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.

Deduct Taxes on New Car Purchases

Deduct Taxes on New Car Purchases Made in 2009

Thinking about a new car? 2009 is the year to buy. You may be entitled to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase on your 2009 tax return.

The special deduction is available regardless of whether you itemize deductions. Under current law, purchasers can claim this special deduction only on their 2009 tax returns -- not on 2008 or earlier tax returns, and not on returns after the 2009 return... So what are you waiting for?

The deduction is

• Limited to state and local sales and excise taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, truck, minivan, and SUV


• Phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between
  
• $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers


• $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

Need more informaton? Contact our sales team at 800-254-0013 and read the IRS bulletin below.

---

IR-2009-60, June 10, 2009

Text Source: IRS.GOV
Audio Source: ENG SPA

WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department today announced that a tax break for the purchase of new motor vehicles is available in states that do not have a state sales tax. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, taxpayers who buy a new motor vehicle this year are entitled to deduct state or local sales or excise taxes paid on the purchase.

The IRS and Treasury have determined that purchases made in states without a sales tax — such as Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon — can also qualify for the deduction.

The IRS said today that taxpayers who purchase a new motor vehicle in states that do not have state sales taxes are entitled to deduct other fees or taxes imposed by the state or local government. The fees or taxes that qualify must be assessed on the purchase of the vehicle and must be based on the vehicle’s sales price or as a per unit fee. According to the IRS, Congress intended for these fees or taxes to qualify for this special tax deduction.

“This special tax break is available for people purchasing a new car this year, and that can include people in states without a sales tax,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This means that more people can take advantage of this deduction when they file their tax returns next year.”

To qualify for this deduction, the vehicle must be purchased after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010. Taxpayers can claim this special deduction only on their 2009 tax returns to be filed next year.

The deduction is limited to the fees or taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle.

The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

The special deduction is available regardless of whether taxpayers itemize deductions on their returns. Taxpayers who do not itemize will add this additional amount to the standard deduction on their 2009 tax return. The IRS reminded taxpayers the deduction may not be taken on 2008 returns.

Bernardi Warranty Closing on Oct 29th

Honda has told all of its Honda and Acura dealers that they must cease selling Honda Care and Acura Care through their web sites by November 2, 2009.

At the close of business on Thursday October 29th, Bernardi Honda will, therefore, cease selling Honda Care and Acura Care Service Contracts through its www.BernardiWarranty.com web site. Bernardi will continue to sell Honda Care and Acura Care over the telephone and in its dealerships.

To receive information about Honda Care and Acura Care Service Contracts, please call Juliana, our Service Contract expert, at 800-455-5905.

Honda Care and Acura Care Service Contracts are unique in that they are honored nationwide by ALL certified American Honda dealers and can be transferred once.

Honda CR-Z - the Next Hybrid from Honda

Honda made news at the at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show by providing a glimpse of its new CR-Z - a futuristic looking Hybrid coupe that will be sold in the second half of 2010. According to Honda, the new CR-Z will be displayed in production form at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January 2010. The 2-seat CR-Z offers driving enjoyment and the latest in Honda hybrid technology. As striking as the car's sleek lines are, it's the environmental performance of Honda's latest hybrid technology that sets it apart. It is also reported the 2-seater will offer new levels of driver engagement and an advanced interior.

Once the new Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe is available,

• BernardiHonda.com will offer a full line of the Honda CR-Z Hybrid coupe trim levels
• BernardiParts.com will offer all available Honda OEM parts and accessories for the Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe
• BernardiServiceContracts.com will offer informaton about authentic Honda service contracts for the Honda CR-Z which are honored by American Honda dealers nation wide

Keep watching Bernardi's blog for more information about the all new 2010 CR-Z Hybrid Coupe!

Women’s Car Buying Seminar - Nov 9th

An informational program on vehicle purchase and ownership will be hosted by women for women at the Bernardi Honda dealership in Natick, Massachusetts on Monday evening, November 9th from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. It will be moderated by Kristin Cullinane, an automotive professional whose background includes vehicle maintenance and customer service expertise. Kristin will be joined by a number of other women who will share their knowledge of the selection, negotiation, financing and maintenance of a vehicle.

• Paula Fleming, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), will discuss consumer rights and what everyone needs to know when buying or leasing a car. She will coach attendees on techniques for identifying auto dealerships that have excellent customer service reputations – as well as those that lack such a reputation.
  
