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Locking up your car deters crime and keeps it in better condition, which increases aesthetics and resale value. In addition, some insurance companies offer discounted premiums to patrons who enclose their vehicles on their property. Ponder these reasons to cruise into the garage next time you arrive home. It Reduces Damage to the Exterior For most drivers, stowing automobiles prevents scrapes and dings. If you or one of your family members constantly tap the wall or the items that line it when parking, consider this life hack of dangling a tennis ball from the ceiling so it will touch the windshield while you still have a cushion of space in front of the bumper. more It Protects From Intense Weather Automobiles kept at moderate temperatures last longer. It's a fact highlighted in your owner's manual, which explains that maintenance needs to be scheduled more often for vehicles in extreme climates. Heating or cooling a car whose temperature is at the opposite end of the spectrum exhausts air conditioning and heating systems. Your garage minimizes this effect by insulating your vehicle from the weather outside. Reducing your car's exposure to heat is essential for optimal lifespan. A garage protects your vehicle from UV rays that damage the paint and excessive heat that contributes to the deterioration of all its parts, including the upholstery and engine components. Although you can place a sunshade in the windshield, that only reduces the temperature inside. It does not affect the coated metal exterior, which conducts heat that then spreads to the inside of the vehicle. It Saves You Time Garaged autos rarely collect ice, which requires valuable minutes to scrape off in the morning, delaying your departure. Likewise, by safeguarding your vehicle, you can avoid waking up to a shattered windshield caused by a fallen tree limb. The inside of a garage is also a safer place to load or unload groceries without opening yourself up to crime. It Encloses Potential Threats Most Americans store substances like propane, gasoline, and cleaning chemicals outside of their home to keep them out of the reach of young hands. Because of those items, your garage is a more likely place for a fire, which is the downside of parking there. Never cut a doggie entrance from the garage, because laws regulate the composition of any door between that storage area and the main residence. If you start the engine while the car is stowed, contemplate opening the outside door to release harmful carbon monoxide fumes. If your situation does force you to park on the street, choose a lit place and remove any valuables from sight. Select a spot where there is constant traffic, because thieves rarely steal with onlookers present. Wash and wax your vehicle regularly to prevent substances from attaching to the paint, causing it to deteriorate over time. If possible, find a shady area or build a carport to stop damaging rays from harming your set of wheels. Also make sure you consider the value of having a protected area for your vehicle the next time you purchase or rent a residence. Image by account_deleted from Pixabay

Whether you're running the local carpool or you need to find a more efficient way to work, there are so many great apps out there to help. These apps can help you get organized, find a good carpool, or ensure that everyone is doing their part for the carpool. Carpool Kids If you're helping run a carpool that has several drivers, Carpool Kids can help you get organized. While this app was originally created for families who need to get their kids to school or activities, it can also be used for adults who need to get to and from work. The app allows you to schedule carpools, sync with your calendar, and even contact others in your carpool straight from the app. While this is an iOS app, it's also available through a web browser, making it a great option for anyone in need of a great carpool app. more KarPooler One of the best things about KarPooler is that you can keep in contact with others in the carpool. For example, if you're stuck in traffic you can easily keep in contact with the other adults in the carpool. This app helps not only with your everyday carpool scheduling; it also helps with emergencies that inevitably arise. If you're running a carpool for children, there is also the option to use the DropCheck feature, which lets parents know that their children have been dropped off. Another benefit of the app is that you can created unlimited carpool lists, making it easy to keep track of what you're doing. KarPooler is a free iOS app. ZimRide Have you ever been in need of a carpool but didn't even know where to start? ZimRide allows you to enable connections through social media networks to help people find carpool options. You can list your own drive or find others who are looking for riders. When you create your profile, you can even include information such as your musical tastes, allowing you to find a carpool you'll connect with well. You can even pay for your ride through the app, making it a simple option. Carma Carpooling When you need to find a carpool, check out Carma Carpooling. This app helps you connect with either riders or drivers to get where you need to go. Unlike many apps out there, it is not considered a ridesharing app. Instead, it is specifically a carpooling app. Riders pay a standard $0.20 per mile, which helps drivers off-set their cost. While the app is available anywhere in the world, it's most likely to find you matches in large cities. This app is free to use on either Android or iOS, making it a great option for drivers and riders anywhere. Make your commute a little easier with any of the great carpooling apps out there. These apps allow you to get where you need to go, set up your carpools, and stay organized. Whether you're trying to reduce your carbon footprint or get the kids to school, carpooling apps are becoming a popular way to connect. Image via Pixabay

