Category Archives: June 2012
Okotoks Honda Report: Have You Ever Locked Your Keys In Your Car?
Have you ever found yourself in the predicament of locking your keys in your car? What did you do? Did you know what to do? Chances are very high that you will do this at least once in your life or you will know someone that goes through this and reaches out for you to help. It’s happened to me before. As a matter of fact I was late for a meeting once back in my younger years, and as I was racing into the building to make it on time I locked my keys in my car. It’s almost kind of embarrassing. So when I read this article from Consumer Reports I thought I’d share with you some of their tips and hints to getting out of that sticky situation.
Dial 911. Safety comes first, and if you don’t feel secure where you’restranded, you should call 911 to get help on the way fast. In many cases the police can unlock the car’s door. But if they can’t, they will probably call a tow truck, which will be on your tab, of course. But at least you’ll be safe. Call for roadside assistance. Here’s when those annual auto-club fees really pay off. AAA, Allstate, and other organizations that provide roadside service will help you, though it could take a while for them to reach you. If you don’t subscribe to such a service, you might still be in luck. Most new cars come with roadside assistance during the basic warranty period. Your owner’s manual should have the details, but of course that’s locked in the car with the keys. The number to call might be posted on a window decal. If it isn’t, you can get the details by calling a dealership. To be prepared, you should store the number in your phone or write it down on paper and keep it in your wallet or purse. What if you don’t have a new car or you don’t belong to a service like AAA? Ask about adding roadside assistance to your auto-insurance policy. Also, some major highways are patrolled by trucks offering emergency aid. Keep an eye out for one.
Call a tow truck. If you have no free options, most towing services provide lock-out service. Call 411 for services in your area. Or text the words “tow service” and your location to GOOGL (46645).
Get a temporary key. A dealer might be able to make you an inexpensive key that will open the doors (but not start your car) so that you can retrieve your permanent keys. You’ll probably need your vehicle identification number (visible through the lower edge of the driver’s-side windshield) and proof that you own the car. Of course, you’ll also need a ride to the dealership.
Keep an extra key handy. Stash a spare key in your purse, your wallet, or a well-hidden spot on the car. You can buy a small magnetic box that can hold a key and be placed on a car’s underside. Or leave a spare with someone who could rescue you.
Buy a car with benefits. Some cars won’t lock with the power-lock button if the key is in the ignition and a door is open. Also, many vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury have a door-mounted keypad that lets you tap in a code to unlock the door. If you drive a vehicle with a telematics system such as GM’s OnStar, Hyundai’s Blue Link, or Mercedes-Benz’s Mbrace, you can call a toll-free number to have your car remotely unlocked. Those systems also offer free apps that let smart-phone owners unlock doors themselves. Check automaker websites for compatible phones and specifics.
Keyless. If you have lost the key altogether, things get more complicated. You’re going to need a locksmith, and while the ones we spoke with said they did do emergency road service, expect to pay around $200 and up for a replacement key. Keys for some higher-end models can cost several hundred
dollars and can only be purchased and programmed through a dealer. And that means an expensive trip to the dealer on a flatbed.
Do you know any additional tips and hints for people that lock their keys in their new honda? Feel free to share them with me. The best I advice I can give you is to give your parents or close friend a spare key. Trust me.
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Okotoks Honda Report: 6 Things You Must Have In Your Car This Summer
With summer in full swing, you have to be prepared for everything that the season may bring. And while many people prepare well for it, getting the car prepped is something that is often forgotten. Traveling (down the street or long distances) is an essential part of summer, so it’s a good idea to be well prepared for the anything that could pop up. For that reason we’ve compiled a list of important things to pack in your car when the summer sun is shining.
- Maintenance kit: Breakdowns don’t just happen in the winter months, so it’s important to be prepared. This includes having items like fix-a-flat, coolant and protectant wipes.
- Sunscreen and bug spray: The sun’s UVA rays go through window glass and affect your skin if you don’t have any protection. A bottle of sunscreen doesn’t take up much space, but it can be a lifesaver, just like bug spray. Mosquitos and insects love warm weather so make sure to be prepared because nothing ruins an outing like a swarm of bugs.
- First-aid kit: When traveling with kids, this one can come in handy in many instances. This item also doesn’t take up space but could be huge.
- Towels: Water adventure is synonym with summer life. Whether it’s the pool, spray park, beach, or natural stream, you can never have enough towels. Pack a few extra just in case.
- Umbrella: Packing an umbrella has a two-fold benefit – shelter from rain (obviously), but also from the sun.
- Cash stash: With so many options in the summer, it’s a good idea to have some cash handy for those extra stops.
