Uncategorized Archives - Johnson City Toyota

Will a Car Payment Affect My Credit Score?

Car loans are a very common financial option when you purchase a new car, and have some benefits. Even if you have enough saved in cash for a new or pre-owned car, a car loan will do more to help your credit score. Loans add to your credit mix, payment history, new credit, and credit utilization – all of which are factors used by FICO to calculate your credit score.

Building a Good Credit Score

Among the various factors that FICO uses, payment history is the most important. It accounts for 35% of the entire credit score. If you pay on time and consistently, it will have a big impact on your score, especially if you have a long history of paying off loans consistently. If you have a personal loan, an education loan, or a home loan that you’ve paid off, your credit score is probably pretty good.

Using a Good Credit Score

A good credit score can get you a lower interest rate on your next loan. A lower interest rate can save you money in the long run. The interest rate is determined by which band your credit score falls into.

If you’ve built a good credit score and need multiple loans, it’s recommended that you try not to take out more than two loans or credit sources at the same time. Every time new credit is taken out, it adds more debt to your account and your credit score will be hit by a few points.

If you take out more than one loan, you’ll be adding a much greater amount of debt to yourself, and this will reflect on your score. If you have a high enough credit score, you won’t have to worry about taking up two loans at the same time. You will earn back the lost score as you continue to make regular payments on both your loans.

Closing Out Your Car Loan Early

If you can close out your car loan early, your credit score will shoot up temporarily. However, if you don’t have any more debt or payments to make, you won’t be able to contribute to the payment history on your FICO score. This means that you won’t see consistent improvements in your credit score. Your score will remain stagnant until you take up new credit and begin paying it off, or use your credit card and regularly pay that off as well.

Missing Car Payments

If you do miss a car payment completely and are not able to pay the amount within 30 days of the missed payment date, the lender will have to report you to a credit bureau. You will not only lose points, but the negative report stay on your record for seven years after you missed the payment.

If you buy a Toyota, you’ll be able to get better loan options since this is one of the top selling and trusted brands in the country.

Tips to Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer

The hot summer sun can turn your car into an oven that seems impossible to travel in. Not only do you feel uncomfortable outside, but you also feel incredibly hot and suffocated when you’re in the car. Summers can really bring out the worst in you when you feel infuriated by the car journeys and the extent of the heat. Here are a few tricks that will help you stay cool in your car this summer.

Open Up the Windows

When you have parked your car in an area where there is no shade to shield it from the sun, you can imagine what troubles might await you when you get back into the car. To avoid the pressure and heat build up within the interior of your car, crack the windows open just a little when you’re done parking. Make sure that the spot is safe and leave the car with windows slightly cracked. This will allow the car to have a continuous airflow, expelling the hot heat and replacing it with the cooler air.

Cover the Steering Wheel and Gear Knob

Use thick hand towels to shield your steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake and safety buckles from the glare of the sun. When you leave your car parked in an outdoor area, the scorching heat steams up the interior of your car, especially due to the vinyl and leather components. If you keep the steering wheel and other parts from heating up, it will save you loads of time and provide more comfort when you re-enter your car.

Cooling Cushion

A small comfort that you can gladly invest in is a cooling cushion. This handy pillow can be used when your seat has become boiling hot after being exposed to the scorching heat. Keeping the pillow on the driver’s seat and sitting right on top of it can save you from all the torture, giving you a much-needed sense of comfort.

Tinted Windows

You can choose to get your windows tinted when you buy your car or whenever you feel that the summers are taking a toll over your comfort whilst traveling. Consult your car dealer about what will be the best percentage of tint for your vehicle, according to the stipulated and lawful guidelines. Tinting provides a sort of full-proof solution to protecting the interior of your car from the sweltering heat.

Use Water

Using water is great way to help keep your car cool, especially when it has been in direct contact with the sun for a long time. If you don’t have a garage or you tend to keep the car out in the open while at home, pouring water all over it will ensure that the heat evaporates and keeps the car cool. Another option is to wipe the steering wheel, gear knob, safety buckles and even the seats with a wet cloth so that the heat is absorbed and you can travel comfortably.

These are a few tricks you can incorporate in your daily life when it comes to traveling by car in the summer season!

What is Gap Insurance and When Do You Need It?

If you are considering buying or leasing a new car, you might have to consider various aspects of insurance and financing before you drive it home. Apart from the primary collision or comprehensive coverage, you might also get offered gap insurance from the dealership where you look for your car. If you want to determine whether this is the right insurance plan for you, read on to understand more about gap (Guaranteed Asset Protection) coverage.

What is Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance helps you pay the difference between what you owe on your car loan and your car’s worth if it is totaled in a covered accident, stolen or suffers any other loss. Many insurance providers also call this a lease or a loss payoff coverage. Gap insurance plays an important role in the auto industry because as soon as you drive your car off the lot, its value begins to depreciate and within the first year itself, your car depreciates around 20% to 30%, depending on its make and model. In such cases, having gap insurance by your side will help you save thousands of dollars in the case of a mishap where your car is written off and you still have an auto loan to pay off.

