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.

Steering Away From Hydroplaning

Driving in the rain can bring a lot of anxiety to some drivers. With the lack of visibility and the fear of losing control, you’re not alone! Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning, occurs when a layer of water comes between the tires and road causing a loss of traction. This lack of traction can cause the driver to lose their ability to steer and brake properly. The vehicle may skid or slide and this could unfortunately cause an accident. But have no fear! There are several ways to avoid hydroplaning and build your confidence driving in the rain!

1. (First off, and most importantly) Do NOT slam on the breaks. The best option is to pump your breaks until you begin to regain control. If you have anti-lock brakes (check your owners manual if you are unsure), brake like normal but not too hard. The vehicle will do the brake pumping action for you.

2. This is not the time to have a lead foot! Slow down in the rain, you will have more traction and better control when you are coming to a stop.

3. Take care of your tires. Unfortunately this creates another “to-do” on your busy list. It is important to check and properly adjust your tire pressure. Check the traction on your tires often and rotate or replace them if need be, especially if they are beginning to bald.

4. Avoid standing water. Puddles can cause immediate loss of traction. It is smart to avoid the outer lanes where masses of water are likely to form.

5. Stay in control, don’t use cruise control! Hydroplaning while in cruise control has actually caused vehicles to accelerate. As you can imagine, this creates a problem when it comes to regaining control of your vehicle.

If you do begin to hydroplane, remain calm! Take your foot off the accelerator, grasp the wheel firmly, and attempt to steer the vehicle to where it is aimed straight ahead. Make sure you are not over steering, move the wheel a minimal amount, just enough to keep the vehicle moving forward. Hopefully these tips will help you gain confidence while driving in the rain, and help prevent accidents if hydroplaning does occur!

Toyota Creating Hover Cars

Living life like The Jetsons may be closer around the corner than we think, thanks to Toyota’s recent research. With technology advancing every day, Toyota is investigating the possibility of a vehicle that can hover above the road. As a self-driving vehicle, Toyota hopes that the hovering car will be more efficient.Their research has proved to have setbacks such as the high cost of necessary sensors, and expensive software that makes the vehicle operate. They must also get the government on their side by having them agree that these vehicles can safely function side by side with other cars. Even if this vehicle is not on the road as soon as expected, car models released by Toyota in the next few years could have some futuristic technology. Vehicles could include sensors that keep each other apart, and other features that prevent drifting into other lanes. With Toyota constantly advancing technology in vehicles, we can thank them for giving us anything but the conventional automobile. This is why we are beyond proud to sell you our cars at Yokem Toyota.

6 Tips to Increase Gas Mileage

With spring and summer coming up why spend more money on gas than you have to? Instead you can you put that money saved towards summer activities! Here are 6 simple tips to help increase your gas mileage:

• Tune-Up: Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
• Tire Pressure: Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.
• Motor Oil: Improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer.
• Air Filters: Replacing clogged air filters on older vehicles can improve fuel economy and will improve performance and acceleration on all vehicles.

• Gas Cap: Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air.
• Fix It: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can significantly improve mileage.

Redesigned Highlander

The new and improved 2014 Toyota Highlander has lots to offer! This redesigned Toyota crossover has a ton of space for passengers, attractive interior and a smooth ride!

The Highlander has spacious three rows that seats up to seven people and the reclining third-row seatbacks now split 40/60. The interior has been redone with upgraded materials, soft-touch surfaces, as well as ambient lighting around the dash and doors. Also like most new Toyota’s, the Highlander has Entune, as well as safety options include a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, and a rear cross-traffic alert.  The base Highlander is powered by a four-cylinder. Toyota does offer the Highlander with a V6 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models. The base 2014 Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 20/25 mpg city/highway and the V6-powered Highlander gets up to 19/25 mpg city/highway. If you are interested in the 2014 Toyota Highlander contact Yokem Toyota in Shreveport, LA.

Military Rebate at Yokem!

