Five Tricks to Treat Your Vehicle This Fall

Here at Avalon Honda, we’ve already taken you through Honda’s illuminating history, as we chronicled a small bicycle shop’s rise to becoming one of the most renowned auto manufacturers in the world. Although Honda has perhaps never achieved A-lister status in the world of entertainment, they've still made several notable detours to the silver screen throughout their remarkable odyssey. Here are five of the most memorable Honda appearances in the world of cinema: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) One of Honda’s earliest film cameos comes in 1982’s coming-of-age comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Throughout this teen classic, you can spot a 1976 Honda Accord. Though it gets less screen time than its American counterparts (a 1960 Buick LeSabre and 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 amongst them), the Accord’s inclusion was an early indicator that Honda was ready for its close-up. Pulp Fiction (1994) Vehicles have always been key components in the films of Quentin Tarantino. Michael Madsen’s 1966 Cadillac Coupe DeVille in 1992’s Reservoir Dogs became well known for its abundant trunk space. Then, Kurt Russell’s 1970 Chevy Nova served as the de facto star of 2007’s stunt-heavy Death Proof. The 1980 Honda Civic driven by Bruce Willis in Tarantino’s breakout hit Pulp Fiction is significant because it’s Tarantino’s version of an automotive recurring character. The Civic would also pop up in Pulp Fiction follow-up Jackie Brown, and again in 2004’s Kill Bill: Vol. 2. Of course, it also leaves an impression in Pulp Fiction – quite literally, in the case of Marsellus Wallace. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) Early 2000's Nicolas Cage vehicle Gone in 60 Seconds is overflowing with luxury cars, from Aston Martins to Bentleys to Mustangs. At first glance, it doesn’t seem to be Honda's kind of crowd. But a speedy Honda Civic Si arrives to stir up some chaos, challenging Giovanni Ribisi’s Porsche 911 in a race and ultimately drawing the attention of local law enforcement. The Fast and the Furious (2001) & 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) It’s hard to steal the spotlight in a film franchise that features as many absurd, dynamic vehicles as The Fast and the Furious. But the first car that ever appears in the franchise is a Honda Civic driven by Vin Diesel. Later, Tran's Honda S2000 is introduced. That car becomes a highlight of the now-omnipresent series' first entry, as well as its follow-up 2 Fast 2 Furious. Let’s be honest: Jesse here was doomed from the moment he underestimated the hundred grand under the hood of Tran’s S2000. The Road to Stardom Awaits In the past few decades, the line between film and television has increasingly blurred. Accord -ingly, Hondas have been more prevalent in the world of TV during this time. You can spot Hondas in hit programs such as The Walking Dead, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and most recently, in last year’s The Last of Us. At Avalon Honda, we have a starring role waiting for you in one of our new or used Honda vehicles. Come pay us a visit today and immerse yourself in a driving experience fit for a celebrity.

Turkey Day is nearly upon us, a time for food, family, and the endless struggle between the fourth quarter of the Cowboys game and tryptophan-induced drowsiness. It’s a season that calls for reflection, for renewed appreciation of the things that make life worthwhile. Whether you’re on your way to the Beach Plum Farmers Market or driving the family home from Grandma’s house, the constant travel of the holidays is a reminder that we should also be thankful for reliable vehicles. That's in large part because today's automobiles have much to be thankful for themselves. Thanks to a litany of modern features, driving today is safer and more comfortable than ever. Here’s a four-course meal of recent and semi-recent automotive innovations we should all give thanks to: Collision Avoidance Technology The invention of the airbag was a revolutionary step in automobile safety, providing a life-saving layer of protection in the event of an accident. But in today’s world, the priority has shifted to avoiding such incidents altogether. That's where collision avoidance systems, or CAS's, come in. The first (extremely rudimentary) rearview backup camera was introduced way back with the 1956 Buick Centurion, and today, that feature comes standard with most new vehicles. But automobile manufacturers' aspirations have evolved to incorporate comprehensive driver assist systems. These systems not only alert drivers to nearby vehicles but can also assume total autonomy of the vehicle's functions when a potential collision is detected. With CAS, it’s like you always have a co–pilot with you, and every day its presence saves lives. Mobile App Interconnectivity The world is more connected than ever, and your car is now a key part of that eternal web. Though Bluetooth connectivity and similar means of interfacing your phone to your vehicle have been around for over a decade, we’re currently seeing a surge in connected mobile apps. For many automakers, it’s become an elevated priority for their vehicles to connect with as many compatible apps as possible, making the transition from your home or office to your new Honda CR-V feel seamless. Assuming this trend persists, an updated version of this blog a decade from now may be more focused on what your vehicle can’t do. LED Headlights Since arriving on the scene in 2004, LED (short for “Light-Emitting Diode”) headlights have become the preferred choice of many manufacturers – specifically luxury brands. LED lights offer plenty of advantages over more traditional halogen and tungsten lights, including longer lifespans, increased visibility, and less electricity use. As a result, the cost of headlight maintenance significantly lowers thanks to LED. We may not have the capability to fully replicate daylight driving during our evening commutes just yet, but LED is illuminating the way forward regardless. EcoBoost Engines Every technological upgrade in the world is for nought if we don't have a world to begin with. Ford's EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engine, was primarily designed as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional engines. The goal was to deliver comparable power and torque while significantly enhancing fuel efficiency. Thanks to this eco-conscious approach, EcoBoost engines are able to achieve 20% improved fuel economy while emitting 15% less greenhouse emissions. As we peer deeper into our automotive future, electric vehicles and green-first options seem destined to become more ubiquitous. Less costly and more versatile than purely gas or diesel engines, EcoBoost engines should only continue to grow in popularity. The Rest is Gravy We have plenty to be thankful for here at Avalon Honda: our beautiful Cape May location, its vibrant community, and most of all, our loyal customers. As vehicular technology continues to evolve and expand, we remain committed to providing you with Honda’s newest models. Our entire inventory of new and used vehicles is like an elegant Thanksgiving spread – plentiful, variable, and there for your fulfillment. Bon Appétit, and have a tremendous holiday!

