Executive Auto Group Blog | CT Car Dealers | New Haven Dealer News

Interstate Highways – By the Numbers

by Mike Hastings on January 12, 2012

46,700: The approximate number of Interstate highway miles in the United States

3,233: The number of Interstate highway miles in Texas, the most of all 50 states

3,100: The approximate mileage on I-90 between Boston and Seattle – the longest roadway in the Interstate system

1956: The year President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, ushering in the age of the super-highway in America

70: As in I-70, the first Interstate in the country with the first mile constructed in Kansas

41: The number of Interstate miles in Delaware, the state with the fewest

1.06: The mileage of I-375 in Detroit – the shortest official Interstate in the country

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FREE Brake Inspections at 8 CT Auto Repair Shops

by Mike Hastings on January 10, 2012

Ever since hydraulic brakes were introduced in the 1930′s, vehicles have primarily used a variation of that design to provide stopping power.

Basically, when you press the brake pedal fluid is forced through the brake lines that run to each wheel. The pressure of the fluid forces brake pads against a brake rotor, causing friction that slows the wheel and, consequently, the vehicle. On vehicles with rear drum brakes, the fluid forces the shoes against a drum, but the effect is the same – friction slows the turning of the wheel. Al Ford of Wallingford Jeep service explains, “If your car was built after 1977 or so, it likely has front disc brakes while the rear brakes may be either disc or drum. Because friction is created whenever you step on the brake pedal, the parts involved with creating that stopping power wear over time. Ensuring your vehicle has adequate friction components is essential to safe breaking performance.”

There are a number of brake repair trouble signs to According to Perry Guttman, service manager at a Hartford Honda Auto Repair dealership “Maintaining and replacing worn brake parts as needed cannot be ignored, because the longer you drive with worn or inadequate brakes, the worse the performance will get – and it’s likely it will be more expensive when you finally take action.”

Why is it more expensive to repair your brakes when a problem develops? “It’s not always more expensive,” says Howard Brod of Hartford Mazda service adding,” but as the pads wear beyond their usable life, they can dig into the disc rotors or drums, damaging them enough to cause the need for these parts to be replaced, in addition to the shoes or pads.” New Haven Honda service manager Todd Dibiasi explains “Severely worn brake pads can require more work to remove them form the calipers and may require the calipers to also be replaced.” With regular inspections, you may only have to make periodic pad or shoe replacements, which is typically much less expensive than replacing the pads, rotors and calipers’ said Julie Engfer of Connecticut Fiat Service.

For your FREE brake inspection visit the Executive Auto Group auto repair center near you at Liberty Mazda or Liberty Honda in Hartford, Executive Honda, Executive KIA, Executive Dodge JEEP RAM or the all new Fiat by Executive in Walling ford and Acura by Executive, Executive JEEP or Executive Nissan in North Haven.

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2012 Honda Fit “Best Small Car Value” says Consumer Reports

by Mike Hastings on January 5, 2012

Honda Fit -- Consumer Reports Top Pick Budget Car -- Excellent fuel economy, fun to drive & electronic stability control comes standard

Honda Takes First Prize in Field of 200 Vehicles

2012 Honda’s at dealerships in CT stocking to meet high demand from Consumer Reports most coveted award.

For the second year in a row the 2012 Honda Fit, which you can lease or purchase at dealerships in CT, is named the best value choice in small cars, according to Consumer Reports. Even more impressive is the fact that the Fit was judged best overall value from a field of more than 200 competitors!

When it comes to small cars, “A low price doesn’t necessarily make a car a good value. A cheap vehicle can wind up costing you more money over time or can be disappointing down the road, ” says Rik Paul, automotive editor at Consumer Reports adding, “real value is what you get for your money” with the 2012 Honda Fit.

