What You Can Find in the 2015 CR-V

It is finally here, the 2015 Honda CR-V is ready for you take home! Last week we gave readers a look at the exterior of the new CR-V, well as promised, the technological details are here. The new vehicle has Earth Dreams Technology which means an i-VTEC engine as well as Continuously Variable Transmission. Available is the Honda Sensing technology that includes Forward Collision Control, Lane Departure Warning, Honda LaneWatch, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist. The CR-V has also had a 3-4 mpg improvement from its 2014 model meaning it has better EPA fuel economy ratings. Come check out Diamond Valley Honda to see what awesome vehicles we have for you!

Sneak Peak at 2015 Honda CR-V

If you have been waiting for the new Honda CR-V, it is almost here! While Honda hasn’t released all of the details for the vehicle, they have given us a photo of the new design. The new look is sleek and sophisticated, doing away with the classic box-shaped CR-V. Honda states that they believe the exterior cosmetic changes will reflect the technical enhancements made to the vehicle. More information about the car will be released September 30 and the car will be going on sale starting October 1. Diamond Valley Honda is very excited about the 2015 CR-V, knowing Honda vehicles never disappoint!

3D Printing Created Working Car

A working vehicle has been created by 3D printing. The Strati, Italian for layers, took 44 hours to complete and was unveiled at the International Manufacturing Technology show last week. Other 3D printed vehicles have been made, but none are able drive. This electric vehicle can reach a speed of 40 mph and can travel 120 miles on one charge. The Strati has 49 parts which is significantly less compared to most vehicles that have anywhere from 5,000 to 6,000. The Strati will have to go through many tests before it becomes street legal. Come into Diamond Valley Honda to check out more amazing vehicles!

Honda Designs Hands Free Vehicle

Honda has finally designed a prototype that can safely drive itself. The vehicle, an Acura RLX Sedan, can be hands free or automatic if the driver wants to take control. The Acura RLX has lasers that are constantly scanning its surroundings as well as cameras that monitor the lanes. It can drive accordingly to the speed limit, break when necessary, merge into traffic, and change lanes on its own. The vehicle is even aware of construction zones and knows when to merge to avoid barrier cones. This vehicle is what we think of when we imagine the future of driving. Come into Diamond Valley Honda for more incredible vehicles made by Honda.

2015 Honda Crosstour

The new Crosstour from Honda is a powerful and efficient vehicle. The vehicle offers features such as Real Time 4WD, that notices weather changes and adjusts rear-wheel power allowing the driver to stay in control. This easy to handle vehicle also offers touch-screen controls, easy-access directions, and powerful audio. It comes with assisting technology such as passenger-side visibility, collision warnings, lane-drift alerts, and a back-up camera. Finally, for safety features, the vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, brake assist, and an electronic brake distributor, just to name a few. Stop by Diamond Valley Honda to check out great Honda vehicles and take one for a test drive!

Why Washing Your Car Matters

While getting a car wash may seem like a hassle, it should be seen as a benefit to car owners. Here at Diamond Valley Honda, we think there are great things that can come from having a clean vehicle:

1. Safety: The buildup of dirt and grime on your vehicle’s mirrors and windows can blur your vision. Making it difficult to see obstructions and on-coming vehicles.

2. Optimize airflow: When your car is clean, it has better airflow which means you get better fuel economy.

3. A Protected Investment: A regular car wash keeps your vehicle in better condition. This means you can receive more money when you decided to get rid of your ride.

4. A Protected Paint Job: Rain and bird droppings contain acid, which will eat through the paint if left on your vehicle too long.

5. Better Health: Washing your car inside and out prevents the growth of bacteria that can get you sick.

The Honda Crosstour: What You Should Know

The Honda Crosstour is not the most elaborately advertised Honda out there. It doesn’t have to be either. The car speaks for itself. The widely acclaimed Crosstour comes in five different models within a price range of $27-35,000. It boasts great gas mileage at 22 city/31 hwy. The Honda Crosstour features a rear view camera, steering wheel audio buttons, an intelligent information system, and much more! As a top safety rated brand, Honda is your safest bet. Come by Diamond Valley Honda today for more on this spectacular car.



Summer: worse than winter?

 

Winter is commonly thought of as the greatest threat to our cars. Battery life, in particular, is a concern for most of us who have a growing distaste for the high cost of car maintenance. Though not a misconception at all, summer is actually worse on your car battery life according to non-profit car care council. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate which contributes to the batteries internal damage and slow death. These easy to follow steps are the advice of the non-profit car care council which, here at Diamond Valley Honda, we agree is the best course of action to prevent unnecessary car battery replacement.