Right now until July 7th Yokem Toyota in Shreveport, LA is offering Toyota’s military rebate! This $500 rebate is offered toward any new Toyota vehicle when you finance through Yokem Toyota. Don’t wait, check to see if you qualify below or contact Yokem Toyota today!

HOW TO QUALIFY

To qualify for the rebate, you must meet these conditions at the time of purchase:

• Be in current active duty status in the U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and active Reserve) OR a U.S. Military inactive reserve (i.e., Ready Reserve) that is part of the individual Ready Reserve, Selected Reserve and Inactive National Guard.

• Retirees or Veterans honorably discharged within one year of service and household members of eligible qualifying military personnel are eligible

• Provide verifiable proof of military status or active service at the time of purchase:
• Leave and Earning Statement or
• Military Identification Card (Photo copy of Military Identification Card is NOT required.)
• Receive a salary sufficient to cover ordinary living expenses and payments for your Toyota

• Receive credit approval through a Yokem Toyota and Toyota Financial Services

Legal Disclaimers

*Toyota Military Rebate Program is available on approved credit to qualified customers financing the purchase of new untitled Toyota models through participating Toyota dealers and Toyota Financial Services. Not all applicants will qualify. Rebate offered by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. On finance contracts, rebate will be applied toward the down payment. One rebate per finance transaction. Not compatible with Toyota College Rebate Program. Finance contract must be dated by July 7, 2014. The Military Rebate Program is subject to change or terminate at any time. Some restrictions apply. Program may not be available in all states.

Military Rebate

Everyone loves showing their appreciation to those who have served our country, but Toyota is taking it up a notch this May! This year in honor of Military Appreciation Month and Veterans Day, Toyota is offering $500 dollar rebate towards any new Toyota! The men and women of the U.S Military have done their part, now let us do ours, and help get into that new Toyota! Don’t wait, come today to Yokem Toyota in Shreveport, LA to pick out your next vehicle!

To qualify for the rebate, you must meet these conditions at the time of purchase:

1) In current active duty status in the U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and active Reserve); OR 2) A U.S. Military inactive reserves (i.e., Ready Reserve) that are part of the Individual Ready Reserve, Selected Reserve and Inactive National Guard; OR 3) A Military veteran or retiree of the U.S. Military within one year of discharge date; OR 4) Household member of an eligible U.S. Military personnel, including GoldStar family members. Must provide verifiable proof of military status or active service at the time of purchase (Leave and Earning Statement, Military Identification Card, or Veterans/Retirees DD-214 form). DISCLAIMER: Rebate offered by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and may be applied towards finance or lease contracts through Toyota Financial Services and upon approved credit dated no later than June 2, 2014. To qualify for the rebate, at the time of purchase you must (1) be in current active duty status in the U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and active Reserve) OR a U.S. Military inactive reserve (i.e., Ready Reserve) that is part of the individual Ready Reserve, Selected Reserve and Inactive National Guard; OR a Military veteran or retiree of the U.S. Military within one year of their discharge date; OR a household member of an eligible U.S. Military personnel, including GoldStar family members; AND (2) provide verifiable proof of military status or active service; (3) receive a salary sufficient to cover ordinary living expenses and payments for your Toyota; and (4) receive credit approval through a participating Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services. Not all applicants will qualify. On lease contracts, rebate must be applied toward the Amount Due at Lease Signing or toward the Capitalized Cost Reduction. On finance contracts, rebates must be applied toward the Down Payment. One rebate per finance or lease transaction. Offer not combinable with the College Graduate Rebate Program, the iFi Program, and the Lease-End Refi Program. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Program may not be available in all states. Toyota Financial Services is a service mark used by Toyota Motor Credit Corporation and Toyota Lease Trust. *Covers normal factory scheduled service. Plan is 2 years or 25K miles, whichever comes first. The new vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet, or a livery/taxi vehicle. See Yokem Toyota in Shreveport, LA for plan details. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids. A dealer documentary service fee up to $150 may be added to the sale price or capitalized cost.