Blog

Corolla What? Yes, you read that right. A Corolla Cross. We wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of it, but in our humble opinion, this crossover vehicle from Toyota will not stay off the radar for long. In fact, today we'll review the brand new 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross; XLE trim level with available all-wheel-drive (AWD). The XLE is the top-of-the-line in the Corolla Cross for 2023, and this is the gas version. Rumor has, at some point in 2023, Toyota will be unveiling their hybrid version of the Cross. In this overview we will highlight, from nose to tail, the exterior components and design accents, and then provide you with a link to our YouTube video where we will take a deep dive into the interior features of this Silver Sky Metallic, 2023 Corolla Cross XLE. Upfront For comparison, Corolla Cross is a little bit smaller than a RAV4, but the front-end is different altogether than a RAV4. Upfront on the XLE edition the first thing you will notice is a complete setup of LED lights; LED daytime running lights, turn signals and projector style LED headlights with auto high beams and auto on and off. The LED turn signals are actually integrated in the mirrors as well. The XLE edition has the premium upgrade package complete with all of the top-of-the-line Toyota Safety Sense features including; Parking Sensors Pre-Collision Detection Pedestrian Detection Lane-Tracing Assist Road Sign Detection Dynamic Radar Cruise Control The mesh grill up front prominently features the Toyota badge which houses many of the sensors for the Toyota safety features. Below it is a matte black ABS plastic accent, easy to replace or remove if you pick up any scratches or any dents or dings. Lastly as we approach the road surface is a painted lower fascia. The styling looks nice, and no major changes when compared to he 2022 model. Impressive Profile Taking a look at the side, it's easy to notice the body lines that wrap from the hood around to the side fenders. They do the same across the back over the rear fenders as well. Really paying attention to the styling on this one with the body contours. Over fenders you'll have ABS matte black plastic finish; super easy to replace if you do scratch and dent or ding them. Take a screwdriver, unscrew them, take them off, put the new ones on. Riding in Comfort The wheels on the 2023 Cross are a cast aluminum wheel with four-wheel disc brakes, antilock brakes and traction control. The tire is going to be an all-season tire; 225x55x18-inch wheel and tire; a good sized tire set-up giving the Cross a nice-looking style. Again, on the XLE which is the top-of-the-line in the Corolla Cross, it can feature, at an added cost, body side moldings and on the door. The lower body-side molding is standard. Both are ABS plastic, so if you pick up any scratches or dents you can basically pull them off, put new ones on pretty easily. You don't necessarily need a body shop. Safety First Continuing along the side profile you will notice colored-to-match outside door handles, the LED turn signals with chrome bezels, chrome-up and over the window sills as well. Very nice touch. The outside mirrors are painted colored to match and fold in for tight parking. They also break away if somebody clips it with a bike or grocery cart. Integrated here as well is the blind-spot monitoring along with heated outside mirrors. These are huge mirrors too, with very good visibility. Privacy glass on all four windows, including the tailgate - which is a nice feature when hauling cargo. On top is the roof rail system along with the power sliding moonroof and colored to match shark-fin antenna. As we swing around to the back is the color to match spoiler and rear window defrost. One of the things I like about the setup on the back of the Corolla Cross is your third brake light. The LED light is actually on the backside of the window, so it's easier to clean the window and not have to worry about cleaning that third brake light separately. Nice move, Toyota. Your backup sensors are here as well as is your backup camera. On the XLE trim level you'll get a power liftgate and the power sliding moonroof. With that power liftgate, you also have the push button to lift the gate up. Using your remote, just hold it and away it goes. No-kick sensors on the back of the lift gate for the Corolla Cross, and you can see it does have height-adjustable settings. If you have a low garage roof, you can set it up so it only goes up so high and doesn't hit the garage roof. Under the Hood In 2023, the engine on the Corolla Cross is the same engine they're using in the Corolla. It's a two-liter 16-valve engine, double overhead cam with variable valve timing, and it's connected to a CVT automatic transmission producing 169 horsepower, combined fuel economy city and highway is going to come in at 30 miles per gallon. Now, the vehicle is available as a front wheel drive only or an all-wheel drive. The one we had was the all-wheel drive edition. The engine and the transmission have a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. You also get ToyotaCare, which covers your oil changes, fluid top-offs and tire rotations. All covered for the first two years, 25,000 miles, and then Toyota also includes roadside assistance with the ToyotaCare package, and then the vehicle itself has a three-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty with no deductible. Toyota Corolla Cross XLE Interior Overview on Our YouTube Channel Because some things are better seen, we encourage you to continue your research on the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross by taking a deep dive into the interior with us on our YouTube Channel. You can also reach out to our team to contact us with any questions, or browse our full inventory of new Toyota vehicles online.

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.

Dreaming of the great outdoors and pondering the perfect destination for your next summer road trip with friends or family is exciting. Is it a lake house, the beach, or perhaps visiting as many Wisconsin state parks as possible in a two-week period? Regardless of your ultimate destination, the heat of summer can be just as hard on a vehicle as the freezing temperatures of winter. And just like its seasonal counterpart, summer is not a time when one would like to experience any maintenance drama. The mere thought of any component of a vehicle overheating, a belt or hose drying out, cracking, or breaking, or the A/C suddenly going out is a bummer. One does not want to be baking in a sweltering hot car during the long days of summer. Vehicle Summer-ization for Summer Road Trips “Wisconsinites know how important it is to winterize their vehicles, but often they neglect to ‘summer-ize’ them, too,” says Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors in Madison. “While some things can easily be done by the owner, there are also some where a service professional comes in handy.” Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager Roman says the maintenance in general has become increasingly important over the past few years. With both new and previously owned vehicles being in short supply – obtaining a new car, truck or SUV can take six months or more - staying on top of seasonal upkeep is paramount. “In the long run,” says Roman, “it’s going to be much more economical to make minor repairs than it is to try to jump into a different new or used vehicle.” Roman says $500 for something like a radiator flush or a brake repair is not going to hurt your wallet quite like the $500 per month you could face if you’re forced to purchase a new vehicle in the current economy. He says there are many steps one can take to be proactive with “summarizing” to avoid drastic situations. Proactive Car And SUV Maintenance First, he suggests, is to have a qualified service technician thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system at least once a year. Often you can request this service in conjunction with another service such as an oil change. Typical A/C Service includes; • A visual inspection of hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks as well as inspecting the drive belt for cracks or damage. • A check of pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures. • If the system is found to be low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak. Keep in mind if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, it is damaging the ozone layer. • A/C service should also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension. These measures should be enough to get you comfortably through the heat, but Roman says his team is trained to offer additional measures that will help your car stave off the heat of the street. Additional procedures either the vehicle owner or service technician can perform are: Road Trip Checklist • Check the level and strength of the coolant. A low coolant level may allow your engine to overheat. Make sure the coolant reservoir is filled to the proper level. Wait until the engine has cooled to check the level inside the radiator. If low, add a 50/50 mixture of the specified coolant and water. • Make sure the cooling fan works. The electric cooling fan should come on when the air conditioner is turned on to MAX. No fan may mean a defective fan motor, relay or electrical problem. • Battery evaluation. Batteries are lasting longer than they used to but the key with a battery evaluation is in the testing which gives both the available cold cranking amps vs. what the battery is rated for and the second is a battery health check which indicates potential battery life and can often predict a battery failure before there are symptoms. Hot weather is actually harder on batteries than cold weather because it increases the rate of evaporation of the liquid electrolyte inside the battery. • Change the oil. Replacing old dirty oil with fresh oil can increase the lubrication protection for your engine. • Check or replace the windshield wipers. Natural rubber wiper blades have a limited life of a year or less. Sun exposure, extreme heat and cold all age the rubber and cause it to become hard and brittle. • Check tires. Check the tire for wear, uneven wear, age cracks or damage. Check the inflation pressure in all the tires, including the spare. Underinflated tires make the tires run hot and increases the risk of a blowout. Being Prepared is the Key Lastly, Roman says there are a few steps vehicle owners can do themselves to stay cool: Exterior Paint Protective (wax) helps prevent fading • Wax the body. Your vehicle’s body should be waxed or sprayed with some type of protectant to help shield the paint from the ultraviolet rays from the sun, and summer smog in urban areas. • Keep your cool. Buy a sun shade for the windshield to reflect light so the interior doesn't get so hot if the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. Also, close the sunroof sunshade, and leave the windows cracked so hot air can escape. This can lighten the cooling load on the air conditioner when the vehicle is first started, and prevent you from getting a hot seat or burning yourself on hot interior surfaces. • Protect yourself. Wear a hat and sun screen, and carry a bottle of water in the car in case you get stuck for a long period of time in traffic or have a break-down on a hot day. Roman says these precautions should be enough to keep you and your vehicle cool. Of course bad things happen at the absolute worst time, but taking some simple preventative measures should drastically lower the risk of them happening to you. About Smart Motors Toyota In Madison, WI 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. visit https://www.smarttoyota.com/our-history.html

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.

Consumers 'Bang the Gong' to celebrate the arrival of their new Toyota at Smart Toyota Madison WI. Since early 2020, American consumers have had to come to terms with a new kind of normal. Products and services are not as plentiful as we’ve grown accustomed to. Covid-19 and the occasional freak weather patterns have wreaked havoc on a number of industries in many ways, especially in terms of shortages. The restaurant industry is struggling to hire viable and reliable employees. Grocery stores are out of products, specifically goods originating from meat-packing plants. And we all know how paper products like toilet paper were hard to come by for many months. Nearly all industries are having some growing pains adapting to the unavoidable changes taking place, including automobile manufacturers. Madisonians have noticed the dearth of new vehicles for the past several months when they pass by Smart Toyota on Odana Road. What has been a car lot brimming with options for decades has suddenly become a sort of ghost town with only a handful or so of vehicles on the lot. “It’s a very noticeable difference,” says Smart Toyota’s sales director Justin Jackson. “We normally have 400 or more new vehicles on the lot, but since mid-April 2021 we’ve seen a steady decline in the number of New Toyotas we have on the lot. Now we only have maybe 5 to 10 new vehicles physically at the store.” Justin Jackson Sales Director Smart Toyota - Madison, WI Jackson says the pandemic is partially to blame for the shortage because modern vehicles rely on computer chips which became scarce due to manufacturers reallocating them to industries other than automotive. Then, early in 2021 the issue in new vehicle manufacturing were winter storms that crippled Texas -based businesses that are critical in the manufacturing of foam for seats. “If it’s not one thing it’s another,” says Jackson. “We’ve got the chips, but because of the power issues Texas faced in the Spring of 2021, we didn’t have enough foam padding for the seats, and today, as production ramps up, it’s supply chain and logistical issues.” It's Not All Doom and Gloom Those looking to purchase a new vehicle seem to understand the slow-down in global manufacturing, Jackson says. Instead of getting upset they can’t drive off the lot with a vehicle they think is “good enough,” consumers are now more apt to customize and pre-order a vehicle specifically made to their specifications. “It’s kind of cool how people have adapted,” says Jackson. “They might not get that prior sense of immediate gratification of new car ownership, but they get to experience something else: personalization.” Jackson explains the process of pre-ordering has been well-received for a few reasons, one of which is the compassion the consumer feels about simple logistics as they relate to inventory issues in this day and age. Vehicle Customization increases satisfaction “They also really like the fact we can get them exactly what they want; from safety features and amenities, to color preference,” says Jackson. “And when their customized vehicle comes in – usually in about 45 days – they are over the moon when they see the Happy New Car Day sign bearing their name saying the car was made specifically for them. It takes ‘ownership’ to a whole new level.” Custom Pre-Orders on the Rise Jackson says about five percent of Smart’s new vehicle sales used to be custom ordered. Today the percentage has skyrocketed to about 50 percent of the dealership’s monthly new car sales. And, Jackson notes, when a consumer has all the customizable options at his or her disposal, no one opts for a base model in order to save a buck or two. “Often times, though, it’s not options that are the most appealing aspect of pre-ordering,” says Jackson. “Instead, currently, there has been a surge in hybrid vehicle sales. And now in winter, AWD (all-wheel drive) vehicles will see a spike in popularity.” If you know you are going to order a customized vehicle, Jackson says it might be best to do a little homework prior to meeting with a sales consultant. “People take a lot of amenities for granted, but if you’re customizing, you should consider some of the following options,” he says. Custom Pre-Order Checklist Entertainment & Communications: think about your stereo system. Do you still need a CD player? How about satellite radio capability? Hands-free phone control? A video system? Navigation? Comfort & Convenience: this includes upholstery, heated/cooled seats, power door locks, keyless entry, dual climate control, etc. Safety: the simple rule of thumb is the more you can install, the more secure you’ll feel. If you can, opt for dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, cruise control, and parking assist systems. Appearance: the most enjoyable aspect of customizing is picking out your paint, trim, and wheels. Performance: what do you need to get from point A to point B in your daily life? A larger engine? Sport suspension? 4-wheel drive? Automatic transmission or stick? Jackson says while customers are not complaining right now about having to customize and then wait for their new ride, he anticipates their patience won’t last forever. However, he also doesn’t see new vehicle inventory returning to “normal” in the immediate future, and with customer satisfaction currently at such a high level he’s not overly anxious about it. “At this point, we do not see ‘ground stock’ (vehicles physically on the lot) back to our previously average levels before the end of the year,” he says. “That could change, but we really don’t see it happening until late 2022.”

A true partnership. A decade of support Since 2012, Smart Motors has financially supported Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM) and their local initiatives. Whether you’re a seasoned stage performer or looking to take to the stage for the very first time for a singing, acting or dance class, Smart’s annual financial contributions helped subsidize tuition for the youth in Dane County. Today, CTM can now transport youth from throughout the city to the new Madison Youth Arts (MYArts) Center with their brand new 2022 Toyota Sienna hybrid – donated by Smart. Children's Theater of Madison 2021 Septacular Wish Event | Smart Motors presenting sponsor Timing of Smart’s gift could not have come at a better time. This month CTM moved into their new space within the new MYArts Center at 1055 E Mifflin Street. To celebrate this momentous occasion, CTM hosted their spectacular Septacular Wish event. The event featured on-stage performances from CTM’s talented youth performers, plus recognition of businesses and community members who helped make “the Wish” possible, food and beverages provided by Great Dane Pub & Brewing, special cocktail hour music performed by The Tony Castaneda Band, and of course, the unveiling of Smart Motors’ gift ~ a 2022 Toyota Sienna hybrid mini-van. “It is a game changer for us,” said CTM’s Executive Director Allen Ebert. “One of the largest barriers Youth in our community face is access to the arts. Today, thanks to this gift from Smart Motors, we can provide the much-needed safe transportation of Youth to our new home in the MYArts Center and do so absolutely free of charge.” CTM's Executive Director Allen Ebert & Artistic Director Roseann Sheridan Much like an in-person CTM performance you’d experience on-stage, this new Toyota Sienna hybrid mini-van is jaw-dropping. Fully wrapped by Madison Top Company, the design is whimsical and colorful, eye-catching, and will certainly grab attention on the streets of Madison. It’s a moving reminder of how inspirational, fun and creative our Youth, and Adults, can be when they explore the performing arts. The 2022 Toyota Sienna is the perfect people mover. Stylish on the outside and functional on the inside, CTM will be able to transport 7-passengers at a time in comfort and convenience. This mini-van features dual power sliding side doors and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0; which includes pre-collision and pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. Oh, an in case you missed it, this mini-van is a hybrid; getting a show-stopping 35 miles per gallon. “We could not be more proud of our decade long partnership with our friends at CTM,” said J.R. Smart, President/CEO of Smart Motors. “And just look at that Sienna – wow! Madison Top and the creative team at CTM truly did a phenomenal job capturing the spirit of CTM in the wrap design. I cannot wait to see all the smiles on the faces of kids loading up and jumping out of the Sienna on their way to classes and performances.” CTM Performers amaze attendees with their incredible talent CTM’s mission to create vibrant theater experiences that engage, educate, and inspire young people and their communities has been their guiding light. Founded in 1965, CTM is a Madison institution providing exceptional theatre production for family audiences. By casting adult and child actors in professionally produced plays, they have occupied a unique niche, for decades, as Madison’s premier theater for all ages. The Overture Center, and its predecessor the Madison Civic Center, had been their home for over 30 years, and today CTM is one of two main tenants in the newly constructed MYArts Center on Madison’s near Eastside. 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 vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume dealers. Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motors Sales for superior customer service and sales volume. Learn more about Smart’s history here. The newly constructed MYArts Center provides opportunities for young people to express themselves, discover the arts, and create connections, while at the same time, serves as the home for CTM and Madison Youth Choirs.