Do You Need It?

The best way to determine whether you need this insurance is to make a quick comparison. Consider the balance on your auto loan (you can get this information from your lender) and check your car’s current value (also known as Actual Cash Value – ACV.) You can find various online tools to determine the latter. If there is a huge gap between these two amounts, and you don’t have that much cash lying around, getting a gap insurance is surely important for you.

What Does It Cover?

Let’s consider a simple scenario to understand what gap insurance will cover:

$30,000 – The amount of money you owe to your lender/finance company (including your principal amount and interest).

$26,000 – Amount of money your insurance company says your car is currently worth, your ACV during the time of an accident or theft.

$4,000 – Difference between the insurance value of your car and your balance on the loan.

$4,000 – The additional money your insurance provider will pay if you have taken gap insurance along with your policy.

Where Can You Get It?

You can buy gap insurance through various sources. You can choose to buy it from the dealership where you purchase your car or from your lender if you are taking out a car loan. You can also reach out to an auto insurance company for this particular plan. Make sure to compare the prices to get the best deal on your policy.

A Few Additional Notes:

• If you are leasing a car, gap insurance will usually be included in the contract itself.
• In order to avail the coverage, it is important to buy the protection from a financial institution and not an individual.
• Also, you must have comprehensive and collision coverage on your car.
• To use your gap insurance, your vehicle must be declared a total loss and your claim should be covered under your comprehensive or collision policy.

Understanding these aspects of gap insurance will help you make the right decision for your car and your finances.

Which Toyota Vehicle Should You Buy?

Toyota is undoubtedly one of the best automakers in the world. The company has built its reputation over the years with a focus on reliability, affordability and integrity. It is a Japanese brand known for its unrelenting focus on technology integration into its vehicle. The product lineage of Toyota is admired to be the most advanced, secure and comfortable. So, if you are looking to invest in one of Toyota’s versatile models, here are the top picks for you.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is a midsize SUV designed for power and performance. It is one of the best vehicles in this segment. There are standard drive assist features and high-end Safety Connect telematics integrated into its design. You can experience unprecedented keyless ignition, automatic pre-collision braking and tri-zone automatic climate control features along with adaptive cruise control and frontal collision mitigation techniques. This robust vehicle comes fitted with a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or an available high-end 3.5-liter V6 engine for enhanced performance and more power. Also, it has impressive fuel economy and a classy interior.

Toyota Avalon

The Avalon is an amazing vehicle in the large sedan segment. It merges power with efficiency and comfort seamlessly. It’s no wonder that it has garnered positive reviews and high ratings from almost every auto expert. The high-end features and spacious interior of this vehicle are complemented by its superior technology. It has a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that emits up to 268 hp. It can be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for unprecedented supple rides. With a combined gas mileage of up to 44 mpg, it is worth every penny that you’ll spend on this vehicle.

Toyota Corolla

If you are looking for a car that ensures smooth driving for your daily commute, the Corolla is the right choice for you. It is available in six fantastic trim levels. Each of them is fitted with a power-packed 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that emanates up to 110 hp using an automatic transmission. The fuel economy of the Toyota Corolla is impressive at up to 35 mpg on the highway and up to 28 mpg on city roads.

Toyota Prius

It is touted to be one of the best cars on the American market. With its impressive fuel economy, ample cargo space and roomy interior, the Prius is a masterpiece. The hybrid powertrain is fitted with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and an automatic transmission. This space-efficient hatchback can deliver gas mileage of up to 53 mpg on the highway and 58 mpg within the city.

Toyota Camry

When you want a family sedan in the midsize segment, Toyota offers the Camry as a remarkable vehicle you will love to drive. This vehicle holds the coveted top position among its peers. It has high-tech features and a beautiful interior to keep you amazed. The Camry comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine emitting up to 303 hp while you can also opt for an advances 3.5-liter V6 engine for increased power. It also comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, sophisticated suspension and advanced handling capability.

These are the top models manufactured by Toyota for catering to its diverse customer base.

Driving Habits That Improve the Longevity of Your Vehicle

A new vehicle is a big investment that you want to last for as long as possible. As a car owner, you will want to extend the life of your car as long as you can, free from malfunction or damage. Certain malfunctions can be avoided as long as you take care of your car properly. To prolong your car’s life and keep it healthy, you need to follow certain practices and take things into your own hands.

Here are a few surefire ways to keep your car free from anomalies for a long time.

Break-In Awareness

It’s always exhilarating to rev up an engine on a new car and flash forward like a lightning bolt. As much as you want to take full advantage of your new vehicle, it is also wise to remember that it is still in its break-in period. The first thousand miles or few weeks of owning a new car is called a break-in period, and this is a time for your engine to settle down. This period sets the tone for the years to come, which is why you should start off on the right foot.