Driving is an exciting milestone in life, but it can also be intimidating, especially for new drivers. Navigating the roads as a beginner involves a lot of responsibility, but with proper guidance, it can be a lot easier and more secure. In this blog, we will focus on five tips that can help new drivers stay safe and confident on the road. Tip 1: Master the Basics Before hitting the road, it is essential to understand the fundamental rules of driving. Start by reviewing your state's driver's manual or take an approved driver's education course. This will help you learn the rules of the road and gain a better understanding of road signs, speed limits, and traffic laws. Knowing the basics ensures that you can navigate the roads with confidence and safety. To further master the basics and gain a strong foundation in driving, it is important to practice frequently in various conditions. Make sure to drive in different weather conditions, such as rain or snow, and during different times of day. Additionally, practice on roads with varying speed limits and traffic levels. This will help you become comfortable behind the wheel and Tip 2: Keep Your Car Maintained Regular car maintenance is crucial for a vehicle's safe operation. Keeping up with oil changes, brakes, and tire rotations are necessary for ensuring that the car is in proper working order. Having a reliable vehicle also means reducing the chance of costly and dangerous breakdowns. Having a reliable car is also essential for avoiding any unwanted incidents on the road. Be sure to check your fluids (oil, coolant, brake, and transmission) regularly and top them off if needed. Make sure to have your brakes inspected occasionally, as well as inspect the car's tires for proper inflation levels and tread wear. If your Tip 3: Avoid Distractions Distractions while driving are dangerous, irresponsible, and can lead to accidents. Keep your phone on silent and out of reach while driving. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe spot to take the call or reply to a text message. Additionally, avoid eating, smoking, grooming, or engaging in other distracting activities while behind the wheel. In order to reduce distractions while driving, it is important to minimize the number of passengers in the car. Having fewer passengers in the vehicle reduces the chances of conversations or other interactions that could take your focus away from driving. Additionally, avoid programming GPS devices or changing radio stations while driving, as these activities require visual and mental attention. Lastly, be Tip 4: Don't Tailgate Maintaining a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front is crucial for a driver's safety. The recommended following distance is three to four seconds between cars. This ample time will allow you to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front makes any sudden stops or turns. Tailgating can be dangerous and should always be avoided. Not only can it lead to rear-end collisions, but it can also cause road rage from the driver in front. Additionally, tailgating restricts vision and forces drivers to make quick decisions in order to avoid a collision. To ensure safety, keep your following distance at three Tip 5: Obey All Traffic Rules Driving safely and responsibly involves obeying all traffic rules and laws, including stop signs, traffic signals, and posted speed limits. Remember, breaking the rules puts not only your safety but also the safety of other road users at risk. When driving, always be aware of the speed limit and the posted signs to ensure that you stay within the laws. Following the speed limit helps prevent speeding tickets and keeps you from putting yourself and other drivers at risk. Additionally, be mindful of intersections and obey any traffic signals, such as stop lights or yield signs. These traffic signals are there to keep you and other drivers safe on the road. Get Out and Drive — Safely! In conclusion, as a new driver, it is crucial to remain vigilant, patient, and adhere to basic traffic rules. Regular maintenance of your car, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a safe following distance are all essential practices to help ensure safe driving. Remember to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, always wear your seatbelt, and enjoy the ride. Following these five tips will make you a more confident and responsible driver.