All-New 2013 Toyota RAV4 Makes World Debut at Los Angeles International Auto Show

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 28, 2012) –The all-new 2013 RAV4 crossover SUV made its world debut today at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show.  Toyota’s fourth-generation RAV4, the world’s original crossover sport utility vehicle, arrives early next year.

  With a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission, two-row seating for five, and a host of available in-cabin technologies, RAV4 offers a nuanced balance of performance and all-around capability, including class-leading cargo capacity, striking design, class-leading eight standard airbags, and a compelling array of standard features.  RAV4 will be available in three well-equipped grades: LE, XLE and Limited.

  Performance, Handling, and Efficiency
For 2013, RAV4 will provide a number of powertrain technologies that help deliver an engaging driving experience.  It will feature Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which will produce 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 ft. lbs. of torque at 4,100 rpm.  The optional V6 of the previous-generation RAV4 will be discontinued.

  Replacing the previous four-speed automatic will be a six-speed transmission with Sequential Shift.  First and second gear ratios will be optimized for around-town performance.  To keep engine revs lower at highway speeds and enhance fuel mileage, fifth and sixth gears will be overdrives.

  RAV4 front-wheel-drive models have received EPA- estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 24 mpg city/31 highway, while all-wheel-drive models are EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway.  A new Eco mode is designed to promote more efficient driving thus helping to enhance fuel efficiency. 

  The new RAV4 will provide its active owners a more dynamic drive, with new technologies like a Sport Mode with Dynamic Torqu Control AWD, enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering.  The spring rates have been enhanced, and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help the vehicles handling characteristics.

  RAV4 has a MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.  The LE will ride on 17-inch steel wheels, XLE will feature 17-inch alloys, and Limited will be equipped with 18-inch alloys.

  In both front- and all-wheel drive RAV4’s Sport Mode sharpens shift timing, throttle response and steering response.  When down shifting the RAV4 six-speed automatic transmission in “S” Mode, engine revs rise with a clearly audible “blip,” adding to the driving experience.

  In RAV4 with AWD, Dynamic Torque Control AWD has additional benefits.  When turning into and through a corner, power is sent to the rear wheels to help enhance cornering performance, detecting steering angle and lack of yaw rate in Sport Mode (and detecting lack of yaw rate in Normal and Eco Mode).Dynamic Torque Control has three different drive modes: Auto, Lock and Sport.  In Auto Mode, RAV4 delivers power primarily to the front wheels under most driving conditions, switching automatically to AWD only when needed.  By only engaging the rear axle and delivering power to the rear wheels when needed, Auto Mode helps enhance fuel efficiency and reduce drivetrain wear.

  In Lock Mode at lower speeds, RAV4 essentially has a full-time AWD system with power delivered to all four wheels.  At speeds below approximately 25 mph in Lock Mode,  up to 50 percent of engine power is sent to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and helping RAV4 “dig” through sandy or muddy conditions.  Lock Mode reverts to Auto Mode when vehicle speed passes approximately 25 mph.

  As on the front-drive RAV4’s, Sport Mode sharpens shift timing, throttle response, and steering response.  In RAV4 with AWD, Sport Mode has additional benefits.  It can provide smooth and nearly instantaneous torque transfers between the front and rear wheels to help enhance cornering performance.  Under certain conditions, Sport Mode can automatically deliver up to 50 percent of engine power to the rear wheels.

  In Sport Mode, the AWD system also can apportion power based on input from the steering angle and yaw rate sensors of the Vehicle Stability Control system.  When turning into and through a corner, power is sent to the rear wheels to maximize traction available at each of the four corners of the vehicle.  Under braking in a straight line in Sport Mode, power delivery to the rear wheels can be momentarily suspended to best leverage the benefits of ABS and VSC.

  Exterior Design & Body Structure
The new RAV4’s design achieves strong proportions while conveying the agile and fun character.  Sophisticated and dynamic, the exterior features a progressive silhouette, with a sleek-sloping roofline and an aggressive character line.  The new RAV4’s interior has a premium, sophisticated look with soft-touch accents and driver-centric controls.  

