The Top 5 Green Driving Tips

Are you ready to start making a difference?

Here are some easy driving tips that will help you do your part to better the environment.

1). Keep Your Vehicle Light

The heavier your vehicle, the more gas you’re going to burn. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or truck bed to reduce the weight of your vehicle. The Department of Energy estimates that an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel efficiency by 2 percent.

2). Keep Your Vehicle In Great Shape

Don’t put off repairs and oil changes. It’s not good for your car or the environment. If your vehicle is having emissions problems, be sure to get them fixed as soon as possible. If you drive a Toyota, be sure to use genuine Toyota parts. Regularly checking your tire pressure can help save on gas.

3). Car Pool

Take turns driving with family, friends and co-workers. It’s good for the environment. You also won’t be driving your vehicle as much, saving you lots of miles and repair costs. eRideShare.com is a great website to find carpool listings.

4). Get a Fuel Efficient Car

New vehicles have better fuel-efficient technologies in them. Toyota leads the way with its Prius line of hybrid cars. If your vehicle gets 20^th Century gas mileage, you may want to look for a newer vehicle.

5). Plan Your Trips

Plan out your weekend errands so you’re not making multiple round-trip drives. You’ll be amazed how much gas you save. It’s also better for the environment.

We’d love to hear from you! What green driving tips do you have? Leave your comments below.

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Your Guide to the 2013 Toyota Avalon

Toyota recently unveiled the 2013 Avalon.

The mid-sized sedan made its first appearance at the New York International Auto Show. In comparison to previous versions, the 2013 model has a bold new design. If you’re thinking about getting a 2013 Avalon, here are some key facts.

• Aerodynamics – The new Avalon has enhanced aerodynamics to improve ride quality and handling. The car now also features new driving modes – normal, eco and sport – for better driving conditions.

• Sleek Exterior – Toyota designed a new sleek exterior for the Avalon. You have the option of 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. The new Avalon is a little more compact than its predecessor. The car now also features a wider grille design.

• Modern Interior – The Avalon continues to have a great interior. The 2013 has a new center console with a tray that is great for smartphones, iPods and other electronic devices. There’s also a USB port and AUX input access.

• Great Safety – Like all Toyotas, the 2013 Avalon comes loaded with safety features. It includes Toyota’s Star Safety System, vehicle stability control, traction control as well as a 10-airbag safety system. You also can get blind spot monitoring as an additional safety feature.

To find out about other Toyota vehicles, read the Toyota Parts Center Blog. At Toyota Parts Center, we provide you with Toyota OEM parts at great prices!

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Cool Car Accessories For Women

Attention women, your car doesn’t have to be boring.

The accessories below are great items to organize and spice up the interior of your vehicle.

Car Vases

A car vase is a nice way to spice up the interior of your vehicle. There are all types of car vases. Many attach to the heating vents in your vehicle. A car vase can really brighten the interior of your vehicle.

Purse Hooks

You’ll never have to leave your purse on a seat or on the floorboards again. A purse hook is a nice way to keep track of your purse in your vehicle. Many attach to the back of your seat. This accessory is also great for hanging clothes in your vehicle.

First Aid Kit

This is very important to have in your vehicle, especially if you have small children. Many times you can purchase great kits from the dealer. Toyota for instance has a great first aid kit. To find the one pictured, check with your Toyota dealer or a Toyota parts specialist.

Car Organizers

Car organizers don’t have to be boring. Many come in stylish colors just for women. A classy organizer is a great way to add flair to your vehicle while keeping track of your cell phone, lip gloss and other accessories.

These are just a few of our favorite accessories. What are your favorite car accessories? Leave your comments below.

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Vehicle Test Drive Checklist

If you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, you’ll want to take it on a test drive.

Taking a new or used car for a test spin will help you decide if it’s the right ride for you. Here are some things that you’ll want to pay attention to while on a test drive.

