Everyone’s heard the horror stories about the greasy car salesman, or that poor single mom who got taken for a ride before even landing a deal, or the cold, drafty, dealerships with screaming and crying children who probably needed a nap or a bite to eat before embarking on this endeavor with their tired parents. These stereotypes needs to hit the road. Times are changing and so is the buyer’s shopping experience.

Envision The Future

The sole purpose of a vehicle is to drive it. Buyer’s will have a more pleasant shopping experience if they’re picturing themselves on a pre-planned road trip in that specific automobile. They should get specific with it too. Maybe they envision themselves rolling through the hills in a brand new Honda, or maybe they want to take their car to a drive-in, or maybe they just want to go on a weekend adventure outside the city of Los Angeles. The opportunities are endless, and it’s much more fun to choose a vehicle if they can picture themselves truly living their lives in it.

Bring a Friend

Leave the kids at home. They’re basically tiny ticking time bombs. Even if they’re well fed beforehand, or they’ve already had their afternoon nap, there’s no telling what might trigger a tantrum. Instead, try letting a friend or partner tag along. It can help relieve some of the pressure. Having a trusty companion chirping in the ear of the buyer can make them feel less alone and more listened to. They can share opinions, discuss deals and estimates, and give their honest two cents. It’s comforting to have someone with good intentions along for the ride. After all, don’t all friends want the best for each other?

It’s All About Pacing

If they did their homework and plan to visit multiple dealerships in one day, then they should plan on spacing the visits out a bit. It’ll become all too overwhelming very quickly if they try to get all their shopping done in just a few hours. Bouncing between dealerships without a break in between will be exhausting, even though most people just want to get it over with. They should take some time in between routes to grab a bite to eat and digest all the valuable information they just received. If they brought a friend a long, then this is a good time to delve into their experience a little more by striking up a conversation between afternoon cocktails. Having a good laugh about something silly that happened while shopping, or sharing raw, unfiltered opinions, can give the buyer some time to breathe before their next stop. Should they lease that new Honda accord or should they keep checking out other dealerships around Los Angeles? Without breaks, there’s little time to ask themselves these important questions.

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Tires, tires, tires. What’s the difference? For most people, no other tires exist besides the ones that are already on their vehicle. That is of course until it’s time to get new ones. Stepping into that auto shop, with a wall of tires towering over the uneducated buyer, is nothing less than overwhelming. Suddenly there appears to be thousands of tires to choose from, where before walking into the store, they thought there were only two kinds of tires: summer or winter. Don’t fret, little one, tire shopping just got a little easier.

There are essentially three types of tires. Summer, winter, and all season. Summer tires are obviously made for the summer season. They have the ability to grip either wet or dry pavement. This makes it easier to apply the brakes and prevents skidding. Summer tires, as one may have guessed, do awful in the snow.

Winter tires, which are usually signified as such by embellishing an imprint of a snowflake or mountain on the side, are again, obviously more useful during the winter months. The tread usually has more slits, holes, and whiskers, that make for gaining traction on slippery snow much easier. People usually assume that because winter tires have so much traction, that they should do even better on dry pavement. This is simply not true. In fact, winter tires weren’t designed to grip smooth pavement, thus they slip around just as much as a summer tire would on snow.

For someone who doesn’t want to have to switch out their tires between seasons, it may be safe to assume that all season tires are the right option. All season tires shouldn’t be confused as the jack of all trades. In fact, their most suitable in areas of the country that have the least drastic changes in seasons. There’s also different levels of all season tires, from regular to high performance. People assume that the greater the performance, the longer lasting the tires will be. Again, this is false. High performance tires may have a better overall grip, but they wear out much faster than regular all season tires.

Aside from choosing the type of tire, one must also know the size and weight limitations for their specific vehicle needs. Something to keep in mind is that even if the car is under the same make, different models will have different tire sizes. For example, a Honda Civic has different sizes and weight limitations than that of a Honda Accord, but this can be cleared up by asking a trusted mechanic at a nearby auto shop in the Los Angeles area. A little research online can help define these differences. If there’s still any confusion, the safest bet is to go directly to the manufacturer.

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Before the most recent technology boom, distracted driving wasn’t as easy to pinpoint. In fact, not many people even considered it much of an issue. Unless of course, a driver was blatantly playing the French horn while clipping their toenails, no one really paid it any mind. With the rise of smartphones, the definition of what is considered to be distracted driving has broadened. Here’s a hint: it’s anything that may be distracting.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are an obvious distraction while navigating the roads. Fingers are usually pointed at texters, which brought forth the popular hashtag, “it can wait” which refers to those who feel the need to quickly respond to any flash or buzz that springs from their phone. This leaves the bluetooth conversationalists to continue about their business without feeling like their at fault, when in reality, talking on the phone can be just as dangerous as texting. After all, it’s still a distraction.

