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Informed drivers are also usually the safest drivers on the road. That is why we here at Honda of Ames want to be sure that you are aware that all 50 states have move over laws which require specific things from drivers when they come across emergency vehicles.

First, its is always required that you pull into the other lane if there are multiple lanes to ensure that the emergency vehicle is given plenty of room to do their jobs. Additionally, many states also require that you slow down when passing emergency vehicles that have their lights on. This ensures…

At Honda of Ames, we want to make sure you’re safe on the road. If you get a flat tire, knowing how to get the spare on will make it easier to continue down the road. There are a few tips that can help you out.

First, gather all of the supplies that you need. This includes the spare tire, a car jack, a lug wrench, and a flashlight. You also want to make sure that you pull off to the side of the road or in a parking lot so that you can safely change the tire.

You…

Here at Honda of Ames, we believe in helping our customers and other drivers remain safe during winter months. One way to maximize safety during winter driving is to use the proper types of tires. Among the list of appropriate tires for winter driving conditions include studless and studded winter tires.

For conditions that present serious road icing, studded tires may be the way to go for many drivers. Studded tires offer special openings that provide access for hardened metal studs. These studs can dig into hard ice and provide traction even in extreme conditions.

 

In Ames, safe winter driving habits are essential. At Honda of Ames we like to help our community prepare for winter driving by offering tips for an emergency kit. Emergency preparedness is a great way to make sure that you are ready for most things that can happen while driving in bad weather.

Your kit should include a cell phone charger to stay connected. Blankets, clothing, work gloves, and boots should be in your vehicle for each passenger and yourself. Food and water are critical for survival if you are stranded.

A first aid kit is helpful if someone has…

You've parked your vehicle for several hours in front of your home and when you drive away, you suddenly notice that some sort of fluid is puddled underneath it. Usually, that means your vehicle has a leak somewhere in one of its systems that uses hoses. Here's how to determine what is wrong.

Fluids that can commonly leak from your vehicle include:

• Water
• Motor oil
• Transmission fluid
• Differential fluid
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid

Water coming from your vehicle is nothing to worry about as it comes...

 

With so many important components making our vehicles run, we tend to forget the important role tires play in keeping our vehicle safely on the road. It’s not just enough to buy new tires and assume they’ll last the life of the tire’s warranty. At Honda of Ames, we can offer some helpful tips on how to get the most life out of your tires, which will provide with the best possible ride.

Tire tread and tire pressure are equally important for good tire maintenance. Most new vehicles have a tire monitoring system that alerts you if…

Have you heard of motor oil viscosity ratings but are unsure of what they mean? If so, we can help. At Honda of Ames, we strive to keep you informed about how your vehicle functions, which is why we invite you to read our summary below that explains motor oil viscosity ratings.

The viscosity rating is how well the motor oil can resist flow. For instance, a motor oil with a high viscosity rating is much thicker than a motor oil with a low viscosity rating. The number and W on the bottle is how you determine its viscosity 

Automobiles come with a spare tire. Today, many cars have a compact tire or “donut’’ spare. The difference is important. Full-sized spares look like the regular tires and operate at normal speeds. Temporary spares are smaller than regular tires and usually have limits for speed and distance.

Ames-area drivers know the importance of a good spare tire. When using a donut or temporary spare, the size and capacity is different from a regular tire and requires extra care. Drivers must watch their speeds and not use the tire longer than needed to carry out a repair or full-sized replacement.
 

 

In about the same time as it takes to finish a TV show, you can give your car a new look. Removing a badge from your car helps it stand out from the crowd and leaves people guessing as to what type of car you have.

The first step is to determine whether the badge is attached with clips or adhesive. If it uses clips, you should be able to simply pop the badge off and cover the holes and then repaint the area. If the car uses adhesive to hold the badge, then you likely won't have to…

If you hear a high-pitched squealing whenever you start your vehicle, you may be having issues with your timing belt. This component plays an important role in how your engine operates. It's important to maintain the timing belt and get it replaced regularly to avoid costly damage.

The timing belt synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft. These two parts work to operate the engine's valves and to move its pistons. When your timing belt becomes damaged, it can snap off. This renders your engine ineffective. Your engine can suddenly stop, even if you're on the road.