Preparing Your Vehicle for the Winter

Although this winter is expected to be warmer than usual, that doesn’t mean we aren’t expecting freezing temperatures that could put some snow or ice on our vehicles. The harsh cold can take a toll on your car, that’s why it is important to take care of it by taking these precautionary steps.

1. First things first, check your tires. The last thing you need is to be sliding around on a patch of ice because there is no traction on your tires. If you tires seem to be bald, now is a good time to switch them out. Before the next blizzard hits!
2. Next, take a look under your hood. Do your belts and hoses seem to be in good shape? The cold weather could cause them to become brittle, this could result in a snap or break.
3. Is your heat and defroster working? A broken system could cause your windows to fog up at an inconvenient time.
4. Maintain proper levels of antifreeze. Having wrong levels of water and antifreeze could cause a domino effect resulting in your vehicle breaking down.
5. Lastly, keep emergency supplies handy! It’s not a bad idea to have handy a shovel, ice scraper, flashlight and jumper cables.

Be prepared and take care of your vehicle! Take it to your local body shop before the harsh weather hits. It may just save you from being stranded in the cold! Our service department at Yokem Toyota would be happy to help you with any concerns you have with your vehicle!

Make The Outdoors Your Winter Wonderland

The all new 2014 FJ Cruiser is the perfect ride for carving down the mountains this winter! The SUV has multiple options that make for a great off-roading experience. With the FJ’s water fording limit, including an elevated air intake and protected electrical components, the FJ Cruiser can handle water currents up to 28 inches deep. The Cruiser also has unique approach and departure angles that allow the FJ to clear uneven terrain. And in case of a blowout while on the trail, the FJ Cruiser comes equipped with a full-size spare conveniently placed on the rear gate for quick accessibility. Be sure to come to Yokem Toyota and see why the FJ Cruiser is a great SUV for the outdoors!

Toyota Encourages All to Buckle Up

Toyota has started a campaign that is encouraging us to buckle up. The company is encouraging everyone to take a photo of someone or something you care about all buckled up. Then, post the photo to either Instagram or Twitter with #buckleupforlife in the caption. The best part is, for every photo posted, Toyota will donate 10 car seats to those in need. You have from now until December 31, 2014, to post your photo. Spread awareness and help those in need! Toyota wants to show drivers they care about their safety. Come by Yokem Toyota to find a vehicle that fits your safety needs!

Next Generation Toyota Tacoma

The newest generation of Toyota pickup truck, the Tacoma, is just around the corner. The new truck is expected to be revealed in January and begin production in April of 2015. Those at the Detroit Auto Show will be some of the first to get to see the new vehicle and its upgrades. The current models of the Toyota Tacoma are a little smaller than a full-sized pick up. We know the new Tacoma will not disappoint. Stay tuned to hear more info about the new Toyota Tacoma. To see some great Toyota pick ups, come into Yokem Toyota where we have a great selection of vehicles.

Toyota Safety

At Toyota, they make safety their top priority. In 2013, Toyota received an outstanding amount of IIHS Top Safety Picks. In fact, Toyota was awarded more Top Safety picks than any other manufacturer. They aim to prevent crashes and keep their drivers safe. Toyota vehicles have numerous safety features including: Lane Keep Assist, Automatic High Beams, Pre-Collision System, Vehicle Stability Control, and Blind Spot Monitor. Toyota wants you to “go places” with their vehicles, and with these incredible safety features, drivers can do just that. Come to Yokem Toyota where you can find an incredible selection of top safety pick vehicles!

Toyota Mirari

The Toyota Mirari is a turning point in the automotive industry. The hydrogen cell vehicle takes less than five minutes to fuel and can go up to 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen. Hydrogen is put into the vehicle and stored in carbon-fiber fuel tanks. Air is taken in by the front grills and is given to the fuel cell stack. This causes a chemical reaction with the oxygen, thus creating electricity that runs the vehicle. The best part is, the vehicle’s only by-product is water. The Mirari is also just as safe as any other Toyota vehicle. It has an emergency shut off valve on the hydrogen tanks, in case of emergency. It has undergone many road tests, fuel tank experiments, and has been tested in various types of climates. If you are looking for an innovative vehicle by Toyota, come on by Yokem Toyota where we have a great selection of Toyotas.  

2015 Toyota Corolla

The 2015 Toyota Corolla is here and ready to help navigate you wherever life takes you. The interior and exterior reflect style and class, and the technology features reflect that as well. Available with the 2015 Corolla is Entune, a voice activated technology that keeps your apps, music and navigation in one convenient place. The vehicle also comes with an Advanced Airbag System, complete with eight standard airbags. The Toyota Corolla has always been a favorite and is an award winning IHS Automotive vehicle. If you are looking for a Corolla or a Toyota vehicle, stop by Yokem Toyota, where we have a great selection!

