Blog

Vehicle winterization - whether this will be your first winter in Wisconsin, or you're born and raised in cheese-country, it's something every Wisconsinite must prepare for. The morning temperatures are dipping below freezing, highs are lucky to break freezing, accumulating snow will soon be piling up, but have you winterized your vehicle? Thankfully, most of us only need to brave these elements for brief periods at a time, usually as long as it takes to go from a heated building to one’s vehicle and back into another heated sanctuary. But if the freezing temps, gusty winds, and icy snow in the Madison area are hard on you for the few moments you’re out, think about the brutal beating your car takes. Does your vehicle need winterization help? Your vehicle may have been sitting out for hours. The last thing you want to do is trudge over the frozen landscape, reach your vehicle, turn the key in the ignition, and – oh no! – all you hear is a hideous series of click-click-clicks, groans, and exhausted whirs. The engine isn’t turning over. Why didn’t you winterize your ride!? Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors in Madison, says there’s no time like the present to start getting your vehicle in shape for the unpredictable winter season. He says every year he is asked by multiple people what the most important factors are when preparing a vehicle for the challenges winter can pose. And with the Farmers’ Almanac predicting a snowy winter with colder than normal temperatures, it is probably a good idea to take note of the winterization check list he shares with others. Luis Roman - Assistant Service Manager “The top item on any vehicle winterization list is fairly obvious,” he says. “It’s having a quality, fully charged, and undamaged BATTERY.” Roman says it takes more power to start a car in the winter because battery power decreases as the temperature drops. If your battery is already having problems, your risk of breaking down or becoming stranded increases. It is recommended to have a battery with at least the vehicle manufacturers CCA rating, most hybrids will have 12 volt batteries under 400 CCA which are fine for that application Car Battery Tester The second and third items on Roman’s list are TIRES and BRAKES. Thankfully the cold doesn’t necessarily harm these components, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure they are in the best condition to handle the hazards of winter driving. He says most drivers don’t think about their tires until they have to swerve or brake suddenly - often with serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about nine percent of vehicle crashes are tire-related and could be prevented with proper tire maintenance. “All-season tires are what I recommend to most drivers,” says Roman. “They’re great for people with short commutes and little reason to veer far from the beaten path.” According to Roman, all-season tires are also very convenient, as they don’t need to be swapped out with any other set of tires seasonally. Tire Tread Depth & Stopping Distances “When people need to commute to and from work from a rural area, I almost always say they should go with snow tires,” says Roman. “They can swap out with their regular tires in early November or so. And having two sets of tires puts less wear and tear on both pairs, so you can have them for quite a long while.” Top Five Best Winter Tires Michelin X-Ice Xi3 Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 General AltiMAX Arctic Continental Winter Contact TS830 Shop for tires for your for your vehicle. The fourth item on Roman’s list is WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES. He says that there are blades specifically made for winter driving, and they could really be a lifesaver. “You really never know what winter is going to throw at you, so it’s best to be prepared,” he says. “It could be freezing rain, wintery mix, wet snow, or the car in front of you splashing your windshield with the dirty, salty slush on the road. Windshields really take a beating in the winter.” Wisconsin Snow Plow on City Streets The amount of debris that could potentially block your view needs to be cleared for you to be able to navigate the winter roads safely. Roman says he constantly hears about harrowing journeys drivers make with bad wipers that just smear the slush around instead of clearing it off the windshield. Or there are the wipers that don’t make contact with the windshield at all! These wipers need to be replaced for your safety and for the safety of others. “Wiper blades are inexpensive, and many people can install them themselves,” he says. “So please check yours before the snow flies. The last thing you want to do is drive blind.” Roman says there are a few other items that you might want to have a professional check for you before winter is in full swing: What Should I Have My Mechanic Inspect On My Car Before Winter? • The cooling system – Your automotive service technician can tell you what antifreeze should be used and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to avoid potential freezing. • Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables – While they can go bad at any time, if they do in the winter, you could be stuck in the cold for an unfortunately long period. “These areas might seem small compared to the engine or fuel intake system, but without the small things aiding the large items, your vehicle will not function properly,” he says. Aside from vehicle winterization, Roman says for safety reasons all motorists should have a cell phone and a phone charger handy, and drivers shouldn’t let their gas go much below a half tank in the wintertime, either. Plus he recommends keeping a worst-case-scenario-kit in your vehicle, filled with the following items: What Items Should I Keep In My Car During Winter In Wisconsin? • A blanket • Several heavy duty garbage bags: Can be a makeshift rain coat; keep your clothing off the wet ground when changing a tire, or to collect wet items. • A shovel • Kitty Litter - which can help aid in traction • Jumper cables or a battery-powered portable booster • Flashlight or emergency light • First aid kit • Food • Jack and spare tire: Know how to use them — practice if necessary. About Smart Motors Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information, check out their history.

