It seems like summer break just started and all of a sudden it’s August and we’re all gearing up for back to school season! To make this busy time as smooth and easy as possible, we’ve decided to give you some tips to get your car ready for school!

1. Keep Up with Basic Maintenance:Make sure to complete simple maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations. Check all the fluid levels and top them off if necessary including brake fluid, transmission fluid and coolant. If you can’t remember the last time you changed your wiper blades, you might want to invest in some now before rain’s fall takes its toll. While these are simple, minimal maintenance items, they will extend the life of your vehicle and keep it functioning properly. To schedule a service appointment, click here.

2. Check the Owner’s Manual:Familiarize yourself with the recommended maintenance schedule. If it is time for a 30,000 mile service, take the time to have the vehicle serviced. Most major repairs can be prevented by following manufacturer recommendations. If you are wondering which services you might be due for, call our service advisors at 708-589-7653 and they can assist you!

3. Check Your Dash Board:Have you grown accustomed to a warning light? Don’t ignore it! Have it checked out sooner rather than later; catching a problem early will prevent costly repairs in the future. For a better understanding of your dashboard indicator lights, read our guide here.

4. Be Prepared:Make sure the vehicle has basic safety equipment including jumper cables, a pair of gloves, flashlight with extra batteries, washer fluid and other items. A pre-packaged auto safety kit is also a great choice. They are compact and provide everything you need. Some other good ideas include compact winter shovels, ice scrapers, blankets and bottled water.

5. Know Your Car:Pay attention to your car and familiarize the drivers in your family with the car as well. Make sure they know where they can find the safety equipment, spare tire and owner’s manual. Familiarize yourselves with the particular noises of your car so you are more aware of anything unfamiliar and different.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Service Department for assistance.

When the weather starts warming up, we usually enjoy planting some flowers, cleaning our closets, and vacuuming our whole place to welcome spring. It’s very refreshing and some even say it ‘cleans the soul’ when you say bye to the old and welcome the new with the changing season. Well, at Continental Toyota, we would like you to know that your spring cleaning efforts are not ignored, and we would even like to help you take it one step further and give your car the spring cleaning treatment it deserves!

Our Continental Toyota Detail Center helps bring back that new car glow you fell in love with when you purchased your vehicle. Here at Continental Toyota we detail all makes and models so we can handle all your detailing needs. From quality full service washes to deluxe exterior waxes, our attention to detail guarantees that your vehicle will not just be turning corners - but turning heads.

For the specific details of our cleaning packages, click here. You can also call us at 708-589-7653 at any time if you have any questions or need to schedule a service!

How often should you rotate your tires? Do they have enough traction? When should you buy new ones?

As you already know, tires can be expensive and you want to make sure you get the most out of your purchase. And whether you’re a new or old vehicle owner, it’s important to know how to properly care for your tires to ensure they last.

Of course, a lot of tire wear depends on where you live and how you drive, but we have some general tips to get the maximum use out of your tires to keep both your tires and wallet full.

Check air pressure

You should check your tire pressure at least once a month. Make sure to use a tire pressure gage when the tires are cold and to check them in the morning or a few hours after the vehicle has been driven. Newer vehicles might have a tire pressure monitoring system, which will let you know whenever the pressure is low.

Rotate your tires

If you didn’t know already, rotating your tires ensures that they will wear evenly, which is the key to tire longevity. Most automakers recommend that you rotate your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles. This is a simple procedure that won’t take long.

Examine tires

Visually check your tires for any cuts or holes. Make it a habit to do a quick check when you stop at the pump. Your tire might not go flat immediately if there’s a nail, but can leak over time, leaving you stuck on the road. Repair small holes and completely replace any tires with large holes or abrasions.

Check alignment

Aligning your tires is best left to the professionals, however you can do a quick check at home to ensure everything’s good to go. You can check the wheel alignment by looking at the wear pattern on your tires. Make sure that you have 4/32” of an inch minimum of dread to maintain traction. Do the penny trick!

Avoid potholes

Pay more attention to the road when your driving. Although many potholes cannot be avoided, try to at least reduce your speed when driving over them, which will reduce impact to your tires. Properly inflated tires will not be as affected by bumps in the road as poorly inflated tires will be.

