 You can’t be sure how you will react in a car accident until you have experienced one. Even if you aren’t physically hurt, the trauma during any accident can cause shock or fuzzy thinking at a time when you need to keep your wits. If you ever find yourself in an accident, insurance protection is vital, but it’s also important to remember these five tips from DCH Freehold Toyota:
1. Assess for accident injuries
If possible, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries and immediately call for medical assistance if necessary. Should anyone be seriously injured or unable to move, try not to move them unless there is threat of a fire or they are on the road where they could be hit by another car.
2. Safety first
For minor accidents, move both vehicles off the road for protection against moving traffic. If the damage to your vehicle is severe, keep it where it is until the police arrive. Turn on your emergency flashers to alert oncoming traffic.
3. Stay calm and ask questions
No matter who is at fault during an accident, this is not the time to freak out or become overly emotional. Remain calm and with a clear head assess what happened and be ready to ask questions.
- Know exactly where your insurance information is located and other identification you’ll need to meet your legal requirements.
- Write down the names and contact information for all witnesses.
- If you are not at fault, and the accident wasn’t serious enough to involve a police report, do not let the other driver talk you into letting them mail you a check for the damage to your car. If they claim they don’t have insurance, ask questions about their car registration, name and contact information and give them your insurance information. Tell them you will be contacting your own agent to report the accident.
- If possible, take a photo of both cars showing the damage and license plates.
4. Admit no fault
Answer no questions about fault with anyone except a police officer or your insurance company. Give no statements to the other driver’s insurance company or your words might be twisted and used against you. You also shouldn’t sign any legal documents from the other insurance company, especially if you feel they are pressuring you for an early settlement that you feel isn’t sufficient to cover your damage.
5. Immediately report the accident to your insurance company
This is the moment when you’ll finally understand why you pay monthly premiums for insurance protection. Carry your agent’s name and phone number in our car and make the call as soon as possible. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can help you with your claim.
Keep a folder in your car with all your insurance contact information and this tip list. This way you’ll have all the information you need to help you think more clearly if you’re stressed during an accident.
 Before you decide to experience one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting, try and match your destination with your budget, interests, and skill-level. Don’t let your enthusiasm put you at risk for an extreme rafting experience that you really aren’t ready for and that might sour you on this exciting sport. Here’s DCH Freehold Toyota‘s guide to some of the best North and South American rivers for whitewater rafting for different skill levels, both in the United States and abroad.
Whitewater rafting in the United States
- Alaska: Where the borders of Alaska and Canada meet on the Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, glaciers and icebergs add an added thrill to this superb whitewater rafting adventure. Rafters often spot an abundance of wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and wild salmon in this untouched world of the great outdoors.
- Colorado: The Arkansas River Valley area, from Pine Creek down through Royal Gorge, offers renowned whitewater rafting opportunities. While a variety of rafting tour activities are available, it’s the Upper Animas out of Silverton where serious whitewater rafters seek out miles of nonstop Class IV and V rapids.
- Idaho: The Middle Fork and Salmon Rivers in Idaho are some of the most popular whitewater rafting expeditions in the lower 48 states. You’ll find Class IV rapids, lush alpine scenery, and all the wildlife surprises one might expect when rafting through a true wilderness area.
- Utah: The Colorado River offers several outstanding whitewater experiences, but one of the best is a 46-mile cluster of rapids called Cataract Canyon Big Drop Falls located in Canyonlands National Park in Southern Utah. When the river is high, the rapids unite to form one massive whitewater rapid.
- West Virginia: There are a variety of whitewater activities to be found in West Virginia, but it’s the Upper Gauley River that is known as one of the most difficult rivers to raft in the world. With narrow chutes and high–speed rapids, the Upper Gauley has earned a legendary reputation because of its “Big Five” individual Class V, hair-raising rapids.
Whitewater rafting in North and South America
- Canada: You’ll need a float plane to access the Magpie River for a whitewater rafting trip you’ll never forget. Winding through deep wilderness forests of Quebec province, the rapids grow increasingly difficult until you reach a Class V challenge downriver from the amazing Magpie Falls. Expect to camp on river islands and maybe even spot the Northern Lights.
- Chile: The Futaleufú River in Chile is formed by glacier-fed lakes high in the Andes of Patagonia. Alpine grandeur and outstanding whitewater rafting in Chile offers something for everyone. Parts of the river are appropriate for novice rafters, while experts seek the challenges of Class V rapids for an exhilarating challenge.
