Your air conditioning unit is made up of several different components that must work together in harmony to keep you and your passengers cool on even the shortest journeys. Often times a simple recharge of refrigerant can solve any cooling problems, but there are often larger issues lurking.

• Dirty condenser — The condenser is the heat exchanger mounted in front of the radiator. It cools the high pressure refrigerant vapor after it exits the compressor so it can condense into a liquid. If the condenser is full of leaves, bugs and road debris, air flow through the unit may be blocked to the point where little cooling occurs. Cleaning the condenser should cure the problem.

• Inoperative condenser cooling fan — The condenser often has its own separate electric cooling fan. This fan should come on and remain on when the A/C system is operating. If the fan motor, motor relay or wiring is defective, the fan may not be working.

• Air or moisture contamination — For the refrigerant inside the system to do its job properly, it must not be contaminated with air or moisture. Air reduces the cooling efficiency of the system while moisture can freeze and form ice that causes blockages in orifice tubes and metering valves. Air and moisture contamination may be the result of unrepaired leaks in the system, or failing to vacuum purge the system prior to recharging it with refrigerant.

• Blockages — Debris or rust in the system may plug up the orifice tube or metering valve that admits refrigerant into the evaporator. If this vital point becomes obstructed, the flow of refrigerant may be restricted or blocked causing a loss of cooling — and possible compressor damage as well in systems that rely on oil circulating with the refrigerant for lubrication.

• Mechanical problem — These include things like metering valve failures, compressor wear, a compressor clutch that fails to engage, bad pressure switches, etc.

No matter what symptoms your AC is experiencing, the competent AC technicians at Honda of Wesley Chapel will pinpoint the problem and have you back on the road in no time.

Source: [Yahoo Autos]

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Honda of Wesley Chapel’s Model Year End Clearance is the best time to save with 0.9%* and financing for up to 60 months. But you’ll have to hurry! The Honda of Wesley Chapel Model Year End Clearance is the only thing from Honda that won’t last.

Sincerely,

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President, Honda of Wesley Chapel

*$17.05 per $1,000 financed. $0 down, with approved credit. Offer expires 9/7/10.

Tires – Be sure to check both the tire pressure and tread on all 5 of your tires (don’t forget about the spare). If you are unsure what your tire pressure should be, look for the manufacturer sticker when you open the passenger side door. To check your tread life, take a penny and place it in between the tread with Lincoln’s head pointed down. If you can see the top of the former President’s head, it is recommended that you replace your tires before embarking on your trip. Many regions have patterns of afternoon rain storms that could be dangerous on tires without adequate tread. Also, be sure to check the valve stem for cracks.

Fluids – Heat will wreak havoc on an engine. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of vital fluids to keep your engine cool and vacation on track.

Be sure to change your oil before hitting the road and consider using thicker weight oil than you might normally use as the summer heat will thin the oil. Check and replace or refill each of the fluids under your vehicles hood, including: transmission fluid, differential fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid and coolant.

Motor Engine Components

Battery and cables – Inspect the terminals on your battery. If they are corroded, clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. Also be on the lookout for any cracks or dirt. Hot weather drains the life from your battery quickly. Be sure to have it tested before setting out on your road trip to ensure your battery will make the trip with you and your family.

Radiator and hoses – Overheating is the leading cause of mechanical breakdowns on our nation’s highways. Check fluid levels in your radiator and for any cracks in the hoses connecting your radiator.

Other Components

Air Conditioning – The summer months bring the hottest temperatures in even the mildest climates. Checking to make sure your air conditioning is functioning properly before leaving will keep everyone smiling on your vacation. Turn the air conditioning on and cover a vent with your hand to check the fan speed and temperature of the air that is being produced. Be sure to listen for any unusual noises while it is running and then shut it off and listen for any noises.

Lights – Checking all interior and exterior lights on your vehicle will help keep you and your family safe on your journey. Have someone help you to check your headlights, high beams, turn signals, hazard lights, license plate light, brake lights, and interior lights.

Indicator lights – It’s never a good idea to drive with a check engine or other malfunctioning indicator light illuminated on your dash, especially on a long trip. Engine problems should be diagnosed and fixed prior to departure to keep your vehicle running smoothly throughout your trip.

