The Top Three Things Teens Should Know About Driving

It is considered one of the many rights of passage into adulthood. As children enter their teenage years, many can't help but count down  the days until they get their first car. But before your teen gets behind the wheel, make sure they know these three important things about driving:

• What to do when you're stopped by a police officer: When (or if) you get pulled over, don't panic. Just safely pull to the side of the road, turn off the car, roll down the window and keep your hands visible. Don't make any sudden moves or argue with the officer.
• How to deal with a flat tire: They are practically unavoidable. If you blow a tire, pull completely off the road. Then call roadside assistance and let that person change the tire. If you have a spare and know how to change the tire, make sure you are out of traffic and in plain sight of oncoming traffic before changing it yourself.
• What to do when the "check engine" light comes on: If there is any change in the car's performance, any mechanical noises, smoke from the tailpipe or electrical smells, stop the car and call for assistance. If there are none of these symptoms, take the car to a dealer and let them diagnose the problem.

These tips will definitely help keep your teen safe on the road. If it's time for him or her to get their first new car, visit our Toyota dealership and take one for a test drive today!

Want to Save Gas? Plan Trips Accordingly.

We all lead busy lives. Most weekdays seem like there aren't enough hours in the day and weekends are just as hectic. From an endless list of errands to numerous meetings around town, finding the time to think about fuel efficiency can be a difficult task. But don't worry, we're here to help.

If you want to try increasing your car's fuel efficiency, we recommend taking a few extra minutes to plan out your trips. For instance, try reducing the miles you drive by running all your errands in one trip. If you need to make a run to the grocery store and pick up the kids after soccer practice, don't make separate outings. With a little bit of foresight, you'll be stretching your fuel economy in no time!

A well-oiled car is another way to save gas. Be sure to take advantage of our service specials if your Toyota needs a tune up.