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.

Feature Focus: 4Runner Towing Capacity

Today's Feature Focus introduces us to the new 2014 Toyota 4Runner and its amazing towing capacity. If you're looking for a new Toyota, we definitely recommend looking at the 4Runner.

For those who enjoy venturing into some of nature’s toughest ranges, the new 4Runner is so strong, you'll never have to leave everything behind again. The 2014 4Runner can tow up to 4,700 lbs. and adheres to SAE J2807, the standard for tow ratings set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This awesome feature makes this Toyota SUV the perfect travel companion.

So if you're in the market for a new Toyota, be sure to visit our Raleigh Automotive Dealership and take one for a test drive!

Feature Focus: LED Daytime Running Lights

For today's Feature Focus, we're highlighting an awesome exterior design feature for the 2014 Toyota Venza. The next time you're looking at purchasing a new vehicle, be sure to check out the LED Daytime Running Lights on the Toyota mid-size crossover SUV.

The Venza's Limited Daytime Running Lights create an eye-catching profile while cruising around at night, and while driving to the office during the day. These stylish LED headlights ensure you'll be well-equipped for the road and be seen by everyone.

If you want to see this cool feature in person, stop by our Raleigh dealership and take a Venza for a test drive today!

Origin Story: Kicking the Tires

If you have ever gone car shopping, you've undoubtedly heard the phrase "kick the tires." Many of us have participated in this car-buying tradition, but where did this ritual come from?

The story begins in the early 20th century. Tires on early automobiles were made of thin rubber and were sometimes of poor quality. While looking for a new vehicle a prospective buyer might kick the tires to see how thick they were or if they would deflate. And so the tradition began.

Vehicles have evolved a lot since the early years of the automobile, but you can still find shoppers testing out the tires as they cruise the dealership.

If you're looking to test drive a new Toyota, check out our current selection on our website and stop by the dealership today!

The Toyota Land Cruiser is Anything but Ruff

If you're a proud dog owner, you might want to consider getting a new Toyota. In a recent article, Jalopnik named the Toyota Land Cruiser as one of the 10 best cars for dog owners. Its cargo space and comfortable interior can easily accommodate canines of any size. So whether you prefer a Great Dane or a Chihuahua, the Toyota Land Cruiser will help solidify your spot as your dog's best friend.

Be sure to stop by our Toyota dealership and take a new Land Cruiser for a test drive today. We're here to help!

Throwback Thursday: Classic Car Show Edition

This week, we were scrolling through some amazing photos from the ninth annual Japanese Classic Car Show. There were some great photos of some vintage Toyota models and we thought we'd share our favorite pic with you for Throwback Thursday. Toyota has an amazing history and it's great to take a look back and see these classics and the impact they still have today in the automotive world.

If you want to check out some of the new Toyota models, visit our Toyota website and stop by the dealership for a test drive!