Tires Spend Their Entire Life on the Ground, Time to Check Them | Northridge Toyota Scion

It only takes a penny to see if your tires are worn or losing tread. Examining your tires for wear and tear, along with checking tire pressure and alignment, are essential to ensuring your vehicle’s safety on the road and helping to improve gas mileage and performance. It is recommended to check tire condition and pressure regularly.

The use of a single penny allows you to check the safety of the tire tread on your vehicle. Place the penny on its side with Lincoln's head facing down and if you see Lincoln's head, it is time to bring your car into Northridge Toyota. No one knows how to care for your Toyota better than the experts at your dealership. Tires are selected to provide an exceptional driving experience with characteristics including superior handling for wet or dry traction, stability, tread life, acoustics, comfort and rolling resistance, which impacts fuel economy. These considerations, as well as load and speed ratings, determine which brands and tire types are approved for use on your vehicle.

Vehicle owners should check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, on a monthly

basis and more often during colder weather. In addition, the tread should be checked for uneven or irregular wear as well as cuts or bruises along sidewalls. Tires should be inflated to recommended pressure levels, rotated every 6,000 miles to promote uniform tire wear and be replaced if worn or damaged.

If the vehicle shakes or pulls to one side, it could be a sign of an alignment issue. Because uneven or accelerated tire wear may indicate an alignment problem, it’s a good idea to have the alignment checked at least once a year. Wheel balance can change as a result of normal tire wear and unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts.

About Northridge Toyota | Scion in Northridge

Ted Hitchcock, General Manager, would like to thank you for visiting Northridge Toyota | Scion - serving the San Fernando Valley for over 40 year. Located in the heart of Northridge, CA, and near Los Angeles and surrounding communities, we are conveniently located for prime shopping and eating. Northridge Toyota | Scion now serves the community with a new 75,000 sq foot facility that includes a service center that has almost 50% greater capacity.

The Northridge Toyota | Scion mission is to bring knowledgeable car specialists, enthusiasm, value, great inventory, unparalleled customer service, friendly staff, community awareness and simplicity to every customer interaction while making the positive feedback and experience of each guest our primary objective. We offer an amazing array of new Toyota cars, certified pre-owned Toyota’s, and have a huge inventory of pre-owned cars. We specialize in all forms of maintenance, from tires to brakes, including all Toyota Care, Toyota Care Plus, and Toyota ExpressMaintenance. Whether an oil change and tire rotation, or something more, we have a cutting edge facility to help you. Please visit our well stocked parts and accessories department as well as our waiting area with state-of-the-art hot beverage dispensers, numerous flat panel tv’s, free wi-fi and pet waiting area - See more at: http://www.northridgetoyota.com

Source: http://www.carcare.org/2015/05/check-your-tires-for-wear-and-tear-it-only-tire-safety/

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind for the Winter Season in California | Northridge Toyota Scion

Automobile associations, law enforcement groups and other organizations that follow cars and traffic often come out with a set of safety checks for drivers during the winter. The tips have little use for Southern California drivers, who would see a near shutdown of freeways and streets if by some strange weather quirk they had to confront snow.

But mindful that we are not weather-challenged, auto information company Edmunds.com has come out with a set of safety tips for Sun Belt drivers as we head into the rainy season.

Check your tire pressure: Tire pressure is important because traction declines in wet conditions. Also, a properly inflated tire will help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle drives over potholes. Read your owner's manual to find the correct tire pressure.

Inspect the wipers and check wiper fluid: Visibility is often compromised in the winter by rain and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car's blades are older, replace them.

Make sure your four-wheel drive system works: A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel drive, which improves traction in snow and other slippery conditions. But many people don't use their 4WD systems very often, especially in places such as Southern California. Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drive-train when the system is in use. If there are multiple drivers for your vehicle, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system.

Check your defoggers: Rain and dampness put windshield defoggers to the test. Make sure they are in working order and that all the drivers of the vehicle know how to operate them.

Keep in mind each of these items will be inspected when you bring your vehicle in for regularly scheduled maintenance. You can schedule an appointment today online. 

Carry an emergency kit: In earthquake-prone Southern California, this is a good idea for winter and the rest of the year. You can purchase a pre-assembled kit or do it yourself. Be sure to include:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
• A blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves.
• Paper towels.
• A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck.
• Extra washer fluid.
• Extra food and water.

