Winterizing Your Car

Climate changes don't affect just you―they also affect your car. In regions that don't enjoy mild winters, you wouldn't dream of heading outside without a heavy coat if the wind chill brought the temperature below freezing. Don't expect your car to function properly without some attention to its winter needs, too.

Engine Oil in the Winter

The oil in your engine changes depending on how hot or cold the engine is running. Because the outside temperatures will influence the internal temperature of your engine, you need to make sure you're using the proper oil for the conditions.

During the winter months, if you live where temperatures get below freezing, you'll want to switch over to thinner―less viscous―oil. If you run a 10W-30 in the summer, for example, try moving to a 5W-30 when changing your oil in the fall or winter. If you are in doubt, refer to your manual or the manufacturer.

Engine Coolant

You car's coolant system is not intended only to keep your engine from overheating. It is also responsible for protecting your valuable engine against corrosion. Before the weather gets too cold, make sure you are using coolant with ethylene glycol to help protect your engine.

Every vehicle requires a certain ratio of coolant to water, and your owner's manual or repair technician can explain what your engine needs. For most vehicles, a winter ratio is 60% coolant to 40% water. Adjusting this ratio is an important step in winterizing your car, so if you need help, ask someone who is experienced and knowledgeable.

Cold Weather and Battery Capacity

It isn't only your engine that doesn't like to start in the winter. Your battery capacity is reduced by the cold weather, too. A thorough inspection of your battery, cables, terminals, and fluid will help you make sure your car is ready for the winter.

Check over the battery cables for cracks and breaks. The terminals should fit snugly with no loose connections. You can check your battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole (or sometimes holes). If the level is below the bottom of the cap, refill with distilled water.

To read the level of charge in your battery, you will need to turn the engine off. Some batteries have a built-in hydrometer eye that tells you the amount of voltage remaining in the battery. If you prefer, a handheld hydrometer can be used to collect the same information.

So, is your battery fresh enough to endure the winter weather? Compare its voltage with these figures:

• 12.6V to 12.8V: full charge

• 12.2V to 12.4V: half charge

• 11.8V to 12.0V: discharged

While you're inspecting your battery, look around for the manufacture date. Knowing how old your battery is can clue you in to when it will begin to lose charge. Shopping for a new battery? Never buy one with a six-month-old manufacture date.

Snow Tires

When it comes to really dealing with winter weather, your tires are out there mixing with the snow, sleet, and ice. Driving in snow can be very difficult and sometimes dangerous; still, the reality is you need to get to work.

Mounting the right tires on your car or truck can give you a huge advantage when trekking through snow. Many car makers and tire manufacturers recommend changing all four tires to snow tires in the winter. If you don't swap all four, the difference between snow and summer tires can cause other problems for your vehicle.

If you live off the beaten path, you can even buy snow tires with studs to help you get where you're going all winter long. When spring comes, though, you'll be glad to get out of the heavy winter tires because your fuel efficiency and handling will improve with a less aggressive tire.

Another option is all-season tires that you drive year-round―winter and summer. The advantage of all-season tires is that you don't change the tires before winter or need to keep two sets of rims. Of course, the disadvantage is that you don't get all the great features of a specialized seasonal tire.

Windshield Treatment

An easily overlooked part of your winterizing program is your windshield. If you have ever driven behind another vehicle kicking up wet, dirty road snow, then you already have a true appreciation for windshield washer fluid.

For best results in clearing off cold, heavy grime, select a washer fluid with an antifreeze solution. But beware―some washer fluids can be harsh and damage your car's paint.

Frozen Out

Door locks can freeze in cold weather and break your key if you try to force them open. The old fashion cure was warm water, but what if you're not at home and don't have any warm water nearby? Discount stores, auto parts stores, and even hardware stores sell glycerine you can use for de-icing. Think about where you keep it, however, because if the de-icer is in the glove box of your frozen-shut car, then it won't help you any.

Stock a tube at home in the garage and also in your desk at work. That way whenever your locks freeze up, you'll be able to solve the problem.

