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Awards

The 2024 Toyota Prius is MotorTrend’s Car of the Year

For the first time in two decades, the Toyota Prius has been named MotorTrend’s Car of the Year. Toyota claims the coveted Golden Calipers award for the first time since the 2007 Toyota Camry, and 20 years after the trailblazing 2004 Toyota Prius earned the title. 

The magazine has a set of six specific criteria it uses to judge its Car of the Year finalists, so it speaks to the complete, well-rounded nature of the 2024 Prius that it was able to take home this year’s top honors. It also does so in a year that marks the 75th anniversary of Cadillac claiming MotorTrend’s inaugural Car of the Year award in 1949. 

To commemorate the moment, Lithia Toyota of Abilene looks back at 2004’s winner and where the Prius stands today.

2004 

When Toyota initially developed the Prius, their vision was to create the “car of the 21st century.” The fully realized version of the Prius arrived four years after the turn of the century, ready to claim that mantle. The 2004 Prius was a complete redesign of the previous generations of Kia, replacing the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) with the superior Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). 

The 2004 Prius became the first hybrid vehicle to claim MotorTrend’s year-end award – a bold choice at the time, and the magazine knew it. Then-editor-in-chief, Kevin Smith, wrote in 2004, “We realize the selection of a hybrid vehicle is going to stir controversy, but we believe the performance, engineering advancements, and overall significance of the Toyota Prius merits the distinction of Motor Trend’s Car of the Year.” 

In presenting the 2023 award, MotorTrend notes, “It’s remarkable how much we wrote about that game-changing 2004 Prius that still applies to its Car of the Year-winning successor two decades later.” They’re not wrong; just as it was in 2004, the Prius remains the gold standard for the combination of fuel efficiency, ultra-low emissions, safety, and riveting performance. 

2024

MotorTrend is quick to point out that it in winning Car of the Year, the 2024 Prius “has made a cultural impact far greater than its carbon footprint.” As we enter 2024, Prius drivers have certainly become associated with more than Toyota’s green-first initiatives: nerds, ride-hail drivers, virtue-signalers… even music snobs celebrated when the hybrid car got a shout-out in a certified Charli XCX banger from 2019. 

But if your primary criticism of the hybrid is that it’s an entryway to chique hipsterdom, that means the vehicle itself is probably doing a lot of things right. MotorTrend praises the 2024 Prius for its design, boosted efficiency, and perhaps most importantly, the way it’s helped advance “the automotive state of the art without forcing drivers to change their deeply ingrained habits.” 

It was the 2024 model’s newfound mesh of style and performance, however, that may have separated it from all-electric competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Tesla Model 3 Highland. For the first time since the 2004 model, Toyota designers and engineers had total freedom to completely reimagine the Prius, which led to a modern 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, larger motors and batteries, and all-wheel drive available at launch. 

In claiming top honors, the 2024 Prius emerged from a competitive group of finalists: the 2023 BMW 7 Series, the 2023 BMW M2, the 2024 Lucid Air, and the aforementioned 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 and 2024 Tesla Model 3. 

Get Behind the Wheel of a Prius Today 

Clearly, there’s never been a better time to be a Prius owner. Lithia Toyota is Abilene’s number one dealership when you’re making the switch to hybrid or all-electric. Check out more info on the 2023 Toyota Prius and other hybrid/plug-in/electric vehicles, as well as our entire inventory of new and used Toyotas.

The Prius could very well take home its third pair of Golden Calipers 20 years from now, but for the time being, it’s established itself as the model of consistency in the automotive world. The only question remaining is how high the Prius’s ceiling can possibly rise. This New Year’s, make it your resolution to roll into 2024 with the best car on the market, the Toyota Prius. 

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Toyota of Abilene Listicles

4 Modern Auto Innovations To Be Thankful For

Turkey Day is nearly here, a time for food, family, and the endless struggle between the fourth quarter of the Cowboys game and tryptophan-induced drowsiness.

It’s a season that calls for renewed appreciation of the things that make life worthwhile. Whether you’re on your way to stock up on ingredients at the Abilene Farmer’s Market or driving the family back from Grandma’s house, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of a reliable vehicle.

