Everything You Need To Know About EPA Gas Mileage Ratings

That EPA gas mileage paper in the window of new cars is starting to get a lot more attention thanks to rising fuel prices.

It’s starting to become just as popular as the sticker price.  With gas prices rising and falling faster than a rollercoaster, it makes total sense.  Many people want a fuel efficient vehicle.

For those of you who have not paid too much attention to this, it can be a little confusing.  To help you understand how it works, here is what you need to know.

• City Driving: The EPA classifies city driving as stop and go traffic.  Think of it as when you’re driving through town and you encounter stop lights and stop signs.

• Highway Driving: This is classified as high-speed driving on an interstate for freeway.

• Combined: This is what your gas mileage would look like if you did a combination of city and highway driving.

As an example, the 2011 Toyota Corolla gets 28/35.  This would mean that it gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

Some people get confused with the EPA ratings.  A lot of times they’ll focus only on the highest number.  This is the wrong approach.  It’s most likely you’ll be doing a combination of both highway and city driving.

If this is the case, you’ll want to pay close attention to the combined mileage.

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The Top 5 Teenage Driving Mistakes

Teenage drivers are notoriously bad drivers.

It’s not their fault.  They’re just learning how to drive.  For parents with a new teenage driver in the house, here is what you can expect in terms of teenage driving mistakes.

1. Distracted Driving: Teens are notorious for being distracted drivers.  It’s gotten even worse thank to cell phones and texting.  Teach your teenager the importance of paying attention to the road.
2. Packing The Car With Passengers: This is another big problem.  Too many teenagers in the car leads to distracted driving, which can cause accidents.  It also makes it difficult for the teenager to see out of passenger and rear windows.
3. Speeding: This is a problem for everyone, but it’s usually worse for teenagers because they don’t have the driving experience to handle high speeds.  Make sure your teen drives the posted speed limit.  Set a good example by following the speed limits and other traffic laws.
4. No Seatbelt: We all know that seatbelts save lives.  Teenagers just need to be reminded more often than others.  Stress the importance of wearing a seatbelt to your teenager.  You can reinforce seatbelt safety by always making everyone wear their seatbelts when getting into a car.
5. Taking Turns Too Fast: When teens take turns too fast, it leads to accidents.  Be sure to teach your team how to slow down when taking turns.  This is really important to teach them in areas that have snow and ice on the roads during the winter.

When your teens are not on the road, be sure to teach them the importance of automotive maintenance.  Show them how to change oil and how to replace parts on their vehicle.  If they own a Toyota, be sure to use genuine Toyota parts to keep their car on the road longer.

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Signs That It’s Time To Get The Brakes Fixed

It happens approximately every 10,000 miles.  A lot of times it starts with a

grinding sound when you apply the brake pedal.

It means it’s time for new brakes.  If your car is experiencing any of the symptoms below, it probably means that it’s time for new brakes.

• A Sinking Brake Pedal: If your brakes do not respond like they once did, it’s probably time to visit a mechanic.  If your brake pedals is sinking to the ground there is probably an issue with the brake pressure.

• Grinding Noises: If you’re starting to hear grinding noises when you apply the brakes, it’s likely that the brake pads are worn.  You’re hearing that grinding sound because the pads have been worn to the metal and need to be replaced.

• Knocking Vibrations: If you’re feeling strange vibrations when you apply the brakes, it means that your rotors are probably warped.  This happens because the brake pads are unable to hold onto the surface of the rotor.  The rotor needs to be smooth to work properly.

When replacing your brakes or any parts on your vehicle, be sure to take it to a certified mechanic.  There, you will get the expert service to get the job done right.

Also, you’ll be sure that they use quality parts.

For instance if you own a Toyota, you’ll want them to use Toyota OEM parts.  OEM parts are designed by the manufacture and help keep you car on the road longer. For example, if you own a Toyota Prius, you would want to find OEM Prius parts.

How often do you replace the brakes on your vehicle?  Leave your comments below.

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What’s The Difference Between A Bad Driver And A Good Driver

We’ve all seen our share of bad driving.  Just take a look at the video below.

