Car Care Tips For Hot Summer

When it’s hot outside, one of the last places you want to be is sitting in traffic without a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system. To help avoid this uncomfortable situation, the Car Care Council recommends having your A/C system checked annually to make sure it is functioning at its peak performance level when the temperatures are soaring.

Making sure your A/C system is working properly will give you the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will keep you cool and safe when you hit the road this summer. Not only are high temperatures harmful to the body with prolonged exposure, but they can provide unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle.

A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. Typical A/C service consists of the following steps:

• Service technician visually inspects hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks as well as inspect the drive belt for cracks or damage.
• Technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.
• If the system is found to be low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, it is damaging the ozone layer.
• Refrigerant may be added if necessary to “top off” the system.
• A technician may also check for evidence of refrigerant cross-contamination, which is the mixing of refrigerants.
• A/C service should also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.

To Book Honda Car Servicing in Mumbai Contact us at 022 67385555

Windscreen and Window Car Care Tips

Taking care of your windscreen is an important part of car maintenance. Here are some tips....Taking care of your windscreen is an important part of car maintenance. Here are some tips....

Taking good care of your car means that you need to take care of every part of your car, including your windscreen and windows. Not taking care of this particular part of your car can lead to a number of problems which include reduced safety and increased expenses due to the need for car windshield repair or replacement. To avoid these, careful windscreen and window maintenance and care is indeed needed.

Park your car in a sheltered environment

Like with everything, prevention is better than cure. People tend to forget that when they park their car in the open, things can fall on their windscreen causing avoidable damage. Park away from buildings, especially in India where people have the nasty habit of throwing little things out the window. Also, in costal areas around the country, remember to never park under a coconut tree, especially during the monsoon season.



Drive at a safe distance

Staying too close to the car in front of you can result in small stones and pebbles or other similar projectiles flung by the tyres of these cars to hit your windshield. Items being thrown out carelessly by the occupants in the cars (as we see commonly in India) ahead of you can also cause damage to your windshield, so staying a reasonably safe distance away is a good idea.

Make sure your wipers are in good condition

Using damaged windscreen wipers or those that are seldom cleaned can result in deep scratches into your glass. Always ensure that your wipers are in good condition (especially in the monsoons) and are clean before you set off on your journey. Also remember to never use your wipers when the windscreen is dry. Always use your windscreen washers to wet the surface of the glass before using your wipers. It is also a good idea to add just a small amount of shampoo or soap solution into your windscreen washer fluid container so as to give the wipers a smoother and less friction prone surface.

Clean off stubborn stains by hand

The best way to clean a windscreen or any auto window is with wet newspaper. Not only does this ensure all the tough grime and insect stains are removed, they also act as a pseudo polishing paper ensuring the windscreen becomes as clean as possible. After a generous scrubbing, make sure you wipe off the water either with your clean wipers or with dry newspaper.

Don’t slam your car’s doors

You do not need to slam your car doors to close them. Gently closing them is enough. Slamming can cause your windows and windshields to vibrate, which may result in cracks or chips. Constantly slamming your doors will also cause these cracks to expand, making the need for new side windows or a new windscreen.

Park your car in the shade

India’s extreme heat in the day and relatively cooler temperatures in the night can cause micro cracks in the windscreen and windows. In summer month, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, it is advised that one keeps their windows slightly open so that the heat gets a chance to escape. Too much heat can cause the small cracks to expand and result in irreparable damage


To Book Honda Car Servicing in Mumbai Contact us at 022 67385555

Drive at a safe distance
Staying too close to the car in front of you can result in small stones and pebbles or other similar projectiles flung by the tyres of these cars to hit your windshield. Items being thrown out carelessly by the occupants in the cars (as we see commonly in India) ahead of you can also cause damage to your windshield, so staying a reasonably safe distance away is a good idea.
Make sure your wipers are in good condition
Using damaged windscreen wipers or those that are seldom cleaned can result in deep scratches into your glass. Always ensure that your wipers are in good condition (especially in the monsoons) and are clean before you set off on your journey. Also remember to never use your wipers when the windscreen is dry. Always use your windscreen washers to wet the surface of the glass before using your wipers. It is also a good idea to add just a small amount of shampoo or soap solution into your windscreen washer fluid container so as to give the wipers a smoother and less friction prone surface.
Clean off stubborn stains by hand
The best way to clean a windscreen or any auto window is with wet newspaper. Not only does this ensure all the tough grime and insect stains are removed, they also act as a pseudo polishing paper ensuring the windscreen becomes as clean as possible. After a generous scrubbing, make sure you wipe off the water either with your clean wipers or with dry newspaper.
Don’t slam your car’s doors
You do not need to slam your car doors to close them. Gently closing them is enough. Slamming can cause your windows and windshields to vibrate, which may result in cracks or chips. Constantly slamming your doors will also cause these cracks to expand, making the need for new side windows or a new windscreen.
Park your car in the shade
India’s extreme heat in the day and relatively cooler temperatures in the night can cause micro cracks in the windscreen and windows. In summer month, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, it is advised that one keeps their windows slightly open so that the heat gets a chance to escape. Too much heat can cause the small cracks to expand and result in irreparable damage
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Simple Car Care Tips for Hot Summer

Car maintenance and Car care is important to keep your car Healthy. Here are Some of the important tips to take care of your car in Hot Summer.

