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Though the car batteries of today are “maintenance free” car batteries, it does not mean that they will last forever. Just like all other aspects of your car, it’s important to ask your dealer to review your battery from time to time to ensure that your vehicle will continue to start reliably. By asking your dealer to occasionally give your battery a check-up, you’ll ensure that you never find yourself stuck without starting power. Though our car batteries are not something we think of as often as our tires or our brakes, they are definitely a feature worth considering and servicing to maintain a reliable, safe car.

Wishing you an Independence Day filled with pride in our country and hoping you enjoy the 4th of July with family and friends.

BMW, the world’s largest luxury automaker, is teaming up with Toyota, Japan’s largest automaker, to focus on the next generation of cars. More specifically they will be developing electric drivetrains, fuel cell technology and finding new ways to make lighter vehicles. Click here to read the full story!

At the Tokyo Toy Show last week, Toyota introduced the Camatte concept, a 9-foot-long Toyota for tots that's powered by an electric motor and lead-acid battery. The car, which isn't street legal, has a top speed of 25 mph and seats three. Toyota didn't talk price. The Camatte has a center-positioned driver's seat. And the back seat is big enough for a parent to squeeze in and, through remote controls, assist in braking and steering if the front-seat child needs help. Toyota envisions the Camatte as a recruiting and training tool for the next-generation of Japanese drivers. It is something that children of well-heeled parents can drive at go-kart tracks or on private roads -- and, in the process, perhaps develop a love affair with driving. While Toyota has no firm plans to sell the Camatte, it isn't kidding around. Virtually all Japanese carmakers are casting about frantically for ways to spur interest in cars among young buyers in Japan, who no longer covet them as status symbols.

When you purchase a car, it’s not to merely get you from one place to another. We also turn to our cars for comfort, and at times, even entertainment. As we cruise in our vehicles, we relax into our plush seats, often with a beverage in the cup holder, and our favorite music playing over the speakers. As you enjoy all the aspects of your vehicle, it’s important to never overlook safety – another important element we always consider when purchasing a car. Whenever you drive, make certain that your mirrors are adjusted so that you can always see any vehicles that may be behind you or to your sides, and also make sure that the music is never so loud that you cannot hear emergency vehicles or other warnings, such as a honking horn. Also, though you may be tempted to do so, do not multitask while driving – don’t play with the radio while you’re drinking your coffee! Your vehicle is meant to be both enjoyed, and respected -- so, always make it a top priority keep yourself safe, while you cruise around town!

According to a story by Alex Taylor of CNN Money, Toyota has long been the single most popular car brand, outpacing both Ford and Chevrolet. But soon, Taylor and several experts say, all Toyota vehicles, including Scion and Lexus, will surpass Ford Motor’s Ford and Lincoln brands and move into second place in U.S. sales after General Motors. “We see Toyota overtaking Ford Motor Company this year,” says veteran analyst Tom Libby of R.L. Polk. CNN Money offers 10 reasons why Toyota is overtaking Ford in the American market, including the strength of its Lexus brand, the success of Camry and the dominance of the Prius. Click Here for the full Story.

What do you do when you start your car, and see that your check engine light is illuminated? If you’re the type that instantly begins to worry about what it will cost you, take a deep breath! Today’s cars have highly-advanced monitoring systems that continually check your vehicle’s health, and a simple visit to your dealer can easily reveal the issue – perhaps a gas cap is not screwed on tightly, or a painless maintenance issue has been over-looked for a bit too long. If the light is on, it’s a good time to revisit your owner’s manual for additional information and ideas about what the issue could be. Keep in mind, however, that a blinking check engine light could indicate a more serious problem such as a loose oil cap or a hazardous condition that could ultimately ruin your engine. Though you need not panic if the light comes on, it is a time to check-in with your car’s health. Next time that little light illuminates, head on over to your dealer to keep your car healthy, and to ensure the safety of you and your passengers!

J.D. Power and Associates today announced that five Toyota and Lexus vehicles captured segment awards and five Toyota manufacturing facilities in Japan and North America won plant awards in the 2012 Initial Quality Study (IQS), more than any other automaker in both categories. The study also found: -Toyota has fewer problems than the premium brands industry average; -15 Toyota, Lexus and Scion models ranked in the top three of the segments they compete in; -Corolla is the highest performing non-premium model, it also ranks fifth overall; -The all-new Prius v garnered second place in a closely contested segment; -The redesigned Camry scores even better than last year’s model. Click here to read the story.

At this special time of year, we want to celebrate the terrific fathers near and far and we would also like to say how much we respect and admire you!

We all know that our car’s mirrors allow us see around blind spots, and serve to keep us safe when we are driving. Given their position on our vehicles, mirrors are particularly vulnerable to minor accidents and scraps as we navigate our way through the world. Perhaps, you’ve even had a time when you returned to your car to find that your mirror was broken or damaged. If so, put that duct tape away, and head on over to your dealer. Your dealer will be able to order a replacement mirror, and will also be able to install it as per the factory specs. Having a proper, functioning mirror will protect you and your car, and will also prevent moisture from getting inside of the door. Driving with a damaged mirror could lead to more problems, such as inspection failure, or even worse it could fall off, and hit another vehicle at high speed. Don’t engage in risky behavior, instead, contact your dealer and have them fix your damaged mirrors today!

There is never a shortage of cars on city streets, but you’d be hard pressed to find places that sell them – unless you wander into West Philadelphia. Central City Toyota, located at 4800 Chestnut St., prides themselves on being the lone car dealership in the area. Click Here for the full Story by Candice Monhollan, Audra Neff-Williams and Mike Polinsky of the Philadelphia Neighborhoods Blog. A publication of Temple Universities Multimedia Urban Reporting Lab:

With the ever skyrocketing cost of gas, people are always looking for ways to save. One of the easiest and best ways to make the most of your tank is to check your car’s tire pressure. If you are one of the 85% of people who fail to check their tire pressure monthly, then you could be missing out on some significant savings. Tires that are under inflated often run hot, wear down faster, and result in lower gas mileage. So, once you realize your tires need a little air, you may begin to wonder which is better, air or nitrogen. If you’ve ever seen a green air cap on a tire that means the tire is filled with Nitrogen. Nitrogen is currently used in airplanes and race cars, and has larger molecules than standard air, so if you happen to have a leak in your tire, the nitrogen will leak out more slowly than compressed air. Also, nitrogen has no moisture or oxygen, which means that it will not result in the deterioration of the rubber or the rusting or pitting of the rim. If you’re still wondering what is best, ask your dealer for their recommendation for your vehicle.