.

2.    Navigation Systems – an in-dash navigation system is a great tool for finding your away around.  Use this to find local restaurants, navigate a new city, and in some cases, avoid traffic.

3.    Premium Surround Sound System – everyone can appreciate a great sound system.  How else can you listen to Michael Jackson’s Thriller at full blast?

4.    Back-up Assist – SUVs are especially avid at including these.  Back-up assist acts as a rear-view camera that boosts your visibility when backing up.  Great for avoiding objects like bicycles and other vehicles.

5.    Heated/Cooled Seats – These seats have small “pinholes” that emit cool (or hot) air to flow from a fan or air condition unit embedded in the seats.

6.    Keyless Entry System – Keyless entry is easy because the small keyless sensor stays in your pocket or purse, allowing you to start your car remotely.  By being in close proximity you can unlock dorrs and push a button on the dash to start your engine. 

These are just a few of the tech that people need to have, for the full list visit http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hy-tech.pg,0,5168532.photogallery

6 Things to tell your insurance agent that could lower your bill

Recently I moved from a major city in which public transportation was my most logical means to get around.  (Perhaps you can relate?) Since I was no longer privy to public transpo.  I decided to lease one of our fine vehicles. Now, I’ll admit, insurance was the one thing I hadn’t researched before my purchase.  So needless to say two months later I realized I was getting hosed.  Has this happened to you?  Well I quickly came up with a game plan that might help to save you some money.  Read on to learn more.

1.)  Since I hadn’t been in an auto accident in over 2 years I began my negotiation there.  The agent looked at my record and gave me a discount.  I’ve become aware that insurance agents are on a “Don’t ask, don’t tell” mentality.

2.)  I am definitely over 25, so I was under the impression that I shouldn’t be paying more than when I first started driving.  The agent told me that policies go up and down as we age.  I pressed a little and was able to persuade the agent that I should be rewarded for the fact that I have never had a car accident in the entire 31 years I’d been driving and that my maturity shouldn’t be a benefit.  Moral: A little sniveling and groveling can put a little extra money in your back pocket!

3.)  Since I was leasing the car; I was allotted 12K miles per year.  I was a perfect candidate for a lease since I only drove to work and back less than 10 miles each day.    I asked again if there were any special rates for someone driving with that mileage that low.  The agent took off another chunk of money.  Moral: Getting lower insurance rates could be fun!

4.)  He asked if I had airbags all over the car and an alarm system.  I replied well most cars are built with airbags aren’t’ they?  I’m sure that my sarcasm was far from welcome. However,  I did purchase LoJack, which eliminated that hit.  Pow! Take that Insurer!

5.)  Next I asked if I was being charged for my credit?  The insurance agent explained that I was being charged additional fees for not having insurance for the past 2 years.  When I explained to him that I didn’t own a car for two years I was told that didn’t matter.  (Apparently you should buy insurance for invisible cars or insure air?).  I pleaded my case and explained that I had good credit and felt that this was unacceptable treatment.  Cha Ch’ing! They lowered my rate once again.

6.)  Last but not least; a big pet peeve of mine is drinking and driving.  Since I have never and I mean NEVER, gotten busted for DUI I politely asked the rep if I could get rewarded for having never gotten one of these offenses.   After the harps stopped playing and I took off my halo, the agent came back with a new payment that was $185 cheaper per month!  

Last moral: Ask and Ye shall receive.  I could have saved myself $688 had I done my research first.  While we don’t endorse insurance companies I am hoping that this might help save you some serious cash.  It never hurts to try!

For information on automotive issues please contact us at 888-836-0943

Learn some things about Air Fresheners

Other than masking the odor of your automobile what good are Car Air Fresheners?  Can you re-use them? Do they have other significant uses? Why do we use these scent avengers? This week’s blog might enlighten you more about the heavily perfumed ornaments that you never knew before.  If anything you can impress your friends at your next party with this incredible knowledge you are about inquire.  First let’s look at the history of the Car Air Freshener and then we can touch base on the rest.

The little tree car air freshener was created 60 years ago in Watertown N.Y. by Julius Samann.  Samann, was listening to a milk  man complain about the stench of spoiled milk.  It just happened to be,  Samann was also a chemist who was studying  tree smells in Canada.  He patented his invention known as “Little Trees” and before you knew it every Lucky Strike smoker in the late 50’s had a tree dangling from the rear view mirror.   The scented trees have been dancing around happily in front windshields everywhere.  Other than the obvious rear view mirror with the foil string how else are these gadgets placed?  Perhaps your laundry room needs a bit of an uplift? Why not place them in a closet? No matter where you put them there are so many types to choose.

