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Have a Safe and Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend

The Carland group wishes all of you a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend. This Memorial Day will be met with a great deal of urgency. While the inventories begin to dwindle due to factors beyond our control and year end clearances, the Carland dealerships stand unwavering and unchanged in their resolve. We have tested some of the industries most critical and unprecedented economic shifts, some past, some present, yet we point our bows to the waves. Our Atlanta dealerships remain committed to our communities, since our communities have felt and experienced the same tremors we have. The Carland Group is pleased to participate in numerous cause related events this year, Little League Baseball, Cystic Fibrosis, Local PTA Organizations, various local School Programs, and many more. These programs are struggling with all of us. As a community, this Memorial Day only helps cement our determination. o.9% Financing for 60 Months is available on select new models, not to mention latest surge in pre-owned sales has opened a dramatic need for quality pre-owned vehicles. The Carland Group welcomes the opportunity to make an offer on  your current vehicle. As one of nations largest used car dealer groups, the Carland group prides itself on having some of the best talent in management and sales professionals. Our associates will save you time and money this Memorial Day Weekend.

Be sure to check CarlandService.com, since all of our service locations are offering very aggressive service offers in celebration of this Memorial Day Weekend. Not to mention, all Carland customers will enjoy the Silver Membership Level in Carland Rewards. So, whether or not you decide to allow the Carland Group to purchase your current vehicle- you will still be able to take advantage of some fantastic service offers while you visit either of our 4 Service Locations.

Please visit either of these sites to take advantage of the current Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Carland in Atlanta.

ShopCarland.com – SALES

CarlandService.com- SERVICE

Honda Carland, Roswell, 770-993-2805

Honda Carland North, Cartersville, 770-382-2282

Acura Carland, Duluth, 770-623-9211

Carland Service Center, Alpharetta, (678) 624-0050

The Carland Group would like to shed some light on common misconceptions. Often we hear customers  say ” Just an Oil Change”, or they “just changed the oil.” The truth to the matter is an oil change is actually only one of the things we do when you bring your Honda or Acura to one of our local Atlanta Honda and Acura Service locations.  Honda and Acura genuine Accessories are quite important here. The OEM oil filters contain much more medium, an anti-drainback valve, and a by-pass valve. The oil filter will actually close if it becomes clogged to help avoid engine oil deprivation. The Honda and Acura oil filter will also keep oil from draining completely out of your cylinders to avoid long-term engine damage from cold starts. On top of that the oil filter has a “P” Shape seal that will actually completely seal vs. many of the competitor’s flat seals that may cause oil leaks. Another thing our Honda and Acura Technicians do is replace your Drain Plug “Crush Washer”. What is a Crush Washer?-it is a one time use washer that will crush and seal when the oil pan drain bolt is fastened. The crush washer will protect the threads of your aluminum oil pn and help protect against leaks . Too often customers come in with damaged oil pans from other service shops that did not use a crush washer or reused the crush washer. On average an aluminum oil pan will cost about $500.00 to replace. Some shop will actually use a nonmailable metal washer that will not reduce torque pressure, and will still strip the threads on oil pan.

Acura and Honda Carland Service Centers  also perform a multi-point inspection on your Honda or Acura. This form will rate the condition of your tires, brakes, and fluids. When you are ready to leave, our service advisors will review the sheet to bring you up to speed on your cars overall condition. This will help you to anticipate any needed future auto repairs or maintenance. Part of this inspection includes your braking system, tire wear, alignment inspection,  and your battery condition. It is nice to know when you are on a trip that your brakes are at 80% , your tires have about 15,000 miles of tread, and your battery’s holding steady.