  RAV4 pursues the design goals defined by Toyota President Akio Toyoda, with aggressively sculpted front and rear fenders and boldly proportioned taillights that define RAV4’s athletic presence.

  In a significant break with its heritage, RAV4 will switch from its side-hinged rear door to a convenient roof-hinged liftgate with a space-saver spare tire will be stored under the cargo floor.  Standard on the Limited grade will be a one-touch power rear liftgate with driver-selectable memory height settings.

  As on other recently introduced Toyotas, RAV4 engineers paid special attention to aerodynamics, the most obvious detail being small vortex generators molded into the taillight cases and near the base of the A-pillars.  Less obvious are the aerodynamic undertrays beneath the passenger cabin that help smooth and control airflow.

  Following body-engineering principles debuted in the 2012 Camry and 2013 Avalon, RAV4’s body structure will include high-strength steel to help achieve several significant goals, including a robust and stiff platform that enhances steering and handling precision, and a body structure that is both strong and light.  RAV4 engineers used several grades of high-strength steel to form key structural components in the roof, rocker sills, floor, engine compartment and door frames.  The weight savings were in part invested in sound deadening materials and an acoustic windshield, helping to create a quiet passenger cabin. 

  Interior Design & Packaging
The new RAV4’s dash panel is driver-centric and asymmetrical, with primary and secondary controls all within easy reach.  On the passenger side, the sculpted dash panel creates a sense of airy spaciousness.

  RAV4’s dash panel and gauges all feature Clear Blue illumination, which provides crisp visibility in most ambient light conditions, and a unified, coherent appearance at night.

  RAV4 will come standard with a manual tilt/telescope steering column, with the LE and XLE featuring a urethane steering wheel.  The Limited grade will have a leather-wrapped steering wheel.  All RAV4 steering wheels will have controls for audio, Bluetooth^â hands-free phone and audio, and the Multi-Information Display (MID).

  All RAV4’s will have driver and front passenger seats with high seatbacks and a slim back, enhancing rear-passenger knee room.  The RAV4 LE driver’s seat is six-way adjustable, including seat height.

  The RAV4 XLE driver and front passenger will ride in premium bucket seats with sport bolstering, providing ample support of the lower hips, lower torso and shoulders during cornering.  The XLE will have premium fabric with French stitching on the seats and portions of the dash panels.

  The Limited will have the same premium driver and front-passenger bucket seats found in the XLE but will also come equipped with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory, plus heaters in the front seat bottoms and seatbacks with two temperature settings and driver power lumbar.  All RAV4 Limited seats are trimmed in high-quality, breathable SofTex with French stitching.  SofTex also covers the center armrest, and portions of the door and dash panels.   

  All RAV4’s will feature 60/40 split/fold second-row seats that recline several degrees to enhance passenger comfort.

  In contrast to 2013 RAV4’s compact exterior dimensions, the cargo area is deeper, larger and easier to access than in the previous generation, with just over 38.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity behind the rear seats.  With rear seats folded, RAV4  class-leading maximum cargo capacity of 73.3 cu. ft.

  Privacy glass, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), cruise control, power side mirrors, power door locks and power windows are standard on all RAV4s.  RAV4 XLE and Limited feature dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated fog lights, power moonroof with sliding sunshade and heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators.

  In-Cabin Technology, Audio
Standard on all RAV4 models is a Display Audio with a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen.  Significant for this market, RAV4’s Display Audio includes a standard backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity.  When shifted into reverse, the audio display will show the image of what the backup camera captures.  The image will include an overlay of positioning lines representing the parking space and approximate distance to obstacles.

  XLE and Limited will offer an available GPS Navigation and Entune™ multimedia system with satellite radio and advanced voice recognition.  The Limited grade will also offer an available JBL^® GreenEdgeÔ Premium Audio with 576-Watts of maximum power, 11 speakers, and GPS Navigation and Entune.

