Closeup refuel gasolineScion 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, 3rd-row seating, universal garage door opener, and a power liftgate.

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.

Car washing

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 you have already busted your 2015 New Year’s resolution, don’t worry; there is still hope.  Don’t make boring resolutions that you were sure you wouldn’t keep when January 2nd rolled around.  Start fresh and resolve to budget better this year and to make better financial decisions.  Need an idea?  The certified pre-owned Scions at Chicago area Toyota Scion dealer are great for your budget.

Why Certified Pre-owned?

If money is your concern, a certified pre-owned vehicle is the answer. Vehicles covered under the CPO program benefit from the following:

  • Special financing and APR
  • Extensive background checks and inspections
  • Warranty coverage
  • Roadside assistance

 

Certified Pre-Owned Scions on the Lot

The CPO Scions on the lot are both priced below $15K; they are accompanied by a free AutoCheck report; and the miles are low.

  • 2010 Scion xD

The 5-door 2010 Scion xD hatchback has a modest 1.8-liter inline-4 engine and an automatic transmission. The mileage is less than 42,000 and the price is dips below $12,000. According to US News and World Report, the Scion xD is a top three 2010 Affordable Small Car.  The horsepower rating is 128 hp and the fuel economy estimate is 27/33 mpg.  Scion installed a premium sound system, MP3 player, equalizer, Bluetooth connection, and safety system in the hatchback.

  • 2012 Scion xB Wgn

The dark charcoal 2012 Scion xB 5-door wagon is priced at $14,960. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that has fewer than 36,000 miles on it.  In 2012, the Scion wagon earned a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The horsepower rating is 158 hp with a 22/28-mpg estimated fuel economy rating.  The Scion xB features performance tires, a premium sound system, 4-wheel disc brakes, iPod connectivity, and a chrome exhaust tip.

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.

dirty carpeting

  • 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.

 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.

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.

winter roadsIt’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.

mechanic wrenchForming 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.

Closeup refuel gasolineWith gas prices always seeming to be on the rise, it would make sense to want to do everything that you can to try to save a few bucks. Believe it or not, there are many things that you a probably doing daily that are causing you to burn more gas than necessary. Get some good gas-saving tips from your Chicago area Toyota dealer.

Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle will work at its absolute best, in turn giving you better gas mileage. Be sure to keep up with all of the regular maintenance. It’s a good idea to create a maintenance schedule to follow so that you don’t forget anything. Any issues that are not taken care of in a timely manner will only get worse and potentially cause more damage to your vehicle, which will use more gas than necessary.

Tires

Your tires are another thing that can directly affect your gas. Underinflated tires will cause your engine to have to work harder, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency. It’s important that you keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Wheels that are not aligned properly can also affect your gas. You can usually tell that your wheels are misaligned because you will notice uneven tread wear.

Some Other Tips

Try not to keep your windows down or your air conditioner on too much. Don’t speed or excessively hit the gas pedal. Keep the weight in your vehicle to a minimum. Only run your engine when you are actually driving, and try to consolidate your trips into the least amount possible.