Getting out and exploring nature is a great way to spend some time and see what the area has to offer. Luckily, Kingsport offers a variety of great hiking options. Whether you're an experienced hiker or you're new to the offerings of the great outdoors, check out some of the beautiful hiking spots in the area. Bays Mountain Trail Bays Mountain Trail, located in Bays Mountain Park is a 5.2-mile loop trail. This loop is rated moderate, and may be difficult for those who have never hiked before. However, it's a popular option for both new and experienced hikers. You'll have the opportunity to take some beautiful pictures as you hike around the lake and through the forest areas. As you hike this trail, you'll find beautiful flora and fauna that are native to the area. If you're looking for a spot to go birding, this is a great option. more Chinquapin Trail If you're looking for an easy hike, consider Chinquapin Trail. This is a 3.9-mile trail that is rated easy. Chinquapin Trail is accessible year-round making it a good option for those looking to hike in the late fall or early winter. The trail has a lot of twists and turns, but it is a mostly smooth trail. Like several other trails in the area, Chinquapin Trail is located in Bays Mountain Park. While you're hiking, experience the changing color of the leaves during the fall. This trail is also used by mountain bikers, so keep an eye out for others along the trail. Red Fork Falls If you're looking for a difficult hike, head to Red Fork Falls. Here, you'll be able to see an amazingly beautiful waterfall as well as other natural beauty of the area. Keep in mind that the hike is difficult and requires some steep climbs. The main waterfall here is 60 feet, but there are also smaller falls throughout the hike. Bring along your camera to capture the majesty of the falls, as well as the variety of wildlife you'll come across. The hike to get to the falls is only a half-mile, but it can be slippery and is very steep. Kingsport Greenbelt The eight-mile hike of Kingsport Greenbelt takes you along Reedy Creek and the Holston River. As you're hiking, you'll pass historic homes, a variety of landmarks and even Civil War historic sites. This is considered an easy hike, since the trail surface is asphalt and it's simple to walk. You can also bike along the trail, or stop off to go fishing. The trail is wheelchair accessible, making it the perfect option for a variety of hikers and those who want to get out and experience the area this fall. Whether you're looking for a simple hike or something a little more challenging, the Kingsport area offers a variety of options. Get out and take a hike this fall to see the area in a new light. Whether you're heading out on your own or with a group, bring along some snacks and stop for a picnic to make the experience even better. Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Driving with a cracked windshield frequently seems more inconvenient and frustrating than dangerous. However, in some situations, a cracked windshield is dangerous and should be taken care of immediately. Whether you're dealing with a small crack or a large one, consider your options carefully. Size One of the most important things you need to consider when deciding whether or not to get the crack fixed or the windshield replaced is the size of the crack. A small crack or chip isn't generally going to impair your driving. However, if the crack is large or starting to grow, you'll want to get it fixed or have the windshield completely replaced by a professional. Many states even have laws against driving with windshield cracks that are too large. more In some cases, you may be able to fix the crack yourself with repair options from an auto parts store. Usually, you can do this if the crack is smaller than a quarter. It's a good idea to get the crack or chip professionally looked at to ensure that it's fixed properly. If you're dealing with less than 12 inches of damage, it generally is repairable. A crack larger than this usually means that you need to replace the windshield. Position It's also important to keep in mind the position of the crack or chip. If it's directly within your line of sight, it's crucial to get the windshield repaired. Having a crack in your line of vision may just seem like an annoyance, but in certain situations it can actually impede your view. On top of this, if the crack is in the driver's line of sight, it's illegal to drive with the windshield like this. If you can see clearly out of the window without the damage interfering, remember that it's still a good idea to fix the crack as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may grow and quickly become a larger issue. Structural Integrity Even a small chip can cause damage to the structural integrity of the windshield. This means that the windshield is not going to do its job properly if you're in an accident. In fact, in some cases, a crack or chip can cause the entire windshield to shatter if there is even a small amount of damage to the car. To ensure the structural integrity of the windshield, it's important to get the damage checked and fixed as soon as possible. In some cases, depending on the location of the crack and the size of the damage, you may need to completely replace the glass. While this can be an expensive fix, it's an important one. A windshield with good structural integrity keeps you safe. If you notice that there's a crack in your windshield, make sure to take care of the problem quickly. Small cracks can turn into large ones quickly. Even small actions such as shutting the doors too hard can cause the crack to grow. This leads to a more expensive fix and the possibility of driving with illegal damage to the vehicle. Image via Pixabay

