Blog

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles suggests that the future of the car industry lies in alternative energy sources. Car manufacturers have taken note, and they're spending a lot of time and money developing new technologies that will power vehicles without harming the environment. Toyota stands out as the most successful company in the race to discover alternative fuel sources. In 2015, the company received 4,214 patents for new technologies. That's nearly 2,000 more patents than any other car manufacturer. While no one knows when these new technologies will reach dealerships, you can expect to find these three alternative energy innovations in the near future. Magnesium Batteries Magnesium battery technology is one of the most promising breakthroughs for Toyota. Researchers working at Toyota's Research Institute of North America have found that they can build batteries that use magnesium instead of lithium, which currently dominates rechargeable battery technology. The team hasn't perfected the battery yet, but it gets closer every day. At first, the researchers struggled to find an electrolyte that would work well with magnesium. That's a huge step forward to reaching their goal. Once Toyota completes this project, it will have the ability to make smaller, lighter batteries that can hold more electricity than lithium ion batteries. The researchers also believe they can develop a magnesium battery that costs less to manufacture. That would solidify Toyota's position as the world's most advanced maker of alternative fuel resources. Solar Recharging Toyota is exploring several technologies that could extend the range of electric vehicles. A solar recharging system, however, is one of the most innovative approaches. Toyota's exhibit at Smart Community Japan 2016 featured a redesigned Prius PHV with rooftop solar panels. If this technology reaches the consumer market, you could recharge your electric vehicle's battery just by driving on sunny days. The obvious limitation is that this system would only work well on days when the sun shines. Still, it's a smart idea that can improve electric vehicles when sunlight is available. Hydrogen Fuel The Toyota Mirai already gets power from hydrogen. The design takes air from the car's front intake grilles and pushes hydrogen fuel through a cell stack that generates electricity. You essentially have an independent power station built into your vehicle. One of the best things about hydrogen fuel is that it only expels water. The Mirai doesn't make any harmful exhaust. It just drips water out of the tailpipe. At the moment, Toyota's Mirai is only available in California. No other state has enough hydrogen fuel stations to support them. If it proves popular, though, the Mirai's success could encourage more fueling stations to include hydrogen. That would make it possible for drivers to generate their own electricity without adding pollution to the air. It's impossible to determine which of these technologies will succeed. They all have their benefits, but each also has its drawbacks. Toyota may decide eventually to use multiple technologies to create a new type of hybrid vehicle, or it may perfect one option that dominates the market. Image via Pixabay

When it's time to go car shopping, the big sticker prices, major commitments, and performance unknowns of a new vehicle can make the whole prospect less appealing. Perhaps it's time to consider a used car instead. There are a lot of benefits to buying used, from lower cost to more information about the car through reviews in publications and on Internet forums. If you're in the market for a vehicle and aren't sure if buying used is right for you, consider the following. 1. Lower Cost The most obvious reason to opt for a used car is the considerably lower price compared to new vehicles. All cars lose market value over time, but did you know that a car doesn't have to be old or well-worn in order to depreciate? Technically, the moment a new car drives off the lot, it depreciates by a considerable percentage. If you shop smart, you can find a car that's quite close to new, but at a fraction of the price. Just make sure to investigate the car's condition thoroughly before you buy, as unexpected maintenance can wipe out that price difference overnight. 2. More Information We're living in an information-rich time. Not only are there professional publications like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book that review cars, there are also countless Web forums and other services that allow everyday people to publish the nitty gritty about their real driving experiences. A car that came out a few years ago will have plenty of information out there about things like long-term fuel efficiency, common maintenance issues, and even the average depreciation of a given vehicle. You will be able to learn a lot prior to purchase. 3. Great for New Drivers If you're living with a teen or someone else who is just starting to drive, you know that it's probably not the smartest investment to give that new driver the latest model car. It's a big investment and not only will those more likely than normal dents and scuffs be more expensive to fix on a new car, the insurance premiums tied to the car might be more than you expect. Before you sign the lease on a new sedan for your eager 16-year-old, maybe consider a Honda Accord with a few years on it. A used car allows new drivers the freedom they want without as big an investment and more manageable associated costs. 4. New Isn't Always Better A given model of car undergoes design changes from year to year, which means that some nice features get cut in later models. Opting for a used car might actually get you the version of a vehicle with more features, more comfortable interiors, or even better safety ratings. With a little research, you can purchase a great used car for only a fraction of the cost of a new car. It's a smart investment and you may even find a hidden gem on the used car lot. Image via Pixabay