Looking for top-notch tire service near you?

Learn why you should bring your vehicle to Continental Toyota:

Watch our video!

Winter has most definitely arrived in Chicagoland.

The temperature has dropped, the roads are icy and the snow continues to fall. While you already have to worry about slipping and sliding on the dangerous roads, you also need to be able to see where you’re going.

And regular wiper blades aren’t enough to do the trick.

We’ll admit, wiper blades aren’t the most exciting part of your car, but they are extremely important. You need to be able to see where you're going!

Here are a few reasons why you should replace your regular wiper blades with winter ones (as if living in ‘Chiberia’ wasn’t reason enough!).

• A winter wiper blade is typically encased in a protective rubber shell that helps keep it snow and ice-free. This also helps extend the service life of the wiper.
• When the winter conditions get rough, winter wiper blades will help you maintain strong visibility on the roads. This is crucial in keeping you aware and safe while driving.
• They’re inexpensive. You can pick up a set starting at around $20, with nicer sets around $30. This is a small price to pay for wiper blades that will last you through the long winter of Chicagoland. Plus, you are supposed to replace your wiper blades every six months to a year anyway (depending on how well they perform).

Also, know that a quality washer fluid will go hand-in-hand with your winter wiper blades. Even if your wiper blades are top quality, a windshield that’s caked with slush and salt will be difficult to clear with the blades alone.

If you only use the wiper blades against a filthy windshield, they will wear faster as well. So, purchase some quality washer fluid to help keep your windshield clean and easy to view the roads through.

An expense like winter wiper blades and washer fluid is nothing when compared to your safety on the road. Be sure to have yours replaced so you can go places with better peace of mind this winter.

And as always, we’d be more than happy to assist you in replacing yours at our service department, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Safe travels!

With all of the typical New Year’s resolutions you make, have you ever thought about making some for your car?

You always want your car to be problem free. Although that isn't possible, there are steps you can take to keep it running its best. Plus, you'll save yourself some money from serious issues later.

Here are some resolutions for you to keep with your car for 2016:

Schedule two check-ups per year

Hey, it's just like going to the doctor - your car needs a 'health' check too.

You might think you know your vehicle, but a certified technician can help to spot anything invisible to your eye. They can take care of any issues before a problem gets worse.

By scheduling a couple appointments for the year, you’ll stay ahead of the game when it comes to car maintenance, and can save a lot of money for yourself down the road.

Keep your car clean 

We all know too well how easy it can be to let a car mess get out of had. Have you made a habit of tossing belongings in the backseat and leaving them there?

Well, now is the time to quit. You don’t have to clean up the mess all at once either. Make it a goal to take one of your belongings or a piece of trash with you each time you leave your car. This way, you’ll have the mess cleaned up in no time.

All that’s left is to give your car a good, thorough cleaning. If that’s a huge chore, you can always schedule an interior detail with our service.

Check your tires and wheels

Whether you’re commuting to and from work, visiting family, taking a vacation or heading elsewhere, your vehicle will be like a second home this year.

And all of that driving puts a lot of pressure on your tires and wheels.

Make sure your tires always have enough pressure and the tread is good to go (follow the penny trick). A tire rotation can ensure that the tread wears evenly, and balanced wheels will prevent added stress to the suspension components.

A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Avoiding issues in your tires will only cost you more money down the road, so take the time to have them checked and repaired or replaced as needed.

Maintain your car's fluids

If you want your car to run smoothly for years to come, then it’s important that you check your vehicle’s fluids often. Schedule one day each month to ensure all of your vehicle’s fluids are topped off. This means brake fluid, clutch fluid, coolant and oil.

Also, remember to change those fluids when your service manual requires it.

Keeping your car well-maintained in 2016 can get you in the habit for years to come. Take these simple steps to make your Toyota last and keep it performing at its best.

Happy New Year from all of us at Continental Toyota!

Think about it:

You spend a lot of time in your car.

From long commutes to work to picking up the kids from practice to running errands, your car becomes something like a second home.

And you’ve probably grown tired of looking at all the dirt and grime that has built up in your car over time.

If you’ve decided to take action, roll up your sleeves and do some cleaning on your own, then we have some great solutions to get the interior of your car looking (and smelling) like new again.

