Fall Archives - Lithia Toyota of Abilene

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!

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

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.