- Ecuador: Visualize a rain forest, colorful toucan birds, and palm-thatched roofs of the Shuar people’s village. All share space along the Rio Upano River. Whitewater adventures begin on the far western fringe of the Amazon Basin. Rafters meander along gentle rapids that culminate into turbulent rides through areas like the Namangosa Gorge, which features Class IV rapids and countless waterfalls.
 For the second time, Toyota has partnered with wheelchair-accessible van company Vantage Mobility International (VMI) to offer disabled veterans the chance to win a new Toyota Sienna with VMI’s Access 360 In-floor Ramp Conversion system.
The Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute contest is part of VMI’s initiative to give disabled veterans greater mobility and quality of life. The contest is open to any disabled veteran in the United States and Puerto Rico, and can be entered by filling out a simple online form. Veterans have the chance to enter until November 9, 2014, and the randomly-drawn winner will be announced later that week, on Veteran’s Day 2014.
Last year, Toyota delivered a brand-new Sienna to Cpl. Charlie Harvey (pictured here), a retired U.S. Army veteran who served in 1969 during the Vietnam War.
“The Sienna with VMI’s ramp has changed Charlie’s life in so many ways we didn’t think were possible,” said his wife, Linda Harvey. “We can go everywhere together again, like the mall, grocery store and out to eat for dinner.”
Another facet of the Operation Independence program is to educate disabled veterans about Federal Vehicle Grants, which are available to help make owning a mobility-enhanced vehicle possible. Veterans can visit www.vans4vets.com to learn more about their options.
DCH Freehold Toyota has a full range of new and used Toyota vehicles. Come out and test drive one for yourself today!
 Toyota, the company that made hybrid cars commonplace, is at it again with another game changer. This time, it’s garbage that’s literally fueling the revolution.
Methane from the garbage, that is. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. recently teamed up with a local company, Waste Services of the Bluegrass, to harness the power of a landfill to make cars. Wells under the landfill will collect methane gas that is naturally produced when waste breaks down, feed it into fuel generators to create electricity, then carry it to the nearby Toyota plant.
Construction begins on the ambitious project this month and is slated to be finished by early 2015. No small feat, Toyota estimates that the energy supplied each year will be enough to make 10,000 cars. Every hour, the system is expected to produce one megawatt electricity per hour — or the amount of energy needed to power 800 homes.
The Georgetown, Ky. plant is Toyota’s largest American manufacturing facility and is already no stranger to eco-friendly innovations. A “zero landfill” facility since 2006, all waste gets repurposed in some way. The plant, which manufactures the Avalon, Camry/Camry Hybrid, Venza, 4-cylinder and V6 engines and powertrain parts, includes a composter which fertilizes an onsite garden that supplies local food banks.
It might be unorthodox, but Toyota’s latest move is right in line with their mission to build a greener community for all. Come browse our huge selection of Toyota vehicles at DCH Freehold Toyota today!
 Will this part-motorcycle, part-car, vehicle stand the test of driving practicality in Tokyo?
As a diverse company that is on the cutting edge of vehicle technology and practicality, Toyota engineers and researchers are constantly looking for safer and more efficient modes of transportation. In a recent press release, Toyota Motor Corporation revealed that consumer testing of the ultra-compact ‘i-Road’ vehicles has just started in Tokyo.
‘i-Road’ vehicles are like a cross between a car and a motorcycle. They are driven by two electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries. Models being tested now have also been updated since their first reveal at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show with better visibility, maneuverability, drivability, and additional colors.
The trials started March 24th and will run to early June. They are designed to test how practical and effective the small electric vehicles are in urban situations and day-to-day life. Ten vehicles will be tested on 20 individuals in the area including members of the general public as well as leading industry experts. To experience these awesome new vehicles for yourself, take a look at this video of a public demonstration from Toyota:
To stay up to date on the progress of the exciting new ‘i-Road’ EV models, stay tuned to the DCH Freehold Toyota newsletter. For additional information on the latest Toyota models and technologies, don’t wait to contact us today.
 The start of spring is a great time to dust off your clubs and hit the green. As we know at DCH Freehold Toyota, though, sometimes your game can use a little work after the winter months. One of the best places to start “digging” into your game is in your divots.
