Thursday, February 13, 2014

What Not To Do at a Stoplight


What Not To Do at a Stoplight



Remember the days when you stopped at a traffic light, not a care in the world, before we all felt the need to be doing multiple things during every moment?  These days, we’re all guilty of trying squeeze in every little thing at a stoplight. The truth is, it may not be saving us time. A lot of people are focused on anything but the road. When you become so engrossed in something else that you forget to be aware of your surroundings it can cause time loss, create traffic problems and jeopardize safety. 

Whatever is distracting you can’t be that important that you forget you’re behind the wheel. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility to yourself and to others around you.  There’s a lot of precious cargo travelling around daily.

Being alert to where you are in line and the traffic patterns is helpful. Don’t be the person everyone’s honking at because the green arrow expired while you completed that Facebook status update. So when you’re in a hurry and you’re behind “that person” and the tables are turned, remember to set an example by changing your behavior and not be mad. People are more likely to mimic what they see rather than what their told.

Some of the examples that follow are more common and familiar offenders while some are plain ridiculous. You know who you are. There are usual suspects like texting, posting, playing video games and tearing the car apart in search of something that fell between the seats. Then there are those who change clothes, get out and rifle through the trunk, put on make up, dry shave, give over zealous affection, read, watch a movie on an overhead DVD player, cut their toe nails, paint their toes or try to figure out directions. What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen?

It’s ok to do certain things at a red light so long as you’re not oblivious to everything else around you. So if you must do it, glance up and around you frequently so you’re ready when the light changes. Kind of like checking your rear view mirror when you’re driving. It will eventually become a good habit.

If something is really so important that it’s distracting you from driving, it’s probably in everyone’s best interest that you pull over and resolve the issue before continuing on. A little preparation before departing can alleviate much of the strange behavior we observe at traffic lights.

People tend to think things won’t happen to him or her.  Until it does.  That’s when the resolution is made NOT to do whatever caused a problem again. Don’t let it happen at all. Let’s all try to be more courteous and aware on the road. Together we can improve our environment and interactions while arriving safely and happily at each destination.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Bernardi Honda Natick Supports The Center for Arts in Natick




Bernardi Auto Group is a proud sponsor of many civic, youth, education, cultural and athletic organizations in the communities it serves.  We have a long and proud heritage of giving back to the residents of Greater Boston, MetroWest and MetroSouth areas through our support of these groups that are the heart and character of the region.

The Boston Globe recently announced its new GRANT (Globe Readers and Non-Profits Together) partnership (https://services.bostonglobe.com/grant/default.aspx)  through which print and electronic subscribers can vote for the non-profit organizations of their choice to receive complimentary advertising in the Globe and on Boston.com.  As few as 150 votes will earn a quarter page ad; the more votes earned by a non-profit, the more ad space!  This free advertising will allow these important groups to spread their word without dipping into precious operating dollars and help support and expand their mission. 

We know that many of our clients and visitors to our website read the Globe in print version or online.  When you receive your gift check, simply name the organization of your choice and return the check to the Globe.  A great way to support a worthy cause!

Like you, Bernardi Auto Group has a special relationship with certain charitable organizations, and we probably share the support of several groups in common.  We encourage Globe readers to vote for their preferred charity; here is our list.  Please consider this organization as recipient of your GRANT gift check.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The Rise of Electrical and Green Vehicles. What do you think?



It was prophesied by cartoons and books that in the 21 century we would now be living in a world where flying cars existed. Technology however has not caught up as quickly as believed, but significant developments have been made in the green and electrical vehicle production. The majority of the vehicles that are out on the roads are gas-powered engines. Electrical vehicles are now beginning to become more popular with many different companies. With the rise of gas prices continuously over the years the introduction of green vehicles have become more popular among consumers. The question to ask now is how successful will these electrical vehicles be in the coming years?  
From standard companies to luxury vehicles, more companies are seeing the potential and growth that can come from the development of this new market. From a business standpoint, companies are noticing the power of the green effect and how many consumers are looking for a way to cut costs in their spending. The big picture to look at is how long will it take for consumers to see the potential of these vehicles. What do you think about electrical and green vehicles and do you believe it has the potential to change the automotive industry?