 

1. Keep the top of the battery cleaned. Dirt and other fluid leaks can create battery power loss.

 

2. Make sure the electrical system is working correctly. Overcharging from a malfunctioning electrical system can cause overcharging which will put you on the fast track to a dead battery.

 

3. Your battery is the type that needs to be topped off? Make sure to check this often!

With these steps in mind during the heat of summer, you are sure to give your car battery’s life the best chance of being replaced!



Honda Spreading Cheer for All to Hear

In order to bring more attention to their summer clearance event, Honda is having a five-day campaign aimed at spreading cheer. The Honda Summer Cheerance Event is going on now and hopes to make you smile through memes, GIFs, and videos. After spreading cheer to 3 million people, Honda says it will donate $100,000 to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Honda says that it hopes this event will remind people that summer is the best time to get a great deal on a Honda. So if you’re looking for some light-hearted humor, check out Honda’s YouTube channel for some funny videos! And if you are looking for a great deal on a Honda, check out Diamond Valley Honda for some awesome vehicles!

Honda Building Robots

Honda loves to create products, from lawn mowers to motorcycles, snowblowers and robots. Yes you heard right, robots! ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative MObolity, is a humanoid robot that Honda has been working on since 1980. Honda is creating ASIMO in hopes that one day it will be able to interact in a human environment. The current version of ASIMO is able to detect faces, sounds, gestures, postures, movement, and what is happening in its surroundings. The 51 inch tall humanoid robot is able to walk, run, dance, and use the stairs. Honda hopes that one day ASIMO will assist people in their homes and at their workplace. If Honda is creating robots, you can imagine their advanced technology in vehicles. Come into Diamond Valley Honda to see what Honda has in store!

2015 Honda Fit

Searching for a functional hatchback? Well the 2015 Honda Fit might be fit for you. The new fit is designed to be more fuel-efficient with 33 mpg for the city and 41 mpg on the highway. It has an incredible 52.7 cubic feet of storage, making its name suitable. The vehicle has several optional features such as a sunroof, heated front seats, and a seven inch display. There is an available EV model, for those wanting a plug-in. The Fit gives you an extra pair of eyes with the standard rear-view camera and Honda LaneWatch. Come into Diamond Valley Honda to take one on a test drive!

Teens Safer Driving Honda

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, according to studies done by the Insurance Institute for Highway safety. The kind of car being driven is a huge factor in crash survival ratings. The IIHS has found that Honda’s pre-owned vehicles are the safest for teen drivers. Young drivers are in vehicles that are not matched to their driving skills.  If you are in the market for a vehicle for your teen driver, check out Diamond Valley Honda for affordable, top safety pick vehicles.

Enlighten Me on Going Electric

The push to go green is stronger than ever as we begin to notice the damage left by our footprints. If you recently bought a new vehicle, you probably briefly considered buying an electric vehicle, but brushed that thought aside when you mulled over the cons. Common myths about electric vehicles include: they have a short range, they are expensive, and the time it takes to charge is inconvenient. The truth is, the typical American driver travels less than 40 miles a day, a small portion of the 100 mile range covered by most electric vehicles. When it comes to price, it is no lie that you will pay more upfront for an electric vehicle, but you must factor in the long run costs. A plug-in driver can save between $700-$1600  each year by eliminating fuel consumption. That adds up, and the fact of the matter is you will be saving money with a plug-in. Lastly, with a little bit of planning, charging your vehicle should not be a problem. An EV can easily reach a full charge overnight. And each day, more and more public charge stations are appearing at businesses and public entities. This means you can charge while you’re at work, shopping, or while your kids play at the park. Owning an electric vehicle is something to feel good about. With car brands introducing EVs each year, there is surely a vehicle that will fit your lifestyle and budget!

Honda Begins Music-Based Marketing Strategy

Honda is taking a direct approach with their new music-based marketing strategy aimed at the younger generation. Unlike other car brands, that attempt to target younger crowds by advertising alongside some type of media, Honda is immersing themselves into the music culture. Honda will be hosting events as well as creating and distributing their own music-focused content. One of the main advertising strategies, the Honda Stage, will include videos on their YouTube channel from live performances held on their stage. Along with the Honda Stage they will put on the Civic Tour, a summer concert tour that will contain three different tours in order to reach more people. Honda hopes their efforts will create brand awareness by placing Honda where the music-craving youth already is. Artists and music industry partners will also help promote the Honda Stage through their personal social media accounts. With the average age of Honda buyers being 52.1 years, Honda hopes to reach the Millennials who are consuming their media through social media, instead of the TV and Radio. 