All 5000 mile services are considered EXPRESS , which will insure that you will be able to be in and out within 45 minutes. An entire technician team will complete your service, and will meticulously follow the Honda EXPRESS service guidelines. Wen you bring your Honda or Acura to Roswell, Duluth, or Alpharetta- we will even wash your Honda or Acura for you.  It is very easy for an independent shop to tell you “You don’t need to, or they are over charging you, in fact, in most cases we are cheaper, but it seems that standard reply is that the dealer in some way is taking advantage of your needs. It is a common misunderstanding, but in reality- our service departments continually compare our prices with independents, and in most cases- the independent is replacing your oil filter, and that is it. When in fact – Carland Service is insuring that your Honda and Acura will receive the maintenance and care it deserves, and not short cutting to be a price leader. Our technicians are trained to specifically work on your Honda or Acura, and the Carland Group average tenure for a service technician is 4.9 years. Not bad! 

Carland Gold Rewards Card

The 10th Annual Carland Toy Drive is just around the corner. Honda Carland, Acura Carland, and Honda Carland North all host a Customer Appreciation Night in December. In the past we would raffle of Prizes to show our appreciation to our customers. The last couple of years we have added a twist, we now solicit our business partners for donations that we can use as prizes, these prizes will be raffled off during each event!  So, when our customers bring in unwrapped and new toys, we exchange them with a raffle ticket. During the night we will help our Honda and Acura Customers by sharing with them ways on how to get the most out of their new Hondas and Acuras. Then we will raffle of prizes throughout the entire event. Last year we provided toys to over 70 local Atlanta Families, and this year we will try to double that number! Our customers are what makes these events great, over the last couple of years we have had a great turn out, and our customers really seem to enjoy these events!

Prizes will range from Hats, Tumblers, Lego Sets, Gift Cards, Services, and even a 32″ Flatscreen TV donated from each dealership! The Carland Group sincerey hopes you and your family and friends can attend. Each Event is professionally catered and 100% Complimentary! If you would like to RSVP for one of these events, please click on links below! Please help the Carland Group make a bigger difference in the community this year!

Here are the date and times for each event, simply call, email, or click on links below!

December 14th, 6:15 PM, Honda Carland North, Cartersville, GA 770-382-2282 or khardin@hondacarlandnorth.com

December 15th, 7:00PM, Acura Carland, Duluth, GA- 770-623-9211 or gbaroni@acuracarland.com

December 16th, 7:00 PM, Honda Carland, Roswell- 770-993-2895, or mmahoney@hondacarland.com

We need your Help!

The Carland Group has the best customers! Last year we were able to provide over 70 local Atlanta families with a heartfelt Thanksgiving Dinner. What is taken for granted, and emulated in the movie “Blindside”- Thanksgiving is the realization of the true magnificence of our friends and families! There is a inner-desire or calling to help others! The Carland Group with your help, would like to touch even more lives this year. The holidays can be stressful enough, and to lack the means to provide for your family would only magnify the struggle.

The Carland Group will be holding Customer Appreciation Nights at all of our Atlanta area dealerships in November! “I really want to make an impact in the community this year!”stated Bill Hughes the General Manager of Honda Carland in Roswell. The Carland Group and its vendors will be sponsoring prizes for a raffle. If our customers bring food items on the day of the event, we will exchange with tickets for the raffle. Last year, at the Roswell Location we had several customers bring in cases of  food items. These random acts of kindness are what make the difference in these events! We have several employees that have contributed over 30 turkeys a year for this event!  This is an opportunity to show our true appreciation for our customers and community.  These events will be professionally catered, and are entirely complimentary!

During these events our Shop Foremans will discuss ways to get the most out of your Hondas and Acuras. We will also discuss the Carland Rewards Program, Online Service Scheduling, and winter car care tips. Throughout the events we will be doing drawings, this event should be a lot of fun for your friends and family!

Choose the Location, and Please RSVP with number in your party!- Since space is limited! These Events will only work with your particpation, and we can use all the help!

Honda Carland North- Cartersville Honda Dealer- 770-382-2282, November 16th,  6:15 PM

Acura Carland- Duluth Acura Dealer- 770-623-9211- November 17th, 7:00 PM

Honda Carland- Roswell Honda Dealer-770-993-2805- November 18th, 7:00 PM

You must be present to win raffle prizes, drop off bins will be located in the New Car Showrooms of each location! Maximum of 5 raffle tickets per party!