Accelerate slowly and keep the speed below the limit. Go easy on the new brakes and gears. This will ensure that all the new parts of your car get accustomed to your driving and give your car a longer, smoother life.

Gas Quality and Oil Change-Ups

Whatever goes into your car has to be clean and pure, since these elements are like the bloodstream of your vehicle. Make sure you get your gas filled up at stations referred by someone you know, or a station that uses business practices you trust. It is important to get your gas topped up at stations which regularly renew their filters and are popular, not deserted or untrustworthy.

Remember to change the oil in your car once every few months so that the impurities and dirt in the tank won’t wreck the inner workings of your vehicle. Refer to the car’s user manual to see how often the oil should be changed in your specific model.

Rotate Your Tires

You can’t drive your car without tires. They are responsible for carrying the weight of the car and ensuring the safety of the passengers. If you want to ensure that your tires are working efficiently and they end up having a longer, healthier run, it is important to rotate them once every four months or with every change in the season. A car rotation is a basic process that changes the positions of the wheels so that the tread wears evenly.

These are the few habits you should get into so you can extend the life of your vehicle.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Engine oil is the most important lubricant in your car. Fresh oil plays a vital role in protecting your engine and extending its life. Like any other compound, oil does not stay in its original form for long and needs to be replaced at specific intervals. This leaves one major question to be answered: how often should I change my oil? To make things easy for you, we answered that exact question below.

Does the 3000 Miles Oil Change Rule Hold True Even Today?

There is no singular correct answer to this question. If you are driving a new car, your car can run more than 5000 miles before you need to go in for an oil change. Some modern cars have even longer oil change intervals like 10,000 miles. Daily driving habits and road conditions also determine how often you should change your oil. Here are some additional factors that directly affect oil change intervals.

Factors That Determine Frequent Oil Changes

• If your daily drive is less than 10 miles and you live in a colder region, you might need to change your oil every 3000 miles. The reason behind this is the condensation that occurs in the engine. During cold weather condensation forms within the engine and that moisture mixes with the engine oil. The moisture in the oil needs to vaporize to prevent oil breakdown. If you rarely drive on highways, your engine may never attain a temperature needed to vaporize the moisture. If the moisture remains mixed, the water molecules combine with additives to form insoluble molecules that are harmful to the engine
• If you find that most of your time behind the wheel is taking place on gravel or dirt roads, fine particles of dust often mix up with the engine oil. This can cause damage to the engine. In this case, you need to change your oil every 3 months or every 3000 miles for optimal engine protection.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Automotive technology has grown by leaps and bounds and the oil change interval has extended from 3000 miles to 5000 miles. According to many auto experts, most modern cars can go 5000 miles before needing an oil change. In fact, some car manufacturers even recommend an oil change every 10,000 miles instead. While this may be confusing for many, here is the explanation for these differing oil change intervals.

Every engine and lubricant is different. Car manufacturers test different lubricants before recommending a few for a specific engine-type. Car manufacturers also include information about oil change intervals in the car manual. Read the manual carefully to find out how often you should change your oil.

If the car manufacturer recommends an engine oil change every 5000 miles, there is no reason to listen to other people's advice. The car manual includes information about basic maintenance tasks that are essential in keeping your car’s engine and other components in the best condition.

Changing your oil at the right intervals is one of the most beneficial things you can do for the overall health of your car. Sticking to the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule will keep your car’s engine in good condition and ensure fewer engine repairs.

5 Advanced Car Technologies That are Ready for Production

In recent years, automobile technologies have evolved tremendously with a focus on innovation and safety. These advancements are aimed at improving the ways in which we drive our vehicles. They are revolutionizing this entire industry by including smart features and capabilities in cars. The growing competition in this field has led to the development of advanced and autonomous technologies that will define the future of this industry. From semi-autonomous to fully-autonomous cars, there is a long road ahead in this regard. To beat the competition and meet the expectations of contemporary drivers, here are 5 upcoming technologies that will definitely enter the stage of production in the future.

1. Advanced Airbags

Airbags are integrated into newer models to ensure proper safety of the vehicle and its driver. Companies are now redefining this feature in a new version for making it more efficient. They will be used as an active safety mechanism for contemporary cars that already use airbags as a passive safety system. In future cars, they will be deployed underneath the vehicle to avoid a possible collision by slowing down the car. They will use sensors and friction coating on the bags to stop the car whenever a collision or crash is expected to occur.

2. Advanced Body Panels

Hybrid technology in cars has largely revolutionized the automobile industry. They are safe and environment-friendly at the same time. But, very soon, they may be replaced by energy efficient body panels that will be light in weight and offer better strength when compared to conventional batteries. They will reduce the weight of the cars and take less time charging.