Save Gas and Save Money

We all dread filling up at the pump and draining our bank account. But we have to get around some how! However, there are several ways to save on gas and keep some money in your pocket.

1. Go easy on your accelerator! If you anticipate the traffic you can avoid slamming on your breaks and accelerating too quickly. If possible, use cruise control, this cuts out the constant braking and accelerating.

2. Carpooling is fun! With just one person in your carpool, you could cut your fuel costs by 50 percent! Make friends and alternate driving with people in your area. The more people in your carpool, the more you save!

3. Let go of your excess baggage. Do you really need all those extra things in your trunk? The less you car weighs, the less work it does, and the less gas it is going to burn.

4. Don’t ignore those check-whatever lights. Regular maintenance will keep your car purring beautifully. The better you take care of your car, the better it will perform.  Make sure under the hood is running smoothly and your tires are properly inflated.

5. Get some fresh air! If it’s a nice day, put your windows down! Turning off your A/C will put less stress on your engine, and help it use less fuel. The more sparing you are with your A/C and heat, the more gas in your tank!

6. This brings me to my next point, aerodynamics! While keeping the windows down helps cut gas consumption, this is not necessarily true for when you’re driving on the highway. Simply put, if your windows are down when you are going high speeds, it causes your vehicle to use more gas because it is less aerodynamic. It is also not beneficial to have bike racks or large objects on your roof rack. Those bug deflectors, window and sunroof deflectors are also causing more harm than good.

7. Don’t just sit there, do something! If you are just going to sit there with your car running, turn it off. Turning your car off and on is more efficient than just letting it run.

Steering Away From Hydroplaning

Driving in the rain can bring a lot of anxiety to some drivers. With the lack of visibility and the fear of losing control, you’re not alone! Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning, occurs when a layer of water comes between the tires and road causing a loss of traction. This lack of traction can cause the driver to lose their ability to steer and brake properly. The vehicle may skid or slide and this could unfortunately cause an accident. But have no fear! There are several ways to avoid hydroplaning and build your confidence driving in the rain!

1. (First off, and most importantly) Do NOT slam on the breaks. The best option is to pump your breaks until you begin to regain control. If you have anti-lock brakes (check your owners manual if you are unsure), brake like normal but not too hard. The vehicle will do the brake pumping action for you.

2. This is not the time to have a lead foot! Slow down in the rain, you will have more traction and better control when you are coming to a stop.

3. Take care of your tires. Unfortunately this creates another “to-do” on your busy list. It is important to check and properly adjust your tire pressure. Check the traction on your tires often and rotate or replace them if need be, especially if they are beginning to bald.

4. Avoid standing water. Puddles can cause immediate loss of traction. It is smart to avoid the outer lanes where masses of water are likely to form.

5. Stay in control, don’t use cruise control! Hydroplaning while in cruise control has actually caused vehicles to accelerate. As you can imagine, this creates a problem when it comes to regaining control of your vehicle.

If you do begin to hydroplane, remain calm! Take your foot off the accelerator, grasp the wheel firmly, and attempt to steer the vehicle to where it is aimed straight ahead. Make sure you are not over steering, move the wheel a minimal amount, just enough to keep the vehicle moving forward. Hopefully these tips will help you gain confidence while driving in the rain, and help prevent accidents if hydroplaning does occur!

Changing Seasons and Changing Tire Pressure

Properly adjusting your tire pressure ensures safer driving, better fuel efficiency and a more comfortable ride. As the seasons change, so does your pressure due to the fluctuating temperature. A 10 degree drop can cause your tire pressure to decrease 1-2 PSI (pounds per square inch).  It is important to adjust your tire pressure, but first you must first find your manufacture’s recommend PSI.To find this information, check your owners manual or the sticker in your driver’s side door. Once you know your recommended PSI, you need to make sure you own a tire air pressure gauge. Your tire pressure should be no more or less than five PSI’s of the recommended pressure. When checking the pressure, your tires should be “cold”, meaning they have not been driven on for at least three hours. Now that you've checked your pressure, it’s time to head to an air pump. When filling the tires with the air hose, keep your gauge near so that you can check the pressure as you go, you do not want to over inflate! Over-inflation can cause you to lose traction or have a blow out. Under-inflation can hurt your vehicles fuel economy. It is recommended that you check your tire pressure weekly, especially with large temperature fluctuations.

