Honda Civic Natural Gas Wins Big with New Law

The final version of the U.S. government’s fuel-economy regulation allows credits to be given to the manufacturers of natural gas cars. Until the last minute fix, natural gas (CNG) vehicles were not included in the credits program, which helps makers of electric and hybrid vehicles offset their manufacturing costs. Now, the Honda Civic Natural Gas car, the only CNG car sold in the U.S. retail market, will do wonders for Honda Motor Company’s bottom line.

Honda Civic Natural Gas: Video

The Honda CNG car, as the video clip below carefully explains, does not have the range of a typical gasoline Civic, but natural gas fuel is much cheaper than gas, and in any case, the Civic natural gas model can travel about 180 miles on a fill up. Other than fuel type and a sticker on the exterior of the car, a driver would not notice the difference between the natural gas Civic and a gasoline model.

Honda Civic: Details

Honda is the only major car manufacturer that has offered natural gas cars to the U.S. public, though the huge majority of CNG Civics sold in the past decade have made their way to fleet and municipal buyers. Natural gas vehicles emit nearly 25 percent less CO2 than traditional cars, and offset petroleum consumption completely. Most experts think that the new rule will cause other major carmakers to develop CNG vehicles.

Though infrastructure for natural gas transportation is not developed nationwide in the U.S., there are several states that have extensive networks, primarily in the Midwest, where natural gas pipelines are a mainstay for many home fueling and farming needs. Honda had complained to the federal government about being excluded from the early version of the fuel economy rules.

For much more detail about the Honda Civic Natural Gas car, see the company’s webpage designated for the trendy alternative fuel vehicle:
http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-natural-gas/

 

Courtesy of MyPerfectAutomobile.com

Thank you for sharing your 5-star experience, Sandi!

"Wow this dealership has the best customer service I've seen in a long time.  I worked with Gina and Adolpho and they are the best.  I love my car and the service I received was by far 5 stars!  It's nice to know there are car dealers who really care about customer service - and they get it!"

- Sandi P

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Total Car Score Names the Top 10 All-New Cars for 2013 - Honda Accord

Los Angeles, CA – August 22, 2012 – The 2013 model year is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the automotive industry. With over 30 all-new vehicles arriving in showrooms Total Car Score today announced what it considers to be the Top 10 New Cars for 2013.

Total Car Score’s list of the top 10 new models includes vehicles that are either all-new nameplates or existing models that have been completely redesigned for the 2013 model year.

“The average American consumer is driving an 11-year-old car. A huge slice of the public has held off on replacing their vehicles because of economic uncertainty. That means an unprecedented level of pent-up demand,” said Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief of Total Car Score. “This will eventually lead to a flurry of sales as consumers replace their worn-out cars with new ones.”

Brauer added, “Automakers are well aware of this situation, and know the rising pressure on consumers will inevitably break loose with a flurry of buying activity. When this happens, every carmaker wants to be positioned to capture new vehicle shoppers with enticing cars, trucks and SUVs.”

The 2013 model year marks a significant effort by automakers to reinvent volume products, as well as introduce all-new cars, in a bid to capture market share. The following 10 vehicles represent the most significant models landing in dealer showrooms this fall, according to the editorial team at Total Car Score.

2. Honda Accord -- MSRP: $21,000-$28,000

While the Fit, Civic and CR-V are big sellers, the 2013 Accord is the most important car in the Japanese manufacturer’s line-up. Having overcome recent natural disasters, Honda still faces market challenges related to mediocre fuel efficiency and conservative styling. The new Accord must address both issues.

 

Courtesy of Total Car Score

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Driving with Pets

Did You Know...

84% of pet owners say they travel with their pet in automobiles

Source: American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2006 National Pet Owner Survey

If you're planning to take your pet with you on trips in the car, start early when the pet is young to get used to the routine. Short jaunts across town and back or easy day trips will get your pet used to the ride. A carsick pet can make the trip miserable for everyone.

