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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!

Automated car washes are great because they are fast, and I always wondered about effectiveness of the upgradable wax option. I have tried a few times, but whenever I would run my finger across the paint, it would never smoothly glide like hand applied waxes. Just recently Honda Carland in Roswell, GA installed a waxing machine called the “Auto Butler”. Upon hearing about the Auto Butler I was very apprehensive, thinking that it will not come close to the effectiveness of a by-hand wax application. Well… I was wrong like many times! I place my own vehicle in the Auto Butler after it was cleaned. The machine covered my vehicle in a liquid, and then the rotating brushes covered every inch of the paint and glass. So, the real tests had to be administered. I ran my finger across the paint, and it glided just like the hand waxes. Not yet content with my latest revelation, I had to see how it worked in the rain. So driving up to New York for the Holidays afforded me rain, snow, and sleet in one trip. The windows repelled the water, and allowed the wipers to clear. The water beaded and streaked of the paint in the rain. So, I was forced to concede, wax can be applied by a machine. Who would have “Thunk”! Read more…

It has been a tough year for most people ! 401ks, housing market, unemployment, and a 6 and 6 season for FSU. This year allowed many of us to look around, and truly be thankful to hang on to what we have. Mike Hearing started as a sales consultant at Honda Carland in Roswell about 9 years ago.  We all have meant the “Salt of the Earth” types, and Mike is one of those. Every year he would go buy bins and ask all the employees to bring in canned good items in November and toys in December. Mr Hearing would always buy at least 20 bikes and a truck load of turkeys - every year. This year we wanted to really make a difference! We all did and we all enjoyed giving. Read more…

I always seemed to shutter a second when a customer would ask, “Why should I buy at Honda Carland?” A fair and always peculiar question… as if I were to say- ” I can’t think of one reason, so you better go buy one across town!”.  In sincerity, Honda Carland tries to do business the way it should be done. Yes, we still make mistakes, and we will continue to make some of the garden variety that most dealers make. A huge difference, is the core philosophy of “taking the high road”. Read more…