Today's Vehicle Safety Features Ginger Blum, an employee with the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles, is no stranger to what people have to say about the vehicle safety features that are equipped on many of today’s newer vehicles. But it wasn’t until a recent vacation to Orlando FL, she found out for herself just how powerful these life-saving technologies can potentially be. “My 14-year old daughter and I had been planning a Disney vacation for a long time,” says Blum. “I wasn’t nervous about flying, but I knew once we landed we would need a car. I’d heard horror stories about Orlando traffic so the thought of driving in a foreign city alongside other clueless tourists had me a bit scared.” Despite her trepidation, Blum did rent a car. She was told by the rental agent the car she was getting had “tons of safety features.” Blum assumed it meant anti-lock brakes, a car alarm and perhaps front and side airbags for both driver and passenger. She was in for a major surprise. “I was shocked at what this car could do!” she says. “Just from our relatively short ride from the airport to the hotel, I first became aware of blind spot indicator lights in the side mirrors. Then at one point I accidently began to drift into another lane, but then I felt the steering wheel nudge me back into the center of my own lane! It was a little weird, but amazing.” Another feature Blum encountered as she and her daughter made a day trip to the Gulf Coast was the dynamic cruise control, which adjusts the car’s speed to help the driver maintain a safe distance from the car in front of him or her. “I know there were lots of other safety features that thankfully didn’t come in to play, but the ones that did made driving so much less stressful,” says Blum. “It made me want to immediately upgrade to a newer vehicle as soon as I got home.” Vehicle Safety Sense Justin Jackson, Sales Director here at Smart Motors in Madison says he not only hears stories like Blum’s all the time, but on a regular basis he gets to witness people’s overwhelmed reactions when they test drive newer models. Justin Jackson - General Sales Manager “Almost all the new Toyotas we offer come equipped with ‘ Toyota Safety Sense (TSS),’” he says. “TSS is a package of onboard safety features that are constantly running to keep drivers and their passengers as safe as possible while they’re on the road.” Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) Pre-Collision. Auto High Beams. Dynamic Radar Cruise TSS – as well as safety systems employed by other vehicle manufactures - includes features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, a lane departure alert, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist. All of these safety features and more now come standard not only on Toyotas but on newer vehicles from a wide array of manufactures. “These advanced systems monitor driving conditions in amazing ways,” says Jackson. “It would be great if they never had to react to potentially dangerous stimuli, but let’s face it, we all have had our share of near-misses!” Jackson says a coworker recently learned first-hand just how well these new safety features work. "My coworker’s wife was driving on the beltline, which is an exercise in defensive driving to begin with,” Jackson says. “He was riding shotgun. Suddenly a car weaved in front of them and the pre-collision system gave off an alert and the system kicked in to slow the car down to avoid a mishap. While the driver – prompted by the alert - applied the brakes quickly, the monitoring system actually beat her reaction time.” Jackson says the blind spot monitoring mirrors have helped to avert many close calls, and is probably the most relied on safety feature. “They’re very prevalent in many makes and models. I hope very soon they become standard features because they truly prevent thousands of accidents.” Safety Experts Praise Blind Spot Monitors With nearly 10 percent of vehicle accidents being lane-changing crashes, blind spot monitoring mirrors can be a very useful tool. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that blind spot monitoring reduced lane-changing accidents by 14%. Moreover, it reduced injuries from lane-changing crashes by 23%. While the entire safety system can be turned off, Jackson says using them as a precaution is the ideal option. While TSS and other manufacturers’ safety systems are definite assets to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, Jackson says, “drivers still need to rely on their own senses whenever they get behind the wheel.” About Smart Motors Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. Dealership history.

What type of oil is best for my car? You’re driving along, just minding your own business. Out of the corner of your eye you spot a little sticker on your windshield provided by the service station a while back. You squint at it briefly, trying to keep your eyes on the road. What does it say? You reach your destination, park, and as you exit the car you read the sticker more closely. Dang! Oil change time! Regular Auto Maintenance is the Key No biggie, you think. Oil changes don’t take very long and often times you don’t even need an appointment. So a few days later, you drive to your local service station, pull in and tell the service advisor, “time for an oil change”. They respond, “Great. Regular or synthetic? Dumbfounded, you ask what they would recommend. Wouldn’t it be best to know what oil is best for your particular vehicle and why? “Having your oil changed regularly is one of the easiest things you can do to preserve the life of your vehicle,” says Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors. “Oil is your vehicle’s lifeblood.” Luis Roman | Assistant Service Manager Roman says oil is what keeps the components of the engine working efficiently. It also reduces the accumulation of varnish and carbon from collecting in the engine. In order to protect and keep your engine running smoothly, oil collects heat, varnish and carbons. By doing this, and over time, the oil becomes dirty and the additives get depleted. When this happens, the oil is no longer helpful in maintaining the health of the engine. Dirty Engine Oil. “That’s why you need to change the oil regularly,” says Roman. “And don’t forget to change the oil filter too. Without regular maintenance your engine will seize up and die. And you really don’t want that to happen!” What Is The Difference Between Regular And Synthetic Car Engine Oil? But back to the hard question: regular or synthetic oil? There actually is an easy answer for most car owners. Synthetic oil should be used in newer cars, as most engines are manufactured to operate best with it. “Synthetic oil is better than conventional oil when it comes to longevity,” says Roman. “It’s also able to handle extreme high temperatures without breaking down.” So, if synthetic oil is the way to go, why offer conventional oil? Why not use synthetic oil in every vehicle? “Not a good idea. Engines in older vehicles were designed for regular/conventional oil usage,” says Roman. “It’s best to follow the manufacturers recommendation and stick to it. The last thing you want to do is void the manufacturer’s warranty by using an oil not recommended for your specific vehicle.” Vehicle Maintenance; oil change. Vehicle Owners Manual Roman says the easiest thing for consumers to do is consult their vehicle’s owner’s manual. It should specifically state what type of oil is best for your engine. You can also consult with the mechanics at your dealer or service station. They will be able to recommend the proper oil, plus they might share the good news that you can drive further than the traditional 3,000 miles before you’re due for another oil change. About Smart Motors Toyota Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information visit their history page.

Rear wheel in the rain on a wet road. Hydroplaning in road traffic. It happens before you know it You’re driving along on an overcast day. You’re minding your speed, traffic is light, and there doesn’t seem to be anything particular to be concerned about. Suddenly it begins to rain. You know the drill: turn on your windshield wipers, make sure your headlights are on, and tap the brakes to cancel the cruise control. These are all common sense actions all drivers should take even while driving in a light rain. All of a sudden you experience a very odd sensation. Your vehicle seems to be floating above the road. You know what’s happening. It’s happened before. You’re hydroplaning. And hydroplaning can be just as dangerous as sliding across a frozen highway. Hydroplaning usually occurs within the first 10 minutes of a rainstorm when oils, dirt and debris begin to wash off the surface of the road. It also happens when there is too much water for the tread of your tires to scatter, so your vehicle is literally lifted above the surface of the water. What do you do? Take your foot off the accelerator, don’t brake, and wait for your tires to slow down to a point where they can handle dispersing the water. Continue on at this slower speed until the storm lets up. Your tire tread depth is critical “Having quality tires with the proper amount of tread is one of the best things a driver can do to prevent hydroplaning,” says Robert Jordan, Assistant General Manager & Service Director at Smart Motors. “A lot of people wait until winter is approaching to change their balding tires, but we recommend you change your tires at 4/32” remaining tread, regardless of the time of year, so that you don’t experience a lag in wet weather performance.” Robert Jordan - Smart Motors Toyota - Madison WI 100-Year Flood Hydroplaning is just one of the dangers of driving in heavy rains, as many Wisconsinites might have learned in 2018 when we experienced the “100-year flood” in which up to 20 inches of water was collected in certain areas. At Smart Motors in Madison, well over 100 flood damaged vehicles were towed in after the waters subsided to a navigable degree. Owners were hoping against hope their cars and trucks could be repaired. “Time and time again, the service department had to break the news to guests that their car or truck was totaled,” says Jordan. “In fact, the totaled vehicles far outnumbered the ones we could repair.” Jordan says the majority of the totaled vehicles experienced water getting into the engine, which can cause irreversible damage. Jordan says, unfortunately, there is no water-depth rule. He says you don't need to drive through a 12” puddle to cause damage. Even in shallow water, all it takes is just the right splash to find its way into the engine and ruin the vehicle. Prevention & Common Sense Make Sense Preventing water damage can be tricky and certainly not foolproof, but Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors says there