Is your car ready for Winter?

 

1.  Check your battery.  Getting stranded in the cold with a dead battery is no one's idea of a good time.  If you have a maintenance-free battery, there should be a window on the top of the battery that tells you the state of it's charge.  If it's not, check the fluid levels, and top off with distilled water as necessary.  if you're not sure how to check your battery, most any auto parts store will be able to check it for you.

2.  Check your tires.  While a dead battery can leave you stranded, balding tires on snowy and icy roads can lead to a much more dangerous situation.  If you live in an area that gets a significant amount of snow, you may want to consider snow tires.

3.  Check your wiper blades.  Going cheap on your wiper blades or ignoring them can lead to very unpleasant driving in the winter.  Bad wipers can't do an adequate job of keeping the snow and ice off of your windshield, no matter how high you have the defrosters blasting.

4.  Check your fluids.  Check your owner's manual, but for most vehicles, the cooling system should be flushed every two years.  If your vehicle is overdue, prior to winter setting in is as good of a time as any to have it taken care of.  Also, refer to your owner's manual to find what type and what mixture of anti-freeze you should be using.  You will also want to keep your windshield washer fluid full, using a fluid that is designed for not freezing in the cold weather.  If you get stuck behind a truck throwing dirty snow at your windshield, you will be glad you did.  As always, change your oil regularly.

5.  Keep your vehicle supplied.  Normal emergency materials are key for the winter.  If you do get stranded on the road, you want other driver's to be able to see you.  Roadside flares are not excessive to keep on hand.  Keeping extra warm cloths, gloves, and a blanket or two are always good ideas as well.  Be sure to have lock de-icer on hand- and keep in mind that it doesn't always help to have it in the car.  Some in your house, and some at work are a great idea. 

6.  Care for the interior of your car.  In and out of the snow, ice, and salt can be particularly rough on your carpets.  Be sure to have at least an inexpensive set of floor mats for your car.  Better yet are the kind that can hold the water and keep it away from your carpets completely.

7.  Let your car warm up (and revving your engine doesn't really help).  Keep in mind, though, thieves are excellent at watching for cars that are running but unattended.  Have an extra door key that you keep on you and lock the doors while it is warming up, even if you are at home. 

8.  Be safe.  Allow extra time to get where you are going, leave plenty of space between you and the driver in front, and use good common sense.  It's better to arrive a few minutes late than not at all. 

2016 Toyota Prius

The new 2016 Toyota Prius

     The 2016 Toyota Prius made its debut in Las Vegas, and it's almost impossible to find anything the car and the tourist destination have in common. One is obsessed with saving you money, while the other, well, not so much. There is, however, a number the two share: 3.5 million. That's how many people visit Vegas per month on average, and that's how many Priuses Toyota has sold globally since launching the hybrid almost two decades ago.  The Prius is still the best-selling hybrid out there, but competition is getting fierce. The current Prius is already efficient with an EPA rating of 51/50/48 mpg, but Toyota promises the fourth-generation 2016 Prius will be even more.

 

   Toyota did say the new Prius will be at least 10 percent more efficient, which means it should return around 55 mpg combined. Toyota did say the new Prius will be at least 10 percent more efficient, which means it should return around 55 mpg combined. The final result is what Toyota describes as "easy on the eyes." The dramatic boomerang-style taillights are reminiscent of the ones found on the hydrogen-powered Mirai, while blacked-out C-pillars give the Prius the "floating roof" effect that seems to be gaining steam nowadays. The headlights also get the boomerang treatment, contrasting with the relatively simple grille that likely benefits aerodynamics.

  

 

   Inside, the Prius retains its center-mounted instrument panel with a redesign and sharper display screen. The center stack features a simple tiered layout for the infotainment system, climate controls, and the gear selector and drive mode buttons. Materials appear to be improved, and Toyota says the cabin will be quieter. Another significant tech upgrade is the available Toyota Safety Sense system. The package includes automatic high-beams, a pre-collision system, a lane departure alert system with steering assist, and a radar-based adaptive cruise control system.