When you're a car owner, you have to pay attention to problems that arise with your car. Fixing problems quickly helps keep your car running longer. If you're having trouble with the suspension, it's crucial to get these things fixed. Many suspension problems affect not only how smooth your drive is, but can also negatively impact other systems in the vehicle. Shock Absorbers One of the easiest suspension problems to detect is when the shock absorbers start to go. When this happens, you'll notice that your drive is a lot bumpier than it used to be. When the car starts bouncing around the road, replace the shock absorbers. Shocks contain fluid and help keep the tires planted firmly on the road. When the fluid starts to leak, bouncing is no longer able to be absorbed and dampened. Shock absorbers don't necessarily affect other systems, but without them your drive becomes extremely uncomfortable. more Wheel Alignment Part of the car's suspension system is the wheel alignment. If your wheels aren't aligned properly you literally may not be able to drive straight. Your steering won't be centered, and tires won't wear correctly. Your alignment can get thrown off by a variety of things, including potholes and curbs. Take your car in regularly to get the alignment checked. The most common time to get the alignment taken care of is when you get new tires put on the car. Not only does the wheel alignment make it more difficult to steer, it also affects how quickly you need new tires. Ball Joints The ball joints in your suspension system help absorb some of the up and down shock in the car, connect the suspension system to the wheel, and the joints rotate as you move the steering wheel. You can tell when the ball joints need replacement because you'll hear grinding and squeaking when you're turning. In some more severe cases ball joints may break and actually cause the suspension system to start dragging while you drive. If this happens, it's time to stop driving the car and get it to the shop immediately. Springs The springs hold the weight of your car up. However, because of the way the springs work, they can easily wear out. Once they start to wear out or break, you'll notice that the car is lower on one side than the other. If the car starts to sag toward the ground, it's time to get the springs checked. Remember, not getting your springs fixed can lead to more severe damage to the car in the long run. Other signs that the springs need to be repaired including problems going around corners and a strange noise when you go over bumps in the road. If you suspect suspension problems in your car, it's time to get it to the vehicle to a mechanic. Suspension problems make your entire drive worse, and can indicate other problems with the car, as well. Don't wait too long to get the car checked out.

You may have heard that Toyota has a new patent, and it's something we've all been waiting for. The automaker recently got a patent for a flying car. If you're looking for the cars of tomorrow, you may – or may not – see it sooner than you think. The Team There have actually been a few patents granted to Toyota for flying vehicles. We don't know a lot about the team coming up with these designs, but the patent was granted to Gandhi, et al. The inventors named in the newest patent are Umesh N. Gandhi and Taewoo Nam. It's likely there will be an entire team of dreamers working with them, however. On a previous flying car patent, Dr. Gandhi worked with Robert Roe. Unfortunately, no one who knows anything more than this is talking about the team designing these vehicles. more The Car The current patent offers a futuristic look at a basic sedan. The vehicle seems to fly by using a rear-mounted propeller that pushes it forward. This car patent offers a vehicle that can both fly and drive on the road, and according to the patent, uses shape morphing to go between flight and ground. Part of the morph includes a flexible frame and retractable wings. One thing that is unclear is how the car morphs – does it use shape memory material, hydraulics, or something completely unknown? According to the patent, the car is powered by a battery pack, fuel cell, internal combustion turbine, or other similar devices. The Dream It's obvious that Toyota has hired a very talented and highly imaginative team, which offers up dreams in the way of patent applications. This currently approved patent was actually filed with the United States Patent Office in 2014. Many people have been dreaming of flying cars for decades, and these patents filed by Toyota and approved by the patent office give a bit of legitimacy to the idea. In fact, the patent seems to be well thought out, if still a little clunky. The Reality Unfortunately, the reality of a truly flying car – while a real possibility in the future – is still likely several years, if not decades, away. There are other auto manufacturers and independent companies working on flying vehicles, as well. There are no known prototypes of the flying car even made yet, pushing that timeline even further. While the ideas are solid, they are not yet as efficient as they would need to be. However, with so many people dreaming of flying cars, and many scientists and inventors actually working toward the goal, it's likely that this is somewhere in our future. It's important to remember that just because the patent was approved doesn't necessarily mean the car will ever be built. It's good to see that a large company like Toyota is working toward the future of vehicles, however. With so many great ideas about flying vehicles coming out, it likely isn't too far in the future until we see a working prototype of one of these vehicles. Image via Pixabay

