It's Road Trip Season

Don't Let Your Adventure Break the Bank

In a few weeks, millions of Americans will start hitting the road for their annual summer road trips. Overall, almost 80% of American vacations involve driving rather than flying, according to the U.S. Travel Association. A survey by AAA found that 52% of people said they were more likely to take a long road trip in 2015 because of lower gas prices.

But driving to your next vacation destination comes with costs of its own, including gas, lodging, and wear and tear on your car. While the upfront cost is smaller when getting behind the wheel, minor expenses can add up.

Whether you’re planning a coast-to-coast journey or a quick weekend getaway, you’re probably looking for ways to save on your next road trip. We’ve gathered seven tips that will help you save money on travel this summer so that you can get the most bang for your vacation buck.

1. Get a tune-up

Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition. Popular Mechanics advises checking filters, fluid levels, brake linings, coolant, and tire pressure. Properly inflating your tires can improve fuel economy by 3%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, while using the manufacturer-recommended grade of motor oil can improve gas mileage by up to 2%.

2. Pack light

Loading up your car with a lot of baggage means you’ll spend more on gas. Your fuel efficiency falls by 1% for every extra 100 pounds you carry in your car. Putting a cargo box on your car’s roof reduces fuel economy by 6% to 17% when driving on the highway. If you must carry extra cargo, haul it behind your car rather than putting it on the roof.

3. Watch the speedometer

Having a lead foot will cost you. Fuel economy decreases dramatically at speeds above 50 miles per hour, says the U.S. Department of Energy; you’ll pay an extra 17 cents per gallon for every five miles you drive above that speed. Rapid acceleration and braking also reduces your car’s fuel efficiency.

4. Skip the tolls

Tolls are collected on 4,630 miles of highway in 25 states, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. And they won’t just cost you pocket change. Driving 356 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, from the Ohio border to the Delaware River Bridge, will set you back $46.10 if you have a regular passenger car, and more if you’re driving a bigger vehicle like an RV. Picking an alternate route could mean more money in your pocket.

Going far out of your way to skip tolls could end up costing you more in gas and lost time. But for cost-conscious travelers who aren’t in a hurry, it may make sense to choose the scenic route, opting for small back roads rather than major highways.

5. Get a deal on lodging

Everyone has a different strategy when it comes to finding a place to stay on a road trip. Some people create strict itineraries, so they know exactly where they’re going to stay every night. Other people have a more laissez-faire strategy, letting the rhythm of the road dictate where they bed down for the night.

If you prefer the former approach, you have time to shop around and get the best deal on a room. Seat-of-their-pants travelers can use sites like Priceline and Hotwire to get last-minute deals. A membership with AAA can score you big discounts at many hotels, and hotel loyalty programs may earn you discounts and upgrades on rooms. Camping rather than staying in hotels is another way to save.

6. Stock up on snacks

The average American individual or family spends $27.16 per day on food at restaurants when traveling, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Make multiple trips through the drive-through a day, and you could quickly blow your travel budget.

Before you leave, stock up on affordable, healthy snacks so that you’re not tempted to hit McDonald’s. Then, look for parks and nature preserves on your route where you can stop for a picnic, and turn your lunch break into a fun part of the trip. And if you’re staying in hotels, don’t forget to fill up at the free breakfast, if one is offered.

7. Track gas prices

Gas prices have fallen over the past year, which is good news for summer travelers. But a little advance planning can save you even more. Apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas station when it’s time to fill up.

Also, remember that gas prices can vary significantly from state to state. If you’re driving through Chicago, fill up in neighboring states like Wisconsin and Indiana, where gas can be 10 or 20 cents cheaper per gallon because of lower local taxes, according to a report by Illinois Policy. On your way to California, top off the tank in Arizona, where the average price of gas is currently 76 cents less than in the Golden State.

Resource: http://www.cheatsheet.com/personal-finance/save-money-on-your-summer-road-trip-with-these-7-tips.html/?a=viewall#ixzz3dFOO3oot

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.

2016 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab revealed along with more details | Northridge Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma stepped behind the curtain for a makeover, and has emerged for 2016 with an appearance both chunky and menacing, plus lots of new tech and features. We've already seen its exterior, but some details we didn't get are that there will be a new locking tailgate that can lower itself slowly, without slamming, an available tri-fold hard tonneau, and four new wheel designs. Supporting that will be a stiffer frame with more high-strength steel and additional hot-stamped, ultra-high-strength steel in a lighter bodyshell.

Engines will come in two flavors, either the carryover 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a brand new 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 that utilizes both direct and port fuel injection. The four-pot only can only be had with a six-speed automatic transmission - one extra gear than before - with electronic shifting, the sixer can be specified with that or a six-speed manual. We haven't been given numbers yet, but Toyota says the new truck is "more powerful and fuel efficient," meaning we expect a raise on the 236 horsepower of the current 4.0-liter V6.

The dash is laid out with a driver-focused "handlebar" theme, finished with soft materials and metallic accents. Tech options include push-button start, Qi wireless charging, a Multi-Terrain Select system, and blind-spot detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, while luxury is attended to with a power moonroof and leather-trimmed seats. To aid the ambiance, engineers improved the seals, added an acoustic windshield, a sound-absorbing headliner and a floor silencer pad to make the cabin quieter. The suspension has also been retuned to deliver a smoother ride and provide more travel. One neat convenience touch: a GoPro mount next to the rear-view mirror.

