In Honor of National Fall Car Care Month in October Here Are Some Fun Facts | Northridge Toyota

Five Fun Facts About Vehicle Maintenance

Even if you're serious about maintaining your automobile, you'll enjoy these five fun facts about car maintenance.While there are many things you need to do to keep your car running smoothly, these are a few of the tasks associated with basic automobile maintenance:

• Changing the oil and replacing the oil filter
• Rotating and replacing tires
• Checking and replacing wiper blades
• Checking fluid levels
• Checking and replacing brake pads and rotors

While many of these tasks don't seem very exciting, you might be surprised by the following little-known facts about them.

Almost 900 Million Oil Changes Each Year

In 2007, drivers in the United States registered over 254 million passenger vehicles. On average, Americans drive their passenger cars and trucks just over 10,000 miles per year, and they get an oil change every 3,000 miles. That translates to nearly 900 million oil changes!

Different models of cars and trucks take different amounts of oil, but most engines require 5 to 7 quarts. That means that in one year, Americans use at least 1.1 billion gallons of oil in their vehicles. Much of this oil is reused and recycled. 

The First Auto Tires Were Like Bike Tires

Decades ago, drivers had to replace their tires far more frequently than we do today. These days, it's not uncommon to get 50,000 miles or more on a single set of auto tires, but this longevity is due to the advanced technology and materials used to produce modern tires. Radial belts, synthetic and natural rubber components, and body plies, or layers, give today's tires a long lifespan.When inventor Philip Strauss designed the first tire in 1911, the structure of tires was very different. These tires were closer in design to bicycle tires, featuring an inner tube that was inflated to provide a firm base for the outer rubber shell.

Windshield Wipers Were Invented by a Woman

Next time you're driving in a rainstorm, you can thank Mary Anderson, who invented windshield wipers in 1903. Anderson was visiting New York City and noticed that the streetcar driver had to keep his window open in a sleet storm in order to reach his arm out of the car and manually clean his windshield with a squeegee. Anderson received a patent for the windshield wiper, but she couldn't sell the invention to the auto companies, who claimed that the device did not have commercial value. After Anderson's patent ran out in 1920, windshield wipers eventually became a standard feature on automobiles.Today, changing windshield wipers is an important part of automotive maintenance. Wiper blades come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and some are even heated to help keep your windshield clean in icy conditions.

Your Car Uses Six Primary Fluids

Think you can get away with just changing your oil? Think again! Believe it or not, you car actually uses six different fluids:

• Motor oil
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

It's important to replenish and change these fluids according to the car's maintenance schedule, and it's also imperative that you properly dispose of the old fluids. Many of these substances are hazardous to people and animals.

Antilock Brakes Were Invented Over 50 Years Ago

Even though they are a fairly recent safety feature on most passenger cars, antilock brakes have actually been around for half a century. The British company, Road Research Laboratories, created an anti-skid braking system in 1958. The system, called "Maxaret," was used in production in 1966 on the Jensen FF Sports Sedan.

Initially, Maxaret and other antilock braking systems were simply too expensive for automakers, but advances in computerized braking now make it possible to get antilock brakes on almost any new car.
Final Words

While auto maintenance may not be the most scintillating topic of conversation for most people, it's something all vehicle owners have to perform. Next time you're in the waiting room of the car garage, you can entertain the other auto owners with these fun facts about car maintenance.

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

Source: http://cars.lovetoknow.com/Fun_Facts_About_Car_Maintenance

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

Scion Welcomes Two New Members to the Family | Northridge Toyota Scion

Two new vehicles joined the Scion family this month and you can check them out at Northridge Toyota Scion. Drivers will appreciate that both new vehicles offer an athletic, yet efficient driving experience. The 2016 Scion iA and 2016 Scion iM are waiting for you to get behind the wheel and fall in love. 

2016 Scion iA

The striking front hood and large grill are only the most visually striking aspect of the 2016 Scion iA, and they barely hint at the driving experience available at the controls. This sedan is one of the lightest sedans in its class, at just 2,400 pounds and handles like a dream. The suspension smoothly balances comfort and responsiveness to road conditions. The 2016 Scion iA comes standard with 6-speed manual transmission which features a short throw and smooth clutch action. The 6-speed automatic is also available and offers fluid take-off and precise shifts. Minimal engine noise matched with other features puts this sedan solidly in the luxury category.

2016 Scion iM

The 2016 Scion iM comes with a 1.8 L 4-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. Customers have the option of a 6-speed manual transmission with hill start assist to prevent backwards rolling on inclined stops, or to pay a little extra for a continuously variable transmission (CVTi-S) with seven step shifting. The CVTi-S is well-worth the extra, with a combined mileage of 32 mpg and an additional Sport mode which decreases the power steering and optimizes the transmission for a more interactive driving experience.

For more information on the 2016 Scion iA and 2016 Scion iM schedule a test drive online or call us at (818) 812-1177.

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

Northridge Toyota | Scion is getting revved up for the Labor Day Holiday Weekend!

All around we can see our community anticipating a well deserved BBQ.  

At Northridge Toyota Scion we are going to have as much fun as we can.  However we never forget what Labor Day represents – the commitment and the quality of the American Worker.  Now more than ever, we know how hard you are working; please know that we appreciate our community and we appreciate the efforts of the American Worker.  Coast to coast, here and abroad. – if you are vegetarian, we recommend you BBQ Tofu and Vegetables!.

Whether you are looking to buy a car, want to window shop, or just come in and celebrate with us, we are going to have fun for the whole family.  From food  to drink to those blow up bounce contraptions that are fun (adults can play too!).  We are going to have our staff here to welcome everyone.

