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.