3. Advanced Dashboards

In futuristic cars, you may expect to use high-end GPS technology to show the right lane for driving and provide many more capabilities. When paired with AR or augmented reality, this technology will take a step further and contribute to safer driving experiences. Cars with AR-enabled dashboards will be designed with interactive touchscreen windows and windshields to display information about any external object detected by the vehicle. Companies like Toyota are also planning to enhance the passenger experience by providing AR capabilities to zoom in on any object and view it on the touchscreen windows of the car.

4. Advanced Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication

With an advanced communication system in which vehicles can interact with each other, future cars will be safer and smarter. They can automatically share the routing information by using this technology. Cars can provide enhanced traffic reports that can be used for sharing data like speed and location to make driving better and safer. For example, if a blind turn is taken by the driver or brakes are suddenly applied, the car will be enabled with the capability to send alerts to the nearby vehicles for avoiding a collision.

5. Advanced Driverless Technology

The advanced driverless technology known by fully autonomous operations is also in the final stages of research and development. This technology has passed many barriers to become a reality of modern cars. When fully functional, these cars will operate on their own without any human interference.

You should keep a close eye on these technologies that may very soon hit the roads.

Should I Sell My Car to a Dealership?

Selling the car you’ve grown accustomed to can be difficult for some. However, it can also be a matter of necessity. If you’re moving to a new city and don’t plan on driving there, need a new car to match the growing size of your family or simply plan on getting a vehicle that’s more energy efficient, you should look to a good car dealer or you could also sell your car to an individual buyer.

The first step that we recommend is that you get your car assessed. Check with an auto expert on the current retail value of your car. They’ll give you a figure that’s current and based on the age, condition and history of your car. You can use this quote to ensure that you get a reasonable price for your car.

Negotiation

Whether you sell privately or to a dealership, you will have to engage in a bit of negotiation. If you’re one who dreads negotiations, you’ll be better off selling or better yet, trading your car in to a dealership.

Schedule

Everyone today is on a tight schedule. Time is money and not everyone is able to devote the kind of time that’s necessary in order to sell a car privately. Selling privately requires that you get your car prepped in terms of servicing, replacing worn out parts, having the car washed, as well as advertising and pitching your car to serious buyers and making sure that only genuine buyers are taking your car for a spin. Also, you’ll need to get the necessary documentation done such as having the transfer of vehicle document, getting the bill of sale, applying for the new title, release of liability and also the maintenance records to be handed over to the buyer.

This is probably the number one reason why folks opt to sell a car to a dealership instead of selling a car themselves. The direct selling process can take anywhere from a week to several months, depending on the type of car you have and its resale value.

Season

You may wonder what the season of the year has to do with selling your car. However, if you plan on selling your car yourself, you do need to take into account the season. For example, there won’t be much demand for a convertible in the winter since this car is popular only in the summer and in relatively warm regions. Another example is cars with four-wheel drive have more demand in the winter due to harsh driving conditions such as rain, snow and sleet.

On the flip side, especially if you’re in a hurry to sell your car, you could sell your car to a dealership at any time of the year without having to worry about the demand. The price may not be as high as you want, but you may end up with a lower price for every day that you delay your sale.

So, choose a good dealership and make your hassle-free sale today!

What Tools Should You Always Keep in your Car?

Driving your car is a wonderful experience but sometimes, it may get awry and you find yourself stuck on a stranded road with no nearby help. DIY is the only source available in such situations so you need to be proactive and keep proper accessories or tools handy in your car to help you out. Here is the list of such essential and life-saving tools that can be helpful at any moment.

Flashlights

In the darkness of the night, emergencies become more critical and scary, especially when driving on dark roads. You need a powerful flashlight to illuminate the area with sufficient lighting. It keeps you safe and helps in searching for the cause of a breakdown. It is important to buy a flashlight with the magnetic feature to use it easily without engaging your hands. You can fix it to the car’s body and do the repairs.

Lifehammer

A sudden fire breakout or your car becoming submerged in water can be a critical situation that may turn catastrophic for you. However, you can still escape the car safely if you invest in a tiny but versatile lifehammer. It remains attached to the driver’s seat with velcro or double-sided tape and is easily visible due to a luminescent point on its body. You can use it to break the glass windows and also cut the safety seatbelts if they are not opening.

Tire Pressure Gauge

It is useful to keep track of the tire pressure of your vehicle. Low tire pressure will not only lead to reduced mileage but also increase the wear and tear of your tires. In emergencies, a flat tire or leak can be extremely horrific. This is where you need a handy tool like a tire pressure gauge that measures the air pressure emanating from the tires. Also, it can be used to temporarily inflate flat tires.

Jumper Cables

When driving on lonely roads during odd hours, nothing can be more perplexing than a dead battery and no help in the vicinity. In this situation, you need a tool like jumper cables to ignite your car’s engine and bring it back to life. Invest in cables that are at least 10 feet long and also check their conditions frequently to ensure that the clips of the cables are not rusted or damaged.

Multi-Tool

Your car’s safety kit isn’t complete without this tool. As the name suggests, you can use it for multiple purposes. Whether you need to cut wires, bend them or cut through plastics, it is a go-to tool that can help in every case. You should buy a multi-tool that has different sizes and types of pliers, files, scissors, wire cutters and knives.

Tow Strap

If you get stranded and need someone to tow your car for some distance, you should keep sturdy ropes or tow straps in the trunk of your vehicle. Without calling a tow truck, you can pull your car to a safe spot if you have this item available at all times.

With all these essential tools, you can effortlessly get over any emergency situation.

Black History Month in Johnson City, TN

When it comes to showing respect to the people of the black community, the country does not leave any opportunity. The entire month of February is dedicated to paying homage to the black people for their contribution to the country. Several states hold celebrations throughout the month across several days. Johnson City, Tennessee, is one of the cities where the events are held in full swing.

The schedule of the events is as follows.

• 1- Giveaway of Red, Green, and Black Ribbons: Commemorating black history, the event holds the giveaway session of tricolor ribbons along with explaining the meaning of the individual color.
• 2- Black History Month Kickoff: Nothing can be more celebratory than displaying how the celebration of a particular event came into being. The ‘Black history month kickoff’ is an event that reflects on the way the journey was embarked on and how it is celebrated. You can also get an overview of the planned events for the whole month.
• 3- Mental Health Discussion: This event discusses with African American pupils the need to spread more awareness of mental health on campus and out in the world.
• 4- Trap and Paint or Color: The event for all the students prodigious in painting and drawing offers them the opportunity to display their talents and showcase it publicly, all while listening to music; the organizers believe that art begets art.
• 5- “Breach of Peace”: The event is scheduled to display the solo performance of Mike Wiley. It displays historical accounts of the Freedom Rides of the surviving participants and those who partook in the struggle for African American equality campaigns.
• 6- The Poetry Café: This event invites the greatest student artists like singers, musicians, rappers, storytellers, and poets to display their talent publicly.
• 7- Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels: The exhibit displays many artifacts, African art, paintings, inventions, sculptures, and articles of the bygone era from newspapers meant for the black people.

What Type of Coolant to Use for Your Car?

Engine coolant is an important fluid in your car which protects your engine from overheating and corrosion. Due to the lack of knowledge or negligence, car owners mix two types of coolants that do more harm than good. But, how do you know what type of coolant to use for your car? Read on to know.

What is the Inhibitor Package in Coolant?

Engine coolants are categorized by the inhibitors package they contain. The main types of inhibitor packages in coolant are Inorganic Acid Technology, Organic Acid Technology and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology. Let’s know more about these inhibitor packages in detail.

Inorganic Acid Technology

Coolants which contain the Inorganic Acid Technology inhibitor package are known as IAT coolants. They are generally low-silicate based coolants that are mostly used in cars and light-duty trucks. The silicates in the coolant are known as quick-reacting surface reactants that are expended when they come in contact with fresh metal. Hence, you need to change IAT coolants every 30,000 miles.

Organic Acid Technology

Coolants which contain Organic Acid Technology inhibitor package are known as OAT coolants. These types of coolants do not contain phosphates or silicates as corrosion inhibitors. Instead, they contain a combination of organic compounds that coat the surface of the exposed metal. Since the organic compounds form a protective layer on metal, the corrosion inhibitors are not used as speedy as IAT coolants. Hence, OAT coolants have a longer life and their extended service interval is 150,000 miles.

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology

The Hybrid Organic Acid Technology coolant is specifically designed to address problems in IAT and OAT coolants. HOAT coolants contain phosphates or silicates or both. These corrosion inhibitors are fast reacting and they work with OAT technology to offer long-term protection. HOAT coolants have a long drain interval of 135,000 to 150,000 miles.

Don’t Go by the Color

Earlier, the color of the coolant could be used to determine the right type of coolant but not now. Today, dye is added to the coolant to detect a coolant leak. You should never go by the color of the coolant to determine the right type of coolant. In fact, there are largely incompatible types of coolants with the same color. If you ignore this advice, you might end up mixing two different types of coolants that will lead to damage with engine components due to corrosion and overheating.

How to Determine the Right Type of Coolant?

Car manufacturers supply the right type of coolant to dealers. Hence, you need to go to the car dealership to find out the right type of coolant to use for your car. You also have the option of purchasing aftermarket coolants. However, you need to be careful and ensure the coolant packaging has your car model mentioned in the “Recommended for” list. Car manufacturers mention information about the right types of fluids for your car in the car owner’s manual. You need to check the car owner’s manual to know about the right type of coolant for your car.

Once you know the right type of coolant for your car, make a note of it in the maintenance record for future reference.

Car Noises and What they Mean

Buying a car is everyone's dream. In this modern materialistic world, owning a car is such a phenomenal achievement. And the list doesn't end there. The bigger the car, the more luxurious it becomes. But what happens when the car starts to grab your attention by making noises? Not many people know this, but car care is not very easy. There are various noises in a car that indicate its faulty and damaged symptoms. Let's discuss what they are and how to get noticed.

Brake Squeaking:

Brakes are one of the most important features of a car. They help to slow down and stop the vehicle. But did you know that brakes make a noise when they are released? Yes, if you hear unusual noises when braking, have your car checked immediately. The problem may be with the brakes or brake pads.

Rumbling Noises:

Rumbling noises are another important noise made by car errors. If you keep hearing a rumbling noise in your car while accelerating, it is because of a persistent muffler problem. This type of noise is due to holes in the muffler. Therefore, you should check your car right away.

Clanging:

Clanging is a noise that can be clearly heard at every speed bump. Sometimes these noises are related to your car's suspension. So, before you start using your car, make sure to look for a loose exhaust or muffler under your car.

Sounds When Turning the Car:

Car tires and rims also make groans when they feel pain. These often sound like strange noises that occur when the car is turning. While this is a perfectly normal problem, it should be taken lightly. Other possible culprits have worn wheel bearings. So, a check will help you pinpoint the problem.

5 Dangerous Driving Habits to Break

A lot can be said about driver safety on roads. Cars are becoming safer with enhanced technology features, yet they cannot completely change your behavior behind the wheel. It is important to stay aware of road conditions and avoid practices that lead to accidents. Here are the top 5 dangerous driving habits that you should break right away.

1. Driving While Intoxicated

Drunk driving causes many accidents daily in the United States. Every day, more than 27 people lose their life due to this factor. It is not only dangerous but also prohibited by laws. The federal and state governments have framed strict rules to control driving under the influence. Alcoholic substances negatively affect your ability to drive properly and puts your life and that of pedestrians at risk.

Use caution and break this habit by staying sober while driving. If you are clearly under alcoholic influence, avoid driving at all costs. Choose a designated driver to reach your destination safely.

2. Using Phone While Driving

Every time you stop, it seems to be customary to check your phone. Most people are affected by this dangerous habit of distracted driving. They do not put down their cell phones even when they drive. Texting or speaking to someone when driving can lead to severe accidents. You should avoid it completely.

It can be done by switching off your phone or keeping it away from your reach. You should use hands-free devices if it is extremely important to take a call.

3. Speeding on the Road

A majority of accidents take place due to excessive speeding. If you have a habit of driving your car beyond the recommended speed limit, break this habit right away. Speeding reduces your control of the car and restricts proper distance between vehicles.

You can change this habit by following regulations pertaining to safe speed limits. Do not try to pass vehicles when driving and stay patient.

4. Avoiding Seat Belts When Driving

Seat belts are the most understated safety mechanism in vehicles. If you have a habit of driving without wearing your seat belt, it’s time to break this habit. A seat belt protects passengers from severe impacts caused in an accident. Although most modern cars have airbags to save your life, you still need seat belts to ensure proper functioning of airbags.

It is never advisable to drive without seat belts. Learn the proper methods of using this device by wearing the shoulder belt over your collarbone and lap belt below the belly.

5. Driving When Feeling Sleepy

If a driver is fatigued and feels drowsy, it is better to stay away from the steering wheel. Drowsiness or fatigue restricts your ability to respond quickly during an accident. It can turn fatal for the driver, fellow passengers and other people on the roads if you fall asleep behind the wheel.

Whenever you need to step out and drive, take a good nap to avoid drowsy driving. During long commuting hours, you can take planned stops midway to have a sleep.

With these tips, you can break the five most dangerous driving habits.

Do you know what all of your vehicle's warning lights mean? With twenty-two different indicators to help keep you informed of your vehicle's performance and condition, understanding what each signal says is an essential step in the operation of your vehicle. Rather than having to flip through your owner's manual, Johnson City Toyota has simplified the process. You can now click the Dashboard Indicator Light for a full description of what each signal means and the possible preventative measures that you can take to ensure that everything is running smoothly.

Our Toyota dealer wants to help Bristol and Kingsport drivers stay informed about what is happening with their vehicle. If a mysterious indicator warning is illuminated on your dash, simply find the symbol in the box below then click on it. Our webpage will automatically scroll to a description of what that indicator is for. When it's time to have the issued resolved, schedule your service appointment at our Johnson City, TN Toyota dealer. There's no need to ignore the warning light or worry about what it might mean. Now, thanks to Johnson City Toyota, you can have peace of mind and resolve any potential hazards.

Keep your Toyota in the driving condition that made you take it home in the first place. Resolve any dashboard warning lights by diagnosing the problem right here on our website. We offer three easy ways to connect with our Toyota dealership. Feel free to call us anytime, stop by to speak with us in person, or contact us online. We're eager to speak with you and help you reset that dashboard warning light on your Toyota!

What Do The Warning Lights Mean?

Headlight High Beam Indicator

ndicates that the headlight high-beams are on. These lights increase visibility for the driver but should only be used when they will not blind oncoming traffic.