Coolant

Keep your cars coolant levels topped up. If there is not sufficient coolant in the system, your cars engine can overheat and seize up. But make sure that the engine is not hot when opening the radiator cap because the whole thing will be under pressure and can scald you severely.

Air Conditioner

Quite possibly regarded as the most important feature of a car during summer (and for good reason!), the air conditioner must be ready to tackle the immense heat. A good service should find out whether there are any problems with the compressor or whether the refrigerant level is low.



Parking in the Sun

Try as much as possible to avoid parking your car in direct sunlight. Even after being in the sun for a short while, the cars interiors can become intolerably hot. If there is no alternative, crack the windows so that air can circulate. Also, do not turn the AC on immediately afterwards. Drive for a few minutes with the windows down to allow most of the heat to escape first. This reduces the AC load immensely and also helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Oil

Change the oil at regular intervals as specified by the manufacturer; more frequently if you live in a dusty or more polluted area. Otherwise, carbon build-up, viscosity loss and other residue in the oil can wreck your engine. Synthetic engine oils are better for your engine than regular oil. Although they cost more, they will actually reduce maintenance costs over time. It is also worth making sure that your car has a clean air filter.

Tyres

Tyres wear faster when driven in hot and dry weather conditions. The tread can go bald and tyre pressure loss increases during the summer months. Keep the tyre pressure at optimum levels at all times and if the tread depth is less than ideal, change the tyre itself.



Brakes

Brake pads get eroded at a much faster rate under the summer heat and this can severely affect the stopping distance of the car. Always check the brake pad thickness before summer hits to make sure that they will last. Otherwise you will be putting yourself at a high risk of not being able to bring the car to a halt in time.

Wipers

Checking your wipers in summer might sound odd but during these hot months, summer showers do occur. Under the blazing sun and hot air, the rubber wiper blades can get baked until they become brittle and cracked. This means that when they rains arrive; visibility through the windshield can become awfully hampered. Therefore, ensure that the wiper blades are in good condition and that the windshield washer fluid is topped up.

To Book Honda Car Servicing in Mumbai Contact us at 022 67385555

HCIL launches its Bold and Versatile Honda BR-V

• Marks Honda's entry into the popular Compact SUV segment in India
• Bold Sporty Exterior with Highest Ground Clearance of 210 mm
• Highly Versatile 3 Row Premium Interiors
• Segment first advanced CVT with Paddle Shifters in petrol variant
• 3-years Unlimited Km warranty as standard value for all BR-V customers

Summer’s extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle’s battery. The Solitaire Honda advises vehicle owners to have their cars’ batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, Introduced its new model Honda BR-V. The BR-V (Bold Runabout Vehicle) boasts a Bold and Sporty Stance, Best in Class Ground Clearance, Powerful Performance, Excellent Mileage and Highly Versatile Premium Interior with 3-row configuration.

The BR-V is available in both Diesel and Petrol fuel options in India. The petrol variant is equipped with Honda's extremely popular 16-Valve, 4-Cylinder 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with new and exclusively developed 6-speed Manual Transmission and first-in-class Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The diesel variant is equipped with the 1.5 L i-DTEC diesel engine from Earth Dreams Technology series in 6 speed Manual Transmission.

In yet another segment first, the unique "Paddle Shift" option in the CVT variant provides the convenience of an automatic with enhanced driving pleasure of a manual and can be operated using the Sports Car inspired paddle switches located just behind the steering spoke.

In line with HCIL's Safety Direction in India, the BR-V comes equipped with Dual SRS Air Bags as Standard offering across variants, along with host of other active and passive safety features.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Limited said, "India is a key market for Honda and as part of our business expansion, we are focusing on increasing our customer base with new model introductions. The launch of BR-V marks Honda's entry into the popular compact SUV segment. Customers can experience the outstanding appearance of an SUV and benefit from the versatility and comfort of its spacious 3 row interiors. We are confident that BR-V will strongly appeal to the customers and accelerate our growth while strengthening our brand presence in the country."

The BR-V has been developed at Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. located in Bangkok, Thailand. The car has been designed basis results obtained from extensive market surveys in India and other Asian markets for people's needs of an SUV with additional value.

The BR-V 1.5L i-VTEC Petrol Engine delivers maximum power of 119 PS@ 6,600 rpm, maximum torque of 145 Nm @4,600 rpm and best in class economy of 15.4 km/l in MT version and 16 km/l in CVT version respectively. The Diesel 1.5L i-DTEC engine on the BR-V delivers maximum power of 100PS@3600rpm and maximum torque of 200Nm@1750 rpm and excellent fuel economy of 21.9km/l.