Belongings

Have a bad habit of tossing garbage and other belongings in the back of your car?

Your first order of business is to remove all items that don’t belong in your car so you can have a clean start. Bring a trash bag if needed for those water bottles, coffee cups and anything else you’ve left sitting from your travels.

The more space you have to clean the better. Besides, isn't it about time you've taken these unnecessary items out?

Carpet 

Does your carpet look like it has seen better days?

To remove any dirt, sand and leaves, take your carpet mats outside and give them a good whack against each other.

If you want it to look nice again, you’ll need to vacuum to collect all of the loose dirt and crumbs. Then, you can treat the carpet with a stain lifter product and ensure that it soaks. Use a plastic bristle brush to scrub away those tough stains, and repeat application if needed. Take a clean cloth and wipe away any residue.

For best results, take the vacuum and go over the carpet again, to give it that clean look and remove any access dirt. You can even spray a touch of fabric freshener for an added clean scent.

Windows

Glass cleaner will do just the trick to make your windows shine and increase your visibility. (And don’t forget the old technique of using newspaper to avoid the streaks).

Did you know that glass cleaner works on interior plastic as well? It can help to remove access dirt and grime.

You can use it on all plastic surfaces. For example, you can spray the cup holders with glass cleaner, let it sit and later remove the stains and residue with a cloth.

Leather

Dirt can easily collect in the leather grains of your car. Use a soft bristle toothbrush in a slow and circular direction to remove the dirt that’s deep in the crevices.

For your steering wheel, use a cloth for the more noticeable dirt and try and use a cotton swab to remove those small spots, like in the steering wheel decal, that are tough to get to.

Once your car’s interior is squeaky clean and smelling fresh, you might feel like you're driving your car off the lot for the first time. Even more so if you decide to tackle the exterior as well …

Sound like too much hassle? Or don’t have the time?

We offer vehicle detailing in our service department to keep your car looking its best. Feel free to take advantage and schedule an appointment today.

For some, going to the shop is just as terrifying as going to the dentist or the doctor. Going to the repair shop doesn’t have to be scary, and it shouldn’t hurt your wallet either. If you want to cut your repair costs, we have a few tips for a pain-free trip to the service shop.

• Stay up-to-date on maintenance

Consult your owner’s manual for regular maintenance and service schedules. Regular maintenance is the number-one way to protect yourself from expensive repairs in the future. During regular maintenance and service, the team performs an inspection to make sure there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. It is better to catch issues early before they blow up into costly breakdowns. Toyota consumers have it good with free maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles with the purchase of any new Toyota vehicle. Talk to us about ToyotaCare on your next new purchase.

• Consider doing a few things yourself

If you are mechanically inclined, do your oil changes and check your fluids on your own. Many small maintenance tasks can be performed at home.

• Work with a certified mechanic

Avoiding costly repairs in the future can begin with choosing the right mechanic in the first place. If you do not go to the dealership, ensure the mechanic at the shop you use is ASE Certified. It is also a good idea to read reviews online first before head to the shop.

• Ask about warranties

You want to work only with a shop that offers warranties on the work, the parts, and the service. If there is no guarantee, walk out. Our service department extends such warranties on the service, repairs and parts, and we use only genuine parts on your vehicle for added peace of mind.

• Choose Toyota

When it comes to reliability and low cost-to-own, Toyota continues to receive industry awards and recognition for its continued commitment to reliability and affordability.

Sometimes people are just nasty. Whether it is a troublemaker, an angry ex, or a friend who thinks he is funny, your wallet takes the ultimate hit in the end. Pranks and vandalism are one in the same as far as insurance and the law are concerned, and some damage costs more than car accident claims. If someone goes Carrie Underwood on your ride, it will cost you? Continental Toyota and Scion looks at the costliest types of vandalism.

• Keying

There is scratching the paint, and then there is keying. Keying is usually done so deep that it claws through the finish and strikes against the car’s metal. When you run your thumbnail over the damage and it becomes hung up in the groove, you are in for an expensive job that can reach thousands of dollars.

• Egging

Egging is a nasty crime. Egging is typically done at night, which means the damage goes unnoticed and sits on the car’s finish until you wake up and notice it the next day. By then, the yolk has soaked in and eaten through the paint job. Just a couple eggs can cost a couple grand in repairs if they eat into the paint.