are some measures drivers should take if there is a threat of flooding. Luis Roman - Smart Motors Toyota - Madison WI “First of all,” he says, “If you don’t absolutely have to drive in flood-like conditions, don’t!” Also, remember the National Weather Service trademark phrase; “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.” If there are flood warnings, the first consideration for a driver is to move the vehicle to a higher ground if that is an option. If this is not an option, Roman says to leave the vehicle where it is. If you are on the road during flood conditions, exercise extreme caution and a use a lot of common sense. Roman says if you can’t see the road because there’s so much standing water, don’t risk driving through it. “You can’t determine water depth without going in,” he says. “My suggestion is to pull over safely and observe other vehicles that may brave their way through the flooding.” Roman also warns during a flood, there may no longer be any roadway under the water and you could drive into an impromptu river. If the water is over 12" in depth, it could sweep a car away. Helpful hints for driving in rainy weather Roman offers these additional helpful hints: • If at all possible, wait to embark on your trip until the weather improves. • Check your tires periodically and replace them if the tread is worn to a dangerously low level. • Slow down • Do not use cruise control • Turn on your headlights. In some cases you might even want to turn on your hazards. • Definitely use your windshield wipers. Replace them if they are damaged or worn. • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. • Avoid heavy or sudden braking. • As mentioned above, be wary of standing water. • If you’re hydroplaning, step off the gas and try not to brake. • Ventilate your vehicle to prevent windows from fogging up. About Smart Motors Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information visit their company history.

Cars, just like humans, need an annual checkup, and there's no better time to do that than during National Car Care Month, which occurs throughout April. National Car Care Month aims to get cars healthy and running in tip-top shape to keep automobiles functioning efficiently through the increased driving that occurs in the summer months. Some simple checkups can increase gas mileage and add to the lifetime of a vehicle. “Car Care Month is just a really good time to make sure your car is running its best,” says Jason Vasen, Master Diagnostic Technician at Smart Motors. “A car is an investment; so paying attention and taking proper care of it is much better than paying thousands of dollars to replace it later.” Jason Vasen - Master Technician - Smart Motors Vasen cites several common trouble areas as spots to pay attention to during Car Care Month and any other time of the year. Tires, filters, oil, interior, and exterior. “The great part about these is just about anyone can perform these functions at home—specialized tools aren't really necessary,” says Vasen. Tires When tires are not correctly inflated, they just don't perform properly. With a simple tire gauge that costs under $10, people can see if tires are at the manufacturer's suggested level. The vehicle suggested inflation level is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or the glovebox or in the owner’s manual. And it is good to be at the proper level. For every three PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) below that level a car tire loses, it becomes one percent less efficient and wears 10 percent faster. These numbers add up cumulatively, so if a car is 10 PSI under, that's over three percent of wasted fuel every time someone gets behind the wheel. If someone doesn't want to get a tire gauge, just keep in mind, looks aren't deceiving. If the tire looks low, it is most likely low. Filters The vast majority of vehicles have internal combustion engines. And the science behind combustion requires both a fuel source and air. If this air isn't clean, it will hamper the combustion process, which is why cars have engine air filters. However, if these filters are dirty, they will let these impurities through and decrease efficiency by up to seven percent. To check the air filter, look in the owner's manual and find out where the filter is located. Then pop open the hood and remove the filter. Hold it up to the sun; if light streams through, the filter is good. If not, drop it on the ground several times and retest. If sunlight is still not visible, a new filter is required. Oil Change & Tire Rotation Everyone knows cars need oil changes, but why? The purpose of oil in a car engine is to keep all internal parts lubricated and running smoothly. As oil ages or gets used, it breaks down and its lubricating properties diminish. An oil change replaces the dirty oil and allows parts to be freshly lubricated with new oil. Almost all models of cars include an engine oil dipstick to allow people to check the vehicles engine oil level. Locate the dipstick, pull it out, and place it back in the engine, ensuring it goes all the way down. Pull it out, and without changing the orientation, see where the oily part meets the dry part, if it's between the two marks on the stick, the oil level is good. Exterior A winter season full of salt and sand can do a number on the exterior and can even lead to rusting. As temperatures rise, it's advised to visit a good car wash, one that gets all of the random debris not only off the car, but from underneath the car as well. Waxing a car helps the exterior paint last longer and shine. Instead of applying one heavy coat of wax, apply several thin coats, after the previous coat has cured. This technique will bring out the vehicles best color and depth. Interior A good thorough cleaning of carpet and upholstery will remove stains, and winter’s tracked in salty residue. This will leave the car clean and smelling fresh. A word of caution when cleaning windows, do not use a glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this can cause damage to the rear window defogger heater wires. Smart Motors Founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. Dealership's History.

Pothole Season in Wisconsin Potholes Can Cause a Lot of Damage Spring time in Wisconsin is like when a bear comes out of hibernation. Daytime temperatures are pushing 50 degrees, Wisconsinites are sporting shorts and short sleeve shirts, but when the winter frost leaves our roadways we are left with those pesky "potholes" which can cause damage to our vehicle's alignment. The constant freezing and unfreezing of water on roadways can wreak havoc, forming supersize potholes destroying the underside of your vehicle. The automotive specialists at Smart Motors service department have the following advice to help prevent and notice pothole-related damage. Visible damage is the easiest to detect, but may not be the only indication your vehicle needs some attention. One obvious sign of tire damage is when a tire ‘bulges’; which occurs when the steel/fiber ply belt in the sidewall of a tire breaks due to a heavy impact. Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors Service Center, says even if your tires don’t have bulges does not necessarily mean you are free from the damage of potholes. Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager Warning Signs of Pothole Damage If your vehicle pulls to one side, or your steering wheel is visibly off center, Roman suggests being on the safe side and schedule an appointment with a reputable automotive service center and getting an assessment. This way, the vehicle's alignment and other signs of damage can be analyzed and fixed before they become a major problem. Repair costs can vary greatly depending on the extent of damaged parts; from a $200 strut to several thousand dollars for an entire suspension system and cradle. Roman also offers these tips to help protect vehicles against the jarring experience of a pothole encounter: Tips to Protect your Vehicle from Pesky Potholes • Maintain full air pressure in all tires to provide as much cushion as possible between the pothole and the rim of the tire. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for the correct pressure. • Watch for potholes by leaving plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. • If a pothole cannot be avoided, slow down BEFORE hitting the pothole. Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels, shocks, struts or springs. • When driving over a pothole-filled road, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control. • Do NOT brake when directly over a pothole. Applying the brakes causes the car’s weight to shift to the front of the wheel and can increase damage from the impact. • Beware of water that may be concealing a deep pothole. About Smart Motors Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, is one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers and is Wisconsin's largest Toyota Certified Used dealer. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information visit their history page.

Is it worth it, really? Should I wash my vehicle, or just wait for spring? Under normal circumstances most vehicle owners love their car. It’s like an old friend, cheerfully waiting to take you where you need to go. But as the winter months in Wisconsin drag on, you find your feelings changing toward your tried and true buddy. To wash or not to wash; now that's the question. What was once a summer time escape from reality, suddenly becomes a chore. Come February and March, if you have not washed your vehicle, it becomes salt-covered, sludgy, dishwater-hued beast that is almost indecipherable from most of the other vehicles on the road. And the worst part is you don’t know what you should do about it. Part of you thinks you should probably wash the poor thing, but at the same time, it's Wisconsin - it's going to snow again, plus the streets are just going to be salted again. And on those rare breaks when the temperatures climb into the 40s, everyone and their uncle are in line to run their vehicles through the car wash. Do you just let it go? Jason Vasen, Master Diagnostic Technician at Smart Motors, says you should absolutely not let it go. Jason Vasen - Master Diagnostic Tech - Smart Motors - Madison, WI “Salt may keep the streets safe to drive on, but it’s a terrible thing to have on your car for extended periods of time,” Vasen says. “Salt leads to oxidation and rust. It can take years off the life expectancy of your vehicle.” Car Wash; Outside temperature matters Vasen says Wisconsinites ideally should wash their cars, trucks and SUVs about once every two weeks even in the dead of winter though only wash when outdoor temperatures are in the upper 30’s or in the 40’s to ensure doors and windows won’t freeze. If you're fortunate to have a heated or well insulated garage, you could push this to temps a little lower, but it's always a good idea to dry off your vehicle as well. Pop the hood, open the doors, including hatch/truck and dry them off. Not all car washes are created equal “You want to make sure it’s a quality wash, too,” he says. “Just washing the pretty parts may save your paint job for a few years, but it’s incredibly important to make sure salt and slush are removed from the wheel wells and undercarriage.” A touchless car wash with an underbody high pressure spray option/cycle is what you'll want to look for to help remove the salt, sand and grim from those hard to reach spots. When salt builds up on the wheel wells and undercarriage, it attacks the vehicle’s braking system and suspension, both of which could lead to dangerous situations on the roads. They are both expensive to repair, too, so making sure they are salt-free could save you money down the line. Clean wheel wells and undercarriage “Drivers can also get ahead of the game through routine maintenance,” Vasen says. “Quality mechanics will check for any issues and lubricate or use corrosion inhibitors on parts as needed for the winter months.” And don't forget wiper blades. They are an inexpensive way to ensure clear vision. Did you know? Where one parks during the winter can also play a role in how much damage is or isn’t done to a vehicle because of slushy and salty conditions. Ironically, vehicles parked outside for the duration typically experience less body damage than those that are garage kept. This is because the freezing temperatures do not allow the slush to melt, so it slows down the overall corrosiveness of the salt. “Bottom line; regardless of whether you store your vehicle inside or outside, it really is worth the time, effort and money to make every attempt to keep it clean,” Vasen says. Jason Vasen is a Master Diagnostic Technician at Smart Motors - Madison, WI, and was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. See their history page for more details.