The Northridge Toyota | Scion mission is to bring knowledgeable car specialists, enthusiasm, value, great inventory, unparalleled customer service, friendly staff, community awareness and simplicity to every customer interaction while making the positive feedback and experience of each guest our primary objective. We offer an amazing array of new Toyota cars, certified pre-owned Toyota’s, and have a huge inventory of pre-owned cars. We specialize in all forms of maintenance, from tires to brakes, including all Toyota Care, Toyota Care Plus, and Toyota ExpressMaintenance. Whether an oil change and tire rotation, or something more, we have a cutting edge facility to help you. Please visit our well stocked parts and accessories department as well as our waiting area with state-of-the-art hot beverage dispensers, numerous flat panel tv’s, free wi-fi and pet waiting area - See more at: http://www.northridgetoyota.com

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/10/winter-driving-tips-warm-weather-states.html

Northridge Toyota | Scion Supports The North Valley YMCA

Northridge Toyota | Scion Sponsors North Valley YMCA 28th Annual Booster Club Dinner

Northridge, CA – Northridge Toyota | Scion will have the privilege of being the Platinum Sponsor for the North Valley YMCA 28th Booster Club Dinner. This dinner will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at the Knollwood Country Club and will begin at 5:30pm. Northridge Toyota will be joined by many sponsors in order to support the North Valley YMCA.

As a Platinum Sponsor, Northridge Toyota will be donating a 2016 Toyota Corolla, and has been a Platinum sponsor for almost 5 years. This gives Northridge Toyota an opportunity to continue their goal of giving back to the community, and show how much they appreciate the mission of the North Valley YMCA. Ted Hitchcock, general manager of Northridge Toyota | Scion, has said, “Northridge Toyota | Scion would like to thank the YMCA for inviting us to be a part of such an amazing organization. We recognize how many wonderful programs the North Valley YMCA makes available to all the families and individuals within this great community.”

The Los Angeles City Council President Pro Tempore, Mitchell Englander and the North Valley YMCA will be hosting this affair. By being a sponsor for this event, Northridge Toyota gets to play a part in furthering the North Valley YMCA’s efforts. By raising awareness and hosting numerous events, the North Valley YMCA will be able to continue inspiring youth development, healthy living & social responsibility.

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About the North Valley Family YMCA at Porter Ranch

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The North Valley Family YMCA was founded in 1945 and serves over 40,000 children, adults and seniors each year regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

About Northridge Toyota | Scion in Northridge

Ted Hitchcock, General Manager, would like to thank you for visiting Northridge Toyota | Scion - serving the San Fernando Valley for over 40 year. Located in the heart of Northridge, CA, and near Los Angeles and surrounding communities, we are conveniently located for prime shopping and eating. Northridge Toyota | Scion now serves the community with a new 75,000 sq foot facility that includes a service center that has almost 50% greater capacity.

The Northridge Toyota | Scion mission is to bring knowledgeable car specialists, enthusiasm, value, great inventory, unparalleled customer service, friendly staff, community awareness and simplicity to every customer interaction while making the positive feedback and experience of each guest our primary objective. We offer an amazing array of new Toyota cars, certified pre-owned Toyota’s, and have a huge inventory of pre-owned cars. We specialize in all forms of maintenance, from tires to brakes, including all Toyota Care, Toyota Care Plus, and Toyota ExpressMaintenance. Whether an oil change and tire rotation, or something more, we have a cutting edge facility to help you. Please visit our well stocked parts and accessories department as well as our waiting area with state-of-the-art hot beverage dispensers, numerous flat panel tv’s, free wi-fi and pet waiting area - See more at: http://www.northridgetoyota.com

Contact:
Mark Garland
Digital Marketing Manager
Northridge Toyota | Scion
818.532.3611
mgarland@NorthridgeToyota.com

Hello October! | Northridge Toyota

Do you know why October is so much fun? Is it because we have our annual Toyota Clearance Event happening, making room for 2016 models? Is it because today is Columbus Day? Is it because this is a wonderful time to celebrate our native indigenous culture and their contribution and importance in US history, as well as those of Italian immigrants? Is it because Halloween is just around the corner? Is it because we are getting close to Thanksgiving and all the fun winter Holiday’s? Well, the answer is, ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Today we celebrate Columbus Day. This is a day that congress set aside in 1934 to celebrate the discovery of the “New World” – when Columbus arrived in “The Americas”. It also marks the day for many Native Americans as the beginning of a challenging time in their history – which we all honor and respect.

Northridge Toyota wants to celebrate Columbus Day with you, recognize the contribution of all Americans, Italian Americans, Native Americans, and collectively all of us that work every day to make the world a better place. A place where we encourage one of the most exciting things we can do as the human race, “Discovery”.

Discovery is awesome, whether science or the arts; discovering new things is part of the spice of life and what makes every day potentially amazing.

So happy “Columbus Day”, happy “Discovery Day”, and hope your week is off to a great start.

We love this website, so please check this out: http://www.ymcala.org/north-valley.

Lastly, please be on the lookout for our Halloween get together and other community events happening at Northridge Toyota – “Your Neighborhood Toyota Dealership”.