In addition to actual road tests and its own projected reliability, Consumer Reports tested SUV’s trucks and cars and calculated the cost of ownership over five years. Scores were based on six primary areas to find this year’s best value vehicles including:

[click to continue…]

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Cold Weather Vehicle Tips

by Mike Hastings on January 1, 2012

Executive Auto Group‘s Tips to get your vehicle ready for cold weather:

Did you see your breath this morning? There’s no denying it, winter is here. Even in this mild winter weather we wake up to frost now and then, so it’s a season that affects all of us – and all of our vehicles.

Cold weather can kill off an already weak battery, reduce tire pressure and more. The Car Care Counsel estimates that 8 of 10 vehicles on the road today are in need of repair. A thorough inspection at your trusted auto repair shop will help you get your vehicle ready for winter. Your certified technician will check the following:

Tires: Doesn’t the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light just drive you crazy with the change of seasons? Because cold air is denser than warm air you lose tire pressure in your vehicle’s tires in the winter. Your tires literally connect your car to the road so your tire pressure is a safety issue. Have your tire pressure checked regularly throughout the winter and for better fuel mileage, consider replacing air with Nitrogen. Nitrogen extends tire life, improves tire performance, decreases gas consumption and will make that pesky TPMS warning light go away once and for all. Further, just in case it does actually snow this year, you should have your tires inspected to make sure they have adequate tread to push through the white stuff. And for owners of vehicles with rear wheel drive, you may want to consider snow tires.

Check Your Battery: Your vehicle’s battery care or replacement is critical as the temperature drops. Cold weather can severely affect the cranking power of a battery. Along with the battery itself, the cables, wires and terminals around the battery will be checked for corrosion, fraying and cracks.

Check Your Engine Coolant: The coolant/antifreeze in your vehicle should provide freeze-free protection for even the most extreme temperatures in Connecticut. Your certified mechanic will test the fluid to determine the threshold of protection. If the protection level is insufficient we’ll add, replace, or flush your cooling system to ensure that it’s suitable for CT weather.

Belts and Hoses: Old, frayed and cracked belts and hoses are more susceptible to failure in cold temperatures as they experience greater extremes – from sub-zero on cold morning start-ups to high heat as the engine warms. Your certified technician will inspect and replace them when necessary.

Engine Oil: Your Car’s Lifeblood Some vehicles engines, particularly older used cars in CT, benefit from using less viscous (thinned) oil during the winter, such as 5W30 instead of 10W30. Reference your owner’s manual or consult with your certified technician before making this change.

Keep Your Vehicle Clean: Keep your car washed regularly through the winter – especially when there’s salt on the road. Road salt is extremely corrosive to brakes, the undercarriage and even to the body of your vehicle. A trip through the car wash every couple of weeks will extend the life of your vehicle and just so you know, the Executive Auto Group of dealerships offer a complimentary car wash with every vehicle service.

One Final Tip: Consider the 7 steps to avoid costly auto repairs and when it comes to auto repair – done right the first time is the only way to go.

If you mention this post to your Service Advisor at time of writeup, but before the end of this month, ask for your complimentary oil and filter change at the Executive Auto Group vehicle repair center near you. Visit Liberty Mazda or Liberty Honda in the Hartford area, Executive Honda, Executive KIA, Executive Dodge JEEP RAM or The all new Fiat by Executive in Walling ford and Acura by Executive, Executive JEEP or Executive Nissan in North Haven.

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Nissan Leaf Wins Car of the Year Award

by Mike Hastings on December 15, 2011

The Nissan Leaf, the authentic all-electric car that took home the Car of the Year Award at the recent Tokyo auto show.

Charging the Nissan Leaf

That honor is only the most recent award for this 5-seater hatchback with futuristic styling that makes “green” glamorous. And the Nissan Leaf at Dealers in CT also delivers the equivalent of 99 miles per gallon, at the operating cost of 2-to-5 cents per electric mile.

Four years in development and on the road since 2010, the Nissan Leaf also won the World Car of the Year and the European Car of the Year Awards. The 2012 models are available, for purchase or lease, at Executive Nissan, North Haven, Connecticut. You can also test drive the Nissan Leaf at Executive Nissan in North Haven.