If you want the newest and best, you want to see the 2017 Toyota CH-R. This SUV isn't even released yet, but is already making its mark. If you're looking for comfort as well as tech and safety features, you'll want to see what's going on inside the Toyota CH-R. Comfort The images released by Toyota show what looks to be a comfortable interior. The center console is higher than normal, making it easier for the driver to use. The single-piece dashboard offers a flatter angle, giving it a user-friendly feel. The seats in the front are adjustable, and are covered in Napa leather, making them extremely comfortable. It is expected that the seats will offer additional comfort features, such as heating and cooling. Overall, the interior design is made with the comfort of the driver and passengers in mind. In fact, the images portray a luxury feel to the SUV. more Tech Features It is expected that the interior of the CH-R will be packed full of great tech features that you're looking for in your new SUV. One of the features shown is an 8-inch touch-screen display. This display offers easy access to a variety of options, including the sound system and smartphone integration. On top of this, the steering wheel includes many controls, making it safer, easier, and more convenient for drivers to take control of what's happening in the car. Other tech features expected to be in the car include remote start, keyless entry, and push-button start. Safety Features One of the biggest concerns for many car buyers is the variety of safety features available. Luckily, Toyota has released information on some of the safety features included in the CH-R. It will include standard safety features, such as driver and passenger air bags, traction control, and pretensioner seat belts. However, there are a number of additional safety features to look for in this SUV. Toyota stated that the car will come with a precollision safety system that includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. The car is also expected to have a rearview or around view camera, navigation system, and more. Overall Experience The most unique thing about this SUV is the overall style and feel. The experience of this car is high-tech luxury. In fact, according to Toyota the vehicle was made for less engaged car buyers who are looking for something a little edgier. This new generation of car buyers wants their car to look and feel unique while still giving them the features they're looking for. This is what the 2017 Toyota CH-R offers. In fact, when the product line version was released, many thought it was simply another concept car, because of strange yet seductive styling. There is not yet an official release date for the CH-R in the United States. However, it is expected to be released sometime during the spring of 2017. If you're in the market for something a little different, the CH-R is worth the wait.

As the weather starts to turn colder and the leaves change colors, it's a perfect time to visit some of the most beautiful gardens around Tennessee. These gardens offer you a unique look at some of the state's foliage and flora, and give you special access to plants you may not see anywhere else. 1. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens Cheekwood Botanical Gardens offers a number of individual garden areas, including Howe Garden, Roberson Ellis Color Garden, Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden, and the Japanese Garden, Shomu-en. Each garden in the collection offers a different look at the plants, and features a variety of species. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is part of the Cheekwood property. Admission here is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $12 for college students, $9 for children age 3-17, and free for those age 2 and younger. There is also a 50 percent discount for those with a current military ID. The park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. more 2. Tennessee River Gardens Tennessee River Gardens is located in Chattanooga. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature around the river. This is a wildlife and nature preserve, giving you a beautiful view of everything Tennessee has to offer. Tennessee River Gardens features a butterfly pavilion, a duck habitat, and a wildflower trail, as well as the beautiful trees and foliage of the area. Tennessee River Gardens offers a membership, as well as tours for school classes and individuals. You will need to call ahead to get pricing for your group, as well as request a time. 3. Blount Mansion Blount Mansion in Knoxville features amazing gardens, and you can take a tour of the mansion while you're there, as well. Admission for the tours is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6-17, while children 5 and under are free. The visitor's center is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed during major holidays and University of Tennessee home games. The historic gardens offer a look at Colonial revival style. 4. Dixon Gallery and Gardens In Memphis, check out Dixon Gallery and Gardens, which features 17 acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens. The English landscaping includes two acres of woodland gardens, a greenhouse, statuary, and a cutting garden. The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $5 for college students, $3 for children age 7-17, and free for children ages 6 and under. There are also special group rates with advanced notice. When you're looking for some of the best gardens in Tennessee, keep in mind that nearly every city in the state offers something unique and beautiful. Those listed here are some of the most popular and interesting gardens you'll find, but they are by no means the only options throughout the state. Image by Marie R. from Pixabay

