|
|
Archive for
October, 2009 |
|
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
You know Honda of Wesley Chapel has great prices and great people, but do you know about our great used cars?
I’m proud to introduce the Honda of Wesley Chapel Signature Certified Used Car Program. When you purchase one of our Signature Certified Used Cars, you’ll drive away with total peace of mind, at no additional cost. We even guarantee your complete satisfaction with our 90 day/3,000 mile limited warranty and 72 hour exchange guarantee.
We stand behind every Signature Certified Used vehicle on our lot with our industry leading warranty, complete with $0 deductible. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your Signature Certified Used vehicle, bring it back within 72 hours and exchange it for equal or greater value. Each of our Signature Certified Used Cars must undergo a comprehensive 100 point total vehicle inspection. Our Certified Signature mechanics fix any problems detected, from bulbs to brakes, before they hit the lot.
The new Honda of Wesley Chapel Signature Certified Used Car Program brings you the best selection of pre-owned vehicles in the area. Plus, at Honda of Wesley Chapel we strive for your complete satisfaction. If for any reason we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we’ll do our best to find it for you.
Sincerely,
George Ernst
President, Honda of Wesley Chapel
Posted in President Message |
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Honda has something new up its sleeve. Part five-door hatchback, part crossover, the new Honda Accord Crosstour looks ready to do business in the midsize class. The 2010 model is situated at the top of the Accord range, a five-door liftback that appeals to those who like a little more SUV in their midsize mix.
The Crosstour is stockier, more masculine and certainly more SUV-like thanks to a large, bold grille, brusque lower body panels, a stretched rear quarter window and C-pillar treatment, plus a long, sloped liftgate that indents deeply, making the rear bumper appear truck-like tough.
Executive Vice President of Honda Canada Inc said,”Our concept is to broaden the appeal of the Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck marketplace… we know SUV buyers like the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point and like the comforts of living with an SUV. This vehicle meets the needs of buyers looking for those attributes yet at the same time want an image that is different from a conventional SUV.”
It certainly is different and thanks to the stylized “H” on the hood certain to be popular as well. All it takes is one test drive at Honda of Wesley Chapel in Wesley Chapel and you’ll crossover to the 2010 Honda Crosstour.

Posted in Automotive News |
Thursday, October 1st, 2009

While tire wear isn’t typically thought of as one of the top safety concerns among consumers, it is estimated that over 6,000 accidents each year are caused by tire problems. To help keep you and your family safe, we have compiled the most common causes of abnormal tire wear and ways to ensure you get the most out of your current tires.
Normal tire wear is when the tread wears evenly across the entire surface of the tire. However, if your vehicle is equipped with front wheel drive, your front tires will wear quicker than the rear, and on rear wheel vehicles the rear tires will wear quicker than the front. Also, heavy shoulder wear will occur on vehicles that are driven hard around corners. The best way to keep the wear patterns even, and to get the most life out of your tires, is to rotate them every 3,000 miles.
Camber wear – when the inside or outside edge or shoulder show extreme wear, and the rest of the tire shows little wear. Abnormal wear is caused when the tire leans in or out, rather than straight up and down. Suspension misalignment, a bent strut, a mislocated strut tower, a weak or broken spring, a bent spindle, or collapsed or damaged control arm bushings could be the culprit.
Toe wear – when the tread develops a feathered or directional wear pattern. The easiest way to detect this is to run your hand across the tread, if one direction feels smooth while the opposite direction feels rough, you have a toe wear problem. Toe misalignment, worn tie rod ends, worn idler arms, bent steering linkage or bent steering arms may cause this to occur.
Cupped wear – occurs when the wheel bounces up and down as it rolls down the highway. A wheel or tire that is out of balance, or weak shock absorbers or struts could be the culprit. Balancing the wheel, or replacing the worn shocks or struts will cure this problem.
Over Inflation – when too much air is inserted into your tires, it causes them to bulge out in the center and wear unevenly down the middle more than the shoulder of the tire. To determine the correct pressure for your tires, check your owner’s manual or the tire inflation decal in the glove box or door jam.
Under Inflation – when too little air is inserted into your tires, it shifts the weight carried to the edges of the tread, resulting in heavy shoulder wear. As with over inflation, check your owners manual, glove box or door jam for the correct tire pressure for your tires.
No matter what wear pattern your tires exhibit, Honda of Wesley Chapel’s Service Center can determine the cause and make the appropriate adjustments to keep you and your family safe on the road.