Before you drive, check the following features…

• Comfort – Is there enough space for you and your passengers? Before driving the vehicle, sit in all the seats to make sure there is enough space.
• Storage – Is the trunk large enough? Are there storage compartments and cup holders? If you’re purchasing a truck, is the truck bed big enough?
• Engine – Take a peek under the hood. Is it easy to locate important things such as oil and coolant? 
• Technology – Does the technology in the vehicle meet your standards? Can you easily connect your smartphone or iPod to the stereo? Are the power outlets easy to access?

Safety Check – Before you hit the road on a test drive, be sure to check all of your mirrors and buckle up!

As you’re driving, pay attention to…

• Response – How does the vehicle respond when accelerating, braking and cornering? Does it meet your driving style?Visibility – Is it easy to see out of the vehicle? Try driving the vehicle in reverse. Check the visibility. Many people forget to do this.
• Power – Don’t be timid. Push the vehicle. See how much power it has on the highway. Drive on different types of roads to really test the vehicle’s power.
• Heating & Cooling – How’s the heating and cooling system on the vehicle? Does it meet your needs?

Safety Check – Don’t forget to obey the traffic laws during a test drive.

After the test drive, be sure to find out about…

• Repairs – If you’re buying a Camry for example, find out at what intervals you’ll have to replace important Camry parts.
• Warranties – Ask the dealer what’s covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Safety – If the salesperson hasn’t already covered it with you, find out about the different vehicle safety features.

Following these tips will help you during your next test drive. What vehicles would you like to take on a test drive? Leave your comments below.

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15 Interesting Facts About Toyota

Here are 15 fun facts about Toyota.

1. Toyota was founded in 1937.

2. Toyota has created 365,000 jobs in the United States.

3. There are 1,506 Toyota, Scion and Lexus dealers in the United States.

4. The Toyota Prius is sold in more than 70 countries and regions.

5. Toyota came to America in 1957.

6. Toyota’s founder’s name is spelled T-O-Y-O-D-A.

7. The first cars launched by Lexus were the LS 400 and the ES 250.

8. It takes a Camry V6 190 feet of test track to stop from 70 mph.

9. Eight vehicles manufactured by Toyota won the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study.

10.  Toyota has sold nearly 75 percent of all the hybrids in the United States.

11.  Toyota started by making automated looms in 1924. The profits were later used to invest in automobile production.

12.  The Toyota Supra was in production from 1978 to 2002.

13.  Scion was founded in 2002.

14.  Eighty percent of Toyotas sold 20 years ago are still on the road today.

15.  Toyota Motor North America headquarters are located in Torrance, California.

For more interesting posts about Toyota, be sure to read the Toyota Parts Center Blog and join the conversation with thousands of others on the Toyota Parts Center Facebook Page.

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Why Women Are Better Drivers (Or Are They?)

It’s a hotly contested subject: Who are better drivers, women or men?

According to a new study, women are the better drivers.

The study titled, Women Are Bad Drivers — Fact Or Fiction? sifted through statistics and found that women are better drivers on several fronts. The study showed that:

• Women get into fewer accidents: For example, 80 percent of auto accidents that kill or injure pedestrians involve male drivers. Also female drivers are 27 percent less likely to be at fault for an accident.

• Women get fewer DUIs: Reports show that the DUI ratio is three to one. The report highlights the fact that men received more than 600,000 DUIs in 2007 alone. While women received approximately 160,000 in that same year.

• Women get fewer tickets: In just about every category women get fewer tickets than men. This includes reckless driving, speeding, failure to yield and stop sign violations.

However, a driving study published by the University of Michigan begs to differ. According to the Michigan study, women get into more accidents than men, even though they drive less.

So whom do you believe? Are women really better drivers? Or are men better behind the wheel? Leave your comments below.

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Cool 2012 Toyota Concept Vehicles

We’ve seen some cool Toyota concept vehicles from Toyota this year.

At both the North American International Auto Show and the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota unveiled concept cars that we might see on the road someday. Both concept cars looked great!

Here is a little more info on Toyota’s latest concept cars.

Toyota NS4

This four-door sedan was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The NS4 has a sleek profile and includes pre-collision radar. The headlights also self-adjust to avoid glare. A solar panel covers the roof to recharge the battery.

According to the Toyota press release, the car contains futuristic styling with a new take on aerodynamics.

Toyota FT-Bh

This is a hybrid car that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This five-door hatchback resembles the Prius. However it has some very modern lines to it. This car is fueled by compressed natural gas.

According to reports, the FT-Bh could achieve an average of 134.5 miles per gallon. The concept car weighs just 1,733 pounds.

Which 2012 Toyota concept car do you like better? Leave your comments below. For more great Toyota blog posts, be sure to subscribe to the Toyota Parts Center Blog.

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Why Your Car’s A/C Is Not Working

Is your car blowing out hot air? If that’s the case, you probably have an issue with your car’s air conditioning system.

Here are some common problems with car A/C systems.

• Lack of Refrigerant – At some point, your car’s air conditioning system is going to run out of refrigerant. Your vehicle may just need more refrigerant. However, sometimes there is a leak. If this is the case, you’ll need to have your mechanic locate the source of the leak.

• Faulty Compressor – The compressor is the part that compresses and circulates the refrigerant in your car’s air conditioning system. As your car gets older, it’s possible that the compressor could break.

• Broken Condenser – This is the part, which converts the refrigerant gas into a liquid. Like the compressor this is another part that can break down over time. Your mechanic will likely check this part.

• Evaporator May Need Replaced – Your car’s evaporator helps to cool the refrigerant, thus cooling your vehicle. Over time, the evaporator could break down. This is another part to check.

These are four major areas that are common problems with car air conditioning systems. It’s very important to take your vehicle to an expert technician. They can help fix the problem.

When you take your car to the mechanic, be sure they use genuine parts. For example, if you owned a Toyota Tacoma truck, you would want to use genuine Tacoma parts. This will help ensure the air conditioning parts properly fit together and last.

We hope you stay cool this summer! Read more car care posts on the Toyota Parts Center Blog.

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How to Keep Track of Your Teenage Driver

It’s hard to keep track of teenagers, especially when they have their driver’s license. Thankfully there are some easy ways to keep tabs on that teenage driver.

The tips and gadgets in this post will help you keep better track of that teenage driver so they stay safe and out of trouble.

• Get Them a Cell Phone – Get your teenager a cell phone. It can help you keep track of them. If you’re worried about large cell phone bills, there are special plans geared specifically for teenagers. Some cell phone companies even offer services that allow you to track them by cell phone.

• Buy a GPS Tracker – There are various GPS trackers that you can attached to a car to keep track of your teen. This is a great way to know the exact location of your teenager anytime they are driving.

• Check with the Insurance Company – Some insurance companies have safe teen driving features. Also, many insurance companies will install a camera in the car with a teen driver. This will help you monitor your teen to see if they’re doing things like texting while driving.

• Talk with Your Teen – Sometimes all it takes is a little communication. Express your expectations.

• Make Them Realize Driving Is a Privilege – Many 16-year-olds feel driving is a right, not a privilege. If your teen is failing to stay in touch with you when they’re away from home, revoke their driving privileges.

These are just a few ways to keep better track of your teen. Make sure they’re driving a safe, reliable vehicle such as a Toyota. Using genuine Toyota parts will help keep the vehicle in good shape for your teenager.

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Important Hybrid Car Buying Tips

Hybrid cars and SUVs are becoming a popular alternative to vehicles that use standard gasoline engines.

With more and more hybrids popping up on the market, selecting the right one can be a difficult decision. To help you out, here are some important buying tips.

Tip #1: Do Your Research

Not all hybrid vehicles are made the same. In fact, there are differences in hybrid engines. Some have a generator that charges the battery for the electric motor. Others have a full-electric motor. You can learn more, by reading HowStuffWorks.

Tip #2: Choose Your Class

Just like other vehicles, hybrid cars come in different sizes. You can get hybrids with two-seats as well as SUV hybrids that can haul an entire family. Do your homework to determine, which class of hybrid will be the right fit for you.