While you're waiting for the new Toyota Prius to hit dealerships, shop our current Prius inventory at www.smarttoyotaquadcities.com or visit our showroom located at 1501 E. 53rd St. Davenport, IA 52807 where you can speak with one of our Toyota Certified Sales Consultants. We look forward to hearing from you.



The new Toyota Tacoma

   It has been more than a decade since we’ve seen any major updates to the Toyota Tacoma, and that’s because it works. For 2016, Toyota is looking to modernize its midsize truck without upsetting its rugged simplicity. All-new, hot-stamped body panels reduce weight and look more aggressive. The interior has softer-touch materials and a new dash layout to accommodate a new array of electronic aids. The biggest change, however, is that the 4.0L V-6 has been replaced with an Atkinson-cycle 3.5L V-6 with port and direct fuel injection for better efficiency and more power. This new motor sounds complicated and will have to prove itself worthy of the Tacoma’s reputation for indestructability, yet it is necessary to stay competitive with the rejuvenated Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Unlike the GM twins, Toyota will still offer a manual transmission on four-wheel-drive models.



Shop our current Toyota Tacoma models at www.smarttoyotaofquadcities.com or visit our showroom located at 1501 E. 53rd St.Davenport, IA 52807 and speak with a member of our Certified Toyota Sales Team. We look forward to serving you!

Improving Toyota each year

   Each year, Toyota is looking to improve their cars. With new Technology coming out each year, Toyota does a lot of research to make sure their vehicles are the created with the highest quality. They're always working on technologies that add convenience to your drive.

Technology

   Toyota does a lot of research and development focusing on many different aspects of our cars. That’s why year after year, our cars get more comfortable, more convenient and more fun to drive. The goal is for the technology to be so intuitive that it fades into the background, letting you focus on the fun of driving. 

Manufacturing

   There's a science to Toyota assembly lines that creates a high-quality product that's also very affordable. The Toyota Production System is known around the world as a flexible, customer-focused process that delivers a quality product in a timely manner. As early as the 1930s, we began pioneering Lean Production, a manufacturing method that focuses on more value and less waste.

Entune™

   In 2012, we introduced Entune™, a multimedia system that gives you a range of content and services. Entune^® App Suite includes access to Bing^™, Facebook Places, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable^®, Pandora^®  and Yelp^®, plus data services such as fuel prices, sports, stocks, traffic and weather. They’re sent via most smartphones and some feature phones using Bluetooth^® wireless technology and a cellular data connection. Entune^® App Suite is currently available on 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Land Cruiser, Prius, Prius c, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Prius v, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra and Venza.

Powertrain

     A technologically advanced engine and transmission not only make your Toyota more fun to drive, but also increase fuel efficiency and enhance reliability. All Toyota engines use a Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) cylinder-head design with four valves per cylinder, improving both power and efficiency. And our Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Dual VVT-i valve control systems optimize output across a wide range, to give you power when you need it.

Convenience

   We’re always working on technologies that add convenience to your drive. Almost every vehicle we build is available with navigation ⁷ and Bluetooth^{® 8} wireless technology, so you can make hands-free calls and stream music to your vehicle’s audio system, wirelessly. Our available Smart Key System also lets you open the doors and trunk, or the hatch, with the touch of a handle, and start the vehicle with the push of a button.

More confident driving

 

   A Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system, available on models like the 2013 Avalon, Prius Five and Land Cruiser, uses radar to measure the distance between you and the vehicle traveling in front of you, then adjusts your speed to help you maintain a preset distance. Prius Five also offers some of the latest Toyota technologies, such as a Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects information onto your windshield, and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), which can help prevent drivers from straying from their lane.

Hybrid Synergy Drive^®

   Hybrid Synergy Drive^® allows you to drive on EV power, engine power, or a combination of both. It uses a highly efficient Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, a high-voltage battery pack, an electric motor and regenerative braking, all working together. This system is now used in seven Toyota hybrids, including the entire Prius Family, Highlander Hybrid, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid.


  Shop our online inventory here or visit our showroom located at 1501 E. 53rd St. Davenport, IA. 52807 to speak with one of our Toyota Certified Product Specialists about all of Toyota's exciting models.

