Tips & Techniques: Tires - Limited Life!

We all know that food products such as meat, milk, bread and other items found in your local supermarket have a limited useful life. These products typically have a 'Sell By" date on their packaging so we can ensure the product's remaining useful shelf life is adequate to meet your requirements.

You may not be aware that the tires that you purchase for your vehicles also have a limited useful life. According to sources such as SaferCar.gov, "some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use. In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires. "

According to TireLitigation.com, "Many U.S. and foreign tire companies are now warning consumers in Europe and Asia to discard even new appearing tires that are five or six years from the date of manufacture. This is because the rubber and other components in tires break down over time, making older tires potentially dangerous even if they look brand new. Although manufacturers do not give similar warnings in the United States, this is likely to change as lawmakers and watchdog groups including trial lawyers put additional pressure on tire companies to follow the same safety guidelines that are applied overseas."

So how do you determine the age of your vehicles' tires? When scheduling your next service appointment at Bernardi Honda, ask to have the age of your tires checked at no cost. Don't forget to have your spare tire checked. Even if never used, it may be dangerous to use! Bring a copy of this page with you and receive a 10% discount on purchased tires (Code I-T).

If you want to check your tires, you need only look at the "Department of Transportation (DOT) code" that the federal government requires to be on all tires that are sold in the U.S. The DOT code is found on the axle side of your tires, as is illustrated below.

The DOT code on tires manufactured latter than 1999 has the format DOTPPxxxxxWWYY - such as DOTMBL9ABC0301 as in the illustration.

• PP represents the plant where the tire was manufactured - in the case of the example it is "MB" which, according to Tire Litigation's table represents The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Martha Ave., Plant No. 2 Akron, OH 44316
• WW represents the week in which the tire was manufactured. In this case, week number "03".
• YY represents the year in which the tire was manufactured. In this case, year "01" or week 3 of 2001.
  
  Tires manufactured before 2000 have a similar coding system but the year is a single digit and there is a small triangle following the DOT code.
  
  
  
  
  
  Tire image: http://www.1010tires.com

Bernardi Honda needs your car!

The impact of the "Cash For Clunkers" program is still being felt. Our inventory of good pre-owned vehicles is lower than it ought to be. To remedy this, Bernardi Honda has launched its unique "Buyback" and "Lease Bounty" programs. These programs offer innovative incentives to you so that you consider Bernardi Honda when faced with the need to release one of your vehicles.

Buyback Program
Bernardi Honda will pay you 110% of fair market value for your pre-owned car, minivan, or SUV if it has less than 60,000 miles and has a clean CarFax. No purchase is necessary to become eligible for this generous program. If our pre-owned sales manager can use your vehicle, we will purchase it! Don't wait - visit today before this generous program expires.

Lease Bounty Program
Regardless of where you leased your Honda, if you return it to Bernardi Honda at the end of its lease we will pay you $250! No purchase is necessary. The only conditions are that it must have less than 50,000 miles and have a clean CarFax!

For more information on these unique programs, please contact Tim McGilvray or Seth Marshall at 508 651-3033 - or stop by our showroom at 960 Worcester Road in Natick - just east of the Natick Collection on route 9.

2010 Accord Crosstour - arriving Nov 20

The all-new 2010 Accord Crosstour is almost here. You can find more information about the features and pricing of Honda's new crossover vehicle on the recently updated BernardiHonda.com web site.

Combining a sleek exterior with a versatile interior, the Crosstour offers a fresh take on utility. Highlights include an easy fold-down 60/40 rear seatback and a hidden, removable utility box. Plus, the Crosstour features the latest in Honda technology, like available Bluetooth® connectivity and an available navigation system that includes a rearview camera with guideline display.

BernardiHonda.com will offer the all new Honda Accord Crosstour for sale on November 20. BernardiParts.com will also offer a complete line of parts and accessories for the Honda Crosstour at that time. BernardiServiceContracts.com will offer complete information on service contracts for the new Honda crossover vehicle as well.

Modern Styling
A streamlined tailgate and sleek lines tell you that this is a whole new kind of Accord.
* Bold, Sporty Design
* Sleek, aerodynamic shape
* Attention-grabbing presence
* 18-Inch alloy wheels (EX-L)

Big Where It Counts.
Born from the Accord, the Accord Crosstour is wider, longer and taller. From big 18-inch alloy wheels (EX-L) to the bold front grille, it makes a statement. Distinctive Textured rocker panels and exclusive badging set the Crosstour apart.

Passenger Comfort
The Accord Crosstour offers the driver an elevated seating position for a commanding view of the road ahead. And comfortable seating ensures that up to five passengers can enjoy the ride.

Climate Control
A sophisticated dual-zone climate control system allows both the driver and the front passenger to choose their own temperature. Or, if preferred, a single temperature can be selected for the entire cabin.

Good on Gadgetry
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™
The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition provides a huge point-of-interest database, including restaurant ratings and reviews from Zagat Survey®. Shift into reverse, and the rearview camera with guidelines can help you maneuver into position.

Hands-Free Calling (EX-L)
With Bluetooth®HandsFreeLink®, you can make or receive calls with your compatible cell phone while keeping your hands on the wheel.

Change It Up
Easy fold-down 60/40 split rear seatback quickly accommodates your need for more seating or cargo space. Simply use the levers in the cargo area to create the configuration that works best.
* Big on Utility
* 51.3 cu ft of cargo space
* Easy fold-down 60/40 split rear seatback
* Hidden, removable utility box

Performance to Match Its Size
Available Real Time™ 4-Wheel Drive
V-6 ExhilarationA 271-hp 3.5-liter V-6 utilizes i-VTEC® for abundant power and efficiency at all engine speeds, while the latest generation of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) activates the engine’s cylinders as needed, providing both brisk acceleration and fuel savings.

A Good Grip
You will welcome the added confidence of available 4WD when taking your Crosstour through snowy, wet or other tricky terrain.

Enhanced Handling
The Accord Crosstour’s innovative shifting feature knows when you’re taking a curve, and will hold your gear so you can accelerate through the turn without an unwanted upshift or downshift.