Safety Kit – You never know what the road might bring, so be sure to prepare for common breakdowns with a small safety kit. Here is a list of items to include: basic tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers), a flashlight with fresh batteries, first aid kit, jumper cables, tire iron, jack, cell phone charger and drinking water in case you have to wait in hot temperatures for an extended period of time.

At Honda of Wesley Chapel we want to make sure you are safe on the road this summer. Feel free to bring your vehicle to Honda of Wesley Chapel for a road trip inspection before you embark on your journey if you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with any of the safety checks described here.

Another affordable option is an auto lease that requires very little money at lease signing, but may equal higher monthly payments. Depending on what your monthly auto budget allows, there are lease deals for every shopper in July.

Right now Honda of Wesley Chapel is offering $0 due at signing lease deals. The 2010 Accord Crosstour, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan and Fit are all included. Monthly payments range from $210 to $380. With a $2,000 to $3,000 down payment, shoppers can also lease the CR-V, Insight, Odyssey and Pilot with monthly payments ranging from $179 to $309.

Be sure to visit Honda of Wesley Chapel today to drive home in a brand new Honda with $0 due at signing.

Source: [Auto Loan Daily]

Better aerodynamics, engine friction improvements and restacked transmission gear ratios raised the EPA fuel-economy ratings for Accord 4-cylinder sedans with automatic by 2 mpg to 23 in the city and by 3 mpg to 34 on the highway.

Erik Berkman, V.P.. of Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor, said, “For 2011, the Accord evolves again with sharpened styling inside and out, fuel economy gains and a broader application of popular features.”

Read on, Honda fans, for some more details from the company:

• New styling: The sedan gets a new front grille, front bumper and rear deck lid, all meant to be more upscale, along with a new wheel design. The coupe goes bolder with a new front grille, front bumper shape, enhanced brake light pods and a new wheel design for V-6 models.

• New model: Trying to split the difference between value price and luxury, the SE Sedan will have features from the LX-P, plus leather-trimmed heated seats, driver’s power-lumbar and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

• New features on various models: Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe, a USB interface on all coupes and EX and EX-L sedans, and a rear-view camera on sedans equipped with the optional Navigation2 system. EX-L V-6 models will have a two-position memory for the driver’s seat.

• Interior updates: All models with cloth seats get new fabrics, and the instrument panel and interior accents have gotten upgrades, says Honda. Among them: The most-frequently used climate-control buttons are now on the left side of the center stack, nearer the driver, and less-used buttons are moved to the right.

Here is the engine lineup: A 190-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard in the EX and EX-L sedans and LX-S, EX and EX-L coupes. A 2.4-liter, 177-hp. four-cylinder comes in the LX, LX-P and SE sedans.

Optional is the 3.5-liter, 271-hp V-6 that has Variable Cylinder Management to deactivate up to three cylinders under light load for more mpg’s. Preliminary EPA fuel-economy ratings for the 2011 V-6 sedan are 19 city/30 highway, each up one mpg.

A 5-speed manual is standard with the 4’s; 5-speed automatic is optional with the 4’s, standard with the v-6 .is available.

A 6-speed manual transmission is available on the EX-L V-6 Coupe, which also has its own 3.5-liter V-6 that does not have the cylinder shut-off and does have a more performance-tuned valvetrain and intake and exhaust system.

Honda says 95% of Accords sold in the U.S. are assembled Marysville, Ohio, and Lincoln, Ala. Marysville is the global source for Accord coupes.

Source: [USA Today]

The Odyssey Concept dramatically departs from conventional minivan styling with its low and wide stance, highlighted by a “lightning-bolt” beltline that further distinguishes the vehicle’s profile. Compared to the current Odyssey, the Concept’s slightly lower roofline (-1.0 inch) and wider stance (+1.4 inch) contribute to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel economy. Forthcoming improvements to the production Odyssey’s interior are designed to further enhance the current model’s accommodating space for people and cargo.