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Holiday Driving Tips


“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Right? Right?  Um…hello?  Ok, so maybe once the gifts are wrapped, the food is prepared and Santa has left an abundance of presents and cookie crumbs, then you can take a breather and enjoy the holiday cheer.  These next couple weeks will be hectic, we know.  It’s a great time of the year, but the stress that goes into it can be overwhelming.  There’s hope, however.  In today’s blog, we’re providing some quick tips for navigating your holiday season safely. 

1.)   If you’re going on a road trip, please make sure your car is serviced properly.  Come into our dealership anytime for oil, brake fluid and tire condition checks.
2.)   SLEEP WELL.  Get a good night’s sleep before you venture into the world.
3.)   Plan your route; this will help you in the long run.  Unsafe detours can be dangerous and expensive.
4.)   Bring a paper map.  GPS is the wave of the future, but a paper map can act as backup if you’re GPS malfunctions.
5.)   Buy snacks and drinks before you leave, because stocking up at gas stations can be costly.
6.)   Tell at least 1 family member where you’re headed.  So, if something happens, you have a reliable person to get the message out.
7.)   DO NOT announce on social media that you’re leaving for vacation.  Secure your home and leave at least one light on.  This will detract burglars from your home.
8.)   Leave early.  If the common rush hour time is 9:30, leave a couple hours early to compensate for time.

Do you have any tips to add?  Feel free!  Have a safe drive and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

How Servicing Your Car Can Extend its Life (Even Further!)


 
As a car buyer, you’ve experienced the uneasy feeling of maintaining your vehicle.  In most recent years, advances in technology have lessened visits to the service department, but routine service should still not be missed.  Our dealership is a safe haven for your car, catering to its specific needs, like a preventative care center.  One of the main questions you ask when purchasing a new or used vehicle is: How reliable it is? In today’s blog, we provide some tips to maintaining your vehicle and how to extend the already long life of your vehicle.

1.    Read the vehicle manual and schedule maintenance appointments - Keeping up with your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance is key to avoiding costly problems to the cooling system, drivetrain, suspension etc…

2.    Call your dealership and ask questions – We’re here to help.  If you have any service questions feel free to call us with your questions. 

3.    Have your dealership check fluids – Always come in and ask us check the level of antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid regularly. 

4.    Change oil regularly – By changing your oil when your dealership requests it, you can protect your engine.  Every car is different, so call us to get the exact information for your specific vehicle make and model.

5.    Request a fluid flush every two years – By flushing the power steering, brake, and cooling system fluid when it is pertinent, you can cleanse your car’s liquids in one fell swoop.  However, if you have gone more than 50k miles without a change, on many transmissions, it is not the greatest idea to do so.  It can cause breakdown varnish and other solids that have built up in the transmission over time.

6.    Have the tires rotated – Having your tires rotated at your nearest dealership should be second nature.  By doing so, you can avoid uneven wear and tear on the tread, extending the life of your tires.

These are just a few tips to help you maintain your vehicle in your daily commute, feel free to add your comments below!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

A New App Compares the Cost of Driving to Flying



Our main focus is to provide a stellar vehicle at a great cost. Our goal of achieving that begins with making you feel comfortable purchasing a vehicle. This also carries into our way of life at the dealership. We enjoy saving you money and in today’s blog we’re providing some pretty cool technology that can help you save.

If you’re looking to take a trip, but you’re not sure if it would be more affordable to drive or to fly, you’re in luck!. A new iPhone app called Cost2Drive lets you estimate your driving costs based on real-time gas prices, while weighing those expenses against the price of going by plane. The airline information uses Kayak.com, a company that aggregates the best pricing for countless airlines.

