 When it comes to driving in the winter, some drivers assume that the only thing they need to worry about is keeping warm. However, the hazardous winter driving conditions present a number of different challenges, with traction being one of the most serious. Slushy, icy, wet roads present a serious hazard for drivers, and it is important to do everything you can to ensure that your car stays on the road safely. Your tire pressure is an important part of the puzzle.
Checking your tire pressure is one of the easiest auto maintenance tasks that you can carry out. Purchase a tire pressure gauge for a few dollars and you can check the tires at home. If your readings don’t match the manufacturer’s guidelines, visit a gas station or visit us at DCH Kay Honda to make the adjustments. Maintaining the right pressure helps ensure that your car handles well and that the tires wear evenly and ultimately last longer. Keeping the right tire pressure in winter becomes a little more complicated, however.
The colder weather causes the air temperature in your tires to drop. The drop in temperature means that the air inside the tire contracts, lowering the air pressure. If you start driving, the air in the tires warms up again, but lowers as soon as you stop. This makes it harder to keep the tire pressure within the recommended range. If you take the pressure before you start driving you will get a different result to one that you take after you have just driven a long way.
What does this mean? Well, if you suffer relative extremes in temperature during the winter (cold nights and warmer, sunny days), then the time of day that you adjust your tire pressure could have different results. Set in the afternoon, when it is warmer, and you may find that the pressure is not suitable when you leave for work in the morning.
There are three things that you can do to help combat this:
- Take the outside temperature into account. If you are adjusting pressure when it is warmer, then you need to account for the decrease in temperature overnight. Increase the tire pressure during a particularly cold spell.
- Check the pressure more often. Try to check the pressure every few days, particularly during extremes of temperature.
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This is the pressure when the tire is cold.
Keeping your tire pressure correct during the winter could save you money and keep you safe. Talk to your dealer if you have any questions.
 When ice covers the neighborhood pond, it makes skaters happy. But when ice covers the roads and highways, drivers feel quite differently about the slippery substance.
Ice is a major cause of winter accidents because it’s not always visible. Also, some drivers feel overconfident about driving on ice due to their car’s high-tech safety features.
Overconfident drivers may end up ruing their lack of precaution, however, if treacherous ice causes them to slip, slide, skid and spin wildly out of control. These five tips from DCH Kay Honda will help you stay on solid ground even if it’s a sheet of solid ice.
Buckle up and put on your defroster
You should wear your seat belt at all times, but especially during icy conditions when accidents occur at a greater rate than normal. Put on your defroster, too. Your defroster helps to keep your car windows from forming ice and melts snow if you’re facing the double winter whammy of ice and snow.
You always need to keep your visibility clear but especially in bad weather. Prepare for the unexpected and be on high alert for potential dangers like skidding, slipping or stalled cars blocking the road.
Slow it down
Seems like all drivers should know it’s important to reduce their speed when driving on icy pavement, but some drivers think that snow tires, all-wheel drive (AWD) and electronic stability control (ESC) will eliminate slipping and sliding.
Good tires help to grip the pavement, AWD assists in accelerating and staying mobile, and ESC helps to avoid spinouts, but even improved traction won’t keep you safe if you’re traveling at speeds too high for icy conditions. By reducing your speed, you give yourself a better chance to stop safely, to stay on the road, and to get where you’re going in one piece.
Don’t stomp on the brakes
When the roads are icy, you have to drive with greater caution and with slower, gentler actions. Brake softly, and try to avoid sudden hard stops which can initiate a spin that you may not recover from. If you do find yourself skidding:
- Immediately, take your foot off the gas pedal or brake
- Let the car naturally slow down and gain traction
- Steer in the direction you want the car to go
- As your traction improves, gently brake or accelerate as needed
- Avoid over steering or sudden sharp turns
If you’re walking on ice and quickly twist your feet in another direction, most likely you’ll fall. That’s why people walk cautiously and prudently on icy patches. Same thing goes for your car. Sudden, quick, steering maneuvers can create skidding just like over braking.
Follow the skidding advice above, because it doesn’t’ matter how or where you’re attempting to steer the car’s wheels if they have no traction. Only when the tires are gripping the road and actually rolling can turning the steering wheel alter their direction and yours.
Be aware of road conditions
Check social media, TV or the radio to see what meteorologists are saying about the weather. Low temperatures and even a few droplets of precipitation can make ice. Also, keep in mind, black ice may look like an innocent puddle, but if you know it’s 31 degrees outside and there’s light rain, you should treat the roads like a sheet of ice whether you can see it or not.
 Your car has rearview mirrors for a very good reason. These mirrors greatly increase your visibility when driving and maneuvering your car, and without them, you could not really drive your car to any safe extent. Strangely enough, this still does not seem to deter some drivers from largely ignoring them, but as every driving instructor will tell you, using your mirror should become second nature. Here are four simple tips from our team at DCH Kay Honda to ensure that you use your rearview mirrors safely and effectively.
Keep them clean. It may seem obvious, but your rearview mirrors are only useful if you keep them clean. The side-view mirrors are likely to get very dirty, especially during wet, wintry weather. Ensure that you give your mirrors a good wipe before you set out, and you might want to try keeping a packet of wipes in the driver’s door to help you remember. Even though it is inside, your rearview mirror can get grubby too, so give that a good wipe from time to time as well.
Use them all the time – even when driving straight. When you are driving in a straight line, it is easy to become complacent and to become less alert about the road. It is vital that you continue to use all your mirrors to keep a full perspective of what is going on around you. Check for vehicles approaching you from behind, so that you can see if somebody is about to overtake you, or so that you can spot any other unexpected hazards.
Keep using mirrors when passing. Some drivers will simply check their mirror once before passing, assuming that a quick glance will ensure that it is safe to maneuver. In fact, you should check your mirrors, signal that you intend to move out, check your mirrors again and only then finally pull out. Keep checking your mirrors while you are passing and then check the appropriate side-view mirror to check that it is safe to pull back in.
Use all your mirrors at roundabouts. When approaching a roundabout, many drivers focus entirely in one direction, and that is simply to check for a gap to join the roundabout. It is, however, really important to use all your mirrors. Check for vehicles in the lane beside you, particularly as the cars will be further back. If the car next to you decides to pull out, you need to be aware that it is there. Check for vehicles approaching you from behind on the roundabout and ensure that your exit really is clear before your maneuver by checking your mirrors once again.
 Whether you’re looking to have the coolest car on the block, the ability to alter your ride level on the fly, or better load carrying capabilities, it’s time to look into getting an air suspension system.
An air suspension system replaces conventional springs with air springs. These air springs are basically bags inflated to a specific pressure or height with an outside compressor via a valve on the bag. An air suspension system offers five key benefits as outlined in Hot Rod. Read on to learn more from our team at DCH Kay Honda.
Adjustability. Anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of spending weeks adjusting and fine tuning springs and shocks in order to get the “perfect” ride would have gladly traded a platinum wrench (which may have ended up thrown through a garage window out of frustration) for an air suspension system. Because an air suspension system provides a lot more room for error when it comes to height, load, and rate, you can get the system fine-tuned in much less time, even on the fly.
Handling. In additional to being super cool, an air suspension system provides superior handling. They’re progressive, which means the more they compress, the stiffer they get. Combined with the aforementioned enhanced adjustability, you’ve got yourself enormous performance potential.
Customization. Everyone has his or her own idea of what a perfect ride feels like. With an air suspension system, the way your car handles can be accommodated with little or no component changes. A wide range of riding styles can be achieved by a simple adjustment of air pressure and shock valving.
Height. If those who switched from conventional suspension systems to air suspension systems were honest, quite a few would admit they got an air suspension system because they wanted to look cool. The cool continuum runs the spectrum between low riders or mini-trucks to the more common driver who simply wants to lower his or her ride for a unique look. Most air suspension kits put the vehicle several inches below standard vehicle heights and usually can be adjusted up for normal driving, filling it up with gas, or rolling it onto a truck bed.
Load carrying. Although air suspension systems are more commonly associated with young men trying to impress young ladies on a Saturday night with their sweet new ride, air suspension systems were originally designed for commercial use. More specifically, they were designed to help 18-wheelers carry more of a load while providing more comfort for the driver.
If this heretofore little known vehicle component intrigues you, check with our dealership service department to learn more about your options.
 Most car owners don’t memorize their vehicle’s operating manual that contains original equipment manufacturer (OEM) policies concerning long-term maintenance for items such as airbags. Most owners know the benefits of airbags and where they are located and expect them to work during an accident. If you purchased a used vehicle or have owned yours for over ten years, there are safety considerations that might prompt you to think about replacing your airbags after 10 years.