“The Odyssey established its reputation by providing families with what they most want in a minivan – great functionality, an emphasis on safety and good fuel economy,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of American Honda product planning. “Odyssey then further delighted customers with its surprisingly engaging, fun-to-drive and dynamic nature. The next-generation Odyssey promises to take these strengths to a higher level while adding more style and personality.”

The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, unique side-glass profile, chamfered roof line, and tapered rear cabin shape combine to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from any perspective. The lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the rear of the vehicle emphasizing the new Odyssey’s sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle’s securely planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle’s projector beam headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the sophisticated quality of the design.

Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies will contribute to the next-generation Odyssey’s increased fuel efficiency. The all-new 2011 Odyssey is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models (preliminary estimate determined by Honda).

Currently in its third generation, the Odyssey’s unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat® and efficient i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder Management™ (available) all combine to offer a sophisticated environment with room for up to eight people (seven on Odyssey LX). The Odyssey has been America’s best-selling minivan since 2008 and is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (using domestic and globally sourced parts). Both the concept and production vehicles, along with all development activity for the 2011 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio.

The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. Recent accolades include an Edmunds.com 2010 “Top Recommended” minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money” award, Automotive Lease Guide 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money,” the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the ten “Best New Family Vehicles of 2009″ and “2009 Best Resale Value Award” in the van category, which recognizes vehicles that are expected to have segment-leading resale value after five years of ownership.

Odyssey Concept Basic Dimensions

1Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Source: [Honda News]

It’s great to be in Columbus… a real hometown for Honda. Our first U.S. manufacturing operations were established here 30-plus years ago … and we have a major R&D center that creates many of the products we build here.

Both our manufacturing and R&D operations have a strong relationship with our host, Ohio State University. We have partnered with OSU in advanced research … we employ their graduates …and our associates root fanatically for the Buckeyes. So, we’re very happy that this important new event is kicking off here.

And this is a critically important event. The realization of more efficient and sustainable forms of mobility is key to the future of our planet … and to the future of personal transportation for millions of people around the world.

It’s also key to the future of the auto industry. I’ve been a part of the industry for more than 30 years now. And I think I can say that for all automakers … the ability to develop advanced environmental technologies is no longer just a means to gain competitive advantage. The truth is that any manufacturer without these technologies will not long survive. And you can look at the mergers and joint technology ventures in our industry over the past year as proof of this new reality.

This pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions amounts to something of a new race for our business, with many promising technologies vying for the lead and various companies racing to bring these technologies to market.

But in our view this shouldn’t be the kind of race where different companies or technologies are pitted against one another. Rather, we should race with each other toward a common goal … of creating technology that provides the world with greater mobility … while dramatically reducing CO2 emissions and creating a more sustainable energy future for generations to come.

“The effort to promote the virtues of one technology should not result in the demonizing of another”
In our view … the key to winning this race is not declaring a winner until the technology has actually run the race. That’s a critical distinction, because the race for a cleaner and more sustainable future is a marathon, not a sprint. It will be decades before any new technology can be called the all-out winner. And while there are a lot of opinions … and even more desires … no one can say with certainty today which technology or combination of technologies will be first to the finish line. The effort to promote the virtues of one technology should not result in the demonizing of another. … or in policymakers laying all of their chips on the technology du jour … rather than promoting fair and open competition among all the players and all promising technologies.

This is a crucial point. Because rushing to select a winner could lead us in the wrong direction … resulting in the loss not only of time and substantial investment of development resources … but, more importantly, the trust of our customers and society.

Regulators and legislators at both the federal and state levels should adopt this perspective. To put the country on a course toward a single technology without fully understanding the implications … including whether consumers will buy it … will put us behind in achieving our objectives. And in the long run will be very costly to boot.

Rather, the critical role of policymakers should be to tell industry what goals must be met … a performance standard if you will … and leave it to the industry to figure out how to get there. To do that, we will vigorously pursue a variety of viable technologies for the near-, mid- and long-term to determine which approaches best meet the multiple challenges of air quality … climate change … and energy sustainability.

Certainly, there is a lot riding on the ability of the auto industry to create a new technology pathway. But it would be wrong to believe that the right path to the future of the automobile rests solely with the automakers. Indeed, real progress can not be achieved without the efforts of energy companies, governments and NGOs. And all of us must keep our focus on the customer.

