Why drive a Sonata Hybrid?

I honestly didn't know very much about Hybrids other than they were supposedly good for the environment. So I thought I would do my research! It seems like the number one reason most people go for the Hybrid is to save money at the pump. With 35 city & 40 mpg hwy that would be my number one reason too!

The term Hybrid comes from the combination of a conventional gas-powered engine with an electric propulsion system.  The electric battery is powered by a concept called regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy from braking into electric energy and stores it in your Hybrid battery.  In many cases, energy from the electric motor is all you need for low-speed driving. When you need a little extra power while accelerating or passing, your conventional engine kicks in.  Hybrids have a smaller, more efficient engine and use less gas than a normal engine but don't have the limited range that a typical electric car would have.

Hybrids also turn off the engine when your vehicle comes to a stop and automatically restart after the accelerator is pressed so that no energy is wasted while idling.  No wonder you use so little gas!

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was the first non-plug-in hybrid with next-generation lithium polymer battery technology and the first ever Lifetime Hybrid Battery Warranty!

To "sum" up what I've learned about Hybrids...

Lifetime Battery Warranty + Great Gas Savings + Environmentally Friendly = 1 Great Investment

Eckert Hyundai has 3 2012 Sonata Hybrids left in stock and we have to sell them before July 1st!  There are HUGE discounts, so check out our final inventory here and call (940) 243-6222 for our discounted pricing!

Sources:
www.fueleconomy.gov

Employee of the Month

May Employee of the Month

Best Support Staff

With a constantly growing business and staff here at Eckert Hyundai, a good HR department is a must.  Most of her work is behind the scenes, but Carrie Burkey is certainly deserving of the Best Support Staff title this month.  Carrie started a new position at Eckert in August 2012.  Since that day, she has been processing payroll, managing benefits, and ordering supplies like a pro.  Without many procedures in place, she has kept us organized, compliant, and having fun in the office at the same time!

Her coworkers noted that she is "always a pleasure to work with," "ready to assist whoever needs the help," and "does a great job with a great attitude."  It is no secret that Carrie has a great smile and a kind heart.  We are grateful for her patience and wise choices-- especially when it comes to the Saturday lunch order!

Thank you Carrie for being so reliable and working so hard for our company!

AC not doing the trick?

Am I the only one who hates driving to meet up with my friends somewhere only to arrive covered in sweat because my AC just isn't cutting it?  It's Texas y'all and it's HOT.

Common air conditioning problems range from low freon to a broken belt to a faulty electrical component.  Use our current AC Service coupon to get a proper diagnosis and visual inspection of all your AC components, including the freon level, AC compressor, AC condenser, expansion valve and receiver-drier for cracks, damage, and leaks.

The most common problem, however, is a simple freon leak.  If our Hyundai-certified technicians determine that your vehicle is leaking freon, they will perform an AC evacuation and recharge.  This service entails draining the freon, vacuum testing for leaks, replacing the leaky hose or faulty part, and refilling the refrigerant to manufacturer specified levels.

Completing this service periodically will increase the cooling efficiency of your vehicle and keep you cool during the long Texas summer!

Make an appointment online or call (940) 243-6233 to speak with a service advisor.

Stranded at the Gas Station

What to do when your Gas Tank Door Won't Open

Does anyone else push the limits of their gas tank capacity like I do? My Veracruz tells me when I have approximately 20 miles or more left in my tank. Less than 20 miles and all I get is blinking dashes. I usually drive on that for a day or two before filling up.

Last Friday, I finally turned in to Quick Trip to rehydrate my SUV.

But my gas tank wouldn't open!

After my panic subsided, I called the Eckert Hyundai Service Department and they walked me through how to open my tank manually. In case you don't have them on speed dial, or this happens on the weekend, here is what you do...

1) Don't... Freak Out (imagine Chic's chorus here)

2) Open your trunk

3) Locate the manual fuel refill door release and pull. This might be inside a plastic panel or fastened to the carpeted side of your trunk. Your gas tank will open and you can refuel as needed.

4) If you link to tinker, you can try to adjust the door spring and latch device.  Inspect the pin and latch for any debris.  If the outward force on your door is not allowing the door to release, you might adjust the hinge spring.  Test the interior door release button.  If it works, tell your friends you are a Hyundai certified A technician.  If not, proceed to step 5.

