Blogger #1: Kathy Dalton from Adventure Mom TV

At Ken Garff Honda of Orem, we love Hondas.  (I know that comes as a big surprise.) We know they are award winning vehicles with great safety records, great repair records, they look good and are stuffed with cool technology.  Although every word that is true, it's also true that we might be a bit biased.

So we invited a handful of top Utah bloggers to test drive a vehicle out of the 2013 line-up and they can tell you what they think of the cars.  

Kathy Dalton from Adventure Mom TV, as it happens, is in the market for a car.  So she became blogger #1.  She and her darling kids are having some adventures in a 4-wheel drive 2013 Pilot, perfect for when the roads look like this.

Kathy and her kids have been having a good time.  

OK, perhaps too good of a time... but it's sure fun to watch!  

To see all of Kathy's adventures this week follow her on Twitter @KathyDaltonSLC.  Don't forget to check out Kathy's blog Adventure Mom TV  where she is going to review the Honda Pilot when her test drive is done. 

You can follow all of our bloggers at #HondaTestDrive

Photos Courtesy Kathy Dalton

Replacing Honda Wiper Inserts

With all of the dirt, salt and residue from a Utah winter coating my car and increasingly streaky windshield wiping, I knew it was time to get the windshield wiper blades replaced--or at least so I thought.

Evidently, windshield wiper blades constitutes the rubber wiper as well as the metal that encases it.  On Honda's it's rare to need to replace the actual blade, metal included.  Generally, you just need to replace the rubber insert that fits inside the blade.  The nice thing about that?  It's a fraction of the price.  Inserts only cost $7.00 whereas wiper blades range from $15-$25.

Honda wiper inserts are pretty easy to replace.  Javier from our parts department demonstrates here how to do it.

This install method works on the Odyssey, CRV, Pilot and Ridgeline.  The only difference in the smaller models is that the lock is on top rather than underneath the blade and is most easily opened with the end of a key.

There are a few import things to know about Honda inserts.
1) If you replace the blade (metal included) with a non-Honda part, Honda inserts cannot be installed in them.  The only fix is to buy new Honda blades, then you can resume getting Honda wiper refills.
2) If this looks kinda complicated to you.  Just come into the dealership and we'll install them for free.

That is $7 well spent.  And by the way, I'm loving my new wiper inserts.

The Urban SUV

With one of Honda's coolest concepts ever, Honda unveiled the Urban SUV on Monday at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Photo Courtesy Cars.com Kicking Tires

Coming to the US in 2014 (we'll definitely let you know when we get one), this all-new small SUV will be fuel efficient, chock-full of Honda technology and priced and positioned below the CRV in Honda's light truck line-up.  Measuring 169.3 inches, the Urban SUV is 9 inches shorter than the CRV, increasing it's maneuverability on crowded city streets while maintaining drivability on mountain roads.

John Mendel, executive VP of sales at American Honda noted, "We expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive 'small' cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of consumers in the U.S."

Photo Courtesy Cars.com Kicking Tires

The dynamic and youthful styling seemed to be aimed at younger buyers with an active lifestyle.  So, US consumers, what do you think of it?

Seat Belts in Hondas

At the New Car Clinic that I attended recently, Scott West, one of the service managers, explained a unique feature of Honda seat belts.

Scott West

Honda's seat belts have a special feature to make it safe to install carseats.  When you pull the seat belt all the way out, you hear the belt "ratchet" as it rolls back in.  At any point that you stop, the seat belt is locked in place and cannot be pulled forward again.  This was designed so that when you install a carseat, you first lock the seat into the latch system, then roll the seatbelt all the way out and tread it through the back of the car seat.

Once the seat belt is buckled and the slack is ratcheted back in, that seat belt is locked in place and will not move.

That is a great thing for every parent and grandparent to know.  But, Scott mentioned, it's important to know this for non-carseat using passengers as well.  Anytime you pull the seatbelt all the way out, the passenger will now be locked in place.  If you take a breath, the seatbelt moves a bit tighter.  Take another breath and it gets tighter still.  Parents have been know to cut their children out of the seat belt because the child is panicking.

That's not necessary, Scott points out, all you have to do is release the belt and let it all the way back in, the pull it out to buckle again, but don't pull it all the way.

Photo Courtesy: Automobilemag.com

Welcome to the Honda Family: The New Car Clinic

Every two months, at Ken Garff Honda of Orem, every customer that has purchased a brand-new or like-new Honda is invited to The New Car Clinic.  The New Car Clinic is hosted by the Service Department and held in the Service Drive.

