Top 5 Emergency Items to Have in Your Car

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Honda Dallas

Emergency Car KitNobody likes thinking about roadside emergencies like breakdowns or accidents.  There’s (probably) no need to go all the way into survivalist mode with your on-board trouble bag, but there are some things that every driver should have in the car, just in case.  After all, it’s better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them:

  • Blanket – Even in the middle of summer, it’s a good idea to have a blanket around, and not just in case your Honda’s AC gets so cold that you need to warm up.  A blanket can be bunched up and used as a pillow for a long trip, it can help protect your upholstery if you’re hauling something in the back seat, or it can be used to help an accident victim who may be going into shock.
  • Box cutter – Any kind of sharp knife is a good thing to have in the car.  And if worst comes to worst, a box cutter can slice right through a seat belt after a car crash.
  • Flashlight – This one seems like a no-brainer, but a lot of people don’t keep one on board, and a lot of them who do don’t keep fresh batteries in them.  Lots of things can happen after dark: breakdowns, flat tires, emergency stop, and a flashlight with dead batteries might as well be a brick for all the good it will do you.  If nothing else, a good flashlight is a must for finding street numbers after dark.
  • First Aid Kit – No need to go all the way overboard on this, but something with some gauze pads, bandage tape, Band-Aids, antiseptic, burn cream and some other basic first aid items can be an important item to have on hand if the unexpected happens.
  • Twine (or string) and duct tape – The idea of string might seem silly, until you need to secure something to the roof of your car, or fix a broken windshield wiper, or tie your trunk closed…and as for duct tape, it’s also called “100 MPH tape” for a reason.  It can be a temporary fix for a LOT of things.

There are some other things that are good to have in your trouble bag (high protein snacks, water, basic tools, a couple of hundred dollars in cash), but this is a good basic checklist.  Remember, once you roll out of your Fort Worth new car dealer’s lot in your Honda, you’re on your own.  Chances are you won’t have any trouble, but why take the chance?

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Top 5 Texas Road Trips to Take in Your Honda

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Honda Dallas

honda texas road tripsSummer’s almost here, the kids are out of school and it’s time to start doing some vacation planning. Money’s tight, but the good news is that it doesn’t  take a whole lot to get you out of town and down the road when you’re driving a fuel-efficient Honda.

  • BANDERA – They call it Cowboy Capitol of Texas for a reason.  Bandera’s got more than one bed-and-breakfast (including a real 1930s style dude ranch complete with horseback rides) and more of a nightlife and live music than any town that size ought to have.
  • LOCKHART – If you’re looking for some Texas style barbecue (ribs, brisket, Elgin sausage, pintos, Wonder bread and tater salad), you couldn’t do any better than Lockhart.  With a Holy Trinity composed of Smitty’s, Black’s and Kreuz Market, they have all bases covered when it comes to award-winning barbecue.  Get there early before they run out!
  • HOUSTON – There’s so much to do in Houston, with a world-class art museum, NASA, night life and music and great dining (of every kind imaginable)
  • FREDERICKSBURG and LLANO – In the hear t of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg offers shopping, dining and night life (as well as the Chester Nimitz WWII museum), while Llano features a historic town square and Cooper’s BBQ (a close competitor to the Lockhart joints).  For the outdoor-minded, it’s an easy side trip from either town to Enchanted Rock, a huge dome of pink granite which is one of the only spots where the earth’s mantle actually comes to the surface through the crust (and the site of more than one battle against Comanches).
  • PORT ARANSAS – Take the ferry to the island and spend a weekend at the beach!  You can surf fish, fish from city piers, take a bay boat or a chartered deep-sea boat for fishing trips.  And when you get back, there’s food, relaxation and laid-back Gulf Coast style fun to be had in good ol’ Port A.

So if you’re wondering what to do and what direction to head in this summer, you can practically close your eyes and put your finger on a random spot on the Texas map and come up with something interesting (without ever leaving the state)!  So get on down to your Dallas new car dealer (Rusty Wallis comes to mind), get that Honda serviced and get moving!

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The Art of Driving in the Rain

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Honda Dallas

Spring thunderstorms can often seem to come out of nowhere, creating hazardous driving conditions. Poor visibility and slick streets create an atmosphere perfect for car accidents. You can be safe, though, if you follow some simple guidelines on the art of driving in the rain.

  • Slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust your path when it’s wet; reducing speed can reduce your chance of an accident. Do not use cruise control, though, because it could cause your car to accelerate if you hydroplane.
  • Stay in the middle. Most roads are higher in the middle than the edges. Staying away from the side of the road can keep you out of deep water.
  • Maintain a safe following distance. Leave some extra space between you and other drivers during the rain, and you’ll be less likely to have a collision.
  • Brake carefully. Start earlier, and use less force when braking. This helps keep your safe following distance, and gives the driver behind you plenty of warning that you are stopping.
  • Turn on the lights. Even during the day, you should use lights in the rain, and be careful not to over drive your headlights. Stay within the limits of good visibility.
  • Don’t drive across moving water. If you can’t see the road, it is not safe to drive on it. There is a real risk of being swept away by rapidly flowing floodwaters. Even a deep puddle can be a danger to your car’s electrical system.
  • Be especially cautious if conditions have been dry. During dry spells, oil and grease can build up on the road, causing dangerous slick spots when it rains.
  • Stay home during heavy thunderstorms. If it is not absolutely necessary to be out and about, stay off the roads during a storm. Wet roads, lightning flashes, and heavy winds can work together to cause hazardous conditions.