Your divot can showcase just how accurate your swing really was, or reveal possible weaknesses that are keeping you from reaching your full potential. When analyzing your divot, just remember “the three D’s”:
The divot can show you your swing’s direction at impact, so line up your club with the divot to see where your swing path is pointing. From there, you can experiment to see whether your positioning is faulty, or if your swing path itself needs tightening.
The depth of your divot reveals the angle of your swing. If the divot is especially deep, your swing is likely too steep and could also be following an outside-to-in path. If your divots tend to be shallower, your swing is either too shallow or coming too far from the inside. The depth can also signify an error in your ball positioning.
Note where your divot’s digging is deepest. Depending on whether the digging is more noticeable at the “heel” or “toe” of your divot, the problem could be a club that’s too upright or too flat, respectively. Check your angles on a lie board at your local golf shop to verify.
Your divot is also a great indicator of where your club is entering the ground in relation to the ball. Place a tee outside the path of ball so that you can measure the divot’s entrance. Keep practicing until your divot is following past the ball in the direction of the target.
 Your tires perform an extremely important role in ensuring the optimum performance and safety of your car. Inflating your tires and maintaining the right tire pressure ensures that the ride is as comfortable as possible, that the traction is as safe as possible and that your fuel efficiency is maintained at a high level. Your tire pressure can make a significant difference when it comes to how much fuel you use. Checking your tire pressure is quick and easy to do and is an important task that all drivers should complete on a regular basis. Learn how to do it with this guide from DCH Freehold Toyota.
To check your tire pressure, you will need a tire gauge. This instrument measures the pressure in the tire in pounds per square inch, or PSI. You can buy a tire gauge relatively cheaply. Digital models may be easier to read but will cost you a little more money. A standard pressure gauge is more than enough for the job and should fit easily into your glovebox.
You’ll also then need to know what the tire pressure level is for your car. This target measurement varies across different makes and models. You should be able to find this information in your owner’s manual. It is also often displayed on a yellow sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb. Note that there may be different target values for the front and rear tires.
You should always check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. The pressure changes when the tires are warm, and this does not give an accurate reflection of the tire’s real performance. Ideally, you would check the tire pressure first thing in the morning. Following that, wait for the tires to cool down for half an hour or so before checking.
Locate the valve on each tire. Unscrew the cap and put it somewhere safe so that you don’t lose it – it’s not very big! Press the tire gauge onto the stem of the valve. You only need to hold it down for a few seconds to get an accurate reading. Write down the reading on a note pad. If you’re taking a reading for all four tires, it can be quite difficult to remember.
With those readings, you can now compare the actual pressure with the manufacturer’s recommendation. If the tire is below the reading, refill the air to the desired level. You can do this by purchasing a portable air compressor and refilling the tires at home. A good compressor can be quite expensive, so most people simply refill their tires at the gas station. Many gas stations offer this service free of charge, or for what’s probably sitting in your cup holder.
 Introducing the Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra TRD Pro models
Toyota is a brand that is already well recognized for reliable, family-friendly, and efficient models like the Corolla and Camry. At the Chicago Auto Show, the automaker revealed an all-new lineup that has already created waves among auto enthusiasts: the new 2015 TRD Pro series. Thanks to a number of upgrades and unique features, drivers will soon be able to choose from off-road-focused version of the Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra. DCH Freehold Toyota has a closer look at what’s new.
With its unique block-letter grille, the Tacoma TRD Pro instantly differentiates itself from the pack of familiar off-roading vehicles. Backing it up is a heavy-duty front skidplate for tackling the most treacherous terrain. TRD Pro badges are also included throughout the Tacoma’s design, as well as floor mats with the TRD logo.
When it comes to functional upgrades in the Tacoma TRD Pro, there are enough to make an adventure enthusiast drool. These include BFGoodrich® All-Terrain tires, 16-inch beadlock-style wheels, Bilstein® remote reservoir shocks, a TRD exhaust, and a shift knob. The unique TRD-tuned springs also provide an additional two inches of front lift for a smoother off-roading experience than ever.
The 4Runner TRD Pro comes with all of the same upgrades as the Tacoma but with 1.5 inches of front lift, 17-inch wheels, and rear black bumper accents. Like the Tacoma, the Tundra TRD Pro offers distinctive reduced-rate springs for 2 inches of lift, Bilstein® remote-reservoir shocks, and a front skidplate. The interior of the Tundra is also decked out with one-of-a-kind red stitching.
