INSIDE RALPH

The engineer who went off-roading to help build Honda’s most rugged vehicle. The Pilot TrailSport was conceived by a team passionate about taking their trucks and SUVs on dirt trails. Liz Long, a chassis reliability test engineer at the Honda Auto Development Center in Ohio, started working for the company a decade ago. In 2018, Long was invited to collaborate on a Honda vehicle designated for an eight-day off-roading competition in California. In the process, she started dreaming about hitting the trails herself. That collaboration led to the Honda Pilot TrailSport that debuted in 2022 for the 2023 model year. Fortified with skid plates to protect the underbelly, tow hooks for recovery on the trails, and a suspension tuned for bumpy roads, it was the most rugged vehicle Honda had ever produced. Last year, Long co-piloted a TrailSport in the Rebelle Rally, and the SUV emerged victorious, a little bruised by punishing terrain and scrub but decidedly unbroken. This is the story of how Long lent her engineering expertise to transform the family-friendly Pilot into something tougher, with the ability to not just withstand rocky trails and slippery sand but emerge from the desert victorious.

Lease for $289/MO for 36 months with $3,499 down. Includes $7,500 Clean Fuel Rebate & $1,000 Loyalty or Conquest. 2024 Honda Prologue EX AWD – Stk #44H2810. MSRP $51,795. Model 3B4H2REW. $3499, 1st payment, $595 acq fee, taxes, & DMV fees due at signing, 10k mi/yr. $.15 overage. To qualified buyers thru AHFC. Lessee responsible for maint, excess wear/tear and up to $.20/mi. over 10k mi/yr. $7500 Clean Fuel Rebate toward the lease of a new 2024 Prologue when you lease with Honda Financial Services® (HFS). Includes $2,000 Captive Lease Cash and $500 NYS Clean Air Rebate (see dealer for details). $1000 toward the lease of a new 2024 Prologue when you lease with Honda Financial Services® (HFS). Available to current owners of any 2014 or newer Honda. $1000 toward Cap Cost Reduction with the lease through Honda Financial Services of a select new and not previously reported sold 2024 Prologue to qualified current owners of any 2014 or newer Honda. Must provide proof of ownership of eligible vehicle in the form of a current vehicle registration or proof of valid auto insurance. Offer not available to customers receiving conquest incentive. Zero Due at Signing Lease programs and NOT eligible. Fleet Sales, Honda Courtesy Vehicle Program (HCVP) vehicles, Honda Associate Lease Offer (HALO) and sales to Dealer-owned entities are NOT eligible. No trade-in required. Offer excludes purchases made prior to the program period and is transferable among members of the same household when the retail delivery registration address matches the current address on the proof-of- ownership document. Not redeemable for cash. Incentive paid to dealer and requires dealer participation. Not all customers will qualify. See dealer for details. Expiration 9/3/24.

— 12 YEARS — Isreal Burgado, Maintenance. — 10 YEARS — Mike Morrill, Sales Manager. — 7 YEARS — Jim Hunter, Finance. — 4 YEARS — Bree Young, BDC. — 3 YEARS — Fred Bedet, Parts Advisor. — 2 YEARS — Jason Bentzel, Collision Painter. — 1 YEAR — Aarin Major, Sales Consultant.

5 Helpful Tips to Prevent a Vehicle Breakdown. Car breakdowns are frustrating, stressful, and a major inconvenience, especially when the car breaks down at night or in the middle of nowhere. While some breakdowns are beyond your control and occur unexpectedly, most of them are preventable. Learn five easy ways to prevent vehicle breakdowns and their associated costs and headaches.

Before a car breaks down, it sends several warning signs. Perhaps you hear strange sounds or notice a change in the way your vehicle drives. Also, thanks to advances in technology, your car alerts you of a potential problem using the warning signs on the dashboard. You may get a battery alert, check engine light, oil pressure light, or temperature warning sign. Regardless of the warning sign, never ignore it. The problem intensifies when overlooked, and you could end up with an enormous repair bill. Heeding to warning signs is an inexpensive way to avoid a vehicle breakdown.