You want tech features in your car. These features work to keep you entertained, but several of the tech features in Toyota vehicles are actively trying to keep you safe on the road, as well. With the huge variety of tech in Toyota cars, it's no wonder these are some of the smartest on the road. 1. Entune Toyota Entune offers drivers and passengers the ability to connect to their cars in a way unlike anything you've seen before. The technology help keep you connected to your apps, your smartphone, and your car. This suite of tech features includes a variety of options, including advanced voice recognition and smarter directions. With the Bluetooth technology, you can not only make and receive hands-free calls, you can even stream your music for free. If you use an iPhone, you can even talk to Siri without having to look at your phone. Integrated apps include options like Pandora, Slacker Radio, and apps to help you make dinner reservations. more 2. Safety Sense Bringing together a variety of safety features and advanced technologies helps keep you safe on the road and avoid a collision. Some of the features in Toyota Safety Sense include a precollision system, lane departure alert, auto high beams, pedestrian detection, and dynamic radar cruise control. Using technology to help see what's around you keeps you more aware of your surroundings. Safety Sense is not available on all vehicles and all trim levels, but it's being released on more models each year. 3. Safety Connect Another optional feature to the Toyota line of vehicles is Safety Connect. This system allows you to connect to emergency assistance if you're in an accident, as well as a variety of other connectivity options. Included in the Safety Connect package is a stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance, emergency assistance, and automatic collision notification. The service comes with a yearly subscription, but it's free for a year with the purchase of a new car with Safety Connect availability. 4. Smart Key System Several models and trims offer the Toyota Smart Key System. This system helps keep you connected to your car in a completely different way. It makes your life easier by allowing you to lock or unlock doors, open the trunk, and even start the car by carrying your keys with you. You don't even have to pull the keys out. With the key in your pocket, you simply grab the door handle to unlock it. Start your car by pressing the start/stop button and the brake – again, without having to pull out your keys. This helps keep the car a little more secure and helps you get going faster. When you choose a Toyota vehicle, you can connect your car to your life. The tech features in the vehicles help you stay entertained, safe, and on the go. No matter which vehicle you're interested in, you're going to find the best tech in a Toyota.

When people start considering buying a Toyota, one of the first things they usually ask themselves is whether they should purchase a new vehicle or a used one. If you can relate to that, keep reading. The insight below will help you determine whether a used or new car is more appropriate for your situation. Desire for Custom Features Perhaps you've had your sights set on a particular Toyota for a long time, to the point where you can quickly recite your list of must-have features to anyone who cares to hear them. Maybe you want the vehicle to have a moonroof so you can feel the wind in your hair as you drive, or would like the interior or exterior in a specific color. It's usually much easier for a dealership to meet those needs if you're willing to buy new. more If you know you want a Toyota, but aren't too picky about the features it has, you might find a suitable car on the dealership lot that's in excellent condition and has a sticker price that's unbeatable. To help yourself come to a firm conclusion about how important custom features are, thoroughly research any Toyota models you're interested in and become familiar with all of their available customized features, not to mention the perks that come standard. Importance of Fuel Efficiency Toyota's range offers a complete, attractive assortment of fuel-efficient cars. Not surprisingly, the manufacturer has created cars that get increasingly better gas mileage as time has passed and technology has improved. If you're set on getting a Toyota that gets the greatest gas mileage available, go with a new model. If fuel efficiency is still a concern, but not quite so important, think about seeing what's available in terms of used cars. Your Budget and Goals Money is arguably one of the most common car-buying considerations. After all, if money were in unlimited supply, people would never have to think carefully about affordability and could instead just buy the cars that are most appealing for reasons other than price. However, money matters to most people, and that's probably true in your case, too. Besides thinking about how much you can afford to spend, ponder what your goals are. For example, are you looking for a reliable and safe first car for your teenager? If so, a used car likely fits that need best. On the other hand, maybe you're someone who has just accepted a very lucrative job, but one that requires you to make a lengthy daily commute. In that situation, buying a new Toyota makes sense, especially since new cars usually have warranties that are better than those associated with used cars, and are less likely to have mechanical problems. If you're driving a lot every day, a new car might serve you better than a used one. Hopefully, these points help you feel more confident about answering the all-important question of whether a new or used Toyota is right for you. Plan to see what's available near you and schedule a test drive soon. Image by Iren from Pixabay