Visit any of our Local Atlanta Area Dealers by the 15th of September

The Carland Group would like to thank our customers and employees for their overwhelming support for “Operation Fill a Honda”. Honda Carland, Honda Carland North, and Acura Carland all have pledged to Fill a Honda or Acura with items our troops need overseas. The Carland Group held raffles during our monthly owner clinics to help support the cause. We had customers bring items which were exchanged for raffle tickets. Honda Carland, Acura Carland, and Honda Carland North and their vendors supplied prizes for the raffle. Grandslam Mobile and former Atlanta Brave Superstar Ryan Klesko sent autographed baseballs, Carfax donated gift cards, and the individual dealerships all supplied fabulous prizes ranging from hats, water bottles, and even a 32″ Flat Screen TV. The monumental support of Honda and Acura Owners is what made these events a success.

Operation Fill a Honda or Acura will go until September 15th, 2010, so if you would like to contribute to this cause please feel free to stop by any of our Atlanta Area Honda and Acura Dealerships. Here is a video from 11 Alive news that outlines the program. The key take aways from this event is the US will have 100,000 men and women serving in Afghanistan, and our troop count in Iraq will hopefully go down to 50,000 men and women. The staggering statistic is 5617 soldiers have been killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  Anything we can do on the State-side to improve their lives while fighting for overall freedom will be much appreciated by our troops!

Here is a video of  Honda Carland’s Owner Clinic and  Support the Troops Event

Here is a video of Acura Carland’s Owner Clinic and Support the Troops Event

Please click this link to see a list of items our troops could use!

Honda Genuine Accessories

Are you looking for a great deal on a Honda Genuine Accessory? Well no further! Caland Accessories Outlet can help. We have lisstd all of our accessories at discounted prices. So if you are looking for a Honda DVD Player for your Honda Pilot or a Bike Rack for your Honda Element, we have them. We will ship usally within the same day, and will also include Honda’s Installation Instructions! Our Genuine Honda Accessories are all listed by type, Exterior, Interior, and Electrical. So if you are looking for some all season floormats for your Husband’s B-day or Bluetooth for your Accord, please give the www.carlandaccessoriesoutlet.com a chance!

Honda Carland had just recently completed sales training on the 2010 Honda Accord. The summer months are interesting, due to the fact the new model release for the Toyota Camry. People always ask…”Why Honda” or “Why Toyota”. This is why I prefer the 2010 Honda Accord over the 2011 Toyota Camry.The 2010 Honda Accord  is bigger, suspension is more sport-tuned, drive by wire with throttle control, and resale values according to the experts.

The 2010 Honda Accord passenger volume is 106 cubic feet, almost 5 cubic feet more than the Camry. Not to mention, the 2010 Honda Accord almost categorically is larger in every standardized measurement. Front driver headroom, passenger headroom, rear headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. When you sit in a 2010 Honda Accord, it just feels like more substance and space!

Size is not the only thing that matters… taking a deeper look at the throttle system. The 2010 Honda Accord uses a “Drive by Wire” Throttle system. Which by Honda’s definition means “ The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system helps enhance the driving character of the Accord Sedan. With smart electronics connecting the throttle pedal to the throttle butterfly valve in the intake manifold, the engine response can be optimized to suit the driving conditions and to better match the driver’s expectations.” , which is great! Digging a bit deeper, Vehicle Stability Assist which is on all Honda Accords seems to be a major difference maker for me. Vehicle Stabilty Assist will by Honda’s definition ”

Now, if there is a minor or major frontal collision. All Honda Accords have “ACE- Advanced Compatibility Engineering- which again by Honda’s definition means- “The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.” Honda did the research to help absorb crash enegergy from a frontal collision by various sizes of vehicles. This Honda Signature Technology will keep the crash energy out of the passenger compartment!  