Tips & Safe Start Guide Cold winter weather in Wisconsin has vehicle owners scrambling to jumpstart their vehicles. Icy roads, plows shooting up clouds of snow and blinding light bouncing off packed snow cause all sorts of problems for Wisconsin's drivers, but one of winter's worst effects come before people even hit the road—winter causes discharged car batteries and vehicle jumpstarting presents a fair share of issues. Winter Checklist should include a battery test. Discharged (dead) batteries won't jumpstart Car batteries often become discharged in the winter because the cold affects the vehicle in two ways; A cold battery has less cranking power than a battery at normal temperature. Cold oil is thick oil, and thick oil is harder to turn over in the engine. While these traits occur independently of each other, they combine and make it harder for vehicles to start, effectively draining a battery down. A discharged battery can oftentimes be recharged and work fine, but immediate action is necessary as a discharged battery could freeze making it unable to be recharged, thus possibly ruining the battery. Charged batteries will not freeze. There are warning signs your battery may be failing. Traditional Vehicle Batteries vs Hybrid Vehicle Batteries Discharged batteries can occur in both traditional cars as well as more modern hybrid vehicles. And while many people might know how to jump start a traditional car, the precautions necessary for either jump starting or receiving a jump from a hybrid are slightly different, yet hybrid owners might not even realize this. “The hybrid is a fundamentally different design and has batteries located in different spots and takes on power differently,” says Smart Motors Master Diagnostic Technician Jason Vasen. “Hybrids with the 12 volt battery inside the passenger compartment like the Prius use an AGM battery which uses absorbed glass mats so there is no "loose" liquid to spray. Some hybrids use conventional 12 volt batteries located outside the passenger compartment which do carry the concern of potential explosion.” Jason Vasen, Master Diagnostic Technician, Smart Motors How can one be safe when jump starting a hybrid? Smart Motors' Jason Vasen put together the following checklists for how to keep vehicles safe and fully powered even through the worst of winter's fury. Jumpstarting a hybrid vehicle Don’t make a practice of using your hybrid to jump start other vehicles as you could greatly damage the discharged vehicle’s electrical system. Apply the parking brake and turn off the headlight switch and interior light. Turn off the hybrid system and remove the key if inserted. Open the hood; fuse block cover, and exclusive jump starting terminal cover. Connect positive clamp (red) jumper cable to the exclusive jump starting terminal. Connect the negative clamp (black) to a solid, stationary, unpainted, metallic point of the vehicle with the discharged battery. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make sure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories. When boosting, use the battery of matching or higher quality. Any other battery may make for a difficult start. Allow the discharged battery to rest with the jumper cables connected for approximately 5 minutes. At this time, run the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery at about 2,000 RPM with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed. Start the hybrid system. Make sure the “READY” light is on. Disconnect the cables in reverse order: the negative cable and then the positive cable. Jumpstarting a traditional vehicle Park the booster vehicle close but not touching the one that needs to be jumped. Begin the process by clamping one of the positive jumper cable ends (red) to the positive battery terminal (labeled with a "+" on the battery) of the discharged vehicle. Connect the other end of the positive cable (red) to the positive battery terminal on the booster vehicle (again, confirm that a "+" is next to the battery terminal). Connect the negative cable end (black) to the negative battery terminal on the booster car (marked with a "-"). Finally, attach the other end of the negative cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine of the discharged car. Start the discharged vehicle and let the two vehicles idle for a few minutes. Once the discharged vehicle is started and running smoothly, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were connected. Drive the revived car to somewhere safe and secure before shutting off the engine. Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships. Smart Motors is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, and is located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only dealership to have ever earned the coveted President’s Cabinet Award from Toyota Motor Sales. This award is only given to the top 12 dealerships nationwide for superior customer service & sales volume. To learn more about Smart Motors, visit their dealership history page.

