While most of
the time your car will be intelligent enough to let you know when it's
time for service, there are instances when you may need to identify
signs a little less obvious than a blinking orange light on the
dashboard.
Here are five more subtle indications that your car needs a trip to the doctor.
1. You notice a sudden drop in gas mileage. This could be a direct cause of a bad fuel injector, dirty fuel filter or a problem with the spark plugs.
2. Strange sounds.
There are many different noises that cars make; some natural while
others not so much. Knocking, thudding, squealing, droning: these are
some common indicators that something is wrong.
3. Leaks.
Automobiles require a litany of fluids to properly function. Not all
leaks will indicate a problem. For example, in the summer when the A/C
is running, water may condense and drip on the ground. The same is true
for exhaust pipes. Oil is one particular fluid that you do not want to
see accumulating on your driveway. A good way to test if it is just
water, or perhaps something else, is to dab a bit of the fluid on your
finger and smell it.
4. Spongy Brakes. Are you having to apply more pressure when braking your vehicle? It may be time for a brake inspection.
5. Smells.
Use all of your senses when operating your vehicle. Burning or metallic
scents coming from the vehicle are good signs of overheating, or brake
issues.
If you think your car is in need of service, schedule an appointment with us online!
In the U.S.
almost 4,500 pedestrians are killed in collisions with cars and just
under 70,000 are sent to the hospital each year. Honda has made it a
priority to improve these numbers.
Honda Motor Corp accepted this challenge and has devised a system aimed at providing a solution to the problem.
"The system consists of a millimeter wave radar
scanner and a high-resolution camera, which work together to spot
passengers and apply the breaks if necessary, and if it is safe to do
so. What's particularly impressive about Honda's claims is it says it
can bring a vehicle hurdling towards a pedestrian to a dead stop in most
cases at speeds up to 60 kph (via dailytech.com)."
Initially,
this feature will be sold as an add-on. The first car to come equipped
with the system will be the 2015 Honda Legend, or the rebranded Acura
RLX in the U.S.
Honda hopes that the implementation of this safety system will boost safety-ratings in 2015.
The entire Honda fleet should receive the upgrade as early as 2016 or as late as 2017.
To bring attention to the significantly enhanced 2014 Civic Coupe and Si Coupe, Honda is launching an uplifting multiplatform campaign—"One More Thing to Love about Today." The work features blues rock band Vintage Trouble and pop culture favorites Adventure Time, Nyan Cat and other Internet sensations.
To contrast the typical negative news cycle, the new Civic campaign features a collection of inspiring print, digital and TV spots, speaking to the optimism of today's youth.
Take a look at the video:
