GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––Did you know your wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months or so?  It all depends on how often you use them and if there are any Wiper blades are something that you can easily replace at home if you choose to do so, but if you've never done it before, you might need some help learning how. Below you'll find some brief info on their importance and tips on how to replace your wiper blades at home! 



First - take a second to think about how important your wiper blades are. Whether they're brushing away water or rain, mud or slush, or snow and ice, it's their job to keep your most important view clear on the road. If your view is clouded, you'll most definitely have trouble seeing not just the road, but any dangers that may present themselves (deer or animal crossings, large potholes and bumps, and other cars to name a few).

Many drivers seem to lose track of time when it comes to this and wait until they have trouble seeing through the windshield to replace our wiper blades. We highly recommend making a note in your phone, or maybe a post-it note to put in your center console of the date your wiper blades are due for a change. At the very least, you'll then have a reminder to give your current blades an inspection!

Next - to do an inspection, you'll want to first lift your wiper blades and run your hands along the rubber to check for any cracks or broken pieces. If you don't feel anything, spray your windshield with your washer fluid and run your wiper blades to see if there's any streaks or missed spots. Sometimes all your wiper blades need is a solid cleaning, so if you see missed spots, give your blades a good wipe down and run them again. *Check out the video below for further details!

Last - if you've determined you need new blades, you'll first want to purchase a pair that fits your vehicle properly. Some cars require two different front-windshield sizes, while others require two of the same. If you're replacing your back windshield wiper blade, it's likely a smaller size than your front two. There's often a booklet near the wiper blades at the store where you can check sizes for your specific make, model, and year.

HOW TO INSTALL WIPER BLADES

1. Lift your wiper off the windshield to begin (we recommend doing one at a time)
2. Find the small tab where the wiper blade meets the arm
3. Depress the small tab and slide the wiper blade down to remove
4. Take the clip on the new wiper blade and slide it into the same spot
5. Make sure you hear it click into place
6. Repeat on the other arm
7. Start your car up and test them out!




When it's time to purchase new blades, you can stop by RiverTown Honda in Grandville - just 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids - to purchase them and have them installed, but you can also get them from many auto parts stores and convenience or department stores as well. Higher quality blades are, predictably, more expensive, but worth the investment because they stand the chance to last longer and provide a consistently clear, streak-free view.

We can help you decide which wiper blades are best for your Honda and help you install all new at an affordable price. Simply stop by our Express Service Lane in Grandville, and we'll get you back on the road as quick as possible. Need more info on how to keep your vehicle in top shape this Spring? Check out our Spring Car Care tips and seasonal maintenance info on our website.

Give RiverTown Honda, the #1 Honda Dealer in Michigan in 2017, a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––We're not completely out of the woods just yet, but it Spring is right around the corner in West Michigan. In fact, there's only about a week left to go till' we hit the mark of a new season! Spring brings us the wonderful Easter holiday, blooming tulips in Holland, a little bit of sunshine, lots of rain, and the chance to finally get outside and enjoy West Michigan without being bundled up like a marshmallow. While the warm-up is great, the changing weather can be a little hectic and keep us indoors without much to do. Bring on spring with these fun rainy day crafts! All you need is some basic craft supplies, a covered table, and a place to hang your finished products.

Cotton Ball Handprint Chick

Fruit Loop Flowers

Paper Plate Umbrella

Easy Kite Craft

Pom Pom Caterpillar Art

Thumbprint Dandelion

Cardboard Carton Birdhouses 

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.––It's the luck of the Irish that will be rolling in on a rainbow on Saturday, March 17th! This holiday isn't just fun for the adults, but for the kids too. The Leprechaun will surely make a mess for the kids to find, green will be the color of choice for clothing, and lots of green treats will be had. St. Patrick's Day is a great opportunity to talk about different cultures, traditions, and holidays with your children. Plus, there are plenty of fun and PG ways to celebrate together. If you're looking for a way to celebrate that involves food, or need a little snack to send into school with the kids, check out these fun St. Patrick's Day treats!

Rainbow Cereal Milkshake

Chewy Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

St. Patrick's Day S'mores Snack Mix

Caramel and Chocolate Covered Marshmallows 

Rice Krispie Treats with Lucky Charms

Pretzel Shamrocks

Graham Cracker Rainbow Weather Snack

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––Spring break is coming up quickly and many families might be considering taking a trip. If you have little ones and a road trip is on the docket, it's time to start getting ready. Kids can make any sort of travel complicated, but a long road trip downright hectic if you're not prepared. We've got some tips that'll help you have a fun and safe road trip with your little ones, no matter where you're going. Check out our tips for traveling with a crew below and use them on your spring break road trip.