2015 Models Roadside Assistance

The 2015 Honda Fit and Pilot will be the first to receive 24 hour, seven days a week roadside service. Owners of the 2015 models can call the service’s number for various reasons. The roadside assistance will perform tasks such as delivering fuel, changing a flat, and unlocking the vehicle in case of a lost key. The program also has features that will benefit the driver while traveling. It will assist in finding hotels, retrieving information from airlines, getting a taxi or any other needed transportation. In case of emergency, the service can contact people whose numbers you have provided.

Honda FCX Clarity

 

 

 

This all new design from Honda is a zero emissions vehicle that Honda is calling the future of cars. With its sleek design features and savvy technology, the Clarity brings elegance to the Honda lineup. Refractive rear privacy glass and an under-trunk well give the new design practicality. It is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that is a highly efficient “green,” vehicle. These cars, being fueled with hydrogen, would be a new experience for drivers. Hydrogen would be dispensed quite similarly to gasoline. It is measured in kilograms, which is virtually the same as one gallon, and would be dispensed through tanks as gasoline is. This glimpse into the future is brought to you by Diamond Valley Honda. We hope you will take a look into the benefits of fuel efficiency. Refer to Honda’s website for all details pertaining to the new Honda Clarity.



Honda is Making What?

Mostly known for their car production, Honda is an expert in many different categories of production as well. The most recent buzz for Honda points to their new HondaJet planes. Yes, planes! Is there anything Honda can’t master the production of? They have been working on these planes since pre-2006. The planes have different colors to choose from even. Honda also makes motorcycles, marine engines, power equipment, and ATV’s. The new HondaJet planes are projected to cost almost 4 million dollars.

Mother's Day is Near!

Mother’s day is one day away! This is an important day of the year. Who doesn’t love showing their mom how much they care? Moms are the best! So, we just want to take a moment to remind you that showing your mom how special she is can make her the happiest mom out there. Especially if you choose to get her the all new 2014 Honda from our latest line up. She will love the Civic, Accord, or any other model from our lot. Just make sure to stop by and see us this weekend to give mom a mother’s day that she won’t forget.

Here at Diamond Valley Honda, we know well that cars cannot maintain themselves, and what better time to check up on this than when you are already spring cleaning your homes? Now is time to prepare transition your car into the new season of warm weather. Here are our agreed upon most important tips to spring clean your beloved vehicle.

1. Check Your Fuel Levels: Checking these levels gives your car its best chance to run properly for you day after day.

2. Replace Windshield Wiper Blades: This prepares you for safer driving when those spring showers make an appearance.

3. Do a Mean Clean: After all, it is called spring cleaning. Get all the dirt, grime and salt off the exterior and underside of you car! Don’t forget to take care of the inside as well.

4. Very Important: Get an oil change, and while doing so, ask the technicians to do a full check up on the brake system and belts.

Now have a wonderful spring season with your cleaner and safer car! Contact our service department for any questions or to schedule a service appointment.



The 2015 Kia Sedona is a Hit

Kia of West Chester is thrilled to share the news with you that the Kia Sedona is back. Not only that, but also with an all new redesigned look. The impressive model was showcased to people from all over the world at the New York International Auto Show. Kia recently won the award from Kelley Blue Book that gives them the special honor of “Best Value Brand.” This is Kia’s first time to be awarded this honor. They have given themselves a wonderful reputation of value for your buck, safety, and fuel efficiency.



The 2015 Honda HR-V

Revealed recently is the 2015 Honda CR-V. In photo form, at least. This is one image released on the soon-to-be produced SUV. The vehicle’s latest release looks almost identically like the HR-V Concept. The backseat of this versatile SUV will fold down to invisibility for extra space. The Honda CR-V will be the SUV that will remain more expensive and more spacious than the new HR-V. More details shall soon be announced as we become closer to the release date for this model. 

Honda Wins 2014 Award

 

Honda is no stranger to winning awards with the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards. For the second consecutive year in a row, Honda has won the prestigious award for being the all around top Brand Image Award winner in the non-luxury category. Honda also took the honor of being named consumers most trusted brand. Hwei Lyn, the vice president of market intelligence at KBB is informative about the awards by stating “The classic saying 'perception is reality' falls true with the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards, as more than 12,000 in-market new-car shoppers have voiced their opinions about today's automakers,”

The Honda Odyssey Stuns

The Odyssey has always been a popular choice for the minivan market. Recently, it has been recognized for such customer satisfaction. Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations for American Honda said "The Odyssey was designed to excel in one of the harshest environments on earth, daily family use," He continues this by saying, "Being named 'Best Minivan for Families,' four years in a row speaks volumes about the Odyssey's singular commitment to be the ultimate family vehicle." Ten other vehicles in the Odyssey’s class were up for the award, but Honda was awarded the win for the impeccable design of the popular minivan. 

