 Clipping coupons makes sense: who doesn’t want to save a little money? But when the hobby becomes an obsession it inconveniences and annoys others. Ever waited in line behind an “extreme couponer”?
The same goes for saving gas. Modifying driving habits to get a few more miles from every gallon makes good sense, but taken to extremes, or “hypermiling,” risks incurring road-rage and can even be dangerous.
Hypermilers are committed to minimizing their consumption of gasoline. While some of their methods demand extreme dedication, others can, and indeed should, be adopted by all motorists. Here’s a short list of ideas. For more visit What is hypermiling?.
Easily adopted methods
Minimize weight
Weight takes energy to move, so empty the trunk and glovebox of everything unnecessary. Hypermilers will take out the car’s handbook, spare wheel, jack, and perhaps even the back seat.
Keep the vehicle well maintained
An engine in good condition wastes less energy, so stay on top of oil changes and other maintenance. It’s also a good idea to keep tires aligned and remove roof racks and crossbars when not needed to reduce drag.
Moderate maximum speeds
Aerodynamic drag rises in proportion to the square of speed, so pushing a car through the air at 80 mph takes a lot more fuel than sticking to 75. And dropping 5 mph will have a negligible effect on total journey time.
Reduce braking by planning ahead
Brakes convert energy into heat, so if the lights 200 yards ahead turn red, lift off the gas immediately. True hypermilers will go so far as using pedestrian crossing signals to anticipate light changes and slowing down to suit.
Accelerate gently
Being first to the next red light is seriously wasteful, but moving too slow risks making drivers behind you seriously frustrated. Leisurely acceleration is the most efficient way to move off, but just be careful not to be too leisurely.
Minimize idling
Shut off the engine during prolonged stops. Even doing this for just a minute saves gas. (Some new vehicles have ‘Auto start/stop’ which performs this function.)
Use cruise control on the highway
Speed tends to creep up on a long highway drive, and cruise control prevents this, (which helps avoid tickets too!)
Gas-saving ideas not for the novice
Coasting
In a vehicle with a stick shift, slipping it into neutral or holding down the clutch disengages the engine and reduces drag. It offers some benefit on downhill grades, but must never be taken to the extreme of turning off the engine: this cuts power to steering and brakes, making it hard to control the vehicle.
Don’t use cruise control
Cruise keeps the vehicle at a constant speed. The dedicated hypermiler adopts a different technique, letting the vehicle gain speed on down grades and using that momentum to climb the next hill. Warning: this is pretty much guaranteed to irritate other road users!
Slip-streaming (a.k.a. “tailgating”)
When a vehicle moves down the highway, it leaves a hole in the air behind it. Only the most obsessive hypermilers exploit this, driving very close behind large trucks, which, while effective in reducing fuel consumption, is also very dangerous.
Hypermiling contests
Hypermilers eager to pit their skills against those of others enter contests. Held in many locations around the country, competitors follow a set course while trying to use as little gas as possible. Technically challenging, but perhaps lacking the excitement of other motor sport events?
Like coupon-clipping, driving carefully to minimize gas consumption makes good economic sense. However, taking it to the extreme, as hypermilers do, takes significant commitment and a willingness to irritate others. So, proceed with caution, gas-savers, and find a happy medium–such as finding a new fuel-efficient Acura vehicle at DCH Montclair Acura.
 The 2015 Acura MDX has received a considerable amount of acclaim for its many features, including earning the highest five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. One of these features should be of especial interest to families with third-row passengers. Kristin Varela of KickingTires calls the MDX the “one exception to the rule” when it comes to complicated third-row access.
The MDX features true one-push access to the third-row seat, folding the second row down and sliding it forward. Another push of the button returns the seat to its starting position. There is also a pair of buttons on the seatback to help third-row passengers exit—no more uncomfortable moments being trapped when the vehicle stops.
For even greater convenience, these buttons all light up when a rear door is opened. Best of all, third-row passengers can enjoy the same level of comfort as those up front with their own beverage holders and storage pockets. “If only other car manufacturers would adopt this ideal of ‘simpler is better,’” says Varela.