1. Inspect Your Car

Before anything else, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is in good shape to hit the road, because the last thing you want to deal with is being stuck on the side of the road with car troubles and impatient children. Things that should be inspected before you go include your oil level, tires, wiper fluid, and of course, your gas tank level. If you bring your car into RiverTown Honda for an oil change before your trip, we'll be sure to give your vehicle a thorough inspection to help you avoid any potential mishaps! Make sure to fill up your tank before you leave as well, or as you head out of town so you don't have to deal with finding a station in a potentially unfamiliar area.

2. Stock the Car with Necessary Emergency Items

Every individual and family is different, but there are some basic items you should always have in your car should you have to deal with car troubles on the road. Extra change or money, jumper cables, a tire pump, a flashlight, a blanket, extra cell phone charger, and a first aid kit are what we consider necessary items. Other items you might want to consider bringing include extra medication, hats or sunscreen, a trash can or trash bags, extra water bottles, and whatever else you need to keep your kids comfy, healthy, and safe.

3. Bring Snacks!

What would a road trip be without some good snacks? If you've ever run into someone who gets "hangry" or hungry and angry, like a toddler for instance, you'll understand why snacks are so important! You can either stop at a gas station before heading out of town, or stock up with what you have at home. Most times, you can bring along smarter, more healthy snacks that'll keep you full by using what you have at home, as opposed to buying sugar-filled junk food items at the gas station or convenience store. See our 7 on-the-go kids snacks to get some homemade snack ideas and get inspired to create your own! Don't forget to also bring plenty of beverages to stay hydrated, but be careful to ration these items, otherwise your driver will be stopping often for bathroom breaks.

4. Prepare Entertainment

If you're taking a trip with just adults you might be able to skip this step, but with children, this step is absolutely necessary. In many newer vehicles, especially family based ones like the 2018 Honda Odyssey, entertainment is plenty with the back seat screen for movies and shows, wifi, and the group playlist feature. In older vehicles, you might have to supply the entertainment yourself. Find fun material-free road games you can play together, bring along handheld game consoles, or make road-trip ready activity bags or kits with the ideas on our Road Trip Tips Pinterest board!

5. Keep Things Organized

If you're taking a short road trip or a long road trip, do your best to keep things organized as you go. This can help you easily access emergency items when needed, not worry about cleaning up a mess when you arrive, and help you get home in a vehicle that doesn't resemble a garbage can. Keep everyone's luggage or items in the same areas, offer items like a bag for garbage or recyclables and storage solutions for small items, and carry along supplies for any spills or messes that need immediate cleaning. This will also help you avoid turning back in your seat a million times because your little ones can't find what they need!

6. Plan Fun Stops to Break Up a Long Trip

Taking a longer trip with little ones? Make sure to plan some fun stops to break up the long periods of sitting. If you're a parent, you know it's no fun to be dealing with a temper tantrum or fussiness in the confines of a car or minivan. Of course, you'll need to stop for the bathroom and meals here and there, but some extra stops along the way can help diffuse the growing crankiness. Stopping at a rest stop and taking a quick walk or playing a game of tag, as long as the weather permits, might help to get out some of that pent up energy. You could also plan for a longer trip and make some educational stops like for tourist sights, museums, etc.


We hope these tips for traveling with a crew give you all the necessary tools for a stress-free road trip and memorable spring break vacation! If you need assistance in inspecting your vehicle or with an oil change before you leave town, stop by our Express Service Lane for routine maintenance services in 90 minutes or less. You can save big just by coming to RiverTown Honda, and even more by utilizing our service coupons.

Looking for a better, more equipped, family-based vehicle? We highly recommend stopping by with the little ones to check out the 2018 Honda Odyssey and the 2018 Honda Pilot. We'll help you find the right vehicle for your family's needs and your budget. Learn more about the RiverTown Honda experience online and why we're different from other dealerships!

GRANDVILLE, Mich. –– Spring break is one vacation where you can count on a good time with friends and family usually somewhere warm and sunny. Depending on where you go (see our previous blog for family destination ideas!) and who you're going with, much packing and preparation are in order. What are you going to wear? Who's going to take care of your pets while you're away? What kind of extras do you need to pack? Are you missing anything? What about your car?! If you're driving, it's arguably the most important item you need to prepare for a spring break trip, so you can have a worry free vacation. Don't stress, because at RiverTown Honda we've made preparing your car for a spring break trip easy with coupons and tips galore!

1. Get Your Oil Changed

One of the simplest tasks can help you keep your car running at optimal level and help extend its life. Going with conventional oil is great and will last 3,000-5,000 miles, while going with synthetic oil or a blend will extend the interval between oil changes. Synthetic is better for very hot or cold climates, towing vehicles, and turbocharged engines. You can find answers to all your oil change questions on our FAQ page!