  The Limited grade will offer an available Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM).  It can be turned off with a dashboard switch.  When the system detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane, it alerts the driver with a blinking light indicator in the side mirrors.  If the turn signal is on when there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the driver’s intended lane, the indicator on the corresponding mirror will warn the driver with a solid light.  

  The available Blind Spot Monitor incorporates Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which uses the Blind Spot Monitor radar sensors at the lower rear bodywork of the vehicle.  When backing up, the RCTA senses vehicles approaching from either direction and provides an audible warning combined with a flashing indicator in the appropriate outside mirror.

  Safety
All 2013 RAV4s will have a class-leading eight standard airbags.  Like every Toyota, RAV4 will feature the Star Safety System, which includes Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology.  

 

2013 RAV4 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 176 @ 6,000 RPM
Torque:  172 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 RPM
Transmission: Six-speed ECT-i
Drive System:  Front- and All-Wheel-Drive
 
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length:             179.9
Overall Width:                 72.6
Overall Height:                65.4
Wheelbase:                   104.7
Ground clearance:             6.3
Wheels:                            17-inch steel wheels (LE)                   
17-inch alloy wheels (XLE)
18-inch alloy wheels (Limited)
 
Tire Size:                         17-inch:  225/65R17 (LE and XLE)
                                        18-inch:  235/55R18 (Limited)
 
Towing Capacity:             1,500 lbs.
 
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)
Head Room:                   39.8 (Front)
                                       38.9 (Rear)
Leg Room:                      42.6 (Front)
                                       37.2 (Rear)
Shoulder Room:              57.3 (Front)
                                       55.4 (Rear)
Hip Room:                       54.3 (Front)
                                       48.9 (Rear)
Cargo Volume:                73.3 (Behind first row)
                                       38.4 (Behind second row)    
Seating Capacity:           5

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

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If you’re looking for a new car, you can’t miss Toyota of Greensburg! Stop in today for an incredible deal on the 2012 Toyota Yaris

See here for details.

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Come visit us for our Black Friday Event

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Toyota Yaris Offered in Two Liftback Models For 2013

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2012 - The fun, efficient Toyota Yaris, which was all-new for the 2012 model year, continues into 2013 in three-door or five-door liftback models. Sporty styling, outstanding safety features and high fuel economy ratings make the 2012 Yaris a compelling choice in its segment. New for 2013, all model grades come with the Tech Audio Package as standard.

  “There is a lot of excitement in the subcompact category today, but the 2013 Toyota Yaris is at the top of the list when it comes to combining value and fuel efficiency with style and fun,” said Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay. “Today’s young, price-conscious shoppers want the complete package that the new Yaris offers: room for their friends and gear, along with a strong list of standard convenience and safety features.”

  From its smart interior design and quiet, refined passenger cabin to its responsive driving dynamics, the 2013 Yaris delivers an optimal combination of the traits shoppers’ demand in a smaller, fuel-efficient car today. The 2013 Yaris features remarkable attention to detail in the design and engineering.

  The Tech Audio Package equips the Yaris with the most in-demand music features, including an AM/FM/CD head unit,  six speakers, a USB port with iPod^® connectivity, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio compatibility,  Bluetooth^® wireless technology provides hands-free phone capability, music streaming and phonebook access, and automatic sound leveling adjusts for outside noise. The system plays MP3/WMA CDs, and provides MP3 sound enhancement. An auxiliary input jack enables connecting other types of digital music players.

  Liftbacks for Today’s Lifestyles
Today, liftback body styles dominate the subcompact vehicle segment, preferred by 70 percent of new retail car buyers in this category. The Yaris Liftback features a sporty look. The 98.8-inch wheelbase yields a smooth ride and roomy interior, while an overall length of 153.5 inches helps make the Yaris highly maneuverable in tight situations. Compared to the previous-generation Yaris, the current model offers up to 68 percent more cargo room along with additional headroom and passenger volume, all within a highly aerodynamic body yielding a 0.30 coefficient of drag.