 The exterior design of Honda BR-V is striking which reflects toughness and a premium SUV character. Sporting a bold and wide stance from the front, the exterior styling is highlighted by Projector Headlamps, Front Grill Design and LED Position lamps. Silver Finish roof rails of the BR-V accentuate the sporty appeal of the vehicle. The tough sporty and premium wide feel is further enhanced by the Connected tail light design with LED Light Guide at the rear. The uniquely styled all-new 16 inch aluminum wheels emphasize the dynamism and ruggedness of the BR-V.

The BR-V interiors boast of a Sporty All Black Color Theme, Futuristic Dashboard Design, High quality material and a Highly Versatile, comfortable and spacious 3 row cabin. The Premium interiors have been further enhanced by use of Silver accents, Cool Mesh Design, Piano black finish on the Instrument panel. The White lit 3D Speedometer with Multi Information Display lends the interiors a Sporty appeal. The Leather Seats coupled with Leather wrapped steering wheel, Leather Gear Knob and Leather Door Armrests enhances the premium and sporty appeal. The BR-V also comes with multi layered fabric seats of high quality providing comfort and premiumness.

The Honda BR-V features a host of advanced interior equipment including the Push Button Start with Smart Entry, Integrated Bluetooth Audio System with ands Free Telephone (HFT) and Steering mounted controls for Audio, Automatic Air Conditioner and Power Foldable ORVMs to provide more convenience for the consumers. The Multi Information Display (MID) allows the driver to monitor all important trip and vehicle information including Driving Range, Instantaneous and Average Fuel Efficiency, Ambient Temperature and Time. Further, an Eco lamp provides feedback to the driver during fuel-efficient driving.

The outstanding package of the BR-V is based on Honda's Man Maximum Machine Minimum concept to create Maximum space for the occupants offering significantly high Headroom, Legroom and Knee room.

At 4456 mm long, 1735 mm wide & 1666 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2662 mm, efficient use of space has been made to create an ultra-spacious cabin. The 2nd Row seat features a 60:40 Split with Slide and Recline option to enable customers adjust the space as per their convenience. The 3rd row seat is a 50:50 spilt folding type which can be reclined for extra comfort. Once fold flat, the 3rd row seat can be quickly and conveniently tumbled forward to maximize the cargo space. The base cargo area for BR-V is agenerous 223 L which can be enhanced to 691 L in the 3rd row fold configuration.

Entry and exit for the third row is very convenient due to the one-touch tumble second-row seat. In addition, BR-V has Adjustable Headrests on all 3 rows.The Roof Mounted Rear Air Conditioner is positioned between the first and second row seats to optimize the air flow in all areas, ensuring maximum comfort for all passengers, no matter where they are seated. The Minimum Turning Radius of 5.3 mm (petrol) and 5.5 mm (Diesel) makes the BR-V highly maneuverable and convenient for city driving. Customers can be confident in the BR-V even when facing bad roads and stormy weather owing to its Best in class ground clearance 0f 210 mm.

The BR-V chassis realizes both superior ride comfort and smooth & agile handling. For a better crash performance and more comfortable ride of the All-new BR-V, body rigidity and damper have been newly developed for a Compact SUV driving feel. The car features a McPherson Strut suspension in the front and Torsion beam rear suspension,which dramatically improves driving stability and ride comfort. The Electric Power Steering aids the driver to steer the car with less effort and gives better handling.

Honda BR-V embraces a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety that provides a high level of both active and passive occupant protection. The BR-V's Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body enhances self-protection while mitigating damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision. The high-performance body makes extensive use of high tensile steel in key areas of the frame to enhance safety and collision force absorption. The Honda BR-V comes loaded with active and passive safety technologies including Front Dual SRS airbags as Standard Offering on all grades, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) which prevents wheel lock during sudden braking; Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which enhances braking performance; Pretentioner seat belts with load limiters. The ABS with EBD is being offered as standard across all Diesel variants.

The BR-V is available in 4 grades offered in petrol and diesel variants - E, S, V and VX with Manual Transmission. Additionally, the BR-V will be available in CVT in V petrol variant.

The BR-V is available in 6 Exciting exterior colors - Carnelian Red Pearl, White Orchid Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Golden brown Metallic, Urban Titanium Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Taffeta White

The BR-V comes with a 3-years Unlimited Km warranty as standard value for all customers with another 2 years of optional extended warranty.

To Book your Honda BR-V Car Test Drive in Mumbai Contact us at +91 22 67385555 

Extreme Summer Heat Can Burn Up Car Batteries

Summer’s extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle’s battery. The Solitaire Honda advises vehicle owners to have their cars’ batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.

Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

When most motorists think of dead batteries that cause starting failure, they think of severe winter weather, but summer heat is the real culprit. Many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. A few simple steps now can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown later.



To get the most life out of a battery here are some suggestions

• Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
•  If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
• Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.
• Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.
  

To Book your Honda Car Servicing in Mumbai Contact us at +91 22 67385555