• Spray paint

Fewer things will infuriate you more than seeing spray paint all over your car’s finish. When someone wants to deliver a message, he/she may resort to spraying it out for you, and that act can result in a nasty bill from the body shop. The most common things spray painted on cars are racist, sexist, or angry rants.

• Flipped car

Unrest and partying can result in a slew of damaged cars. Alcohol and emotions can get people wound up, and many take their aggression out on nearby cars. In many cases, cars are flipped or beaten beyond repair. Many times, the cars are completely totaled by the end of the night.

Whether you're making a delivery in your work truck, or taking a family trip in your minivan, most of us have had times when we've put took much stuff in our vehicle. Maybe you think it won't matter just one time. Perhaps you don't know how much your vehicle is supposed to transport. Whatever the reason, everyone needs to be conscious of how much gear they are transporting, or else the situation can become dangerous. Continental Toyota Scion cares about its customers and wants to further explain why overloading your vehicle is a hazard.

Less Stability

Vehicles are designed to hold a certain amount of weight, and that's it. When you exceed this amount, the vehicle becomes less stable, because it was not meant to handle the extra bulk.

The amount of time it takes to react in an emergency is compromised, as well as the quality of the reaction. This can result in a fatal crash.

More Strain

When you overload a vehicle it puts tons of strain on it. The tires can wear out quickly as well as overheat. This leads to expensive tire failure and the possibility of a dangerous blowout. Extra strain means the engine is also working harder to make the vehicle move. Engine damage is extremely costly and can leave you with a broke down vehicle on the side of the road. Excess weight also increases fuel consumption, which costs you more money unnecessarily.

Overloading Voids Your Insurance

Overloading a vehicle is actually against the law. This means that if your vehicle is involved in an accident while it is carrying too much weight, your insurance coverage can be voided. We don't have to tell you how much this can cost, especially if you car is totaled.

Overloading Your Vehicle Affects Others

Overloading your car, van or truck is actually quite a selfish act. Too much weight can damage the roads, pavement and bridges, and taxpayers foot the bill. When you're driving commercially, it is unfair to the competition when you carry more than you are supposed to.

Take it from your friends at Continental Toyota Scion, don't overload your vehicle! Make several trips or rent a trailer instead!

School is over and now your children will be spending more time in the family vehicle than they were in a school bus. Whether you're taking a day trip or just dropping a child off at the sitter, you have to be aware of how a hot car can affect our precious little ones. La Grange area Toyota has advice for keeping kids safe in cars during the summer heat.

Facts About Kids and Hot Cars

The summer heat can quickly elevate the temperature in a car to potentially deadly levels. This means that kids should never be left inside a vehicle in the summer heat, even if it is only for a few minutes. The temperatures rise so fast, that even cracking a window does nothing to protect children from very high body temperatures or hyperthermia. For example, when the temperature outside is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the car window is down one and a half inches, the car's interior temperature can get up to 125 in only 20 minutes and a staggering 140 degrees in only 40 minutes.

Safety Precautions to Protect Kids From Hot Cars

• Check the temperature of the car seat surface and safety belts before buckling a child in, so that serious burns can be prevented.

• Call 911 immediately if a child gets locked inside a car.

• When the vehicle is parked, use a light covering to shield the seats from heat. Even cover the back windows with windshield shades.

• Always lock you car when it is not in use so kids can not get inside and accidentally get trapped.

• Teach kids to never play around or in a vehicle.

La Grange area Toyota knows how important the right vehicle is for a family, which is why we recommend the 2015 Sienna XLE. It has plenty of interior space and versatility to accommodate your family and their travel storage needs. Toyota has equipped the sienna XLE with the latest in safety features so you know your ride and loved ones will be safe and secure.

Interior Space and Versatility

The XLE trim of the 2015 Sienna is available to seat seven or eight passengers, based on the best configuration to suit your needs. If you would like to seat only seven passengers, the second-row becomes two reclining captain's chairs with extendable foot rests. The Captain's chairs will also slide back and forth quite a bit to increase cargo space. Otherwise the eight-passenger configuration comes with a second-row 40/20/40-split bench seat. If you have small children, the middle section will slide up close to the front seats so parents can better tend to them. For maximum cargo space of 150 cubic feet, remove the second-row seats, which can actually be stowed inside the van.