The great thing about these marvelous breeze  smelling items is that you can find one just right for you almost anywhere.  Every chain store sells them.  The car was sells these doodads. And there is a variety of places to display them. They can be clipped in front of a vent or kept in a tin pot inside a cup holder.  They can also be sprinkled on your carpet or stuck on your dash.  However way you display them look out for two things 1.) Make sure they are not going to damage your car  2.) Make sure they are safe for your environment.  

One of the reasons that Car Air Fresheners may not be safe is due to the chemicals that they are made with.  They can be made with Aerosols or they can be oil based.

Be sure to read what they are made of.  Basically they could be polluting the air in your cabin so be sure to read your labels.  A.F.’s could be toxic so read your labels!  Look for organic air fresheners that are oil based and provide more of an aromatherapy instead of a gas chamber of smells. Also make sure you aren’t leaving them somewhere a child or animal can ingest them. They can be very deceptive to a child or a dog by looking like Hello Kitty or candy.  Think about it!

The other thing to think about is there longevity of smells.  Below is a chart that can help you determine the best for your buck when it comes to your cars essence.

Hopefully this gave you some additional points on Car Fresheners.  Contact us for more information at 888-836-0943

12 tips you should know before driving in another country

While we love to travel preparing for our trip should include transportation and not everyone wants to take the bus tours.  So it makes perfect sense to do your homework before renting a car or even taking the company car when driving in other countries.  These tips should be helpful and prevent you from being served a fine or even being tossed in jail. 

The following are some tips on driving in other countries:

·      Check to see if the rental car takes diesel or gas (this can be a costly mistake if you use the wrong one)

·      Create a travel file with proper documentation

·      Find out if you need an IDP or International Driving Permit (this is used with your valid drivers license

·      Some countries require a Test Pass Certificate

·      Most countries you must be over 18 to drive

·      Research the rules on Drinking and Driving (some laws prevent you from having a drop of alcohol)

·      Find out if the police are allowed to collect on the spot fees

·      When getting insurance coverage double check to prevent paying for additional coverage that maybe covered by your credit card

·      Before driving off check for the original vehicle registration

·      You may also need to carry a Vehicle on Hire Certificate

·      Be sure to check for any additional safety equipment and requirements. (In Germany you need to carry a Warning Triangle and in Italy you need to have a Drivers Safety Vest)

·      Even if you are allowed to use your company car, ask for a letter of authorization to be given to you.  This letter must come from the registered party

These are just a few items to be aware of if you travel.  It always makes sense to prepare ahead of time and to know that the old saying goes “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. 

For more information contact Bernardi Honda of Brockton.

Turn that Clunker into a healthy opportunity

Several states, along with auto dealers, have assisted in participating with programs to help clean our air.  Their goals are to rid the environment of high emissions and pollution making this a safer place to live.  In this blog, we at….. provide insight on what some people are doing to not only improve the health of the atmosphere, but to give back to their communities as well.

Since 2008 there have been several new programs that have sprung up to help cut back emissions from older cars.  One program in Colorado is known as the Clear the Air Foundation is a 501c.  They have collected over $168,000 in funds that they are using for scholarships.  The scholarships are donated to students wanting to pursue a career in automotive technology.   They focus on developing the next generation workforce.

Another organization known as Robert R. Morrison Scholarship donates up to $1K for recycled junkers to the donor of their choice.

In Texas, you can still get up to $3500 for your old scrap metal with wheels.  Texas receives air credits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Your car may be considered eligible for a nice incentive during trade in if it’s a 97 or older. 

Countless states and parts of Canada are involved in some type of Cash for Clunkers or other program that offer incentives to help protect our environment. 

Call us today to find out if your car qualifies for one of these programs.  

Bernardi Honda of Brockton  

888-836-0983

 

Tips on what to do if you are stuck in a flood

We at Bernardi Honda of Brockton care about the safety of our friends, family and clients.  We wanted to talk about protecting yourself if you should encounter a flood.  It is our hope that this weeks blog gives you some solid insight on what to do if you should find yourself driving in a flooded area.  Remember Safety First! 

Here are some facts that you may not have known about floods:

Driving Flood Facts

§  Call 311 if you are evacuating your home during a flood or receive flood damage

§  Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

§  A foot of water will float many vehicles.

§  Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.

§   More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.

§  The road may be washed out below the water surface.

§  Your car may stall or get stuck in the water, and then get pushed off the road. Once off the road, cars often start to roll, making escape impossible.

Check both home owners and auto insurance policies to ensure that you are covered for any loss or damage.  Not all policies cover flood damage.

Never try to swim to safety if you can find a safe and secure structure that you can be protected until help arrives.

We never can predict the future but we can prevent most accidents.

Please remember to stay safe and if you should have any questions on safety features for your auto don’t hesitate to contact us. 888-836-0943