  The 2013 Yaris is equally at home navigating through city traffic, heading to the mall or hitting the highway for a road trip. With a tight turning circle and quick, responsive steering, the new Yaris proves nimble on crowded streets and parks easily in tight spaces.

  Grade Strategy
The 2013 Yaris is offered in three grades, with the entry-level L and value-packaged LE editions available either as a three-door liftback or five-door liftback. The sport-tuned SE is available only as a five-door. A high standard equipment level across all grades and simplified options make it easier for customers to find the car they want at an affordable price.

  Emphasis on Driving and Performance
The 2013 Yaris was designed for fun and functionality. All models are powered by a 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder DOHC engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), producing 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The broad torque curve provides plenty of response for both manual transmission and automatic transmission vehicles.

  All Yaris L, LE and SE models are available with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, featuring a compact, lightweight design and reduced friction for greater fuel efficiency. A smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission is available on L and SE models only.

  Both the front MacPherson-strut and rear torsion-beam suspension is tuned to deliver a smooth ride and engaging driving feel. Electric power steering provides good road feel at highway speeds while aiding low-speed parking maneuvers. The Yaris L and LE versions come with 15-inch wheels as standard, while the SE moves up to 16-inch alloy wheels.

  Nine Standard Airbags Lead Impressive List of Safety Features
The 2013 Yaris offers an impressive array of safety features. Standard driver and front-passenger dual-stage airbags (SRS) are complemented by front-seat mounted side airbags and a knee airbag for the driver. Roll-sensing side airbags are fitted to both front- and rear-row seats for a total of nine airbags. An impact-absorbing body structure utilizes high-tensile strength steel to effectively distribute collision forces.

  In common with all Toyota vehicles, the Yaris features Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The new Yaris also features Smart Stop Technology, Toyota’s brake-override system, as standard.

  This  recent -generation Yaris’ are equipped with Toyota’s Advanced Whiplash Injury-Lessening (WIL) front-seat structure helps to ensure that the region from the head to the lower back are equally supported, helping to reduce whiplash-type injuries during certain types of rear end collisions.

  Comprehensive List of Standard Features
In addition to its many safety features, all Yaris models are well equipped with popular comfort, convenience and technology features.

Starting with the Yaris L, all models include standard electric power steering, power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes, power door locks and a Cold Weather Package. Other standard features include air conditioning, six cup and bottle holders, and storage cover for the cargo area. Halogen headlamps and intermittent front windshield wiper are also standard.

  The single-windshield wiper with wet-arm system reduces weight and provides better performance than the traditional two-arm type. The system sprays washer fluid
from the base of the wiper arm directly in the path of the blade for improved cleaning and wiping action.

  All 2013 Yaris is now standard equipped with Tech Audio on all grades (formerly only standard on LE and SE grades).  Tech Audio includes AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability and MP3 sound enhancement, six speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio compatible (additional hardware and subscription required), HD Radio™, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, auto sound leveling, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology and iPod® interface.

  The Yaris LE includes standard power windows with driver’s auto-down, power mirrors, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, and a remote keyless entry system with engine immobilizer.

  Exterior Styling
The bold and assertive presence of the Yaris design is visible from all angles, starting with the distinctive protruding front profile with wide headlamps and integrated turn signals.

  The profile displays a steeply sloped beltline, and flowing curves that appear to stretch the image of the vehicle. The shoulder lines continue around to the rear, creating a sharp, solid look.

  Unusual for a car in this segment, eight exterior colors are available for the 2013 Yaris, including Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Absolutely Red, Lagoon Blue Mica, Wave Line Pearl and Blazing Blue Pearl.

  Interior Design
The Yaris interior provides a level of detail not often seen on cars in this price class. The doors close with a smooth, solid feel. Additional sound-absorbing and insulating materials make for a quieter ride. Upgraded fabrics and a soft-touch dash highlight a more premium, sporty interior. The front seats are now wider, and sculpted to help reduce fatigue on long trips.

