Thursday Three: Valentine's Gift Ideas

The countdown is on. There are only a few days left until Valentine's Day. If you're one of those significant others who are procrastination pros, don't worry, we're here to help. Here are three great gift ideas for the car enthusiast in your life.

• Fuzzy Dice - A classic choice.
• Steering Wheel Cover - A great way to showcase your personality.
• 3D Race Track Sculptures from Linear Edge - A must-have for any race fan.

These are just a few ideas. If you have some cool suggestions, share them in the comments below. And before you head out for your Valentine's Day festivities, be sure to stay safe on the road and schedule a service appointment online!

Five Car-Related New Year's Resolutions for 2014

2013 has officially come to an end, so it's now time to start your New Year's Resolutions for 2014. From getting more exercise to saving more money, we all have a long list for this year.

But were you sure to include some car-related resolutions to your list this year?

If not, don't worry, we're here to help. Here are some good car-related resolutions to add to your list:

1. Don't ignore the check engine light
2. Take your car in for scheduled maintenance
3. Don't multitask while driving
4. Stop texting while inside the car
5. Carpool more frequently

Remember, 2014 is a new year and a new chance to start off fresh. If you're looking to get a new Toyota for the new year, be sure to stop by our Merced dealership for a test drive! 

The Tundra is Your Perfect Christmas Tree Wingman

Winter is in full swing an, we are all busily tackling our holiday to-do list. From shopping for gifts to preparing for parties, there's certainly much to do. But one of the tasks that is near the top of everyone's list is getting a Christmas tree. If you're still on the search for the perfect tree, don't forget your Toyota Tundra.

With its 381 horsepower, large truck bed and easy lower and lift tailgate, the Tundra is the perfect truck to help you transport your tree safely.

If you're in need of a new Toyota truck to help with your holiday tasks, be sure to stop by our Merced dealership and take one for a test drive!

Never Leave Home Without these Three Things

It seems to never fail. As soon as you jump in your car and back out of your driveway, it hits you. You left something in the house. While we won't always remember all the things we need before running out the door, here are three things you should never leave home without.

• A Flat Tire Survival Kit: Getting a flat tire at some point in your life is almost inevitable. Make sure your car is ready with a spare tire, in good condition, a tire jack and tire iron.
• Tire Inflater and Sealer: A product like Fix-a-Flat can plug a leak and help you avoid using your jack and iron. It can also give you enough air to get you to the auto shop.
• Jumper Cables: Dead batteries happen to even the most seasoned drivers. Alternatively, you can pack an emergency battery booster so you don't have to rely on a Good Samaritan coming along.

Having these things will certainly help in most breakdown situations. But if your car is still in need of repairs, schedule a service appointment with us to help get you back on the road!

Car Care 101: Wiper Blade Maintenance

Once you drive off the lot with your new Toyota, it's important that you do what you can to keep your vehicle in prime driving condition. For today's car care tip, we're looking at ways to keep your wiper blades working effectively.

When your windshield wiper blades get full of dirt and grime, they'll do more harm than good. To get them clean, make a solution of 1/4 cup of household ammonia and 1 quart of cold water. Gently lift the blades, and wipe both sides with a soft cloth or paper towel soaked in the solution. Then wipe the blades with a dry cloth before lowering them back into place.

This is a quick and easy way to ensure your blades and windows are staying grime free!  Stay tuned for more car care tips.

If your Toyota needs a little more thorough repair, head over to our dealership website and schedule a service appointment today.

What Your Black Toyota Says About You

The color of your car says a lot about your personality. So what does your black Toyota say about you? According to a recent article from ivillage.com, black is the ultimate power color. Those who drive around in black vehicles are described as powerful, classic and elegant. These drivers love elegance and appreciate the classic touch in and out of their cars. Does this describe you?

If you're looking for a new Toyota, in any color, check out our selection of vehicles on our Merced Toyota website. Stop by for a test drive today!

Survive the Zombie Apocalypse with an FJ Cruiser

As we watched Brad Pitt fight zombies in this summer’s movie blockbuster, World War Z, we got to thinking… How could the FJ Cruiser help you survive the zombie apocalypse? After some careful thought and deliberation, here are our top three benefits:

1. Two words. Off. Road. – When zombies take over the city, it’s time to head for the mountains. FJ’s elevated air intake and protected electrical components can defy currents up to 28 inches deep, helping you cross safely to dry land.
2. 260 Horsepower – You’ll need to get somewhere safe as soon as possible, and this Toyota has plenty of power to get you there. The FJ Cruiser’s V6 engine pumps out 260 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque.
3. Side-Impact Door Beams – The roads will definitely be perilous when the zombie apocalypse hits, so accidents are bound to happen. The FJ Cruiser is equipped with side-impact door beams designed to absorb vehicle impact and help prevent intrusion into the cabin.

 If you don’t have a FJ Cruiser yet, visit the Merced Toyota website for more information and stop by today to take one for a test drive! Or at least before the zombies arrive.