Most American-Made Cars

When you think of an American-Made car, you would naturally think of a Ford, Chevrolet, or Cadillac. Think again! Cars.com has named the Toyota Camry as the most American-Made care, again!

The Toyota Camry has won the award five times. Returning the the top this year, the Camry is accompanied by the Toyota Sienna in second place.

The American-Made index rates vehicles built and bought in the United States. Factors include the percentage of parts considered "domestic" under federal regulations, whether the car is assembled in the U.S. and U.S. sales. Models with domestic-parts content ratings below 75 percent are disqualified, as well as models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor.

The Toyota Camry, which has been America's best-selling car for 13 consecutive years, is manufactured in Georgetown,KY alongside the Camry Hybrid, Avalon, and Avalon Hybrid. 

The Sienna is assembled in Princeton, IN at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. The plant also produces the Sequoia and Highlander/Highlander Hybrid.

Shop for a new American-Made Camry or Sienna at Smart Toyota today!

Advantages of buying Certified Pre-Owned

The Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Advantage

   It stands to reason that the better a product is made the longer it will last, which makes getting a high-quality, low mileage Toyota at a great price a very practical move. Toyota's timeless commitment to quality, innovation and durability is the foundation upon which the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) program launched in 1996. With each passing year the TCUV program has gained momentum – totaling over three million sales and counting.

Certification
   Our certification process keeps you in mind every step of the way. The TCUV standards apply from the time a Toyota dealer acquires the vehicle through to the final sale. Each candidate for certification can be a current model year vehicle, up to and including six year old models, with 85,000 miles or less on the odometer. Prior to the rigorous 160-point inspection every certified Toyota goes through, a CARFAX vehicle history report is reviewed to ensure that only the best of the best vehicles receive the Toyota Certified Seal of approval.

160-Point Inspection

• Audi & Alarm Systems
• Braking System
• Engine Compartment
• Exterior Condition & Appearance
• Hybrid Components
• Interior Condition & Appearance
• Steering System
• Transmission/Transaxle
• Vehicle History
• Battery System
• Emissions & State Inspection
• Engine Coolant & HVAC System
• Frame, Structure & Underbody
• Instrument Panel & Electronic System
• Lighting Systems
• Tires & Suspension System
• Trunk Compartment & Spare
• Additional Items, Where Applicable
• "Fade-away" dome light works properly
• Sunroof/convertible top operates normally through full range of positions
• Convertible top lockout function operates
• Radio security codes cleared
• Navigation system works properly
• Transfer case smoothly switches from 2WD to 4WD and back from 4WD to 2WD
• Truck bed is in good condition
• Truck bedliner is in good condition and secured
• Tailgate functions properly
• Rear bumper is in good condition and secured

Warranty
   Each Toyota Certified Used Vehicle is reconditioned to Toyota's exacting standards by Toyota factory-trained technicians and backed by an extensive used car warranty. The Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Warranty coverage is an extension of the vehicle's original factory warranty and helps protect you against mechanical failures and breakdowns. What's covered under Warranty?

• Engine Components
• Manual Transmission
• Automatic Transmission
• Axle Assembly Components
• Hybrid Components

   Now that you've been armed with Certified Pre-Owned Toyota information, shop our Certified Pre-Owned inventory or come into our store located at 1501 East 53rd St. Davenport, IA 52807 to speak with one of our Toyota Certified Product Specialists.
    

Toyota Celebrates Black History Month

Toyota holds a special place in its heart when it comes to educating our youth and community about issues and important historical events. One of the many things Toyota is passionate about is Black History Month. The Toyota Green Initiative or TGI, is a program that aims to educate African-Americans about instilling the ideals and values that create a sustainable lifestyle.  

Toyota states on their official site that it hopes that by, "connecting with African American professionals and the students and communities of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU), we hope to create a greater emotional connection between African-Americans, education, sustainability and philanthropy."

The company plans to gear the focus towards volunteering in the community, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and education. Toyota plans on having test drives for ecofriendly vehicles, an abundance of interactive learning stations and plenty of opportunities for participants to learn what it means to go green. 

For more information on TGI and how Toyota is helping your community, visit our website at www.smarttoyotaquadcities.com/.