Just like your home, you can’t avoid maintenance if you want to keep your car looking its best. Since you spend a lot of time in your car, it makes sense to not only wash the exterior but also keep the interior tidy. At least once a year, you should give your car a thorough spring cleaning–it’s easy with these tips from DCH Montclair Acura.
Start with interior cleaning
Interior maintenance should include the following:
Remove all trash. Look under the seats and other spots where you know you’ve been throwing “stuff.”
Vacuum. Always start at the top and work your way down because gravity pulls dirt and pollen towards the floor. You’ll need hand attachments that can get into tiny spaces around the seats. Use a screwdriver or can of compressible air to dig dirt from hard to reach corners.
Wash floor mats and carpet. Take out removable floor mats and wash them with soap, rinse and dry before replacing. If the carpeting and seats are dirty, use automotive carpet/upholstery cleaner and follow directions for application. Allergy sufferers will want to remove as much pollen as possible. Perform this task on a balmy day and keep the doors open to facilitate speedy drying.
Clean the dashboard. Use a cleaner recommended for your car’s dashboard surface. Leather, plastic or other synthetics each require the appropriate cleaning method to keep them looking their best.
Wash the exterior including the tires
Take the time to spring clean your car on the outside instead of just running it through an automatic car wash. Either pick a cloudy day or perform this job in a shady spot to avoid streaking that occurs when metal and glass are heated by the sun.
Chassis underside and tires. Use a strong hose spray or a power wash attachment to get under your car and in the front and back of your tires to remove accumulated dirt and any lingering salt buildup after winter driving.
Exterior bath. Wash the outside of your car using only products designed for this purpose. Hand dry using soft, preferably natural-fiber cloths that are absorbent and that won’t scratch the paint. Wash and dry every nook and cranny including doorjambs and windows.
Wash the tires. Tires also require special cleaners to protect the outer layer of rubber. This is also a good time to check the tread thickness and inflation levels on your tires.
Wax for protection. The extra step of waxing not only gives your car a sparkling shine but also protects the finish that helps maintain resale value. Choose the type of wax that works best for you, either paste, liquid or spray. Though it’s always a good idea to experiment with any new waxing product on an inconspicuous spot first.
Other spring cleaning tips
Check the level of your window wiper fluid and the wipers for damage and/or wear and tear. Do a little spring cleaning under the hood by checking the battery terminals and removing any white build-up. All you’ll need is a damp cloth and toothbrush soaked in a little baking soda and water. (You should always wear eye protection when working inside the engine.)
Visit the DCH Montclair Acura service department to learn more about our recommended cleaning products for your vehicle. You may be surprised what’s available to help you not only to maintenance your car but to also wash it from the inside out.
Our team at DCH Montclair Acura is proud to provide customers with the highest standard of luxury every time they step through our doors. That is why we were so excited to see the Acura MDX win a Best Value Award from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance in the “Large Crossover” category of the publication’s Best New Car Values for 2014.The MDX was selected by a panel of auto experts due to its performance, safety features and value. Read on for details regarding the popular crossover.
As soon as you lay eyes on the 2014 MDX, you can tell that this stunning new sport utility vehicle boasts everything that luxury car drivers want and need. While other luxury vehicles may offer a number of bells and whistles, few have so many available at their base price. The MDX comes with a slew of standard features you have never seen before, including a Keyless Access System with Push Button Start, an 8-inch On-Demand Multi-information Display touchscreen, interior and exterior LED lighting for exquisite ambiance, an expanded view driver’s mirror and more.
Other exciting features are also available when you upgrade the MDX. These include Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, AcuraLink® Next Generation connected car services and Adaptive Cruise Control complete with Low-Speed Follow. A brand new Ultra-Wide DVD Rear Entertainment System with HDMI connectivity is also available, taking entertainment possibilities to the next level.
Under the hood the seven-passenger luxury sport utility vehicle is equipped with a direct-injection i-VTEC V6 powertrain. The MDX isn’t your typical gas-guzzler, though, as its engine utilizes advanced with fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management technology.