Five trims will be offered when it goes on sale: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited.

2016 Toyota Avalon – hybrid, review, changes, refresh | Northridge Toyota

Dear lovers of cars from a full-size sedan category, we inform you that the market will soon find a new 2016 Toyota Avalon. Its turning on many cars will push into the shade, and most of its biggest competitors, Honda Accord and Ford Fusion. This excellent car is known for its large and comfortable cabin, and with this new model will gain improvements in terms of the latest systems and technologies, as well as more beautiful designs. All this should not affect the expansion of the list of buyers of this model, because it will remove all the shortcomings of earlier. With the new model will apparently come and hybrid versions, and this will be a big hit for this model if it is true. The new Avalon will have four different trim levels. These are: XLE, Touring, Premuim XLE and Limited trim the level.

Under the hood of the new 2016 Avalon will be known 3.5L V6 engine with 268 hp and 248 lb feet of torque, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine was previously very popular and there was no need to change it. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is estimated at six seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. The story goes that the Toyota Avalon Hybrid to offer better mileage of around 40/30 mpg. Moreover, Toyota is going to offer a hybrid electric version of the 2016 Toyota Avalon which will be propelled by the Hybrid Synergy Drive train like that found in the Camry Hybrid. EV mode, Eco mode and the HVAC energy use.

In view of the exterior of the new 2016 Toyota Avalon can say that there will be quite redesign and therefore he will have a bit more modern line than before. The full-length will be lower by about 2.5 inches. The offer will be completely new grilles, like the one that is on the model Camry. Changes will be evident in the area of ​​the rear window, which will be smaller than before. We’ll mention a contemporary mirrors and we will not dwell on this topic and other minor details changed.

Inside the cabin, the new 2016 Avalon will be even more space than its predecessor. The capacity of the cabin for five adults, who will have complete comfort in the true sense of the word will be able to sleep in such a space. The new dashboard will dominate the cabin and within it will be offered 6.1-inch touch screen through which will control all systems and accessories in a very easy way. All this will be the driver, and passengers ride make a real pleasure. It will also be offered leather seats that will have the possibility of heating.

From Backing Biodiversity to Leading on LEED: Toyota Tackles Environmental Priorities | Northridge Toyota

Who isn’t worried about water these days? Concerned about carbon? Count us in.

That’s why we've sold more than 2.4 million Toyota and Lexus hybrids in North America, which save approximately 500 million gallons of gasoline annually.

That’s why we will soon be manufacturing the Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid using a green energy source: landfill gas.  

And that’s why we’ve conducted decades of research that will culminate in the launch of the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle in 2015, a sedan that emits nothing but water vapor.

Toyota’s commitment to producing ever greener vehicles through more sustainable processes has never been more apparent. To see how we’re working toward these goals, check out our latest North American Environmental Report at http://www.toyota.com/usa/environmentreport2014. The report focuses on five priority issues carbon, water, materials, biodiversity and outreach. Here are highlights from each:

Carbon

• Toyota's first-ever production fuel cell car uses hydrogen as fuel and emits only water vapor. The Toyota Mirai will be available for sale to customers in California in fall 2015.
• Beginning in 2015, Toyota's Georgetown assembly plant will generate green power from local landfill gas, enough for the production of 10,000 vehicles per year.
• We received our 10th consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. EPA. Our 14 manufacturing plants have reduced energy use by almost 11 billion kilowatt hours in the last decade.

Water

• Toyota saved over 93 million gallons of water in North America during fiscal year 2014.
• Team members at Toyota's assembly plant in Cambridge, Ontario, found a way to capture, clean and recycle over 12 million gallons of water used to rinse vehicles during the painting process.
• Since opening in 2007, Toyota's Texas assembly plant has used about 1.9 billion gallons of recycled water instead of drawing fresh water from the Edwards Aquifer.

Materials

• Toyota's North American facilities reduced, reused, recycled or composted over 95 percent of non-regulated waste during calendar year 2013.
• Toyota has 32 North American facilities that meet the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council's definition of a "Zero Waste Business" — one with a 90 percent or greater diversion of all waste from landfill, incineration or the environment.

Biodiversity

• Since 2010, Toyota's Kentucky assembly plant has established 10 beehives onsite. Some 85,000 happy honeybees produced more than 100 pounds of honey in 2014, which was given away to visitors.
• Over 130,000 trees have been planted at Toyota's Indiana assembly plant over the last six years. The area has become a thriving habitat for wildlife.
• Toyota currently has over 1,000 acres across seven North American sites certified to the Wildlife Habitat Council's Wildlife at Work program.

Outreach

• Toyota is helping develop a battery storage system for the Lamar Buffalo Ranch at Yellowstone National Park. Featuring 208 used Camry Hybrid battery packs, the system will provide a sustainable power source for one of the most remote and pristine places in the U.S.
• More than 23,000 folks across the U.S. pledged to save over 1.4 billion gallons of water as part of the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation, supported by Toyota.
• We have assisted 42 Toyota and Lexus dealers with LEED^® certification. We have more LEED-certified dealers in the U.S. and Canada than any other auto manufacturer.