2. Have Fluids Checked and Topped off

There are some very important fluids that keep your vehicle running its best that might not be top of mind but are good to have checked. Coolant, for instance, makes sure your vehicle doesn't overheat when it's running, which is especially important for long road trips where your engine will be hot. Brake fluid serves as a lubricant to movable parts and is important because it makes braking happen properly when it transfers force from the brake pedal to the wheel hub. Windshield washer fluid is another important fluid to have topped off because it allows you to see clearly the road ahead!

3. Get Your Battery Tested

4. Rotate and Check Your Tires

We can do ALL these things at RiverTown Honda and more! Make sure to take advantage and grab service coupons on our website to save big on preparing your car for a spring break trip. It's our goal to help you stay safe on the road wherever you go and provide you the best dealership experience of your life. We were given the President's Award for 2016 last year for our exemplary sales and service, and have been recognized for being the top Honda dealer in the midwest to complete recalls. But, more recently, we've been named the #1 Honda Dealer in Michigan (per AHM new retail sales 2017)

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––If you're familiar with the Good Housekeeping, you might know that they're an authority on women's interests. Their magazine and website host a variety of articles on products, recipes, diet info, inspiration, crafts, landscaping, television, and even cars. What? Cars? Yes, you read that right! Good Housekeeping teams up with Car and Driver to name the Best New Cars each year, and this year Honda took home the gold in two big categories.

Is it any surprise that Honda won the Best Sedan and Best Minivan categories? Is it any more of a surprise that the 2018 Honda Accord and 2018 Honda Odyssey were the winning vehicles? Even with some strong competitors, we're not surprised by the results! Good Housekeeping has good taste, a great sense of style, and a practical mindset.

BEST SEDAN: 2018 Honda Accord 

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––Valentine's Day is all about LOVE. It's just another day to some, a special holiday to others, or for some, just an excuse to do something special with your loved one. But, what about your car? It deserves some love, too! It gets you and your passengers from point A to point B in comfort. It's an important part of your best memories. It's there when you need it most. And most of the time, hopefully, it doesn't complain or give you trouble. Have we convinced you to give your Honda to the special treatment this February? Show your Honda some love this Valentine's Day with our tips:


1. Treat your Honda to a nice wash & wax 
With all the nasty snow, ice, and salt, your Honda could use a nice trip through the wash. A wash will help it looks good, but make sure go all out for your Honda and protect your paint with a higher wash package that includes wax or some sort of weather-protect ingredient.

2. Give your Honda's interior a good clean-up
Whether you're a tidy driver or a messy one, the interior of your Honda could use a good wipe down and clean-up. Get rid of all the trash, wipe down the surfaces with anti-bacterial cleaner, and give it a good vacuum. Don't feel like doing all that? Check out our detailing packages & services menu.

3. Freshen up the cabin air 
There's nothing better than getting into a good smelling car! You AND your passengers can appreciate an interior that smells fresh and clean, rather than dirty shoes or fast food. If your interior is really smelly, try sticking an absorbing freshener in your cup holder or under your seats.

4. Consider buying your Honda some new shoes
By new shoes, we mean new tires. Whether you get new all-seasons or winter tires, it's an expensive purchase (especially since it's better to purchase all 4 at the same time), but it's well worth your safety and your car's functionality. Take some time to consider your tire options & create a budget that works for you. We can help!

5. Put in some fitting floor mats to protect the carpet
All seasons come with some sort of mess, like mud, road salt, or fallen leaves, that can be hard to keep out of your car's interior. Make it easier to clean up and protect your Honda's carpet with some custom-fitted, or well-fitting rubber floor mats. Give us a call to see what we have in stock or check out Weather Tech, a fan favorite!

6. Make it easier on your Honda to clear your view 
Your Honda works hard to make it easy to see in the dark, in the bad weather, etc, because it wants to keep you safe! You can make it easier for your Honda to clear your view by investing in some quality wiper blades. We also recommend having your headlights revitalized or replaced if they look cloudy or aren't seeming as bright.

7. Freshen up the interior
Freshen up the interior by adding some personal touches that'll make your ride more comfortable. Add a pretty air freshener (like those from Bath and Body Works), put a cushy steering wheel cover on, invest in a some nice looking storage items to help you keep things tidy, etc. Make your Honda truly yours!


We hope you have an awesome Valentine's Day this year, and take the time to show your Honda some love! As we mentioned above, we can help you clean up or freshen up the interior and exterior, as well as help you invest in some new tires or floor mats. We love helping our neighbors get the perfect Honda, and keep it looking great, too. Let us know how we can help with your auto needs this Valentine's Day! It's our goal to provide you the best dealership experience of your life at our location, just 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids and around the corner from RiverTown Crossings Mall. We look forward to seeing you!

