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In the world of automotive safety, there are really two major players in the United States. The first is the federal bureau: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The second is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Now, not many people realize the difference between them, but your Macungie Area Toyota dealer makes it clear. What Is the IIHS? The IIHS was started by a group of insurance companies back in 1959 as an alternative to the federal branch. The thinking at the time was that insurance companies were interested in decreasing injuries at all costs and the NHTSA can be more politically tricky. By working outside the government, the IIHS was able to sidestep lobbyists from the automotive industry. How Do They Rate Cars? Their crash testing is similar to the NHTSA, but there are some differences. For example, the IIHS adopted what are called a moderate overlap and small overlap front crash tests. Essentially, they found that most head-on accidents are not direct. Most of them are when there’s a moderate overlap or a small overlap between the two cars. The front driver’s corner is the most common impact zone for frontal collisions and can drastically change the safety rating of a vehicle. What Does It Mean to Be a TSP or TSP+? In addition to the moderate and small overlap tests, the IIHS also performs tests on side impacts, roof strength, and head restraint tests, among other. Scoring the highest rating on these earns a vehicle the title of Top Safety Pick (TSP). If a vehicle also includes newer front crash prevention, like collision warning, as well, it can earn TSP+. For example, two different Toyota models have earned a TSP for the 2015 model year and five different models have earned a TSP+.

As the 21st century continues, more and more companies are coming out with solid, market-ready alternatives to fossil fuel vehicles. One of those alternatives is hydrogen fuel cells. Toyota has invested heavily in the FCV market and your Bethlehem Area Toyota dealer wants to tell you all about it. The What Not too long ago, Toyota unveiled the Mirai, one of the first (and only) ready to buy hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). What is a fuel cell vehicle? Instead of gasoline or fuel, an FCV holds hydrogen, and instead of using combustion to move pistons for energy, it uses electric current. The hydrogen is sent through a specially designed kind of filter that pulls the hydrogen apart, creating electricity, and then combining the hydrogen with regular oxygen to create water as the only byproduct. The Why Every automaker in the world is scrambling to establish itself at the forefront of the green car field. The Prius has made Toyota a go-to choice for alternative fuel. While some, like the folks at Wired, have suggested longer term goals, a working FCV puts Toyota the first in a very promising arena. The Result People like Elon Musk, the head of Tesla Motors and a key advocate for electric vehicles, have called FCVs “silly.” Despite the opinions and the critics, Toyota is opening up the alternative market, forcing competition. The benefits to the consumer? Companies need to speed up their engineering to make their cars practical at the same time that prices are forced to decrease.

Once upon a time, companies like Toyota were known for small cars that were extremely efficient. Well, they’re still known for that, but over the years, more and more people realized what Toyota was on to. Your Allentown Area Toyota dealer tells you why the 2015 Yaris LE makes a perfect car for cities or highways. The Basics The Yaris begins with a 1.5-liter, in-line four cylinder engine with multi-point fuel injection and variable valve timing. The result is 106 horsepower and 103 pounds of torque at the same time as an EPA-estimated 36 miles per gallon on the highway. What It Can Do The front-wheel drive, automatic transmission Yaris gets the most out of every ounce of fuel, but that doesn’t mean it can’t do a job. With seating for five and a fold-flat seat, the Yaris can take on more than you’d expect. Safety Toyota’s commitment to safety doesn’t change because of size. The Yaris is packed with anti-lock, ventilated disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control, intelligent airbags in the front that adapt to crash conditions, side and curtain airbags to protect the entire cabin, and reinforced impact zones all around the body. Life’s Little Extras The Yaris’ features begin with cruise control, climate control, and microfiltration system, but extend to a six-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, digital radio, touchscreen interface, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming or hands-free calling. All this on top of the essential power windows, locks, and mirrors.

Do you know what steps you can take to keep your car safe from thieves? Did you know that many car thefts take place in family neighborhoods? Here is list of the top 15 safety tips recommended by your Toyota dealer near Bethlehem to keep your car and items inside your car safe from theft. Always lock your car doors even when you park it in your home driveway or in your garage. Keep your car windows tightly shut. Don’t store a spare set of keys on the outside of your car. Never leave your car’s engine running while unattended. Use your home garage to park in instead of your driveway. Find well lit areas to park when out at night. Use attendant parking lots when available. When valet parking only leave your valet key. Don’t leave your GPS or other valuables inside your car where they can be seen. When parking on a hill or incline` turn your tires in towards the curve. To prevent identity theft don’t leave anything in your vehicle that has your personal information on it. Approach your car carefully when returning to it in a parking lot especially at night. If all looks clear, get in quickly and lock your doors immediately. Have a security anti theft alarm installed on your car if it doesn’t have one. Use your emergency brake when you park your car. If you live in or frequent a high crime area consider having a tracking device installed on your car so you have a better chance of locating it if stolen.

Consumer Reports has recently honored the Toyota Camry Hybrid with a best value car award for the 2015 model year. If you are looking to buy a midsized hybrid car, then the Camry should be at the top of your list for consideration. Not only does it come at a great price but the redesigned 2015 model offers a stylish exterior, an updated contemporary interior, new technology features and an unbelievably quiet ride. Your Emmaus Toyota dealer invites you in to take a look. Interior Features of The 20105 Toyota Camry Hybrid The 2015 Camry is loaded with features that owners love. The interior is spacious offering ample seating room for 5 passengers. The driver seat offers power height and power lumbar support making it easy for the driver to get comfortable. A leather tilt telescoping steering wheel allows for an easy grip and smooth handling. A trip computer displays fuel economy, average speed and miles to empty. The audio system features a color touch screen, 6 speakers and an AM/FM radio and CD player. Additional features include folding rear seats for cargo versatility, cup holders, dual zone climate control, power door locks and one touch power windows. Safety Features of The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid No safety features is overlooked on the Toyota 2015 Camry Hybrid. An air bag system protects the driver and passengers. Included are front intelligent airbags for driver and front passenger, front and rear curtain airbags and front and rear side airbags. Halogen headlamps with dusk sensors, an immobilizer, intermittent windshield wipers and a rearview camera are also included. Finally, 3 point seatbelts and height adjustable head restraints are also on board.

If you have ever driven through dense fog, you know it can be challenging and at times even terrifying. Your Toyota dealer near Macungie warns drivers to take extra precautions when driving in the dense fog. Here are the tips that they recommend. What Your Should Do When Driving In The Fog When you are hit with dense fog conditions on the roadway the first step in staying safe is to slow down. Driving in the fog can greatly decrease your visibility and extra reaction time is often needed. Your lights also need to be on when driving in the fog. If you have fog lights use those or your low beams will work. Your lights will help you to see through the fog and warn other drivers to your presence. You also need to give other drivers extra space and use great caution when passing another vehicle. Other to do’s in the fog include using your heat and defrost to keep the moisture down inside your car, turning on your windshield wipers for better visibility and paying close attention to other road conditions like slippery roadways. What Your Shouldn’t Do When Driving In The Fog There are also things you need to avoid doing when you are stuck driving in dense fog conditions. To begin with don’t use your phone for any reason. It is also not a good idea to eat or drink, set up your GPS or fiddle with your radio. Finally, don’t use your cruise control and never use your bright lights as they can actually reduce your visibility.

The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is a top pick for a small SUV. The RAV4 offers an eye turning exterior design, agile handling, a well appointed comfortable cabin and an affordable price tag. It also is the recipient of a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Here is a detailed look at all that is available in the 2015 RAV4 from your Toyota dealer near Whitehall. 9 great exterior colors including blue crush metallic and hot lava Roomy and comfortable seating for 5 passengers More than ample cargo space including split row rear seats for flexibility On board audio system with color touch screen, AM/FM radio, CD player and MP3 connectivity Trip Computer displaying your fuel economy Overhead map lights Dual zone climate control for added passenger comfort Cup holders located throughout the cabin Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirrors Blue tooth hands free technology command Adjustable driver bucket seat Tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls Built in navigation system Power tilt moon roof with sun shade Heated outside door mirrors with built in turn signals and blind spot warning indicators Rear view back up camera ABS braking system with a brake assist feature, smart stop technology and electronic traction control Day time running lights Fog lights Airbag system includes front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags Tire pressure monitoring LATCH system for child safety seat installation Child protected door locks 3 point safety belts Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning alert

Do you know what preparation steps you should take when planning a long distance road trip? For safe travels you need to make sure your car is ready for the drive. Here is a checklist of items to consider from your Bethlehem Toyota dealer. Maintenance And Repairs Before leaving on a road trip it is wise to get all of your car’s maintenance and repair needs taken care of. Well in advance of your leave date make an appointment to have any needed repairs done and general maintenance completed. Get your car’s oil changed, tires rotated, dirty air filters replaced, check your windshield wipers and have the battery checked. Prep Your Car Getting your car ready also includes some prep work on your part. Clean out your vehicle and check to ensure you have a fully stocked emergency road kit and a first aid kit on board. You should also check your vehicle registration, insurance policy and road side assistance plan and make sure they are all up to date. Plan Your Drive Take the time to plan out your route before leaving home. Even if you plan to use a navigation system it is still important to know what roads you will be traveling on. Pick up maps for the states you will be traveling through and familiarize yourself with them. Pack Items You Will Need Finally, make a packing list of items you will need to pack for your trip. Update your iPod with song lists and pack drinks and snacks. You should also make sure you have sunglasses for driving.

Your Allentown Toyota dealer knows that that safety is a top priority in a new car purchase. The Toyota brand is known for manufacturing some of the safest vehicles on the road way. Their 2015 lineup includes multiple safety award winning vehicle options, all loaded with the latest safety technology. Here is a look at the Toyota cars, SUV’s and minivan that have been recognized with top safety ratings and awards. Seven Toyota models earned Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Here is a look at what vehicles made the list. Top Safety Pick+ Awards: Toyota Prius for small car Toyota Camry for midsize car Toyota Prius v for midsize car Toyota Highlander for midsize SUV Toyota Sienna for minivan Toy Safety Pick Awards: Toyota Avalon for large family car Toyota RAV4 for small SUV Seven Toyota models earned an overall 5 star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here is a look at what models received this prestigious crash test rating. Toyota Scion Toyota Venza Toyota Avalon Toyota Camry Toyota Corolla Toyota Highlander Toyota Sienna To test drive one of these top safety rated vehicles stop into your Allentown Toyota dealership today. Great financing and lease rates are available now so don’t delay. Our sales team is waiting to guide and assist you in buying your next Toyota.

The 2015 Toyota Venza is here at our Bethlehem area Toyota dealership so get ready to schedule a test drive. The Venza is a wagon-style vehicle with a nice wide frame and good ground clearance to help you venture outside of the highway. See the Venza in person today by scheduling a convenient time to test drive it on the road.   The Toyota Venza for 2015 is known for its comfortable interior space and rugged abilities. It is a great alternative for a larger sport utility vehicle. On the road, the Venza is smooth. The optional V6 engine is a better choice for those that need more power. Fuel economy on both engines choices is also good.   The cabin area of the Venza is certainly spacious. Two rows of seats are comfortable to sit on even for long periods of time. Leg room, headroom, and hip room are also very notable, especially for taller adult passengers. Rear seats fold flat to extend already generous amounts of cargo room.   Standard features in the base model Venza include a rearview camera system, dual zone automatic climate control, an audio system with six speakers, CD player, auxiliary and USB inputs, and a 3.5 inch LCD display screen. Fabric seats come standard but leather upholstery is available in upper level trims. All 2015 Venza model wagons feature Toyota’s Star Safety System with traction and stability controls, anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, and seven cabin airbags.   If you are in the market for a roomy, capable vehicle, consider the many benefits of owning a Toyota Venza from our Bethlehem area new and used Toyota dealership. We can even help in-house with financing if you are interested in riding home in your brand new Toyota Venza today.

The busiest of families need a reliable vehicle that can accommodate everyone. A great choice for your family may be the Toyota Sienna. See the new 2015 Sienna today at our Toyota dealership near Whitehall, PA.   The 2015 Toyota Sienna has so much to offer. It is the only family minivan available on the market that features all-wheel drive. It also has a solid reputation for reliability. The Sienna features a powerful V6 engine and a 6 speed automatic transmission. The Sienna maintains a quiet cabin space on the highway and has room to transport up to 8 adult passengers in three rows of seating.   The interior of the 2015 Toyota Sienna is very roomy and offers a luxurious feel. Cargo space in the rear is increased from previous models and rear seating offers more safety seat LATCH points for children’s car seas. Standard features on the Sienna base model include integrated backup camera system, cruise control, 3 zone air conditioning, keyless entry systems, and an audio system with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system with a 6.1 inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB inputs.   Additional options are available for installation at our Whitehall area Toyota service center including a rear seat entertainment system, dual front and rear moon roof, blindspot monitoring system, and second row Captain’s chairs. See the Sienna in person at our dealership to check out the many family’-friendly features available to accommodate your family’s driving needs.

The Toyota 4Runner for 2015 is an sport utility vehicle that is able to handle the highway with ease or go off-road for more adventures. This vehicle can move with a powerful V6 engine under the hood and an assortment of accessories to keep you going. See the new 4Runner today at our Toyota dealership near Allentown.   The 4Runner features a smooth 5-speed automatic transmission and is easy to handle on the road. The cabin area of the 4Runner is comfortable but road noise at higher speeds can occur. Off-roading is a breeze in the 4Runner for the adventurous driver. On the inside, the Toyota 4Runner offers a lot of room for the driver and their passengers. Controls are easy to reach and the seats are supportive and comfortable. A large center console is provided and the second row of seating provides good legroom. The third row of seats may be more comfortable for children than adults.   Standard equipment in the base model Toyota 4Runner includes a rearview camera system, 8-way power driver seat, and an audio system with CD player, USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, and HomeLink. Additional trims like the Trail, Limited, and TRD Pro Series offer even more features including water-resistant upholstery, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, navigation system, a premium JBL audio system, and a moon roof.   If the Toyota 4Runner for 2015 sounds like the adventure vehicle for you, contact us today to schedule an on-road test drive. Our experienced Toyota sales staff at our Allentown area Toyota dealership would love to show you the many options available in the new 4Runner to fit your lifestyle and driving needs.