Tag Archives: Hamilton Auto Blog

Queenston on the Mountain’s Total Car Care Clinic

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At the beginning of October, Queenston on the Mountain held a fun, informative evening in effort to help our customers get the most out of their vehicle.  This evening taught simple “how-to’s” on servicing and proper maintenance for their vehicle.  It was an excellent opportunity for new customers to meet our Service Staff, tour the dealership and service bays, and to have any of their questions answered.  If you are interested in attending or would like more information on upcoming Car Care Clinics at any of our 3 dealerships, please visit us at www.queenstonchev.com or www.imagehonda.com

By: Amy Cochren

Distracted Driving: How you can prevent it!

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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

Pet Accessories For Your Car

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If you’re a pet owner, you’ll agree that it’s sometimes challenging to go places with our four-legged companions in tow.  Whether it’s a short trip to the vet or a long haul adventure to the cottage, our vehicle is the most common form of transportation for getting our pets to and from a select destination.  This is why it’s important to travel with the proper pet accessories that will protect you, your car and most importantly, your family friend.  

At one point or another, we have all moaned and groaned about drool, claw marks or the dirt left on the interior of our vehicle from our dog.  Fortunately, these problems can be solved easily and affordably with a simple trip to your local pet store. 

 SEAT COVERS:

Seat covers are probably the most common pet travel accessory out there.  They are easy to use and will keep your interior clean by protecting your seats from, dirt, scratch marks and odors that are sometimes associated with pets.
DOG HARNESS AND SEATBELTS:

This accessory is probably the most overlooked, yet it’s the most important!  Our dogs’ safety should always be a top priority when traveling in the car.  We would never leave a child without a seatbelt, so why should our dog be any different.  Seatbelts will ensure that your dog travels safely and comfortably.  A seatbelt or harness will prevent the risk of injury in those instances where you are forced to slam on your brakes and in more serious situations; it will prevent them from flying through the window.

DOG RAMPS:

Dog ramps are a great accessory for getting your pooch in and out of the vehicle safely.  They are especially great for dogs with arthritic or other health problems because it eliminates them having to jump in and out of your car.

CAR HAMMOCK:

Car hammocks essentially serve the same purpose as seat covers, but provide a little more comfort for your dog.  This accessory will prevent hair, dirt and liquids from getting on the interior of your vehicle.

DOG BOOSTER SEAT

The dog booster seat is the ultimate car accessory, providing the most comfortable of rides for your pampered dog.  Most booster seats come with a three-way harness, storage compartments and height adjustable straps.

By: Amy Cochren

Queenston on Centennial
Queenston on the Mountain
Image Honda

 

 

 

 

OEM VS. AFTERMARKET PARTS

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It would be nice if nothing ever went wrong with the vehicles we drove and they continued to perform with the same capabilities as when we first bought them.  Unfortunately, sooner or later, something will go wrong with your vehicle you’ll need to replace a part.  When it comes to replacement units for our vehicles, we do have a number of options.  Most often, this choice is between OEM and aftermarket.  The debate over which is better, will forever be ongoing, but it is important that you be informed about the difference between the two.  Ultimately, it comes down to quality and budget.

OEM:

An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer Part) is a part exclusively made by the vehicles manufacturer.  Example: Honda OEM is made by Honda; GM is made by General Motors.

OEM parts are made from the same molds and manufacturing process as the original part.  This allows for maximum performance and a perfect fit when it comes to installation.  OEM parts represent a standard of quality and engineering that only the original manufacturer can authorize.  Another benefit to purchasing an OEM over an aftermarket part is that we can offer warranty not only on the part, but on the labour as well.

Aftermarket Part:

An aftermarket part is made by a third-party vendor and has been deemed by the insurance industry to be a reasonable alternative to an OEM part.  A common misrepresentation is that aftermarket parts are always cheaper, but this is not necessarily the case.  In fact, going with an aftermarket part which is not covered under warranty, could cost you more in the long run.

At our Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial locations, we offer a minimum of 1 year and unlimited kilometer warranty on all GM parts.  Engines and transmissions we provide a 3 year warranty and 160,000 kilometer warranty for parts and labour.  Our Durastop brakes include a 1 year warranty and lifetime for parts and labour.  General Motors also provides various purchase options on OEM parts according to quality.  Whenever you visit a Goodwrench service department, you are given the option to choose from what GM calls “Good”, “Better”, and “Best” parts.

At Image Honda, all OEM parts come with a 1 year, 20,000 kilometer warranty for parts and labour.

When visiting one of our dealerships, you know you are going to receive the absolute best service on your vehicle.  Our technicians are specialized and manufacturer-trained.  Each technician is required to participate in on-going training programs that keep them up-to-date to provide you, the customer, with the very best service that can be offered.

If you have any questions regarding OEM or Aftermarket parts, or you would like to schedule a service appointment, please contact us today!

By: Amy Cochren

        

Also make sure to visit us at www.autohwy.com!

Have You Driven the 2012 Honda CR-V?

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Are you looking for a new vehicle? One that can provide luxury and top of the line features without having to pay big bucks for the upgrades?  Take a look at the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V, the top-selling import SUV, built right here in Canada. 

Available for the lowest price in over a decade, the 2012 CR-V has a wide range of features tailored to meet your needs. I had the opportunity to test-drive one and I have to say it exceeded all of my expectations. Before even entering the vehicle, I was struck by its sporty compact appearance and sleek lines.  I almost forgot that the CR-V is classified as a compact SUV. 

Going above and beyond, Honda has created an affordable vehicle that includes real time All-Wheel Drive with intelligent control, Ecological Assist System,  Intelligent Multi-information Display (iMid), heated front seats, easy fold-down 60/40 split rear back seat, multi-angle rear view camera with guidelines and hands-free bilingual Bluetooth, which are available on ALL base models.  The new CR-V has set the bar with its improved fuel economy and state of the art technology – you simply can’t go wrong.

In addition to the many new features it provides, you can’t discount how the car handles.  It makes for a smooth and quiet ride.  Although you have the benefit of being elevated, you feel as though you are driving a car.

If you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle, I strongly recommend you take the 2012 CR-V for a test drive – you won’t be disappointed!  Please visit us at Image Honda or call us at 1-888-375-5914 to schedule your test drive in the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V!

 

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada