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Showing posts with label In the News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label In the News. Show all posts
Pass it On, & Enjoy!
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Think You're an Efficient Driver?
Are you up to the challenge? Check out Toyota's Virtual Drive to learn more about Hybrid Synergy Drive® and test your ability to drive more efficiently.1 The game will guide you through various driving scenes around the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan, while teaching the basic Hybrid Synergy Drive® driving skills. Your virtual tour through Kyoto will highlight different driving techniques and features of Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, from regenerative braking to the new driving modes featured in the 2010 Prius. Maybe your Virtual Drive will even improve your real-world hybrid driving. You'll score points for each scene and will find out how your technique compares to players in the rest of the world.
Click here to play Toyota's Virtual Drive. For more information about the 3rd generation Prius and pricing, click the "More information" link below.
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1Please note that Virtual Drive is intended to teach you more about Hybrid Synergy Drive®. It is only a game and cannot be directly compared to use while driving.
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Preparing for the Fast Lane Again
Toyota's newest concept vehicle was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show last month. Inspired by the 1980s AE86 Corolla GT-S, the compact is the product of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. The FT-86 has a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Under the hood is Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine which sends power to the rear wheels.
Designers at the European Design Development (ED2) center in France focused on keeping the weight of the vehicle down. This gives the driver better control and allows racecar-like handling. The profile of the FT-86 features an upswept body crease that starts at the base of the front wheel arch and flows back under the rear quarter window creating an arched effect for the rear wheels as well. The rear view of the new concept also reveals the full width rear taillights. Contributing to the exterior beauty is the new roofline that will allow for a 2+2 seating configuration and improve driver visibility.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the cabin is the stereo. The stereo head unit is hidden by a leather cover, but the function buttons are printed on the cover. The driver uses the stereo by simply pressing the buttons on the leather cover. For those who prefer to interact with the stereo in a more traditional manner, the cover is removable thanks to two zippers. The CD slot is also protected by a zipper.
According to Toyota, the new car will be smaller and sportier than the most recent Toyota Celica that ended production in 2006. The FT-86 is shorter in height and length but slightly wider. Dimensions such as the 101.2-inch wheelbase (1.2 inches shorter than the Celica) and 163.8 inch length should make the FT-86 a strong competitor in the sports car market.
The FT-86 is expected to reach the market in late 2011.
Source: Tokyo auto show: Toyota goes sporty with FT-86
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Winter Auto Maintenance Checklist
Even better than winter driving tips By Matthew Wright, About.com Guide
Winter is upon us, and winter driving comes with it. While safety is an important consideration all year long, there are certainly some auto maintenance jobs and safety checks that are specific to chilled air and winter driving that are a good idea to check into before we're knee deep in the season. To be sure you don't end up a road popsicle, or even worse end up with your holiday budget on ice thanks to unexpected repairs, have a look under the hood to be sure things are ship shape. As with any change of season, you should go to your regular maintenance log to make sure you are up to date on the maintenance items that should be taken care of throughout the year. The change of seasons is a great time to go through some once-a-year or twice-a-year auto maintenance tasks.
In addition to the added perils of winter driving, the change in weather can bring peril to your car's systems. Freezing temps, salted roads and wintery precipitation can gang up on your car if you don't give it a baseball-bat sized maintenance session. These winter maintenance jobs will keep you out of trouble:
Check your antifreeze
Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car's winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50. Many service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can buy a tester for around $5. You did remember to perform a radiator flush last spring, didn't you?
Inspect your tires
The last line of defense between you and an oak tree are your tires. Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32" of depth to be safe. It's been my experience, especially in winter weather, that anything less than 4/32" (1/8") be replaced soon. The old penny test is as reliable as anything to find out whether your treads are ready for winter action. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump 'em up.
Replace your wipers
Wipers? What do your windshield wipers have to do with winter weather? Two things. First, anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and unless you have a team of beavers riding on the hood of your car the task of clearing it falls on your wipers. Second, in areas that see snowfall in the winter, you're also driving through that soupy muck that's left on the road once the highway department does their thing. This muck includes a lot of sand and salt, both of which end up on your windshield. It takes wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe.
Check your windshield washer fluid
You'll be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking like a Desert Humvee if you're low on washer fluid. *Tip: Don't fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it won't freeze!
Annual Maintenance Procedures
On top of the checks you need to perform to ensure safe winter driving, now's a good time to do some annual maintenance. These aren't necessarily specific to winter driving, but it's a good point on the calendar to get around to doing this stuff.
Clean your battery posts
Starting problems are a bummer any time of year. Regularly treating your battery to a cleaning can keep electrical gremlins at bay.
Inspect your spark plug wires
Cracked up plug wires affect performance, gas mileage and general reliability. Be sure yours are in top shape.
Inspect your brakes
Brakes are not a good area to cut corners. Be sure your brakes have enough meat left to get you through the season.
Check Your Engine Oil
This should go without saying and should be done at least monthly. But in case you're an amnesiac ... you should also do an oil change!
Cold weather safety should be a concern for anybody living in a cold climate. These tips will give you the upper hand when Old Man Winter tries to put a chill on your winter travels. If you're extra curious about staying generally safe in winter weather, the National Weather Service has an excellent Winter Safety & Awareness guide that covers everything from how storms brew to a list of history's billion dollar winter wonders.
If you haven't been to our site lately, take another look. http://www.team-toyota.com/ 24/7
Winter is upon us, and winter driving comes with it. While safety is an important consideration all year long, there are certainly some auto maintenance jobs and safety checks that are specific to chilled air and winter driving that are a good idea to check into before we're knee deep in the season. To be sure you don't end up a road popsicle, or even worse end up with your holiday budget on ice thanks to unexpected repairs, have a look under the hood to be sure things are ship shape. As with any change of season, you should go to your regular maintenance log to make sure you are up to date on the maintenance items that should be taken care of throughout the year. The change of seasons is a great time to go through some once-a-year or twice-a-year auto maintenance tasks.
Winter Specific Maintenance
In addition to the added perils of winter driving, the change in weather can bring peril to your car's systems. Freezing temps, salted roads and wintery precipitation can gang up on your car if you don't give it a baseball-bat sized maintenance session. These winter maintenance jobs will keep you out of trouble:
Check your antifreeze
Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car's winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50. Many service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can buy a tester for around $5. You did remember to perform a radiator flush last spring, didn't you?
Inspect your tires
The last line of defense between you and an oak tree are your tires. Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32" of depth to be safe. It's been my experience, especially in winter weather, that anything less than 4/32" (1/8") be replaced soon. The old penny test is as reliable as anything to find out whether your treads are ready for winter action. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump 'em up.
Replace your wipers
Wipers? What do your windshield wipers have to do with winter weather? Two things. First, anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and unless you have a team of beavers riding on the hood of your car the task of clearing it falls on your wipers. Second, in areas that see snowfall in the winter, you're also driving through that soupy muck that's left on the road once the highway department does their thing. This muck includes a lot of sand and salt, both of which end up on your windshield. It takes wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe.
Check your windshield washer fluid
You'll be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking like a Desert Humvee if you're low on washer fluid. *Tip: Don't fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it won't freeze!
Annual Maintenance Procedures
On top of the checks you need to perform to ensure safe winter driving, now's a good time to do some annual maintenance. These aren't necessarily specific to winter driving, but it's a good point on the calendar to get around to doing this stuff.
Clean your battery posts
Starting problems are a bummer any time of year. Regularly treating your battery to a cleaning can keep electrical gremlins at bay.
Inspect your spark plug wires
Cracked up plug wires affect performance, gas mileage and general reliability. Be sure yours are in top shape.
Inspect your brakes
Brakes are not a good area to cut corners. Be sure your brakes have enough meat left to get you through the season.
Check Your Engine Oil
This should go without saying and should be done at least monthly. But in case you're an amnesiac ... you should also do an oil change!
Cold weather safety should be a concern for anybody living in a cold climate. These tips will give you the upper hand when Old Man Winter tries to put a chill on your winter travels. If you're extra curious about staying generally safe in winter weather, the National Weather Service has an excellent Winter Safety & Awareness guide that covers everything from how storms brew to a list of history's billion dollar winter wonders.
If you haven't been to our site lately, take another look. http://www.team-toyota.com/ 24/7
Top 10 Tips for Smart Holiday Shopping
Shop after 6:00 p.m. the evening before a sale is advertised to begin. Many retailers program the registers the night before, so the sale may already come up in the register even if they have not changed out signs on the selling floor yet. Ask the associate in advance for any possible upcoming sales, especially on big ticket items.
Prepare a list to use while you are shopping. Make sure to include alternative selections in case you are unable to find some of the items on your list.
Avoid crowds by shopping during stores’ early and late extended hours.
If you are looking for specific advertised items, take the complete ad with you so that you don’t end up in the wrong store looking for a specific price.
Staple a gift receipt to the merchandise tag in case it needs to be returned or exchanged. Keep your original receipts with any warranty paperwork for the life of the warranty.
Remember when gift shopping you are buying for someone else’s wants and needs, not your own. But don’t be afraid to take full advantage holiday promotions treat yourself to something nice!
Shop safely! Watch your personal belongings at all times including handbags and purchases. The stores are not responsible for any lost items so be careful, especially at the register when you can get easily distracted by the transaction itself.
Save yourself the headache: let the charity group at the mall wrap your gifts for you. This will save you a lot of time and free you up to do other things on your holiday to-do lists.
When shopping online, have your credit cards and address book handy. Many websites have timed windows to complete a transaction, so you need to have shipping information at your fingertips.
When walking through the mall or down Main Street, wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be walking on a lot of marble, concrete and tile.
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Season's Best
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Online Shopping Tips for the Holidays
Plan Ahead. Having a set list of gifts you intend to buy helps minimize confusion, especially if you intend to make multiple purchases through several websites. Shop.org encourages consumers to start their online holiday shopping at http://www.cybermonday.com/, a site that will offer current promotions of more than 500 online retailers throughout the holiday season.
Use common sense. A golden rule of online shopping is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is and you should avoid it. Shop with retailers that you trust. If you aren’t familiar with an online retailer, look for privacy and security seals, which indicate that their security and privacy measures have been verified, or use a site like BizRate.com to determine other peoples’ shopping experiences from that merchant.
Ensure your gifts arrive in time. Check retailers’ shipping deadlines, which are featured prominently on most retail websites. The information often lists the last day that customers can place orders for arrival by Christmas or Hanukkah.
Know retailers’ return and exchange policies. Return policies vary, so knowing ahead of time whether or not you will have to ship back returns or exchanges or if you can return them to the physical store in your area will help in the long run. Also be sure to find out who covers the cost of shipping if you need to return or exchange an item.
Ship gifts directly to the recipient. Most online retailers can ship items to a different location than your billing address. During the holiday season, when many people are traveling, take advantage of this feature by sending gifts ahead of your arrival. Some companies can even ship pieces from a single order to multiple locations so you don’t have to lug holiday gifts all across the country.
For instant gratification (or holiday procrastinators), buy online then pick up in the store. Many retailers offer a “buy online, pick up in store” option. Check with your favorite retailers to see if this is a service they offer, then skip the crowds and head straight to the customer service counter where your items will be waiting.
Read the fine print. Retailers list important information such as privacy policies, warranty information, item descriptions, terms of agreement and company information on their websites. Much of this information is very useful, but is displayed in a smaller font.
If you aren’t comfortable paying with a credit card, research other payment options. Retailers place a tremendous importance on keeping their websites safe and protecting customers’ information. But for shoppers who are still nervous about paying by credit card, other options are often available. Online retailers offer a variety of services, from letting customers fax in an online order to accepting third-party payment options. Some retailers also allow gift cards to be redeemed online.
“Check it Twice” before confirming purchase. Before you complete an online purchase, double-check billing and credit card information, shipping address and total cost of the order. This will eliminate any potential panic after you’ve hit the final “confirm” or “submit” button. And remember not to click “submit” twice.
Start a file folder. First, print and save all confirmations of your purchases. This will help in many ways, from returning or exchanging items to verifying credit card or bank statements. Also, write down each purchase. It’s easy to forget how much you’ve spent if you don’t keep track. This will help both holiday spending on a budget and balancing your checkbook.
If you haven't been to our site lately, take another look. http://www.team-toyota.com/ 24/7
Use common sense. A golden rule of online shopping is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is and you should avoid it. Shop with retailers that you trust. If you aren’t familiar with an online retailer, look for privacy and security seals, which indicate that their security and privacy measures have been verified, or use a site like BizRate.com to determine other peoples’ shopping experiences from that merchant.
Ensure your gifts arrive in time. Check retailers’ shipping deadlines, which are featured prominently on most retail websites. The information often lists the last day that customers can place orders for arrival by Christmas or Hanukkah.
Know retailers’ return and exchange policies. Return policies vary, so knowing ahead of time whether or not you will have to ship back returns or exchanges or if you can return them to the physical store in your area will help in the long run. Also be sure to find out who covers the cost of shipping if you need to return or exchange an item.
Ship gifts directly to the recipient. Most online retailers can ship items to a different location than your billing address. During the holiday season, when many people are traveling, take advantage of this feature by sending gifts ahead of your arrival. Some companies can even ship pieces from a single order to multiple locations so you don’t have to lug holiday gifts all across the country.
For instant gratification (or holiday procrastinators), buy online then pick up in the store. Many retailers offer a “buy online, pick up in store” option. Check with your favorite retailers to see if this is a service they offer, then skip the crowds and head straight to the customer service counter where your items will be waiting.
Read the fine print. Retailers list important information such as privacy policies, warranty information, item descriptions, terms of agreement and company information on their websites. Much of this information is very useful, but is displayed in a smaller font.
If you aren’t comfortable paying with a credit card, research other payment options. Retailers place a tremendous importance on keeping their websites safe and protecting customers’ information. But for shoppers who are still nervous about paying by credit card, other options are often available. Online retailers offer a variety of services, from letting customers fax in an online order to accepting third-party payment options. Some retailers also allow gift cards to be redeemed online.
“Check it Twice” before confirming purchase. Before you complete an online purchase, double-check billing and credit card information, shipping address and total cost of the order. This will eliminate any potential panic after you’ve hit the final “confirm” or “submit” button. And remember not to click “submit” twice.
Start a file folder. First, print and save all confirmations of your purchases. This will help in many ways, from returning or exchanging items to verifying credit card or bank statements. Also, write down each purchase. It’s easy to forget how much you’ve spent if you don’t keep track. This will help both holiday spending on a budget and balancing your checkbook.
If you haven't been to our site lately, take another look. http://www.team-toyota.com/ 24/7
Safe Shopping Tips for the Holiday Season
Gift Card Safety. Only buy gift cards from reputable retailers, not through online auction sites. Gift cards sold through online auction sites are more likely to be counterfeit or obtained through fraudulent means. It’s even possible that these cards could have no value when purchased.
Keep Receipts. Consumers should keep the original receipt for every gift they purchase and ask for a gift receipt to give to the recipient. Receipts guarantee proof of purchase for both you and the gift recipient in the event that an item needs to be returned or exchanged.
Educate Children. Teach kids what to do if you get separated by instructing your child to look for a security guard, police officer, or go to the customer service desk where people are trained to help. Also make sure that your children know what to do if approached by a stranger while shopping.
Store Credit Card Information at Home. Make sure you have your credit card customer service phone numbers, account number and PIN written down at home in case you lose a credit card while shopping or you misplace your purse or wallet.
Stay Alert. Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, pay attention to your surroundings.
Auto Safety. Keep doors locked and windows closed when leaving your vehicle. Remember to turn off lights and take your keys. Store packages, electronics, and other important items in the trunk of a vehicle. Leaving them visible inside the car is an invitation for someone to break in.
Be Careful With Your Cash. If you prefer to pay with cash, never bring out the entire stash from your wallet. It’s best to count your money discreetly out of sight from others. Also, consider bringing only what you might need for the shopping trip. If you’re only spending $50, there’s no sense in putting $600 in your wallet.
Park close to your destination. If you know it's going to be dark when you return to your car, try to park under a street light and always take the most brightly lit path to and from your car.
Be Vigilant. If you see something suspicious, report it to store personnel, mall security or your local police department.
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Race Now
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Murasaki Street Racer Race your friends for Glory... Race NOW!
New 2010 xB Release Series 7.0 Photos
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Murasaki Street Racer Race your friends for Glory... Race NOW!
New 2010 xB Release Series 7.0 Photos
CHAMPS Hosts 'Christmas with the Tigers'
CHAMPS Hosts 'Christmas with the Tigers' - LSUsports.net - The Official Web Site of LSU Tigers Athletics
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http://www.team-toyota.com/
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http://www.team-toyota.com/
New 2011 Sienna Minivan Revealed
New 2011 Sienna Minivan Revealed
2011 Toyota Sienna Wants To Be a Sedan: 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show
Published Dec 2, 2009
Poor So-So Pretty Good Good Excellent 7 Ratings LOS ANGELES — "Minivan" apparently is a bit of a dirty word to Toyota. The Japanese automaker rolled out its 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, emphasizing how sedanlike the redesign has made this people hauler.
The new Sienna goes on sale in February in the U.S. Pricing has not yet been announced.
"The third-generation Sienna will look and drive more like a sedan," Toyota said in a statement. The minivan has distinctly American roots, with its design a product of Toyota's Calty Design Research and its development taking place at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Among the highlights are a new, sporty SE model with side skirting, standard 19-inch alloy wheels, smoked taillamps and a sport-tuned suspension, as well as the debut of a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.
Although the Sienna definitely still looks like a minivan, Toyota said it aimed for a "stronger profile" with the redesign. The Sienna rides on the same wheelbase as the previous generation, but it is wider and slightly shorter overall. The Sienna's face gets a slightly edgier look, and Toyota designers veered away from the minivan's classic boxy looks with a more sculptural rear. Toyota took pains to carve out personal cabin space for the driver and front passenger.
REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works — Autoblog Green
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Gobbler Mind-Bogglers
Fun and little-known facts about the Thanksgiving holiday!
After you gather around the table for a hearty Thanksgiving feast, impress your guests and relatives with some witty “Turkey Day” trivia! From the first Thanksgiving to the first Thanksgiving Day football game, here are some of the day’s unusual facts!
The first Thanksgiving feast, which lasted for three days, took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the fall of 1621. The meal, according to primary documents, is said to have consisted of deer and “fowl,” which many historians believe was most likely duck. Festivals to celebrate a bountiful harvest were a fairly widespread practice with variations occurring across many cultures. Pictures of Pilgrims with buckles on their hats or shoes are thought to be an inaccurate interpretation of attire. That type of clothing became popular later in the century. Though the holiday was observed many times throughout the years including by George Washington and routinely during Lincoln’s presidency, it wasn’t officially declared as a national holiday, to be held on the fourth Thursday of November, until 1941 – a full 320 years after the first Thanksgiving!
It has long been a theory among sleepy Thanksgiving feasters that an amino acid commonly known as tryptophan found in turkey meat is the culprit when it comes to all the post-feast tiredness. In all likelihood, the sleepiness is just the effect of digesting a big meal combined with a relaxed atmosphere that often includes a comfy couch! Scientific studies show that tryptophan, although sometimes converted by the body into melatonin - a natural sleep hormone - cannot have an immediate effect on you unless it is taken on an empty stomach, which, with all the trimmings, side dishes and desserts served up on Thanksgiving, isn’t likely!
Thanksgiving Day wouldn’t be the same without the game, but when did that tradition start? High school and college football games were a Thanksgiving pastime at least since the College Championships were held on that day in 1876! The first Thanksgiving Day radio broadcast of a National Football League game took place in 1934 in a contest between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. It wouldn’t be until 1956 that the Thanksgiving Day football game was first televised to living rooms across the country!
After you gather around the table for a hearty Thanksgiving feast, impress your guests and relatives with some witty “Turkey Day” trivia! From the first Thanksgiving to the first Thanksgiving Day football game, here are some of the day’s unusual facts!
The first Thanksgiving feast, which lasted for three days, took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the fall of 1621. The meal, according to primary documents, is said to have consisted of deer and “fowl,” which many historians believe was most likely duck. Festivals to celebrate a bountiful harvest were a fairly widespread practice with variations occurring across many cultures. Pictures of Pilgrims with buckles on their hats or shoes are thought to be an inaccurate interpretation of attire. That type of clothing became popular later in the century. Though the holiday was observed many times throughout the years including by George Washington and routinely during Lincoln’s presidency, it wasn’t officially declared as a national holiday, to be held on the fourth Thursday of November, until 1941 – a full 320 years after the first Thanksgiving!
It has long been a theory among sleepy Thanksgiving feasters that an amino acid commonly known as tryptophan found in turkey meat is the culprit when it comes to all the post-feast tiredness. In all likelihood, the sleepiness is just the effect of digesting a big meal combined with a relaxed atmosphere that often includes a comfy couch! Scientific studies show that tryptophan, although sometimes converted by the body into melatonin - a natural sleep hormone - cannot have an immediate effect on you unless it is taken on an empty stomach, which, with all the trimmings, side dishes and desserts served up on Thanksgiving, isn’t likely!
Thanksgiving Day wouldn’t be the same without the game, but when did that tradition start? High school and college football games were a Thanksgiving pastime at least since the College Championships were held on that day in 1876! The first Thanksgiving Day radio broadcast of a National Football League game took place in 1934 in a contest between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. It wouldn’t be until 1956 that the Thanksgiving Day football game was first televised to living rooms across the country!
You Might Need New Tires Sooner Than You Think
Easy tests tell you when.
Eventually, you’ll need new tires. Did you know that George Washington might be a better tire-wear tester than Abraham Lincoln?
There’s an old trick to tell when you need new tires: Hold a penny upside down in the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
America’s first president, it turns out, is perhaps a better tire tester than the 16th. Place a quarter upside down in a tire groove. The distance from the coin's rim to President Washington's hairline is about a 1/8 inch. If you see more of Washington’s head than his hairline, get new tires.
Consumer Reports magazine cautions that you might need tires sooner than the penny test reveals, and that a tire with only a 1/8 inch of its tread left might not give you adequate hydroplaning resistance and snow traction.
The easiest thing to do is replace the tires with what came on the vehicle. Carmakers consider tires as part of the suspension system and therefore test them extensively for well over a year. Thus, “original replacement” tires can automatically restore your car’s ride and handling to showroom condition.
That isn't to say you can’t choose another tire. Consult Consumer Reports, for example, or have a quick chat with our service manager for suggestions. This is especially important if you are considering a tire upgrade – that is, perhaps something larger. If so, remember that bigger isn’t always better. A poor tire size choice can degrade ride and handling, possibly lead to suspension damage over time and worse, affect speedometer function.
By learning to “decode” a tire, you’ll be better informed when you buy replacements. The first place to look is the driver’s doorjamb. There, you’ll see a sticker with the tire specs; they’re a whole lot easier to read here than from a tire sidewall! You’ll also find the specs in your owner’s manual.
Eventually, you’ll need new tires. Did you know that George Washington might be a better tire-wear tester than Abraham Lincoln?
There’s an old trick to tell when you need new tires: Hold a penny upside down in the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
Consumer Reports magazine cautions that you might need tires sooner than the penny test reveals, and that a tire with only a 1/8 inch of its tread left might not give you adequate hydroplaning resistance and snow traction.
The easiest thing to do is replace the tires with what came on the vehicle. Carmakers consider tires as part of the suspension system and therefore test them extensively for well over a year. Thus, “original replacement” tires can automatically restore your car’s ride and handling to showroom condition.