Automakers can’t just build technologically advanced automobiles. We must make automobiles fully functioning … so people want to buy them … and affordable … so people can buy them. Government can have tremendous influence on this outcome through regulations and energy policies that foster a marketplace that will remain open to a fair competition among the various technologies. This will allow the marketplace to do its job as the ultimate judge of who wins and who loses.

As a case in point, a little more than ten years since Honda introduced America’s first hybrid vehicle, there are some 26 distinct hybrid models on the market … but they still represent just around 2 percent of the total market. And even this level of penetration has benefited from generous incentives from the government and industry.

The reality is that the price of gasoline is the single greatest influence on the sales of more fuel-efficient vehicles including hybrids. If we can’t convince people to move to a hybrid … which is as fully-functioning and as easy to refuel as an internal combustion engine vehicle … we have to seriously consider what will get them to accept battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with their myriad limitations including cost, driving range, and re-fueling or recharging issues.

“We must ultimately replace petroleum as the fuel that powers personal transportation.”
What we do know … is that we must ultimately replace petroleum as the fuel that powers personal transportation. But accomplishing this challenge requires that we focus on two critical needs … a reduction of petroleum use and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These are related goals in many cases because burning less gasoline reduces CO2 emissions. But the size of that reduction depends on which alternative is adopted and how it is deployed.

Looking at the technology race … will this mean hybrids … plug-in hybrids … biofuel … battery electric vehicles … fuel cell electric vehicles? The answer is … well … “yes.” Because we need to manage short, mid- and long-range demands of society in balance with the evolution of all these technologies. And the reality is that each technology has unique challenges somewhere along that timeline. And even long term solutions require step-by-step progress that must begin today.

So, developing multiple pathways makes more sense than trying to pick tomorrow’s winner today. And by the way, there may well be more than one winner. For instance, we might find that small battery electric vehicles work for commuting … with a fuel cell electric vehicle a better solution for heavier vehicles or for longer trips.

Surely, the internal combustion engine will continue to play a role in personal transportation … and can be made more efficient. Additionally, bio-fuels represent a great potential alternative to gasoline. But it has to be the right biofuel. The key to the success of biofuels is that we should be able to simply “drop it in” to the existing fleet using the existing infrastructure.

But the drive for bio-ethanol derived from food stocks was a case where prematurely picking a winner may not have made a big contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. And while I realize that it was good business for our nation’s farmers, it actually created a host of unintended problems … and undermined credibility with consumers.

Honda is now working on so-called second-generation biofuels — which means the sustainable production of alcohol-based fuels from plant waste material, instead of edible plants. The potential for algae-derived bio-gasoline is also promising because it would offer the additional merit of not needing to change-over cars to run on ethanol…and avoids new infrastructure costs. But these technologies are a long way from mass production.

One of the best alternative fuel opportunities in our grasp today is natural gas. I don’t suggest this to promote the fact that Honda is the only automaker mass-producing a natural gas vehicle … the Civic GX. Natural gas is an inexpensive, clean burning and abundant domestic fuel. The Civic GX is the cleanest vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine that the EPA has ever certified for everyday use. And natural gas results in 25 percent lower CO2 emissions than gasoline.

However, without a convenient and affordable refueling infrastructure natural gas cannot succeed. It’s an important lesson. When it comes to an alternative fuel … no matter how good the technology … no automaker can go down the path alone.

For the near-term, expanded use of hybrid technology represents the best direction to reduce petroleum use … because hybrids leverage both existing internal combustion engine technology and our existing petroleum refueling infrastructure … and represent a bridge to the next generation of electromotive technologies.

But even with hybrids, cost and affordability must continue to be addressed. As I said earlier, there is a strong correlation between hybrid sales and the price of gasoline which demonstrates that consumers are looking closely at the cost benefit ratio … and many still don’t see the overall benefit.

“Honda’s strategy is focused on affordability”
That’s why Honda’s strategy is focused on affordability, with the goal to make hybrid technology available and appealing to more people. We have created a family of hybrid models that meet a variety of needs and interests … high fuel economy … a fun-to-drive sporty coupe … and a mainstream family sedan … with additional plans to introduce hybrid technology to our luxury Acura brand lineup in the coming years.