Passengers

Aside from talking to friends, families, or coworkers on the phone, a sometimes less avoidable distraction can be the conversations that take place among the passengers within the car. How often has someone missed an exit because they were distracted by the discussion that was taking place. While missing an exit isn’t as life threatening as it is inconvenient, one has to admit that it’s still a distraction. Maybe next time it won’t be a missed exit, but raher failing to notice brake lights up ahead.

GPS

Newer vehicles, like the Honda Civic, are now equipped with built-in GPS to make zipping between routes throughout Los Angeles an easier feat. However, be careful about switching up the route while on the way. Choosing the destination before pressing on the gas is the safest bet. It’s treacherous to attempt inputting an address while maneuvering the vehicle. If the address has changed or a mistake has been made, the driver should always pull over before correcting their mistake.

It’s also recommended to look over the GPS route before hitting the road. Knowing ahead of time which exits to be looking for and which lanes to be in can help keep the driver’s eyes on the road. Staring at the GPS for too long at a time would obviously be a distraction that can lead to a collision.

Cigarettes

A lot of smokers do most of their indulging while driving. They claim it helps pass the time, or it’s something to do. Well, they already have something they should be doing—driving! Cigarettes are one of the most risky distractions for a driver. They need to ash somewhere, whether it’s out the window or an ashtray. Doing so takes precision and caution, and is a huge distraction. Even with the utmost care, there’s still a risk of ashing on the lap, on the floor, or dropping the cigarette as whole under the seat. Catching fire is definitely a hazard and a distraction while driving.

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As for buying anything new, shopping for a vehicle should be an exhilarating experience. Yet, for most people, it’s down right stressful. Most buyers report feeling anxious, haggled, and circumspect. There are a few ways to ensure a positive buying experience, and surprise—a lot of it has to do with being prepared.

Do Some Research

The internet is a powerful tool for when it comes to purchasing a new automobile. To get started, search for a new car dealership in the Los Angeles or Hollywood area. Keep options open, as it’s important to check out more than one dealer. After mapping out which locations to head to, it’s time to look at the inventory.

Buyers should know ahead of time which vehicle they plan to procure. They don’t have to stick to their guns, and there’s always room for mind changing, but ultimately this saves time on site, and helps nudge the purchase game along. Along with knowing the vehicle, they should also know the price they intend to pay. To do this, they can compare prices of the new car they plan to purchase by checking out a competing dealer around the same Hollywood area. This puts more power in the buyer’s hands, and allows them to accurately weigh their options.

On top of all this, it’s crucial for buyer’s to know their budget. It’s too easy to get carried away with the thrill of the purchase, or to scare themselves out of a good deal by keeping their focus on the overall price. Smart buyer’s will look at the up front cost, and the monthly payments as a jumping off point. If they can’t afford either, then they need to choose a different plan. It’s important to be realistic about this too. It’s never safe to assume that a raise is in the near future, or that financial bindings will somehow loosen themselves up.

Having a financial offer set and ready to go from the bank is a great way to start negotiations. This way the sales staff has been given specific guidelines to know what their limitations are. They can work with the buyer to find the right vehicle for a price that’s been set in stone. This eliminates the fear of being haggled or taken advantage of.

Another important thing to keep in mind, that unfortunately most buyer’s let fall by the wayside, is how much this will change their insurance policy. Speaking with their insurance agent and understanding how this will impact the price of their monthly statement can significantly alter the buying plan. Affording the automobile is one thing, but affording the insurance to cover it is another.

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Ah, the open road. Windows rolled down, a warm breeze biting at the fingertips, a map sprawled across a dear companion’s lap, and dusty roadside photos that mark the passing of state lines. This is the essence of the American dream, but for a few unfortunate souls, the open road isn’t as freeing and head-clearing as it is for everyone else. For some people, road trips mean nausea, motion sickness, and irritability. Before packing up the Honda and high tailing it out of Los Angeles, make sure to jot down a few of these tips and tricks to ensure a nausea-free adventure.

Let It Flow

Everyone can agree that windows down and music blasting is the epitome of a cross country endeavor. Fresh air and good music can actually sooth a rumbly tummy.

Crisp, country air has it’s obvious benefits for the girl in the back who feels like she’s about to hurl her bacon and eggs. Air within the vehicle can start to feel stale, even with the A/C on full blast, tunneling through the vents. Opening the windows not only loosens up the stiff, frigid air, but it balances the temperature as well. This can help eliminate cold sweats caused from artificial cool wind.

Music gets a bad rap from the textbook weary traveler. People assume music makes the stomach jump to its beats, creating an upset. While this is partially true, it all comes down to the choice in tunes. It’s probably not wise to force fellow passengers to listen to that new EDM album, but as always, there’s alternative options. Ask the girl who’s turning green what kind of music she likes. Listening to a preferred genre can take her mind off her tummy. Besides, who doesn’t transport themselves into an imaginary music video the second a solid hit booms through the speakers? No time to be sick if she’s busy starring in her own music video, even if it’s only in her head.