Cruise Control Indicator

Indicates that the Cruise Control feature is on.

Eco Driving Indicator

During Eco-friendly acceleration (Eco driving), the Eco Driving Indicator Light will turn on. If acceleration exceeds the Zone of Eco-Driving or the vehicle is stopped, the light turns off. The Eco Driving Indicator is designed to increase fuel economy and can be activated or deactivated. Consult your owner's manual for more details.

Turn Signal Indicator

These are activated once the driver changes directions and uses the indicators.

Headlight Indicator

Illuminates when your lights are turned ON. This includes headlights, side marker, parking, tail, license plate, daytime running lights and instrument panel lights.

SRS Airbag On-Off Indicator

Your vehicle is equipped with a front passenger occupant classification system. This light illuminates to keep the driver and front passenger aware of the system's status.

Slip Indicator

If the system indicates your tires may be slipping, the slip indicator flashes to indicate that Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and/or Traction Control (TRAC) are operating to regain traction. If the light stays on, it could indicate a malfunction in the TRAC/VSC system itself.

"TRAC OFF" Indicator

Indicates that Traction Control is off. The TRAC system switches the traction control on/off to prevent wheelspin and further downshifting. To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release the button. The TRAC OFF indicator should come on. Press the switch again to turn the system back on.

"VCS OFF" Indicator

Push and hold the switch while the vehicle is stopped to turn off TRAC and VSC. The TRAC OFF indicator light and VSC off indicator light should come on. Push the switch again to turn the system back on.

ABS Warning Light

This light appears when there is a fault in the ABS braking system. Although this will not result in you losing your brakes, you will want to quickly have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Engine Management Light

Illuminates when the vehicle detects a fault with the engine management system. This may lead to the system operating abnormally. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Tire Pressure Warning

Indicates low inflation pressure. Adjust the tire inflation pressure, and the light will turn off after a few minutes. If the light does not turn off even after the tire inflation pressure is adjusted, have the system checked by your Toyota dealer. If the light stays on after blinking for one minute, this may mean you have a malfunction in the tire pressure warning system. Contact your Toyota dealer for help.

Maintenance Required Reminder Light

Indicates that maintenance is required according to the driven distance on the maintenance schedule. On newer Toyota models, this light will turn on every 5,000 miles to remind you of an oil change and tire rotation. Perform maintenance as necessary and reset light.

SRS Warning Light

If this light stays on, this is an indication that there is something wrong with the system, and it is possibly disabled. This may mean that the airbags will not deploy and the seat belts will not tighten in an accident. There are different reasons that the light may not turn off, such as when an airbag has been deployed and not reset properly, or there is a computer error. In the event of a faulty SRS, you should visit your Toyota dealer immediately.

Low Windshield Washer Fluid Warning Light

Low level of washer fluid. Fill the reservoir when this light appears.

Power Steering Warning Light

Indicates a malfunction in the EPS system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Open Door Warning Light

Indicates that a door or the trunk is not fully closed. Safely check that all doors and the trunk are closed.

Low Fuel Level Warning Light

This warning indicates that your fuel is very low. Refuel your vehicle as soon as possible.

Security Indicator

This indicator light flashes after the key is removed from the ignition, indicating that the system is operating. After the key has been inserted into the engine switch, the system has been canceled, and the indicator light will stop flashing.

Charging System Warning Light

This warning indicates the possibility of a problem with the battery/charging circuit. If the light appears while driving, it may indicate faulty wiring or a broken fan belt. Stop the vehicle immediately and seek professional help.

Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

This warning indicates that your vehicle's oil pressure is low. Stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level to ensure the correct quantity is in the engine. Professional help should be sought if the oil level is correct and light continues to appear. In some vehicles, an amber light is used to warn drivers when the oil level is getting low and may need to be topped off.

Driver's Front/Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder Light

This icon warns the driver to fasten his/her seat belt.

Iconic Cars: Spooky Edition

Check out our shortlist of some of the spookiest cars in American television and film history.

Ecto-1 — Ghostbusters

The world-famous Ecto-1 is based on a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex. This bizarre Cadillac was Frankensteined together largely from limo and ambulance elements. The pearl white beauty didn’t strike fear in anyone, but it did put a smile on the faces of millions.

The 1984 Ghostbusters movie benefitted from one of the greatest comedic casts of all time. Anchored by legends like Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray, the prolonged popularity of this movie has ensured that the Ecto-1 is practically as recognizable today as it was in 1984.

Munster Koach — The Munsters

This car was built by famed Hollywood custom car designer George Barris specifically for The Munsters. Barris tweaked the design from its original, which was sketched by Tom Daniel. The Munsters Koach appeared in over 20 episodes over two years and was always a clear fan favorite.

Creepy Coupe — Wacky Races

This 1968 cartoon featured 11 drivers going to head to head in various road rallies across the nation. One of the most famed cars in the race was, of course the Creepy Coupe. Manned by The Gruesome Twosome, Tiny "Big" and Bella "Little", these little monsters made life difficult for everyone else on the road. Always acting out, these two and their Creepy Coupe were good for a laugh or two in each of their episodes.

