Mercedes-Benz has always shown a clear commitment to being environmentally friendly and working towards a greener tomorrow. Ever since before "going green" was popular, Mercedes-Benz has been implementing new ways to help minimize the impact of cars on the world we live in. In 1991, the S-Class was the world's first CFC-free vehicle. Mercedes-Benz has expanded immensely since then. Here's how ... ECO Start/Stop - The ECO Start/Stop system is a fuel-saving feature that automatically shuts off the engine at stoplights and other situations where the vehicle would need to stop. Right when the driver lifts his or her foot off the brake, the engine automatically restarts itself. This system can be shut off by the driver at any time they choose not to use it, but it's definitely a great system for saving you fuel and saving the environment from absorbing it. B-Class Electric Drive - The B-Class is an extremely environmentally friendly vehicle for obvious reasons. To elaborate - The 177-hp electric motor delivers 251 lb-ft of torque without using any gasoline what so ever or creating any local emissions. In almost complete silence, the B-Class can go from 0-60 mph in just 7.9 seconds. For pedestrian safety, the vehicle emits a soft sound to make the car's presence known. In addition to the B-Class saving the environment from nasty emissions, it can also save you from unwanted allergies. It's the only vehicle in its class certified by the European Centre for Allergy Research. Cabin materials and climate control filtration systems are greatly assessed in the lab and real world to ensure they're in fact able to minimize the effects of occupants' allergies. BlueTEC Clean Diesel - BlueTEC clean diesel is the world's cleanest and most advanced diesel. It produces less greenhouse gases and returns both greater fuel economy and higher torque than regular vehicles. Liquid solution called AdBlue can be injected into the exhaust and convert the nitrogen oxide emissions into harmless nitrogen and oxygen. All around the world, drivers often choose diesel over gasoline, which makes the cleaner emissions from BlueTEC very admirable. BlueTEC is rated number one in CO2 emissions in Germany's luxury class. Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC vehicles include: E250 BlueTEC, GLK250 BlueTEC, ML250 BlueTEC, and GL350 BlueTEC. Mercedes-Benz doesn't stop there! To learn about more environmentally friendly innovations, click here!
April: National Car Care Month
April is National Car Care Month so we at Mercedes-Benz of Huntington wanted to remind our customers of the basic tips to make sure their vehicles are running at their best this springtime season. Our vehicles all worked hard this winter season through snow, ice, pot holes, and below zero temperatures, and that's why spring is the time to take care of our vehicles with these basic maintenance procedures. Check the battery, plugs, and wires. All of these items work extremely hard when it's cold and these components are the ones that make your car run. Winter conditions can reduce the performance of these items by a drastic amount. Make sure to test old batteries, plugs, and wires, and replace if needed. Check the hoses and belts. Inspect hoses and belts to make sure they're not brittle, frayed, loose, cracked, or showing signs of wear and tear. Replace if necessary. Check the brake system. After a season of snow, it is necessary to check the brake system. Have the rotors, drums, and brake linings inspected at each oil change. Check the tires. The cold can drastically reduce tire pressure so it's necessary to inspect all tires to make sure they're inflated and balanced. It's also important to check the tread. Uneven wear may reveal a need for wheel alignment. Check all fluid levels. This includes engine oil, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze & coolant, and transmission fluid. All are very important to check so it's vital that you don't skip over one. Check the exhaust system. Exhaust leaks can be very dangerous and it's crucial that you check for damages or leaks if there is an abnormal noise. If there's a problem, it must be corrected as soon as possible. Check the suspension. Struts and shock absorbers don't handle well with pot holes. Be sure to check those because if they go unnoticed they can lead to more serious problems later. Check the engine air filter. The engine air filter can be changed very quick and easily during any oil change or other maintenance appointment. Check the heating system and air conditioning system. These are important for passenger comfort as well as defrosting and other safety reasons. Be sure to get it fixed if anything seems unusual. Check the exterior. Take time to inspect the undercarriage since metal can deteriorate due to snow salt. Doing an intensive cleaning can help remarkably. The Mercedes-Benz of Huntington Service Center can conduct any of the procedures listed here so don't forget to schedule a service with us before spring hits!