A lot of people feel anxious about trading in their cars because they worry they won't receive a good value at the dealership. Follow these five tips to make sure you receive a fair price and positive experience. Keep Detailed Maintenance and Repair Records A dealership will want to know you have taken good care of your car. Giving them detailed maintenance and repair records proves that the vehicle is in top condition for its age, which could result with the dealership offering more money for it. Ideally, you should keep your oil change receipts as well as invoices for major repairs to provide proof of consistent maintenance to the dealership. Fix Any Small Problems Small problems can make your car look unappealing, which will lower its value from a salesperson's perspective. Having small problems fixed now could mean you receive more money at the dealership. Small problems include things like dents, scratches, and peeling window tint. They don't cost much to fix, but they could lower your vehicle's trade-in value. Clean the Car Thoroughly Before Trading It In No one, including your dealership, wants to buy a dirty car. Spend some time cleaning the interior and exterior to make your car look its best. You may want to hire a professional to do the job for you. The better your vehicle looks, the more likely it is that you will receive a good trade-in value. Plus, dealerships can justify giving it a higher value because they don't have to spend time and money having the car detailed before putting it on the lot. Know What Your Car is Worth Most dealerships will give you a fair value for your car, but that doesn't mean you should trust them to have accurate information. Use a trustworthy source like Kelley Blue Book to find out how much your vehicle is worth. That way, you will know which offers to accept. Knowing the value of your car will also help you if you need to negotiate with the salesperson. Tell the Dealership You Plan to Trade in Your Car A popular myth says you shouldn't mention your trade-in until after you have negotiated the sales price of your new vehicle. This technique, known as parachuting, sounds like good advice, but it won't benefit you. Parachuting assumes that a salesperson can somehow manipulate you into accepting a lower trade-in value or a higher price for your new car. If you have done your research though, you already know the approximate values of both vehicles, so you don't need to withhold information. Besides, if you don't mention your trade-in upfront, then you will have to wait for the dealership to evaluate the vehicle. Depending on the time of day and type of car you have, this could take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. You don't have to feel nervous when trading in your car. Just be sure to follow these simple tips for guidance. Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

A summer road trip is a perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and vacation at your own pace. Before you set off on a long road trip, make sure your Toyota is ready. By taking the time to prepare your vehicle, you can prevent breakdowns, and keep your road trip smooth from start to finish. Schedule Any Necessary Service If your vehicle is due for an engine tune-up or an oil change, be sure to schedule it before you leave on a long road trip. By keeping up with your vehicle's regular maintenance, it will be at its most reliable during your road trip. If possible, schedule any major servicing at least a month before you leave. This gives your mechanic time to address any problems that they might discover during servicing. Top Up Your Fluids Check the level of your engine fluids before taking a road trip. Running out of fluids is inconvenient at best or disastrous at worst. You may not always be in a place where you can purchase new fluid if you start to run low. If you suspect you're going to need more windshield wiper fluid, purchase a container before you go, so you can top off no matter where you are. Check Your Tires It is important to check your tires to make sure they're inflated to the proper pressure. Driving with low tire pressure consumes more gas and can lead to a blowout. Also, be sure to check for bulges or tears in the sidewalls, which make the tire unsafe to drive on. Take a look at the tread on your tires, and note of any uneven wear, bald patches, or low tread. If you're concerned about tire safety, replace your tires before your road trip. Have an Emergency Kit Ready While you're preparing for a road trip, check to make sure your Toyota has an emergency kit. Your kit should include first aid supplies, a flashlight, a blanket, a tire gauge, jumper cables, and basic tools. During a summer road trip, make sure you take a supply of drinking water with you in case an emergency leaves you sweating on the side of the road. You should also have a few high-energy snacks, such as mixed nuts or granola bars with you. Update Your GPS Navigator A GPS navigator makes it easy to plan your trip and helps you locate gas stations, restaurants, and other important destinations. Before you hit the road, update your GPS so you have the latest maps available. Keep a paper road map in the vehicle as well in case you can't use your GPS navigation system. A paper road map won't break down, and you don't need to plug it in to use it. Enjoy the freedom of the open road with a summer road trip. Preparing your Toyota for your road trip properly allow you to relax knowing you've taken care of and are preventing potential problems. Image by Brian Tucker from Pixabay