2015 Tundra TRD Pro Designed to Off-Road

This vehicle is built to work as hard as you do. With a dual exhaust and a 5.7-liter V8, the TRD Pro is ready to off-road. The suspension has been refined, allowing the vehicle to take on any terrain. The throttle has a quick response time and is ready for any off-road adventures. The vehicle has muscle-car appearance inside and out, and is available in an orange paint job that is exclusive for the TRD Pro. Pricing has not been released yet. If you need a vehicle that can perform, Yokem Toyota has the best Toyota selection for you.

Signs to Align

If you are constantly turning your wheel from center to prevent it from drifting to the side, it could be time to realign. Another obvious sign your vehicle is out-of-alignment is if the tires have uneven wear. The first thing you should do is check your tire pressure, and if that seems to be fine then its time to head to the auto shop. Some vehicles require all wheels be aligned while some only require the front two. It would not be a bad idea to have your vehicle realigned annually. A good time to have it done is when you have your tires rotated, that way if you vehicle is aligned correctly you won’t be adding any unnecessary wear to your new tires. Safety is important, and having your vehicle properly aligned means you can drive straight and correctly handle your vehicle.

2015 Toyora Camry

The best-selling vehicle in America for 12 years running is back for 2015. The new Camry is full of new technology! For starters, the Camry Hybrid has Hybrid Synergy Drive which allows the vehicle to use gas and electric motors with an extremely impressive 200hp. When it comes to fuel economy, the Camry Hybrid LE has an EPA-estimated 43 mpg for city, and the Camry Hybrid SE receives an estimated 40 mpg city. The Camry includes safety features such as the Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, back-up camera, and Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System. Other great features include the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which adjusts vehicle speed allowing you to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. There is even a wireless charging station for devices that are Qi-compatible, eliminating the clutter and distraction of wires. Finally, the vehicle contains JBL GreenEdge Audio that keeps your music sounding great. It is no wonder with so many great technological and safety features the Camry is one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Yokem Toyota has the Camry fit for you and your lifestyle, come and see us!

Toyota Top-Valued Brand

When it comes to automobiles, Toyota has been ranked the 8th most valuable brand worldwide. This is the 11th year that toyota has made it as a top brand on the Interbrands 2014 Best Global Brands report. Toyota says the reason for their top rankings is their “playful campaigns and its zero-emission ‘Car of the Future’ Fuel Cell Vehicle”. For vehicles from a top valued brand, come on into Yokem Toyota and see what we have for you.

You Could Be The Lucky Winner

Toyota plans on giving away their first hydrogen vehicle to someone in the United States. One lucky California resident will be the first person to take the vehicle for a spin. Toyota plans on working with the Environmental Media Association to gain some publicity for the hydrogen fueled car. Those interested can go to Bidding for Good to purchase a raffle ticket.Toyota predicts that 2015 will be the turning point for fuel-cell vehicles. Come into Yokem Toyota to see what great Toyota Vehicles we have!

Toyota C-HR

Toyota has revealed its next concept car at the Paris Motor Show. The new design is vastly different from what Toyota has done in the past. Toyota says that the exterior is designed to look like a precision-cut gemstone. The vehicle appears to be a type of crossover with a design like no other. Toyota announced that the C-HR will use Hybrid powertrain and will have improved vehicle efficiency. Come into Yokem Toyota to see what awesome Toyota vehicles we have to offer you!

3D Printer Created Working Car

A working vehicle has been created by 3D printing. The Strati, Italian for layers, took 44 hours to complete and was unveiled at the International Manufacturing Technology show last week. Other 3D printed vehicles have been made, but none are able drive. This electric vehicle can reach a speed of 40 mph and can travel 120 miles on one charge. The Strati has 49 parts which is significantly less compared to most vehicles that have anywhere from 5,000 to 6,000. The Strati will have to go through many tests before it becomes street legal. Although we don’t have any vehicles made by a printer, we do have Toyota’s and that's the next best thing. Come into Yokem Toyota to check out an amazing selection!

Toyota's New Concept Vehicle for Entrepreneurs

Inspired by an increasing amount of entrepreneurs and those who like to do it themselves, this vehicle is as versatile as they are. This urban utility concept vehicle has the ability to roll back its roof, and the tailgate will fold down allowing it to be used like a ramp. The concept vehicle has been introduced at a Maker community event where Toyota was able to receive advice from the vehicle’s target audience, and design it especially for their needs. So for now, the vehicle has returned to California to make improvements before it will be available to purchase. Until then, come into Yokem Toyota where you can find a Toyota vehicle that surely fits your lifestyle.

Toyota Taking Rain Check on Self-Driving Vehicle

Toyota, as well as many other auto-makers, has invested a lot of time and effort into creating vehicles that can drive themselves. But Toyota has decided to pull the plug on the research for now due to shortage of technology and legal issues. Instead, they have decided to use some of the impressive safety technology in their newest vehicles. Toyota promises that by 2017 their vehicles will offer collision-prevention technology. While the vehicles will not be able to drive themselves completely, they will be able to steer themselves just enough to stay centered in the lane. Toyota also hopes to include cameras in their vehicles that monitor the drivers hands and eyes. This means if your hands come off the wheels or your eyes veer off the road, an alarm will go off. Even though self-driving vehicles are not right around the corner like we expected, these technology advances are incredible and should make driving even safer! Kudos to Toyota for taking this big step. To see incredibly safe vehicles that are available right now from Toyota, stop by Yokem Toyota and take one for a test ride.

4 Tips to Survive A Wrong-Way Driver

Police officers in England stopped a wrong-way driver on the M6 freeway on Monday night, using their car as a roadblock to stop the driver.

Their quick action probably saved lives. The 77-year-old driver suffered from dementia as he drove the wrong way down the freeway, according to the West Midlands Police department, which uploaded video of the crash to itsYouTube account. The officers involved and driver emerged unharmed from the accident.

But others who encounter wrong-way drivers aren't so lucky. A 2012 special report from the National Transportation Safety Board on wrong-way drivers found such crashes account for three percent of all collisions but are disproportionately likely to cause death or injury. That's because head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of crash. The California Department of Transportation found wrong-way collisions were 12 times more likely to end in a fatality and the Michigan Department of Transportation found that such crashes increase the likelihood of a fatality by 22 percent. On average, 360 lives are lost in wrong-way accidents each year.

While the study included recommendations for clearly marking on and off ramps on freeways and building barriers so that drivers aren't confused, wrong-way drivers are hard to prevent. Many are mentally confused due to age. Drivers over the age of 70 are disproportionately represented in wrong-way crashes. Older drivers are involved in less than 3 percent of overall crashes, but 15 percent of wrong-way crashes.

However, mental confusion and unfamiliarity with an area cause a minority of wrong-way crashes. The vast majority of these crashes involve drunk drivers rather than confused motorists.

Sixty percent of wrong-way drivers had alcohol levels above the legal limit. Of those impaired drivers, nearly 60 percent had a BAC of .15, which is approaching the .16 benchmark used by many states as the threshold for 'super drunk.'

Staring down a pair of headlights on the freeway is a frightening scenario to consider, but there are a few simple steps for protection yourself in this situation.

Scan Ahead

Many drivers only keep an eye on the few hundred feet ahead of their car. Drivers who keep an eye on the horizon or at least far ahead of their own headlights stand a better chance of seeing the wrong-way driver.

Slow Down 

No one likes to see brake lights on the freeway, but if a wrong-way driver is barreling toward you, slowing down can add precious moments to your decision making.

Swerve To The Right 

Like the driver on the M6, wrong-way drivers often go all the way to the right because they think it's the slow lane, rather than the fast lane. Swerving to the right is always recommended in a head-on collision situation because it will deflect much of the force of the impact. It's much safer to hit a stationary object or roll into a ditch than a moving vehicle (especially if you've slowed down) so even if swerving seems equally dangerous, do it anyway.

Buckle Up

Wearing a seatbelt greatly increases the likelihood of surviving any type of crash. According to AAA, seat belts saved more than 12,000 lives last year. Buckle up every time you drive.

 

Original story at http://autos.aol.com/article/how-to-survive-a-wrong-way-driver/ 

Toyota Unveils Jaw-Dropping Concept Car

Toyota’s newest sports-car concept is here! The FT-1, short for the Future-Toyota Ultimate, is a futuristic muscle car that is designed to look cool while incorporating vents, ducts and inlets to allow optimum airflow. Toyota worked with the creators of the Gran Turismo’s driving simulator to create a virtual driving experience for the FT-1. This vehicle was built with the idea to make driving enjoyable! Come into Yokem Toyota to see what awesome cars Toyota has to offer!

The 2014 Toyota Avalon Unleashed

The newest family size sedan in the Avalon family is the 2014 model. The car has much to boast about with its modernities and technological advancements. It’s described as having a spacious and comfortable interior, but not only that, it also uses the finest materials in its interior. The Avalon is no cheap ride. It looks and feels like the luxurious sedan that it is. It ranks 4th out of 10 on US News’ list for top affordable large sedans. At Yokem Toyota, we want the best for our customers. The Toyota Avalon reveals its very best in this 2014 version

Summer: worse than winter?

Winter is commonly thought of as the greatest threat to our cars. Battery life, in particular, is a concern for most of us who have a growing distaste for the high cost of car maintenance. Though not a misconception at all, summer is actually worse on your car battery life according to non-profit car care council. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate which contributes to the batteries internal damage and slow death. These easy to follow steps are the advice of the non-profit car care council which, here at Yokem Toyota, we agree is the best course of action to prevent unnecessary car battery replacement.

1. Keep the top of the battery cleaned. Dirt and other fluid leaks can create battery power loss.

2. Make sure the electrical system is working correctly. Overcharging from a malfunctioning electrical system can cause overcharging which will put you on the fast track to a dead battery.

3. Your battery is the type that needs to be topped off? Make sure to check this often!

With these steps in mind during the heat of summer, you are sure to give your car battery’s life the best chance of being replaced!

FRIDAY in PINK!

An estimated 192,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S.

We are getting other local businesses to come together to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.  You'll see them across town August 15th for "Friday in Pink!" Danielle Voumard, executive director for Susan G. Domen for the Cure, Jessica Rodriguez, marketing director for Yokem Toyota & Jarred Hamilton, customer retention director for Yokem Toyota will be in Bellemead shopping center to help gather information and take donations. Don't forget to buy your shirts "CLICK HERE". Come find us by the all new Toyota Highlander. See you all there!

Changing Seasons and Changing Tire Pressure

Properly adjusting your tire pressure ensures safer driving, better fuel efficiency and a more comfortable ride. As the seasons change, so does your pressure due to the fluctuating temperature. A 10 degree drop can cause your tire pressure to decrease 1-2 PSI (pounds per square inch).  It is important to adjust your tire pressure, but first you must first find your manufacture’s recommend PSI.To find this information, check your owners manual or the sticker in your driver’s side door. Once you know your recommended PSI, you need to make sure you own a tire air pressure gauge. Your tire pressure should be no more or less than five PSI’s of the recommended pressure. When checking the pressure, your tires should be “cold”, meaning they have not been driven on for at least three hours. Now that you’ve checked your pressure, it’s time to head to an air pump. When filling the tires with the air hose, keep your gauge near so that you can check the pressure as you go, you do not want to over inflate! Over-inflation can cause you to lose traction or have a blow out. Under-inflation can hurt your vehicles fuel economy. It is recommended that you check your tire pressure weekly, especially with large temperature fluctuations. If your vehicle needs to be serviced, come into Yokem Toyota, we are happy to help!

Myths New Drivers Should Be Aware Of

Posted on July 31, 2014

Many young drivers may have just received a new car for graduation, or may be saving up for a new ride with a summer job. Whatever it is, they are probably receiving a lot of advice on how to drive and take care of a car. Here are some myths they probably heard:

1. Your oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles: Changing your oil this often can be a waste of money. Simply follow the guidelines in your vehicles manual on how often to change oil. However, it is necessary for some cars to change their oil often if they put a lot of wear and tear on their car such as towing and driving through harsh weather.
2. Backseat passengers do not need to wear their seatbelt: The point of a seatbelt is keep you safer in case of an accident. Simply put, if you are not wearing your seatbelt, you are not safe. Your body can be projected causing you to harm yourself as well as other passengers.
3. Keep your doors unlocked while driving: This myth suggests that if there was an emergency, you should keep your doors unlocked so that you can be saved. This is not true. Unlocked doors are more likely to open in accidents, causing passengers to be ejected.
4. Occasionally use premium fuel to clean your engine: If the engine in your car was not designed to take advantage of premium fuel, its not doing anything for your car. You will be spending more money in the long run, and doing nothing special for your engine.
5. Driving 10 mph over the speed limit is okay with cops: Anything more than one mile over the speed limit is illegal. But most cops won’t pull you over if you are going one mile above the speed limit because it’s easily arguable that their radar gun wasn’t calibrated perfectly.

With May being a record breaking sales month for many vehicles, there will be several new drivers on the road. Help them avoid making those rookie mistakes by forewarning them of these common myths. Come into Yokem Toyota, we have a safe vehicle waiting for you!