The new MDX is available now at DCH Montclair Acura. We invite you to come by and see all that this family-friendly new vehicle has to offer.
 When the fall season draws near, we at DCH Montclair Acura start thinking about our favorite fall spices. There’s a wealth of options to explore, but venturing beyond your basic salt and pepper and into the spice aisle can be overwhelming, especially for novice cooks. Highly-spiced recipes, especially ethnic cuisines, feature a long ingredient list that may be discouraging, but don’t give up! The truth is, the vast majority of popular recipes can be made with just a handful of spices. So, if you had to pick only ten spices to make most dishes, what would they be? While everyone’s perfect ten will differ slightly, and you won’t be able to make everything with just these few, this list of essentials is a good spice rack starter-pack.
Chili Powder
Especially if you’re just starting out, spice blends are your friends. Chili powder is one such blend that will make your culinary life easier because it usually combines multiple spices like chili peppers, cumin, coriander, and others, resulting in a full-bodied flavor with just one shaker.
Basil
Even though it’s best buddies with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, basil is extremely versatile and you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you need an extra herby kick. If you’re feeling fancy, pick up a little basil plant to always have fresh leaves on hand.
Oregano
You’ll most likely recognize oregano’s bold flavor from sprinklings atop your cheese pizza or in your favorite Italian sauce. It’s also handy for Mediterranean cuisine, chili, or incorporated into some homemade chicken soup.
Rosemary
A cousin of mint, rosemary’s unmistakable flavor can be overwhelming, but used in the right quantities it adds extra depth to recipes. Rosemary is popularly used to accent chicken and lamb, or heartier stews and soups.
Ginger
The biting flavor of ginger can be used in sweet and savory dishes alike. It’s a good addition to a stir fry or holiday baking recipes, and it is also used to ease ailments like nausea, heartburn, and bloating. Buy it ground, or keep a root in the freezer to grate up whenever you need it.
Garlic
Okay, so garlic is technically a vegetable, though we would highly discourage snacking on cloves like baby carrots; that is unless you’re trying to keep the neighborhood vampires away. Garlic is a great base flavor for most dishes, whether you’re sautéing veggies or baking a meatloaf.
Paprika
Sprinkle this bright red powder on virtually any savory dish. Its subtle smoky flavor and bright color brightens up anything from white fish sautéed in olive oil to a flank steak simmering in butter.
Cinnamon
A dash of cinnamon brings oatmeal and baked goods from bland to cinn-a-man that’s good! Some studies have shown that it might help regulate blood sugar and reduce bad cholesterol. Coffee drinkers: sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of your grounds before you brew a pot of drip coffee, and get a completely different flavor.
Bay Leaf
Bay leaves are soup and stock essentials. Throwing a bay leaf or two into a simmering pot will broaden the flavor profile and you’ll be ditching canned options in no time.
Cumin
A spice with a versatile, pungent flavor, cumin is used in a multitude of Indian, Mexican, and North African cuisines. It’s great sprinkled on a plate of hummus and pita bread.
Happy cooking from the DCH Montclair Acura team!
The 2015 Acura TLX is an all-new model that offers something for everyone: stunning standard features (including Acura’s new Jewel Eye LED headlights), a convenient cargo area, and a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6 powertrain. One of the best examples of the versatility of the new TLX is the available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®).
Acura engineers have put hours of testing and development into making SH-AWD the ultimate option for high-performance enthusiasts. The system works to improve fuel efficiency, traction, and more while showing just how exhilarating the driver’s seat of an Acura can be. Check out a behind-the-scenes look at this feature above, and test drive the new Acura TLX at DCH Montclair Acura today.
 The decision of whether to lease or purchase your new vehicle is one of the most important choices for car-shoppers to make. There are many important differences between the two which can help you make your choice. This guide from DCH Montclair Acura highlights some of the most notable aspects.
Monthly Payments: Monthly lease payments are always lower than they would be if you purchased the vehicle. That’s because you only have to pay for the vehicle’s depreciation and additional rent charges. The depreciation estimate is based on the assumption of a certain amount of miles per year and proper maintenance of the vehicle itself.