Today’s automobiles have much to be thankful for, thanks to a plethora of modern features that have made driving safer and more comfortable than ever. Here’s a four-course meal of recent and semi-recent automotive innovations we should give thanks to: 

Collision Avoidance Technology 

The invention of the airbag was clearly a revolutionary step in automobile safety, providing a life-saving layer of protection in the wake of an accident. But in today’s world, automakers’ priorities have shifted to avoiding such incidents altogether. Enter collision avoidance systems, or CAS.

The first (extremely rudimentary) rearview backup camera was introduced with the 1956 Buick Centurion. Today, that feature comes standard in most contemporary vehicles. But automakers’ ambitions have expanded to full driver assist systems, which do everything from alert drivers when another vehicle is in their proximity to completely takeover the vehicle’s systems when a collision appears imminent. With CAS, it’s like you’re always traveling with a co-pilot, and every day its presence saves lives. 

Mobile App Interconnectivity 

The world is more connected than ever, and your car is now getting in on the party. Though Bluetooth connectivity and similar means of interfacing your phone to your vehicle have been around for over a decade, recently we’ve seen a surge in connected mobile apps. 

For many automakers, it’s become an elevated priority for their vehicles to connect with as many compatible apps as possible, making the transition from your home or office to your new 2024 Toyota Camry feel seamless. Assuming this trend continues, an updated version of this blog a decade from now may be more focused on what your vehicle can’t do.

LED Headlights 

Since bursting onto the scene in 2004, LED (short for “Light-Emitting Diode”) headlights have become the preferred choice of many manufacturers – specifically luxury brands. They offer numerous advantages over more traditional halogen and tungsten lighting, as they have longer lifespans, provide more visibility, and use less electricity – all of which combine to reduce maintenance costs. 

And on a purely aesthetic level, LED lights provide more color options than halogen’s various shades of yellow. We may not have the capability to fully replicate daylight driving during our evening commutes just yet, but LED is illuminating the way forward.

EcoBoost Engines 

Every technological upgrade in the world is for nought if we don’t have a world to begin with. Conceived as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas and diesel engines, the Ford-produced EcoBoost is a turbocharged direct-injection gas engine that aims to match its more traditional rivals in both power and torque without sacrificing efficiency. In doing so, EcoBoost engines achieve 20% better fuel efficiency while giving off 15% fewer greenhouse emissions.

As we peer deeper into our automotive crystal ball, electric vehicles and green-first options appear only more ubiquitous. Less costly and more versatile than normally aspirated engines, EcoBoost engines should continue to gain popularity as we move forward.

The Rest is Gravy 

Here at Lithia Toyota of Abilene, we’re thankful for our loyal customers and our vibrant community. As vehicular technology continues to evolve and expand, we remain committed to providing you with Toyota’s newest models. Our entire inventory of new and used vehicles is like an elegant Thanksgiving spread – plentiful, variable, and there for your fulfillment. Bon Appétit, and have a wonderful holiday!

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New Toyota Vehicle

The New RAV4 Prime is the Hybrid of Choice

Having to make a choice can be a daunting proposition – but having the freedom to choose is part of what makes life special. From what you prepare for breakfast to what TV series you decide to stream before bed, our daily routines consist of a string of simple choices that coalesce to grant us the gift of autonomy within our own lives. 

Toyota understands that freedom of choice is a critical component to enjoying life. With the 2024 RAV4 Prime, Toyota is packaging that freedom in the form of a plug-in hybrid, compact SUV. With multiple ways to drive, two unique and sporty grades, and ever-expanding charging options, you’ve never been more in control of your driving destiny. 

Two Ways to Drive 

The RAV4 Prime is a true hybrid-electric fusion, offering two adaptable methods of transport capable of swapping between one another on the fly, depending on what the driver’s day entails. Its Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain enables the RAV4 Prime to be driven as an efficient hybrid on long journeys. For short trips and daily commutes, EV-only mode can be enabled, which eliminates all carbon emissions while offering the driver a manufacturer-estimated 42 miles of range. 

No special equipment is required for home charging. (Though the available level 2 charger can shave charging time from 12 hours to less than three, it does require a home installation.) Plugging the RAV4 Prime into a standard outlet overnight recharges its 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack, enabling the RAV4 to remain in EV mode during your commute. When charging outlets can’t be accessed, never fear – the RAV4 Prime can continue onwards as a hybrid.