Looking ahead, what will advance and extend the contribution of hybrid vehicles is the introduction of lithium ion battery technology. But improvements in both the performance and cost of batteries are required. Toward this end, Honda has invested in a joint venture to accelerate our ability to introduce lithium ion batteries in future hybrids.

Plug-in hybrids are also being looked to with increasing interest. Certainly, plug-ins would contribute positively to energy sustainability and energy security concerns. But in some areas plug-ins are actually worse than regular hybrids in reducing CO2 emissions.

Also, the larger battery required for a plug-in hybrid vehicle increases the vehicle weight and cost, reducing overall efficiency, while raising additional concerns about battery durability and cost. These issues diminish the payback for a smaller-sized plug-in hybrid vehicle. I don’t mean to suggest that Honda doesn’t believe in plug-ins … with our focus on original technology, we obviously have a few things in the kitchen. But any near-term alternative energy technology we green light for production must offer promise in reducing CO2 emissions and be affordable and practical for the customer.

Of course, there is renewed excitement about battery electric vehicles. And Honda understands electromotive technologies as well as anyone. Starting in 1997, we leased some 340 Honda EV Plus electric vehicles to customers … primarily in California. We developed the EV Plus from scratch as an electric car and it was the first to use non-lead acid batteries.

Looking at real world electric range … which includes the EPA’s 30 percent downward adjustment … our 1997 EV Plus had superior or at least comparable driving range to most of the models now coming “to market.” Fifteen years later, even with the advent of lithium ion batteries, the cost of the battery remains extremely high … as much as half the cost of the vehicle. So, despite legitimate advancements … the technology and the infrastructure remain significant hurdles to high-volume market appeal.

Battery electric vehicles contribute to energy security and the reduced use of petroleum … but like plug-ins they’re not the best solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions until there are fundamental changes in the nation’s grid. This is a concern shared in other regions of the world. A top executive with a Chinese automaker said just last week that with China deriving 83 percent of its electricity from coal that now is “not the right time to promote pure electric vehicles” in that country.

“Honda is conducting research on a short-distance battery electric vehicle as a ‘city commuter car’”

There remains hope for the future … and that’s why Honda is conducting research on a short-distance battery electric vehicle as a “city commuter car” — which we see as the practical limit of the technology at the present time. We’re now studying the U.S. market with a view to introducing this electric commuter car in the future.

But we continue to believe that a fuel cell electric vehicle is the ultimate solution to reduce CO2 emissions … and meet the real world needs and expectations of consumers. A fuel cell car is a full electric vehicle. But rather than use electricity from the grid, it generates electricity on board.

Among all electromotive technology options fuel cell electric vehicles are about as close to identical to the functionality of existing gasoline-powered automobiles as you can get. As a practical daily driver, the Honda FCX Clarity is a fuel cell electric vehicle with 240 miles driving range … nearly triple that of today’s EVs. And compared to the slow recharging requirements of a battery electric vehicle, the fuel cell electric car can be refilled with hydrogen in minutes. Clarity is also a spacious and comfortable mid-size sedan that has surprised the people who have driven it … including our 15 lease customers in California now driving it on a daily basis.

Importantly, even using natural gas to produce the hydrogen, the Clarity achieves a 62 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. And a 40% reduction versus a battery electric vehicle that uses electricity from the U.S average power grid. For the long-term, we are working on producing hydrogen from renewable sources. One such interesting approach is Honda’s long-term investment to develop a next-generation prototype solar hydrogen station … now operating at our Los Angeles R&D center. This compact system was designed with the idea of daily home refueling of a fuel cell electric vehicle.

Certainly, as with other alternative fuel technologies, fuel cell electric vehicles have challenges to overcome … including a refueling infrastructure and cost reduction. But the full functionality of the vehicle and the potential of a solar hydrogen station are the reasons we view the fuel cell electric vehicle as the ultimate alternative to petroleum … and the best path to reduce CO2 emissions in the long run.