We are also celebrating the launch of the highly anticipated Scion iA and iM.  As you know, Scion’s come pretty loaded at a set price and are ready to go faster than you can say zero to sixty (corny we know).  Our Scion shipment is set to arrive any day now and we have one of each on the lot to look at. Both are priced super competitive and feature cutting edge technology and will introduce Scion’s first ever four door sedan (iA). Check this link out - http://www.scion.com and learn more at www.nortoy.com | www.northridgescion.com.

So, whatever your interest is in at Northridge Toyota | Scion; used cars, news cars, leasing, buying, visiting, a car enthusiast (like we are); what matters is our Toyota family is looking forward to celebrating.  Please stop by. 

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

School Starts Soon | Northridge Toyota

School Days, Good Old Golden Rule Days...Time to Keep Safety Rules in Mind. Follow the Rules To Save a Life

August is here and Back to School specials are filling up the email and mailboxes. That means little ones will once again be making the daily trek to and from school. Crosswalks, flashing lights, stop signs and crossing guards can only do so much when it comes to protecting school children. When it comes to school zone safety, motorists need to study up on these safe-driving tips from experts in school zone safety:

Expect the unexpected: "Children run and play. They can come from anywhere," says James Solomon of the National Safety Council.
Stop properly at stop signs and crosswalks: It's illegal to pass through either a stationary stop sign or one held by a crossing guard or other safety representative. 

In all 50 states, when a stop sign is displayed, motorists must stop for it, Solomon says. Drivers should stop completely at the stop sign, before the crosswalk area. Blocking a crosswalk could force kids to go around your vehicle, putting them in danger. And wait a bit before driving through after the crossing guard clears the intersection, warns Solomon. "There are always one or two children lagging behind that are now going to run through the crosswalk to catch up with the rest of the group."

Obey the speed limit: "The faster you are going, the more likely you are to injure a pedestrian and to injure them more seriously," says Nancy Pullen-Seufert of the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

Most school zones have speed limits of 20 mph or less. Studies have found that 5 percent of pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 20 mph suffer a fatality. The fatality number increases to 45 percent when hit by a vehicle going 30 mph, and to 80 percent for a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph. And because of their smaller size, children fare even worse. Faster driving means longer stopping distances. At 20 mph, it takes an average vehicle 69 feet to come to a total stop, and nearly double that distance, to 123 feet, at just 30 mph, according to NHTSA.

Put away electronic devices: A few states, have made it illegal to use a cell phone while driving in a school zone, and for good reason.

Talking on your cell phone has been shown to reduce reaction time. Looking away for just 2 seconds doubles your chance of crashing. Texting while driving has been shown to be as dangerous as driving drunk.

"The ability to multitask is a myth. If you are going to drive your child to school, drive your child to school. Leave the cell phone in a place where you aren't going to be distracted," says Kate Carr of Safe Kids Worldwide.

Solomon agrees. "You want to navigate the school zone 100 percent prepared to handle a situation," he says.

Make eye contact with pedestrians: "If you haven't made eye contact with them, assume that they haven't seen you and that they are just going to keep on going," says Carr.

Wait your turn near school buses: It's illegal in all 50 states to pass a bus on undivided

roadways if the vehicle is stopped to load and unload children. State laws vary regarding passing a school bus on a divided roadway when the bus is traveling in the opposite direction, but all vehicles behind a bus must stop. Make sure you know the rules in your state, and regardless of whatever they are, never pass a school bus on the right. It's a sure recipe for disaster.

According to the National Safety Council, most children who die in bus-related crashes are pedestrians ages 4-7 who are hit by the bus or by motorists illegally passing the school bus.

Pay attention to bus warning lights: A yellow flashing light means the bus is preparing to stop to let kids on or off. A red light means kids are getting on or off the bus.

Give buses ample space to load and unload: Children are in the most danger of being hit 

by a vehicle within the 10 feet around a school bus. And just in case you're tempted to violate any of the bus-related rules, many school buses are now equipped with rear cameras to catch motorists who illegally pass them.

Follow the school's drop-off rules: "Oftentimes parents get very tempted to drop their child off across the street from the school and tell their child to just run across the street. And we really, really don't want drivers to do that," says Pullen-Seufert. "Any time any pedestrian of any age is crossing the road, they are at a greater risk."

Choose a different route: If you are a daily commuter and not a parent picking up or dropping off their child, avoid a school zone if you can.

Be more careful in the fall: More children are injured by cars in September than any other month. "Kids are going back to school and drivers have to adjust again after a summer season," says Carr.

What to do if there's a near miss: Never reprimand or approach the child directly. The child is likely to be nervous or frightened when confronted by a stranger, Solomon says. Do let an adult know what happened, though. You might be alerting authorities to a potentially dangerous area within the school zone.

You need to find whoever is in charge, if it's a crossing guard, a law enforcement agent or school staff," Solomon says. "You need to safely park the vehicle and explain what happened. Sooner or later, enough near-misses mean someone gets hit."

Treat every kid as your own: It's not always some unwary motorist who is responsible for school zone traffic accidents. Whether they're dropping off or picking up their children, parents also often break school zone road rules, say safety experts.

If you're a parent, keep in mind that even if your children are safely in school or in your vehicle, you still have to watch out for their classmates. You'd want other parents to do the same for your kids.

Regular Car Checks Recommended During High Summer Temperatures

Staying on top of your car's systems during the height of Summer can help ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car's battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir.

As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges.

The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner's manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's tires.

"It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The council reminds motorists that the vehicle's exterior also can be damaged by sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visithttp://www.carcare.org/.

Source: Car Care Council

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