  The driver experience is enhanced with a three-spoke tilt steering wheel, featuring a thick grip and a flat-bottom shape to reduce knee interference. The instrument cluster located in front of the driver and includes a multi-instrument display with odometer, twin trip meters, clock, outside temperature reading, fuel economy display, average speed and Eco-Driving indicator.

Yaris L models feature a one-piece folding rear seat, while LE and SE editions include a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat. Compared to the previous Yaris liftback, the luggage compartment area has been lengthened by 5.7 inches, and widened by 2.1 inches, to increase cargo volume by 64 percent in the 3-door and 68 percent in the 5-door. Cargo capacity with the seat up is 15.3 cu. ft. on the 3-door and 15.6 cu. ft. on the 5-door.

  The Sport-Tuned Yaris SE
The Yaris SE provides more driving fun with its sport-tuned suspension, quicker ratio steering, standout styling and driver-oriented interior. The SE features both front and rear disc brakes, with the front disc nearly an inch larger in diameter than L and LE versions. The SE is equipped with P195/50R16 tires and alloy wheels.

  The SE makes a distinctive statement with smoke-trim multi-reflector halogen headlamps, integrated fog lamps and color-keyed grille with sport mesh insert. It features color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, rear spoiler and rear diffuser, set off by a chromed exhaust tip and SE badge.

  Inside, the driver faces a sporty instrumentation package, with an analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and digital Multi-Instrument Display. The leather-trimmed tilt three-spoke steering wheel includes audio controls and standard cruise control. Exclusive sport seats help add shoulder-level support for more comfort and control. The Yaris SE also includes a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and four-way adjustable passenger seat with sport fabric trim.

  Toyota Quality, Warranty and Care
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-car warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. The all-new Toyota Yaris will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

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The 2013 Avalon -- Interior Design

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TMC Develops Collision Avoidance Assist System Effective at High Speeds

Toyota City, Japan, Nov. 12, 2012 — Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that it has developed a Pre-collision System (PCS) with collision avoidance assist that is effective in helping mitigate even high-speed[1] collisions.  
The newly developed PCS uses millimeter-wave radar to detect the risk of a rear-end collision with a preceding vehicle, with the system warning the driver via sound and display alerts to prompt braking when such a risk is detected. When the driver applies the brakes, PCS enables deceleration of up to 60 km/h[2] by greatly increasing the braking force up to twice[3] that of the average force applied by drivers. If the brakes are not applied, automatic deceleration[4] of 15 km/h to approximately 30 km/h[5] is possible[6].
 
More than 90 percent of rear-end collisions occur when the difference in speed between the preceding and following vehicle is within 60 km/h[7]. TMC aimed to develop a system based on real-world collision data, and has, with its newly developed system, achieved rear-end-collision reducing-effects at the highest level in the industry. The new PCS was developed to be used in a wide variety of models, and is to be rolled out starting with soon-to-be-launched models.
 
To contribute to the elimination of traffic accident fatalities and injuries—the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility—TMC is conducting research and development on individual onboard safety devices and systems based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept[8], an approach that gives direction to safety technology and vehicle development. TMC is pressing forward with the development of safer vehicles and technologies and is intensifying its wide-ranging traffic-safety initiatives by participating in the development of traffic environments and conducting educational traffic-safety activities.
 

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Get 0% APR for 60 months on a new 2013 Corolla

*0% APR financing up to 60 months available to qualified buyers thru Toyota Financial Services. Total financed cannot exceed MSRP plus options, tax, and license fees. 60 monthly payments of $16.67 for each $1000 borrowed. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY. APR offer is not valid with any other Cash back or Lease offer.

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RAV4 EV Demo

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Antron Brown's Toyota "DragQuoia" Wins Prestigious Gran Turismo™ Award at SEMA

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 2, 2012) – Antron Brown's outrageous Toyota Sequoia family dragster, known as "DragQuoia," captured Sony Computer Entertainment America's Gran Turismo™ Award for Best Truck or SUV at the 2012 SEMA Show.

