2017 Honda Civic, Accord, and Pilot

          Honda decided to revamp their infamous Honda Civic for the 2017 model, including a new gun metal option for rims, as well as, the hatchback body style. Honda continues to improve its top notch quality, affordable pricing, and great value. At the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards, Honda took home four awards for its three successful sedans: the civic, accord, and pilot. Each of these vehicles remain at the top of their classes creating a safe, comfortable, affordable means of transportation.

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring

The 2017 Honda Accord was kept plain and simple compared to its 2016 model. Visually it looks almost identical, and specifications wise, it is quite similar as well. However, if the specs are the same and the visuals are the same, what’s new? Well with the new Accord, Honda released a new Sport Special Edition which consumers are raving about. This new Sport Edition gives consumers an option for a fast, high quality, inexpensive, sports car. With 189Hp and 2.4L engine, the accord SE (Sport Edition) can generate some power comparing to its base model counterpart.

2017 Honda Accord

Lastly, the Pilot: Honda went a similar route with the pilot as they did for the Accord, plain and simple. Like the Accord, visually, the new 2017 Pilot looks very similar if not identical to the 2016 model. However, on the inside there is a multitude of changes; a variety of new interior colours to choose from, new multi-touch display system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and much more. The Pilot is just another example of a safe, comfortable, and affordable car that consumers can rely on.

2017 honda pilot full

If you are interested in Test driving a brand new Civic, Accord, or Pilot today visit Image Honda at 155 Centennial Pkwy N, Hamilton, Ontario. If you are looking for more information on the Civic, Accord, or Pilot please contact 905-561-4100 or online at www.imagehonda.com
Sources:

 

Trailer and Towing Safety!

Whether it’s towing your boat to the cottage or beach, heading on a camping adventure or just everyday fun, your vehicle plays an important role in summer activities!  When partaking in such, it is not uncommon to use a trailer for towing.  However, as many of us can surely attest, people often tow things in an unsafe manner.  The picture below is a clear example of what NOT to do!

After witnessing the above, we felt it important to share some tips on towing and trailering to keep you and others safe on the road.  First and foremost, it is important that you know your vehicle’s towing capacity.  Exceeding this capacity can not only cause damage to your vehicle, but can seriously endanger others on the road.  Each vehicle has a different capacity, so keep in mind that what you are able to tow with one of your vehicles may not be the same on another.  If you are unsure, such information is provided in your owner’s manual.

If your current vehicle is not equipped with towing capabilities, be aware that most GM and Honda trucks, SUV’s and crossovers have the option for a factory-installed trailering package.  If you are interested in more information on such products or installation, please contact our one of our three dealerships: Queenston Chevrolet, Queenston on the Mountain or Image Honda.

Towing Safety Tips:

  • Ensure that your vehicle can withstand your trailers capacity.
  • Make sure you have thoroughly inspected your trailer tires, brakes and hitch and ensure they are in working order before hitting the road.
  • DON’T overload your trailer and always make sure that the weight is balanced out.
  • If you have loose items, make sure that they are securely fastened or covered to prevent them from moving.  Accessories such as cargo nets and other products are available for purchase from our parts departments.
  • Keep a safe distance when travelling behind other vehicles.  The additional weight of the trailer will make it harder to stop.
  • Always adjust your mirrors so you can see the traffic behind you.

Please keep these safety tips in mind for your benefit and others on the road.  If you have any questions concerning your vehicles towing capacity or are interested in installing a trailering package on your vehicle, please contact us at any of our three locations and we will be happy to assist you!

By: Amy Cochren

Image Honda

Queenston on the Mountain

Queenston Chevrolet on Centennial

What Does The 2016 Honda Pilot Have To Offer?

We recently wrote a blog regarding the re-designed 2016 Honda Pilot, which made its Canadian debut at the Canadian International Auto Show last week. Expanding on that blog, we wanted to review some of the new and exciting features made available to you, the consumer. As you are about to hear, the new Pilot redefines our expectations when it comes to SUVs, by delivering style, flexibility and more family-friendly utility.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for the re-designed Pilot. Blind-spot monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Lane-Keep Assistance and Adaptive Cruise Control are all available options on higher-trim versions.