I spotted rows and rows of folding chairs when I arrived for the evening meeting.  I was handed a packet of information, as well as a notepad and a pencil for jotting down information.  Every customer who came was provided a catered dinner,  and families were welcome.  One ticket per family was entered into a drawing to win a 40" TV.

Ed Pasqule. the Service Manager, opened the evening, by introducing his team.  Then different team members took the time to walk all of these new customers different aspects of the service department and made sure they knew how to take care of their cars.

Kyle, a service writer, was first and began by saying, "How many of you just bought your first Honda?"  Several hands went up and he smiled and said, "Welcome to the family--the Honda family and the Ken Garff family."

Then he talked about Honda of Orem's amenities which include:

• Express Service for fast services with no appointment necessary.  
• Oil Change with hand car wash
• Air in your tires
• Tire rotations
• State Emissions
• Flat Tire repair
• Waiting Area
• fruit basket
• popcorn
• soda machine
• coffee and hot cocoa maker
• TV's
• Child's play area w/ movies
• Shuttle Service, so you can drop off your car and get back to work.

Matt, in parts, talked about the importance of not losing your key (in each key is a transponder chip that "talks" to the computer in your car allowing it to start), parts you can buy to protect your car (think trunk tray and floor mats) and why you should buy a Honda battery (not only is it cheaper than the after market replacements, Honda gives you a 100 month warranty).  Matt also mentioned that by clicking on "Parts" on the Honda of Orem web page, you're instantly connected to coupons for parts you may need.

Scott, one of the service managers, talked about the Garff Care program with it's free roadside assistance along the Wastach front, free jump, free gas rescue and free I-locked-my-keys-in-my-car rescue.  He also talked about the Maintenance Minders and how Hondas now average 5000 miles between oil changes. 

Scott also talked about how Honda built their seat belts to be able to keep carseats locked in and how Ken Garff cares for the community with their Keys to Success and Road to Success programs.  Ken Garff also supports military with a discount on service--just show your military ID.  

After all that, they opened it up for a question and answer session with Scott and Ed answering any questions customers had.  Then, finally, the drawing for the TV, with one lucky customer getting to take that TV home. 

Not only does she own a brand-new Honda, she's also got a giant TV!

Meanwhile, beautiful dessert trays had been brought out, and customers selected desserts and asked any further questions of the service team.  One customer had been having trouble syncing her blue tooth with her phone and a service tech headed out the door with her to help her get that connected right then.

Ken Garff Honda of Orem Facebook Giveaway Rules and Guidelines

Ken Garff Honda of Orem promotions and giveaways are in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. If you have any questions regarding promotions and giveaways please contact Wendell Wood, Ken Garff Honda of Orem's Internet Marketing Manager, at 801-714-2200.  Do NOT contact Facebook. Ken Garff Honda of Orem will conduct its giveaways as described in these general rules, and by participating, each participant agrees to the following:

1. Eligibility: You must be thirteen (13) years of age or older and a Utah resident in order to qualify. 

2. Entries: Entry in the giveaways requires the individual to “like” Ken Garff Honda of Orem on Facebook and follow the giveaway rules posted by Ken Garff Honda of Orem on the Ken Garff Honda of Orem Facebook page. Only one (1) entry per authorized account holder. The authorized account holder is deemed to be the natural person who is assigned to the Facebook profile.

3. Giveaway drawings: Drawings will be done at random and the name of the winner will be displayed on the Honda of Orem blog in order to announce the winner. The entrant selected as a winner must comply with all terms and conditions set forth in these rules and regulations, and winning is dependent upon fulfilling all such requirements. Winner will be notified through Facebook. Ken Garff Honda of Orem is not responsible for notifications that are misdirected or not received because of email addresses or mailing addresses that are not correct. If the winner does not reply to the Facebook notification or contact Ken Garff Honda of Orem within 72 hours of the drawing, an alternate entrant may be selected at random from the entries received.

4. Giveaways: Giveaway prizes will vary. The prize is not transferable, redeemable for cash or exchangeable for any other prize. The prize MUST be claimed at Ken Garff Honda of Orem, 115 E. University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058 within seven (7) days of the giveaway end date. Certain giveaways might be date specific (i.e. tickets, etc) and the winner must be available on the dates specified. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.

5. Winner/Redemption: The winner must claim the prize in person at Ken Garff Honda of Orem and provide a valid personal photo ID. Ken Garff Honda of Orem reserves the right to use the winner’s name, picture and likeness for publicity purposes. The winner may be required to sign a release to confirm the receipt and acceptance of the prize. Travel expenses will NOT be paid.