Together, these two power sources compile four modes of hybrid system operation: 

  • EV Mode: relies solely on onboard battery to power vehicle. 
  • HV/EV Auto Mode: relies on electric-only mode to conserve fuel and reduce emissions while automatically turning on gas engine when needed. 
  • HV Mode: automatically switches between gas engine and electric motor. 
  • Charge Mode: RAV4 runs exclusively on 2.5L engine while the battery charges. 

Performance of a Lifetime 

Regardless of which driving mode you prefer, the RAV4 Prime was built with performance in mind first and foremost. 302 net combined horsepower makes it one of the fastest models in Toyota’s lineup, capable of reaching 60 MPH in just 5.5 seconds. The RAV4 Prime includes standard electric on-demand all-wheel drive, with a separate rear-mounted electric motor powering the real wheels when needed.

The 2024 RAV 4 will come in two sporty grades: the SE and XSE. The standard list of equipment and features for the SE includes: 

  • Heated front seats 
  • 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment 
  • 7-inch Multi-Information Display 
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 
  • 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen 

Meanwhile, the XSE comes equipped with: 

  • Exclusive 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels 
  • Vertical LED accent lights 
  • 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen display with JBL speakers including subwoofer and amplifier is standard on the XSE grade. 
  • 12.3-inch digital Multi-Information Display (MID) with customizable settings

Charging Ahead 

Last week, Toyota announced a new agreement with Tesla, furthering its commitment to the electric vehicle market. As part of the deal, Toyota will adopt the North American Charging Standard on its battery vehicles starting in 2025. This will give Toyota drivers expanded access to over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America.  

Add in the over 84,000 charging ports in North America Toyota users already have access to – including level 2 and DC fast charges – and the Toyota charging network has never been more all-encompassing.

It’s Prime Time 

Seamlessly blending powerful performance, SUV capabilities, roomy interior comfort, and multiple driving methods, the 2024 RAV4 Prime is the vehicle for the driver who wants a little bit of everything. Why agonize over choosing your next vehicle when you can select the one hybrid capable of identifying and acclimating to your specific, daily needs? 

Here at Lithia Toyota of Abilene, we’re your leaders for all things EV. Stop by today and check out our inventory of new and used hybrids today. At Lithia Toyota of Abilene, the choice will always be yours – we’re just looking to help make that choice a little easier.

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Toyota of Abilene Listicles

5 Easy Ways to Extend Your Battery’s Lifespan This Fall

A well-charged car battery being properly maintenanced.

As the autumn winds sweep in and the weather turns colder, there’s nothing more frustrating than abandoning the warmth of your bed, only to find that your car refuses to start. This problem can often be attributed to a drained battery, which becomes more vulnerable to power loss as temperatures decrease, potentially leaving you stranded in the chill.

To address this issue, here are five simple and affordable strategies to help ensure that your battery remains in good health until the relief of spring warmth arrives:

1. Avoid Short Drives

Contrary to popular belief, frequently running your engine for brief periods can exhaust your battery faster than taking it on a lengthy journey. In essence, short bursts of driving do not allow ample time for your battery to recharge properly, as the process of starting your car puts a strain on it. If you turn off your car just five to ten minutes later, the battery won’t have sufficient time to recuperate, leading to rapid discharge.

It is therefore advisable to plan for extended trips, particularly on the highway, when possible. This strategy allows your battery an extended opportunity to recharge. Opting for a slightly farther grocery store could add a few extra miles to your trip, but the marginal increase in fuel cost is considerably less than the expense of buying a new battery.

2. Don’t Remain Parked in One Spot Too Long

Despite their modern conveniences and innovative technologies, current vehicles are equipped with a plethora of electronic devices that could unwittingly deplete your battery. Even when your vehicle is not in use, features like security systems and keyless entry continue to draw a minimal yet constant current, a phenomenon known as parasitic drain.

If you foresee your vehicle being idle for an extended period, such as when you park at an airport to depart on a holiday vacation, try to minimize parasitic drain by deactivating as many of these features as feasible. Moreover, if you plan to stay home for several consecutive winter days, consider making the journey to your car and running the engine for about 20 minutes daily. In doing so, your battery can stick to its regular charging cycle.

