Peterson Toyota Auto Blog

5 Hot Car Tips for Summer

2010-03-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

We're a bit excited for summer, and it's just around the corner! Here's 5 car tips to make this summer a breeze:

1. Park in the Shade
Too obvious? Walk a few extra steps if you see a tree nearby. If you can't park in the shade, pick the best direction. Say you're at the mall at 3 p.m. Which is the best way to park? The sun sets in the west, so you don't want to be facing west. Try to park in the direction where the sun will be shining on your rear window or passenger side for most of the time it will be parked.

2. Window Tinting/Sunshades
Mitigate some of the effects of the sun by having your windows tinted. If window tinting isn't in your budget right now, then you can eliminate some of the heat by purchasing a windshield sunshade that you place on the inside of your windshield when you leave your car. This prevents the sun from beating on your dashboard and steering wheel. Dashboards don't like the sun or heat. If you don't cover them, they will fade and crack. Steering wheels, of course, get extremely hot, cause burns to the touch, and cause unsafe driving when you can't really grip the wheel. There are also removable side window screens, if you have passengers in the rear who want a little relief from the sun on long road trips.

3. Service Your Vehicle
Frequent oil changes and belt checks are a must. Batteries die faster, carry jumper cables. Make sure fluids are full.

4. Items You Should Have in Your Car
Common sense says that you should always have a spare tire and a first aid kit. Here are some additional items that you might not think of:

* Water, for drinking and/or for the car.
* Steering wheel cover. A cloth cover (not leather) make allow you to comfortably handle the steering wheel after the vehicle has been standing in the sun.
* Cooler or insulated shopping bag. If you are shopping and you have a bit of time before you can get home, a cooler with an ice pack or insulated shopping bag will keep those frozen items from melting, or that fresh fish safe, before you get there.
* Cell phone, so you can call if you get lost or get into trouble.
* First aid kit.
* Emergency kit. Items you should consider include a flashlight, flares, jumper cables, blanket, extra clothes and gloves, paper towels, and some basic tools like wrenches, a ratchet and sockets, screwdrivers and pliers.

5. Items you Should Not Have in Your Car
Think about it--does it make sense to buy a milk chocolate candy bar and leave it in your car in the heat? Believe me, no matter how smart we all think we are, at one time or another we've been dopey and left something we shouldn't have in the car. Hopefully, there wasn't a large cleaning bill as a result.

* Milk and other dairy products.
* Anything packaged under pressure, like hair spray or soda pop.
* Tapes, CDs, or DVDs.
* Sunscreen in a bottle. Buy little packets or towelettes.
* Crayons, candy, gum, lipstick.
* Credit cards or other cards with magnetic strips on plastic.
* Cleaning solutions with alcohol or ammonia.
* Anything that didn't have a decent smell before it reached 115 isn't going to smell any better after it's been left exposed in direct sunlight all day.
* After shopping, check your trunk carefully to make sure nothing has fallen out of the grocery bags. You really don't want to find those eggs or that salami a week later.

2010-02-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

Make sure to check out the latest specials going on now at Peterson Toyota!

2010 Camry available with 0%!

Hurry in before it's too late!

Toyota Recall

2010-01-28T13:07:00.001-08:00

We understand that there is upset and anxiety out there in regards to the recent recall and want to ease that as much as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Cloninger Toyota and we will answer all your concerns as best we can.

Winter Weather

2010-01-26T06:57:00.000-08:00

Found some great tips on how to be prepared for winter weather. It's always a good idea to make sure your car is in top condition in case the weather turns & you have the tools you need to get through it all.

2010 New Year's Sale

2010-01-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-11T09:07:00.001-08:00

Be Safe Out There

2009-12-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

Peterson Toyota wants you to be safe this holiday season as you're driving around out there. Here are a few winter weather driving tips: Check your tire tread condition to make sure you have good traction, use windshield wiper fluid with de-icer and Rain-X Treatment on windows to get the best visibility, inspect your belts and hoses to make sure they aren't worn out due to varying temperature extremes. Schedule an appointment at the Peterson Toyota Scion Chrylser Jeep Dodge Service Department to make sure you're in top shape for the winter weather.

2010 Toyota Prius

2009-12-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

Come to Peterson Toyota to see why the Toyota Prius has been nominated the Green Car Journal's 2010 Green Car of the Year!

With an estimated combined 50 MPG, the Toyota Prius also saves you from rising gas prices! Imagine the gas in your car from your daily commute lasting almost twice as long! Not only would it save you money, but you'll also spend less time at the pump! Particuluarly helpful when its COLD outside!

The customer comes first

2009-11-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

Peterson Toyota is commited to putting the customer first by providing the best in customer service. To accomplish this goal, our focus is to make your experience with us pleasant and easy. We work with you to put you in the car that you want at a price that you can afford.
We pride ourselves for selling quality reliable vehicles and services at a great value to make you a customer for life.
So whether you're looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, stop by PetersonToyota.com before you make your final decision and find out why you should choose Peterson Toyota.