The One Club honors automaker for ‘experiential advertising’ excellence
In October 2012, the Toyota Tundra made history when it towed the Endeavour space shuttle and dolly on its final journey to the California Science Center. Besides showcasing the powerful performance of the Tundra, the campaign also showed Toyota’s brand principles in a unique new way. Earlier this month, the Toyota campaign was recognized in the “experiential advertising” category of the One Club Automobile Advertising of the Year Awards.
The awards took place in Detroit in conjunction with the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Awards were given in five categories:
Print & Outdoor
Broadcast TV
Online Video
Interactive
Experiential Advertising
Over 500 submissions came in from around the world, with judging by a panel of 50 creative directors and journalists.
The Toyota Tundra campaign (developed with Saatchi & Saatchi LA) marked over 20 years of partnership between Toyota and the California Science Center. You can learn more about the historic achievement at http://www.toyota.com/tundraendeavour/.
At DCH Freehold Toyota, we’re honored by this prestigious award. Congratulations to all of the other nominees—and to see what the new Toyota Tundra can do for you, visit our dealership today.
Are you “in the know” when it comes to driving in the snow? At DCH Freehold Toyota, we know that staying safe on the roads during rough winter weather is always challenging, but false info about winter driving could be making your chilly commute even more difficult, and dangerous. Read on to make sure you’re not falling for one of these major winter driving myths!
Myth: All-Wheel Drive makes you Master of the Snow
Sorry, All-Wheel-Drivers. Even though AWD provides a greater margin of error by distributing gripping power to all four tires, that doesn’t necessarily translate into increased driving safety. It more likely causes a false sense of confidence when you assume your all-around driving capability is better than it actually is. While an AWD vehicle might offer less chance of tire slippage when power is applied, caution is still recommended on icy surfaces.
Myth: Winter Tires are Just for Ice and Snow
Aptly named “winter” tires are designed for so much more than just the extremes of the season. Even if your area doesn’t get a lot of precipitation during the colder months, these specialized tires are still a great investment. They perform better on cold pavement, sticking close to the ground more efficiently, and stay pliable even in the lowest temperatures, unlike summer or all-season tires, which harden.
Myth: All-Season Tires are Best for All Seasons
Designed for versatility, all-season tires are meant to compromise. They’re moderately effective in the summer and moderately effective in the winter. They may work for most mild winters, but if you’re looking for the highest performance you can get in the colder months, look at winter tires. As mentioned, all-season tires harden in colder temperatures and as a result simply are not as effective as their winter cousins.
Myth: Under-Inflate Tires when Things get Slippery
Don’t do this. Inflating tires lower than the manufacturer’s recommended inflation rate results in lower performance, effectiveness, and safety. Over time, under inflation damages your tires, especially when dealing with colder weather.
The best way to stay safe on the roads? Keep your distance, and be as aware as possible. Your vehicle is going to take much longer to stop on ice and snow than on pavement. For more winter-driving advice, and information about winter-driving gear, contact our service department at DCH Freehold Toyota. We’ll help you conquer the cold all season long.
Thanks to all of our DCH Freehold Toyota customers!
Think you might have noticed more Toyotas on the road while you were driving to work this morning? Well, there’s a reason for that.
The automaker produced at record levels this past year, outdoing 2012 production numbers. At its 14 manufacturing facilities in North America, Toyota built 1,857,695 vehicles in 2013, a 5 percent increase from the previous year, and 1,715,709 engines, a 3 percent increase. Continue reading →
In severe weather conditions, whether or not your vehicle is safe could depend on how functional the rubber windshield wiper blades are on your vehicle. Read on to learn if it is time for you to purchase a new set of wiper blades.
When do you need new windshield wiper blades?
Worn-out wiper blades usually remind you they’re wearing out by the sound that they make. If during operation you hear an annoying "squeak" every time they "swish," it’s time for new wiper blades. A rubber windshield wiper that’s cracked can’t keep your windshield clear during wet weather conditions and this increases your risk of having an accident. Additionally, if the rubber wears off and any part of the metal wiper hits the glass, your windshield could be damaged.
How often should rubber blades be replaced?
Inspection of your vehicle’s rubber wiper blades should be a part of every regular maintenance inspection. You don’t want to have to pull your vehicle over during a downpour or snowstorm just because you can’t see out the windows. A better strategy is to regularly check their condition and either have them replaced during a service appointment at your dealership, or change them yourself. Just be sure to check your vehicle’s operating manual for the right replacement size.
Should you replace windshield wiper blades yourself?