Safety Features

The 2015 sienna scored very high on government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash safety tests, as well as tests for whiplash protection. Standard equipment for safety aboard the 2015 Sienna XLE includes: active front head restraints, stability control, driver-side knee airbag, antilock disc brakes, traction control, rearview camera, side curtain airbags the full length of the cabin, cushion airbag for the front passenger seat and front-seat side airbags.

When you look at car specs, you look at power, design and safety features. Are you confident you know what all of it means, especially when it comes to listed safety features? We can help you decipher car spec codes. Chicago Toyota service professionals explain Brake Assist.

Common Terms

Brake Assist is also referred to as Emergency Brake Assist. Brake Assist (BA) is part of Toyota’s Star Safety System™. Every new Toyota Vehicle is equipped with the system. The Star Safety System™ is composed of six safety systems: traction control, stability control, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, smart stop, and ABS.

What is Brake Assist?

Brake Assist is an active safety feature. Active safety means the vehicle is equipped with devices and technologies that assist the driver and vehicle with maintaining control. The features are designed to compensate for driver error. Brake Assist is one such feature, as it compensates for panicked braking. Many times, drivers do not brake strong enough in an emergency situation, and that is where BA steps in. When the system detects panicked braking, the system adds additional braking power to force the vehicle to stop faster than it would have otherwise stopped. Both the time required to stop the vehicle and the distance to stop the vehicle reduce when the Brake Assist system kicks in.

Safety Pays Off

Toyota’s commitment to safety pays off year after year, and the industry awards Toyota for its impressive performance in safety testing. When the IIHS handed out Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Awards, seven Toyota vehicles earned recognition and took home awards.

Not very many car manufacturers are willing to sell you a new vehicle and then maintain it for two years at no cost to you. Toyota has never been one to follow the crowd. In fact, it is a trendsetter in the industry. Toyota builds the most reliable vehicles and the safest vehicles, then the company protects them with extensive warranty coverage AND free maintenance. La Grange area Toyota explains how you can benefit from ToyotaCare.

What is ToyotaCare?

ToyotaCare is a complimentary service extended to all consumers who buy brand new Toyota vehicles. The ToyotaCare maintenance plan provides free maintenance services to all new Toyota leases and purchases. The maintenance plan covers the vehicle for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition to no-cost regular maintenance, Toyota extends two years of roadside assistance coverage with no mile limitation.

What is Regular Maintenance?

If you look in your owner’s manual, you will find a schedule for regular maintenance. The manual tells you when the vehicle should go to the dealership and for which maintenance tasks. Maintenance includes fluid inspection and replenishment, oil and filter change, tire rotations, and a thorough multi-point inspection. It is important to remember the plan is only for factory-scheduled service. The dealership service professional can help you understand the details and program exclusions.

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

The unexpected tends to happen when you are on the road or in a rush, but Toyota has your back. The 24-hour roadside assistance plan offers drivers towing and winching services, fuel delivery, lockout services, battery jumpstarts, and tire services.

If you live or work around Chicago, then you’re an old hand at this kind of thing. The problem is that even people who grew up driving around big cities can sometimes forget about the hazards that a city can create. Continental Toyota, your Chicago Area Toyota and Scion dealer, has these reminders for you.

Traffic

It seems inevitable and all the time, but traffic is one of the things to beware of. Whether it’s due to construction, an accident, or just normal time of day rush hour, other drivers get a little crazy. Always be on the lookout for erratic drivers who are looking to get ahead or aren’t paying attention.

Tourists

You might be experienced when it comes to heading into the city, but we all know there are a lot of people who aren’t. They’re called tourists. Out of state plates should signal the need to give a wide berth. Without knowing where they’re going, these folks can cause a serious hazard.

Pedestrians

Children are the real thing to look out for here as they don’t always think about the rules of crossing busy streets and can rush out into traffic. But that doesn’t mean the occasional adult or two won’t barge into a crosswalk either, so be alert.

