For "Throwback Thursday," we have another vintage Toyota commercial for you!

We have a treat that only our Facebook Fans can take advantage of!

Just visit and like our Facebook page and click on the "Offers" tab, or just click here!

For this Throwback Thursday we dug up an old commercial for the Toyota Camry V6. Enjoy!

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Here are two good reasons to get down there with the gauge and unscrew the valve caps as the weather cools:

1) Tires lose a pound of pressure for every drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) An underinflated tire won't "bite" through snow down to the pavement as well as one at pressure. It's similar to hydroplaning on water -- and just as dangerous. You may have heard the guidance to let air out of your tires for sand or snow to get more contact surface area. That only applies only if the surface is bottomlessly soft, like a beach or foot-deep, unplowed snow -- not the mix of cleared road, ice and packed snow most of us encounter in daily driving.

Don't forget to put the valve caps back on (or, buy new ones) when you're done. Letting in moisture, which then freezes, could let the valve core leak out air.

It's "Throwback Thursday," folks! Check out this retro ad for the Toyota Supra Mark II!

A very big "thank you" to Brian C. for this outstanding review! Keep up the excellent work, team!

(5) Star Review on Yelp

• "Right at an hour later they came and got me and gave me my keys and I was on my way." -Brian C.

Looking for a great deal on a Certified Pre-Owned Toyota? Check out this stylish 2011 Toyota Camry LE!

Click here for more details!

The weekend is over, and that means it's time for another Monday Maintenance Tip! Today's tip: Some batteries need water.

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If your battery has vent caps, remove them to check the level of the electrolyte. It should rise 1/2 inch (13 mm) above the battery’s top plates. If it doesn’t, use distilled water to raise the level to 1/4 or 3/8 inch (6 or 10 mm) below the bottom of the vent cap. Don’t use tap water, as it may contain minerals that can damage your battery. Mechanics should check your battery as a part of your regularly scheduled maintenance, but they often skip the procedure. Be sure to ask to have it done.

Car and Driver Magazine Names FR-S to 10Best Cars of 2013

The Scion FR-S earned recognition today from Car and Driver, the world's largest automotive publication, as part of its “10Best” cars of 2013. The magazine highlights the best cars for under $80,000 available on showroom floors in January 2013. Scion introduced the FR-S earlier this year to positive industry reviews and consumer excitement. The FR-S shares its spot on the list with the Subaru BRZ.
 
“Making the Car and Driver 10Best list in its first year is another example of the energy and enthusiasm building around the FR-S and the fun driving experience it offers,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “The success of the FR-S reflects the Scion mission to give drivers vehicles that fit their lifestyles and express their individuality.”
 
The FR-S features a lightweight design and 2.0-liter flat boxer engine capable of producing an impressive 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Affordability and performance have made the FR-S a fast favorite since it arrived in U.S. showrooms in June.
 
The 2013 Car and Driver 10Best awards list and FR-S commentary will be featured in the January issue.

Courtesy of Scion USA Newsroom

Toyota Sponsoring Two NASCAR Races at Richmond International Raceway in 2013

Buckling up for two days of NASCAR excitement, Toyota and Richmond International Raceway announced multi-year race entitlements, beginning with the April 26-27, 2013 doubleheader weekend at America’s Premier Short Track. The weekend features the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.
 
“This partnership allows us to align with a premium brand that has been supporting NASCAR for nearly a decade,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “These multi-year entitlements will allow Richmond International Raceway to continue delivering the high-quality events our fans have enjoyed for 60 years. To put on these NASCAR spectacles, we require two core ingredients: the fans and the sponsors – both of which drive our business and allow us to provide top-notch events.”
 
“Exclusive title sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Races at Richmond International Raceway provides Toyota with unique opportunities in terms of activation with fans and spectators throughout the weekend," commented Keith Dahl, Toyota national manager-Engagement Marketing and Motorsports.

Toyota has a rich history at Richmond International Raceway. The auto manufacturer has seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins (Kyle Busch, four; Denny Hamlin, two; Clint Bowyer, one) and five NASCAR Nationwide Series top finishes (Kyle Busch, two; Denny Hamlin, two; Kurt Busch, one), and has served as the Official Pace Car at RIR.
 
Toyota made its NASCAR debut in 2004 when it became the first new engine manufacturer to compete full-time in one of NASCAR’s top three levels of competition in more than 50 years, when it entered the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2007, Toyota entered the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series by debuting the Camry in both series.
 
The Camry is built at Toyota manufacturing facilities in Georgetown, Ky., and Lafayette, Ind., and has been the best-selling car in America for 10 straight years, and 14 of the past 15. The 2013 NASCAR season will feature the introduction of the new 2013 Camry race car with an updated and more unique identity.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Good afternoon, everyone! We hope you all had an excellent weekend! Today's Monday Maintenance Tip is: Don't forget the timing belt.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE On many cars, it’s the belt you can’t see that is the most critical. If your manual says, as many do, that you should replace the timing belt at 50,000 miles, do it! A failed timing belt can, depending on engine type, cause thousands of dollars-worth of damage to your engine.

Happy Friday, fans! Time for a “caption this,” you know what to do!

Grand Prize Winner Announced in Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge!

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The Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, having already donated $50,000 to winner Kyle Busch's charity and another $50,000 split among the other three teams’ charities, has one more big prize to give to a lucky fan: The Toyota Racing Dream Trip Grand Prize. That fan is Christina R. from Buckeye, Ariz.
 
Christina will receive her choice of either a NASCAR or NHRA race event experience, both of which were exclusively tailored for the Dream Build Challenge.  But she leaves little doubt what her likely choice will be.
 
"We're huge into Sprint Cup," said Christina.  "We like all the Toyota drivers [and] we're huge fans of Kyle Busch."
 
The NASCAR edition of the Dream Race Trip includes two grandstand tickets, two NASCAR Hot Passes and a $1,500 American Express gift card.  NASCAR's Hot Passes give fans up-close exposure to the team garages and pre-race activity during "hot" times at the track.
 
"We're delighted with the enthusiastic fan response to the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge," said Keith Dahl, Toyota national motorsports and engagement marketing manager.  "We wanted to make sure the Grand Prize winner would have a truly memorable race experience, wherever they choose to go."
 
The Dream Build Challenge featured Toyota NASCAR drivers Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch, plus NHRA drivers Alexis DeJoria and Antron Brown in a friendly build competition.  Fans could follow each build on the Toyota Racing Facebook page and www.ToyotaRacingDreamBuild.com and vote for their favorite teams while also competing for daily $100 gift card prizes.
 
The competition yielded four exciting and completely unique vehicles conceived by the Toyota drivers and their build teams.  In the end, Kyle Busch and the Rowdy Edition Camry emerged victorious, and took home first place.  All vehicles were featured in Toyota's booth at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Grand Prize Winner Announced in Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge!

The Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, having already donated $50,000 to winner Kyle Busch's charity and another $50,000 split among the other three teams’ charities, has one more big prize to give to a lucky fan: The Toyota Racing Dream Trip Grand Prize. That fan is Christina R. from Buckeye, Ariz.

  Christina will receive her choice of either a NASCAR or NHRA race event experience, both of which were exclusively tailored for the Dream Build Challenge.  But she leaves little doubt what her likely choice will be.

  "We're huge into Sprint Cup," said Christina.  "We like all the Toyota drivers [and] we're huge fans of Kyle Busch."

  The NASCAR edition of the Dream Race Trip includes two grandstand tickets, two NASCAR Hot Passes and a $1,500 American Express gift card.  NASCAR's Hot Passes give fans up-close exposure to the team garages and pre-race activity during "hot" times at the track.

  "We're delighted with the enthusiastic fan response to the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge," said Keith Dahl, Toyota national motorsports and engagement marketing manager.  "We wanted to make sure the Grand Prize winner would have a truly memorable race experience, wherever they choose to go."

  The Dream Build Challenge featured Toyota NASCAR drivers Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch, plus NHRA drivers Alexis DeJoria and Antron Brown in a friendly build competition.  Fans could follow each build on the Toyota Racing Facebook page and www.ToyotaRacingDreamBuild.com and vote for their favorite teams while also competing for daily $100 gift card prizes.

  The competition yielded four exciting and completely unique vehicles conceived by the Toyota drivers and their build teams.  In the end, Kyle Busch and the Rowdy Edition Camry emerged victorious, and took home first place.  All vehicles were featured in Toyota's booth at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Good afternoon, everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and weekend! Now that the weekend is over it's time for us to check in with another Monday Maintenance Tip for you all! Today's tip: Check drive-belt tension

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Check the tension and condition of your drive belt (or, with many cars, multiple belts) every month. Belts that are too tight can wear out the bearings in accessory components, such as AC compressor, water pump, and power-steering pump. Belts that are too loose will wear out faster and may fail prematurely. Perform your examination before you start the car to avoid injury due to a hot belt or moving engine part. Check for tension by pressing in the center of the belt’s longest exposed run while holding a ruler next to it. If you can depress the belt 1/ 2 to 1 inch (13 to 25 mm), but not more or less, the tension is good. If not, adjust the belt tension yourself according to your car’s service manual, or have your dealer or auto repair service do it. Also check for belt damage, such as glazing (often due to oil leakage), fraying, and cracks. If you spot damage, have the belt checked by a pro and replaced if necessary.

Everyone has a different way to prepare their holiday bird. However you choose to cook your turkey tomorrow, we hope that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A very big thank you, to Lisa S., for the outstanding review! It is always a pleasure to hear feedback from our customers!

Toyota Certified Center of Santee- (5) Star Review on Yelp

• "Everyone that works here is very helpful and friendly and I never feel like I'm getting ripped off." -Lisa S.

Introducing the new RAV4 EV, with cutting-edge technology, dynamic performance and modern advancements inside and out.

Happy Monday, everyone! We’re checking in with another Monday Maintenance Tip, to remind you all to: Maintain your transmission

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Change automatic transmission fluid and filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and after every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two years thereafter, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. If you use your vehicle for towing, change the fluid and filter every year. For manual transmissions, change the lubricant (motor oil or gear oil, depending on the car) after the first 5,000 miles and after every 50,000 (80,000 km) thereafter. Use synthetic motor oil or gear lube for longer transmission life unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris, it sure is a car! Choose the color you like and come down to Toyota Certified Center of Santee to make it your car!

Shopping for a car on a tight budget? You won't have to sacrifice style because of price on this incredibly economical and stylish 2011 Toyota Corolla LE! So stop by Toyota Certified Center of Santee today, and take it for a test drive.

Click here for more details!

Hand-stitched feel meets intuitive technology. Toyota designers used breakthrough materials to create the 2013 Avalon's elegant, sporty interior.

Make sure to visit Toyota Certified Center of Santee– and with offers like these, who can resist! Get our $20 off coupon today!

Today is Election Day, get out there and Rock the Vote! “Like” this post if you voted already!

Welcome back fans! Here is a Monday Maintenance Tip for you.

Maintain Your Car’s Battery

Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenance free, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery.

• Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
• Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
• Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced.
• Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion.

Many thanks to Karen and Kathy for these outstanding reviews! Keep up the great work team!

Toyota Certified Center of Santee - Two (5) Star Reviews on Yelp

• I have been taking my Avalon here for the last three years. They have several service people and I have had the very best service from Scott Miller. He really listens to you, and always try's to help where possible like finding discounts or giving advice about your car. He really knows what he's talking about and is very honest. So, look for Scott and you'll be in good hands. -Karen G.

• I just had the most positive car buying experience of my life.  The salesman, Bob Miner, was great...no high pressure.  He really listened to me and when he understood what I wanted, he steered me to exactly the right car for me.  i never thought I would be able to afford such a nice pre-owned vehicle but Robert Petty worked out all the financials for me.  They both went the extra mile and stayed late to make sure that I could get this car.   I walked into the dealership expecting to purchase a very old, high milage small car and I drove away that night in a 2004 Toyota Camry XLE with 54,000 miles on it.  It is the perfect car for my new business.  
  Thank you Bob and Robert.  I appreciate your integrity and it was a pleasure doing business with you. -Kathy A.

Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Toyota today announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities.

Commenting on the donation, Shigeki Terashi, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., said, “On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand. In addition to this contribution, many Toyota employees are already involved in volunteer activities to support those in need. We very much appreciate their support.”

Beginning Nov. 1, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) will launch a “Customer Outreach” calling campaign to lease and retail customers who are delinquent, or become delinquent, due to circumstances related to the storm and who reside in the 13 states directly impacted by the hurricane (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT and WV) and in the District of Columbia. This campaign will determine if these customers may be eligible to take advantage of payment relief options, some of which include:

• extensions and lease deferred payments;
• redirecting billing statements;
• and arranging phone or on-line payments.

Toyota Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-8822. Lexus Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-7050. Qualified residents residing in FEMA-designated areas (of the above-mentioned states and the District) needing to purchase a vehicle may also take advantage of a 90 Day Deferred First Payment Program designed to assist customers with their transportation needs as they work through the recovery process. This program is for a limited time and only available through participating Toyota and Lexus dealers and TFS/LFS.

Toyota Operations
Toyota continues to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to its operations on the East Coast and reports no known injuries to associates, family members and dealer employees. The storm had the biggest impact on company operations and dealerships in the New Jersey area. Some regional/branch offices, as well as Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships, were affected by flooding and power outages. Toyota Logistics Services operations at the Port of Newark (N.J.) sustained water damage to its buildings and a number of vehicles.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

On behalf of the whole team here at Toyota Certified Center of Santee, we wish you all a fun and safe holiday! Happy Halloween!

Follow the link below to donate to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Together we can all make a difference and help those in need. Thanks everyone!

Click here to donate!

Well wishes for our East Coast friends! We hope everyone is safe during Hurricane Sandy.

A big thank you goes out to the author of this tremendous review! Great job Scott!

Toyota Certified Center of Santee - (5) Star Review on DealerRater

• Scott provides excellent customer service. He is always friendly, honest and punctual. He makes an effort to engage with each person and provide his full attention. -Clrussell

The incentives from Toyota this month are outrageous! Be sure to stop by Toyota Certified Center of Santee and take advantage of these great deals!

Click Here for Details!

Toyota Boosts Home Reconstruction in Joplin Since Devastating Tornado

Like most residents of Joplin, Tara Johnston’s mind is frozen in time when she thinks back to that late Sunday afternoon on May 22, 2011 – the day a catastrophic tornado destroyed thousands of homes, including her house on S. Jackson Ave.

“Losing my home was one thing; the worst part was I thought I lost my daughter,” she said. “It was horrifying.”

While her daughter and the rest of her family survived the tornado, she was faced with the daunting task of rebuilding her home – made even tougher because she had no insurance. Johnston told her story from the front porch of that very home today at a press conference. The house, which is just weeks away from being completely rebuilt, is the result of many helping hands coming together to get one more displaced family back into their home.

As part of the celebration, a partnership between Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) and Rebuild Joplin, a local non-profit group whose mission it is to get storm survivors back into their homes, was outlined. Toyota has worked with the group the past six months in an effort to reduce the amount of time it takes to rebuild homes and get Joplin residents out of temporary housing. In addition, Toyota donated $100,000 to Rebuild Joplin and its home-building efforts.

“Rebuild Joplin helps people like me who can’t get loans; they help you either rebuild your home, or if damaged, help you fix it up at no cost or little cost to you,” said Johnston, a single mother and full-time student whose two children and grandchild live with her.

The partnership is working.

“This has allowed us to take donated dollars and donated time from volunteers and make it more efficient,” said Jerrod Hogan, co-founder, Rebuild Joplin.

Hogan said that by using lessons from the Toyota Production System (TPS), Rebuild Joplin has reduced construction time by three weeks on average. Bottom line, he said, “These improvements are making an incredible difference in our ability to rebuild homes for families in Joplin quickly and affordably.

“We are so excited to be partnering with Toyota. Now, one of our biggest challenges is securing enough volunteers so we can get people back in their homes. We not only need corporate support, we need the help of volunteers to get the job done. We still have more than 160 families in FEMA trailers and hundreds of families who don’t have funds to rebuild their homes.”

Toyota, through its non-profit arm – the Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC) – partnered with Rebuild Joplin in May with the intent to help the group make substantial improvements by increasing quality, productivity, safety and reducing customer wait time in the rebuilding of houses.

Rebuild Joplin is just one of 189 companies or not-for-profits that have been aided by Toyota.

“We’ve seen over and over again where our manufacturing techniques can help any kind of organization – whether it’s a manufacturer or a non-profit group,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president, TEMA, and a managing officer for Toyota Motor Corp. “There is a lot of demand for this and we are sharing it free of charge.”

Since Toyota came on board, the time it takes for Rebuild Joplin to reconstruct a home has dropped from an average of 62 days to 41 days – a 34 percent improvement.

This time reduction can be credited to the following:

• Improved processes: the collaboration has consisted of sharing TPS know-how and working closely with Rebuild Joplin’s professional staff, skilled construction supervisors and AmeriCorps volunteer members to improve homebuilding efficiencies;
• Better scheduling of volunteers and construction contractors: while there was no organized system before, today, as you enter Rebuild Joplin’s headquarters, “management boards” track everything from volunteer/worker schedules to inventory to status reports on homes being rebuilt.

TSSC’s Sylvester DuPree, who has worked closely with Rebuild Joplin since the onset, points to another success. “One of our main goals coming into Rebuild Joplin was to reduce the amount of time it took from when a home owner applied to when construction began on their house,” he said. “Couple that with reducing the amount of construction time and we are getting people back into their homes faster.”

New Orleans Connection
Rebuild Joplin is the first affiliate of the St. Bernard Project (SBP), a non-profit organization that was founded in 2006 by Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney, an attorney and teacher, respectively, from Washington D.C., after they saw the tremendous needs in the New Orleans region following Hurricane Katrina. Following a month of service in the area, the pair started the nonprofit, focusing on finding a solution to fulfilling the needs expressed by community members.

SBP believes that by sharing lessons learned and best practices, disaster recovery in America will be more effective in reducing human toll. Through St. Bernard Project’s Disaster Recovery Lab, a community hit by a natural disaster can get a head start by using these lessons learned and utilized in New Orleans, and, now, Joplin.

“We have seen the toll of delay in post-disaster recovery; clients have died waiting, seniors have had their ‘golden years’ irreparably tarnished, and young people have spent their formative years in untenable living situations,” Rosenburg said. “Understanding the urgent need for a new model – recognizing that disaster recovery in America is broken and that families in other parts of the country impacted by disaster yearn for home as strongly as families in New Orleans – St. Bernard Project decided to share its model with other disaster-impacted communities.”

Developed in collaboration with skill-based corporate partners, Disaster Recovery Lab is an answer to reduce recovery time and minimize the devastating impact of delayed recovery on businesses, government and the social and civic fabric of a community.

Communities at-risk will be trained to develop resilience by understanding and mitigating risks, by learning SBP’s model, understanding challenges that they will face and by developing an initial recovery plan.

Disaster-struck communities will learn SBP’s model, receive a playbook/framework for action and will benefit from technical and on-the-ground support.

“We are a one-year-old organization operating with four-plus years of experience,” said Hogan. “It makes an enormous impact on our ability to serve families.”

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Join Jay Leno's Garage as he pops the hood of a 1966 Toyota GT. Known for appearing in several films, the GT has become one of the most sought-after cars.

Jay drives the ultra-rare Toyoda (Toyota) AA on his recent trip to Japan!

Now is the time to take advantage of our special $20 off eCoupon! Spectacular savings are just a click away!

Toyota Brings Hybrids to the Living Room as First Automaker on HSN

Toyota introduced its all-new Avalon Hybrid and its hybrid vehicle lineup into millions of living rooms across America on Sunday, Oct. 7, with a “Discover Toyota” showcase that aired on multichannel retailer HSN at 12 noon, 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. EDT.

Toyota is the first auto manufacturer to appear on HSN in the more than 30 years since it was founded.

Auto experts Micah Muzio of KBB.com and Tara Weingarten of Vroomgirls.com, joined HSN's well-known hosts Marlo Smith and Brett Chuckerman to give HSN viewers an inside look at Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, including the Prius Family, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid and the all-new Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
Both the all-new Avalon and Avalon Hybrid were designed, engineered and manufactured in America.

Toyota extended an exclusive offer to HSN’s audience to register, either by calling HSN or visiting a Toyota/HSN custom site to receive a $1,000 gas card or HSN Kash upon purchasing a Toyota hybrid in the next 90 days. The site, which can be accessed at www.hsn.com/Toyota_at-5548_xa.aspx?cm_re=TVElement-_-Toyota-_-shopNow will remain live through Nov. 5.

To enhance viewers’ experience, the corresponding Toyota/HSN site featured a variety of Toyota activities, including videos, a quiz and a Toyota-themed game. Fans earned points for playing to win prizes and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win the all-new Avalon Hybrid.

“HSN has a really loyal and engaged base of viewers, so it was a natural partner to help us expose our growing lineup of hybrids to people across the country,” said Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing communications and motorsports at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We got such an enthusiastic response from HSN’s viewers and fans, so we’ll continue to push the envelope on how we help people discover Toyota.”

After introducing the Prius in 2000, Toyota expanded its hybrid lineup to incorporate hybrid versions of popular Toyota models. Toyota has now sold nearly 75 percent of all hybrids in America.

 

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Monday Maintenance Tip: Tire Myths and Facts

Myth: I should inflate my tires according to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
Fact: The handwriting's not on the wall--the tire sidewall, that is. Molded into the sidewall is the tire's maximum inflation pressure, not the manufacturer-recommended pressure. For normal operation, follow inflation pressure recommendations in the owner's manual or on the vehicle placard located in the glovebox or on the door post.

Myth: A tread pattern is needed to provide great traction on dry roads.
Fact: A racing slick--a tire without any tread--provides the ultimate in dry traction due to the maximum amount of rubber touching the road. A tread pattern, with its groove voids, actually compromises this adhesion capability on dry roads. The role of tire tread is to act as a squeegee on wet roads to remove water from under the tire and channel it through the grooves for improved wet traction.

 

Myth: Performance tires wear out faster because of the sticky compounds.
Fact: Performance tires may wear out faster than conventional family-car tires; however, tread rubber polymers aren't the culprits. In fact, new polymers and ultratensile steel constructions make performance tires last longer than ever. Industrywide, performance tires average about 45,000 miles in tread life, similar to the figures for family-car passenger tires. Fast wear usually is due to high-horsepower vehicles fitted with the tires and aggressive driving. Jackrabbit starts and quick stops can shorten the life of any tire.

 

Myth: Wide tires provide better traction under all weather conditions. In fact, putting oversize snow tires on a car delivers better snow traction.
Fact: The opposite is actually true. Wide tires tend to "float" on deep snow, and the tread lugs never have a chance to "dig" through to the road surface to gain traction. Narrow tires are a better option in deep snow. The tire acts similarly to a knife cutting through butter; the blade works best when using the narrow edge to push through the butter rather than the wide flat side of the blade.  

 

Myth: All-season tires are so good that winter tires are never needed.
Fact: In some parts of the country, this may be true, but if you live in the northernmost states or in Canada, the traction provided by winter tires can't be beat. Winter tires reign supreme in rural areas where snow remains on the road for days. They provide 25-percent-improved traction in deep snow over all-season tires. Metal-studded tires deliver up to 40 percent greater traction on hard-packed snow and ice over all-season tires, but many locales have restrictions regarding the use of studs.

 

Myth: Never rotate tires from side to side, only front to back.
Fact: Radial tires can be crossed from side to side in the rotation pattern. The old front-to-back rule applied to bias ply tires. Regular tire rotation--every 6000 to 8000 miles--promotes more uniform wear for all tires on a vehicle. (Goodyear recently designed a light-truck tire system that requires no rotation; the Wrangler RF-A provides a rear tire with a different tread design from the front tire).

Myth: Put your new tires on the drive-wheel position to get the most traction.
Fact: This is only true on a rear-drive vehicle. In all cases, install new tires on the rear axle. Most tire buyers purchase new rubber for the drive-wheel position to get the most traction; however, by doing so they transfer most of their traction capabilities from the rear and make it susceptible to oversteer. The vehicle's rear will fishtail and swing out in fast cornering or emergency maneuvers.  

 

Myth: Sticking your fingernail in the tread can help you pick the tire with the softest compounds, and thus, the best adhesion.
Fact: It's sort of like kicking the tire, but with another part of your anatomy. Tread compounds only tell part of a tire's story. Tread pattern, tire shape, and tire footprint shape on the pavement provide clues to its adhesion capabilities. Don't rely on the fingernail test.  

 

Myth: The government tests tires for traction, temperature resistance, and treadwear and assigns grades molded onto the sidewall.
Fact: Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a federal law that requires tire manufacturers to grade their own tires for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Tire manufacturers, not the government, test tires and assign their own grades. Unfortunately, the government has not prescribed a formula for converting the manufacturer test results into universal grades; therefore, the numbers are not objective. According to the Federal Trade Commission, treadwear grades are for comparison purposes only and are not intended to be converted into anticipated or promised tire mileage.  

 

Myth: An undulation on a tire sidewall is a weak spot that could lead to tire failure.
Fact: An undulation is created where materials overlap each other in the tire carcass, and it actually is the strongest part of the tire. Still, motorists perceive a "wave" on the sidewall as a defect. Goodyear's new ultratensile steel reinforcement eliminates this material splice and overlap. Ultratensile steel should reduce sidewall undulation in polyester-reinforced tires.

 

Myth: Before you buy a car, kick the tires.
Fact: It might not tell you much about the vehicle or tires, but it could tell you whether your shoe padding is adequate.

Courtesy of: http://bit.ly/SYrr61

Take part in the San Diego Kid's Expo and Fair Oct. 20-21

The San Diego Kid's Expo & Fair is right around the corner! Make plans to have the time of your life October 20-21 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It's going to be so much fun! Click here for details.

Get the VIP treatment at the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park

The Haunted Trail in Balboa Park is going on right NOW and if you are a Scion owner you get VIP treatment! Click here to check out the new blog post for more info!

Coach T, Ditka, Gibbs and the Toyota Tundra are building the perfect team

Have you seen the amazing incentives from Toyota this month? You won't be able to turn them down!

Click Here for Details!

Toyota Tundra to Tow Endeavour Space Shuttle Over 405 Freeway on Manchester Bridge

WHAT: The Toyota Tundra will be towing the space shuttle Endeavour over the 405 Freeway instead of the previously announced route along Bill Robertson Lane in Los Angeles. The tow will assist the California Science Center Foundation in the movement of the historic icon over the Manchester Boulevard Bridge, an area that requires a different tow mechanism than other portions of the route for weight distribution purposes. In preparation to assist in any capacity needed, the Tundra was extensively tested to meet the requirements. This tow of Endeavour by the Toyota Tundra at this location will be the only one its kind taking place along the route.

WHEN: October 12, 2012, Evening
            Exact time TBA

WHERE: Manchester Boulevard Bridge, nearly a quarter-mile span total over the 405 Freeway, near LAX

Toyota Pressroom

Don’t you want to keep your car running smoothly as long as possible? Well here is a Monday maintenance tip to help extend the life of your car.

Lube Your Lug Nuts

• Lug nuts, if not lubricated occasionally, can seize or “freeze” to the studs due to corrosion. Repairing them can be expensive. Having to call a tow truck for a flat you can’t remove is even more expensive. The next time you change or rotate your tires, pick up some anti-seize lubricant at your local auto supply store. Clean the stud threads with a wire brush and wipe them with the lubricant. It’s formulated to prevent the lug nuts (spark plugs, too) from seizing and won’t allow them to loosen as you drive, the way other lubricants might. If a lug nut does freeze to a stud, try spraying the nut and stud with WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. Allow it to penetrate for 10 or 20 minutes. Use a heat gun to apply heat. Then use a ratchet wrench to remove the lug.

Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer has joined Toyota and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in supporting Hiring Our Heroes!

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Toyota and Lexus Honor The Entertainment Industry’s Environmental Excellence at the 22nd Annual Environmental Media Awards

Toyota and Lexus are once again celebrating the entertainment industry’s environmental efforts as the presenting sponsors of the Environmental Media Awards on Saturday, Sept. 29. In its 22nd year, the annual event honors film and television productions that communicate environmental messages in creative and influential ways. This year marks Lexus and Toyota’s 11th year as the presenting sponsors.

This year’s honorees include environmentalist and activist Kelly Meyer, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, actress Jessica Alba and actor Ian Somerhalder. The nominees include films such as Big Miracle, Disneynature Chimpanzee and 21 Jump Street, and TV programs such as Harry’s Law, Happy Endings, Rizzoli & Isles, Real Time with Bill Maher and Dallas.

“More than a decade ago, Hollywood made driving a hybrid stylish and cool. By embracing hybrid technology, the Hollywood community helped Toyota and Lexus reach significant volumes and create a positive impact.” said Bob Carter, senior vice president, automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We congratulate the nominees and special honorees, and we thank you for continuing to convey environmental messages and actions in creative and influential ways.”

The Toyota and Lexus line-up of hybrid vehicles will be featured at the ceremony at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif. Attendees will get a preview of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid before it goes on sale. The 2013 Lexus ES 300h and 2012 all-electric RAV4 EV will also be on display. Sales of the RAV4 EV started this week in California and customers can visit www.toyota.com/rav4ev for more information on the only all-electric SUV on the market.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Happy Monday fans! Here is a Monday maintenance tip to help keep your car running as long as possible!

Check Tread for Safety

• Most states require tires to be replaced when they have worn down to 1/16-inch (1.5 mm) of remaining tire depth. Tires sold in North America are required to have “wear bars” molded into them to make it easy to see when tire replacement is legally required. However, if you’ll be driving in the rain, you should change your tires when there is 1/8-inch (3 mm) of tread left. Otherwise, water may not escape from under your tires fast enough and you risk hydroplaning — a dangerous situation in which your car loses traction and literally floats on the water. Stick an American quarter between the treads in several places. If part of Washington’s head is always covered, you have enough tread to drive in the rain. If you drive in snow, you’ll need at least 3/16-inch (5 mm) of tread to get adequate traction. Stick an American penny between the treads. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is always covered, you’re ready for winter driving.

Why did Phil get a 2012 Camry Hybrid LE? Watch the video below and see why!

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Charitable Endeavors Stand to Benefit from Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge

Winning the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge (www.ToyotaRacingDreamBuild.com) — a vehicle-modification build competition pitting four legendary racers and their dream cars against each other — will earn the champion more than bragging rights. Toyota will award a check for $50,000 to the winner’s designated charity. In addition, second, third and fourth place will receive $25k, $15k and $10k, respectively.

The four contenders, who are racing against the clock to complete their vehicle in just a few short weeks, are: NASCAR Chase for the Championship contender Clint Bowyer, who is building an ultra-high-tech Prius in hopes of benefitting the Emporia Community Foundation; NHRA Top Fuel points leader Antron Brown and his drag-race-inspired Sequoia, whose victory could assist Racers for Christ; NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch, who hopes his stylish road-race Camry will secure a donation to the Kyle Busch Foundation; and NHRA Nitro Funny Car phenom Alexis DeJoria, who is transforming a Tundra into an all-out desert racer on behalf of Safety Harbor Kids.

Fans will determine by online voting which of the four modified Toyota vehicles will win the challenge—along with $50,000 to the winning driver’s charity of choice. Here are their choices:

The mission of the Emporia Community Foundation (www.emporiacf.org) is to improve the quality of life in Emporia, Kan.,Clint Bowyer’s home town, and the surrounding communities. ECF is a collection of funds and resources donated by caring citizens, including Bowyer himself, who have chosen to make their community a better place to live and work, now and in the future.

The foundation has contributed to projects and services focused on education, children, elder care, recreation and social care.

Racers for Christ (www.teamrfc.org) — part of the Christian Motorsports
International, Inc., family of ministries and often called “Team RFC” — was established in 1971 as a fellowship for Christians in the sport of motor racing. Its members conduct non-denominational chapel services at more than 2,000 local and professional racing events nationwide every year. Recognizing that, for many people involved in motorsports, consistent participation in a local church body is difficult, Team RFC provides the same kind of pastoral support motorsports enthusiasts and professionals (like Antron Brown) would receive from a home church, including communion, weddings, baptisms, hospital visits, memorial services and more.

The mission of Kyle Busch’s eponymous Kyle Busch Foundation (www.kylebuschfoundation.org) is to empower young men and women by fostering life experiences and helping them achieve their goals. Through special events, the foundation supports programs focused on teens and young adults, the terminally ill, safe driving and recreation. Charities that KBF supports include B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe), Young Life, Speedway Children’s Charities, Make a Wish, the NASCAR Foundation, Wave Warriors Surf Camp and more.

Safety Harbor Kids (http://safetyharborkids.org/Contact), the chosen charity of Alexis DeJoria, was formed in 2007 for the purpose of enriching the lives of orphans, foster children and homeless children through education. It currently serves more than 2,000 needy children in over 15 group homes and shelters in and around Los Angeles. Its goal is to build a College, Career and the Arts Education Center where at-risk children can acquire the resources they need to get ahead in life. At each special event held by Safety Harbor Kids, mentors assist children with personal growth, motivation, career development, music and art — and in so doing create a safety net to catch the children as they grow up and leave institutional life.

The $50,000 check that will go to one of these four worthwhile causes is representative of Toyota’s own commitment to charitable endeavors. Since 1991, Toyota (www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy) has contributed about half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs in the U.S. alone.

The company emphasizes environmental stewardship, education, safety and the needs of local communities.

In 2008, Toyota launched TogetherGreen, a $20 million, five-year alliance with Audubon to fund conservation efforts, train environmental leaders and offer volunteer opportunities to benefit the environment.

The Toyota U.S.A. Foundation’s $100 million endowment supports K-12 efforts in math, science and environmental studies.

Toyota Driving Expectations (TDE) is a free program for teen drivers and their parents whose goal is to proactively take America’s driving youth through a safe driving experience.

In addition, Toyota supports initiatives in other areas of need, such as food, housing and the arts, in a variety of diverse communities.

Voting for the winner of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge will open on Oct. 20 and will continue through Oct. 29. Fans will be able to vote once per day on Facebook. The final vehicle builds will be unveiled—and the winning driver and charity announced — during Toyota’s press conference at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30. Clearly, there will be more than one deserving winner—which is exactly what Toyota wants.

 

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Hey fans! Here is a Monday Maintenance tip for you!

Keep The Caps On

• You step out into driveway ready to start your morning commute only to discover a flat tire. How in the heck did that happen overnight? If the tire valve is missing its cap, the culprit might be a leaky valve. Those little caps keep out dirt and moisture that can cause leaks, so be sure to keep caps on all your tire valves. Another tip: When you replace tires, remind the tire shop that you expect new valves with the tires.

Once-in-a-lifetime event. See the crucial role that Tundra plays in getting the Endeavour home.

Don't you just love this pre-owned 2011 Toyota Camry! Get behind the wheel of this beautiful car and stop by Toyota Certified Center of Santee today!

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A big thank you to Christene for this marvelous review! Great job team!

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Toyota Tundra to Tow Space Shuttle Endeavour on Last Leg of Journey to the California Science Center

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) announced today that the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck is slated to tow the space shuttle Endeavour during its final journey to the California Science Center on October 13, 2012, where it will go on permanent display. The Endeavour will travel a total of 12 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on city streets to the Science Center, with the Tundra towing the last quarter mile.

Tested extensively prior to the announcement, the 2012 Tundra is slated to safely tow the 300,000 pound historic artifact down Bill Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles, on the final leg of its journey. Endeavour will be towed using a stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2–ton pickup, identical to models currently found in Toyota dealerships, with no additional modifications made to increase towing capacity or generate more power. The Tundra CrewMax is equipped with Toyota’s powerful 5.7L V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 10,000 pounds. TMS has done extensive testing and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling the Endeavour.

“There is no larger or more recognizable icon of the U.S. space program’s success than the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota Tundra is not only an incredible example of the capabilities of the truck, but an honor to be part of history,” said Ed Laukes, TMS vice president of marketing communications. “The entire journey is something the world will be watching, and gives us a chance to prove that the ‘overbuilt’ Tundra is built to do any job – even tow the space shuttle.”

Participation in the transportation of the shuttle is part of an ongoing partnership between TMS and the Science Center in an effort to provide support and awareness of the space program and continuing education of the public through exhibits and programs. Toyota currently has a Tundra truck on display in a Science Center exhibit demonstrating the physics of leverage. The tow Tundra will replace the existing Tundra and will be on display after the Endeavour exhibit opens on October 30, 2012.

At the end of the Endeavour’s 12 mile journey from LAX to the Science Center, a “finish-line” celebration at Exposition Park is planned for the evening of October 13, as the shuttle arrives at the Science Center, allowing the public to witness the finale of this historic voyage.

The tow program was developed in partnership with Saatchi & Saatchi LA (SSLA), the agency of record for TMS, and the Science Center, and serves as a unique way to demonstrate Tundra’s capabilities and towing capacity. In collaboration with SSLA and Science Center, TMS has developed a host of online resources and activities that provide behind-the-scenes videos, photos, activities for children and information about the Tundra Endeavour project and can be found at www.toyota.com/TundraEndeavour beginning September 17th. Visitors can share content, sign up for email alerts and participate in re-Tweeting information that will help contribute money to the California Science Center for further development of exhibits and displays.

 

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Welcome back to the work week fans! This week we have a maintenance tip to help you keep your floor mats looking brand new!

For Stubborn Carpet or Mat Stains

• After vacuuming floor mats or interior carpeting, apply foam rug cleaner to resistant stains as directed by the maker. Work the foam into a few square feet at a time, using a wet sponge or brush. Vacuum when they are all dry.

Toyota Expands National Teen Safe Driving Program with Dealership and High School Outreach

Building upon the eight-year success of its behind-the-wheel safety workshops, Toyota announces the expansion of its national advanced teen driving skills program, Toyota Driving Expectations, through partnerships with high schools and local dealerships as well as continuing its popular online safety program.

Toyota established the free safe teen driving program in 2004 to supplement standard driving education courses with real-time opportunities to learn about defensive driving, the impact of distractions, and safe habits. The original 2.5-hour course involves both driving time and classroom discussions, and is unique for requiring the participation of a parent or guardian to support coaching within the family so they can continue to act as role models and teachers at home. Nearly 20,000 teens and parents have participated in the “On the Road” Toyota Driving Expectations program which was among the first to understand the importance of and include parents in safe driving programs for teen drivers.

 

New this year, National Hot Rod Association driver Erica Enders will headline interactive safe teen driver assemblies at 12 select Los Angeles area and Orange County high schools. Enders will share her experiences as the first woman to qualify No. 1 in the association’s Pro Stock Field and the importance of concentration while driving. “The Road Ahead” assembly also engages students with high-impact video and a hands-on driving simulator which demonstrates dangers of driver distractions.

 

The third prong of the program includes free safety clinics at select Toyota dealerships in the spring covering vehicle dynamics and safety features, defensive driving, distracted driving and the importance of vehicle maintenance. This program offers parents and teens an opportunity to learn safe driving tips by professional instructors in a non-sales environment inside their local Toyota dealerships.

Finally, the Toyota Teen Driver program offers teens, parents and educators across the country access to free information and resources at www.toyotateendriver.com. The program also includes the Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge and Educator Challenge, which offers teachers and students the opportunity to win prizes and scholarships by showing a commitment to safety. The online content and tools were created in partnership with Discovery Education.

Together, these four programs highlight Toyota’s commitment to safety behind the wheel and arming teens with life-saving skills. National data shows young drivers are more likely to be in crashes and be killed than more experienced drivers, and are the least likely to wear seatbelts or have their passengers wear them.

 

Further underscoring its commitment to safe teen driving, Toyota is conducting research to evaluate the effectiveness of an electronic coaching and monitoring system for newly licensed teenage drivers to help reduce unsafe driving behaviors. The research is being conducted by Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC), which is based in Michigan. Launched in January 2011, the CSRC's mission is to serve as a catalyst for the advancement of auto safety involving the vehicle, driver and traffic environment.

 

For fall 2012, the “On the Road” Toyota Driving Expectations events will be held at the following locations: 

• Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Tenn., September 29*
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) Plant in Georgetown, Ky., October 6-7
• Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem, Pa., October 13-14
• Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., October 20-21

* Denotes special event; by invitation only.

Participants must be between the ages of 15-19 with a valid driver's license or learner's permit, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Online registration is currently open at www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com. 

Taught by professional drivers, the curriculum for Toyota Driving Expectations was developed in partnership with multiple organizations committed to safe driving, including the National Safety Council and the Defensive Driving Academy in California.

 

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Make sure to visit Toyota Certified Center of Santee – and with offers like these, who can resist! Get $20 off when you spend $80 or more today.

Today, we pause alongside the nation to remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and to honor the resilience and strength that resulted.

Many thanks to Gary for this tremendous review! Keep up the great work Scott!

Toyota Certified Center of Santee - (5) Star Review on DealerRater

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Good afternoon fans! Here is a Monday Maintenance tip for you!

Clean Dash Gauges Carefully

• Use a soft damp cloth to lightly wipe dust from the clear plastic lenses on your dashboard. Too much pressure will scratch them. Too many scratches can make it difficult to read your gauges under certain lighting conditions.