2012 Hyundai Azera Earns IIHS “Top Safety Pick” Honors

Kudos to Hyundai, yet again!  The 2012 Hyundai Azera made the short list of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Picks”.  To earn a spot on the list vehicles have to pass front, side, rollover and rear-impact tests with a rating of “good” or better.  The IIHS released a statement saying, “The Azera was previously tested for front and side crashworthiness. It meets the criteria for the award by earning good ratings in a recent rear impact test assessing whiplash protection and a roof strength test to measure occupant protection in rollover crashes.” The Azera is the seventh Hyundai to receive the Top Safety Pick honor.

To read more visit: http://www.hyundaiusa.com/about-hyundai/news/Corporate_2012_Azera_IIHS_Safety_Pick-20120516.aspx

http://www.butlerhyundai.com

Warm Weather Driving Prep: Get Your Vehicle Set for Summer

Summer’s a’comin’! So, it’s time again to treat your vehicle to a little TLC. Last November, we posted a list of everything you might need to tackle winter driving conditions. Now that the studded and snow tires have (hopefully) been removed, here’s how to travel worry free into the warmer months:

 

1. Check tires. Remove and store your winter tires, and rotate all-season radials.

2. Check tire pressure. And check again. Because air pressure increases with temperature you’ll want to check your tire pressure more frequently during the summer months.

3. Check brakes for noise. You’re looking for grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter. Excessive amounts of any or all mean it’s time to invest in new ones.

4. Replace windshield wiper blades. They took a beating over the winter.

5. Wash it! And not just the parts you can see. Spray the underbody and undersides of both bumpers to get rid of build-up. As for the body, wash it in the shade. Then wax it. But wait until it’s completely dry before doing so.

6. Apply “sunscreen”. Hours in the sun can result in the cracking of any vinyl surface or the fading of cloth. Apply a protectant… reapply when needed.

7. Clean – and clean OUT – the interior. You don’t want your old trash blowing around when it’s finally warm enough to drive with the windows down.

8. Change the oil. Consider synthetics… they’re specifically designed for warm weather engine protection.

9. Check all fluids. That means brake, transmission, coolant, power steering and windshield washer fluid. Replace, or refill, to proper levels.

10. Test the AC.

11. Examine belts and hoses for wear or deterioration.

12. Consider assembling a car care kit, if you don’t already have one. Include a couple large bottles of water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit. Maybe throw in a blanket, just in case.

Finally, be aware that heat often makes people uncomfortable and thus, irritated. Irritated drivers tend to be impatient and less apt to pay attention. Give drivers their space and stay alert.

Now all that’s left to do is plan a road trip! Happy travels!

(To read up on Winter Driving Preparations, visit: http://butlerautogroup.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/oh-no-snow-everything-you-and-your-vehicle-need-for-winter-driving/)

Hyundai Owners Clinic, April 2012

If we thought our first Owners Clinic (at Butler Kia, February 23, 2012) was a success (which we did!) then our second one at Butler Hyundai on April 19, 2012 was nothing short of triumphant.  Close to 80 customers joined us for snacks, conversation with fellow Hyundai owners, and the chance to talk with their sales consultant, service technician and parts advisor.  We answered questions having to do with everything from warranties to spare tire kits to interacting with Hyundai’s in-car technology. We even had a couple of Hyundais up on racks to show owners what their vehicle looks like from the mechanics’ point of view.  Judging from customers’ comments… and the smile on *our* faces, it appears a good time was had by all!

Save the Date: Hyundai Owner’s Clinic to be Held April 19, 2012

If you’ve ever called your vehicle your “baby”, bragged about its make or model, or simply taken joy in being behind the wheel you’ll want to stay tuned for a series of Owner’s clinics Butler Automotive will be holding this year.  The events are scheduled for Thursday evenings, usually from 5:50 – 7:30.  You’ll meet with sales, service and parts professionals who’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, teach you about your car or truck’s technology and safety systems (and how to use them), as well as inform you as to your vehicle’s proper care and maintenance.  All the while you’ll be snacking and socializing with other like-minded vehicle owners, while also being entered into a free drawing to win great prizes like a complete auto detailing.

IOur first clinic, for Kia owners, earlier this year was a raging success.  Those who attended had so much fun they stuck around to chat long after learning what they wanted to know.  So, we’re super excited for our Hyundai Owner’s Clinic coming up later this month!  It’s open to ALL HYUNDAI OWNER’S… and it’s FREE!  So, give us a call at (541) 245-5335 or drop us an email at customersfirst@butlerman.com and tell us you’ll be joining us.  Can’t wait to see you at the party!

What’s Covered Under a “Bumper to Bumper” Warranty?

Butler Sales Manager Joel Nickerson has the answer.

Hyundai Elantra is the 2012 International Car of the Year (and Why That’s a Big Deal)

Hyundai Elantra: The 2012 International Car of the Year

Come January, The North American International Auto Show in Detroit is THE place to be. Not just because it’s essentially a world stage for auto manufacturers to show off their latest and greatest but because it where the North American Car and Truck of the Year are named.

The big winners for 2012 are Hyundai for its Elantra sedan and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque on the truck side. You already know there are about as many automotive awards as there are publications and entities to award them. Think “The International Institute of Highway Safety”, “Consumer Reports”, and “MotorTrend”, to name a few. But North American Car/Truck of the Year honors are special because they’re not awarded by a single group. Instead, the decision is made by 50 journalists from all facets of American and Canadian media, from print to broadcast to the web. With 174 votes, the Elantra bested its closest competition, the Volkswagen Passat, by 13 points. One member of the jury, Jayne O’Donnell with USA Today wrote, “The Hyundai Elantra is sporty, yet sensible. Luxurious, yet affordable. Spunky, but safe. The Elantra is a series of paradoxes and every one is another argument for the latest, impressive entry in the Hyundai lineup.”

Hyundai’s leaders are ecstatic, as well they should be. It’s the Korean automaker’s second spin in the International Car of the Year spotlight after winning with the Genesis in 2009. But this time around the award is more about bragging rights and branding than increasing sales. According to Hyundai’s North American COE John Krafcik, the Elantra’s already so popular they’re barely keeping up with demand as it is!

Rhys Millen Drifting… When Do We Get a Turn?!

Just a little video to prove Hyundai has a sense of humor.

This the message Hyundai sent out along with the link:

“About two weeks before the wrecking ball was about to completely demolish our old Hyundai Motor America headquarters building in Fountain Valley, California, we had a crazy thought:  Wouldn’t it be cool to do something outrageous inside the building before all the walls finally came down?
Actually, it was Dustin Loranger, one of our Service Technicians, who had the idea…and we loved it.  Why not put Rhys Millen, his Genesis Coupe drift car, and our abandoned HQ together for a unique drift demonstration in a unique industrial setting?  Rhys was up for the challenge, and remarkably, so were our lawyers, so we put this thing together, with tongue (and donut) firmly planted in cheek.
We think the video does a pretty good job showcasing Rhys’ car control skills, the sweetness of the Genesis Coupe drift car, and the reason why Hollywood probably doesn’t have to worry, just yet, about this cast and crew. 
How’d we do?”