Sunroof

The new Pilot steps it up a notch with its second row panoramic sunroof. This stylish addition complements the traditional sunroof that still remains located above the front seat passengers.

Flip & Fold Seats

Designed for versatility and function – the new flip and fold seats make it easier on passengers when getting into the third-row seating. These flip/fold seats also offer a 2nd row captain’s chair and heated seats.

Heated and Ventilated Seats

Additional quality features include: standard heated and available ventilated front seats,
available heated steering wheel, and available heated second-row seats. (Honda Canada, 2015)

Push Button Shifter

The new push button shifter allows for more space on the centre console and is the only Honda model to offer this.

Engine Stop-Start

The new Pilot features a start-stop 3.5 litre V-6 engine.

New Centre Console

As part of the new interior re-designs, the centre console is able to hold items as large as a full-size iPad or large purse.

The 2016 Honda Pilot is expected to launch at Image Honda this summer, which is only a few months away and we couldn’t be more excited! Contact us at Image Honda today if you have any questions regarding this new, must-have Honda Pilot.
www.imagehonda.com or 905-561-4100

Source: Honda Canada, 2015

KEEPING YOU AND YOUR VEHICLE SAFE THIS WINTER

No matter how many times we do it, driving in wintery conditions never gets easier or less frustrating. Driving in snow can be risky and you must always be prepared for the unexpected. When bad weather does strike, we recommend staying off the roads if possible. 

Did you know that snow and ice are more slippery at 0 C than at -20 C or below? It’s a common misconception that the colder the temperature the worse the roads – be aware this isn’t the case.  Even at 4 C there can be black ice on the roads. Always keep a safe distance between yourself and another vehicle as sudden braking can cause skidding.

Few things are more annoying than when you need to get somewhere and you find your car buried in snow.  Although it is tempting to quickly clear your windows and go, it can be dangerous for both you and those driving around you.  See and be seen – make sure that you properly remove all snow and ice from your hood, windows, lights, roof as well as the rear part of your vehicle.  It is also a good idea to take the brush and clear any snow or ice between your wheels and under your bumper.

Transport Canada has put together a highly informative booklet on Winter Driving Safety Tips.   This book is free and highly useful.  It can be viewed online or printed off to keep in your glove compartment.

Some tips in the booklet include:

  • Preventing problems before they occur
  • Getting your vehicle winter ready
  • How to prepare for driving in poor weather
  • Avoiding collisions

To view or download a copy please visit Transport Canada http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-safetyfeatures-winterdriving-index-693.htm

If you are interested in purchasing winter tires for your vehicle or would like to make sure your car is ready for winter, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com or www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Transport Canada

Winter Driving Made Easy

It is important to maintain a clear visual of the road while driving. Now that we are in the winter months, our windshield is susceptible to frost, ice, snow, rain and sleet, which can make it difficult and sometimes dangerous to drive. However, with a little maintenance and preparation, you can make your winter drive a little better.  At our dealerships, we offer a wide array of maintenance services that will prepare you for Old Man Winter. 

Wiper Blades:  There is nothing worse than getting to your car in the morning when you are late for work only to find your windshield frozen over.  Often times, people will run their blades over the frozen windshield in order to clear it. This severely reduces the life span of your wiper blade. Wiper blades frequently get neglected on most cars and yet, they are constantly used and exposed to harsh conditions.  We recommend that you change your blades at least once a year, preferably every 6 months. 

Stone Chip Repair: A stone will most likely chip your windshield at least once over the course of your ownership.  If untreated, it will continue to crack reducing your visibility and can be potentially dangerous. As the cold weather takes effect, you will find that the crack with get increasingly larger. At our dealerships, we offer a stone chip repair service – this quick and affordable service will save you money… and your windshield. 

Wax your lights:  You might be saying to yourself, “Wax my lights?”  Yes, visibility in the winter months can be minimal, so it is important that you are getting maximum light from head lamps.  Adding a little car wax to the lights and then wiping off and buffing with a towel will assist in preventing ice and snow from sticking.  The same practice can be applied to your taillights.

We hope you found these tips for winter driving helpful.  If you would like to schedule a service appointment at one of our dealerships, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com or www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Distracted Driving: How you can prevent it!

We all know that distracted driving is dangerous, but are we aware how dangerous it truly is?  Ontarians have now had a couple years to get used to the “new” law, banning hand held devices while driving, yet we continually see people texting, using their mp3 players, GPS units and the like.  The law, which was put in place on October 26, 2009, makes it illegal for drivers to talk, dial, email or text using hand held devices.  Additionally, it prohibits drivers from viewing display screens that are not related to operation of the vehicle.

Do you know your crash odds?
People texting while driving are 23 times more likely.
People talking on a cell while driving are 4 to 5 times more likely.
People who read while driving are 3 times more likely.
Individuals applying makeup while operating a vehicle are 3 times more likely.
Individuals reaching for a moving object while driving makes you 9 times more likely.
Dialing on a mobile device makes you 3 times more likely.

What is alarming given these statistics is how many people don’t take this offence seriously.  According to a study completed at the University of Utah, distraction caused by cell phones or mobile devices delay someone’s reaction time the same as an individual driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08.  Furthermore, driver distraction is a factor in about 4 million motor vehicle accidents in North America each year.

In recent years we have seen a great improvement with in vehicle technology. Most new vehicles are now equipped with devices such as; Bluetooth, OnStar and HondaLink.  These are all programs that can help drivers embrace the new distracted driving laws. There are also new smartphone applications that have been made available to drivers.  One such app is called “Text Ya Later,” (Android only) which allows you to create a message letting others know that you are driving and will text them later.  This message can be set so that it is automatically delivered when activated.  Another application, more suited to parents, is “Mobile Tattletale”. (For a list of supported devices, click here)  When installed on a mobile device and the driver is moving, Tattletale will generate a warning message to the parent’s phone, giving them the ability to temporarily disable their child’s mobile device until the vehicle has come to a stop.  Keep in mind that while these new technologies are helpful, for your safety and those around you, it is best to keep your eyes on the road and save the distractions for later.

If you are interested in purchasing a new vehicle or would like more information on OnStar or HondaLink, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com and www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit:

CAA http://distracteddriving.caa.ca/education/index.php
MTO http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/index
Ontario Provincial Police http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=545
go.drive www.godrivemag.com
http://mobiletattletale.com/supported-devices

2013 Honda Accord – All New Safety/Warning Systems

Honda Accord 2013

The all new Honda Accord 2013 features an array of technological advances for your safety, convenience and entertainment. Welcome to the best technology to be featured in a Honda – working to make your driving experience as safe as possible.

Safety/Warning Systems

Making your drive safer is the LaneWatch blind spot display – a Honda innovation that uses a camera located on the passenger-side mirror to provide you with a better view (two lanes of traffic) of your blind spot which is then displayed on your dashboard screen.  You’ll be able to check your most difficult blind spot without turning your head. This way you’re able to keep your eyes on the road and change lanes safely.

This is the first Honda vehicle to feature the Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The LDW system uses an onboard camera to monitor vehicle lane positioning and if you start to drift out of your lane without signalling, you’ll receive a visual and audio alert. The LDW attempts to keep you within the lanes and get you where you need to go without drifting into fellow drivers’ traffic.

The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, similar to the LDW, uses an onboard camera to decipher if the gap between you and the car ahead is closing too quickly. If you are approaching too quickly you will get an audio and visual alert to warn you to slow down. The FCW works to reduce the risk of a possible rear end collision and ensures you keep a safe distance from the car ahead.

With the front and side views covered, don’t forget your rear view camera. You’ll be able to reverse into those parking spots easier with the rear view camera and the available multi-angle rear view camera which features wide, normal and top-down angles.

With these warning systems in place, there’s no doubt that the 2013 Accord is potentially Honda’s safest vehicle to date. The technology featured in this vehicle is truly remarkable. In the coming blogs, we’ll look at the entertainment and convenience features the 2013 Accord has to offer.

For more information on the all new Honda Accord 2013 or if you would like to come in for a test drive please visit us at http://www.imagehonda.com/ or call us at 905-561-4100.

By: Nerissa Mohamed

Credit: Honda Canada www.honda.ca