Spring Cleaning: Vehicle Version

Spring cleaning doesn’t just have to be for your home. Spring clean your car, too! With the official start of Spring, it is the perfect time to get your car all squared away for the warmer weather. What is there to do for that, you say? Well, your car needs yearly upkeep just like your home. Especially during the transition of seasons. It is important for the spring and summer months to prepare your car for new and different weather conditions.

An important thing to remember for Spring is that rain is more frequent. It pays to be safe and prepare for these occasions by making sure your windshield wiper blades are working properly. Ideally, go get them replaced once a year for the best results. For the heat of summer, get that A/C checked out. Have it serviced and get the air filters changed.

Keep these important maintenance tasks in mind for the upcoming warmer months. In the meantime, have a wonderful Friday! Come visit us at Diamond Valley Honda for all your servicing needs this year. We are always overjoyed to help with anything we may be able assist you with.

Honda Reachs 20 Million

 

While most carmakers move production over seas, Honda boasts its’ ability to stay and produce their popular Honda’s in the USA. They say their three production cities combined has added to over 20 million vehicles built in the U.S. This is quite the feat! We are proud that our Honda’s come from our own soil. Keep buying Honda, folks! Come see us at….for a test drive!

Go Green For St. Patrick’s Day

 

The 2014 Honda Insight is the most affordable hybrid on the market at the moment. It is also right up there with other hybrids in terms of fuel efficiency. Additionally, it is reviewed as having top driving capabilities. St. Patty’s Day is the perfect time of year to be reminded that you should wear green, green cars included, especially in this case where it means taking care of the environment! We, here at Diamond Valley Honda, encourage you to check out this impeccably built Honda hybrid option.

Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R Concept has been debuted to the public recently at the Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland. Honda has really outdone themselves this time! The Type R will be competing with other hatchbacks in the market, but Honda is making sure that the Civic concept is a top competitor. The Type R has a giant rear spoiler, hood vent, and a large grille. It’s also sporting some 20-inch alloy beauties. Keep an eye out for what is to come with this seriously awesome new Civic concept from Honda.

Keep Calm and Love Your Car

Some would say that to make money, you must first spend money. Here at Diamond Valley Honda, we want to share with you some tips to make you  more money! It’s simple really. Love your car! In other words, maintain it to the best of your ability. Now we know this can be expensive, but the end result is a healthy car that is often worth more than a car that hasn’t been maintained as well. So follow the tips below to get the most out of your car!

1. It’s as simple as rinse, wash, repeat. Keep your car washed regularly to keep the dirt build up from rusting your paint.

2. Make a point to research car recalls online. They aren’t always advertised widely so you and your car could very well be missing out. For easy research, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

3. When in doubt, play nice. Your car is an investment so it is in your best interest not to rev the engine every chance you have. The red line on your speedometer is not the finish line.

With these tips in use, we at Diamond Valley Honda, know that your car is better off and so are you! For more on car maintenance tips, feel free to contact our service department.

Honda Vision XS-1

 

 

 

This latest concept SUV from Honda is a seven passenger vehicle with a sporty look. Honda has debuted this beauty at the India’s Delhi Auto Expo. The concept expresses extensive similarities to its close cousin, the Honda Vezel. Honda has yet to release exactly all the details about the new Vision concept, but there are high hopes for the new SUV in Honda’s line-up.  

How to Make Your Car Feel Loved This Valentine’s Day

 

Make It Feel Pretty: Every hard-working car needs a day at the spa, or in a car’s case, a day at the detailer. This will show your car you appreciate all it does for you everyday. After all, where would you be without your car? Probably taking the bus!

Give It a New Look: Change up your car’s recent look with a new front license plate or even some new wheels to make it stand out.

Make It Feel Safe: Show your car some love with all new tinted windows! A car, as well as yourself, will feel extra safe in your ride with windows that people can’t see into. Burglars also won’t be able to see any valuables in your car that they might fancy as their own.

Here at  Diamond Valley Honda we can assure your car will feel pampered and especially loved after applying these tips for Valentine’s Day.