Potholes and Parking Lots

Particularly in the springtime before there’s a chance to fix them, be on the lookout for the large potholes common to city streets. These can range from nuisance to axle-buster. Parking lots also pose a real threat. Parking real estate comes at a premium in the city, so be extra careful backing out.

For many of us, car insurance is just another utility bill. It’s just something we pay. When our rates go down, we’re happy. When they go up, we grumble but pay it anyway. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the math to make up your insurance premium, Continental Toyota and Scion, your Chicago Area Toyota dealer, has the answers.

Your Coverage and Your Record

Let’s start with the obvious. Like all things, if you want more, you need to pay for it. Getting $300,000 worth of liability coverage is much less expensive than $950,000. The more you want the more you’ll be charged in your premium. However, insurance is about risk. If your driving record has multiple accidents, traffic violations, or suspensions, you can count on paying more.

Location and Use

The next biggest factor has to do with geography. If you live in the middle of nowhere, you’re really not likely for an accident. On the other hand, a metropolitan area like Chicago sees accidents all the time. Similarly, if you’re driving 20, 30, even 50 miles a day for work, your premium will be higher. The more you’re on the road, the greater your chance of an accident.

Age, Sex, and Credit

If you’re in your early 20’s, you can expect to pay more. Risk behavior is still an issue for the young. Likewise, older drivers over 75 can see higher premiums, too. Males almost always pay more than females (again: risk behavior is higher). Finally, your credit can affect your payment, too. If your credit is bad, insurance companies can see you as a payment risk and so charge you more.

When it comes to refueling your vehicle La Grange Area Toyota cautions that there are some hazards. You can easily search online and find videos of everyday people pumping gas while not following basic safety instructions and the results can be tragic. Here is a simple check list to keep you and your family safe:

Put Safety First

1. Be sure to turn your vehicle off. This seems so unnecessary, especially in the colder months! Unfortunately, we all have to do it. It keeps us safe!

2. Do not smoke or use electronics while fueling up. It's important to make sure that we aren't using anything that could potentially light fire or spark near the gasoline pump.

Tend To Your Vehicle

3. Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the gas is pumping. If something did happen it's helpful if you are right there to react.

4. Remember to close all of your doors and windows. This ensures that the fumes do not get in to the interior of your car while you are pumping gas.

Be Mindful Of Gas Spills

5. When the gas tank is full the nozzle will shut off automatically. Do not continue to try and “top off” the tank or round the cost up by pumping just a little bit more. This can cause the tank to overflow.

6. If any gas does happen to spill, be sure to let the attendant know. It's easy to just drive away, but the attendant has a responsibility to clean up the spill properly. Without letting them know they may not see it or clean it up.

By following these simple rules you will be able to ensure the safety of you and everyone around you.

If you have not heard of the clay bar, you are missing a marvel.  The clay bar is a necessity in body shops and detail establishments everywhere, and you too can own one. It is a good idea to keep a clay bar in your garage. La Grange area Toyota Scion service encourages owners to explore the many benefits of the clay bar.

What is a Clay Bar?

A clay bar is used to remove any contaminants or overspray on a vehicle’s exterior.  Sometimes washing simply will not do, so the clay bar comes to the rescue. A clay bar resembles kids’ play dough or silly putty. The type of clay bar type you need depends on the amount of cash you are willing to spend and the type of job you are tackling.

What Can I use a Clay Bar for?

Just a heads up: a clay bar is not effective at removing swirls or chips in a car’s paint.  If the blemish or damage has penetrated the paint finish, a clay bar will not be useful.  You will need to see a detailer or body shop.  Clay bars are used to remove surface blemishes and contaminants from the car’s paint or glass.  You can use a clay bar on the following:

• Tar and road debris
• Overspray
• Insect remnants and bird poo
• Brake dust and rail dust
• Acid rain and hard water stains
• Tree sap
• Anything stuck on or slimed across the vehicle glass, except for scratches, swirls and rock chips.