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

GRANDVILLE, Mich. ––Valentine's day is about showing your loved ones that you care, but it's more importantly about spending quality time together. It's not just a holiday for couples, but for families alike. As families, we spend lots of time together even though a lot of it isn't quality time. You can use Valentine's Day as the perfect opportunity to do something fun and carefree together. It could be a nice dinner out, an outing downtown, or even some fun activities inside, especially since this Valentine's Day will be another cold one. We've come up with 6 fun Valentine's Day crafts to do with the family that can be done inside and that will make this holiday a memorable one, together!

1. Heart Penguin Craft

2. String Heart Yarn Cards

3. Finger Painted Love Sign

4. Rainbow Heart Suncatchers

5. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames

6. Tic Tac Toe Snack Craft

7. No-Sew Heart Pillow 

8. Wax Resist Valentine's Day Cards 

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––American Honda Co., Inc. has recently reported their sales numbers for January 2018, indicating a decrease in overall numbers from last year, but a rise in sales for the Pilot, HR-V, and Civic models. Despite the shift in the market, away from cars and towards SUVs, the Honda cars are only slightly down year-over-year, showing promise for the brand's future in the segment.

The Honda Pilot took a big climb in sales numbers, from 7,180 units last year to 11,619 units this year, which is an unbelievable 61.8% increase! This can be in part, thanks to the market's shift towards SUVs and crossovers, but mostly due to the improved supplies. January 2018 marks the Pilot's 5th straight month of sales increases and a record year for the trucks category.

The Honda HR-V shows its strength in the subcompact or small crossover segment by jumping 10% in January, marking a new record for the month. The Civic also saw a rise of 2.8%, from 23,095 units to 23,749 units year-over-year, which is just short of an all-time record. This is of course bittersweet, because of the lagging sales in the car category overall. However, the all-new Accord is still gaining traction and will hopefully see an increase in the next few months thanks to it's new title: 2018 North American Car of the Year.


"With a strong and fresh product line-up, we're confident in the fundamental competitiveness of our products in their segments," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of the Automobile Division & general manager of Honda Sales.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.–– This upcoming Sunday is a big day for two-thirds of Americans who will be tuning in to Super Bowl 52. Whether you'll be sporting navy blue and red or midnight green and silver, the true focus will remain on the show, and even more importantly to some, on the food. Super Bowl parties are notorious for having delicious, bad-for-you, dreamy food served. Don't feel bad about pigging out when your team does or doesn't make the play, it's only one day out of the  365 that makes up a year. But if you do feel regret, shame, and possibly a stomach ache after party platters like these, try giving these recipes a go. Without further ado, here are 7 healthy super bowl party recipes that'll make you feel like running the whole 100 yards for a touch down.

1. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

2. Shrimp Taco Bites

3. Garlicky Parmesan & Rosemary Roasted Chickpeas

4. Sweet Potato Bites with Avocado and Bacon

5. Veggie Loaded 7 Layer Dip

6. Bell Pepper Pizzas

7. Skinny Spinach Artichoke Dip

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––NAIAS, otherwise known as the North American International Auto Show is held in Detroit every year in January. Major automotive OEM brands, special parts or engine providers, along with luxury and supercar manufacturers all have a spot on the Cobo Center arena floor to showcase their latest and greatest products. Honda has been there for the past few years, taking home titles like North American Car of the Year for the Honda Civic in 2016, North American Truck of the Year for the Honda Ridgeline in 2017, and this year, North American Car of the Year for the 2018 Accord. If you didn't get a chance to see what was on the floor this year, but still want to see what's new with Honda, here are the cars from NAIAS that you can find at RiverTown Honda.

This all-new redesigned mid-size Accord sedan has been dominating the market for 41 years, and now, more than ever, automotive news. The 2018 model has been a hit among the industry since it's announcement and release, and even more recently due to its big win at NAIAS. Even better, you can find a wide selection of 2018 Accords at RiverTown Honda. We've had the 1.5T models since their release, but now have 2.0T models as well! Either way, you'll discover a luxurious interior packed with modern amenities for a surprisingly affordable price.



Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

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GRANDVILLE, Mich., –– It hasn't been looking like winter outside this week with the unusually warm temps, but it sure still feels like it. The flu has been taking an unfortunately big toll on families and individuals across West Michigan this season. When you start to feel down, be sure to rest up, get more sleep, drink more water, and feed your soul with some comforting food to make you feel better. We've come up with a list of 10 crockpot soups to make this winter, that'll have you getting off your comfy couch for a second helping, even when you're feeling as sick as a dog! Even better, these recipes are done by crockpot, meaning they're perfect for when you're coming home from a busy day at work or school.

1. Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili

2. Tomato Basil and Parmesan Soup 

3. Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

4. Slow Cooker Skinny Loaded Potato Soup

5. Crockpot Beef Stew

6. Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

7. Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Slow Cooker

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

9. Crockpot French Onion Soup

10. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube