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Our team at Concord Honda wants you to know how to keep your car looking sharp. Learning to use the clay bar is one great way to accomplish this.

Even when kept in a garage, your car is under constant siege from airborne contaminants that try to bond with its exterior and can do serious damage if not removed. Bug residue, road chemicals, industrial waste, and brake dust are only a few of the things your car is exposed to on a daily basis. 

If you have ever seen a person on the side of the road, bent over looking at a tire, you know that feeling of dread when your own tires start to get low or even go completely flat. However, changing a flat tire is actually quite simple with the right tools. You simply need a lug wrench, jack, and spare tire. You may also want to have wheel wedges, gloves, flashlights, and a flat tire repair kit.

The wheel wedges prevent your car from slipping once you put the jack on. The jack should slip into grooves by the tire…

As a responsible vehicle owner, you should be educated about an essential component of your car, the motor oil. There are a wide variety of myths out there about oil, and it's essential to know the truth about them so that you can make more informed automotive service decisions.

Many people will tell you that if your motor oil's color is black, it should be changed immediately. This is a common myth, since a dark color can often indicate that oil is simply doing its job by absorbing dirty elements. 

The battery in your vehicle is responsible for starting the engine and powering the vehicle while it is running. This includes providing power to both the engine and electronic accessories. As so much depends on a reliable and fully charged battery, it is a good idea to test the battery if the vehicle is having problems starting, the seasons are changing or you will be taking a long drive.

You need a voltmeter and protective gloves to test the battery. First, connect the positive red voltmeter lead to the positive red battery terminal. 

When a car doesn't start or has a hard time turning over, most people automatically think it's the battery. That's not always the case. There are some indications that it's actually the starter.

One common sign of a problematic starter is the car doesn't start when the key is turned or when the ignition button is pressed. Unless the lights have been left on and the battery is totally dead, it's most likely because there is a failed circuit in the starter relay. If the circuit hasn't failed completely, there will be a…

Car owners know how important routine maintenance is to the safety and longevity of their car, but some parts like gaskets are often overlooked. Below is an explanation of what gaskets are and how to care for them: 

• Gaskets - Gaskets are one of the most important parts in your car and are responsible for creating a seal between surfaces to prevent fluids or gases from escaping or mixing. 

When you get suspension services for your vehicle, you are ensuring it provides a smoother ride. A worn suspension can create any of the driving experiences listed below:

• Fluid spilling from strut body or the shock
• After hitting a road bump, there is excessive bouncing
• Rides are shaky or harsh 

Brakes are one of the essential components of all vehicles, as they keep you and your passengers safe while in traffic. As such, they are often used more than any other component, with the exception of the steering wheel and gas pedal. It's important to keep them in good operating condition. Your brakes should undergo inspection at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles, to prevent unexpected failure.

Signs that your brakes may need service include:

• Your brake light is illuminated
• The vehicle pulls to one side when braking 

Careful preparation and planning can turn your next road trip into an enjoyable experience. Avoid the pitfalls of flat tires, running out of gas or even a costly breakdown by having your car checked by a Honda service center, like the one here at Concord Honda, shortly before your journey. The following DIY tips are also helpful to get you there efficiently and may save you money from not having to buy items along the way.

• Check tire pressure and dashboard gauges
• Inspect your wiper blades and oil 

When going out on a trip, the last thing anyone wants is to run into trouble on the road. The staff here at Concord Honda wants to ensure that you are well prepared for your road trip to avoid and unseen bumps in the road.