If you are car savvy and accustomed to doing small DIY projects on your car, changing the wiper blades isn’t a difficult task if you purchase the correct replacement. After reading the directions on the package, clean the glass windshield to remove any debris and to make the surface smooth. Replacement wiper products sometimes recommend applying glass treatment to the windshield. This step improves the effectiveness of the new blades.
What is the evolution of wiper blades?
For decades, car designs have changed radically while the standard design for wiper blades hasn’t. The first real evolution to come along beyond a single wiper blade was the two-blade design with wings during the 1980′s. Eventually, other designs incorporated even more wiping edges within one rubber strip. However, problems arose on multiple edged wipers because their design allowed too much space for ice and snow to clog the wiper action and they stopped working when drivers needed them most.
What about new contoured windshield blade designs?
Enter the contoured, frameless wiper blade. This innovative design has a benefit standard rubber blades don’t have-even pressure over the entire blade surface. When wiper blades wear evenly there’s no more premature failure of the blades due to worn edges. This design also prevents ice build-up between the rubber wiper blade and the metal frame. You don’t have to worry about them freezing if you find yourself driving in below freezing temperatures. Contoured, frameless windshield wipers are now standard on many new car models.
You don’t want to ignore this small, inexpensive item that can make a big difference when you must drive your car during bad weather conditions.
New video series highlights the importance of knowing where your pre-owned vehicle has been
We all know that some used vehicles have been through more than others. In the new Toyota Certified Tales of the Uncertified video series, the automaker shares some of the more outlandish possibilities, ranging from a crowd of overeager clowns to a toxic beanstalk and more. Check out the toll that a zombie apocalypse can leave on a vehicle in the video above.
Buying pre-owned doesn’t have to be a gamble. Toyota Certified Used Vehicles have offered peace of mind for car buyers since the program launched in 1996. TCUV benefits include:
1 Comprehensive Warranty (from date of purchase). This warranty covers any repair or replacement of components which fail under normal use due to a defect in materials or workmanship. (Program not available in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.)
2 From original date of first use when sold as new. See your Toyota Certified Used Vehicles dealer for warranty details. (Program not available in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.)
3 Roadside Assistance: You are entitled to “sign and drive” coverage up to $100 for emergency services beginning on January 1st of your vehicles model year and will be in effect from that date for a period of seven (7) years regardless of mileage.
Pickup production is close to capacity at Texas location
Toyota is facing an exciting decision: whether or not to expand pickup production capacity at its San Antonio, Texas plant. The plant is capable of producing a combined 250,000 Tundra and Tacoma pickups, including the redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra that launched this summer. Through November 2013, Toyota has sold 248,468 Tundra and Tacoma models combined, according to the Automotive News Data Center.
That’s a 14 percent increase from the same period last year, and Toyota is looking for ways to meet the predicted demand in the coming years. The expansion would be a significant investment, but it would also mean more jobs and more flexibility in the coming years.
Keeping up with demand is an exciting challenge, and at DCH Freehold Toyota, we’re thankful to all of our customers who have helped make Toyota’s truck models a success. If you’re looking to see what everyone’s been talking about when it comes to these hardworking vehicles, contact us or visit our dealership today.
Car maintenance becomes even more crucial during winter. Here are some maintenance tips from DCH Freehold Toyota to help you avoid winter mishaps.
Regular, routine maintenance. Some drivers falsely assume that once the heat of summer has ended, there’s less of a need for routine maintenance. Cold weather can wreak havoc on a car’s engine. Make sure you stay up-to-date on your car’s maintenance. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual and be sure to bring it into the dealer for regular tune-ups and oil changes. You’ll also want to change air, fuel, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system, and other filters to help your engine run more efficiently. And by the way, idling your car to "warm up" the engine often does more damage than good.
Proactive care. The winter’s nice for sitting around a warm house, cozying up to loved ones, and watching holiday reruns. You may even fool yourself into thinking you don’t need to be concerned with your vehicle’s hard starting, rough idling, stalling, or diminished power. It’ll "fix itself," you rationalize…until it doesn’t fix itself. Get your car checked at the first sign of a problem or you might end up cozying up in the front seat of a tow truck with a complete stranger.
Winter precautions. Driving in the winter is tough enough. Driving with a dead battery is even tougher. Get your battery checked before you end up begging someone for a jump-start in a blizzard. It’s also tough driving as you shiver. Make sure the heater works. And while you’re at it, get the defroster checked because it’s really difficult to drive when you can’t see the road, which is why you may want to invest in some windshield wipers, too.
More winter precautions. Seeing the road is important. Being seen while you’re on the road is also important. Make sure your lights are functioning properly. Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately. That includes head lights, blinkers, brake lights, and any other illuminating indicator of your presence.