5) Schedule an appointment with Eckert Hyundai online or call (940) 243-6233.  It is possible that a fuse has gone bad and needs replaced.  Our hours are 7:30am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturday.

Happy Hyundai Driving.

April Employee of the Month

Most Efficient

Our Eckert Hyundai Employee of the Month for April is Bob Lentner our superstar Parts Manager. One of our many employees who work with family (his son Robert is our other parts department personnel) and who have been here for over a decade (11 years this September)! Bob was recognized this month by his co-workers for his efficiency. Bob has been in the automotive parts industry for 40 years and his experience and leadership show through in his meticulously organized department.

One of his co-workers wrote: “Bob has amazing organizational skills, this leads to his excellent efficiency at work. Bob doesn't mince words and is laser focused so superfluous actions do not impede his process. He is amazingly knowledgeable so he doesn't have to waste time getting information that does not lead to his providing the solution to your problem. His experience leads to the amazingly efficient parts department that is lean and mean, he is able to keep on hand just what is needed to allow repairs to be done in a faster manner. Bob is super!”

Bob is super indeed! We are proud to acknowledge this Dallas Stars loving Grandfather of 9. His hard work (he can often be found up here on weekends and has the largest collection of unused vacation days at Eckert Hyundai) and dedication to his craft have helped Eckert become the dealership it is today!

Employees of the Month

Leadership Award

Eckert Hyundai is excited to announce Dave Hornbuckle as February employee of the month!   Dave's leadership skills, positive attitude, and work ethic are just a few of the outstanding traits that Dave is recognized for. One of his co-workers mentions that “Dave takes initiative and he is good at motivating people”. 

As a leader in our service department, Dave consistently upholds the highest levels of compliance in the service industry and is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with his fellow co-workers. Dave is also known for having a great sense of humor which makes him a pleasure to work with. 

Dave has been providing Eckert customers with exceptional customer service since May of 2007 and and we are proud to acknowledge him for his hard work and dedication. Thanks Dave, and congratulations!

Most Innovative Award

Eckert's March Employee of the Month is James Colman. James is the finance manager here at Eckert and has built himself a strong reputation of getting deals financed, no matter what the circumstances.  James is being recognized for his innovative ideas and strong work ethic in following company standards while delivering the highest level of customer service to his customers.

James joined Eckert Hyundai in February 2010, bringing with him 14 years of finance experience. He is known to to think outside of the box, often trying new lenders or new products in order to offer better solutions to our customers. James shows no signs of slowing down in his approach to consistently meeting the demands of his position. All of us here would like to give James a pat on the back and say “Way to go, James”!

* Due to timing issues, we are highlighting 2 outstanding employees this month!

 

2013 Santa Fe with 3rd Row

The newest Santa Fe revision is an exciting release for the Hyundai line.  As a mom of 3 little ones, I'm most excited about 2nd row captains chairs for minivan functionality without the minivan stigma.  I'm still holding out for sliding doors on a "cool" car or SUV, but here are some of the appealing features the new Santa Fe does offer: 

-NEW- Stain and odor resistant cloth seat

-NEW- 5,000 lbs towing capacity, increased from 3,500

-NEW- Blue Link Telematics System

-Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System

-NEW- Driver Selectable Steering lets you choose comfort, normal, or sport steering and suspension mode

-NEW- 7 total airbags including driver's knee airbag and side curtain rollover sensors 
-NEW- Heated steering wheel

-NEW- Heated 2nd row seats

-Navigation with 4.3" or 8" touchscreen

-Rearview Camera

-115-volt power outlet

-Panoramic Sunroof

-NEW-Manual rear side sunshades

-Remote keyless entry with alarm, 18" or 19" alloy wheels, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control, power driver and passenger seats, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, dual temperature control, auto-dimming interior mirror with HomeLink and compass, power rear liftgate and more.

To tell you the truth, you are going to have to experience the smell, touch and feel of this SUV in person.  Like my drivers license picture, a photo just doesn't do a girl (or a vehicle) justice.  Call (940) 243-6200 or Email@EckertHyundai.com to schedule a test drive.

See our Inventory and Get a Quote Here. 

See the unbiased First Drive Review: Standing Out In A Segment Of Me-Too Crossovers by Autoblog.