About airbags
Airbag design continues to improve, making vehicles safer should an accident occur. When this device is properly deployed (at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour) statistics show that lives are saved and serious injury is avoided. If they are not deployed properly, the tremendous force which inflates the airbags can actually kill passengers or cause injury, especially during a minor crash. There is an element of uncertainty about the reliability of airbags in vehicles that are over ten years old
What can go wrong?
OEM policies in the 1990s were unclear about how long airbags could be relied upon to perform their safety function. The life expectancy of the chemicals used in the propellant considering heat and age deterioration and the type of seal used to house the propellant both play a role in airbag longevity. While most manufacturers have used the preferred glass-to-metal type of sealing that protects against moisture, a few early models used the less reliable plastic-to-metal seals that aren’t as effective a deterrent against corrosion of the electrical pins used in the airbag igniter. Another issue that’s easier to fix is eroded electrical wires leading into airbags.
Most modern airbags are rated to last the life of the vehicle. It’s important that you check the OEM policies for the make and model of your car. Ask our dealership service department to regularly check that the airbag warning light is functional.
Cost of replacement airbags
Owners of older vehicles usually resist buying replacement airbags that can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or even more if the car is in an accident and the dashboard shell or other component is damaged during an accident. When this cost is compared against the book value of an older vehicle, it could be a good idea to check out our new or pre-owned vehicle inventory to see your options.
Avoid airbag fraud
Dishonest independent mechanics have been known to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers by selling them inferior, recycled airbags. Airbag scams can also be found on the Internet. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that, if your airbags deploy, you should replace them only at your car manufacturer’s dealership and never with a used product.
If you have any concerns about the benefits and safety function of your current airbag system, be sure to speak with the professionals at DCH Kay Honda.
 Critical thinking, decision making and problem solving are all skills vital to your role as a car owner. Ironically, similar qualities are also required for more leisurely tasks, such as brain teasers. So in the spirit of sharpening our cognitive abilities, here’s a round of our favorite exercises from Forbes at DCH Kay Honda to test your wits.
1. Johnny’s mother had three children. The first child was named April. The second child was named May. What was the third child’s name?
2. Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?
3. If you were running a race and you passed the person in 2nd place, what place would you be in now?
4. What word in the English language is always spelled incorrectly?
5. In British Columbia you cannot take a picture of a man with a wooden leg. Why not?
Answers are below.
- Johnny
- Mt. Everest – it just wasn’t discovered yet.
- You’d be in second place. You passed the person in second place, not the first.
- Incorrectly
- You can’t take a picture with a wooden leg (you need a camera).
 Buying pre-owned is a great way for savvy consumers to find a dependable vehicle that can last for years. We have always taken pride in the quality and value of our used inventory. Now, DCH has made it even easier to find both amazing value and peace of mind when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.
Why is the DCH Way a better way? Unlike other car dealers who sell pre-owned vehicles “AS-IS” or “buyer beware”, DCH stands behind every pre-owned vehicle sold with either a 90-day, unlimited-mileage limited warranty or the remaining manufacturer warranty.
You won’t find any “AS IS” vehicles on our lots—only fully reconditioned, professionally inspected and quality-certified vehicles of the highest standards in the industry all with some type of warranty coverage. We stand behind what we sell and make it our mission to deliver customer happiness in everything we do.
We carry three levels of used vehicles to fit your needs and your budget, and while every vehicle we sell is quality-inspected, reconditioned, and comes with a 5-day money-back guarantee or exchange, there are varying levels of warranty coverage based on each class explained below.
DCH Certified Vehicles must pass our comprehensive 125-point quality inspection and include a 90-day/unlimited-mileage $0-deductible platinum warranty along with a complementary 12-month membership to our best-in-class Motor Club. Our Motor Club membership includes 24-hour roadside assistance, towing service, emergency lockout protection, key fob replacement insurance and more.*
DCH Value Vehicles are higher-mileage, older vehicles that must pass a rigid 60-point quality inspection and include a 90-day/unlimited mileage powertrain warranty along with a complementary 12-month membership to our best-in-class Motor Club. Our Motor Club membership includes 24-hour roadside assistance, towing service, emergency lockout protection, key fob replacement insurance and more.*
Manufacturer Certified Vehicles have undergone a rigorous multi-point quality inspection by highly trained technicians according to the manufacturer guidelines and include varying degrees of warranty coverage and other inclusions per the manufacturer program guidelines
We are so confident in the quality of our pre-owned vehicles that each and every unit we sell comes with a 5-day/500-mile money-back guarantee or exchange. If you are anything less than completely satisfied with your purchase, bring it back to our dealership and we will help you find a new vehicle that you love—or provide your money back.