Here is what separates a good driver from a bad driver.

A good driver …

• Follows the Traffic Laws: We wouldn’t have as many accidents if drivers drove the posted speed limit and obeyed the traffic laws.

• Is Considerate: A good driver is mindful of the other drivers around them.  They provide ample spacing between vehicles and use their turn signals.

• Is Patient: You should always give yourself enough time to reach a destination.  Traffic jams are going to happen.  Weaving in and out of traffic isn’t going to get your anywhere.

• Wears Their Seatbelt: Wearing your seatbelt will help to prevent fatal car accidents from happening.  Every year approximately 40,000 people die in car accidents.  Seatbelts can help prevent many of these fatalities.

• Is Responsible: A good driver will take responsibility for the actions on the road.  Mistakes are going to happen.  It’s important to accept responsibility for those mistakes.  It’s also illegal to leave the scene of an accident.

• Takes Care of their Car: For your safety as well as the safety of others, it’s important to keep you car in good working order.  For instance, if you own a Toyota Tundra, you would immediately want to replace broken Tundra parts.  For a Corolla, you would need to replace Corolla parts.  This ensures that your car is in good working order.

These are just some of the qualities that separate a good driver from a bad driver.

What do you think makes a bad driver?  We would love to read your comments below!

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Registration open for Toyota’s Free Safe Driving Program

The Issue…

Driving over the last 100 years has become the core aspect of life on the global and American stages. It’s understandable, then, why companies and organizations are putting a massive focus on safety when dealing with driving. Automotive manufacturers are the first level in the battle against dangerous driving, and companies like Toyota have evolved their vehicles to better deal with problem driving environments and distractions. From them, the responsibility then usually goes to the driver themselves, who are ultimately the only thing stopping the vehicle from careening at ungodly speeds down the wrong side of the highway. While there are defensive driving courses and driving exams that our society has put in place to remedy some of these issues, there are still thousands of deaths reported on American roads each year that had to do with careless mistakes in less than perfect driving conditions.

The Program

That is why, starting in 2004, Toyota Motor Corp. in cooperation with several Local Toyota Dealerships began offering an experience sponsored by Toyota Driving Expectations to educate the public on proper driving techniques. Every year, they host a driving class directed towards recreating real-world situations that usually end in disaster for drivers, and instructing less-experienced drivers on how to deal with those issues. Through the unique situations presented to attendees at Toyota’s Free Safe Driving Program, drivers advance their driving skills and prevent many future accidents.

What will you learn?

Toyota published an overview of their program on their online pressroom, and in the overview mentioned some of the situations the students would be presented with. Some scenarios included learning how to:

• “Learn defensive driving skills and crash avoidance techniques, such as best practices for focusing on the road”
• “Identify and respond to the dangerous driving situations that they encounter daily”
• “Experience firsthand the dangers of distracted driving and understand the relationship between distraction and reaction time”
• “Understand vehicle dynamics and safety features, such as how to engage an anti-lock braking system”

Not Just for Students, Parents Too!

One of the outstanding features of the program is the effort Toyota put in to involve not only young drivers. A parent or guardian is required to come, because of the influence they have on their young drivers as role models. “The unique aspect of requiring a parent or guardian to attend the program with their teen driver helps to foster an open dialogue between teens and parents about safe driving habits,” the report said. “As a result, parents learn the best practices to promote responsible driving habits with their teens so they’re able to continue improving driving skills at home.” Both Parent and Student will be able to experience the world renowned Toyota Parts in a constructive, educational, and controlled environment!

For more info on the program, or to see the quotes featured in their original content, visit Toyota’s Press Release or their main Toyota News site.

The program will be held in the following cities at the following times.

• Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., in Torrance, CA, October 8 – 9 *
• Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA, October 15 – 16
• Bass Pro Shops in Denver, CO, October 22 – 23
• Seymour High School in Seymour, CT, October 29 – 30 *

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Important Tips On Renting Cars

No one likes getting ripped off, especially when it comes to rental cars.

If you follow the tips below, you’ll find the perfect rental car for your next trip.