Shotgun and Drugs

Let that motion sick friend have the front seat. Keeping her eyes off the books and on the horizon can help tremendously with queasiness. When there’s too much going on and the eyes have to race to catch up, it can cause a retching feeling in the head that travels down to the stomach. Looking straight ahead stops the eyes from bobbing between passing trees and freeway signs.

When in doubt, reach for the meds. It’s not the most natural solution, but it’s easy to get fed up with a sensitive stomach on a lengthy road trip. There are plenty of over the counter options for the carsick damsel. Ask a pharmacist or store clerk for different options. Road trips should be filled with nostalgia, not nausea.

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Environmental concerns aren’t new, however as time goes on and more symptoms of environmental problems are being discovered, more and more people are starting to try and think more green. The way we transport from one place to another is also included in looking for more ways to protect the ecosystem. Soon when you go to a Honda dealership in Hollywood you may start to see vehicles with the following alternative energy options.

One alternative fuel source that has been used more and more in cars, currently being added to gasoline, is ethanol. This is an alcohol-based fuel source made from fermenting and distilling crops, most commonly corn. This allows for a higher octane level in the gasoline, improving the emissions. It is renewable, however it can affect the food supply as well as the prices of food, so it may not be the best option for alternative energy.

Another alternative fuel source available is natural gas. This form burns cleaner and is widely available for the right cars. It can lower emissions output, however, it produces methane. Methane can increase the global warming problem since it is a greenhouse gas and gets trapped in the ecosystem, making it warmer.  

Electricity can also be used in vehicles now, as well, although since there is more work to be done in order to make it efficient for more people, it is not as widely used or available at the moment. Electric cars can store power in rechargeable batteries in order to lower pollution. Electrical systems are already in place, so it can be easier to get cars on the grid. However, electricity still causes pollution, making it a less than perfect option for clean energy. Solar panels for cars are being researched currently, which will hopefully help with this problem. Batteries in fully electric cars also do not last very long, so they aren’t ideal for everyone, making electric hybrids more common. 

Finally, hydrogen cars are going into production. The hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas for use in certain types of engine. There are no bad emissions in this fuel, making it one of the best options for the environment. However, it can be a more expensive option, so it isn’t right for everyone until a way is found to make it cheaper.

There are many options for fuel these days, allowing us to start looking toward getting away from harmful and non-renewable energy sources. Although there is still a lot of work to be done, the research appears to be going in the right direction and we may find that in our lifetime we are able to replace the current energy sources with some that are cleaner for the environment but still available for many.

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If you are visiting a place like a Honda dealership in Los Angeles, you are likely seeing what is new on the market for automobiles. There are new technologies being implemented into vehicles all the time, so there may be a lot more new features in today’s cars than there were the last time you were shopping. Here are even more changes that you may see going to these dealerships in the future.

One upcoming feature that is in the works currently is allowing cars to communicate with each other when on the road. This can help with the self-driving car as well as avoiding accidents, helping to decrease the amount of traffic incidents seen on the road. There is also research being done to have cars talk to devices like traffic signals, allowing the car to prepare to stop at a light, for example. If the technology advances enough it may even be possible to communicate with the cars around you sometime in the future, in the event that there is something important that you need to communicate.

Another type of technology being looked into is augmented reality, which can be used to display information on the driver’s windshield. This can be used for telling how far away you are from a nearby object. It can also give additional information about the object and may be used to highlight which lane you need to be in when using GPS.

Airbags that help to stop cars are also being researched for the future. These airbags would deploy underneath the car to help stop it before a crash can happen, or at least decrease the amount of damage in the event that a crash cannot be avoided. These can be used with sensors to know when to deploy, and they would use friction to slow the car down.

A final new change on the horizon is the invention of energy-storing body panels on the vehicle. They could allow faster battery charging as well as weigh less than the current batteries. It is also a way to use alternative and renewable energy sources such as sunlight, because they could work like solar panels to collect energy during the day and store enough of it to work even at night. This could be useful for your wallet, as well, as it could reduce or eliminate the need for gasoline.

There are plenty of new changes on the horizon for vehicles coming to a dealership near you in the foreseeable future. Some of these changes may be more for comfort or entertainment, but many of them can be used to keep people safe or to help protect the environment in the future.

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When it comes time to get a new Honda Civic lease from Los Angeles, or to buy a completely different vehicle, you may decide that you would like to sell or trade in your current vehicle. However, you may not know when the right time would be. For many people, getting a new vehicle is something that they would like to put off until completely necessary because it can be expensive. Here are some ways to determine whether or not it is time for you to trade in your current vehicle for an upgrade.

