Get Your Ride Summer Ready!

Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance...Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too!

Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.

• Air Conditioning

  A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner's manual for location and replacement interval

• Cooling System

  The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

• Oil

  Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

• Engine Performance

  Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drive-ability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

• Windshield Wipers

  A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

• Lights

  Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

• Tires

  Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; check them while they're cold before driving for any distance. Don't forget to check your spare as well and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.

• Brakes

  Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

• Battery

  Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

• Emergencies

  Carry some basic tools — ask a technician for suggestions. Also include a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight.

Going Green Made Easy

Motorists can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few 'earth-friendly' car care habits, note the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It all comes down to timely vehicle maintenance and non-aggressive driving.

Here are specific suggestions from ASE:

• Slow down. Speeding and hard accelerations waste gasoline. Use cruise-control on highways to maintain a steady pace. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands.
• Lighten up. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight.
• Don't pollute. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and old batteries properly. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government. Keep the engine running at its peak-a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by the owner's manual.
• Get pumped. Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills.
• Know your limitations. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified professionals have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.
• Don't try this at home. Your car's air conditioner should be serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. The air conditioners in older vehicles contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which can be released into the atmosphere through improper service.
• Instant karma. In addition to helping the environment, routine maintenance will help your vehicle last longer, get better gas mileage, and command a higher resale price. Pretty cool.

Airbag Recall | Lundgren Honda of Auburn Near Worcester

Lundgren Honda is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of our customers and making clear that we stand behind the safety and quality of our products. We want to reassure our customers that American Honda Motor Corporation has an ongoing customer service procedure that addresses each customer’s needs and concerns. For customers concerned about the issue of Takata airbags in certain Honda vehicles, American Honda customer service will make arrangements for, as appropriate, the replacement of airbag inflators and the provision of or reimbursement for temporary alternative transportation. To find out if your vehicle is affected by the Airbag recall call (800) 999-1009.

Whether your Honda is due for warranty service or requires maintenance repairs, you can always count on superior automotive service at Lundgren Honda of Auburn. All service will be performed in our state-of-the-art repair facility by factory trained technicians using the latest diagnostic techniques and the most advanced repair equipment available. Have a Honda service question? Call us - Lundgren Honda Service Advisors will be happy to answer your question. Or, you can simply submit your service question online by clicking on the "Ask a Tech" . One of our Service Representatives will contact you right away!

The Lundgren Story | Lundgren Honda of Auburn Near Worcester

The Story of Lundgren Honda of Auburn

Lundgren Honda of Auburn is a family owned and operated Honda dealership celebrating over 50 years of business in the Worcester County area. We offer a stress free shopping environment for a great customer experience. Our 58,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility offers unrivaled customer amenities including an automated car wash, two express oil change pit lanes, a full service café and a clean and comfortable child’s play area fully stocked with games and toys, just to name a few! All of this, combined with our Lundgren Advantages, promises to provide our customers with a sales and service experience unmatched in Central Massachusetts! Lundgren Honda of Auburn – Experience it!

The Lundgren Honda Timeline

1964 – Richard Lundgren establishes Honda Sales & Service, a Honda motorcycle dealership, on Rte 9 in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.*

1965 – relocates to 1275 Grafton Street in Worcester, Massachusetts.

1973 – Adds Honda Automobiles and relocates to 747 Main Street in Worcester, Massachusetts and changes name to Richard’s Honda

1979 – purchases 731 Mains Street Worcester, Massachusetts and relocates Honda Automobile operations under the name Lundgren Honda.*

1986 – builds new facility at 141 Washington Street(Rte 20) Auburn, Massachusetts for motorcycle operations – adds Honda power products and Yamaha motorcycles to line up – renames motorcycle franchise Worcester County Honda Yamaha.

1987 – Richard is joined full time by his son, Barry Lundgren*

1992 – Lundgren Honda automobiles sales and service relocates to 525 Washington Street(Rte 20) Auburn, Massachusetts as Lundgren Honda of Auburn

Patrick Lundgren joins the family business full time*

1994 – Lundgren family sells Worcester County Honda Yamaha to focus exclusively on the Honda automobile operations.

1997 – Lundgren family introduces the One Price philosophy and Lundgren Advantages to Worcester County

1999 – Richard Lundgren officially retires selling the operations to his sons, Barry and Patrick

2010 – Lundgren Honda of Greenfield joins the family!*

2012 – The Lundgren family proudly opens Worcester County’s premier Honda Sales and Service facility at 163 Washington Street, Auburn, Massachusetts.*

2014 – The Lundgren family celebrates 50 years representing Honda products in Worcester County and 40 years selling Honda automobiles!*