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How to Prepare Your Car for the Winter

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As temperatures begin to drop, snow and ice start to cover the roads. This can lead to slushy and slippery conditions that cause many car accidents. Prepare for a winter of extreme driving conditions by winterizing your vehicle. Follow these steps to get started. 

Pack a Winter Safety Kit

If you were to slide into a ditch or get trapped in a blizzard, a winter safety kit can get you through the wait. Your kit should include essential items such as warm clothing, hats, gloves, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, road flares, high-energy foods, water, a radio, a charged cellphone, a bag of salt or sand for traction, an ice scraper, small shovel, and a couple of blankets. Staying warm, hydrated, and fed can keep you safe as you seek help.  

Fill Your Engine Coolant and Antifreeze

During subzero temperatures, antifreeze can keep your engine from freezing. This is important because if your engine were to freeze, you could become stranded in extremely cold conditions. Always check your fluid levels at the start of winter and make sure they are filled throughout the season.  

Check Your Tires

Having good tires is an important part of safe driving in the winter. Regularly check your tire pressure to ensure your tires are in working order. Many gas stations have tire pressure machines, or you could pick up a gauge at any tire store. Also, make sure that your tires have enough tread. If they seem worn down, you may need to purchase new tires. Auto service centers can also check your tires and complete any servicing they may need. Since areas of Colorado experience heavy snowfall, you may want to consider switching to snow tires during colder months. These tires can give you more traction on rough terrain and slippery roads. As soon as spring comes, put your normal tires back on for better fuel efficiency.  

Winterize Your Fluids

Normal windshield wiper fluid may be useless in the winter since it can freeze, making it difficult to see out of your windshield. Before it gets cold, switch your normal fluid out for fluid that is designed for cold temperatures. Likewise, you may want to change to winter-grade oil during your next service appointment.  

Make Sure Your Car Is in Working Order

A reliable car is what you need this winter. Give your car an overall inspection before it gets cold outside. Make sure your brakes, heat, battery, and engine are up to par. Now is the time to get any of these things fixed, before you start driving in harsher conditions. Spending money on repairs now can save you money in the long run, since you are less likely to get in an accident. Of course, the safety of you and your passengers is also priceless. Winterizing your vehicle is an important part of staying safe during colder months. By following these tips, your vehicle will be ready for the roads this winter. Remember, always drive with extra caution during harsh weather conditions.   Image via Pexel
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Introducing the 2022 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota's venerable Tacoma is still one of the most capable mid-sized pickups when it comes to tackling harsh terrain and hauling heavy cargo. On top of its legendary reliability, the truck boasts a slew of great standard features and options, including driver assistance technology and off-roading equipment. Here's your quick introductory guide to the new 2022 Toyota Tacoma! more Basics About the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Engine and Transmission The base model Tacoma is powered by Toyota's dependable 2.7L inline-four engine with an output of 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Other models will be fitted with a 3.5L V6 that excels at heavy-duty tasks with its 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with intelligent shifting pairs well with either engine, but traditionalists will appreciate the option of an excellent six-speed manual. All Tacomas easily meet the most stringent low-emission standards set by the EPA. Towing and Hauling Capability Rear-wheel-drive versions of the Tacoma with the 2.7L engine carry the highest maximum payload at 1,685 pounds. The truck can easily handle towing duties with its 6,400-pound capacity and Class-IV towing hitch receiver when you select the V6 and four-wheel drive. V6 Tacomas also feature the handy Trailer-Sway Control system, which keeps everything steady during high winds. Off-Road Performance The Tacoma wouldn't be a Toyota truck if it didn't have its outstanding off-roading ability. Its 4WDemand four-wheel drive system is available on most models and features an automatic limited-slip differential that helps you to keep full control of the truck on the toughest trails. Hill Start Assist makes it easy to get the Tacoma started on steep inclines while Crawl Control automatically maintains speed, so that you only have to worry about steering. For dedicated off-roaders, there's the TRD Pro trim, which has been beefed up with a skid plate, specially tuned suspension that features Bilstein shock absorbers, and 2.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass coil-overs. Passenger Cabin Just like the truck's exterior, the inside is durable enough to handle excursions into rugged environments. Despite that, it manages to stay comfortable with its generous amount of soft-touch materials and amenities, such as dual-zone climate control. For added comfort, TRD Pro and Limited models are available with fine leather upholstery. There's also available heated seating and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support. Technology Most Tacoma trims are equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Multiple USB ports are present throughout the cabin, so that passengers can connect and charge their devices. Cameras placed around the truck's exterior will give you a full 360-degree view of your surroundings with the available Panoramic View Monitor. Thanks to its Toyota Safety Sense P technology suite, the Tacoma features the highest number of driver safety assists in its segment. Every model will come with Toyota's forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure monitoring systems to help keep occupants safe. For the 2022 model year, the Toyota Tacoma continues to keep its reputation as one of the toughest pickup trucks on the market. You'll love this workhorse's stunning off-road performance and array of versatile equipment! See for yourself and visit Rochester Toyota today for a test drive!

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What's Included in a Standard Toyota Warranty?

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