So there it is; if you have other ideas of summer must-have items let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
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Okotoks Honda Report: How To Program/Customize The Auto Lock/Unlock On Your Honda
Honda vehicles are pretty high-tech units. Knowing that, there are some options that you may not be aware of when dealing with locking and unlocking the doors. The auto (un)lock feature on Honda vehicles can be programmed and customized to respond in several different ways. Here’s how you can do that:
Program doors to unlock when you turn the car off
1. Close the driver’s door. Put the shift lever in Park and turn the ignition into the On (II) position.
2. While pressing the brake, move the shift lever out of Park.
3. Press and hold the unlock side of the master locks switch for approximately 10 seconds. In that time, you will hear three clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the lock (0) position.
Program doors to unlock when you shift into Park
1. Close the driver’s door and shift the vehicle into Park.
2. Turn the ignition to On (II), then press and hold the unlock side of the master lock switch for approximately 10 seconds. You will hear three clicks.
3. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.
Program doors to lock when you reach 9 mph
1. Close the driver’s door and put the shifter in Park. Turn the ignition to the On (II) position.
2. While pressing on the brake, move the shifter out of Park.
3. Then, press and hold the lock side of the master lock switch for about five seconds until you hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.
Program all doors to lock when you shift out of Park
1. Close the driver’s door and put the car in Park.
2. Turn the ignition to the On (II) position.
3. Press and hold the lock side of the master lock switch for five seconds until you hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.
Turn off Auto Unlock
1. Open the driver’s door and put the shifter in Park.
2. Turn the ignition to On (II).
3. Press and hold the unlock side of the master lock switch for five seconds until you hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.
Turn off Auto Lock
1. Open the driver’s door and put the shifter in Park.
2. Turn the ignition to On (II).
3. Press and hold the lock side of the master lock for about five seconds until you hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.
Program driver’s door to unlock when you shift into park
1. Close the driver’s door. Put the shift lever in Park.
2. Turn the ignition to the On (II) position.
3. Press and hold the lock side of the master lock switch for about five seconds – you will hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.
Program driver’s door to unlock when you turn the car off
1. Close the driver’s door. Put the shift lever n Park. Turn the ignition to the On (II) position.
2. While pressing the brake, move the shifter out of Park.
3. Press and hold the lock side of the master lock switch for about five seconds – you will hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position
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Okotoks Honda Spotlight: Importance Of Fuel Economy
In a recent 2011 study conducted by Maritz Research, more than 40 percent of car consumers look at fuel economy as an “extremely important” option when shopping for a new vehicle. Taking that fact one step further, the annual study also found that 1 in 3 consumers believe that fuel efficiency will play the largest impact regarding the next vehicle they purchase. That percentage is even higher among younger buyers.
Fuel efficiency numbers are evolving strongly due to the millennial age group, ranging from late teens to early 30’s, and their large emphasis on fuel economy. 46 percent of Millennials view fuel economy as “extremely important” during their new vehicle search; this is the single highest percentage in any other age group by a landslide. Of those 46 percent, 41 percent believe that fuel economy is the single most important option when buying a new vehicle.
If you’re one of those seeking optimal fuel efficiency on your next car, you might want to check out some Honda models. Honda is renowned for fuel-efficiency because of their hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicle selection, and the EcoAssist technology they have implemented over the years. Some of the most fuel-efficient Hondas we have here are: Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and the Honda CR-Z.
The Honda Civic Hybrid offers a stunning 44 miles-per-gallon that will keep your money where it belongs, in your wallet. This also holds true for both the Honda Insight and the Honda CR-Z, as the Insight gets an average of 43 miles-per-gallon and the sporty CR-Z averages at 34 miles-per-gallon.
Modern buyers, like you, expect the best possible fuel-economy out of their new car; I mean, we expect it too! If you think about it, not only it saves money, but it’s also much better for our planet. The Earth’s resources are finite and we can help decrease our carbon footprint by being more efficient with our car’s fuel consumption. Cue saving-the-world music.
We have all 3 options readily available for your test drive purposes. Call us today to book an appointment and discover the OH Difference!
Okotoks Report: 5 Ways You Can Make Your Car The Most Comfortable Place After Your House
For most of us the car is like a second home. Between long trips and the daily commute, the average Canadian/American can spend over 500 hours a year inside a car, which amount to 21 days. So when we’re spending almost one month a year in our cars, you better make sure that your ride is as comfortable as it can be. Here is a list of things that can make your car feel like you are at home:
1. Neck pillow – This can relieve the neck strain that comes from sitting in an office chair all day, or just driving for long periods of time. And if you have to pull off to a rest stop, this will help you get some actual sleep in your car. 
2. Don’t forget comfortable shoes!
3. iPod adapter – If you’re going to spend some quality time in your car, then you should have the accessories that you need as well. Any car adaptor to keep your electronics alive is well worth the price, as you can pass the time much easier.
4. Lavender air freshener – I say lavender because it’s a soothing sent that can help calm you down after work (and it’s not like those tree air fresheners that gas stations sell). It’s also a subtle way to make your car feel homier.
5. Car organizer – An organizer that you can strap onto the back of your seat will definitely come in handy and make it easy for you to store and find any important item.
Now you just need a new car to implement these things – like a new or certified used Honda from Okotoks Honda!