Plymouth Fury — Christine

The Plymouth Fury is not naturally horrific looking. However, it turns into a savage and sinister ride under the right circumstances. The movie's plot was based on a novel by Stephen King, as is one of the most popular car-based horror movies that was ever made. Despite the creepiness of this movie, the Fury still puts a smile on faces wherever it goes, unaffected by its dark cinematic past.

You may not be able to find any of the cars above at our dealership, but you can find a new Corolla, pre-owned 4Runner, and much more today. Stop by or reach out to get started.

The Benefits of An Extended Warranty

The process of buying a car can be stressful at times due to so many considerations that require your attention. Apart from price, features and specifications, you need to ponder over factors like the warranty as well. Most vehicles come with a limited warranty that expires after some time. Extended coverage can be purchased from a certified dealership to keep your vehicle safe even after this initial warranty ceases to exist. There are many benefits of an extended warranty.

Peace of Mind Guaranteed

After a hassled process, you want to enjoy a pleasant experience of driving your car. Although the initial warranty keeps you covered in the first few years, it has a limited scope. However, an extended warranty has extensive coverage to provide protection against any unexpected repairs required by your vehicle. It assures complete peace of mind even if your car suffers from an unexpected breakdown. The coverage plan includes towing charges, your hotel stay and cost of getting you back on the road in a rental vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage for the Vehicle

Assured protection of an extended warranty comes with comprehensive coverage. Unlike the original Limited Warranty that expires after a few years, this warranty remains effective for a longer period. It may differ from one provider to another in terms of coverage and features. Whenever your car needs expensive repairs after the expiry of the original warranty, you can rely on the extended coverage to keep your car in the best condition. The coverage is extensive to include major and minor repairs. It also includes repairs for engine or transmission failures.

Better Resale Value

When selling your car after several years of usage, you should try to get the best return on your investment. An extended warranty assures better resale value. It implies that the vehicle was protected with proper coverage with timely repairs and maintenance. A well-maintained car always fetches a higher price even in the used car segment. The transferability of an extended warranty is easier if you choose to buy from a certified dealership.

Proper Customer Support System

With a vehicle purchase, you receive reliable customer support from the certified dealership. If you buy extended coverage from a third-party provider, you should choose a company that provides this support system. It proves effective whenever an emergency breakdown happens. Even if you lack technical knowledge about your vehicle, you can guide a mechanic for proper repairs. The knowledgeable staff of the provider equips you with information related to basic conditions of your car and steps to be taken for its repairs.

Save More Money

The cost of ownership is a major factor in your car-buying decision. You should look to lower it by opting for extended warranty coverage. It helps save a lot of your money on potential repairs needed over time. If a serious engine failure occurs, it can drain a lot of your money. However, an extended warranty can save this expenditure for a small monthly premium to be paid by you.

With these benefits, extended warranty coverage keeps your car protected in a proper shape for a longer time.

Toyota Supporting The Kids In Need Foundation

School supplies are a lot more expensive than you think and year after year, some kids are left without the essentials for the year. On average, families spend about $840 on back-to-school supplies and 1 in 3 families (roughly 15 million kids) don’t have the money to afford them. This year, Johnson City Toyota is stepping up and doing our part to help. During the month of August, you have the opportunity to help support your community while getting your Toyota in working order.

When you get an oil change with a tire rotation, Toyota will donate $3 to the Kids in Need Foundation. This foundation provides a backpack filled with school supplies to students in need. But that’s not all they do. The Kids in Need Foundation also helps to support teachers, second responders, the National Network of Resource Centers, and Every Teacher, Every Day (ETED). For the teachers, they provide them with a semester’s worth of essential school supplies for their students. Since funding for many public schools is very lacking, buying the essentials every year is sometimes the teacher's responsibility out of their own pockets.

The KINF helps nearly 7.8 million students and an estimated 316,900 teachers. Over $162 million worth of school supplies were distributed in 2021. We’re happy that Johnson City Toyota can contribute to the support of students across the country in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic made things that much harder for those already living in poverty, so the KINF’s mission is more important than ever.

If you want to help us contribute, you can schedule your oil change and tire rotation online or by calling our Tri-Cities location. Learn more about the Kids in Need Foundation today! Ensuring students have access to essential school supplies is a big deal and more important than it may seem. Help us do our part today!

Strongest Toyota Models In Johnson City, TN

Here, we have outlined the top 3 strongest vehicles available in the current Toyota lineup.

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Below Are The Top 3 Most Spacious Toyotas You Can Find.

If you need a car that can carry the whole family, or just something easy to get around in when you've got to transport cargo, read on!

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Here, We Have Presented The Top 3 Strongest Vehicles Available In The Current Toyota Lineup.

Continue reading to learn about the features each model has!

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