3. Don’t Leave Electronics On with the Engine Off

It’s never a good idea to leave your dashboard active after switching off your car engine, regardless of the season. However, this act poses a greater risk to your battery during the colder months. Always ensure that all electronic devices, including your heater, radio, and headlights, are switched off when you turn off your car. If you happen to be sitting in your car for an extended period of time, it’s more beneficial for your battery to just keep the engine running.

4. Have a Pair of Jumper Cables Handy

We know that your trunk space is precious, but donate at least part of it to a pair of jumper cables. When you find yourself stuck on the side of a wintry road, there’s no guarantee that the first driver to happen upon you will have cables of their own.

At minimum, make sure each time you leave the house that your phone is charged. Hopefully you’re able to jump your car and avoid making a call for a tow, but it’s best to keep every available option open.

5. Monitor Your Battery More Frequently

If you still find yourself frequently worried about the condition of your car battery this Fall, it might be wise to purchase a car battery tester. Regular voltage monitoring can alert you to any impending signs of drain. After each examination, confirm that your battery is securely anchored to avoid potential internal damage caused by vibrations, especially in uneven, rural terrains. If you observe any corrosion, gently clean the battery terminals with cold water and dry them thoroughly with a cloth.

And if all else fails, remember that Toyota of Abilene is here for all your battery service needs. Our comprehensive diagnostic tests will leave no doubt as to what’s ailing your battery and what steps need to be taken next.

Throughout the Fall, stop by our showroom and check out our new and used inventory. And don’t neglect the rest of your vehicle just because your battery is now humming comfortably! From oil changes to parts and more, Toyota of Abilene has everything you need to stay on the road this holiday season.

 

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Toyota of Abilene Maintenance Tips

How to Jump Start a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reviving Your Dead Battery 

Close-up hands of a car mechanic holding the battery jumper wire. He uses battery jumper cables to charge a dead battery.

If your car battery has died, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue that can happen to anyone. Luckily, jump-starting a car is a simple process that can save you from having to call a tow truck or mechanic. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to jump-start your car safely and easily. 

Step 1: Check Your Battery 

Before you begin, inspect your battery to ensure it is properly attached and free of corrosion or leaks. These issues can cause the battery to fail, so be sure to address them before attempting to jump-start your car. 

Step 2: Gather Tools 

You’ll need a few items to jump-start your car, including a set of jumper cables and a working car with a charged battery. Jumper cables are typically black and red with clamps on both ends and can be found at your local auto parts store or here at Toyota of Abilene. Park the working car close enough to your vehicle so that you can safely attach the jumper cables to both batteries with ease. 

Step 3: Attach Cables 

Start by ensuring both cars are turned off before attaching the jumper cables. Locate the positive and negative battery terminals on each car, terminals are usually color-coded and labeled with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. 

Attach one end of the positive (+) cable (usually red) to the dead battery’s positive terminal. Do the same for the support car’s positive terminal. Take one end of the negative (-) cable (usually black) and attach it to the good battery’s negative terminal. Finally, attach the other end of the negative cable to the dead car’s negative battery terminal or an unpainted piece of metal on the car. 

Step 4: Start the Working Car and Wait 

With both vehicles properly connected, start up the working car and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes. As it runs, the charging system will begin to charge the dead battery on your vehicle.  

Step 5: Try Starting Your Car 

After fifteen to twenty minutes, attempt to start your own car. If it starts up, congratulations – you’ve successfully jump-started your vehicle! Next, disconnect the cables in the opposite order you connected them, taking care not to touch the metal parts of the cables together as you remove them. Remove the negative (-) cable from your car’s battery, then the negative cable from the support car’s battery. Do the same for the positive (+) cable on each vehicle.  

Once you disconnect the jumper cables, you’re done! Wasn’t that easy? 

Step 6: If Your Car Doesn’t Start 

If your car still won’t start, try repeating the process. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to get a new battery or have your car inspected by a mechanic here at Toyota of Abilene. 

Final Thoughts 

Jumpstarting your car is easy and a practical skill that every driver should know — but prevention is always better than cure. Ensure that you turn off all lights and electronics in your car when the engine is not running. This will help prevent your battery from draining. Regularly maintaining your battery by cleaning it and checking for leaks or corrosion will also help prolong its lifespan. 

