Honda officially starts '14 Accord Plug-in Sales in New York, California

Trying to make up some of the ground it lost to competitors in the advanced-powertrain field last year, Honda has officially started sales of its 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

The 2014 Accord PHEV is now available at some California and New York dealerships. The car, whose specs were announced in November, has a base price of $39,780 and can be leased for as low as $429 a month. Most notably, the model has a 115 mile per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating, beating out the 98 MPGe rating for the Chevrolet Volt and the 95 MPGe rating for the Toyota Prius Plug-in. The model will also be the first gasoline-powered vehicle to get the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle 20 (SULEV 20) rating, meaning that the car emits no more than 20 milligrams of emissions per mile.

Source: Autoblog

Car Tip of the Week: Preserve your car during long-term storage

If you are not going to use your car for more than a month, store it properly to prevent unnecessary damage and repairs upon your return.

• Fill the gas tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car around a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts.
• Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish.
• Place a vapor barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do.
• Disengage the parking brake to help avoid brake corrosion.
• Put the car on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires.
• Disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining. Place the battery on a trickletype charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger.
• Plug the tailpipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it.

Source: Reader’s Digest

Honda's all-new 2013 Civic Hybrid comes equipped with all the tools needed to put the driver in total control and stay connected on the go.

Driving Tip of the Week: Go easy if you find yourself stuck

When stuck in mud or snow, don’t make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine. But if it looks as though you’re really stuck, don’t keep at it. Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road. It’s a good idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or cat litter.

Source: Reader’s Digest

85 Honda Mfg. of Alabama (HMA) associates volunteered their own time on MLK Jr. Day to follow in his path and make a difference.

Alright fans, let's see who takes the cake on this one! What is the longest road trip you've ever taken and where were you traveling to and from?

The standard features of the 2013 Honda Civic Sedan LX are not only high-tech and stylish, they're also unmatched by any in its class.

Today's Monday Maintenance Tip will help you with one of the most important ways you can save money and increase safety on the road.

Monday Maintenance Tip: Rotating Your Tires

What is this?

We know that all tires rotate. But we're talking about another kind of rotation -- rotating tires to different corners of the car and maybe even reversing the direction in which they turn.

Many tires are rotated front-to-back and side-to-side, but some tires are directional, which means they're only supposed to turn in one direction. They have to stay on the same side of the car. Directional tires often have arrows on the tire's sidewall to show you the direction in which they should turn.

If you're not sure which kind of tires you have, check with your mechanic.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

You should do this service only if you can do it for $20 or less, in our opinion.

The financial benefit of rotating tires is that you'll increase the useful life of the tire. But if you pay more than about $20, you'll probably wipe out any savings you might have gained.

Instead, ask your mechanic to rotate your tires when they're already off your car for another service, such as a brake repair. That way, you won't have to pay extra -- unless your mechanic is a jerk.

Why do I have to do this?

You don't have to rotate your tires. But by rotating them, you will increase your tires' life because they'll wear more evenly.

What happens if I don't do this?

Nothing bad will happen, but you'll get fewer miles out of your tires.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

No.

Car Talk Tip: Don't forget Newton's Seventh Law: Tires in balance tend to stay in balance. If you're having your tires rotated, don't pay extra to have them rebalanced. You probably won't need it. Have your tires rebalanced only if you feel a shimmy or vibration.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Could we possibly be seeing the return of the S2000? Find out about Honda's announcement at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon!

Honda's slate for Tokyo Auto Salon includes S2000 revival, many Mugens

Honda has pulled back the covers on what we can expect to see at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, including what looks to be an S2000 refresh some four years after the convertible left production. The S2000 Modulo Climax is an "exhibition model" based on the old roadster, but features updated front and rear fascias as well as an interior trimmed out in black and burgundy. Beyond that, details are scarce as hen's teeth.

Honda will also show off a number of vehicles based on the N-One mini, including the N-One Modulo Style, Mugen Racing N-One Concept and an N-One worked up by the Japan Nailist Association. That last creation features plenty of rhinestone decoration. (We wish we were joking.) Mugen will also display a tarted-up CR-V Design Study as well as the CR-Z Mugen RZ: a 300-unit specialty vehicle.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer's motorcycle arm will show off the Goldwing F6B, previously seen at EICMA 2012 as well as the CB1300 Super Four Special Edition and the NC700X. The automaker will also pepper its stand with a few of its racing machines for the public to enjoy.

Source: Autoblog.com

How would you like a chance to take Honda's all-new CR-V on a road trip visiting all 50 states?

More great reviews for the Russell & Smith Honda team on Google+ Local!! Check them out!

"I have purchased many cars over the past 43 years, and I must say that this was my most pleasant car purchase experience to date..." - Jacob T.

Check out these awesome reviews of Russell & Smith Honda posted on DealerRater!!

"...They made sure all my concerns were addressed. I would definitely recommend this dealer to everyone. Thank you." - Ragoli