  The Gran Turismo™ Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the automotive industry for SEMA show exhibitors, as selected by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi.  The 10th annual Gran Turismo™ Awards show was held last night in Las Vegas, with hip hop superstar Snoop Dogg as host. 

  Already a star as part of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, DragQuoia grabbed attention in its public debut at Toyota's SEMA Show press conference earlier this week with its radical design features, race-ready character and ear-splitting NHRA sound track.

  "This is a vehicle that really embodied the entire spirit of SEMA," said Toyota National Engagement Marketing and Motorsports Manager Keith Dahl.  "It's just over-the-top and the fans loved it."        

  DragQuoia is the brainchild of Antron Brown, who commissioned the Motorsports Technical Center in Torrance, Calif., to build the SUV for him to compete in the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge.  Chuck Wade and his team at Motorsports Technical Center produced a completely unique, high-quality build that looks, sounds, and is ready to rumble.  The build process was documented extensively on the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge Facebook page (www.toyotaracingdreambuild.com), where fans followed team progress via photos and video.

  "It's a great honor to have DragQuoia win this award," Wade said .  "Yamauchi-san and his team at Gran Turismo are huge racing enthusiasts who take their car selections seriously.  Only the best get in their door."

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Monday Maintenance Tip: 9 Ways to Ruin Your Paint Without Knowing It

Keeping your car looking good isn’t just a matter of enhancing its resale value, although that’s important too, it’s also your car’s only line of defense between the sheet metal and the elements. You already know parking lot dings, gravel roads or an angry ex can ruin your car’s paint in the blink of an eye, but a lot of things out there can do just as much, if not more, harm to the exterior of your car.

We contacted Mothers for advice on how to deal with common paint-damaging situations. While their specific advice is below, time and time again, they recommended keeping a good coat of wax on your car. Not only does it keep it looking pretty, it helps prevent most paint damage, or at the very least, buys you some time to get your car professionally washed. Mothers also recommended keeping a bottle of quick-detail spray and a microfiber cloth in your trunk. As you’ll see, a lot of these common problems can be prevented with a quick wipe of this solution.

The Source: Wildfires

The Problem: When wet, ash forms an alkali that can ruin your car’s finish.
The Solution: Keep your car covered, use a car duster for white ash, wash thoroughly if it’s soot.

These days it seems like every state is burdened with wildfires. The ash gets everywhere, and your car’s finish is no exception. While your instinct may be to hit the windshield washers, or just hose down the whole car, water mixed with ash can create powerful alkalis, which will ruin your paint. White ash can be removed with a car duster, or just by driving away and letting it blow off. Black ash can scratch your paint, even when you use a duster, so you’ll need to wash it off using a car wash solution, and dry thoroughly. Once the fires are out, get your car professionally washed, and put on a new coat of wax.

The Source: Tree sap

The Problem: Ancient peoples used tree sap as glue for a good reason.
The Solution: Bug and tar remover, mineral spirits, clay bar treatment

Just wiping sap off when it’s still gooey only smears it around a larger area. Instead, get a bottle of bug and tar remover from your local car parts store, and use it as directed. If the sap dries, mineral spirits can dissolve it, and remaining residue will come off with a clay bar treatment. Just be sure to wax the car after you’re done.

The Source: The gas pump

The Problem: Spilled gasoline
The Solution: Don’t top off, and clean up accidental drips

Times are tough, but “topping off” your gas tank and accidentally letting it overflow is a surefire way to damage your car’s paint. If left alone, gasoline will leave a stain on your car’s finish that’s nearly impossible to get off. If you do happen to spill gas by accident, the best solution is to grab a bottle of instant detailer and a good, clean microfiber cloth and clean up the gasoline before it does any harm.

The Source: Fingertips and mischief

The Problem: Writing or rubbing on dirty paint causes permanent marks.
The Solution: Keep your car clean.

We’ve all seen “wash me” written on a car’s finish, but the well-intentioned tagger actually just made things worse. Dirt acts like sandpaper when it’s dragged across paint, and it can make the marks last long after the dirt is gone.

