While Toyotas are known for their reliable performance and safety features, it is still important to have a few key items handy in your car at all times in case of an emergency. In the event of a flat tire, accident, or inclement weather, be prepared by keeping these six things in the trunk of your Toyota.
Jumper Cables
A pair of jumper cables is one of the most important items to have in the trunk of your Toyota. A weak or dead battery can leave you stranded along the side of the road or in a parking lot because your vehicle won’t start. With some assistance from a good Samaritan, connecting the jumper cables adds power to your battery and helps you restart your car. Then, you can get back on the road and likely head to an auto repair shop to replace the battery.
If you are driving and suddenly hear strange noises coming from your car, don’t take any chances by ignoring them. Avoid the potential for accidents or future costly repairs by taking your vehicle to a professional mechanic for a diagnosis. Here are some unusual car noises that warrant attention.
Squealing of the Brakes
If you hear unusual squealing when you tap the brakes, the likely culprit is worn brake pads that need to be replaced. A metal shim causes the brake pads to make the squealing sound when they wear thin. Another reason for the squealing may be under the hood, indicating that the drive belt may have slipped and needs replacing. Other problems may be weak brake shoe retaining springs, distorted brake shoes, or brake dust.
A Guide to Finding the Right Toyota SUV
Toyota’s SUVs feature the latest technology, safety features, and other options that make it challenging to settle on just one vehicle. Toyota offers some of the top SUVs on the market, especially since all models now come standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System to keep occupants safe on the road.
Check out the following guide to learn more about Toyota’s top SUVs so you can choose the best vehicle that suits the lifestyles of everyone in your family.
RAV4
The RAV4 crossover is ideal for families thanks to ample cargo and passenger room. The 2016 RAV4 is available as a hybrid for eco-friendly drivers and offers up to 34 miles per gallon (mpg) on city streets. All RAV4 trims come with new integrated fog lights and LED lighting on headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights to make your drive brighter at any time of day. Standard backup cameras supply a view of what’s behind you, while the vehicle’s second-row seats fold down to offer up to 73.4 cubic feet for sports equipment and luggage.
6 Top Toyota Safety Features
Toyota is one of the leading manufacturers in vehicle safety that earns awards and high safety ratings year after year from organizations dedicated to keeping drivers safe on the road. All Toyota vehicles come standard with the Star Safety System, which is a suite of six safety systems that protect drivers and occupants in collisions.
Check out the following six top Toyota safety features that make up the Star Safety System, and rest assured you and your passengers will be kept safe and protected on the road when driving a Toyota.
4 Tips for Purchasing a Pre-Owned Toyota
Shopping for a used car requires a lot of homework. You want to ensure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer and that the model you choose has been properly cared for while it’s been in someone else’s ownership. Pre-owned Toyota cars are among some of the most popular, dependable options available. If you’re in the market for a new-to-you Toyota, here are some things to keep in mind.
Understand the Type of Pre-Owned Certification
It’s always best to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle rather than just any used car because you can be confident that it’s been thoroughly inspected, but did you know that there are multiple types of certification processes? A manufacturer-certified vehicle is the best possible option because it undergoes the most rigorous testing. This type of certification is good beyond the dealership, meaning that it will be honored at any Toyota dealership regardless of where you made the purchase.
A dealer-certified vehicle is the second-best option, but your protection is limited to the dealership. If you move away from the area where you purchased the vehicle, you’re out of luck.
4 Must-Do Tennessee Road Trips
Kingsport is surrounded by beautiful wildlife and historic landmarks, which make for exhilarating road trips when you’re aching to leave town. When combined with old-fashioned Southern hospitality, these Tennessee destinations guarantee fun for your friends and the entire family.
Ready to venture on a quick weekend getaway or weeklong adventure? Follow one of the routes below to explore unique wonders located throughout the state of Tennessee.
1. The Lost Sea Adventure
Located at Craighead Caverns in Sweetwater, The Lost Sea is the world’s second largest underground lake. To get to The Lost Sea from Kingsport, follow Highway 11W S. to TN-68 S. in Monroe County, then take exit 60 and follow TN-68 S. to Lost Sea Road.
Tour Craighead Caverns to learn more about its history, which dates back to the time of the Cherokee Indians. At the bottom of the cave, board a glass-bottom boat to tour the wondrous Lost Sea. Then, venture over to Old Sweetwater Village to explore log cabins that house a General Store, the Cavern Kitchen Cafe, ice cream parlor, and gift shop.
DealerRater recently awarded select dealerships with the 2016 Consumer Satisfaction Award. This is the second year that DealerRater has given out the awards recognizing car dealerships in the United States and Canada who have achieved high review scores from online reviewers.
This year, we were fortunate enough to be recognized as one of the top car dealers in the country and were awarded the 2016 Consumer Satisfaction Award.
How we won the award
Every member of Toyota of Kingsport has worked tirelessly to deserve this honor. We’ve made it our mission to put serving our customers above all else and this award proves that it pays off!
The 4 Most Scenic State Parks in Tennessee
East Tennessee is home to some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, so you don’t have to drive far to enjoy a scenic state park. Whether you’re planning an afternoon drive or a weekend getaway, here are some destinations you’ll want to consider:
Roan Mountain State Park
Located just an hour from Kingsport on Highway 143, Roan Mountain State Park encompasses more than 2,000 acres around the majestic Roan Mountain. While it makes an ideal day trip, if you’d rather spend the night, the park offers camping sites and multiple cabins with rocking chair front porches and wood-burning stoves. Fishing is the park’s most popular activity, and the trout are regularly stocked. You also won’t want to miss the park’s 12 miles of hiking trails.
4 Toyota SUVs That Crush the Competition
Sport utility vehicles have taken the automotive market by storm. With Toyota leading the way in American sales, it’s a no-brainer that Toyota SUVs are crushing the competition with state-of-the-art features and advanced options. If you’re looking to buy a new SUV or crossover, be sure to consider one of these 2016 models:
4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner has a long history of being the brand’s go-to off-roading SUV, and now the 2016 version looks even more rugged and ready for the unbeaten path than ever. Unlike some competitor SUVs, the 4Runner is a midsize body-on-frame vehicle built to be durable and more capable than any rival. The latest model boasts an upgraded base audio system, an enhanced towing capacity, and cell phone navigation integration. Even better, a rearview camera is standard even on the base model, so you know you’re getting ample features for the money.
5 Small Towns in Tennessee Worth Visiting
When you want to plan a relaxing getaway, there’s nothing quite like visiting a small town. Tennessee is brimming with these small, charming places that embody Southern hospitality and put other locales to shame, so be sure to add one of these to your travel itinerary:
Kingsport
Another small city, but one that’s larger than Dayton, Kingsport is part of the Mountain Empire that spans Southwest Virginia and the mountain counties of East Tennessee. Kingsport itself is idyllic and historic with easy access to state parks, spas, antique shops, smokehouses, and family-friendly events that include a popular hot air balloon festival. When you’re looking for a small-town feel with city amenities, Kingsport is the place to be.
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