A seat upholstery protector, such as a pet hammock or waterproof seat cover will make clean-ups easier in case your pet does get sick or has an accident.

Be sure to bring along cleaning supplies to avoid having to search out a place to purchase them at the last minute.

Make your pet travel experience fun and enjoyable by following these simple, common sense pet travel tips:

• Safely secure your pet while traveling. An unrestrained pet can become a deadly projectile in the event of a sudden stop or crash, causing serious injury (even death) to passengers. For example, an unsecured, 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle.
• Dogs should be restrained with either a seatbelt or harness designed for pet travel. Smaller dogs can be secured in pet car seats, which allow them to also see out, while being properly restrained.
• Never attach a restraining device to the pet's collar. Always use a harness to prevent injury.
• Cats should be contained in a crate, cage or pet car seat that is secured with a seat belt. Never allow a cat to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver's feet or get in the driver's sight of the road.
• Do not allow your pet to ride with its head outside of the window. An obstacle close to the vehicle could potentially strike your pet's head, causing injury or death, or dirt particles could get into your pet's ears, nose, eyes, or throat, causing health problems.
• It's a good idea to stop every couple of hours for your pet and you to stretch and walk around. Be sure to have your pet's leash handy to have control and so your pet doesn't run away in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Have your own supply of cold water, as fresh water is not always handy or convenient when you need to stop.
• Have your pet consume small amounts of food and water, but don't allow to overeat or drink if you still have more traveling to do. Reserve your pet's main meal for the end of the day.
• Leaving a pet in a parked car is never a good idea. Temperatures in confined spaces in the summer time can heat up fast, causing heatstroke — even death — to a pet. Extremely cold temperatures in the winter can be just as threatening, so be sure not to leave a pet in the car if the temperature is near the freezing mark.
• A pet first-aid kit is an essential item to pack when venturing out and should contain things such as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, tape, and the like. Phone numbers for your pet's vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435), and emergency pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to travel should be taken along.
• A travel tag on a pet's collar will help someone locate you should you and your pet become separated. The travel tag should contain information about where you are staying locally (while away from home), including addresses and phone numbers. A cell phone number is also a good idea since most people have one with them, especially when they travel.

Bus or Train

• State and local restrictions usually prohibit pets from riding on buses or trains unless they are assisting visually impaired or physically challenged persons. Always check in advance with these transportation providers to find out what regulations they may impose.

Courtesy of Pet Travel Center

Another Awesome 5-Star Review on DealerRater.com

Review from DealerRater.com

I already recommended this dealership to many people. I have been looking to purchase a new 2012 CRV and the customer service I received from them is definitely 5 stars. They were way out in front of many dealers I contacted -especially Schaumburg Honda which is about 2miles from we're I live. Gina gets right back to you no matter what time it is -I'm thinking she never sleeps:). I work in HR and would hire her in a minute-oh, you too Adolpho! Thank you I love my CRV!

Paint by Numbers: A Honda Environmental Short Film

 

Inspiration comes from many places. Honda engineer Shubho Bhattacharya, inspired by his belief that global warming is one of the greatest challenges facing mankind today, developed technology to reduce energy in the auto body-painting process at the Honda manufacturing plant in Marysville, Ohio. Watch how Bhattacharya's Intelligent Paint Technology has cut the plant's energy use by 25 percent. Learn more about Honda's numerous environmental initiatives at http://corporate.honda.com/environment/

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Engine Knock

What Is Engine Knocking?

Engine knocking refers to the metallic sound an engine can produce when pressure is applied to the gas pedal. The noise may be a hollow knocking sound or more of a rattling sound—in either case, it's not a sound you want to hear.

When an engine pings, it releases pollution into the environment in the form of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and raw, unburned hydrocarbons (HCs). These two chemicals are poisonous gases that show up as yellowish-brownish in a polluted sky. They can also cause respiratory problems like asthma and emphysema.

