Not Your Mother's Minivan! Check out the New Sienna!

The all-new 2015 Toyota Sienna is remarkable for a lot of reasons.  One of those reasons is the fact that it’s the first-ever Toyota vehicle to be revealed online.  Here are a few more reasons.

ON THE INSIDE
Updated Front Grille
Restyled Tail Lights

ON THE OUTSIDE
Backup Camera (comes standard)
Upgraded Steering Wheel

ON THE SAFE SIDE
Equipped With One Additional Airbag (making a total of 8)

Driving Towards Romance

When is the last time you did something truly romantic? We’re not talking about taking the trash out without her asking – we are talking about a BIG romantic gesture. With the finale of “The Bachelorette” around the corner (admit it – your girlfriend is addicted too), girls have romance on their brains and expectations shoot through the roof. While it is probably not feasible to sweep her off her feet for a weekend trip to Paris, you can definitely put some pep in her step with these sweet and romantic ideas:

Take a drive and go for a picnic at your favorite park. Note: for extra romance, make sure you have a wicker basket, a plaid blanket, a bottle of bubbly, and an awesome playlist for the drive.

Teach her how to drive a manual. Will she stall your car? Probably. Will your transmission be ruined? Probably not. The point is, women know that men love their cars and if you are willing to trust her with your car, you will score big brownie points.

Whisk her away for a weekend getaway. Whether you like to relax or go on adventures, chances are there are some really nice places nearby. Nothing says romance like a quaint bed and breakfast.

Whatever you decide to do, the key is spontaneity. Even if it takes you weeks to plan, keep the element of surprise and be sure to keep it fun!

Awareness Test

Think you are a good driver? Why not watch this video and put your acute skills of observation to the test! Ready, set, go! 

Alright, all done? How did you do? It is hard to be aware of everything even when you are paying attention – so imagine how texting, putting makeup on, or talking on the phone impacts your level of situational awareness!

Driving with your favorite four-legged passenger

1. You should bring your own water from home.  Dogs have sensitive stomachs and water from unfamiliar places can easily cause an upset tummy for your pup.
2. Plan ahead for any medication your pooch might need while you’re traveling.  If you are able to pack extras, do so.
3. It’s always smart to bring a blanket that smells like home– people aren’t the only ones who get homesick!
4. Get your dog used to being on the road by taking him on a few short drives in the days approaching the big trip.
5. Make sure he’s micro-chipped.  Hit the road with the peace of mind that if the worst does happen, you won’t be caught unprepared.

You already know this, but we must remind you: NEVER leave your dog in your car unattended.  This is especially important during the sizzling months of summer.

Summer Roadtrip The Family Playlist

Hotel California by The Eagles Livin’ La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
Paradise City by Guns N’ Roses
Roam- B 52’s
ABC by The Jackson 5
You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
Let it Go by Demi Lovato
You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
YMCA by The Village People
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Before you drive off towards the sunset...

Road trip season is here again!  There’s no doubt about it: one of the best parts of summer is hitting the road on an adventure.  But before you start your car and set out for unfamiliar horizons, make sure you have these things checked off your to-do list.

1. Top off coolant.  Seems pretty obvious, but many forget this one!  Make sure you stay cool out on the road and remember to be proactive about air conditioning care to prevent future problems.
2. Refill windshield washer fluid.  You’re bound to gather a few hitchhikers like bugs and dust on your journey.  Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off so you can deal with these obstructions on-the-go.
3. Inspect your belts. As your car ages, belts become dry and brittle. This is made worse by heat and the last thing you want is to deal with a broken belt in the middle of your trip.
4. Check your tires. This is a good idea to do regardless of season, definitely not just a summer must. The easiest at-home method for this is performing the penny test.
5. Get your brakes checked out. Bring your car into our service department and let us take one final look before you head out! Even though you hope this summer never stops, you want your car to, eventually.

What would Miss Manners say about your driving?

Have you ever allowed another driver to merge onto the freeway?  You’re a decent and kind person–of course you have.  Do you ever find yourself getting unreasonably worked up if they don’t offer that universal two-second wave as a thank you?
There are certain unspoken rules of etiquette out on the road, and the courtesy wave is one of them.  Here’s a list of the top five rules of driving etiquette we wish were required.

Turn your brights off when you see oncoming traffic.  Blinding other drivers isn’t just rude, it’s dangerous.
Stop honking during traffic jams–especially at lights.  We promise it won’t make your commute any shorter.
Keep your volume at a reasonable level.  Hey, if you want to advertise your love for Nickelback, buy a T-shirt.
Allow other cars to merge.  The freeway is not a racetrack, and if we can promise you a courtesy wave– this should be set in stone.
Stop edging into crosswalks while pedestrians are crossing.  You’ve got important places to go and all those people are in your way.  But alas, you must remember that as long as they are on foot, they always have the right-of-way.  Always.