Ted Hitchcock, General Manager, would like to thank you for visiting Northridge Toyota serving the greater Northridge, CA, serving Los Angeles, CA and serving San Fernando Valley, CA area. Our goal is to make your car buying experience memorable with great deals and offers available. Northridge Toyota’s virtual dealership offers a wide variety of new and used cars, Scion, Toyota incentives, service specials, and Scion, Toyota parts savings. Conveniently located in Northridge, CA we are just a short drive from serving Los Angeles, CA and serving San Fernando Valley, CA. - See more at: http://www.northridgetoyota.com

Northridge is the Place to Be | Northridge Toyota Scion

Northridge Toyota and Northridge Scion are so lucky to be in such a wonderful neighborhood.  Just across the street we have the Northridge Fashion Center with their own Macy’s, Sears and JCPenny’s, and so many terrific restaurants.  The architecture is bold and clean, the area full of parking and loaded with stores, and it is amazing how close the mall is to other fantastic restaurants in the area.

We find that so many of our employees end up at the Yard House, or the Macaroni Grill, or Claim Jumper, and the list goes on.  Just down the street we have a Costco that features delicious hot dogs and pizza slices ready to eat (so inexpensive), and we even have an In & Out Hamburger.

One of the special events that the Northridge Fashion Center puts on this season is their Farmers Market.  This is so cool, because vendors come from all over to sell fresh produce, organic honey, nuts and seeds, kettle popcorn, knick knacks, and so much more.  Check this out soon, it’s going to be gone by the end of October, and we’ll have to wait until next March for it to start up again.

We are also excited because the new 2016 Toyota Prius is coming out -  very sleek styling and way too cool features.

Also, please come by often through the end of the year; we are going to have a Toys For Tots, a special Halloween event, and so much more!

We also participate with the North Valley YMCA and the local police department;  there is always information on our Facebook Page, so please be on the lookout for more fun and exciting information to all our other upcoming events at Northridge Toyota.

Ted Hitchcock, General Manager, would like to thank you for visiting Northridge Toyota serving the greater Northridge, CA, serving Los Angeles, CA and serving San Fernando Valley, CA area. Our goal is to make your car buying experience memorable with great deals and offers available. Northridge Toyota’s virtual dealership offers a wide variety of new and used cars, Scion, Toyota incentives, service specials, and Scion, Toyota parts savings. Conveniently located in Northridge, CA we are just a short drive from serving Los Angeles, CA and serving San Fernando Valley, CA. - See more at: http://www.northridgetoyota.com

Follow Some Simple Tips when your 4-Legged Friend joins you

ASPCA offers tips and tricks for your pet's Safety

For some pet parents, a trip’s no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off-especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

• Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
• Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
• Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle-even if it is a long drive.
• Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
• What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
• Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
• Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.
• Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
• When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
• If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Resource: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/10_tips_for_safe_car_travel_with_your_pet

2015 Sienna 'Swagger Wagon' Struts Its Stuff | New & Used Cars LA San Fernando Valley

 

 2015 Sienna Wins Family Car of Texas

The 2015 Toyota Sienna “Swagger Wagon” showed its moves with its refreshed styling and added safety, convenience and multimedia features, earning it both Family Car of Texas and Minivan of Texas at the Texas Automotive Writers Association’s (TAWA) annual Auto Roundup event.

After a day of demanding driving at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, journalists voted for their favorite vehicles in 18 different categories. This year 52 journalists attended the event and drove 54 vehicles from various manufacturers.

“As the only van in its segment available with all-wheel drive, the recognition as Family Car of Texas confirms our efforts to keep the family van alive and thriving,” said KC Kirimoto, vice president of product and global communications for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Toyota’s commitment to enhancing the 2015 Sienna was focused not only on new safety features, but also the convenience and comfort of every member of the family.”

2015 Sienna is Perfect Fit for Families
The 2015 Sienna impressed Texas journalists with its style and comfort, from the subtle exterior styling refinements for a more upscale look to the new center console and dash design. Both passengers and drivers can enjoy the refreshed interior with added safety, convenience and multimedia features. Sienna’s new three-spoke heated steering wheel, available trimmed in leather or premium leather, ups the luxury ante.

Ted Hitchcock, General Manager, would like to thank you for visiting Northridge Toyota serving the greater Northridge, CA, serving Los Angeles, CA and serving San Fernando Valley, CA area. Our goal is to make your car buying experience memorable with great deals and offers available. Northridge Toyota’s virtual dealership offers a wide variety of new and used cars, Scion, Toyota incentives, service specials, and Scion, Toyota parts savings. Conveniently located in Northridge, CA we are just a short drive from serving Los Angeles, CA and serving San Fernando Valley, CA. - See more at: http://www.northridgetoyota.com/#sthash.gn9on8pa.dpuf

5 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Car | New & Used Cars LA San Fernando Valley

 

Here are Five Spring Car Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Remove leftover salt
Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.

2. Check alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.

3. Change oil and check fluids
“If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it, spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services. Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.

4. Rotate tires and check air pressure
You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely.

5. Inspect brakes
Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.