After downloading the app for $1.99 (we usually promote free apps, but we thought this was cool!) Just tap “add a new vehicle”. After typing in your vehicle information, you’ll add in the info for the start and endpoint of your trip.

According to Edmunds: “Next, a Results screen displays the one-way driving
costs, as well as miles and time to a destination. It also shows the lowest available one-way airfare on an orange bar below. If you're driving solo and the airfare sounds like a good deal, you can tap on the orange bar to book a flight through Kayak.com”

However, if you’re traveling with co-workers or friends and it seems to be too much for multiple people, tapping “get trip details” directs you to the website to be on your way. On the web, you’ll see a map detailing your trip with directions via MapQuest.

This app is a great addition for the avid traveler, check it out here: http://www.costtodrive.com/

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Have Road Rage? Find Out in Our Quiz



When I was a young boy, I remembered a phrase my mother used to tell me on occasion.  She would begin to speak loudly, pause to look at me and say “earmuffs”.  At that moment, I would press my hands over my ears, drowning out the onslaught of curse words that proceeded to leave her mouth.  The more the vein pulsed on her neck, the more feverishly she would curse. This happened most often in the car when one of two occasions occurred: One, she was cut off by another driver, or two someone did something completely reckless, putting our lives in danger.  Road rage was funny to me then, but since those moments as a child, I’ve come to understand its power.  Do you have road rage?  Find out in a quiz courtesy of Progressive to find out if you fit the bill.
Yes or No, Do You ...
  1. Overtake other vehicles only on the left?
  2. Avoid blocking passing lanes?
  3. Yield to faster traffic by moving to the right?
  4. Keep to the right as much as possible on narrow streets and at intersections?
  5. Maintain appropriate distance when following other motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, etc.?
  6. Provide appropriate distance when cutting in after passing vehicles?
  7. Use headlights in cloudy, rainy, and other low light conditions?
  8. Yield to pedestrians?
  9. Come to a complete stop at stop signs, before right turn on red, etc.?
  10. Stop for red traffic lights?
  11. Approach intersections and pedestrians at slow speeds to show your intention and ability to stop?
  12. Follow right-of-way rules at four-way stops?
  13. Drive below posted speed limits when conditions warrant?
  14. Drive at slower speeds in construction zones?
  15. Maintain speeds appropriate for conditions?
  16. Use vehicle turn signals for all turns and lane changes?
  17. Make eye contact and signal intentions where needed?
  18. Acknowledge intentions of others?
  19. Use your horn sparingly around pedestrians, at night, around hospitals, etc.?
  20. Avoid unnecessary use of highbeam headlights?
  21. Yield and move to the right for emergency vehicles?
  22. Refrain from flashing headlights to signal a desire to pass?
  23. Drive trucks at posted speeds, in the proper lanes, using non-aggressive lane changing?
  24. Make slow, deliberate U-turns?
  25. Maintain proper speeds around roadway crashes?
  26. Avoid returning inappropriate gestures?
  27. Avoid challenging other drivers?
  28. Try to get out of the way of aggressive drivers?
  29. Refrain from momentarily using High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to pass vehicles?
  30. Focus on driving and avoid distracting activities (e.g., smoking, use of a car telephone, reading, shaving)?
  31. Avoid driving when drowsy?
  32. Avoid blocking the right-hand turn lane?
  33. Avoid taking more than one parking space?
  34. Avoid parking in a disabled space (if you are not disabled)?
  35. Avoid letting your door hit the car parked next to you?
  36. Avoid stopping in the road to talk with a pedestrian or other driver?
  37. Avoid inflicting loud music on neighboring cars?
Score Yourself ...
Are you an Aggressive Driver or a Smooth Operator? Answering "No" to more questions means you're a more aggressive driver.
Number of "No" Answers
How You Rate as a Driver
1-3
4-7
8-11
12+
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor