Monday, December 17, 2012

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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.

Monday, December 10, 2012

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.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

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

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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

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Toyota Sponsoring Two NASCAR Races at Richmond International Raceway in 2013

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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

Monday, December 3, 2012

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

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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.