2015 Toyota Yaris

Toyota’s tiniest vehicle is making a big come back for the new model year. The 2015 Toyota Yaris has been redesigned, giving it a fun new attitude. Toyota hopes the new design will make the vehicle appear more European. The Yaris comes in either a 3-door or 5-door liftback model. As the most inexpensive Toyota vehicle you can by, this fun to drive car does not disappoint. It has a 106 horsepower and 103 lb. -ft of torque. The new Yaris also comes standard with a 6.1 inch touch screen. It is expected to go on sale August 3, 2014. If you can’t wait that long for a new ride, come into Yokem Toyota for a fabulous selection of Toyota vehicles.

Toyota's i-Road

Toyota has begun testing a three-wheeled EV that Europe plans on using as part of their public transportation. Basically the two-passenger vehicle will be shared. Commuters can pay and reserve for a vehicle ahead of time and pick it up at designated charging stations. The i-Road is one-fourth the size of the average car. It has the ability to lean, making it take up even less space on the road. The vehicle will help reduce emissions in already crowded cities. It is unclear when the i-Road will become available, as it is still being tested. Come into Yokem Toyota to check out other amazing Toyota vehicles!

Enlighten Me on Going Electric

The push to go green is stronger than ever as we begin to notice the damage left by our footprints. If you recently bought a new vehicle, you probably briefly considered buying an electric vehicle, but brushed that thought aside when you mulled over the cons. Common myths about electric vehicles include: they have a short range, they are expensive, and the time it takes to charge is inconvenient. The truth is, the typical American driver travels less than 40 miles a day, a small portion of the 100 mile range covered by most electric vehicles. When it comes to price, it is no lie that you will pay more upfront for an electric vehicle, but you must factor in the long run costs. A plug-in driver can save between $700-$1600  each year by eliminating fuel consumption. That adds up, and the fact of the matter is you will be saving money with a plug-in. Lastly, with a little bit of planning, charging your vehicle should not be a problem. An EV can easily reach a full charge overnight. And each day, more and more public charge stations are appearing at businesses and public entities. This means you can charge while you’re at work, shopping, or while your kids play at the park. Owning an electric vehicle is something to feel good about. With car brands introducing EVs each year, there is surely a vehicle that will fit your lifestyle and budget!

Reasons to Stop Ignoring Your Check-Engine Light

Not knowing the reason your check-engine light is on can be very irritating. Most people will continue to ignore the warning as long as they feel their car is still running smoothly. But, your vehicle is in need of a diagnosis! Without one, you could be causing additional harm to your vehicle. This could ultimately result in spending more money on repairs than if the problem was fixed from the start. Occasionally, the fix is as easy as tightening your gas cap, which is the first thing you should check when your light goes on. If the check-engine light remains on after a few days then there could be a problem with the vehicles fuel, ignition or emissions system. If the light is flashing, this is serious. It could mean there was a misfire, which needs immediate attention from an auto technician. If your vehicle is telling you something is wrong, you should take care of the problem. Doing so will help you stay safe while keeping money in your pocket!

Save Gas and Save Money

We all dread filling up at the pump and draining our bank account. But we have to get around some how! However, there are several ways to save on gas and keep some money in your pocket.

1. Go easy on your accelerator! If you anticipate the traffic you can avoid slamming on your breaks and accelerating too quickly. If possible, use cruise control, this cuts out the constant braking and accelerating.

2. Carpooling is fun! With just one person in your carpool, you could cut your fuel costs by 50 percent! Make friends and alternate driving with people in your area. The more people in your carpool, the more you save!

3. Let go of your excess baggage. Do you really need all those extra things in your trunk? The less you car weighs, the less work it does, and the less gas it is going to burn.

4. Don’t ignore those check-whatever lights. Regular maintenance will keep your car purring beautifully. The better you take care of your car, the better it will perform.  Make sure under the hood is running smoothly and your tires are properly inflated.

5. Get some fresh air! If it’s a nice day, put your windows down! Turning off your A/C will put less stress on your engine, and help it use less fuel. The more sparing you are with your A/C and heat, the more gas in your tank!

6. This brings me to my next point, aerodynamics! While keeping the windows down helps cut gas consumption, this is not necessarily true for when you’re driving on the highway. Simply put, if your windows are down when you are going high speeds, it causes your vehicle to use more gas because it is less aerodynamic. It is also not beneficial to have bike racks or large objects on your roof rack. Those bug deflectors, window and sunroof deflectors are also causing more harm than good.

7. Don’t just sit there, do something! If you are just going to sit there with your car running, turn it off. Turning your car off and on is more efficient than just letting it run.