It’s pretty amazing to think that only ten years ago, more than half of the features in your 2014 or 2015 model were unthinkable. Ten years ago, the idea of automated systems or travelling Wi-Fi hot spots was unthinkable. Your La Grange Area Toyota and Scion dealer tells you what to expect in the next five years.

Autonomous Features

The idea of a driverless car is not new, but as sensor technology becomes more sophisticated, the more likely it is that various systems in your car will completely override you. Right now, a car can apply brakes before you even touch the pedal, but in the future, it’s likely that your car will take matters into its own hands in an emergency regardless of what you do.

Head-Up Displays

Organic Light Emitting Diodes are the next generation of LEDs. Right now, speed and some other information can be projected onto a windshield, but OLEDs will allow it to be interactive and high definition. Navigation will appear on your windshield and augmented reality as well.

Vehicle Tracking

As more and more vehicles are connected to the Internet, tracking vehicles becomes that much easier. As the technology becomes more common, it’s likely that insurance companies and possibly government administrations will monitor the number of miles driven.

Active Health Monitoring

Among the technologies that will coincide with the consumer market, Bluetooth will allow for vehicles to monitor the general health condition of the driver and passengers. This will mean things like pulse rate can be monitored for safety.

The auto market is getting pretty crowded. There are dozens of manufacturers out there who all have multiple offerings for the driving public. Google has been getting into the game with its driverless car and insurance. Not to be outdone, Apple has let it leak that they, too, will be entering the auto industry and your Chicago Area Toyota dealer wants to tell you all about it.

The What

Recently, a source high in the Apple organization made it clear that Apple is actively seeking the means to design and produce a driverless electric car. The move would compete directly with the likes of Google, known for their driverless technology, and companies like Tesla who are quickly bring EVs to market. Apple is reported to be reaching out to development companies and possibly even looking to poach industry leaders to spearhead the initiative.

The Why

The writing is on the wall. Electric vehicles are most certainly going to be a big part of the future. Almost every major car company from Kia to BMW are developing or releasing an EV or two. As infrastructure and charging stations are improved, that’s only going to increase. As for driverless technology, more and more companies are seeing the benefit in small changes that add up to a lot. The NHTSA has already announced they’re considering making automatic braking and crash avoidance systems mandatory.

The Result

If we’ve seen anything, it’s that Apple has remained a trendsetter for over a decade. With Google and Apple in the mix, you can bet that more than a few smaller competitors are going to get in the game as well. Expect to see more and more EVs and automated systems working their way into 2016s and beyond.

Truck owners see the world a little differently than car people. They see the world in terms of to-do lists and projects, of accomplishments and hard work. As a result, they look for different things in their vehicles. Your Chicago Area Toyota dealer gets it and recommends the 2015 Tacoma.

Power

The Tacoma boasts a 4.0-liter V6 engine with dual overhead cams, multi-point fuel injection, and variable valve timing. Consequently, it offers 236 horsepower and 266 pounds of torque at the same time as an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon on the highway.

Potential

Using four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the Tacoma can take on over 1,300 pounds in the sizeable bed and up to 6,500 pounds in towing capacity. With a spacious double cab, the Tacoma seats a crew of five. Meanwhile the anti-lock, ventilated disc brakes keep you in control of whatever you carry.

Prevention

Speaking of brakes, electronic brake force distribution helps to stop fast when you need to. Electronic traction and stability control help keep you on the road while the advanced airbag system in the front protects you from the unexpected. Side and curtain airbags complete the protection for the cabin.

Perks

Inside, the Tacoma features a six-speaker audio system controlled through a color touchscreen. It offers AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, auxiliary and USB 2.0 inputs for multiple devices, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming as well as hands-free calls and texting. Climate control and power windows are just a few of the other amenities found inside.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last fifty years or so, you know how volatile gas prices can be. One week they’re up; the next week they’re down. Then there’s the impact on the environment. These days, more and more people are looking for less consumption without getting less car. Your La Grange Area Toyota dealer has you covered with the 2015 Yaris LE.