Common Reasons for Engine Knocking

Improper Combustion Process
An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). In a properly-firing cylinder, the spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture and a flame front starts on one side of the piston and burns across the top to the other side, which creates a rapid and evenly-expanding gas that pushes down on the top of the piston. When the air/fuel mixture is ignited prior to the spark plug firing, the two flame fronts collide, causing the pinging/knocking noise.

Engine Is Too Hot
An engine can ping because it is too hot. This is another uneven combustion scenario that is caused by the air-to-fuel mixture "lighting off" by itself. If the cooling system does not keep the engine's combustion chamber temperature in check, the air-to-fuel mixture will begin to spontaneously explode. This is also called "pre-ignition."

Improper Gasoline Octane
In addition to cooling system problems, pinging can be caused by improper gasoline octane, an overly lean air-to-fuel mixture, or a lack of proper exhaust gas recirculation. The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) was created to neutralize engine pinging by adding a small amount of exhaust gas to the air-to-fuel mixture going in to the combustion process, which limits the peak combustion chamber temperature.

Internal Mechanical Problems
Internal mechanical problems can also cause engine knocking. One such problem stems from excessive clearance inside the bearings in the connecting rods that transfer the downward movement of the pistons to crankshaft rotation. Each time the piston changes direction, there is a knock from the metal hitting metal. This is often referred to as a "rod knock." It is usually very rhythmic—it increases with engine speed and intensifies with engine load.

Other mechanical problems that lead to engine knocking are:

• Defective main crankshaft bearings
• A cracked or broken flywheel or flex-plate that attaches the engine to the transmission
• A worn water pump bearing
• A failed or loose timing belt tensioner can knock when the timing belt slaps against it 
• An air conditioning compressor can knock when it is failing or icing up
• An alternator with worn rotor bearings can knock when the pistons fire

Be sure to properly inspect and verify the root cause of the knocking sound, as it can be tricky to pinpoint. You don't want to replace the entire engine only to find out that the knocking was coming from a cracked hub on the transmission flywheel or flex-plate. Ouch!

 

Courtesy of Repair Pal

All-New 2013 Honda Accord Will Debut with Premium and Sophisticated Exterior Styling

The most sculpted Accord ever is bigger on the inside and smaller on the outside

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 8, 2012 – Honda today revealed the first images of the much anticipated all-new 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe, set to go on sale this fall. The most sculpted Accord ever delivers an even more spacious and luxurious passenger cabin wrapped in an upscale, sophisticated exterior designed to stand the test of time.

The 2013 Accord's styling is expressive, sophisticated and premium. Starting in the front, a bold new grille imparts a distinctive and dynamic tension that complements the powerful look of the hood's multiple styling lines. A strong side character line flows through the door handles and flares upward toward the rear of the vehicle to further convey a sense of motion. A deep contour in the rocker panel firmly grounds its visual presence to the road and smartly turns upward to convey a sporty attitude. In the back, the inward slope where the fenders taper into the trunk and C-pillars is designed to convey a powerful, athletic stance from the rear.

True to the spirit of Honda and every Accord before it, the ninth-generation embraces a customer focus from the inside out. Smart interior packaging allows for increased passenger and cargo space in both the sedan and the coupe, while the overall exterior lengths are noticeably shortened, contributing to a sportier driving character and easier parking. An expansive greenhouse and generous rear seating area provide excellent levels of visibility and comfort for the driver and all passengers.

"This car is the most sculpted and the most dynamic Accord yet," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. "Following Honda's long-held philosophy of 'man maximum, machine minimum,' the beautiful exterior evolved from a focus on interior space and the needs of the people inside it."

On the road, an overall aerodynamic shape combined with low-drag exterior surfaces including nearly flush windshield glass, flush-mounted windshield wipers and careful under-body tailoring promise enhanced fuel efficiency. Premium details like available LED daytime running lights, headlights and taillights hint at the sophisticated technology and luxury available inside.