1. Think About Your Needs: Before deciding on a class of vehicle, think about your needs.  Are you renting a car for a family vacation? Or are you renting a car because the Toyota is in the shop getting Camry parts replaced?  Select the class of vehicle based on your needs.

 

2. Shop Around: If you want to get the best deal on a rental car, shop around.  Compare prices to find the best value.  Also look online for discounts and other promotions.  This will help you get the best deal on a rental car.

 

3. Understand that Rates Change: Like airline tickets, rental car fees go up and down more than the stock market.  Except with rental cars, it’s a little more predictable.  To save money, try to book your rental car ahead of time, especially during busy travel seasons.

 

4. Get The Extra Coverage: It’s usually only a few dollars more and it covers your rear end just in case of an accident.  The extra coverage will help to ensure that you’re covered for the worst case scenario.

 

5. Inspect The Car: Once you find a rental car, be sure to thoroughly inspect it.  Look for any dents and other issues.  Be sure to tell the rental car agent what you find.  This will prevent them from charging you for anything that is not your fault.

 

Following these five tips will help you on getting the most out of your rental car.  When returning the vehicle, be sure that the fuel is filled to the proper level.  Also be sure to remove all of your belongings from the vehicle.

What tips do you have on renting cars? Leave your comments below.

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How To Suck At Buying A New Car

Buying a car is a big purchase.  There’s a lot of money at stake.

When it comes to buying a new car, you’ll want to avoid these mistakes at all costs.

• Mistake 1: Don’t Shop Around For Loans: It’s very important to shop around for car loans before buying a new car.  You want to make sure that you find the best interest rate possible.  This will help ensure that you get the best deal for the vehicle.

• Mistake 2: Buying the First Car: Car shopping isn’t like love at first site.  Make sure that you visit several dealerships and test-drive several vehicles.  This will help to ensure that you make the right decision when it comes to purchasing a brand new car.

• Mistake 3: Purchasing Based on Status: Some people get sucked into buying a car that is out of their price range because of flashy features or brand names.  It’s nice to have a great looking car.  However, be sure to live within your means.  This will prevent problems down the road.

• Mistake 4: Failing to Read Reviews: You don’t need to read reviews when it’s a brand new car, right?  Wrong.  It’s very important to read the reviews for new cars.  This will help to determine if there are any problems down the road.  Take the time to do some serious research on the new vehicle that you plan on purchasing.

• Mistake 5: Passing on the Test Drive: If you’re going to be driving this vehicle for several years, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right fit.  Skipping on the test drive could lead to regrets down the road.  So be sure to take the vehicle out for a quick spin before purchasing it.

• Mistake 6: Focusing on the Sticker Price: If you want to get a good deal on a vehicle, you need to figure out how much the dealer paid for the car.  Often times, you can figure it out by subtracting all the dealer incentives.  You’ll get a better value if you focus on the true value of the vehicle.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you find the right vehicle at the right price.  If you purchase a Toyota, be sure to use genuine Toyota parts to keep it on the road longer.

What type of car have you recently purchased? Leave your comments below.

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2012 Toyota Tacoma is, you guessed it, “Refreshed”

It seems that with every new vehicle unveiled at Toyota, another layer is added to the cumulative feel of the brand. Nearly every vehicle slated for a 2012 sales year has been redesigned to appeal to those looking for a more “fun to ride” vehicle that has a ferocious presence on the road. This trend was continued in the recently announced Toyota Tacoma. While not very many changes happened under the hood this year, several aspects of the vehicle’s exterior and interior were reworked. The result is a vehicle that, according to the press release, “offers a restyled exterior look and a redesigned, upgraded interior in all models for 2012. New changes add comfort, usability and audio/infotainment performance.“

The face of the vehicle has been significantly changed, to reflect the more angular look Toyota has been working on of late. This involved “a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other changes.” It’s really no surprise here that it is in fact more aggressive. Based on the recent drive for attitude in Toyota’s aesthetic division when designing vehicles for the 2012 model year, it can safely be assumed that Akio Toyoda (CEO) has a new image for Toyota in mind. Ever since the LFA shook the company at it’s foundation, it seems like more and more consumer models are aimed towards that look and feel. The 2012 Toyota Tacoma still has it’s rounded corners that make the iconic truck what it is, but the lines and contour of the front end is much more defined.