Efficiency

The Yaris can deliver an EPA-estimated 36 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 in the city. How? By taking a reasonable 1.5-liter, in-line four cylinder engine and giving it dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and multi-point fuel injection. The Yaris is capable of 106 horsepower and 103 pounds of torque with a four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Safety

Toyota’s number one priority is safety. That’s why they equip the Yaris with anti-lock, ventilated disc brakes that are managed by a brake force distribution system. Electronic traction and stability control help keep you on the road. In case of an accident, intelligent front airbags use sensors in the seats to adapt to crash conditions and reduce the risk of injury. Side and curtain airbags are also equipped to protect the entire cabin.

Feeling

The independent front and semi-independent rear suspensions use a combination of struts, coil springs, torsion beams, and stabilizer bars to give a sporty feel. Meanwhile, inside, a six speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, digital radio, touchscreen interface, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and texting sets the mood.

Often times we have a ballpark idea of how many miles we are getting to the gallon and Chicago Area Toyota encourages drivers to find out more. Taking some time to actually calculate what your car is getting can prove to be very beneficial. Often times once you begin clocking how many miles to the gallon you are getting you may be more mindful of your driving. You may even see an increase!

How To Calculate Miles Per Gallon

Here is the first step. Bring your car to the gas station and fill it up to full. Don't squeeze as much gas as you can in to the tank, just fill the tank until the nozzle clicks off. Write down your current mileage, and keep that number saved.

Keep A Written Record

The next time you go to the gas station, write down how much you put in the gas tank and how many miles you traveled since your last fill up. So, say you put in 5 gallons and when 100 miles. Divide the number of miles by the number of gallons you put in your take. So, in this instance we would divide 100 by 5. According to this example, we would be getting about 20 miles to the gallon.

Calculating MPG Keeps You Accountable

Follow these steps and keep a log of how many miles to the gallon you are getting. You may find that you stomp on the gas pedal less often, or travel at slower speeds on the highway. This number may fluctuate after you get an oil change. You will begin to learn more about your car. By keeping track of your miles per gallon you will have an exact number for how your car performs.

Black ice can be unpredictable and Chicago Area Toyota is reminding drivers that it is hard to spot and very dangerous. Here is some helpful advice to keep you and your family safe.

What is black ice exactly? Black ice is an extremely thin layer of frozen water on the surface of the road. Often times when the temperature outside drops quickly it can cause moisture in the air to freeze on the road. It can also appear on bridges or overpasses, since the temperature of the black top is lower there.

Be Proactive

There are several ways to stay safe if there is black ice on the roadway. First, lower you speed. This allows you to maintain better control of your vehicle. Keep a safe distance between you and other drivers so that you will have extra time to react. If another car on the road loses control you will be able to stop easily and avoid a collision.

Slow Down Safely

If you find yourself sliding on black ice, the number one rule is to avoid slamming on your breaks. Your tires may stop spinning, but the momentum of your car on the ice will keep your car in motion. This could cause your vehicle to spin. The best way to slow down is to take your foot off of the gas petal. This will slowly and safely decrease the speed of your vehicle, keeping you and your passengers safe.

The 2015 Scion xB is unmistakable with its boxy frame and distinct contour and it's available at the Chicago Area Scion. When compared to others in its class, the Scion xB is a serious contender. Many features on this vehicle make it a top choice for those who are looking for something spacious, affordable and practical. The xB comes in either a manual transmission or an automatic transmission.

Base Models Come With Great Features

The 2015 Scion xB comes in base models that start around $17,890. There are some surprising features that are included in the base model. One of those features is a backup camera. This car is fully equipped with Bluetooth technology and remote keyless entry.

Exceptional Miles Per Gallon

When it comes to miles per gallon the Scion xB competes well with Honda's CR-V. The xB receives between 22 and 28 miles per gallon. It holds up to 14 gallons of gas. This means that drivers could potentially drive up to 390 miles before each refuel.