Signage used to attract applicants, while at the same time, explain longer-than-normal wait times. Employee Shortage The world and the way people live in it seems to be changing very rapidly. One aspect of this new way of life, as most of us are aware of, is the lack of people willing to work in the service industry. Essentially, an employee shortage. Frontline staff, even tipped employees are hard to come by as a result of the havoc Covid 19 caused for just about every 'service oriented business'; especially bars, restaurants and yes, the auto service industry. In fact, in December 2020, there were 1.3 million fewer workers in these fields than there were one year earlier. If you're in business, you've been affected. Today, employment shortages have extended to just about every retail establishment. Many industries, including those in the Madison area, are seeking qualified individuals to fill a variety of positions. Take Smart Motors, for example. They have a wide variety of openings for everything from Service Director, Express Maintenance Technicians and Parts people to Vehicle Sales and Management positions. “We have a number of roles to fill,” says Rob Jordan, Assistant General Manager at Smart Motors. “We have positions available for those with and without prior experience or expertise.” The competition to attract these highly sought-after candidates is mounting and local businesses are seeking ways to standout in the sea of ‘help wanted’ signs littered across local storefronts. “We’ve been in the Madison market for over 100 years,” says Jordan. “We have a long history of treating our employees well, and we respect our team members’ time and feel they should be fairly compensated for it.” Express Maintenance Team at Smart Toyota A complete employment package In addition to offering twice the current Wisconsin minimum wage, Smart is finding success with a combination of competitive compensation, signing bonus’ for certain positions, and the following benefits: Competitive Paid Time Off for Full Time and Part Time teammates 7 Paid Holidays Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401K Retirement & Company Matching program Aggressive Employee Parts and Service Discounts Annual Company Profit Sharing Keeping an eye on the future After toughing out the initial pitfalls of the Covid pandemic wherein the general public was not purchasing new vehicles, manufacturing & logistic challenges, and even getting a vehicle serviced was something people chose not to do, this particular industry is bouncing back. According to McKinsey & Company, “Intent to purchase new and used vehicles over the next 12 months is almost back to pre-COVID-19 levels (new cars at 94% versus pre-COVID-19 levels, and up by 7% over September 2020; used cars at 97% versus pre-COVID-19 levels, up by 1% compared to September 2020).” “Despite the past several months of not having many new vehicles “on the ground”, we are progressively getting back on track,” says Justin Jackson, General Sales Manager for Smart Toyota. “Demand continues to remain strong, and rest assured the automotive industry isn’t going anywhere. It’s here to stay, so choosing to make it your career is a great investment in your own future.” Jordan cites memes he’s come across recently on the internet encouraging the benefits of trade schools and apprenticeships. He says one in particular really struck him. “It compared a college student with a degree in philosophy and $100,000 worth of debt to a 4-year paid apprentice with no student debt and earning $80K annually,” he says. “I’m certainly not saying we would turn away college educated candidates, but if you have experience and an education in automotive or have a desire to learn, we would really like to meet with you.” About Smart Motors Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume.  For more information visit their history page.