Get yourself a long-handled duster and wipe down your car every day to prevent accidental sanding. If it’s too late, most small scratches come out with a polish or scratch remover. Just always be sure to clean the car well before waxing or polishing.

The Source: Your morning coffee

The Problem: Coffee and sodas contain acids that can etch your clearcoat.
The Solution: Wash it off immediately

Driving off with your coffee cup or soda bottle on your roof isn’t just a day-ruiner, it can ruin your paint. Many beverages are acidic, and since any acid can hurt your car’s finish, you’ll want to get it washed off as soon as you can. Letting it sit will only give it more time to do damage, and letting it dry will only make it harder to get off later. If it’s a soda, or if you take a lot of sugar in your coffee, then you’re going to be dealing with a sticky residue in addition to corrosive chemicals. If you can’t hit a car wash, then break out your bottle of quick detailer and your microfiber cloth and wipe it up.

The Source: Dirt on your car-wash tools

The Problem: Unseen dirt can scratch
The Solution: Keep an extra mitt handy.

Washing your own car can be fun, but a common mistake can cause more damage than you think: dropping your sponge. Even the finest, most expensive microfiber wash mitt on the market can be ruined if it touches the ground. The bits of grit and sand it inevitably picks up can’t be entirely washed off, and you’ll have swirl marks and other scratches before you know it. The solution is to never drop anything. But if you’re like us, it’d be best to keep a spare washing mitt or two on hand to avoid the resulting expenses from car detailing or repainting.

The Source: Automatic sprinklers

The Problem: Water leaves hard-to-remove spots on your paint.
The Solution: Stay away from sprinklers whenever possible

That primo parking spot right next to the planter may look good, but if it has automatic sprinklers, you could be in for trouble. You wouldn’t think that plain water would be such a problem, but the minerals left behind bond to your car’s paint, making them very difficult to remove. Your best bet is to avoid parking where sprinklers can do their damage, but that’s not always possible. If you do get water spots, it’s best to take it to a professional detailer.

The Source: Avian digestion

The Problem: Bird poop is acidic
The Solution: Wash it off immediately

Bird poop isn’t just unsightly. It’s also acidic. Just look at the number of ruined marble statues in pigeon-infested cities and you’ll see what we mean. Not only that, but birds eat seeds and bits of gravel that can scratch your paint.

The solution is to wash bird droppings off as soon as you see them. Use a bottle of quick detail and a soft microfiber cloth to wipe it up. Be sure to use a lifting action, since you don’t want to grind any grit onto your paint.

The Source: Bugs

The Problem: Bug guts are acidic.
The Solution: Get to the car wash

You’re heading home from a road trip when suddenly the eighth plague of Egypt strikes, with thousands of bugs splattering your windshield. But just cleaning the windshield isn’t enough. Bugs are surprisingly acidic, and if you do hit a swarm, don’t let the bugs get the last laugh as their remains slowly etch your paint. Wash your car as soon as you can with a good car wash solution, and for the more stubborn guts, use a bug and tar remover.

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Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2012 – Toyota today announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities.

Commenting on the donation, Shigeki Terashi, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., said, “On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand. In addition to this contribution, many Toyota employees are already involved in volunteer activities to support those in need. We very much appreciate their support.”

Beginning Nov. 1, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) will launch a “Customer Outreach” calling campaign to lease and retail customers who are delinquent, or become delinquent, due to circumstances related to the storm and who reside in the 13 states directly impacted by the hurricane (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT and WV) and in the District of Columbia. This campaign will determine if these customers may be eligible to take advantage of payment relief options, some of which include:

• extensions and lease deferred payments;
• redirecting billing statements;
• and arranging phone or on-line payments.

Toyota Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-8822. Lexus Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-7050. Qualified residents residing in FEMA-designated areas (of the above-mentioned states and the District) needing to purchase a vehicle may also take advantage of a 90 Day Deferred First Payment Program designed to assist customers with their transportation needs as they work through the recovery process. This program is for a limited time and only available through participating Toyota and Lexus dealers and TFS/LFS.

Pressroom.toyota.com

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