Your driving habits affect your vehicle’s health tremendously. Poor driving habits such as slamming into potholes and bumps, riding the clutch or brakes, and hard starts and stops wear out essential parts of your vehicle that then compromise its performance. For instance, hitting a pothole at high speeds damages the suspension, tires, and steering. Good driving habits maintain your car’s health, ensure optimal performance, and prevent a costly breakdown. You can practice good driving habits when you adhere to speed limits, stay focused on the road, maintain safe following distances, and schedule regular vehicle maintenance. Also, refrain from aggressive driving, don’t overload your vehicle, and avoid late braking.

A flat tire will require that you call a tow truck for towing services. While some causes of a flat tire are beyond your control, like bad road conditions, others are preventable. For instance, over-inflated tires can result in a flat tire. You can prevent this when you ensure your tires have the correct tire pressure. You can also prevent a majority of tire issues that result in a breakdown when you examine the tires often. A visual inspection can reveal uneven tire wear, deeply scuffed areas, and bulges in the sidewall. Visit a mechanic immediately if you detect any tire problems. Also, driving carefully can go a long way to prevent tire damage.

A good way to avoid a breakdown is to get your vehicle regularly serviced – based on your manufacturer’s recommendation. While you may think that skipping service saves you money when the car does not have any problems, it is costly in the long run. During service, a professional examines all the crucial components in your vehicle, from the engine and engine oil, steering, suspension, battery, brakes, tires, and lights. Any problems are identified before they require extensive and expensive repairs and replacement and lead to a breakdown.

A dead battery is a leading cause of car breakdowns. Luckily, a battery on its deathbed has various signs, including dim headlights, a clicking sound when you turn on your vehicle, and your engine cranking sluggishly. Also, if your battery has reached its average lifespan of 3 to 5 years, it could die at any time. You can take several actions to avoid draining your battery, such as turning off your headlights and unplugging devices such as navigation systems when exiting your vehicle. Also, check your battery regularly, ensure all connections are intact, and fix any problems such as cracks and bulges before they leave stranded in the middle of the night. Even the best-maintained vehicles can break down. When it happens, stay calm, turn on your hazard lights, pull off the road, and be visible. Then, call the professionals Ralph Honda at 585-225-3200.

The Honda Ridgeline Is More American Than Your Ford or Chevy Truck. Honda dominates the latest American-Made index. The Silverado is near the bottom, and the Ford Maverick didn’t even make the list. The annual American-Made index from Cars.com is out, and once again, we see Honda prominently featured in the top 10. Tesla holds station at the very top with the Model Y, inheriting the crown of the most American-made vehicle of all. Honda comes second with the Passport, but it’s the Ridgeline that stands out. At number six overall on the list, it has the distinction of being the most American-made pickup truck. That might come as a shock to some pickup truck fans, but the story doesn’t end there. The two best-selling trucks in the United States—the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado—aren’t even close to the Ridgeline when it comes to being a true made-in-the-USA vehicle. For a segment ruled by Detroit-based manufacturers, the results of the study are eye-opening.

Strawberry-Jalapeño Chicken. Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total), 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, 3/4 tsp. garlic powder, 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more, 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving, 16 oz. strawberries, stemmed, halved, sliced, divided, 3 jalapeños, seeded, chopped, divided, 2 shallots, chopped, divided, 1/2 c. plus 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar, 1 chipotle chile in adobo, chopped, plus 1 tsp. adobo sauce, 2 Tbsp. BBQ sauce, 2 Tbsp. honey. Directions: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Pat chicken dry; season both sides with pepper, garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons salt. Add chicken to skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 160°, 7 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss cilantro, 1 cup strawberries, 1/3 cup jalapeños, 2 tablespoons shallots, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Cook remaining jalapeños and shallots and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally, until shallots start to soften, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup vinegar and stir to deglaze, scraping bottom of skillet. Stir in chile, adobo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, and remaining strawberries. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened and strawberries have started to cook down, 7 to 8 minutes. Return chicken to skillet to heat through. Spoon strawberry salsa over. Top with cilantro. Recipe credit: delish.com.

7/14: Pride Picnic. 7/27-7/28: Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show. 7/27-7/28: Spencerport Canal Days. 8/3 – 8/4: Park Ave Summer Arts Festival. 8/10 – 8/11: Brockport Summer Arts Festival.

Contact information: 585.225.3200, 3939 W Ridge Rd | Rochester, NY 14626, www.RalphHonda.com. Sales Hours: Mon – Thu: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, Fri – Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.