At DCH Kay Honda, we are committed to the DCH Way of providing customers a fantastic car buying experience that they can’t find anywhere else. We know our pre-owned vehicle program is the most comprehensive in the industry, and we’d love to share it with you. Call, click, or visit us today to learn more.
*See actual program guide for details.
 If you have ever had the misfortune of experiencing a flat tire, or a blowout, then you can appreciate the importance of carrying a spare tire. When driving on a long journey, carrying a spare tire is absolutely vital, as you may not otherwise be able to get immediate mechanical assistance. A spare tire, however, is not a permanent replacement for a damaged tire. So how long can you drive on a spare tire? DCH Kay Honda has the answer.
It is worth remembering that a spare tire is not the same as a regular one because it’s not as durable. Spare tires have fewer layers of steel and polyester beneath the rubber, which means they won’t last as long. This is good news, generally speaking, because it means that you are carrying less weight in the rear of the car since the spare takes up less room. But it also means that in the event of a crisis, you can only use the spare for a certain amount of time.
A spare tire will have a smaller contact surface with the road, because it is narrower. This increases your stopping distance, and makes an emergency stop much riskier. Other functions of your car, such as anti-lock brakes and traction control are going to be less efficient too. If you use the spare tire for too long, then you run the risk of causing damage to other parts of the car, which are optimized for a regular, full-size tire.
As a general rule, you should only drive on a spare tire for the shortest distance possible. Use the spare to drive to the next available place where you will be able to get mechanical assistance and purchase a replacement tire. In any case, the spare is only there to get you out of an emergency situation.
For further information regarding spare tire life, refer to your owner’s manual, where the limit of use for your spare tire will be documented. If you are a long way from our service center, then you may have to look for alternative means of transportation, such as a tow truck, if the minimum distance is greater than the safe limit stated in the manual.
If in doubt, a skilled mechanic will always be able to give you the best advice for your car. Contact us for further assistance.
 When drivers fall asleep at the wheel, even for just a few seconds, terrible accidents can quickly occur. When you are tired, your concentration span suffers, making you slower to react to hazards that the road throws at you. Use these tips from DCH Kay Honda to stay alert and keep yourself safe in traffic on your next road trip.
Break your journey up to make it more bearable. Stop every few hours, and make sure that the driver gets a good break. Stretch your legs and go for a walk. Get some fresh air and move around. If possible, it is also a good idea for different passengers to share the driving role on a road trip.
Do not eat heavy, rich foods before or during the journey. Food that sits in your stomach will make you feel lethargic. Eat light, tasty snacks and choose foods that release energy slowly to keep you going. Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, can also help to give you a small boost of energy on the road, but drinking too much can adversely affect your senses. Ultimately, water is the best way to stay hydrated.
Keep your mind occupied. Many solitary drivers enjoy music. If you have passengers, however, start up a conversation to keep your mind busy. A simple game of I-Spy with others can also be a great way to stay alert, but ensure that such games do not become a distraction.
Open the window for a blast of fresh air. In the summertime, the air conditioning keeps you cool. However, fresh air will awaken your senses after an extended period on the road.
These tips may help to keep you awake during a long trip, but if you are overly exhausted, you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. A good night’s rest is the ultimate solution for driver fatigue.
Posted in Road Trip, Travel
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Tagged Safety
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 We at DCH Kay Honda are pleased to announce that three DCH Auto Group dealerships were recently named to Automotive News’ annual list of the Top 100 Dealerships to Work For.
DCH Millburn Audi, DCH Toyota City and DCH Honda of Temecula were honored with the distinction of the best new-car dealerships to work for in North America. The esteemed industry publication acknowledged the DCH dealerships for excelling in worker satisfaction, retention and exceptional treatment of their employees. What’s more, this is DCH Millburn Audi’s second year to be included on the list.
As a DCH Auto Group dealership, we are not only committed to ensuring employee satisfaction, but also to guaranteed customer satisfaction. Visit us today to experience award-winning DCH service.
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