The 4 Best Toyotas for Families
Choosing a Toyota vehicle for the family can be easy or difficult, depending on whichever way you look at it. Why? Because almost all Toyotas make good family cars. So it’s easy because you’re sure to find something that suits your family and hard because it’s going to take a little time to decide with such a wide choice! So we’ve picked the top four best Toyotas for families to help make your decision easier.
Best SUV: Toyota Highlander
This three-row crossover SUV makes its way on to Kelley Blue Book’s Best Family Cars list for the third consecutive year in a row. It seats eight comfortably and can even accommodate a family pet. Its spacious cabin’s first two rows seat adults comfortably, with the third row better suited for kids, although adults can fit in that row at a squeeze. A great family feature of the XLE and Limited Platinum models is the option of adding a rear-seat entertainment system, which includes a Blu-ray DVD player so kids can be kept occupied on those long-distance journeys.
5 Signs Your Toyota Needs a Tuneup
Toyotas may not be the sexiest cars on the road, but they have built up a reputation as a solid, reliable car that rarely throws you down. Keeping it in tip-top condition by having it serviced at regular intervals will ensure you continue to enjoy many miles of drama-free driving. If you’re a driver who notices the slightest change in your car noises or performance, you’ll easily pick up when something is off with your vehicle. For those who aren’t that “tuned in” to their car, here are some signs your Toyota needs a tuneup.
Struggling to Start
Toyotas are generally good when it comes to starting the minute you swing the ignition. If you’ve been experiencing trouble with starting your car, it’s a sign that something’s going on. There could be several reasons for this, like a battery that’s fading, a defective starter, an ignition sensor malfunction, or a problem along the fuel line. A diagnostic check will reveal where the problem lies.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
Most of us have a good idea of how much mileage we get out of a full tank. If you find yourself pulling into the gas station more often than usual, something is causing the decrease in fuel efficiency. It could be something as simple as incorrect tire pressure or dirty spark plugs. But rather than plowing your hard-earned money into the gas tank, spend it fixing the problem and save money on fuel in the long run.
Misfiring of Engine
An engine misfire often means a problem with the spark plugs, and that’s a clear signal your car needs a tuneup. Over time, spark plugs become worn, fouled, or damaged. Other reasons for a misfire could be that the air/fuel mix is too lean (meaning there is too little gasoline in the mix to burn) or there’s loss of compression due to a blown gasket or burned valve.
Sluggish Acceleration
Bad spark plugs can also be the culprit when you find your car battling to accelerate. But one of the first things a mechanic will investigate is the fuel system. It could mean the fuel filter, fuel pump, or fuel injection system is at fault. A dirty air filter could also be the problem. Loss of power when accelerating is irritating but can also be hazardous, as the driver behind you may not be expecting such a slow takeoff and end up slamming into you.
Noisy or Poor Brakes
Brakes are super important, as they are crucial in safe driving. The last thing you want is to have the car’s brakes fail on you. Sometimes a squeak could be something as innocuous as dirty brakes. But if your brakes are squealing, you’re experiencing that “spongy” feeling, or you need to pump the brakes more than once to get them to respond, it’s probably time to replace the brake pads, rotors, or brake fluid.
As a car owner, none of these points should be a surprise, as they are obvious symptoms your car is a little under the weather and needs a quick visit to the car doctor. In addition, make sure to keep an eye on warning lights. If they light up, don’t ignore it — check it out sooner rather than later.
Top 5 Brunch Spots in Philadelphia
Brunch is not something reserved only for trendy New Yorkers, although that is where brunch culture seems to have first gained a following in America. As with many other trends in the U.S., brunch first became fashionable along the coastal areas (most notably New York and Los Angeles) before slowly working its way inland. Today, meeting friends for brunch is common, with the more popular eateries being fully booked every weekend. Philadelphia’s brunch culture is thriving, and several restaurants have gained a reputation for serving up spectacular brunches.
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse
Located in Rittenhouse Square, Lacroix is part of the luxurious Rittenhouse Hotel. The quality of food to be enjoyed at Lacroix matches its upmarket surroundings. Here you will enjoy fine dining with an extensive brunch menu that includes oysters, foie gras, house-cured charcuterie meats, and even caviar. The build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and liquid nitrogen ice cream are two of their signature offerings. It’s pricey but well worth the experience.
The 5 Coolest Walking Tours in Philadelphia, PA
With a city rich in history like Philadelphia, you don’t have to go far to find some fascinating sights. If you truly want to experience everything the city has to offer, check out one of these great walking tours.
City Food Tours
Learn more about the foods made famous in Philadelphia while getting a chance to burn off the calories you’ll get from sampling them with City Food Tours. Food experts will give you a behind-the-scenes look at making these foods and offer interesting stories about the creation of some of the most popular foods. You can choose from six tours, including the Flavors of Philly Tour, which has stops with famous Philadelphia treats like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. All the tours have less than 30 minutes of walking but over two hours of good eating. Read the rest of this entry »
The 5 Best Attractions in Philadelphia, PA
With over 40 million visitors every year, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia has some incredible attractions to see. Whether you’re interested in American history, world history, or great food, these are five of the best attractions worth seeing in Philadelphia. Read the rest of this entry »
The 5 Best Apps for Streaming Music
Nothing goes better with a drive than some good music. Whether you’re simply driving around town or you’re on a big road trip, check out these best apps for streaming music so you never have to miss out on your favorite tunes.
5 Ways to Save on Car Expenses
Owning a car is a large financial responsibility. In fact, AAA estimates that a car costs around $8,558 a year in upkeep. However, there are easy and simple techniques to save on car expenses. If you’re looking for ways you can save money when it comes to your car, keep reading for some helpful tips.
1. Use Apps to Save Money on Gas
If you’re looking to save money on gas, consider using an app or website that shows you the gas prices of stations around you. Just remember, you shouldn’t drive to a cheaper gas station that’s out of your way. Try to combine all your errands when you’re driving so you don’t have to make extra trips. Read the rest of this entry »
How the 2017 Toyota TRD Pro Will Change Off-Roading
Whether you live in Walnut Hill, University City, or South Philadelphia, sometimes you just need to escape the city for awhile. Fortunately, the new Toyota TRD Pro Series makes it easy to go off the beaten path. Get to know the TRD Pro Series, learn how this technology takes off-roading to the next level, and find the right Toyota TRD Pro vehicle for you.
What’s Under the Hood of the TRD Pro Series
You’ll recognize a Toyota TRD Pro Series vehicle right away. The Tundra has an oversized grille, black-bezel headlights, and 18-inch black alloy wheels. The 4Runner features similar headlights, 17-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels, and all-terrain tires.
Both models boast seriously impressive power under the hood. The Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8 engine pairs with its dual-exhaust system for 400 lb-ft of torque and a roar you won’t be able to ignore. The 4Runner TRD Pro comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Choose from a part-time or full-time four-wheel drive system to give your truck or SUV the added traction it needs.
From Philly cheese steak to art to rich history, visiting and exploring Philadelphia is both exciting and entertaining. One unique and beautiful aspect of Philadelphia is the variety of parks and gardens scattered throughout the city. While some are more popular than others, each provides a breath of fresh air amid a sea of greenery. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite gardens and parks in Philadelphia.
Morris Arboretum
If you’re looking for a Victorian garden landscape, then take a stroll around Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania. Here you can go back in time and view classical English landscape structures and sculptures. This 92-acre arboretum also features a formal rose garden, majestic old trees, a garden railway display, and unique plants from all over the world. Plus, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the forest on the 450-foot Tree Adventure canopy walk.
Why the 2016 Sienna is the Ultimate Family Minivan
These are just a few of the reasons why Parents Magazine and Edmund’s chose the 2016 Sienna as a top 10 family car of the year. Whether your favorite feature is the all-wheel drive — the Sienna is one of the very few in its class to offer this — or the Easy Speak option, which helps the driver convey their voice to the back seat, this vehicle is worth looking into for families.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given this vehicle five out of five stars. The Sienna features the Star Safety System, which includes anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and smart stop technology. This van comes standard with eight airbags: side curtain airbags that protect from the front seats to the third row of seats.
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