Emergency Kit

If you don't already have an emergency kit in your car, consider putting together a few basics and stowing them in the trunk. Naturally, you'll want to be sure your spare tire is in good shape with all the tools to change it out. But you might also want a few other emergency items in case you slide off the road and get stuck in a snow bank:

• Flares

• Blankets

• Boots

• Radio

• Engine oil

• Washer fluid

• Coolant

• Flashlight

When you take the time to winterize your car, you become more comfortable driving in cold, snowy climates. A short commute quickly becomes difficult when your vehicle isn't equipped to handle snow and ice. By planning ahead, you can make winterizing your vehicle an annual ritual in the name of safety and vehicle reliability.

From http://www.dmv.org

Scion Not Just For Your Kids Any More...

  What do you think of when someone suggests a Scion to you if you are considering a new vehicle? Many of us "older" folks would tell you, "oh that's that car line for kids." Exactly what I thought as well.You see I am a young 59 years of age and when I started to look for a replacement vehicle (my 15 year old made me promise to give him my car, now that he has his learners permit) I felt the same way. So when I started my quest to find a great car for around $20,000 needless to say I didn't have Scion anywhere near the top of my list.
  Well I have to be honest...I work at a Scion dealership. That aside I looked at a lot of different makes and models. I have been in the business for 16 years now so I am familiar with most car lines and looked at them all. Lets face it, with the technology today parity exists across the spectrum. Such wasn't the case in the recent past. However, the reputation of Toyota has existed long before that. That is the main reason that they are the #1 automobile manufacturer in the world. So you have to give 'em a look right? I did and that is when I found their Scion line. The more I looked into the features, performance, quality, combined with price point...well that's when my "second childhood" began...

My Scion

  On top of that they also come with Scion Boost so your maintenance for the first 2 years or 25000 miles is included-add that up, you come up with value. Lets talk performance. My Tc has a 2.5 liter engine that coupled with a six speed automatic (sport shift standard) provides exhilarating power and the suspension makes you want to drive up the canyon, then down again, and then up again...well you get the picture. 

For 2013 the Tc Release Series is just flat out gorgeous. It comes only in red with black wheels. You simply have to keep this vehicle in the mix if you are in the market.

It looks great from the rear as well...

  Then there is the all new FRS sports coupe that is a co-production with Subaru. Built for speed and drifting it features a Boxer engine that simply performs. It comes in several colors but arguably Raven is the best.

            And the boxer engine that has been proven in rally racing for years sets this vehicle apart.

  As for the rest of the line, the xB (the original copied by all), xD, and iQ, will all stack up with the best. Style, Features, Performance, and Price. The Scion Line has it all. Its's not just for your kids anymore, trust El Viejo.

Change is Good...

  Change is good, it is inevitable, but it also brings forth the unknown. People tend to fear the unknown. We should embrace our fears as they make us blossom and grow. The Toyota dealership in Bountiful was started by Bill Johnson who advertised himself via the trademarked "the last of the little guys". the dealership grew in popularity and size and eventually took on Dodge as well. The dealership grew in size and stature to become one of the "big guys". Almost 60 years later the landmark still exists....just changed.

  Enter Performance Automotive Network, one of the largest dealer groups in Ohio. The owner, Mike Dever has an affinity for our beautiful state and spends a lot of time here so he purchased Menlove last year and transformed it into one of the premier Toyota dealerships in the Intermountain West. It didn't take long for the owner, along with General Manager Kirk Bengtzen, to move the needle forward in terms of commitment to customer service. The first year in business and only 11 months to qualify Toyota Bountiful was awarded the prestigious Presidents Award, an honor that is won only through superior customer service. This award is only given to 20-30% of Toyota dealerships in the United States. We are proud to announce that we are on track to win it again!

  We have the highest rated Service Department in the region and is staffed by highly trained professionals. Our Parts Department is ready to accessorize your Toyota or Scion with factory parts as well. Our well trained Staff is ready to serve all of your automotive needs.

 Come and see why it is our commitment to put a smile on your face, Every Customer, Every Vehicle, Every Day!