It is always important to drive safely. During a rain storm, though, it’s even more crucial to exercise caution. In the spring and summer, storms are likely to pop up without warning, so it is good to give some thought to how you will handle dangerous conditions before you are out in the elements. For more safe driving tips, see our other blog posts, or visit our website.

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Car Backseat Organizers: How to Stay Clean with Kids

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Honda Dallas

When you drive that new car off the lot, clean and shiny, there’s a feeling of pride and satisfaction that can’t quite be described. When you let your kids into the car, though, any parent can attest that clean and shiny become adjectives of the past. What is a parent to do? Don’t despair, try some of these handy tips to keep the car clean and organized, even if you have children.

  • Get a car vacuum. This is not a large investment, usually $10-$20, and it is very useful for handling messes before they get out of hand. Goldfish crackers are much easier to clean up than Goldfish cracker crumbs that have been ground into the carpet.
  • Keep cleaning supplies handy. A container of disinfecting wipes or a spray bottle of cleaner and a roll of paper towels can be easily stowed, and will be very useful when more than a vacuum is necessary.
  • Anticipate toileting needs. If you have babies, keep a stash of diapers and wipes in the car. If you have a preschooler, a portable potty is a lifesaver. These things can be stored neatly in a corner of the trunk, and will make traveling much easier. And of course, hand sanitizer is a must.
  • Invest in some organizers. Studies have shown that drivers are less distracted when their cars are organized, and loose items can be hazardous. Parents can also get distracted when kids can’t tend to their own needs, so it is much safer to have the things they will require neatly organized and easily accessible to them. Consider the following types of organizers:
    • A trash bag, for ease of disposal when the car stops. Some of these reusable litter totes also have spaces for things like tissues or other small items.
    • Back of the seat kid’s organizers. Toys, crayons, snacks, and sunglasses can be stored within easy reach of the kids, and when they are finished, they can easily put things away.
    • Trunk organizers. Keep tools and cleaning supplies from rolling around your trunk, and have a neat space to store groceries.
    • Empty the car each time you leave it. Get in the habit of emptying trash daily, and carrying out what you brought in every time you arrive home. Clutter can build quickly in a confined space.

Keeping your life organized and tidy when you have children can be a bit of a challenge. Keeping your car clean does not have to be difficult. With a little bit of structure, a few rules, and some planning, you can have both kids and order in your car. If you’re interested in purchasing a vehicle that has been designed with some of these organizational tools, visit the Rusty Wallis Honda website.

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Vehicle Hail Damage: Where do you start?

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Honda Dallas

Spring is here, with new life everywhere, and a feeling of starting fresh after the long winter. Unfortunately, spring also brings unpredictable weather. A hail storm can be rough on your vehicle, and many are not quite sure how to handle vehicle hail damage. Take heart, here is a guide to help you to know which steps to take.

  • Take immediate action. Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm. They will need to schedule a time for an adjustor to assess the damage.
  • Discuss your repair with your insurance company, and with your body shop. Hail damage can often be remedied through Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). This is a process in which dents are smoothed from the underside of the panel, using specially molded tools. It requires specially trained technicians, though, so make sure whomever you choose is fully trained.
  • Find a reputable repair shop. But don’t be coerced into using the one the insurance company recommends. You have the legal right to shop around and save yourself some money, even if you are getting a check from the insurance company, but it is still common for them to try and steer you in a certain direction.
  • Ask how long the repairs will take. Before you decide on a repair shop, make sure you can live with their time frame. PDR typically does not take long, but if many cars in your area are damaged, it may be a lengthy wait.
  • Make sure the work is guaranteed. If the work is not to your satisfaction, you should be able to have further repairs at no additional charge.
  • Inspect your vehicle carefully before you take your vehicle home. Look at it from several different angles, preferably with a fluorescent light, to make sure it is properly repaired.

Hail damage does not have to ruin your vehicle. If you are assertive in managing your insurance claim, it can be no more than a minor inconvenience. Paintless Dent Repair can get your car looking new again in practically no time.

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Top 5 Car Maintenance Questions, Answered!

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Honda Dallas

For many people, their cars are the most valuable things they own. An automobile is a major investment, and it is important to keep them running at their peak performance. Most people rely on their vehicles, but many are unsure of what maintenance is really necessary to keep them in top condition. Here, we address the top five car maintenance questions.