• Because sorting through the numerous options for financing or leasing a vehicle can be challenging, auto finance expert Karen Fisher will discuss credit scores and their impact on finance rates, how to evaluate the lease vs. buy option, and other important considerations in negotiating your vehicle purchase or lease.
  
• Christine Kristoff-Cote, an Automotive Service professional with over 20 years of experience, will give advice on routine and special maintenance programs offered by your dealership to keep your vehicle in top operating condition.
  

Attendees will be provided with a complimentary light dinner buffet along with a discount coupon for the purchase of a new or used car or truck at any of the Bernardi Auto Group dealerships. There will also be a drawing for valuable gifts.

Bernardi will make a donation to the American Cancer Society for the benefit of breast cancer research on behalf of attendee.

To make a reservation for this free seminar, please contact:
Sallie Longeri
774 290-1411
Sallie.Longeri@BernardiAutoGroup.com.

Bernardi Honda ● 960 Worcester Street (Route 9 East) ● Natick, MA 01760

Bernardi Honda $1,000 Trade Coupon

As the second largst Honda Dealer in the area, Bernardi Honda has a huge inventory of new 2009 and 2010 Honda vehicles. Bernardi must immediately sell its remaining 2009 vehicles to make space for the 2010 vehicles that are arriving daily.

Bernardi's problem is your good fortune. Until October 30, Bernardi Honda is offering a $1,000 Trade Coupon. With the coupon, Bernardi Honda will add $1,000 to the value of your vehicle when it is traded toward a new 2009 Honda car, truck, van, or SUV.

Don't miss this opportunity to purchase a band new Honda at 2009 prices and receive $1,000 added to the value of your trade!

Bernardi Honda Service Coupons

Bernardi Honda has just launched its Road Test Plus service. Unique in this area, the Bernardi Honda program offers a no-charge one-on-one session with one of our six ASE Certified Honda Master Techs where you can have them experience that elusive squeak, rattle, drivability problem that no other service organization has been able to fix. Or, receive tips on the proper use of a complex vehicle system such as Navigation, traction control, or DVD. This service is available M-F 7:30am - 4:00pm. No appointment is necessary! Call 800-790-9906 to learn more about Bernardi's ROAD TEST PLUS Program.

To assist our valued clients as the economy slowly recovers, we are offering an unprecenedanted number of coupons for FREE and DISCOUNTED services. The coupons change frequently so visit http://www.bernardihonda.com/MiscPage_58 to print those that are currently available. At the time of this wriitng, the available coupons inluded:

• FREE Drive-in Services Coupon
• FREE Vehicle Rental Coupon
• FREE Road Test Plus Coupon
• FREE Battery Test Coupon
• FREE Brake Inspection Coupon
• FREE Engine Light Coupon
• FREE Tire Inspection Coupon
• Oil Change Coupon - save $10
• Minor Service Coupon - save $15
• Intermediate Service Coupon - save $20
• Major Service Coupon - save $30
• Timing Belt Coupon - Save $99
• 4 Wheel Alignment Coupon - Save $20
• Repairs Coupon - Save $150
• Winter Tires Coupon - Save 10%

Bernardi Honda is conveniently located on at 960 Worcester Road on Route 9 West in Natick, just down the road from the Natick Collection. You can schedule a service appointment or discuss a problem with one of the service advisors by calling 800-790-9906.

Accord Wins Edmunds' Inside Line 2009 Readers' Most Wanted Vehicle Award

Thousands voted. The ballots were counted. And in the end, the Honda Accord was honored with an Edmunds' Inside Line 2009 Readers' Most Wanted Vehicle Award. The Accord was singled out as the most wanted vehicle in the "Family Under $30,000" category. And although the Accord is a stylish, luxurious and technologically advanced marvel, one reader had a purely practical reason for casting his vote: "Best value for the money..." Other comments included:

• Still strikes the best balance between drivability, utility and livability. It even has some style to it.


• Best value for the money and it comes with bulletproof reliability.


• Benchmark.


• It'll last forever.


• The Accord with the four-banger has the best value: decent performance, big enough for a full family, amazing resale and reliability, and you can drive it forever.


• Plenty of room, reasonable performance, comfort, excellent reliability and reasonable mileage.


• Because it's a standard of quality and reliability and that's what a family car should be.


• As a previous Accord owner I can say that Honda makes just about the best family sedan out there.


• Best family sedan on the planet.


• Huge car, huge dependability, good price, reasonable cost of ownership.

Bernardi Honda, convenienlty located in Natick, MA on Route 9 E, has one of the largest inventories of Accords on the East Coast. Visit us today for a positive and informative car buying experience.