Above Average Storage Space

The back seats in the Scion xB fold down, which creates almost 70 cubic feet of storage. This is a giant space. Often times, parents and college students appreciate the amount of space that the xB has to offer. The back seats have what is called a 60.40 split, meaning that they go down in two sections. One of the sections is slightly larger and one is smaller. This way there can be passengers in the back seat while transporting large cargo.

The 2015 Scion xB also includes their 2 year no-cost maintenance plan. This plan is good for up to 25,000 miles and expires after two years. Be sure to stop by and check out our selection.

Scion has a great reputation, and La Grange Area Scion say that when it comes to affordable driving you can't beat the 2014 Scion iQ. Even though this car is compact, it packs a great star safety package and has 11 air bags. For commuters, the Scion iQ is ideal in many ways.

Compact, Affordable, Great Gas Mileage

The 2014 Scion iQ is compact, but even with its small size it seats four. It is only available in the two door option, and the hatchback allows you to fold down the back seats for extra storage. When it comes to commuting, drivers can expect to get 37 miles to the gallon. The gas tank hold just over 8 gallons, meaning drivers can go around 330 miles before needing to visit the gas pump.

Great Technology Features

Scion has integrated technology in to this compact car by adding Bluetooth connectivity. This way commuters can travel while talking hands free on their cell phones. There is also a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. It car comes with a six speaker audio system, however there is the option to upgrade to a Pioneer Standard Display audio system.

The 2014 Scion iQ is the perfect little vehicle for those who are looking for a great, affordable commuter car. In addition to looking sleek, this vehicle is fuel efficient. When it comes to safety, the Scion iQ offers advanced safety features. In addition to being great on fuel, drivers can travel safely with the use of Bluetooth technology.

We are officially in the thick of it.  Winter came roaring in long before the calendar changed, but you don’t have to be miserable all season long.  Find a little peace and comfort to sweeten the sour taste winter can sometimes leave in your mouth. The first place to start is your commute.  Many new SUVs at La Grange area Toyota sales have leather interior.

2015 Toyota 4Runner Limited

The MSRP for the 2015 Toyota 4Runner Limited varies between $44K and $45K.  The 5-passenger SUV is powered by a 270-hp V8 that can tow 4700 lbs. and average an estimated 17/21 mpg.  Interior features included in the 2015 Toyota 4Runner include a collapsible second row, leather interior, tow hitch, power mirrors, heated seats, telematics, backup camera, universal garage door opener, and a navigation system.

2015 Toyota Highlander XLE and Limited

Both the 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE and Highlander Limited trim levels are outfitted with leather seats.  The MSRP for the 2015 Toyota Highlander is below $39,000.  If you upgrade to the 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited, the MSRP starts at $45,000. KBB awarded the SUV with a 2015 Best Buy Award. According to US News and World Report, the Highlander is the #1 Affordable Midsize SUV. Under the hood of the popular Highlander is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 270 hp and averages 18/24 mpg (all-wheel drive). Installed features consist of leather seating, all-season tires, navigation, HD radio, Bluetooth, satellite radio, 3^rd-row seating, universal garage door opener, and a power liftgate.

 Don’t miss out on the Barcelona Red gem—the 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited.  All of the amenitities you crave in high-end luxury SUVs are installed in the Toyota SUV, without the expensive price tag dangling in the window.  You don’t have to give up style and comfort to save a few bucks.  Act now to get behind the wheel of the popular 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited area La Grange area Toyota Scion dealer.  There is only one left.

Have a Look under the Hood

Toyota equipped the 2014 Toyota RAV4 with a reliable 2.5-liter inline-4 and a capable all-wheel drive drivetrain. The horsepower rating is 176 hp with 172 lb.-ft. of torque.  The fuel economy estimate is 22/29 mpg.  Toyota provides new Toyotas with a 24-month/25,000-mile full service plan.  Roadside assistance is also provided for the same amount of time.