Tip #3: Price Shop

It’s important to shop around to find the best price. Just like regular cars, luxury hybrids will cost more than standard hybrids. If you’re looking for a good deal, consider buying a certified used hybrid vehicle. These come with warranties.

Tip #4: Pay Attention to Fuel Economy

Gas mileage varies between hybrid vehicle models. A large SUV hybrid isn’t going to get as good of gas mileage as a compact hybrid car. If fuel is a big issue, be sure to compare the fuel economy ratings of the different hybrids.

Tip #5: Think About Service Costs

Some hybrid vehicles will cost more than others to service and repair. Do your research to figure out which ones are the best bets for your budget. Read publications like Consumer Reports to help find the best hybrid vehicles.

Once you purchase your hybrid, be sure to use genuine parts from the manufacturer. For instance, if you bought a Prius, you would want to use genuine Prius Parts. These parts tend to last longer and improve the vehicle’s performance.

What type of hybrid are you thinking of getting? Leave your comments below.

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What Is the True Cost of a Car?

Too often, buyers fixate on the sticker price of a vehicle.

While it’s important to get a low price, you also need to consider the costs after you drive the vehicle off the lot. According to AAA, ownership of a car could cost up to $9,000 a year.

That’s because you’ll have to pay for gas, maintenance, insurance and other costs over the course of a year. So what determines the true cost of a car? Find out below.

• Insurance – Car insurance is a big chunk of the true cost of a vehicle. Check with your insurance company to compare rates between new vehicles. Your driving record will also affect your insurance rate.

• Gas – With the way gas prices go up and down, you’ll want to pay close attention to the gas mileage of the vehicle that you are considering. Think about how much you want to spend on gas a month.

• Maintenance – The vehicle is going to need oil changes as well as part replacements over the course of its life. It’s better to go with genuine parts. For example, genuine Camry parts tend to last longer than generic parts.

• License and Taxes – Taxes and license fees may vary based on the age and model of your vehicle. If you have a tight budget, explore the different license fee costs and taxes for various vehicles.

• Interest Rates – If you are planning on financing the vehicle, examine the interest rate. You want to make sure that you get a reasonable interest rate to save money.

These are just a few things you should research when looking to buy a new car. It will help you to determine the true cost of the vehicle.

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Tips on Selecting Gas Rewards Cards

Gas rewards credit cards are a popular way to save at the pump.

These cards allow you to get discounts on gas, vehicle maintenance and more. To find the right card for you, follow the tips below.

• Think About How You Pay Off Credit Cards  – If you have a great credit score and regularly pay your monthly bills in full, these are an excellent option. If you have trouble paying monthly bills in full, a gas rewards card could hurt your financial situation.

• Figure Out How Much Gas You Use – Gas rewards cards are not for everyone. If you don’t do a lot of driving, it’s probably not worth the hassle. However, you’ll want to think about getting one if you have a long commute to work.

• Pick Your Favorite Gas Station – Gas rewards credit cards are usually linked to a particular gas station. You’ll want to pick one that you regularly visit. You don’t want to choose one that doesn’t have many locations in your area, unless you plan on only visiting that gas station.

• Look for Hidden Fees – Check to see if there are any expensive membership fees. If the fees are high, it’s probably not worth your time. You may want to look elsewhere. You can learn more about Hidden Fees on CreditorWeb.

• Pay Attention to Interest Rate – Even if you plan on paying off your card every single month, take a look at the interest rate. Things change in life. You never know when you might have a balance on your credit card. You can find current credit card interest rates at Bankrate.com.

Many gas stations also have loyalty cards. These are sometimes tied to grocery stores. Typically you save anywhere from 5 to 10 cents a gallon. It’s based on how much you spend at a particular chain of gas stations or grocery stores.

This is a great option if you’re not looking to apply for a credit card.

Do you have a gas rewards credit card? How much do you save at the pump? Leave your comments below!

Be sure to check out our website where you can find Toyota OEM parts! Visit parts.olathetoyota.com.

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