In a nutshell, the MDX provides drivers with the highest level of luxury with a comfortable and quiet cabin, all while providing exceptional performance behind the wheel. Top it off with a number of advanced safety features and incredible fuel economy, and you have the future of sport utility vehicles on your hands.
The Acura MDX has taken luxury where it’s never been before. Contact us today at DCH Montclair Acura to schedule your test drive in the award-winning luxury SUV today.
Most people wish they had a few extra hours in the day. Maybe you’d like to pursue a hobby, take a class, or even begin a second career. Whatever your dream, it would be nice to find a way to accomplish more after your work and family obligations have been met. Fortunately, DCH Montclair Acura has some easy ways you can work toward turning your free time into productive time.
Whether booking a business trip or a family vacation, most people enjoy finding great hotel discounts. This often means shopping around, because the exact same hotel room will be sold for many different rates. Fortunately, DCH Montclair Acura has some tips for getting the cheapest hotel rates in town.
Use online travel sites
Thrifty travelers often use online travel sites like Travelocity or Expedia to quickly compare a number of hotel rates in the same area. You may be able to score bigger discounts by booking hotel rooms, flights, and rental cars at the same time. However, before you book at any travel site, take a minute to compare the rate at the hotel’s own website. Some hotels offer their best rates through their own exclusive discounts or travel packages.
Look into the outskirts
When looking for discount lodgings, you can often save money by choosing a hotel further from your vacation or business destination. To decide if a more distant location will work for your travel plans, check to see how difficult it would be to get around the area. If there’s convenient public transit, or even a free hotel shuttle, booking a hotel on the outskirts of town might be a great way to save some money.
Sign up for memberships
Travel memberships with clubs like AAA or Student Advantage can help you qualify for discounts at many hotels around the world. You may also find savings by signing up for a membership with your favorite hotel chain. These hotel programs often let you earn points each time you book a room and then use your accumulated points to save money on future reservations.
Check for local hotels
Large chain hotels may be reassuring, but they aren’t the only game in town. If you don’t have a membership with a favorite chain, consider taking a chance on a local hotel. Many locally-owned hotels offer competitive rates and friendly service, and online reviews take a lot of the risk out of staying at these lesser-known hotels. Look for affordable rates and read the reviews to see what other guests liked—or didn’t—about the hotels.
Book fully refundable rooms
Whenever you are comparing hotels, be sure to check the rules that come with each rate. You might be able to save a few dollars by locking into a non-refundable room, but opting for a fully refundable room gives you the opportunity to cancel if you find a cheaper room closer to your travel dates. It also gives you peace of mind in case something happens and you need to cancel your trip.
This January, Acura made quite the impression at the North America International Auto Show. Alongside the 2015 Acura TLX prototype, the automaker showed off its upcoming track car, the 2015 Acura TLX GT Race Car. This new model will move Acura into the upper-most GT category in the Pirelli World Challenge Championship, and expectations are high.
“The 2015 Acura TLX is a true luxury sport sedan, so it is fitting that the car be raced against several of its natural luxury competitors in the Pirelli World Challenge,” said Art St. Cyr, President of Honda Performance Development and Vice President-Product Planning and Logistics, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Continue reading →
Are you “in the know” when it comes to driving in the snow? At DCH Montclair Acura, we know that staying safe on the roads during rough winter weather is always challenging, but false info about winter driving could be making your chilly commute even more difficult, and dangerous. Read on to make sure you’re not falling for one of these major winter driving myths!
Myth: All-Wheel Drive makes you Master of the Snow
Sorry, All-Wheel-Drivers. Even though AWD provides a greater margin of error by distributing gripping power to all four tires, that doesn’t necessarily translate into increased driving safety. It more likely causes a false sense of confidence when you assume your all-around driving capability is better than it actually is. While an AWD vehicle might offer less chance of tire slippage when power is applied, caution is still recommended on icy surfaces.