More information about the all-new 2013 Accord will be revealed later this fall. For photos about the styling direction of the 2013 Accord, visit www.hondanews.com.

We would like to thank Jerry for the kind words. We appreciate the 5-star review!

"I normally don't give top ratings, but I confidently can from our experience with Derick Wojciechowski at O'Hare Honda.  This past Friday evening we took delivery of our 2012 Honda CRV EX.  Derick was professional & courteous throughout the sales process - no pressure, no gimmicks, not even a run around, especially since we wanted a less than usual color combo (urban titanium metallic with the beige/tan interior). I would definitely recommend Derick & O'Hare Honda to my relatives & friends."

- Jerry

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Drive in the City Like a Pro

Driving in the city is a very important skill that many need to have, especially if you happen to live there. Most city dwellers do take public transportation when available, but when you need to drive, we have the tips to help you become an expert. After this little crash course on city driving, you will learn to love the flow and bustle of city life and merge seamlessly with it, rather than going mad and pulling out your hair every time traffic gets heavy.

Smaller cars are the key to everyday travel through the city. Not only do you get the ease of parking in tiny spots, but you will also save a big of gas because of the stop and go traffic. Major cities are built to accommodate as many people in a small amount of space. Thus the city the streets and parking spaces are much narrower and smaller than others your use to.

Automatic transmissions are recommended for everyday travel to and within the city. The stress and fatigue will increase as you shift aimlessly with a manual transmission. Trust me on this one! During one of my trips to NYC, I shifted a manual transmission over 1000 times in an hour through heavy traffic. As many people swear by manual shifting, this is OK ( so do i) , it has its advantages, but it's just not well suited to city driving.

As parking spaces become harder to find, having that small car can get you in those tight spots. If you have the money, you can also invest in technology like back up cameras. These cameras will allow you to see how close you are to the car behind you through a pin hole camera on your trunk. Parking sensors work just as well, as you don't even need a visual, but only listen to a few beeps to know how close you are to the car behind you. Some luxury cars will have sensors in the front as well as the back.

Always drive inside your lane. Signal ten seconds before you lane change. Be cautious in hard driving conditions like snow and rain. Be careful of those huge pot holes ahead. So look give yourself some space between the car in front of your so that you have a better visual of the road ahead.

Avoid driving in the far right lane unless your turning. Metros, trucks, buses and other turning vehicles all enter the right lane. So to avoid any unnecessary backup time, drive in the middle lane if you are traveling straight for a while.

Now that you have a few tips. Try them out and you'll be on your way to being a pro at city driving.

Courtesy of EzineArticles

Thank you to all of our happy customers for the rave reviews!

"I have purchased 3 cars from O’Hare Honda over the years and have been thoroughly satisfied with my experience each time. They have great values with a wide selection. I want to personally thank Shahbaz Sheikh for his excellent customer service."

- Jeff

"My new car purchase at O'Hare Honda was great. The sales and support staff were very helpful, attentive to my new car needs. No pressure at all. My trade in went well. I plan on getting my new car serviced there and I would recommend O'Hare to my friends and family."

- Corrine

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Parking Techniques

ANGLE PARKING

There will be many times when you will see angled parking spaces in a parking lot. In this case, vehicles are designated to go one way.

Here are some safety tips:

• Stay at a safe distance from parked cars so that you can see and maneuver better once you have found an empty spot.
• Stay alert for cars backing out to leave their space.
• Always signal to show that you are ready to make a turn.

PERPENDICULAR PARKING

Perpendicular parking is similar to angle parking, but requires greater care in turning. You will find perpendicular parking in most parking lots, which normally provide spaces marked in a 90-degree angle to the curb or a building.

When parking bring your vehicle to a spot while keeping enough space from the row of parked cars. 

Always stop with your wheels straight and your car centered in the space.

PARALLEL PARKING

In general, you will use parallel parking next to a curb in the space between two parked cars. Sometimes parallel parking is your only option. You will need to choose a space that is at least five feet longer than your car. It requires practice to master this maneuver.