With the right tools and knowledge, knowing how to jump start a vehicle can put you back on the road quickly and avoid a costly tow truck call. Remember to always handle jumper cables with caution, as they contain electricity that can be dangerous if not used correctly. Follow these steps, and you’ll be more than ready to jump-start your car the next time your battery dies on you. 

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Toyota News

Thriving at 50 – Toyota Celebrates North American Manufacturing Milestone

LONG BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2022) – It all started in 1972 when Toyota announced its first manufacturing investment in North America. Today the automaker’s Long Beach, California, operation, TABC, Inc., celebrated 50 years of paving the way for Toyota to become a gold standard in advanced manufacturing.

Building on five decades of quality, TABC is a primary supplier of parts for Tacoma trucks and produces past model service body parts for all North American produced Toyota vehicles.

“For 50 years, the team at TABC has played an integral role in our company’s success, providing parts and components for our vehicles,” said Chris Nielsen, executive vice president, Product Support, and chief quality officer, Toyota North America. “So, it is great to celebrate all they have accomplished, and we look forward to their continuing leadership in providing quality products for our customers.”

Celebrating with the Community

As part of its anniversary celebration, Toyota officials announced $200,000 in community investments to be split among seven partner organizations, including:

  • American Red Cross
  • Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach
  • California State University of Long Beach
  • California Conference for Equality and Justice
  • Children Today
  • Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • U.S. Vets

In addition to the community investments, Toyota donated two vehicles to Rancho Los Alamitos and the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House.

“Toyota cares deeply about being a responsible member of society and improving our local communities,” said TABC president Jim Zehmer. “It is fitting for us to mark our 50th anniversary by celebrating our employees that make all of this possible and by reaffirming our ties to the community with these contributions.”

Growing with Toyota

TABC, originally known as Atlas Fabricators, contracted with Toyota in 1972 to assemble truck beds for vehicles destined for the U.S. Two years later, Toyota purchased the operation and ultimately renamed it “TABC, Inc.,” making it Toyota’s first manufacturing investment in the U.S.

In March 2022, the operation announced an investment of $27 million to support an increase in production capabilities. Currently, the plant employs approximately 350 people and represents a $485 million investment.

Toyota continues to grow its presence in North America. Today, it directly employs nearly 48,000 people, with $40.78 billion invested in its North American operations. The company’s newest plant, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, is scheduled to begin production of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles beginning in 2025.

RELATED MEDIA

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com

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Toyota News

Toyota Announces $2.5 Billion Expansion of North Carolina Plant with 350 Additional Jobs and BEV Battery Capacity

Toyota NC Logo

Toyota’s global investment climbs up to $5.6 billion, supporting electrification efforts

LIBERTY, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2022) – Toyota announced an additional investment of $2.5 billion in its newest North American facility, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). This investment adds capacity to support battery electric vehicle (BEV) battery production and adds 350 jobs, bringing the total employment to approximately 2,100. Scheduled to begin production in 2025, the facility will produce batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and BEVs.

Last year, Toyota Motor Corporation announced a global investment of approximately $70 billion (8 trillion JPY*) for electrification efforts. Today, as part of this aspirational goal, TMC announced a future battery production commitment of up to $5.6 billion (730 billion JPY), which includes the new North Carolina investment.  

“This marks another significant milestone for our company,” said Norm Bafunno, senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing and Engineering at Toyota Motor North America. “This plant will serve a central role in Toyota’s leadership toward a fully electrified future and will help us meet our goal of carbon neutrality in our vehicles and global operations by 2035.” 

In 2021, Toyota, in partnership with Toyota Tsusho, announced the new Liberty location with an initial investment of $1.29 billion for battery production and the creation of 1,750 new jobs. With today’s announcement, TBMNC’s total investment is $3.8 billion. 

“This is an exciting time for Toyota, the region and the many North Carolinians we will soon employ,” said Sean Suggs, TBMNC president. “This incremental investment reflects our continued commitment to ensuring jobs and future economic growth for the Triad region.”  

Join the Team
Toyota North Carolina is seeking motivated individuals to join its leadership team. To view and apply for open positions, visit www.toyota.com/careers. Production and maintenance employee positions will be available in early 2023. 