Installed Option in the ’14 Toyota RAV4 Limited

For less than $31,000, you can drive a RAV4 that is loaded with a 6-speaker stereo system with a CD player, MP3 readability, and AM/FM radio, a color touchscreen display, electric sunroof, sport driver seat with 10-way adjustability, roof spoiler, navigation with 3D and voice, rearview camera, Bluetooth, premium synthetic seats, keyless entry, and auxiliary audio input.

Is the 2014 Toyota RAV4 Safe?

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with Toyota’s comprehensive Star Safety System™. When the IIHS conducted crash tests, the RAV4 earned good ratings in four out of the five categories.  The SUV also earned a 4-star safety rating from the NHTSA.  Safety features in the 2014 Toyota RAV4 include ABS, stability control, traction control, brakeforce distribution, rear camera, parking distance sensors, airbags, curtain airbags, and 4-wheel disc brakes.

It’s never too early to start winterizing your vehicle. The harsh winter weather can seriously wreak havoc on your vehicle, but the good news is that there are quite a few things you can do to plan ahead that will make it much easier to bear. Get your vehicle ready for the winter with some good advice from your La Grange area Toyota dealer.

What Winter Can Do To Your Vehicle

Everyone knows that driving in snow and ice can be very dangerous, but it can also be very damaging to your vehicle. Driving in harsh weather can really take a toll on your wheels and tires. The limited traction that you will have can be hazardous. Snow and ice can cause lots of potholes in the roads, which can be very damaging to your vehicle if you hit them. The body of your vehicle and the paint is at risk from all of the salt, sand, and gravel that gets kicked up from driving in wintery weather. The colder the temperature the worse it is for your engine.

Preparing Your Vehicle

You can prepare your vehicle by going that extra mile in the maintenance department. While proper maintenance is important all year round, it becomes increasingly important in the winter. It’s very important that you keep a close eye on your tires, taking notice of their condition and their pressure levels. Keep in mind that sometimes very cold temperatures can give you an inaccurate reading. Make sure that your heater and your defrosters are working well. Replace your windshield wipers if needed. Check on the battery, the belts, and the hoses.

The Toyota Corolla is a very popular and well-known vehicle, and it’s really not hard to see why. It offers you amazing comfort, reliability, and style. It is now entering its 11^th generation, which offers a new exterior design and an upgraded interior. Come test drive the 2015 Toyota Corolla at your Toyota dealer near La Grange.

Comfort Features 

The 2015 Toyota Corolla has upgraded premium cloth/velour upholstery. The driver and the front passenger have bucket seats, with the driver having manual height adjustments. The rear passengers have split-folding seats. There is a ventilation system with a micro filter, and climate control. It has a tilt telescoping steering wheel, power steering type, EPS, and internal button automatic locking power locks. The trip computer includes your average speed, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, and range for remaining fuel. One of the front windows features a one-touch control.

Safety Features

The 2015 Toyota Corolla has two active height-adjustable front seat head restraints, and three height-adjustable rear seat head restraints. The front seatbelts are height-adjustable with pre-tensioners, and the rear seatbelts include a 3-point center belt. It has intelligent driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags.

• Anti-lock brake system
• Two-wheel ventilated disc brakes
• Electronic traction control
• Immobilizer
• LED headlights with projector beam lenses
• Intermittent windshield wipers

The Toyota Sienna gives you so many reasons to fall in love with it. This 7 passenger minivan does everything, and it does it well. Our Toyota dealer near Chicago highlights some of the most popular features of the 2015 Toyota Sienna LE.

Seating

The 2015 Toyota Sienna LE has upgraded premium cloth/velour upholstery. The driver has a captain’s seat with 10-way power adjustments, including power height, power lumbar, and power tilt. The front passenger has a captain’s seat with power adjustments, including power height. The rear passengers have 40/20/40 removable split seats with tip/tumble, manual recline, and manual fore/aft. The third row passengers have a split-folding split bench that seats 3 and folds flat to the floor.