How to Use the Clay Bar

Refer to the packaging instructions before you tackle the blemish.  Be careful not to dull or mar the car’s paint.  The basic steps for using a commercial clay bar are:

1. Wash and dry the vehicle.
2. Mold the clay by squeezing it in your hand.  You will need to flatten it into a disc shape. Plunge the clay bar into a bucket of warm soapy water or apply a clay bar lubricant.
3. Gently rub the clay bar over the area until the contaminant is gone. Make sure the clay bar stays moist.  When you are finished, wipe a clean towel over the area.
4. Completely dry the area and inspect before continuing.
5. Use a wax or sealant on the area to restore shine and protect the paint.
6. Return the clay bar back to its original packaging or discard it if you cannot find a clean surface.

If your vehicle is the primary caravan for your family, you know the interior can take a beating when the kids are messy, sick, or hungry.  Kid stains are not pleasant to deal with, but they are not the end of the world. You can combat kid stains in your Chicago area Toyota.

• Meal remnants

Many families eat on the go, and food droppings and drink spills can cause sticky, stinky stains. Use warm water and dish soap solution to spritz directly on to the stain.  Use a soft bristle brush or a toothbrush to work the solution into the stain.  Once the stain is removed, blot the area with a clean, dry towel.  You may have to repeat the process a few times. Don’t let the area dry completely before the stain is gone, as dry stains are harder to remove.

• Art projects snafus

Crayons, pens and markers cause common road trip stains. To remove crayon from your carpeted interior, place a brown lunch sack over the stain and use an iron to melt the area.  Put the iron on the lowest setting and gently dab the heated surface onto the brown bag, which is placed over the stain. The crayon will stick to the brown sack. Repeat the process a couple of times to remove the crayon completely.

Marker and ink stains are especially difficult.  You will need a dish soap-vinegar solution to remove the blots. Combine a tablespoon of liquid dish soap with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water. First, blot the stain with a clean, dry towel to remove any excess ink. Next, blot the solution on to the stain with a clean towel. You might need to keep rotating the towel, using the clean sides to maximize absorption.  Do not rub the stain into the carpet. Once the stain is removed, use a clean, dry towel to soak up the liquid. Again, don’t allow the area to dry until the stain is completely gone.

The automatic transmission is the most popular option on the market.  There are two common types of automatic transmission designs: torque converter and dual-clutch.  La Grange area Toyota Scion service explains automatic transmission types.

Understanding the Dual Clutch

The dual-clutch system is a type of automatic transmission that requires two clutches.  One clutch assembly is for even gears and the other is for odd gears. The term ‘automated manual’ refers to a dual-clutch system. Instead of the driver manually shifting, automated manual relies on both electronics and hydraulics to shift the vehicle. As the speed increases, the computer predicts the next gear point and pre-selects the gear.  The clutches alternate to provide the car with a continuous flow of power. The dual-clutch transmission usually gives drivers the option to choose between two different modes: automatic, which enables the car to choose the gears, or the manual mode, which allows the driver to choose gears by simply pressing a button, using paddle shifters, or moving the gear shifter.

What is a Torque Converter?

Torque converters are one of the most misunderstood parts of the vehicle’s powertrain assembly.  The torque converter assembly consists of six main parts. In order for the vehicle to drive, the engine and rear wheels need to be connected; however, the car also needs to remain running when the vehicle is stopped.  This is accomplished with a torque converter, which is a fluid coupling between both the engine and the rear wheels.  This is necessary for the vehicle to drive, as it needs to remain running when the vehicle is stopped.

Forming good habits and teaching yourself how to take good care of your vehicle is completely feasible if you really want it to be. This is the best way to keep your vehicle in its best condition and at its highest possible value. Learn how to treat your vehicle well with these tips from our Toyota dealer near Chicago.

Drive with Care

There are many ways to unintentionally, or even intentionally, treat your vehicle poorly while driving. Speeding and abusing the gas pedal are a biggie. Excessive speeding and sudden accelerations put unnecessary strain on your engine and all major components. You can avoid doing this by becoming more aware of how fast you’re driving, and by using better judgment. Utilize the cruise control if your vehicle has it. Try to preserve your vehicle better by not running your engine when you don’t have to, and by not driving when you don’t really have to either.

Maintenance

Get in a serious habit of remembering to follow the recommended maintenance for your vehicle. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be way too easy to let these things slip your mind. If you have to create a list or schedule to help you remember everything, do it. This will include things like oil changes, fluid top offs, and tune ups. Be sure to regularly check on things like the tires, the battery, and all belts and hoses.