Posted in Service Spotlight |
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Economists around the country agree: there has never been a better time to buy or lease a new vehicle. Manufacturers are pulling out all the stops to close this year on a high note. Use this to your benefit when deciding if leasing a brand new car is right for you, the answer might just surprise you.
Leasing 101
Leasing is slightly similar to buying a new car; however there are many important differences. When you lease a vehicle you’re agreeing to pay for only the portion of the vehicle you are using. For example, if you agree to a 36 month lease, you will only be paying for the first three years of the vehicles value, referred to as capitalized cost. This is why monthly lease payments are usually much less than purchasing a vehicle.
The value that will be left in the vehicle at the end of the lease is determined in advance, often called the residual value. When your lease expires you will have the option of purchasing the vehicle at the residual value cost, or you can walk away.
Advantages of Leasing
There are many advantages to leasing a vehicle rather than buying. When you purchase a new vehicle, you will be charged taxes on the full amount of the car. In a lease, you’ll only pay taxes on the portion of the car you agree will be used. This is one reason the monthly costs are usually lower. While you won’t actually own the car, you will still need to maintain it. Most leases include a new car warranty, but since you’re driving a brand new car, you probably won’t ever need to use it.
If you think leasing may be right for you, be sure to visit Honda of Wesley Chapel to find out about the current lease specials.
Posted in Tips |
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Have you ever wished you could slide your way out of a sticky social scenario? Perhaps you’re trapped in a dry conversation – even worse, a story you’ve heard many times before – that turns your party into a snooze fest. Have you ever run out of polite ways to tell a telemarketer that you’re simply not interested in their products or services? Or, been face-to-face with an inebriated co-worker that doesn’t know when to say when? We’ve all been there. The following tips will give you the edge on awkward situations and how to exit them with ease.
Trapped in a Dull Conversation
• The easiest way to excuse yourself from a boring story-teller is to politely remove yourself to refresh your drink, grab a bite to eat, offer to help the hostess, or to simply make a phone call. Be sure to follow through with your excuse to avoid raising any eyebrows.
• If you can’t seem to get away, try introducing the unexciting conversationalist to someone else. Once they are talking, make your getaway.
A Talkative Telemarketer
• First, try using polite tactics to get off of the phone. It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “Thanks, but I’m not interested!”
• It’s also understandable if you have to interrupt a persistent sales person to repeat your thanks and then simply hang up. You don’t need to explain or offer any information as to why you are not interested in their product or service.
Stumped in a Job Interview
• It’s difficult expressing you don’t know the answer to a question—especially if it is expected that you should. However, a graceful way out is by simply replying: “That’s a great question and I’d like more time to consider it and get back to you.”
Chose the Wrong Restaurant
• If you try a new place to eat and, after you’ve been seated, decide it’s either too expensive or too unappetizing; it’s quite alright to quietly excuse yourself and leave.
• If you’ve been served a drink or bread, it’s nice to leave a small tip for the service.
The Inebriated Co-worker
• When a co-worker wants to turn an after-work drink into an all-night party, politely decline a second drink by explaining you have a full schedule in the morning.
• If your co-worker has already had too much to drink, make an attempt to assure he or she gets home safely.
• To avoid awkwardness at the office, try to make your co-worker feel comfortable and not embarrassed. Face it: most likely, we’ve all been there!
Posted in Tips |
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Exercise is a surefire way to help you lose weight and even boost your mood, but does it really benefit your overall health? We look to science to answer this question.
Pros:
• Moderate exercise can reduce the risk of: diabetes, heart disease, breast cancer and colon cancer.
• Physically active people are less likely to smoke.
• Active people are usually thinner and eat healthier food.
• It has also been proven that people who exercise are often more educated and education is a strong predictor of good health and a longer life!
Mixed Reviews:
• There have not been concrete results that show exercising of any kind will stave off osteoporosis. Exercise will promote better balance which results in less fractures and broken bones, but only indirectly.
Myths:
• Physical activity alone will sustain weight loss or reduce blood pressure or cholesterol. Only exercise combined with a healthy diet program will maintain a healthy weight.
Posted in Health |
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Research has proven that relaxing and minimizing the stress in our lives helps us live longer, healthier, and happier lives. While we all enjoy vacations and spa days to help us achieve a peaceful state of mind, there are more accessible ways to help you unwind. Weave these mini-breaks into your day for stress relief and instant relaxation!
Mini Hand Massage
Hands carry a lot of tension—especially if you are working at a computer all day. Start by kneading the base of your hand and the largest muscle in a circular motion. Gradually, work your way up to the fingertips. This will relieve that clenched fist feeling and help you de-stress.
Pause and Breathe
If you don’t have time to go outside for some fresh air, simply take a break at your desk. Looking away from your computer and email, even for only a few moments, can clear your mind. While you’re doing this, breathe deeply, and feel yourself instantly relax.
Identifying Stress
If you hold stress or tension in your body, try identifying exactly where you are holding the stress. Once you have narrowed down the body part, mentally tell your body to relax. For instance, if you hold tension in your shoulder muscles, tell those muscles to relax, and let your shoulders drop. It works every time!
Posted in Health |
|
|