Imagine, you’re driving along on an overcast summer day. You’re minding your speed, traffic is light, and there doesn’t seem to anything particular to be concerned about. You’re driving along on an overcast summer day. You’re minding your speed, traffic is light, and there doesn’t seem to anything particular to be concerned about. Suddenly it begins to rain. You know the drill: turn on your windshield wipers, make sure your headlights are on, and tap the brakes to cancel the cruise control. These are all common sense actions all drivers should take even while driving in a light rain. The rain starts coming down harder and harder but visibility is still pretty good so you’re not concerned. But then you experience a very odd sensation. Your vehicle seems to be floating above the road. It seems to have a mind of its own. You might as well make suggestions to your car as to how to stay on the road as you’re now powerless over the steering. You know what’s happening. It’s happened before. You’re hydroplaning. And hydroplaning can be just as dangerous as sliding across a frozen highway. What is Hydroplaning? Hydroplaning usually occurs within the first 10 minutes of a rainstorm when oils, dirt and debris begin to wash off the surface of the road. It also happens when there is too much water for the tread of your tires to scatter, so your vehicle is literally lifted above the surface of the water. What to Do if You're Hydroplaning While Driving Take your foot off the accelerator, don’t brake, and wait for your tires to slow down to a point where they can handle dispersing the water. Continue on at this slower speed until the storm lets up. How Can I Prevent Hydroplaning When It's Raining? “Having quality tires with the proper amount of tread is one of the best things a driver can do to prevent hydroplaning,” says Jake Schaefer service director at Smart Motors. “A lot of people wait until winter is approaching to change their balding tires, but we recommend you change your tires at 4/32” remaining tread, regardless of the time of year, so that you don’t experience a lag in wet weather performance.” 100 Year Flood The 100-Year Flood in Madison, WI Hydroplaning is just one of the dangers of driving in heavy rains, as many Wisconsinites might have learned in 2018 when we experienced the “100-year flood” in which up to 20 inches of water was collected in certain areas. At Smart Motors in Madison, well over 100 flood damaged vehicles were towed in after the waters subsided to a navigable degree. Owners were hoping against hope their cars and trucks could be repaired. Can Driving in the Rain Damage Your Car? “Time and time again, we had to break the news to people that their car or truck was totaled,” says Jake Schaefer. “In fact, the totaled vehicles far outnumbered the ones that could be repaired.” Schaefer says the majority of the totaled vehicles experienced water getting into the engine, which can cause irreversible damage. Schaefer says that unfortunately, there is no water-depth rule. He says that one need not drive through a 12” puddle to cause damage. Even in shallow water, all it takes is just the right splash to find its way into the engine and ruin the vehicle. Driving in Heavy Rain: Safety Tips Preventing water damage can be tricky and certainly not foolproof, but Schaefer says there are some measures drivers should take if there is a threat of flooding. “First of all,” he says, “If you don’t absolutely have to drive in flood-like conditions, don’t!” Also, remember the National Weather Service trademark phrase; “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.” If there are flood warnings, the first consideration for a driver is to move the vehicle to a higher ground if that is an option. If this is not an option, Schafer says to leave the vehicle where it is. If you are on the road during flood conditions, exercise extreme caution and a use a lot of common sense. Schaefer says if you can’t see the road because there’s so much standing water, don’t risk driving through it. “You can’t determine water depth without going in,” he says. “My suggestion is to pull over safely and observe other vehicles that may brave their way through the flooding.” Schaefer also warns that during a flood, there may no longer be any roadway under the water and you could drive into an impromptu river. If the water is over 12" in depth, it could sweep a car away. Schafer offers these additional helpful hints for driving in heavy rain conditions: • If at all possible, wait to embark on your trip until the weather improves. • Check your tires periodically and replace them if the tread is worn to a dangerously low level. • Slow down. • Do not use cruise control. • Turn on your headlights. In some cases you might even want to turn on your hazards. • Definitely use your windshield wipers. Replace them if they are damaged or worn. • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. • Avoid heavy or sudden braking. • As mentioned above, be wary of standing water. • If you’re hydroplaning, step off the gas and try not to brake. • Ventilate your vehicle to prevent windows from fogging up.

The standard of quality you expect. It is never easy when you’re involved in an accident, and the last thing you want to worry about is if the body shop you choose to repair your vehicle will do a quality job. How can you ensure not only the quality of collision repair, but be assure the equipment, parts and technicians working on your vehicle are qualified professionals?  Simple. Certification. As a Toyota Certified Collision Center, Ball Body Shop – a division of Smart Motors, takes the risk out of collision repair through the rigorous Toyota certification process and on-going continuing education, equipment specifications, parts requirements, and continuous customer experience monitoring. Ball Body Shop | 2225 Eagle Drive, Middleton, WI | 608.831.5944 “It’s our commitment to excellence in collision repair professionalism, repair quality and customer satisfaction”, says Ball Body Shop manager James Anderberg. “Our staff is uniquely qualified to get the job done right, while at the same time, putting our customers at ease during what can be a stressful time for them.” Benefits of choosing a Toyota Certified Collision Center for your vehicle’s repairs are abundant and include: - Toyota Certified Technicians. - Toyota Certified Management team provides the knowledge and expertise to answer your question quickly, accurately and will help navigate the insurance process (if needed) so you and your vehicle are back on the road as quickly as possible. - State-of-the-art tools & equipment used to restore your vehicle to the original manufacturer specifications. - Genuine Toyota Parts. - Third-party customer service monitoring is used to ensure your experience is exceptional. You have the right to choose the body shop you want to repair your vehicle and choosing a Toyota Certified Collision Center is the easy choice.