But as I said at the outset … when it comes to alternative fuels, no automaker can be successful without support from energy companies, policymakers and consumers. For fuel cell electric vehicles, there was the promise of a hydrogen highway in California … as well as federal support for fuel cell technology. But this seems to be in constant peril … whether due to the difficult economy or as some new technology comes along. There must be consistent and sustained policy in the near term … to realize the tremendous benefits that fuel cell electric vehicles offer for the long term.

“Policymakers must play an expansive role by defining the goals but not the specific technologies.”

Policymakers must play an expansive role, not a limiting role … by defining the goals … but not the specific technologies. Government can also contribute through effective energy policies that support both near and longer-tem solutions, and working in partnership with all the key players … while avoiding the temptation to pre-determine the winners and losers before the race has been run.

You know … I realize there is a lot of skepticism about the will and skill of the traditional auto industry to make a real contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions … and to wean America and the world from its dependence on petroleum. After all, we have earned a reputation … as an industry … as being anti anything the government wanted us to do. Years ago, this actually prompted a quote from our founder Mr. Honda that I will paraphrase for you … he said “when the government passes new regulations, some companies hire 50 more lawyers while Honda hires 50 more engineers.”

I know that the industry CAN lead. Air quality advances over the last 40 years have been nothing short of astounding. And I’m proud to say that Honda led the way … or as some have said … showed the way in meeting virtually every low emission vehicle standard established by the federal government and the state of California.

I’m talking about a thousand-fold reduction in hydrocarbon emissions that the entire industry has now achieved … to the point where we have gasoline internal combustion engines that can achieve credit as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles.

I cannot make the case that this success is an indication of what we can do on every issue … but I think it demonstrates what can be accomplished when the industry and policy makers focus on a key objective. And that’s what we must do now.

The challenges we now face are different … but by entering into a race with each other. by focusing on the same finish line … and by making certain our technology solutions meet the needs of our customers … I know we can advance personal mobility … and protect our planet. And that will make winners out of us all.

Source: [Honda]

In another thrilling Texas battle that featured “pack racing” throughout the night, Briscoe first had to give way to early race leader Dario Franchitti, then battle late-race contender Danica Patrick before securing his first IndyCar Series victory of 2010. In addition, Briscoe at different times had to fend off challenges from his own Team Penske teammates – Will Power and Helio Castroneves – and from a resurgent Andretti Autosport team, including Patrick, Tony Kanaan, Marco Andretti and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Following the last round of pit stops on Lap 190, the battle for victory came down to Patrick and Briscoe. While Patrick swept around Briscoe as the latter exited the pits for the final time, Briscoe returned the favor one lap later and squeezed out a narrow 1.5-second margin that he maintained to the finish.

For the seventh consecutive race weekend in 2010, all 26 drivers completed the race weekend without a single failure for the Honda Indy V-8 engine. Drivers and teams logged a total of 10,828 trouble-free miles around the high-speed Texas oval. It  also marked Honda’s 101st IndyCar Series race victory since joining the series in 2003.

Behind the lead pair, Andretti followed up his third-place finish at Indianapolis 500 with another podium result, his best results of 2010. While never a threat for victory, Scott Dixon posted yet another consistent, strong run to finish fourth. Teammate and Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti led 88 laps and was very strong while out front. Handling issues in traffic during the final third of the race dropped him to a fifth-place finish, but he still takes over the championship points lead after seven of 17 events.

The IZOD IndyCar Series took a one-week break before resuming on Sunday, June 20, with the fourth oval-track race of the season and the only short-track on the 2010 schedule: The Iowa Corn Indy 250 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, IA.

Ryan Briscoe (#6 Team Penske Honda) Started 1st, finished 1st, 1st win of 2010 and sixth career IndyCar victory, 4th win of 2010 for Team Penske: “This is unbelievable. I wasn’t very happy with our car after the final practice last night, so this one goes to my engineer Eric [Cowdin]. He made a lot of changes to the car for the race and they were all the right calls. Danica [Patrick] was very quick, but I was able to get a pretty good run at her after our final stops, used the ‘push-to-pass’ at just the right time and got the lead. Once I was in front, our car was so good in clean air that it was just a question of making a mistake-free run to the finish. After the problems we’ve had earlier this year and at Indy last week, this victory definitely means a lot to me.”