Entertainment

The 2015 Toyota Sienna LE has a great audio system with an AM/FM radio, a CD player, digital radio, satellite radio, touch screen and color screen. It has steering wheel mounted remote audio controls. There are six speakers and an element antenna.

Convenience

The 2015 Toyota Sienna LE has cruise control and a trip computer that includes average fuel economy, current fuel economy, and range for remaining fuel. It has automatic locking remote power locks. There is a tilt telescoping steering wheel, powers steering type and EPS. You will have a ventilation system with a micro filter, passenger ventilation controls, and three-zone climate control. It has rear camera parking distance sensors.

The Toyota Prius Three is a 5 passenger gas-electric hybrid hatchback that is not only environmentally-friendly, but is stylish and comfortable as well. Step into the 2015 Toyota Prius Three from your La Grange area Toyota dealer.

Interior Features

The 2015 Toyota Prius Three has a fantastic audio system with an AM/FM radio, a CD player, digital radio, satellite radio, touch screen and color screen. It has six speakers, an element antenna, and steering wheel mounted remote audio controls. There is cruise control, and a trip computer that includes your average speed, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, and range for remaining fuel. It has an internal HD navigation system with full map and voice.

• Card key power locks
• Tilt telescoping steering wheel
• Power steering type and EPS
• Remote control
• Ventilation system with micro filter
• Front cup holders
• Rear camera parking distance sensors
• Intelligent driver and passenger front airbag
• Front side airbag
• Front and rear curtain airbag
• Upgraded premium cloth/velour upholstery
• Alloy-look trim
• Bucket front seats
• Split-folding rear seats

Exterior Features

The 2015 Toyota Prius Three has body-colored front and rear bumpers, and body-colored and heated driver and passenger power door mirrors. It has 15” x 6.0” front and rear alloy wheels, and 195/65-15 front and rear all-season tires. The headlights are halogen with projector beam lenses. It has intermittent windshield wipers.

Stick to your budget without compromising style and safety.  The collection of pre-owned sedans on the lot have low prices, low miles, and come with a free vehicle history report. Chicago area Toyota Scion offers pre-owned sedans for less than $20K.

2012 Toyota Corolla LE $14,480

The 2012 Toyota Corolla LE on the lot has fewer than 19,000 miles on the engine; it is certified by Toyota; and special financing rates may be available. In 2012, the small sedan earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine teams up with a front-wheel drive drivetrain and an automatic transmission to create 132 hp at 6000 RPM and 26/34 mpg.  Installed extras in the Corolla include a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth®, performance tires, a comprehensive safety system, auxiliary power outlet, and child protection accessories it the back seat.

 2013 Chrysler 200 Touring $14,960

The 2013 Chrysler 200 Touring is clean and sophisticated.  The black sedan has fewer than 15,000 miles on it; passed a rigorous inspection; and all of its filters have been replaced.  The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine creates an impressive 173 hp at 6000 RPM and averages 20/31 mpg.  The convenience features in Chrysler 200 consist of a universal garage door opener, leather steering wheel, power outlets, satellite radio, power windows, a series of airbags, lumbar support seats, keyless entry, and luxury front and rear floor mats.

2012 Toyota Camry SE $17,980

The Toyota Certified 2012 Toyota Camry SE has fewer than 17,000 miles on it and is priced below $18,000.  In 2012, the sedan earned a KBB Best Resale Value Award and an IIHS Top Safety Pick Award.  The 2.5-liter inline-4 under the hood powers 178 hp at 6000 RPM and 170 lb.-ft. of torque at 4100 RPM.  The fuel economy rating is 25/35 mpg.  A rear spoiler, performance tires, Bluetooth®, safety devices, MP3 player, keyless entry, iPod input, satellite radio, and navigation are already installed in the Toyota Camry sedan.

When you are shopping for a car or researching it online, you will be inundated with various measurements, weights, and capacities.  What does all of it mean, and how do they affect the regular consumer?  The truth is, the capacities can mean a great deal to you, especially if you need to accommodate specific needs and driving conditions.  La Grange area Toyota Scion service defines car weights and measurements.