The exhaust system. Get the exhaust system checked. Winter driving often means driving with all the windows up for long periods. Exhaust fumes in your vehicle can be deadly. For your next tune-up, have the exhaust system inspected while on a lift. Be sure to inspect the trunk and floor boards for leaks.
Beyond car maintenance. Bringing your car in for winter maintenance should prevent common winter service mishaps, but that’s no reason to get over confident. You’d be wise to put a winter safety emergency kit in the vehicle. A kit should include extra boots, gloves, hats, and blankets. If you live in a snowy area, keep snow chains and some kitty litter in the trunk. And don’t forget a flash light, some extra batteries, and a snack.
Keep in mind that the need for maintenance increases as winter approaches. The DCH Freehold Toyota service department can provide specific tips for your vehicle, in addition to the general tips here. Happy driving!
Toyota has launched TeenDrive365 to help teens navigate their first year of driving
The moment a teenager is handed a set of car keys, they can’t get behind the wheel fast enough. But a teen’s first year of driving is one of the most dangerous years of their life, and automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. It is imperative for them to be prepared for the challenges of the road.
Toyota’s TeenDrive365 program attempts to do just that. Teens get most of their driving habits from their parents, so Toyota has given parents resources to help them encourage their children to practice safe driving. Some of these resources include online tools and safe driving tips, the Mutual Driving Agreement, the Toyota Parent/Teen Safety Challenge on Facebook, and teen driver events that happen across the country.
“We like to say that driver’s education begins the day a parent turns their child’s car seat around to face forward,” said Dr. Tina Sayer, Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center Principal Engineer and teen safe driving expert. “It’s so important that parents understand that the actions they take and the expectations they set for young drivers each day are powerful factors in encouraging a lifetime of safe behavior behind the wheel.”
At DCH Freehold Toyota, we encourage parents and teens to have a conversation about the risks on the road and how to practice safe driving.
The must-have apps you should have on your phone to ensure safe driving this winter season
Winter traveling—be it visiting grandma for the holidays, daily commuting, or for emergencies—can be wrought with hazards. These three mobile apps, recommended by our team at DCH Freehold Toyota, take some of the hazards out of winter driving, so you can feel secure as you travel.
The Weather Channel. You’ll definitely want to have access to daily and hourly weather reports during the winter driving months. The Weather Channel app, available on iPhone or Android devices, provides access to all the information you might need to avoid or escape a winter storm. The Weather Channel app is convenient and unobtrusive, delivering temperature alerts displayed in a systems tray. It also offers an extensive amount of local weather information, exactly what you need for the daily commute. With extended forecasts, animated radar maps, video forecasts, detailed precipitation facts and forecasts and health and safety information, The Weather Channel has your winter driving covered.
Dark Sky. You checked out the weather forecast and it mentioned the threat of snow or tricky driving conditions, but you need to know exactly where it’s snowing at the exact location you’re driving to. The Dark Sky weather app is what you need. Dark Sky uses state of the art weather forecasting to predict rain or snow down to the exact minute at your exact location. The app ties into radar available from the U.S. government to predict precipitation hourly wherever you are. The app’s stunning radar animation lets you track the path of a storm, so you don’t get stuck in it.
Winter Survival Kit. If you find yourself stuck or stranded in severe weather conditions, your safety might ultimately depend on your smartphone. The Winter Survival Kit app will help you determine your current location, call 9-1-1, contact friends and family, calculate how long you can run your engine without succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning and how long you can run your engine before you run out of gas. Of course, you’ll want to put together a physical winter survival kit as well. The Winter Survival Kit app will help by providing the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Service information on how to put together a physical winter survival kit, how to prepare your vehicle for winter driving and how to stay safe if stranded in a winter storm.
Toyota Financial Services (TFS) has supported local Boys & Girls Clubs since 2007 with the “Making Life Easier” program. Currently, TFS donates over $3 million a year to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and also launched Diplomas to Degrees with (d2D) with the organization in 2010.
This video shows why Toyota places such an emphasis on giving back to the community–an initiative that we at DCH Freehold Toyota are proud to support. Visit our dealership to learn about how we’re giving back here at home.
Are you “in the know” when it comes to driving in the snow? At 
Thanks to all of our DCH Freehold Toyota customers!
In severe weather conditions, whether or not your vehicle is safe could depend on how functional the rubber windshield wiper blades are on your vehicle. Read on to learn if it is time for you to purchase a new set of wiper blades.
Pickup production is close to capacity at Texas location
Car maintenance becomes even more crucial during winter. Here are some maintenance tips from 
Toyota has launched TeenDrive365 to help teens navigate their first year of driving 