Suspension, what does it matter? Suspension is basically the handling characteristics of a vehicle. The 2010 Honda Accord suspension is the Independent wishbone suspension. This suspension will force the tire tread to remain perpendicular to the road, allowing a more confident handling. Honda describes the advanced double wishbone front suspension as : “  The advanced double wishbone front suspension uses both lower and upper control links. This allows Honda engineers the flexibility to tune the suspension for predictable cornering feel and emergency maneuvering, to ensure a smooth and stable ride.” The suspension innovations of racing has trickled down to the Accord, and the drive of an Accord is very confident on the road!  

Service Visit Preparation Form

Nothing is more frustrating then going to a local Atlanta Honda Dealer, and not being able to duplicate a noise, or vibration that has been disturbing your Honda or Acura.  Carland Service in Atlanta can help. We recommend that you simply fill out this Service Visit Preparation Form – Printable prior to your visit!  This form will help describe concerns, and help our service advisors and service technicians resolve any issues with your Honda or Acura. 

“No Problem Found” or “Unable to Duplicate” are frustrating for our customers and our service mechanics. The above form will help you decipher your concern. Simply fill out this form and then Print or Email to us. We will pass the Service Visit Preparation Form on to one of our Atlanta Area Honda and Acura Certified Service Technicians. Honda Carland (Roswell, Ga 770-998-2327),  Acura Carland(Duluth, Ga 770-813-5812), Honda Carland North(Cartersville, Ga 678-792-7650) , and Carland Service Center (Alpharetta, Ga 678-624-0050) are eager to help! So please be sure to review the above form, and visit any of our convenient local Honda and Acura Atlanta Service Locations .

Atlanta driving is taxing on the driver and environment. Here are a few tips on how to reduce your impact on the environment and your money. There are several service related practices to help in this area. Properly inflated tires are extremely important to gas economy, tire wear, and above all safety. The Carland Groups offers Nitrogen to help reduce the fluctuations of tire pressure during temperature changes. Not to mention, Nitrogen will extend your tire life.  Scheduled vehicle maintenance will help insure your vehicle is properly tuned. When your vehicle is “running rough” , it may reduce your gas mileage by up to 4%. There are some mechanical issues that can reduce your gas mileage by up to 40%!  It is very important to use OEM recommended oil weight. Gas mileage can reduce by as much as 2% if your oil weight or blend is incorrect. www.CarlandService.com is a service website that will allow you to schedule service appointments at all of our Atlanta Honda and Acura service locations. Our service plans are all Enviro-Friendly, service maintenance recommended by Honda or Acura. – every time you visit.

Mechanical is important, but please look at your driving habits! Planning your  daily trips will greatly reduce unnecessary small trips throughout the day. Carpools are  a great way to reduce emissions and conserve on gas.    So, if you have a sizable commute, and co-worker close… by all means organize a carpool. Evaluate what is in your vehicle. Do you have items in your vehicle that you don’t necessary need in your vehicle.  A reduction of 100lbs can improve your gas mileage by as much as 2%. So, no need to drive around with those cases of water bottles, or the chairs and gear from the baseball game from last week!  Cruise control is also key. By using cruise control, you minimize the pedal play, and you can improve your gas mileage. Atlanta drivers all have seen the aggressive drivers. Not only are they unsafe, but aggressive driving can reduce fuel economy by 33%!  Patience truly is a virtue, and above all a dire responsibility while safely operating a vehicle. Excessive idling not only produces unnecessary emissions, but also reduces your fuel economy. If you pull up to a fast food restaurant, and the line is long. Walk in and place a to-go order. No need to wait 10 minutes in an idling car. Again- Enviro-friendly driving is a commitment! All Hondas and Acuras have a overdrive gear, either 5 or 6 speed transmissions, on the later models. Be sure to allow the engine speed to reduce by driving with overdrive engaged. Driving at less RPMs will stretch fuel economy and lower emissions.