Danica Patrick (#7 Andretti Autosport Honda) started 8th, finished 2nd, her best result of 2010: “I can’t believe I’m disappointed to finish second, but that’s how good our car was tonight and how badly I want to win another race. Everyone on the Andretti Autosport team did a fantastic job, and that’s reflected in the results, with all four cars in the top seven. Our car was really good, both out front and in traffic, and when we left the pits in front of Ryan [Briscoe] at the last stop I had hoped we could hold him off, but he was just too strong for us tonight. But thanks so much to all my guys, I’m happy to be smiling at the end of a race tonight.”

Jack Spurney (General Manager, Honda Performance Development) on tonight’s race: “It was another exciting night race here at Texas Speedway, with 12 cars on the lead lap at the finish and a great win for Ryan Briscoe and Team Penske. There was a frightening moment when Simona de Silvestro had her crash, and we’re happy to see that she’s okay after the crash and resulting fire. The late-race duel between Ryan and Danica Patrick had the crowd on it’s feet, and Marco Andretti’s third place was deserved and a welcome result for him. It was another successful race for the Honda Indy V-8 engine, and now our engineers can finally get a well-earned break after four consecutive weekends in Indianapolis and Texas.”

Source: [Motor Sport]

Q: I’m very protective of my small dog. I want her to have fun at the park, but I don’t want her to get hurt. Can I keep her on the leash so that I’m always close and can pull her out of rough situations?

A: Sorry, but no. A dog park is specifically for off-leash play. “A leash can create different reactions in the leashed dog, who feels constrained and unable to react as he or she may wish,” says Smith. “Leashes can create barrier frustration,” she says. This is a common dog behavior issue, where dogs may lash out because they don’t feel in control. If you’re still concerned about your pet, you might consider trying to establish an event for small dogs only at your local dog park.

Q: My dog gets really thirsty after running around in the park. Should I bring his water bowl for drink breaks?

A: Only if you bring him outside the park for the break. It’s too hard to keep the other dogs away from your bowl, and both Reed and Smith point out that a communal water bowl is also a communal germ pool. Nasty bugs like giardia can spread through water.

Q: What about treats? Since I dole those out by hand, they’re something I can control.

A: It’s not a good idea to give your dog food in front of other dogs. Not only might you get mobbed and knocked over by jealous, hungry dogs, but other owners could also become agitated. This tip additionally applies to food you might bring for yourself. “The smell and sight of it will rile up the dogs,” says Reed.

Q: Aside from being a great place to exercise my dog, isn’t the dog park also a perfect place to find love?

A: Perhaps, but keep the former purpose at the forefront. Reed once witnessed a flirty woman become so enamored with a male dog owner that she didn’t notice her terrier escape the dog park and run away. The dog was smart enough to run home, but as Reed points out, “You should love the ones you’re with and not lose them by looking for love at the dog park.”

Q: My dog is always well behaved and can fend for herself. Is it OK for me to leave her in the park for 20 minutes while I run to the store?

A: Absolutely not. You are responsible for your dog’s actions, so you need to be there. “Believe it or not, people do this,” says Smith. “But the park is not to baby-sit your unattended dog while you go off and run some errands.”

Q: I appreciate that my dog gets to play, but I also like to use the dog park as a way to relax. It’s not as if my dog is a 2-year-old child, so is it OK to bring a book to read?

A: No! Your dog is like a 2-year-old child, and you need to pay attention. Do this for the sake of his or her safety, and for the sake of the other dogs. And speaking of 2-year-olds, you might notice that dogs poop whenever and wherever they want, and it’s your responsibility to pick it up. “Piles of poop are the prime reason dog parks are shut down or never open in the first place,” says Smith. Most people are happy to clean up after their dogs, so a poop-filled dog park is likely the result of people who don’t pay attention.

Source: [My Fox Tampa Bay]

How to Double-Check For an Alignment

To see if you need a wheel alignment, first check each tire and look for uneven wear patterns. You can do this by taking a coin to each tire and inserting it in the tread at the outside, center, and inside of the tire.

If the tread is deeper on the edges than in the center, the tire is over inflated.