* Based on December 2021 Yen-Dollar exchange rate 

About Toyota  

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.   

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants.  By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified. 

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom

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Texas Toyota

4 Tips to Keep Your Car Looking Great

Keep your car clean with these 4 tips

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply a daily driver, keeping your car clean is always a must. While it may seem like a daunting task to keep your car clean, it truly isn’t, especially with our Toyota of Abilene helpful car cleaning tips.

As with any chore, the more you keep up with cleaning your car, the easier it is to maintain. That is why we recommend regularly cleaning out your car, vacuuming it and keeping it free of trash and debris.

When it comes to keeping the exterior of your car looking great, regular washes and waxes will go a long way. Maintaining your car’s paint is a great way to ensure your vehicle won’t have rust or peeling problems. The best part is that it keeps your car looking great too.

With this list of helpful tips, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge you need to keep your car looking just as great as it did the day you bought it.

Clear it Out

The first step to cleaning your car like the pros is pretty simple — clear it out! Trash, debris, last week’s hamburger wrapper, you’ll want to get rid of it all. Clearing out the clutter from the interior of your car instantly makes it look better and a lot less “lived in”. Plus, if you had enough stuff in there, you could consider it as fuel savings to clean it all out.

Not only is interior clutter unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re ever in an accident, every item you have on the interior will be tossed around becoming a hazard to you. Plus, who wants to be coated in a two-day-old soda after getting in an accident?

Cleaning out the interior of your car is the easiest step, all you need are some trash bags and you’ll be clutter-free in no time. Once you’ve cleaned out the interior of your car, you can move on to our next step detailed below.

Scrub it Out

Just like the carpet and flooring in our homes, the floor mats in our cars can get pretty dirty. That’s why it’s important for you to pull them out of the car and give them a good scrubbing. Getting your floor mats nice and clean doesn’t just look good, it also will help cut down on airborne bacteria and irritants too.

Before you get to scrubbing, you may also want to give your floor mats thorough vacuuming. This will get the dirt and debris that has found its way into your car and been compacted down. Once you’re done vacuuming you can get to scrubbing.

You’ll want a good brush with semi-firm bristles to attack carpet floor mats, and a good cleaning agent as well. If you have rubber or “all-weather” floor mats, you can skip the vacuum step and just give them a good spray down with your chosen cleaning agent.

Vacuum it Out

If you have been following our steps thus far, you should have your vacuum out still, so why not tackle the rest of the interior with it? Thoroughly vacuum all carpeted surfaces in your car, including the passenger and rear-seat floorboards, especially if they see high traffic.

While you have the vacuum out, it’s probably a good idea to run it over any non-carpeted surfaces that accumulate dust and debris like the dashboard. You can even hit the vents as dust accumulates there and can cause allergies or irritation.

A solid vacuum job should leave your car’s interior looking fresh and smelling even better — so why not take the time and do your car a favor?

Wipe it Out

A final step to cleaning your car like a pro is wiping it out. Pick up some interior cleaning and detailing wipes and get to work! We recommend starting from the driver’s seat, hitting all the instrumentation and surfaces you touch most.

From there, we say no amount of attention to detail is too much. Dig into those cracks and crevices, don’t be afraid to really get in there. You can use things like Q-Tips to get into tight spaces like between the air vents or radio controls. Work your way throughout the front first, then make a move to the back of the car — don’t forget the cupholders!

Get to Cleaning

Now that you have read our list of tips to keep your car clean like the pros, it’s time to grab your cleaning supplies and get to work. Whether you’re going for full interior and exterior detail or keeping it simple with a wash and wax, this list of tips is sure to get you started on the right path.

If you’re not feeling the whole DIY car detailing process, that’s okay too, we can always help you out at our reconditioning department. All you have to do is book an appointment online or by calling 325-550-2122 — stopping by works too.

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New Toyota Vehicle

Electric Vehicles are More Practical Than You Think. Here’s Why

A woman and her child charging their electric vehicle at a charging station

As fuel prices soar and climate change becomes a larger public concern, the need for electric vehicles becomes clearer and clearer. Despite the growing need for electric vehicles, there is no shortage of negative rumors surrounding the vehicles. You’ll hear about “range anxiety” or how rare materials are used to build batteries for EVs. The thing is, you could say many of the same things about gas-powered vehicles — without all the benefits of an EV.