Myth: Winter Tires are Just for Ice and Snow
Aptly named “winter” tires are designed for so much more than just the extremes of the season. Even if your area doesn’t get a lot of precipitation during the colder months, these specialized tires are still a great investment. They perform better on cold pavement, sticking close to the ground more efficiently, and stay pliable even in the lowest temperatures, unlike summer or all-season tires, which harden.
Myth: All-Season Tires are Best for All Seasons
Designed for versatility, all-season tires are meant to compromise. They’re moderately effective in the summer and moderately effective in the winter. They may work for most mild winters, but if you’re looking for the highest performance you can get in the colder months, look at winter tires. As mentioned, all-season tires harden in colder temperatures and as a result simply are not as effective as their winter cousins.
Myth: Under-Inflate Tires When Things get Slippery
Don’t do this. Inflating tires lower than the manufacturer’s recommended inflation rate results in lower performance, effectiveness, and safety. Over time, under inflation damages your tires, especially when dealing with colder weather.
The best way to stay safe on the roads? Keep your distance, and be as aware as possible. Your vehicle is going to take much longer to stop on ice and snow than on pavement. For more winter-driving advice, and information about winter-driving gear, contact our service department at DCH Montclair Acura. We’ll help you conquer the cold all season long.
The all-new 2014 Acura MDX brought a whole new look and feel to the luxury sport utility vehicle line. Now the redesigned MDX has been recognized in a big way, being named the 2014 AutoGuide.com Utility Vehicle of the Year. This award comes after the MDX took the highest possible collision safety rating, TOP SAFETY PICK+, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
AutoGuide Editorial Director Colum Wood commented on the significance of the achievement: “It’s never an easy decision to give an award to a luxury car because they obviously come with top quality finishings and plenty of high-tech features, but what impressed us about the MDX is just what you get for your money.” That includes new standard features like the Keyless Access System with Push Button Start, Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, innovative Extended Slide 2nd-row seating and One-Touch Walk-In, and the 8-inch On-Demand Multi-Information Display touchscreen.
For added value, the top-trim MDX with Advance Package is a smart pick, featuring safety technology like a Lane Keeping Assist System and Adaptive Cruise Control along with convenient remote engine start and the new Ultra-Wide DVD Rear Entertainment System.
If you’re looking for a utility vehicle to start 2014 off right, visit DCH Montclair Acura to discover the award-winning Acura MDX today.
New season features comedic promo spots created by Acura
Lucky you—with one click, you can now head to http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/ and watch new episodes from Season 3 of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. To promote the new season, Acura partnered with comedian (and show star) Jerry Seinfeld and director Barry Sonnenfeld to create a series of comedic spots.
As you can see from the example above, the videos spoof the best of 1960s advertising with a campy retro style. At DCH Montclair Acura, we love Acura’s willingness to take risks and have a little fun. Check out the full series of Season 3 commercials on YouTube, and come visit our dealership to test drive the luxury brand that’s anything but ordinary.
When nature blows cold wind with snow and ice, it’s time to raise the thermostat on the inside of your home. Humidity levels drop during winter and harsh elements will rob your skin and hair of moisture. It’s easier to mimic a hibernating bear than it is to stay as active as you were during summer and fall. Change your beauty routine with these five wintertime health and beauty secrets from DCH Montclair Acura.
Moisturize more often
It doesn’t take long for your skin to turn dry and flaky during the wintertime. From your face down to your feet, your skin needs quality moisturizing using products with natural ingredients that are absorbed into your skin. Avoid petroleum jelly based products that only coat your skin (especially on your lips), and harsh cleansers with alcohol that deplete your skin of its natural oils. Always apply moisturizer right after you come out of the bath or shower and on your hands after you wash them.
Exfoliate your skin
In order for moisturizers to work properly on your skin, you have to exfoliate dead skin cells that form on the surface. If you don’t remove them, thick, dry skin can form that makes it difficult for your skin to absorb any moisturizing products. Slough off you dry skin layers using gentle, non-irritation exfoliants specifically formulated for your face, body, and feet.