The interior was also significantly reworked, to involve the latest and greatest in comfort. “Access Cab models offer a new available six-speaker system with an AM/FM/ Satellite Radio-capable head unit with a single-disc CD player. Built-in Bluetooth® allows hands-free phone, and a USB port enables connection of an iPod®, MP3 player or flash drive with music files.“ The DoubleCab V6 model includes Toyota’s EnTune multimedia suite, allowing drivers to access their personal entertainment media in a quick distraction-free way.

Toyota has also expanded the optional configurations of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, to involve different combinations of Toyota Parts and Toyota Accessories. The X-Runner, X|T, and X|T Pro models all are different versions of the same great vehicle, tailored to appeal to different audiences.

As always, the official press release can be found in full HERE.

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How To Screw Up Repairing Your Car

Do-it-yourself auto repair is a great way to save money.  It’s also a great way to screw up your vehicle.

Here are some of the top mistakes that commonly happen when car owners take auto repairs into their own hands.

Mistake #1: Misdiagnosis of the Problem

Many amateur mechanics think they know what is wrong with their car, only to find out that they repaired the wrong part.  This happens more than you would expect.  Be sure to run lots of tests on your vehicle to pinpoint the problem.

You don’t want to go on gut instinct.  Take the time to identify the problem in your vehicle.  If you can’t figure it out, take it to a professional mechanic.

Mistake #2: Don’t Use an Auto Repair Manual

If you plan on doing the repairs yourself, be sure to use an auto repair manual.  Unless you’re a certified technician, it’s important to follow along in a manual when repairing your vehicle.  Be sure to follow all of the steps in the manual.

Mistake #3: Use the Wrong Parts

Generic parts are not always the best option.  Many times they don’t fit properly.  For an untrained mechanic this can present problems.  Consider using OEM parts for your vehicle.

For example, if you own a Toyota Rav4, you would want to use genuine Rav4 parts.  This makes it a lot easier to complete the repairs because the parts properly fit together.

Mistake #4: Don’t Ask for Help

Some repairs such as replacing brake pads, require two people.  Don’t try to do two-person auto repairs by yourself.  It’s only going to cause problems.

Be sure to ask a friend or family member to lend you a hand if needed.  This will help to avoid potential screw ups.

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Why Quick Oil Changes Suck

Quick oil changes have become popular options for Toyota car owners.

These options claim to be fast, easy and cheap.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  You could end up spending extra money on Toyota parts for your vehicle.  This is because of the damages caused by these quick oil change places.

Problems can include:

• Stripping threads on the drain plug.
• Installing the wrong oil filter.
• Poor customer service.

Here are several important reasons why you should avoid quick oil changes.

1. Technicians are Usually Inexperienced: Many quick oil change places hire young, inexperienced technicians.  This sometimes leads to mistakes because they don’t look over their work.

2. Technicians are Overworked: In quick oil changes, time is of the essence.  It’s not about quality.  It’s about getting as many cars as possible through the service bays.  Mistakes are more likely to happen under these types of conditions.

3. Technicians Cut Corners: Many times, technicians will forget to check the air pressure in your tires or top off other fluids in your car.  These places also will not tell you if there are any additional problems with your car.

If you decide to get an oil change, be sure to take a good look at your vehicle after the service.  Check to see if there is an oil leak.  If there is a leak, immediately notify the staff and ask for compensation.

It’s better to visit a mechanic that specializes in your vehicle.  There, they can give you the proper service and identify other potential problems.  Additionally, if you own a Toyota, you can ensure that they will use genuine Toyota parts that will keep you car on the road longer.

