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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…