Sales Tax: Typically, drivers who lease a vehicle will only pay sales or use tax on their monthly payments and any capitalized cost reduction. This mean less sales tax paid over a longer period. When purchasing a vehicle, sales tax is paid on the full purchase price (although the value of your trade-in is often excluded from this amount).
Who Owns the Vehicle: During a lease, the dealership maintains ownership of the vehicle. At the end of a lease, you can choose to renew your lease, purchase the vehicle, or return it to the dealership and pay any associated costs. Purchasing a vehicle means that you are the owner whenever you make your final payment.
Warranty Coverage: All vehicle warranties cover terms of 36 months or less, which means it’s likely that your full lease term will be covered. This helps ensure fixed costs of driving over that period. If you finance a vehicle, your warranty will expire after a certain period and your costs of driving will be variable.
Trading Vehicles: Drivers who lease have the option to change cars whenever their lease term is up by simply entering into a new lease. Purchasing a vehicle makes it more difficult to change vehicles frequently, since you will be paying for the full cost of the vehicle and the depreciation, including any unexpected depreciation (in a lease, the risk of unexpected depreciation is carried by the lessor).
At DCH Montclair Acura, we are proud to offer affordable lease options on almost every new model. Contact us or visit our dealership today for more information on leasing and purchasing.
Acura has begun mass-production of the new 2015 Acura TLX in its Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, with the new TLX available now at our dealership. The decision to produce the new TLX in Ohio was quite momentous as it increased the number of new Acura vehicles both sold in and made in America to 90 percent.
The 2015 TLX was designed, developed, and engineered by research and development teams in both Ohio and Los Angeles, but will be exclusively produced in the Ohio plant. It wows not only with its impressive combination of athleticism and refinement, but will draw you in with its exciting technological developments. The two available powerful, direct-injected engines – a 2.4-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 – are also both manufactured in Ohio, at the company’s nearby state-of-the-art engine plant.
Our team at DCH Montclair Acura is proud to sell vehicles made almost exclusively in America. We strive to support the American economy and are glad Acura places importance on creating jobs here in the U.S. Stop by our dealership today to test drive the new 2015 Acura TLX. If you can’t come by today, simply call or contact us online and we will be happy to answer your questions or schedule your test drive.
Image: Acura
 You can’t be sure how you will react in a car accident until you have experienced one. Even if you aren’t physically hurt, the trauma during any accident can cause shock or fuzzy thinking at a time when you need to keep your wits. Luckily, DCH Montclair Acura is here to help you prepare for if you ever find yourself in an accident. Insurance protection is vital, but it’s also important to remember these five tips:
1. Assess for accident injuries
If possible, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries and immediately call for medical assistance if necessary. Should anyone be seriously injured or unable to move, try not to move them unless there is threat of a fire or they are on the road where they could be hit by another car.
2. Safety first
For minor accidents, move both vehicles off the road for protection against moving traffic. If the damage to your vehicle is severe, keep it where it is until the police arrive. Turn on your emergency flashers to alert oncoming traffic.
3. Stay calm and ask questions
No matter who is at fault during an accident, this is not the time to freak out or become overly emotional. Remain calm and with a clear head assess what happened and be ready to ask questions.
- Know exactly where your insurance information is located and other identification you’ll need to meet your legal requirements.
- Write down the names and contact information for all witnesses.
- If you are not at fault, and the accident wasn’t serious enough to involve a police report, do not let the other driver talk you into letting them mail you a check for the damage to your car. If they claim they don’t have insurance, ask questions about their car registration, name, and contact information, and give them your insurance information. Tell them you will be contacting your own agent to report the accident.
- If possible, take a photo of both cars showing the damage and license plates.
4. Admit no fault
Answer no questions about fault with anyone except a police officer or your insurance company. Give no statements to the other driver’s insurance company or your words might be twisted and used against you. You also shouldn’t sign any legal documents from the other insurance company, especially if you feel they are pressuring you for an early settlement that you feel isn’t sufficient to cover your damage.
5. Immediately report the accident to your insurance company
This is the moment when you’ll finally understand why you pay monthly premiums for insurance protection. Carry your agent’s name and phone number in our car and make the call as soon as possible. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can help you with your claim.