Pamper your hair
Wintertime arrives with weather-induced hair problems in need of emergency treatment such as breakage, dry scalp, dullness, and hair static issues. If you use a clear shampoo, switch to using a creamy product during winter because they are less harsh than clear shampoos and help prevent static. Follow with a hydrating conditioner for your hair type. Another wintertime beauty tip is to use a tourmaline or ionic hair dryer, because they don’t suck moisture out of your hair like regular dryers that tend to cause more hair static.
Exercise over winter
When the weather is mild, outdoor exercise is easier unless you enjoy winter snow sports. Exercising in the cold has a surprise benefit—you burn more calories and use more energy that helps you sleep better at night. No suggestions for wintertime beauty secrets would be complete without reminding you that no one looks attractive when they’re sick. Follow a regular winter exercise routine as one of the best ways to keep your immunity system strong to fight off illness.
Dress wisely
It’s easy to run out the door without winter gloves. The next time this happens and you lay your hands on a cold steering wheel, remember that you’re putting stress on your skin that can cause premature aging. Showing off your décolletage makes a fashion statement, but when you unnecessarily expose your skin to winter elements, you’re risking overexposure that can cause dry skin. When possible, cover your hair and ears with a hat, keep your chest covered with a scarf, and avoid getting wet.
If you follow this list of five wintertime beauty secrets, your skin and hair will glow and your body will stay healthy. Of course, a little pampering never hurts, either. Visit DCH Montclair Acura for a truly luxurious car-buying experience that will get your year started right.
Recently earning awards in the Youthful and Cosmopolitan categories in the 2013 Motorists Choice Awards, the Acura ILX has earned a reputation for offering a fully-realized luxury driving experience on the road. Earlier this month, the ILX showed what a force to be reckoned with it is in competition as well. The Team Honda Research West Acura ILX took the E1 class victory in the 11th running of the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. In total, THRW and Fantasy Junction took three of the top four finishing positions in the class—truly a great way to end the year for Acura motorsports.
The competition took drivers around the 2.58-mile, 15-turn Thunderhill circuit over 25 hours of racing. The Acura ILX and starting driver Scott Nicol took an early lead, and co-drivers Sage Marie, Lee Niffenegger and Matt Staal grew the advantage throughout the race.
The THRW team is made up mainly of associates from the Honda R&D Americas, Inc. Torrance center. The team has been racing since 1996 and has claimed over 60 race victories in numerous classes.
Even if you’re not heading to the track, the ILX could be just what you’re looking for. The 2014 Acura ILX is in stock now at DCH Montclair Acura.
Our team at 
Most people wish they had a few extra hours in the day. Maybe you’d like to pursue a hobby, take a class, or even begin a second career. Whatever your dream, it would be nice to find a way to accomplish more after your work and family obligations have been met. Fortunately, 
Whether booking a business trip or a family vacation, most people enjoy finding great hotel discounts. This often means shopping around, because the exact same hotel room will be sold for many different rates. Fortunately, 
This January, Acura made quite the impression at the North America International Auto Show. Alongside the 2015 Acura TLX prototype, the automaker showed off its upcoming track car, the 
Are you “in the know” when it comes to driving in the snow? At 
The 
When nature blows cold wind with snow and ice, it’s time to raise the thermostat on the inside of your home. Humidity levels drop during winter and harsh elements will rob your skin and hair of moisture. It’s easier to mimic a hibernating bear than it is to stay as active as you were during summer and fall. Change your beauty routine with these five wintertime health and beauty secrets from 
Recently earning awards in the Youthful and Cosmopolitan categories in the 2013 Motorists Choice Awards, the Acura ILX has earned a reputation for offering a fully-realized luxury driving experience on the road. Earlier this month, the ILX showed what a force to be reckoned with it is in competition as well. The 