Always signal first, and then position your vehicle parallel with the vehicle parked (rear bumpers of both vehicles are aligned) in front of the empty spot. Keep at least two feet away from this vehicle.

Check to make sure the way is clear behind you, and shift into reverse. Look over your shoulder and back slowly as you turn your wheel toward the curb.

Back up slowly so that the front of the vehicle is even with the front door of the vehicle beside you. Turn the wheel sharply to the right and back up slowly until your vehicle is at a 45-degree angle from the curb.

Turn the wheel sharply in the direction away from the curb and back slowly until your vehicle is parallel to the curb.
Put the car into a forward gear and slowly center your vehicle in the space.

PARKING ON A HILL

Uphill

When headed uphill at a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll backwards slowly until the rear part of the front wheel rests against the curb using it as a block.

Downhill

When you stop your car headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. Let your vehicle roll slowly until the front tire rests against the curb using it as a block.

No Curb

When headed uphill (or downhill) with no curb, always turn your front wheels to the right so that if your vehicle moves, it will roll off the highway, not into traffic.

ILLEGAL PARKING

Parking in the following areas is prohibited:

• On highways (unless indicated otherwise)
• In an intersection
• On pedestrian crosswalks or sidewalks
• In front of driveways
• In a fire lane or close to a fire hydrant
• In an underpass or bridge
• At a blue curb or for a spot reserved for disabled
• Beside another parked vehicle (double parking)

Consult your state's Drivers handbook for details.

VEHICLE SECURING PROCEDURES

Whenever you park your car, make sure you do the following:
1. Make sure that you are stopped within a legal and secure parking space.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Put the car gear in park for automatic transmission. For manual transmission put the car either in first or reverse gear.
4. Turn off any accessories used.
5. Turn off ignition switch and remove key.
6. Check for traffic prior to exiting vehicle. Open door safely and face traffic when getting out of the vehicle.
7. Secure doors and windows.
8. Lock your vehicle and take the keys with you.

SECURING VALUABLES
Safety Tips

• Always make sure your doors and windows are closed when you leave the vehicle, even for a short period of time. Do not leave a vehicle running unattended.
• Always park in well lit areas; avoid parking in isolated parking spaces or in bad neighborhoods.
• Never leave any valuables and equipment inside your vehicle. Place them in the trunk of the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• Install a vehicle alarm system if you store valuable items in your vehicle.
• Never leave a spare key inside the vehicle, especially if it can be seen from the outside.

 

Courtesy of DriversEd.com

Which Olympian would make the best spokesperson for the Honda brand? Michael Phelps, Hope Solo or LeBron James?

We would like to thank our happy customer for the kind words. We are happy to have helped you

"Love the quick service. My time is better spent with family than in a service center." - dratkins

Click here to read this review and many others on Edmunds!

Rhoda, we are very happy to have helped you. Thanks for your great review!

"Shahbaz Sheikh is the best thing that happened to Honda car sales...and O'Hare Honda gave us the best service we were looking for. This is based from the experience my husband and I had scouting for a good Honda Pilot over the Chicago area in several Honda dealerships. Believe me, we were already getting frustrated and about to give up hope in finding the best possible used Honda Pilot. And we found one in very mint condition at O'Hare Honda. And Shahbaz sold it to us. He is very professional, knows what he is selling, very well-informed, very helpful, friendly and accomodating and most of all, he is very efficient in processing the sale of the Pilot we found. Another man we are so fond of is Mr. Brion Parrish who happens to be in charge of the papers and finance. He is very helpful and efficient just like Shahbaz. We were EXTREMELY satisfied with the service of O'Hare Honda from the moment we stepped in to the moment we drove home with our new used Honda Pilot. I highly recommend Shabahz Sheikh to everyone looking for the best car and best service!" - Rhoda N.

Click here to read this review and many more on DealerRater!

Fall in love with new vehicles at O'Hare Honda

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