If the tread is deeper in the center than the edges, the tire is under inflated.

If the tread is deeper on one side than the other, have your wheel alignment checked soon.

If you run your hand back and forth across the tread (be careful not to cut yourself on any debris) and the tread is smooth in one direction, but jagged in the other you have what is called a “saw-tooth” wear pattern caused by a toe-in problem. If your tires have a “saw-tooth” wear pattern, have the alignment checked as soon as possible as this can cause unsafe tire wear.

Aligning Your Tires

There are two types of wheel alignments, a two-wheel alignment and a four-wheel alignment. The four-wheel alignment is the best type of alignment to get for a vehicle. Having all four wheels aligned increases safety when driving down the road.

Having proper wheel alignment insures that your vehicle handles properly and returns the wheels on your vehicle to their correct angle. When your wheels are properly aligned you will not have to fight with your steering wheel when driving to make the car drive straight, or make the steering wheel stop vibrating. Maintaining proper wheel alignment can also increase gas mileage and decrease tire wear.

By making small adjustments and keeping up with regular maintenance items, like keeping your wheels aligned, can help you avoid a major breakdown in the future, and prolong the life of your vehicle.

If it has been longer than a year since your last alignment, and you are experiencing symptoms described here, or are unsure if you need an alignment, bring your vehicle into the Honda of Wesley Chappel Service Department. One of our highly trained Service Technicians can take a look at your vehicle, realign your vehicle’s wheels, and get you back on the road safely.

For a limited time, Honda of Wesley Chapel is offering new 2010 Hondas at 60% off. You read right, every new 2010 Honda can be yours for 60% off during our Model Year End Clearance.

Drive a new Honda Civic for just $119 a month* and then buy it for $11,703**. Or take home a new Honda Accord for just $159 a month* and then buy it for $13,563**. Plus, during our Model Year End Clearance, we’ll give you 100% of your trade value and finance rates as low as 0%***.

But you’ll have to hurry. It happens just once a year at just one place and it’s happening right now at Honda of Wesley Chapel, during the Model Year End Clearance.

Thank you,

George Ernst
President, Honda of Wesley Chapel

All offers are mutually exclusive and cannot be combined. *36 month lease with $2,500 due at signing, plus tax and tag. Security deposit waived, with approved credit. Extra fees may apply at lease end. **Residual value after lease term. ***With approved credit, see dealer for details.

“We’ve enjoyed tremendous success with our line of scooters,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino, “and now along with the 2011 Ruckus we’re introducing the brand-new PCX, a very stylish 125cc scooter that adds even more depth to Honda’s scooter line.”

Additional information will be released regarding other new 2011 models in months to come. More detailed information and images of Honda’s model line can be found on powersports.honda.com or see your local Honda power sports dealer.

• Introducing the all-new Honda PCX: A fun, stylish ride that’s also economical to operate

Meet the 2011 PCX, a stylish and decidedly sporty new mid-sized scooter that really delivers on routine errands, short commutes and even enjoyable little getaways. Its modern good looks combine with easy handling to create a practical yet fun riding companion. Thanks to its strong-running 125cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected four-stroke engine and a capable chassis, the PCX serves well for getting around town and even for short back road weekend adventures. An electric starter and Honda’s easy-to-use V-Matic automatic transmission make this new scooter a snap to operate. With comfortable seating to accommodate the rider and passenger, plus a surprisingly large under-seat storage area that’s big enough to swallow a full-face helmet and more, the PCX serves as an accommodating package that rolls economical transportation and a fun-filled ride all into one. Available in Pearl, White, and Candy Red. Price: TBD

• A machine that’s too cool to know it’s a scooter: Honda Ruckus

Here’s a bare-bones example of two-wheeled transportation that’s way too cool to call itself a scooter. Fully equipped to battle urban traffic with a thrifty liquid-cooled 49cc engine, an electric starter and Honda’s easy-to-use V-Matic automatic transmission, this welterweight is ready to raise a Ruckus – the perfect name for a handy and tough in-town runabout that packs plenty of attitude. Available in Orange/Black, and Black. Price: TBD

Source: [Honda News]