6. Conditions: By accepting the prize, the winner agrees that the organization may use the winner's name and picture for advertising and promotional purposes without further consideration, unless prohibited by law. By participating in the giveaway, the participant agrees that Ken Garff Honda of Orem, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and all of its officers, directors, employees and representatives will have no liability whatsoever for, and will be held harmless for any and all liability for any injury, loss or damage of any kind to persons, including death, and property due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the prize or participation in the giveaway or any prize related activity. Subject to all federal, state and local laws. Void where prohibited.

7. Other: By participating in the giveaways, participants agree to be bound by the decisions of the Ken Garff Honda of Orem personnel. Persons who violate any rule, gain unfair advantage in participating (including, but not limited to entering the giveaway more than once), or obtain winner status using fraudulent means will be disqualified. Unsportsmanlike, disruptive, annoying, harassing or threatening behavior is prohibited. In the event of a dispute, all entries received will be considered to be made by the authorized account holder of the Facebook account as on record at the time of the giveaway ending.

8. Disclaimer: Ken Garff Honda of Orem will interpret these rules and resolve any disputes, conflicting claims or ambiguities concerning the rules or the giveaway. Ken Garff Honda of Orem’s decisions concerning such disputes will be final. If the conduct or outcome of the giveaway is affected by human error, any mechanical malfunctions or failures of any kind, intentional interference or any event beyond the control of Ken Garff Honda of Orem, Ken Garff Honda of Orem reserves the right to make revisions to the giveaway, terminate the giveaway, or make such other decisions regarding the outcome as Ken Garff Honda of Orem deems appropriate.  All decisions will be made by Ken Garff Honda of Orem and are final.  Ken Garff Honda of Orem may waive any of these rules in its sole discretion. Any attempt to deliberately damage any website or to undermine the legitimate operation of this promotion is a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should such an attempt be made, the organization will aim to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution. This contest will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah,U.S.A., excluding its conflict of law principles.

9. No purchase necessary to win.

Updated 2/7/2013

Tips for Winter Driving

My dad grew up in Wyoming.  His first winter in Utah he stood outside and watched, mesmerized, as the snow fell to the ground.

"Never seen snow?" an acquaintance conjectured.

"I'm from Wyoming," my dad admitted.  "I've seen a lot of snow.  I've just never seen it fall down to the ground.  In Wyoming, it usually blows sideways."

Dad had a lot of experience with snow driving along with a few other bits of expertise.  (Dad had us all practice driving as if we suddenly had come on a cow in the road.  His tip?  Let up on the brake at the last second and hit the thing square on.  Evidently, if you do, you're less likely to flip the cow up on your hood.)  One of dad's most important tips for stopping in the snow: pumping your brakes.

Pumping your brakes is one of the most counterintuitive things to do when you're rapidly sliding toward something, in part because it requires you to take your foot off the brake over and over.  'Course, we kids all learned to drive in cars with "standard" brakes, something that's hardly standard any more.

Virtually every car made in the last 20 years (I totally made this statistic up) has anti-lock brakes (ABS), and the bonus is, with ABS you don't need to pump the brakes--they pulse for you.  Probably one of the hardest things for me to learn to do in adulthood was to stop pumping my brakes in the snow and just trust the car.

The other day, as I slid around in the snow with my brakes pulsing, I realized that now might be a good time to offer up some tips on winter driving.

Photo courtesy: Honda Ridgeline Facebook page

1. Know your brakes.  If you drive an older car with standard brakes, follow my dad's tip and pump the brakes.  If you have ABS, a smooth slow braking job will do the trick.  Don't let the pulsing throw you.  Just keep the pressure on.

2. Keep your distance.  When driving in the snow, you need to keep up to three times the distance that you normally would from a car in front of you.

3.  Slow down.  In any kind of inclement weather, it's important to slow down.  Snow can reduce visibility as well as stopping speed.  Even if you slide into something, if you're traveling slowly it's far likely to be disastrous.

4. Don't stop.  It can be hard to get the car going on slick, slushy roads.  If you can just maintain your slow speed and avoid stopping, that's idea.  When you have to stop, say, to turn across traffic, give yourself lots of extra space as you'll be slower getting going than you thought.

5. Turn into a skid.  The best advice I've seen on this is from an MSNBC travel article.  They said, "If you start to skid, steer the vehicle gently in direction you want your vehicle to go and don't touch the brakes."