When buying a new car, many people pay especially close attention to the terms of the vehicle's warranty. They often provide the kind of peace of mind that reduces buyer's remorse and makes people more excited about their car purchases. Keep reading to learn some basic principles about vehicle warranties that could help you understand whether one that's associated with a car you're considering is worthwhile. Most Last for a Specific Number of Years or Miles When looking at details for a warranty, you'll often see descriptions such as "three years/36,000 miles." That means that generally, the warranty lasts for either a three-year period or until whenever your odometer says you've driven 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The length of the warranty is a good guideline, but it's not a hard and fast rule to depend on, due to the next point on this list. more Some Actions Void Your Warranty Taking good care of your car helps the vehicle last longer. However, there are also some things you might do to a car to improve it that void the warranty. Some of them include installing aftermarket parts that change how the car's factory-installed components function. People are also commonly concerned they might void their warranties by having cosmetic work done on their cars. In most cases, this is not true unless it changes the car's mechanical function as well as its appearance. Although you've just learned some general guidelines about what voids a vehicle warranty, always research further by looking at the owner's manual. It'll have a specific section that details what you can and cannot do to stay within the warranty's terms. Also, there are federal and state statutes for vehicle warranties; you should always refer to whatever the owner's manual says because the information there overrides anything else. A Warranty Isn't a License for Negligence Some uneducated buyers believe a vehicle warranty gives them permission to avoid regular maintenance on a car or otherwise treat the vehicle in ways that could compromise its function or appearance. Although most warranties provide coverage for defective parts, they don't come into effect if a part gets stolen off your car after you kept it parked out in the open within an area of town that's prone to car thefts. Anyone Can Perform Maintenance to Keep a Warranty in Effect Performing regular maintenance on a car that's under warranty is arguably one of the simplest ways to ensure you're doing what you can to keep the warranty's terms in effect. However, that doesn't mean you can only get a car serviced by the dealership. Many people prefer to take that route because they know that the dealership mechanics are already very familiar with certain makes and models of cars, and may wish to establish an ongoing relationship with a local dealer. However, if you already have a mechanic you rely on, that person can perform maintenance too. Although this article provides a crash course about vehicle warranties, bring up more detailed questions with your dealership. Representatives there are well equipped to give the answers you need. Image by Cicero7 from Pixabay

According to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2016 Prius gets 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world. This spectacular fuel economy didn't happen by accident. Toyota spent years developing technology that would improve the popular hybrid vehicle's efficiency. If you're interested in buying a car with remarkable hybrid technology, you'll want to know these four reasons the Toyota Prius offers the best fuel economy. An Aerodynamic Shape That Reduces Drag When you compare the 2015 Prius to the 2016 version, you'll immediately notice that Toyota changed the exterior slightly. While the company probably wanted to maintain the Prius's iconic shape, it also wanted to make some tweaks that would reduce drag. Those subtle changes help improve fuel efficiency by letting the car slip easily through the air. The design works so well that the 2016 Prius gets about two miles per gallon more than the 2015 model. more What you may not notice is that the 2016 model is about 2.5 cm (about an inch) lower than the 2015 Prius. The company managed to do this thanks to its Toyota New Global Architecture technology. The result is a lower center of gravity that improves handling while also lowering the car's drag coefficient. A Lithium Ion Battery Lowers the Weight 2016 is the first time that Toyota decided to use a lithium ion battery instead of a nickel metal hydride battery. This was a smart choice since lithium ion batteries are smaller and weigh less. By lowering the weight, Toyota made it possible for the Prius to drive more miles without using more power. Lithium ion batteries cost a little more than nickel metal hydride designs, but the extra expense is worth it for drivers considered about saving money at the pump. A More Rigid Body Further Reduces Weight Toyota made major revisions to the Prius's electric motor, transaxle, and other crucial components to lower the weight even more. New welding techniques made it possible to give the new Prius a rigid body that some estimate is 60 percent better than the 2015 version. A Tweaked Powertrain Improves Thermal Efficiency As the parts in a car interact, they create friction. During the process, that friction turns into heat, which then becomes lost energy the vehicle can't use. Toyota made a lot of tweaks to the Prius's powertrain over the last year and managed to lower the amount of friction (and, therefore, the amount of energy lost through heat). All car manufacturers have made significant strides in thermal engineering technology over the last few decades. It's one of the reasons that today's cars tend to get better mileage than their older cousins. Toyota, however, has really pushed this technology to a new level. The 2016 Toyota Prius proves that car manufacturers can build more efficient vehicles when they invest in new technologies. With some luck, Toyota's advances will convince other companies to take fuel efficiency more seriously in the coming years.