The first consideration for a lot of people is the condition of their current vehicle. One of the most common reasons someone may have for trading up is that their current car has stopped running or just doesn’t run as well. This is especially true if the costs of repairing are high or if there are frequently things needed repaired. It may end up being in the best interest of the owner to just put a down payment on a vehicle and get a loan than to try and repair their current car. Even if your car isn’t running poorly, it may get to the age where a lot of smaller things start needing fixed just to pass inspections, and that may be when it is time to consider a different option.

The cost of buying a new car is also often considered when factoring in whether it is worth it to trade in your old one. However, keep in mind more than just what you see on the sticker price. Other things that factor into cost include the interest of a loan as well as the maintenance and repair costs that you may incur as well as property taxes and the costs of updated tags. For some more recently made vehicles, license plate tags are more costly than they are for older ones.

Before rushing into a decision, check whether you can get pre-approved for a car loan, especially if you have bad credit or no credit at all. If you cannot get a loan, you may have trouble finding a vehicle to replace your current one, so you want to make sure that you don’t end up selling the only vehicle you have. 

There are many things to be considered when it comes to trading in your vehicle to get a new one. The condition of your current car, cost of a different one, and the ability to get a loan for a different car are just a few of these considerations, but personal preference and your current budget are probably a few other things that you have thought about before making this decision.

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Cars have come a long way since they were first created, and now with cars like the Honda Fit from Los Angeles it can be amazing what people can do with technology. One great technological advancement has been cruise control and, even further, the self-driving car. Although the self-driving car isn’t quite ready for the market yet, it may almost be there. Here are some types of these cars that may be making debuts soon.

Although cars like the Honda Odyssey from Los Angeles are not yet equipped with the technology yet, there are several different types of cars that can be considered “self-driving.” One common explanation is that the vehicle can safely operate itself under specific conditions, however the driver may still need to intervene on occasion. This can, in some ways, include cruise control, however usually it is something more specific and advanced. There are several different levels of automation.

Level one of being automatic includes the steering and acceleration. These tasks can be set to be performed automatically by the vehicle, however the rest of under human control. This can be best for highway driving or roads without a lot of stop lights, but since deceleration is still needed it is not recommended when you have to make a lot of stops.

Level two of automation is otherwise known as advanced cruise control or autopilot. However, the driver still needs to stay alert. For level three, a human driver is still required but you can have some automatic safety functions set. It is not as common as it can be dangerous since the functions can switch control from autopilot to human control.

Level four is an almost fully automated level of automation. The vehicle may still not drive itself in unmapped areas or severe weather, however, so it is important to stay alert especially if you know that you will be going off of main roads or the weather calls for possible storms. Finally, level five automatic vehicles are fully automated in all conditions and are the types of cars that one could nap in.

Although cars that completely drive themselves may not be readily available yet, there are a lot of tests being done on them and some of them have already been driven on public roads, so this new technology should be released in the foreseeable future. For now, some of the less advanced levels of automation are still available in many vehicles, but it could still be a few years before the public is ready for anything beyond advanced cruise control, as there are still some kinks to work out before they are ready.

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When you are driving down the road in your Honda CRV from Los Angeles, it can be hard sometimes to keep in mind that there is a speed limit law that you have to follow. However, as comfortable as you are in your ride, you have to make sure that you are going under a certain speed for the safety of yourself as well as others on the road. But how exactly are these speed limits determined? There are a few different factors that come together to help lawmakers decide how fast is too fast or too slow for different roads.

When a new road is being constructed, the engineers will conduct speed studies in order to determine a safe and efficient speed for cars of all sorts including your Honda HRV from Los Angeles. The study takes several data points into consideration, such as the design of the road as well as how it is used. For the design, you look at whether it is windy or hilly, what the lane size is, whether there are any traffic lights and more. For the use, it should be determined if the traffic is heavy or light. How many collisions occur on a specific road that is already in use may be taken into account in order to determine if the speed should change. It is also determined by how often the collisions occur and how that compares to the overall region.

The speed of the road can also be rounded up or down to the nearest increment of 5. The number is most often rounded down if there is a safety issue to take into account. Sometimes, the calculations could be off, which is how speed traps can sometimes become an issue if they are not changed. This can potentially cause problems for local residents, as it can sometimes be difficult to change speed in time for the limit change, like at the end of a big hill. However, if you are familiar enough with the area, you should be able to prepare yourself in order to shift your speed down in time.

Although the measurements used to determine the speed limit of a certain stretch of road aren’t always ideal or perfectly accurate, there is a lot of mathematics and science that goes into making this determination and usually they are not too far off. The professionals who help determine how fast you should be allowed to go based off of speed studies are responsible for making sure that traffic remains safe for everyone involved, including yourself and others around you. For this reason, it is important to obey traffic laws, as they are the limit they are for specific reasons.

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