Whether you’re considering an electric vehicle or flat out refuse to adapt, this blog will show you just how practical electric vehicles are. By the time you finish this blog, you’ll be convinced that electric vehicles are the future of automobiles — and that future is now. Once you’re done reading, make sure to pay a visit to Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene to test drive an electric vehicle today.

They Require Less Maintenance

One of the biggest reasons electric vehicles are more practical than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is that they require less maintenance. With a gas-powered vehicle, you have to perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups — all of which are costly. Unlike gas-powered cars, electric vehicles require little to no routine maintenance and will only see a mechanic when it needs major repairs or servicing.

While electric vehicles will still need new tires, brakes and wiper blades throughout the year, you will still be performing less routine maintenance on them compared to a gas-powered vehicle. This means you’ll be able to save tons of money on oil changes, tune-ups, fluid changes and other routine maintenance that is associated with a gas-powered vehicle. With the money you save on both fuel and maintenance costs, owning an electric vehicle practically pays for itself!

Save on Fuel Costs

An obvious benefit to electric cars is the amount of money you will save by not purchasing fuel. If you own a fully-electric vehicle you won’t be hitting the local gas station to fuel up once a week. Instead, you’ll be able to “fuel” up at home as you can have a level 2 or 3 charger installed inside of your garage with relative ease. This means not only will you save money on fuel, but you’ll also save yourself some time as you won’t have to travel to the gas station.

Now, if you live in an apartment complex, charging your EV might be a bit more complicated if your complex doesn’t have on-site charging stations. In this case, you’ll have to figure out where the nearest charging station is and spend a bit of time charging up there. While the time spent charging may be a drawback, if you can combine it with other activities it is quite practical.

Whether you have the ability to charge at home will decide just how practical owning an EV is for you. However, as time goes on and EVs grow in popularity, more public charging options will become available and make owning an EV more practical than ever before. Even if you don’t have the ability to charge an EV at home, the amount of money you’ll save on fuel and maintenance is enough reason to make the switch.

Self-Driving Mode

A feature straight out of a sci-fi movie, self-driving technology is yet another reason owning an electric vehicle is more practical than you may think. We all know that driving is dangerous and combining human error with it only heightens the amount of risk — yet we all get behind the wheel each morning without a second thought.

With self-driving electric vehicles, that inherent risk of human error is eliminated, making the roads a safer place for everyone. Self-driving car technology allows you to commute completely hands-free as artificial intelligence makes driving decisions for you. You will have to remain alert at all times while using the self-driving mode just in case you need to take control of the vehicle at any time.

Not only do self-driving cars keep people and the roads safer, but they also make your daily commute easier than ever before.

Test Drive an EV Today at Toyota of Abilene

Now that you know just how practical owning an electric vehicle can be, it’s time for you to test drive one at Toyota of Abilene. At Toyota of Abilene, we offer the best deals on new and used Toyota vehicles — including the electrifying Prius. If you don’t want to overpay for your next car, you need to visit Toyota of Abilene today!

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Texas Toyota

Toyota Supports Uvalde Community

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PLANO, Texas (June 2, 2022) – Toyota Motor North America together with Gulf States Toyota and GSFSGroup are donating $250,000 to support counseling and bereavement services for families and others impacted by the Uvalde, Texas, tragedy.

Family Services Association, San Antonio, which offers counseling and survivor assistance through a trauma-informed lens, and Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, which provides services for grieving youth and their families, are each receiving $75,000.

Gulf States Toyota and GSFSGroup are providing $50,000 to both Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and The United with Uvalde Fund.

Toyota also is matching employee giving, encouraging donations to the following nonprofits:

  • The Onestar Foundation – Robb Elementary Memorial Fund: contributing to the relief fund for victims, families and others affected by the tragedy.
  • Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas: to deliver counseling services for children, caregivers and community members.
  • Family Services Association: to support survivor families to cover basic needs and mental health aid.
  • Communities in Schools San Antonio: to provide basic needs, education support and social services.
  • United with Uvalde Fund – United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County: to support mental health services for students, teachers and families.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.