Honda Carland, Acura Carland, and Honda Carland North ( www.shopcarland.com ) all offer highly fuel effecient vehicles with outstanding emmision ratings. When considering your next vehicle. Evaluate your need for size. If you rarely go on a trip that requires a larger vehicle. Look at the many different cargo options of the entire Honda and Acura line-up. Roof Racks are available, so maybe a Honda CRV with a Roof Rack and Cargo Box, might be enough to handle that extra hauling needed once a year . Maybe the CRV’s fuel savings will be enough to pay for the annual road trip to Orlando! Too often you see the family of 4, driving a huge SUV, because of the need for space for a family vacation. Rental Cars and Roof Racks can help you save money and reduce the pollution the other 51 weeks in the year. The “Bigger the Better” is not totally true when it comes to emmissions and fuel economy. Not to mention, a stance here would greatly show family and friends your commitment towards crucial conservation.

Driving Enviro-friendly is a commitment to conserve. Earth Day often passes with a small and forgettable reminder of the true magnificence our planet’s gifts. We all need (including myself) to actively pursue a better way. A commitment however small, combined can drastically reduce emissions and help conserve our limited natural resources.

Why would anyone purchase tires at a dealer? A question I have heard, but I ask – “Why would anyone not purchase their tires from a dealership?” I have worked for the Carland Group for over 10 years!  I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most knowledgable mechanics in the industry!

Several myths need to be discussed before we can argue proven reasons. The main reason or argument I hear, is because dealers just rip off or cost too much.  Atlanta Honda and Acura dealerships constantly adjust the prices to match immediate competitors. What happens more often, is Carland Service suggests comprehensive maintenance services that will opitmize the performance of your Honda or Acura in Atlanta. Carland Service will also use OEM parts or in our case- Honda Genuine Parts. This blog  is not condeming after market parts, because some are very comparable to OEM parts. At times, Carland Service in Atlanta may offer aftermarket parts to our customers as a courtesy, to help control costs during these trying times! The difference is we make sure the part meets crucial specifications and warranty at least matches the fantastic Honda Genuine Part’s warranty.  So many of the independant shops will not follow the recommended services of Honda or Acura. They may not inspect or top off, or replace with genuine parts, or even wash your vehicle. So, as the great Warren Buffet states ” Price is what you pay, value is what you get! “  The Carland Group provides Quality and Value! (Yes, we make mistakes like everyone- but we keep trying to improve!) So, check with your local dealer, see what they offer, and then check with the local repair shop. Be sure to check exactly what they are going to do for the $21.95 oil change- many times it is just that … change the oil!

Okay, so getting back to tires! Honda and Acura choose tires that specifically enhance the ride and feel of the vehicle! Carland Service will look at your struts, shocks, and alignment to insure that tire wear is caused by the road and time, rather than replacing your tires- and then replacing them again 25,000 miles down the road. Interesting fact-  weight distribution (Shocks and Struts) is so crucial to brake and tire wear, that the Carland Group will look at the above mentioned items to insure that your new tires will not get cupped or “Chopped” from faulty suspension systems. A 10% improper weight distribution can lower your brake-pad life by 100%  and a loss of 10 feet in braking distance.  Tires are so important to the ride quality, safety, and overall performance of your Honda or Acura. The technicians that the Carland Group employ are extensively trained to insure that the tires that we offer are OEM recommended! Carland Service wants to insure that your vehicle’s performance and safety are not compromised! According to the MAP (Motorist Assurance Program)Organization, struts and shocks should be checked at 50,000 miles. The Carland Group will inspect Alignment, Shocks, and Struts every visit! Some shops may just tell you to purchase a set of $800.oo Michelins, and feel they have completely satisfied your concerns. Since you have so much riding on your tires, please allow Carland Service the opportunity to show you the value of the services we constantly provide!

Here is are some things to consider while looking to purchase tires …http://www.acuracarland.com/j/i/33237/ACURATIRESINATLANTA.html

A lot of that information is from the SafeCar.gov

Please feel free to visit www.CarlandService.com to look for our Atlanta Area Honda and Acura Service Centers!