Keep a folder in your car with all your insurance contact information and this tip list. This way you’ll have all the information you need to help you think more clearly if you’re stressed during an accident. If you are in need of collision repair for your Acura, contact DCH Montclair Acura today.
 The 2015 Acura MDX has earned top safety honors from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA has awarded the MDX five stars in its front and side crash tests and four stars in its rollover crash test, earning the MDX the highest five-star overall safety rating. This includes both the front-wheel drive and the all-wheel-drive versions of the MDX.
The 2014 Acura MDX was built on a new platform with a new V6 engine, and the 2015 model is a carryover from 2014. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet rated the MDX for safety, but the 2014 version was rated an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, so it is likely the 2015 MDX will receive a similar rating. Consumers can expect standard safety equipment such as electronic stability control, antilock brakes, a rearview camera and seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.
DCH Montclair Acura is pleased to offer our customers such a safe, reliable vehicle. Call, contact us online, or stop in today to take a test drive in the new 2015 Acura MDX, or let us show you one of our other reliable new Acura vehicles.
Image: Acura
 Tire health is easily overlooked until there’s an emergency, but don’t wait for a blowout to get them checked out. Tired tires result in unsafe driving conditions and limited control, and just because your tires aren’t 10 years old doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Tire health depends heavily on factors that vary greatly driver to driver, so it’s important to check your tires regularly to stay on the safe track. DCH Montclair Acura has some tips.
Healthy Tires
Tires are only as effective as their ability to grip the road, which all depends on tread. Regularly rotated tires last longer because their wear is evenly distributed. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration sets the cutoff at 2/32 inches for the minimum safe tread depth.
Check your tread depth by inserting a penny, facing you, into one of the treads, Lincoln’s head first. If all you can see is Lincoln’s forehead, your tread is at a safe level. If you can see his hair, it’s almost new tire time, and if you can see the top of his head or any space above his head, you need new tires stat!
Unhealthy Tires
If your tires display any of these symptoms, it’s time for replacement
Wear bars are visual signals built into U.S. tires that only show when your tire tread is wearing. If you can see these bars, which look like bridges across treads, that tire has reached its expiration date.
Bulging tires are also a sign of wear. If your tire looks like it’s gained a bit of weight around the middle, it may need replacing.
Visible wires on your tire are bad news. These wires come from metal belts that are meant to strengthen the tire, but are not meant to contact the road. If your tire is showing its wires, it has done its time.
Age plays a part, especially for spare tires that sit in your trunk without use. If you know you’ve had a spare for a long time, it could be worthwhile to get it checked out before a long road trip to approve it for use.
Regularly checking your tires is a small step to help avoid a big headache later on. Stop by the DCH Montclair Acura service department today for a tire tune-up, and roll out worry-free.
 At DCH Montclair Acura, we strive to bring you the highest quality at fair prices. We are excited to share that Acura has earned top honors in Edmunds.com 2014 Best Retained Value® Brand Awards, including highest projected residual value after five years.*
The sporty and stylish 2014 Acura ILX also received a Best Retained Value® Award. The ILX has had the highest projected residual value five years after launch** of any eligible luxury compact sedan according to Edmunds.com. The ILX has served as a gateway model for Acura, drawing younger customers to the brand.
In addition to awards, May proved to be a great month for both light trucks and the MDX. Acura light trucks set records and achieved the best May sales in division history. The MDX also had its best May ever and sales are up 115.6 percent for the year.
All of this success has paved the way for the launch of the all-new 2015 TLX sedan, strengthening Acura’s award-winning lineup. Our team at DCH Montclair Acura is excited for the model to arrive at our dealership later this year. Until then, check out our current inventory or feel free to contact us with any questions!
*Brand-level awards are based on a computation, for each qualifying brand, of the sales-weighted averages of: (i) the cash TMV® prices for the first five months (if available, minimum of three months) for all qualifying models of such brand, and (ii) the projected five-year depreciation for all qualifying models of such brand.
**Model-level awards are based on a computation, for each qualifying model, of: (i) the average cash TMV® price over the first five months (if available; minimum of three months) for such model, and (ii) the average projected five-year depreciation computed for each of the first twelve months after the launch of such model.
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