 Snapshot of Car Specs

We have compiled a list of the most common terms you will likely see.

• Cargo capacity

How much room you have in your vehicle for passengers and cargo when all of the seats are in place.

• Torque

This is the twisting force of the engine.  When you press the accelerator, the thrust you feel when your body goes back into the seat is the result of torque. The lower the torque, the less you will feel the force.

• Width

The measurement of the widest parts of the vehicle: very tip of the driver-side mirror to the tip of the passenger-side mirror.

• Height

The measurement of the lowest part of the vehicle, the bottom of the tires, to the highest part of the vehicle, which is the top of the vehicle.

• Wheel base

Measurement from the center of the front wheel to the center of the wheel directly behind it.

• GTW

Gross trailer weight is the total weight of the trailer the vehicle can safely tow.

• Payload

The maximum weight of the cargo the vehicle can safely transport.  Payload includes the cargo you are hauling, you, and your passengers; weight is weight.

• Curb weight

How much the vehicle weighs when it rolls off the assembly.  Curb weight does not include any add-ons.

• GVW

Gross vehicle weight is the exact weight of the vehicle with all of the cargo and passengers in the vehicle.  The GVW fluctuates as people get in and out, or as cargo is removed.

How many miles would you expect a 2013 vehicle to have?  The car would likely be pre-owned and have at least a thousand or more miles on the engine.  Not the 2013 Toyota hybrid on the lot.  The 2013 Toyota Prius c One at Chicago area Toyota Scion has never been owned before.

 Let’s Break Down the Numbers

The 2013 Toyota Prius c One on the lot is priced to sell at $20,115.  The 5-passenger hybrid hatchback has a 1.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine with a CVT automatic transmission.  The horsepower rating is 99 hp at 4800 RPM with 82 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4000 RPM.  According to the EPA, the fuel economy rating is 53/46 mpg.  The annual fuel cost is only $940, which has the potential to save consumers over $5700 in fuel costs over five years.  Only plug-ins deliver that kind of fuel economy.

What Else Does the 2013 Toyota Prius c One Offer?

The Toyota hybrid sits comfortably on a set of 15-inch steel wheels.  A trunk/hatch spoiler and body-color bumpers accent the Prius’ appeal.  Inside the cabin, a plush cloth upholstery, folding rear seats, front cup holders, and a micro-filter ventilation system welcome the driver and passengers.  The four-speaker entertainment system features AM/FM radio, CD player with MP3 readability, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

 How Safe is the 2013 Toyota Prius c One?

Don’t let the price make you leery of the safety. The 2013 Toyota Prius c One is loaded with Toyota’s finest safety features and technologies.  ABS, traction control, stability control, intelligent front air bags, curtain airbags, and adjustable head restraints are installed on the Prius c One for maximum safety.

Wheels and tires are responsible for safely transporting you and your vehicle.  The wheels are tires are exposed to the worst weather conditions, tricky road obstructions, extreme temperatures, and wear and tear from the engine. Because the wheels and tires literally carry a heavy burden, it is important to make sure each component is in the best shape possible.  A common safety concerns is stripped wheel studs.  La Grange area Toyota service warns drivers about stripped wheel studs.

What are Wheel Studs?

When you put a tire on your vehicle, you mount it to the threaded fasteners that stick out from the hub.  After you put the tire on, your thread the lug nuts over the wheel studs.

Dangers of Stripped Studs

If you over tighten a lug nut or try to remove a lug nut, you can either break the stud or strip it.  If the wheel stud is compromised, it poses a serious safety risk.  It may be okay to drive on four good wheel studs, but not three. If you do decide to drive with only four good studs, make sure you are headed to the shop to have the other one replaced.  If the wheel stud is stripped or broken, the wheel will not be balanced or provide the vehicle with the proper amount of support.  When one is compromised, the additional wheel studs have to compensate for the missing or damaged studs, which adds extra stress to the good studs.