  • How often should I have my oil changed? This is a source of some debate. Most mechanics say every three months or three thousand miles, though some would argue that modern vehicles are designed to go further: maybe five to eight thousand miles, or even more! The best way to know what your car needs is to read your owner’s manual, for service suggestions. Your dealership can also be a great resource for answering this question.
  • When should I rotate my tires? Tires need to be rotated and balanced every 6,000 miles, or as the owner’s manual suggests.  This varies, though, based on the type of tire and what sort of driver you are. If you tend to bump curbs, get the tires rotated more often.
  • When should I get my brakes checked? The very instant your brakes make noise, they should be checked. Brakes are too important for a laissez faire attitude; the sooner you fix a problem with your brakes, the less costly the repair will be.
  • How often do I need a tune up? The idea of a tune up is a little bit anachronistic. Cars no longer need valves adjusted and carburetors tweaked, because everything is now monitored by computers. The average vehicle has about thirty computers on board, and luxury cars can have over one hundred. It’s important to take your car in to have your computers updated, and this can easily be done at the dealership. Additionally, every 60,000 or so miles the car needs to be serviced, so that timing belts, spark plug wires, and coolant can be replaced.
  • Should I use high octane fuel? In this case, more is not better. Most cars do not need high octane fuel to run at peak performance. This is another instance when reading your manual is key- it will let you know which octane is right for your car.

Car maintenance does not have to be confusing. Regular service can help prolong the life of your vehicle, providing you with reliable transportation for many years. Read your manual and talk to your dealership to make sure you’re doing the best you can in caring for your vehicle.

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How Often Should I Rotate Tires?

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Honda Dallas

Rotating your tires is the regular maintenance practice of changing the position of each tire on your car. It is important to rotate your tires, or have them rotated, because it equalizes tire tread wear and tear so that you get the most out of your tires. But, you may be asking, how often should I rotate tires?

Typically, tires need to be rotated and balanced every 6,000 miles, or as the owner’s manual suggests.  Rotation patterns vary for different models and tires, and a lot of wear is a result of the type of driver you are. If you frequently collide with curbs or enjoy beating everyone off the line at a red light, you will need to rotate your tires more often.

Tire Types Make a Difference

Source: Google Images

Some cars have directional tires or different sized wheels on the front and back, which results in different recommendations for rotation frequency.  Directional tires are designed to rotate in only one direction, meaning the grooves in the tread create a V-shape pattern in order to give the vehicle better traction. You can easily determine if your tires are directional, or unidirectional, by looking for the term “rotation” with an arrow on the sidewall.

When directional tires are rotated, they must be exchanged correctly, or it can have the opposite effect on traction.

If you’re going to get the most out of your investment, then rotate and balance your tires correctly. You’ll save in the end, and your car will be safer to drive. If you’re ever in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or ask someone at your Dallas Honda dealer for help. Rotating your tires is an excellent opportunity to perform other maintenance on your car, so take a step in the safe direction and rotate your tires today.

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Rusty Wallis Honda Discusses Car Service at the Dealer

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Honda Dallas

Rusty Wallis Honda, a Dallas new and used car dealer, discusses some misconceptions of having your car serviced at the dealership.

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Proper Driving Posture: Taking the Pain Out of Long Road Trips

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Honda Dallas

Because posture tends to be something that occurs subconsciously, you have to be diligent in order to have proper driving posture. By following a few simple guidelines, you can put less stress on your back and neck when driving – keeping you alert, focused and comfortable whether running a quick errand or taking a long trip.

Don’t Slump

Source: Google Images

It’s tempting to just relax and slouch into a comfortable sitting position. Slumped drivers often have a round back, round shoulders and head-forward posture. This posture increases the stress placed on the muscles and ligaments, tiring your back and neck and causing you to be less alert on the road.

Practice Makes Perfect

For proper driving posture, your lower back should be snug against the lower backrest so that it bears all of the weight while you drive. Many Honda models provide lumbar support that can be adjusted to your comfort level. In addition, your arms should be relaxed and not strained in order to reach the wheel.

Chiropractors recommend that the back seat be reclined about 15 degrees and the chair seat tipped forward so that the knees are even or below the hips. Also, the headrest should be level with the top of the ear.

How close do you sit to the steering wheel?

How you sit dictates how and where you grip the steering wheel. If you’re in a collision, sitting too close may cause you to be harmed by an airbag, or if you sit too far away you may not be able to see the road properly. What you’re looking for is your comfort zone, the perfect place where your hands reach the wheel in a relaxed position and you can see the road well without your posture being negatively affected.

To read more about finding the right car for you, check out our car-shopping post.

Do you use any devices to help you maintain proper driving posture?

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Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3 Tickets

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Honda Dallas

Do you and your family enjoy Disney films? How about ice skating? Well, combine the two and you get quite the show! On April 1st at 3:30 p.m., Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3 will be at American Airlines Center, and we’ve got 8 tickets. This is no April Fool’s – you and 7 guests will be treated to the show courtesy of Rusty Wallis Honda.

To win the tickets, simply leave a comment below telling us about your favorite Disney film and why it is your favorite. We’ll pick a winner on March 30.

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