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Lexus Eco Challenge offers Scholarships to Students

Every year, Lexus in cooperation with Scholastics inc. hosts a contest that aims to push students into thinking about the future of our planet. Lexus has ever since it’s founding been concerned for the well being of planet earth, and with the rise of Hybrid vehicles, it has led the luxury sector of that industry. Naturally, this kind of contest just seemed to be something meant to happen. Teams of 5 students and a teacher advisor every year compete for thousands of dollars worth in scholarships from all over the country, and has involved more than 20,000 students over the last four years. In those last four years, according to a news release on the subject, “more than $3 million has been awarded to students, teachers and schools across the nation. This fall, students are invited to participate in the fifth annual Lexus Eco Challenge for a chance to win part of $500,000 in grants and scholarships.”

The contest involves three separate contests. The first round of the overall event allows for students to choose one of the two entry contests, one based on “Land/Water”, one on “Air/Climate”. Teams are instructed to find one issue in their community that has to do with the two involved topics and research possible solutions. The winner of the first team is determined by who seems to address the issue at hand through an Action Plan Powerpoint presentation. Limited by a size restriction of 15-20 MB, the Action PPT must consider the issue and address it in a logical/feasible way. However, the ideas in the Action Plan must have been implemented in the community for a positive result. In this way, Lexus and Scholastic are pushing students to really make a difference in their communities.

The report online received an interview from Mark Templin, the Lexus Group VP and General Manager. ”Last year the students and teachers went above and beyond the scope of the Lexus Eco Challenge,” said Templin. “We’re eager to see what the fifth year will bring us. Every year, we see the students and their teachers being more resourceful and committed to their projects. It’s wonderful to see how the Lexus Eco Challenge is making an impact on their schools, community and our environment.”

The following link is from Scholastic’s information homepage on the Lexus Eco Challenge. This team from Clark Magnet school in California entered last year and won $10,000 in prize money. Click HERE for more Info.

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Things to look for when buying Used Cars

Everyone has had to drive a used car at some point or another. While it is a very smart consumer choice for those strapped for cash, a used car purchase can make or break someone’s mobility. Find a good car for a cheap price, and end up loving that Used Toyota for generations to come. Miss a couple key details, however, and you’re stuck with a car that isn’t reliable and bound to fail at one point or another. Here are several important things to keep in mind while searching for that next “Oldie but goodie”.

1. Look under the Hood!!

The engine is without a doubt the most important part to inspect when looking at a used car. Many times a used car is only judged on the outer appearance, and that is one of the WORST things to do. In the grand scheme of things, the car needs to actually run more than it needs to look like a luxury Lexus. When looking under the hood, take note of any irregularities like non Toyota OEM parts, loose belts, patched hoses, and corroded batteries. These little things can tell a lot about the former owner, and that usually can hint to how well the car was taken care of. Sometimes, with non OEM parts in older cars, problems can arise from the extra strain they put on the engine. While non-OEM are sometimes advertised as delivering more performance or gas mileage, the best thing to do would be to ask your local Kansas City Toyota Dealership about aftermarket parts.

2. Take it for a test drive!

Make sure to really listen to the car as you drive. The slightest noise or rattle can betray the biggest and most expensive problems to fix, and they aren’t anything to be ignored. Because the history of a used car isn’t always set in stone, you shouldn’t accept anything less than the best your money can buy. If you purchase a cheap car that seems to look nice under the hood and on the interior, but has a little rattle when driving on the highway, then the repairs spent to fix that stretched belt or broken fan could outweigh the cost of spending extra money on a nicer vehicle overall.

3. Don’t just ignore the looks!

While I mentioned not judging a book by it’s cover, the exterior of a car does play an important part in weighing the positives and negatives of a purchase. The more dinged up and scratched a used car is, the worse care it probably got from it’s former owner. It all comes back to trying to figure out what kind of automotive consumer owned the vehicle last. Not to slam the Used Toyota Car seller, but if the car doesn’t appear to have been well taken care of, then it probably isn’t a good buy.

4. Take it to an authorized dealer for an inspection!

One of the best resources for making informed automotive purchases resides at your local Kansas City Toyota Dealerships. It is the mechanic’s job there to be well informed on the different problems that can arise in vehicles over time, and for a quick fee they can usually show you any trouble spots. You may never be able to tell if a car’s transmission is about to give out, but usually a well versed mechanic can see the tell-tale signs of problems before they happen. They can also spot those non Toyota OEM parts that could cause an issue down the road.

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