 Replacement is Easy

Replacing a wheel stud is relatively cheap and easy to do.  When the stud is being replaced, the process will include the following steps:

• Removing the brake and caliper
• Removal of the old wheel studs
• Insert new stud through hole from the backside of the hub
• Bolts screwed on to seat the stud
• Stud is tightened with an impact wrench
• Rotor and caliper will be reinstalled

Who could forget the winter of 2013-2014; it was brutal, cold, and monotonous.  It makes you wonder what is in store for us this season.  You do not have to struggle through one more winter with a vehicle that is unprepared for the season.  Winter weather travelers are at Chicago area Toyota Scion.

 2014 Toyota Venza

The 2014 Toyota Venza has two different engine options: 2.7-liter inline-4 that creates 181 hp at 5800 RPM, and a 3.5-liter V6 that creates 268 hp at 6200 RPM. The all-wheel drive Toyota Venza with a 4-cylinder engine averages 20/26 mpg, and the V6 all-wheel drive version averages 18/25 mpg.  In addition to the winter-friendly all-wheel drive drivetrain, Toyota installed performance tires, heated mirrors and seats, rear defroster, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and 4-wheel disc brakes on the Toyota Venza.  The Venza is the recipient of 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA.

 2014 Toyota RAV4 XLE

The all-wheel drive 2014 Toyota RAV4 XLE sports a 2.5-liter inline-4 produces 176 hp at 6000 RPM and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4100 RPM.  The estimated fuel economy rating for the 5-passenger SUV is 22/29 mpg, and the towing capacity is 1500 lbs.  Winter features consist of heated mirrors, all-season tires, a backup camera, rear defrost function, climate control, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, parking distance sensors, and front fog lights.

 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited

Safety is important during the winter, and the Highlander is up for the task.  The SUV earned perfect 5-star NHTSA safety ratings and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award.  The all-wheel Drive Highlander gets its power from a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 270 hp at 6200 RPM.  The fuel economy rating is 18/24 mpg.  Tackling snow season is easy with heated mirrors and seats, navigation, three-zone climate control, leather upholstery, rear camera with parking sensors, and dusk sensing headlamps.

When you are researching vehicle specifications, reading your owner’s manual, or shopping for a trailer hitch, you will come across many different ratings and capacities.  One of the most common and important measurements is the tongue weight, but what does it mean?  La Grange area Toyota and Scion service explains tongue weight.

 What is a Tongue?

If you have a car, truck, minivan, or SUV, you will need to know your vehicle’s tongue weight if you plan to do any towing with the vehicle, despite the size of the load you are pulling.  .  The trailer tongue is the extension at the front of a trailer that connects to the ball on the towing vehicle.  The coupler is at the very end of the tongue; it is the rounded connection that sits on the tow ball.

 What is Tongue Weight?

Now that you know what the tongue is, you can better understand the weight.  The tongue weight is the downward force the trailer coupler exerts on the hitch ball. If the tongue weight is too light, the trailer will sway when it is on the road.  If the tongue weight is too heavy, steering, braking and handling are reduced.  This is why it is very important to balance your cargo: 60% of the weight in front of the trailer’s front axle and 40% in the back.  Never exceed your hitch’s tongue weight.

 How do I Determine My Tongue Capacity?

There are a few strategies to help you determine the tongue weight.  Remember this rule of thumb: tongue weight should be between 9% and 15% of the vehicle’s gross trailer weight.  The trailer weight can be found in the owner’s manual. Use the following strategies to calculate trailer weight:

• Tongue weight scale

Place a tongue weight scale underneath the scale when the trailer is attached and loaded.

• Bathroom scale

You can weight smaller trailers with a bathroom scale.  Level the trailer and the scale.  Place the coupler on the loaded trailer on the bathroom scale.

• Commercial scale

If you are doing some heavy duty towing, a commercial scale will be more beneficial.  First, weigh the vehicle with the tongue weight. Then, weigh the vehicle without the tongue weight.  To determine the tongue weight, subtract the vehicle-only weight from the truck-and-trailer weight.