The Nissan Leaf has pulled in front of all the green cars, both totally electric and hybrid, because it doesn’t compromise design, fast start, handling, interior comfort, or your pocketbook for protecting the environment. The Nissan Leaf:

Has the distinct look of a European roaster

Goes 0-to-60 in 10 seconds with a 80 kW AC synchronous 107 horsepower motor

Hugs the road like a mid-sized

Accommodates 5 adults and lots of stuff easily put in through the hatchback

And gives you a $7,500 federal tax break.

Also, there’s not a single phony eco feature in its 3,000+ pounds. Nissan Leaf powers its wheels with electric motors, not with engine torque. The eco friendly Leaf produces zero emissions and the inside seating is made from recycled plastic bottles and appliances.

Nissan Leaf Battery Technology

Energy is stored in a 24-kilowatt-hour lithium battery pack. You charge it like you do your wireless phone, smart or dumb. Each charge provides about 100 miles of road travel. Some communities already provide fast-charge service stations which do the job in about 30 minutes. If your town doesn’t, you can consider buying your own recharger, for a tad over $1,000. Do that and you can pre-heat or pre-cool the Nissan Leaf while you’re recharging.

Not long ago Nissan had over 13,000 orders for it’s new electric car, but that backlog has been filled. You can now buy the Nissan Leaf from stewards of the planet earth and all its resources, Executive Nissan in North Haven, Connecticut where we invite you in for a test drive.

Post researched and created for the Executive Auto Group by guest blogger Jane Genova

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2012 Nissan Quest at Executive Nissan according to Mrs. Santa Claus

by Mike Hastings on December 13, 2011

“Safety first is what the 2012 Nissan Quest is about. I’m a parent just like you. Roomy the 2012 Nissan Quest is too – enough for 7 + stuff. But just because we’re parents we don’t have to give up on style and sporty performance .”

That’s what Mrs. Santa Claus has to say about the 2012 Nissan Quest at Executive Nissan North Haven, CT.

Seating for 7 & Hidden Storage in the Rear

A mom herself, Mrs. Claus hammers the safety features. Her favorite is the rear view monitor behind the second seat that shows the face of your child seated in the rear. There’s the one-touch sliding doors so no one’s fingers get caught. The signal light blinks if it’s not okay to change lanes and over sized mirrors catch what’s going on behind your minivan. No guessing on tire pressure with the unique way of monitoring. At the ideal pressure, your horn honks. There are 6 airbags.

Then there’s the safety of others. The Blind Spot Warning lights up if someone is there.

Another kind of safety system is, of course, what keeps the little ones amused while riding. That includes the overhead video games and computers along with the DVD rear entertainment system with theater seating.

Roomy is 2 rows which become a user-friendly 3 + hidden storage space. The entire interior is a combination of practical and elegant. Sleek curves find their way to meet up in the roof of the Nissan Quest. Nissan Quest engineers created the design for you, the adults.

In the driver’s seat your experience of the road is this: you’re in command. The feel is sporty. Fantasies of being NASCAR racers? They do happen. After all, there’s the 3.5L V-6 engine. It goes from 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds. Routine errands along with long trips, they’ll re-charge you. And the family.

Following the total redesign in the 2011 Nissan Quest, in 2012 Nissan again takes the Quest to a new level for family and here are more details than you probably want to know. What you really want to do is to come by Executive Jeep Nissan at 900 Universal Drive North, North Haven.

It’s your special holiday gift to the family. Bon Voyage.

Post researched and created for the Executive Auto Group by guest blogger Jane Genova

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Acura by Executive Black Friday Special

by Mike Hastings on November 25, 2011

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Genuine Honda Parts & Accessories at CT Honda Dealers

by Mike Hastings on November 14, 2011

Winter will soon be upon us; some people enjoy a walk in the snow, others just get cold.

If you ski – the only sport where you spend an arm and a leg to break an arm and a leg – now it the time to get your Ski Attachment Rack installed on your Honda.

If your idea of cleaning your vehicle is to sweep it with a glance, All Season Mats are your perfect answer.

And, for those of you that have perfect vision in a snow storm – but can’t remember which eye – Genuine Honda Fog Lights will guide you like radar that sees through the fog.

Contact Executive Honda of Wallingford for all your Genuine Honda Parts & Accessories

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A Veteran’s Day Essay

by Mark S on November 11, 2011

* Olivia is pictured on the far right with her father, Jim, and her sisters Alexandra (far left) and Sophia (middle). This photo was taken when Jim returned from Iraq.

The Executive Auto Group salutes 13 year old Olivia for a wonderful essay winning her Veteran’s Day Essay Contest

Olivia has seen her dad, Jim, go to Iraq three times and waved goodbye again this last March when her father left for another year in Iraq. Olivia’s essay below was selected as the winning entry for Vicenza School’s Veterans Day essay contest. Olivia read her essay at a ceremony on Veterans Day at her school.

On November 11th we have the day off of school because it is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a day to honor men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. It is important that we understand the history of Veterans Day. It is also important for all Americans to take the time to show their appreciation to our service members.

Veterans Day was made into a holiday to honor the end of World War I. World War I ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, which is why we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th. Did you know that Veterans Day was first called Armistice Day? After World War II and the Korean War, the name was changed to honor veterans of all wars.

Many Americans confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day because they are both holidays that were established to honor and recognize the men and women who have served in the military. The difference is that Veterans Day is to honor all people who have served in the military in wartime and peacetime. Memorial Day honors those who have died in wars.

We observe this holiday by holding a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11th at 11:00 a.m. During the ceremony, a color guard salutes and the President of the United States places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. After that, they have a “Parade of Flags”. There are many parades and ceremonies in America on Veterans Day to honor our military. This shows respect for soldiers who have fought for our safety and freedom.

I’m thankful for all of the service members who have risked their lives to keep us safe. I am thankful for my dad who has deployed many times overseas and is about to leave again to deploy to Iraq. I am so proud of him and I will miss him a lot. I am thankful for the men and women fighting and dying for our freedom. I am also thankful for all the people who have served in the past and the men and women who are serving right now in Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Italy, and other places around the world. I am thankful for the people who take care of our soldiers when they are away from their loved ones and friends.

Veterans Day is special to me, because I have a father who serves in uniform and so do many other kids. It is a day to honor everyone who has served in the Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a very important holiday for Americans, active duty, retired military members, and military families. We thank and honor all of the military members who worked hard in times of war and in times of peace. I am glad they did because now America is “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

By: Olivia Rupkalvis

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Kid’s Media Habits

by Mike Hastings on October 25, 2011

Almost 13% of the population of the US were born after the arrival of the BlackBerry (but not the Tablet Blackberry Introduced) while roughly the same percent were born before TV existed. The older generation was listening to the radio while today’s kids spend the greatest part of their days watching TV, DVDs, playing video games, on computers, tablets or listening to their iPods.

According to Common Sense Media, TV is still king and 74% of kids under 8 watch the big screens! Half of the 8 and under kids and 40% of those under 4 have access to a smartphone, iPad or other mobile media device. What’s worse is that kids under 2 spend only half as much time being read to as they do watching videos and 40% of kids are in homes where the TV is on all or most of the time, even if no one is watching. And when kids turn 8 years old there just as likely to have a TV in their room as not.

It’s not all bad news though; while some of us celebrated Packman’s 30th birthday outlets like Innovation Generation (iGen) came online as place for kids who have a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the number of users is growing.

So how do your kids activities compare to those in the chart below?

If you’re beginning to feel just a little guilty, direct your kids to these 5 great websites for kids, or take a look at 25 Things My Mother Taught Me and measure your parenting skills against this.