Our team at DCH Freehold Toyota is excited to see the new TRD Pro lineup for ourselves and will be following its progress. To stay up to date on these and other exciting new Toyota models, don’t wait to contact us today!
Image: Toyota Motor Sales
 Finding trouble with your car early can help you avoid an unwelcome repair bill. The color of your car’s exhaust can be a useful means of health checking what is happening elsewhere on the vehicle. Our technicians at DCH Freehold Toyota have a guide to some of the most common issue.
As your engine burns fuel and creates exhaust, a number of different processes are taking place. If you spot different colors in your exhaust emissions, you could be spotting the early signs of problems to come.
Blue or gray smoke can sometimes be seen coming from the exhaust, particularly when the car is first started. Sometimes the smoke will disappear and become difficult to spot once the engine has been running for a while. Blue or gray smoke can indicate a number of different problems:
- There may be a problem with the piston rings. You will need to ask a technician to inspect and possibly replace the parts.
- The engine’s valve seals may be worn or faulty. Again, you will need to ask a professional to replace them.
- The valve guides may be worn or damaged. This is definitely not a job that you want to do yourself.
White smoke often appears from your exhaust and may well be perfectly normal. Your car will very often emit white smoke when first started, particularly during very cold weather. The problem arises when the smoke does not go away. If your exhaust continues to emit white smoke after it has been running for some time, then there could be a problem.
- It is possible that the engine block is cracked. Your technician will need to replace it.
- One of more of the cylinder head gaskets may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
- It is possible that one (or more) of the cylinder heads has warped or cracked. You will need to ask your service department to replace the parts for you.
Black smoke is another common symptom of a car with mechanical problems. The smoke may be very thick and choking when you first start the engine and may or may not disappear when the car has been started for some time. It is also quite common for the engine to sputter or misfire at the same time.
- There could just be a problem with the air filter. You would normally be able to replace this yourself.
- It is possible that your fuel injectors are leaking. You will have to get a professional to inspect and replace.
- There could be a problem with the ignition. You should check the distributor cap and rotor or ask our technician to inspect for you.
Observing the early signs of a problem with your car could prevent huge repair bills later. It’s worth learning the problems that colored exhaust emissions could indicate to help you get to the root of the issue as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, contact the DCH Freehold Toyota service department today.
 Driving a rental or loaner vehicle can be a fun break from your usual vehicle, even if you have been forced to do it by factors outside your control. If you are driving a car of this sort, however, you should not assume that it is simply a case of taking the keys and cruising away. It’s very important to understand what your obligations and responsibilities are. Here are some tips from DCH Freehold Toyota to keep in mind when driving a rental or loaner vehicle.
Fuel
It is vital that you check your liabilities for gas. In some cases you will be supplied a vehicle with a full tank of gas, and you must return it on that basis. In other cases, the tank will be close to empty, and you will simply have to put in the gas that you need to use. In the case of the former, make sure that you fill the tank up completely or you may be charged a nasty re-fueling fee. In the case of the latter, ensure that you do not put more fuel in the tank than you need or you may be funding the next user’s driving.
Damage report
Make sure that you have checked the car over for damage BEFORE you drive it away. In most cases, you will be issued with a damage report. Check this carefully, and do not be frightened to be too picky. In many cases, you can be held liable for all damage to the vehicle and if it is not on the report when you take the car away, you will be unable to prove that you did not cause the damage.
Emergency cover
Your rental or loaner vehicle will normally be supplied with inclusive emergency breakdown coverage. Ensure that you have all the details to hand that you may need in the event that you need to call for assistance. Check this before you drive off, but if you forget, give the rental company a call from home to clarify the contact details and level of cover that you have. Make sure that you are aware of any additional responsibilities that you may have. You may be asked to give the rental company a call as well as the assistance number, for example.
Mileage limits
You cannot assume that you are able to drive the car for unlimited mileage while it is on loan to you. In some cases, you may be limited to a reasonable mileage limit, after which you will be charged a hefty fee on a mile-by-mile basis. If you are on a mileage-restricted contract, ensure that you confirm the car’s mileage before you leave and that you reset the counter to zero so that you can easily keep tabs on your usage.
Documentation
Keep all the documentation related to your rental or loan vehicle. Do not leave it in the glove box or on the seat in the car. If the car is stolen, you will not have any paperwork related to the car. Make sure that you do not blindly sign every piece of paper put in front of you either. Like any other type of contract, make sure you know what you are signing before you sign it.
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