That isn't to say you can’t choose another tire. Consult Consumer Reports, for example, or have a quick chat with our service manager for suggestions. This is especially important if you are considering a tire upgrade – that is, perhaps something larger. If so, remember that bigger isn’t always better. A poor tire size choice can degrade ride and handling, possibly lead to suspension damage over time and worse, affect speedometer function.
By learning to “decode” a tire, you’ll be better informed when you buy replacements. The first place to look is the driver’s doorjamb. There, you’ll see a sticker with the tire specs; they’re a whole lot easier to read here than from a tire sidewall! You’ll also find the specs in your owner’s manual.
Toyota Engineers New Flower Species to Absorb Emissions at Prius Factories
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York on 10.29.09
Business & Politics
Toyota has long faced the criticism that the process of manufacturing Priuses has a larger environmental impact than most cars. So the giant automaker came up with what's probably the most bizarre solution imaginable--Toyota genetically engineered two brand new species of flowers to absorb greenhouse gases at Prius manufacturing plants. While, you know, still making the place look pretty.
Business & Politics
Toyota has long faced the criticism that the process of manufacturing Priuses has a larger environmental impact than most cars. So the giant automaker came up with what's probably the most bizarre solution imaginable--Toyota genetically engineered two brand new species of flowers to absorb greenhouse gases at Prius manufacturing plants. While, you know, still making the place look pretty.
Trust in Toyota
Trust in Toyota
Automotive sales have begun to stabilize, and with the smoke starting to clear from what was a rough stretch for automotive sales, Toyota remains one of the strongest brand names in the market today. Perhaps there is no greater evidence than the fact that Toyota led all manufacturers in sales under the government “CARS” aka Cash for Clunkers, program. Over 690,000 vehicles were sold through the program and Toyota ranked first with 19.4% of all sales.
This isn't a surprise to those who know the Toyota brand. Did you know?
80% of Toyotas sold in the last 20 years are still on the road todayi
Toyota has more hybrids on the road than all other manufacturers combinedii
Toyota has the Best Overall Brand Value five years runningiii
Toyota has the lowest ownership costs of any brandiv
Scion, Scion, everywhere a Scion
Scion, Scion, everywhere a Scion
October 21st, 2009, 3:49 pm ·
posted by Michael Mello, The Orange County Register
It may have looked like a giant Scion dealership, but it wasn’t.
Instead, the Scion-filled parking lot at Knott’s Berry Farm was the result of a special promotion, where Scion owners bearing gifts for a holiday toy drive earned themselves free admission to Haunt.
The event, sponsored by the Toyota-owned carmaker, attracted about 10,000 people and an equal number of toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, Knott’s spokeswoman Meghan Gardner said.
Scion also paid for more than 200 Camp Pendleton Marines to attend Haunt.
Some of the Scion owners began showing up to Knott’s as early as noon. Scion has sponsored a yearly Haunt night since 2004.
More Knott’s Berry Farm news and event pictures click below:
Scion, Scion, everywhere a Scion
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2010 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR
FIVE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
FOR THE 2010 GREEN
CAR OF THE YEAR
Winner to be Announced During an LA Auto Show
Press Conference on Dec. 3
LOS ANGELES – Oct. 7, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Green Car Journal announced today its five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year®, including the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf TDI. For the fifth consecutive year, this prestigious award will be announced during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 3.
The Green Car of the Year® award is a program that honors environmental leadership in the automobile field and recognizes vehicles that are readily available to consumers during the award year. Green Car Journal editors perform an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify the five finalists. The winner is ultimately decided by jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pope, along with Green Car Journal editors.
Toyota and Lexus Floor Mat Advisory
Floor mat advisory issued for Toyota
and Lexus vehicles
Toyota Truck Accelerator (Source: Rick Ireton)
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Toyota and Lexus issued an advisory for millions of cars and trucks because of potentially faulty floor mats that may have sent at least one vehicle on a deadly collision course.
Five Toyota and two Lexus models are under an advisory. Anyone who owns one of the nearly four million cars under the advisory can expect to get a letter in the mail soon. Below is a list of the affected models:
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