Should you warm up your car? Does warming up your car actually help? During the winter most people think it is a good idea to warm their vehicles up before they head out for the day. With remote start vehicles becoming more popular than ever, the trend of warming up your vehicle has as well, because it just takes the push of a button. While warming up your vehicle may be convenient so you don't have to deal with driving in a cold car, this can affect the overall health of your vehicle. Here are a couple of ways how this affects your vehicle and the environment. more Engine Life Warming up your vehicle can actually shorten the life of your engine, by letting your vehicle idle in the cold you are actually stripping away oil from the engine's pistons and cylinders each time you do this. While you may wonder where this myth came from since it's not true, it's because it was once based on facts. Jake Scheafer the Service Director at Smart Motors' says before cars and trucks were equipped with fuel management systems, they relied on carburetors and simpler fuel system management which did need significant time to warm up. He also stated "Vehicles manufactured post-1980 have fuel management systems designed to heat up the engine fairly quickly. Under normal wintertime circumstances, idling your car or truck for about 30 seconds is all it takes to get the engine above 40 degrees; ideal for typical operation.” Environmental Harm While warming your vehicle up may make your drive a little more comfortable, it can add to more damage to the environment. Idling your vehicle releases harmful chemicals, gases, and other toxins into the air. This contributes to regional haze, depletion of the ozone, and global climate change. Idling your vehicle burns way more gas than just starting it and every gallon of gas burned produces more than 20 pounds of greenhouse gases. Avoiding Damage to Your Engine If you are worried about harming your engine and the environment but you still want your vehicle to be warm you should know that most new vehicles warm up fast. “Vehicles manufactured post-1980 have fuel management systems designed to heat up the engine fairly quickly. Under normal wintertime circumstances, idling your car or truck for about 30 seconds is all it takes to get the engine above 40 degrees; ideal for typical operation,” said Jake Scheafer. Schaefer says that unless the outside temperatures are extremely frigid, drivers should start their vehicle, get out and walk around it to remove any obstructing snow or ice, get back in and start driving as usual. Driving the vehicle, he says, is a much quicker way to warm up an engine without causing it damage. "Of course, if it’s very cold out, you should wait until your defrost starts blowing warm air,” he warns. “You don’t want to compromise your safety by peeking through a tiny clear spot you’ve managed to make in your windshield.” Another thing to be careful about is accelerating too fast the first few moments you are driving. This can add unwanted strain to your bearings and flood the combustion chamber with gas, which in turn will take miles off your engine's life. This is why it is a good idea to take the first couple of miles on the slower side and not rev your engine too much. If you are worried that you've already done damage to your engine or you just need maintenance done on your vehicle, come visit our Service Center at Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, WI, and our Toyota trained technicians can help. We proudly serve drivers throughout the greater Madison area, including Sun Prairie, Middleton, and beyond. Image by Pexels from Pixabay

The 2020 Toyota Sienna has plenty to offer those searching for a minivan. With a powerful engine and available all-wheel drive, it packs a punch in all seasons, over all terrain. This year features the Nightshade package, which gives black accents to the wheels, grille, spoiler, door handles, and mirrors. Performance The Sienna is one of the very few minivans available with all-wheel drive, in fact, at the time it came out it was the only one. So if you're looking for a minivan that's good in the snow, the Sienna is one of the only options. It also features some serious power in the form of a 3.5 Liter direct-injection engine with 296 horsepower. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna was designed to be fun to drive, with 140 spot welds to reduce movement in the body and give a better driving response with a smoother ride. Air fin stabilizers reduce turbulence to reduce noise and drag. The Sienna SE features sport suspension for a smooth ride even when you're testing out all the power this car has to offer more Multiple Trim Levels to Test Drive The Sienna comes in seven different trim levels, so you'll be sure to find the perfect one for your test drive. If you're interested in just the basics, consider the base model L. If you want the latest tech options, you can check out the top of the line XLE. If you're interested in comfort, the SE features leather-trimmed heated front seats that are eight-way power-adjustable. Comfortable Interior The Sienna comes loaded with interior features to make your ride as comfortable and convenient as possible. These include the smart key system, which unlocks the car when it senses your key, and the engine can be started with the push of a button. It features a power liftgate as well for added convenience, and power sliding doors that open at the push of a button. Technology and Entertainment A seven-inch touchscreen is standard on the Sienna, with compatibility for Apple Carplay. It is also compatible with Alexa, so you can play music, get weather updates, make calls, get directions, and more with just the sound of your voice. The Sienna is also available with a 4G LTE wifi hotspot so you can get internet access to all your devices. The Sienna also comes with convenient features you don't see often, like a rear microphone for talking to passengers in the back. No more shouting from the front seat! Safety Of course, everyone wants to be sure they are as safe as possible on their test drive. The Sienna comes equipped with eight standard airbags and got a perfect five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Sienna also features a wide range of nifty driver assist abilities. These include the star safety system, which gets you Anti Lock Brakes, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Smart Stop Technology, and more. Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Keeping Assist are all there as well to give you peace of mind. So come test drive the Sienna today at Smart Motors, where we've been serving communities in Wisconsin for over 100 years.

Modern vehicles should approach safety in a modern way. Toyota has developed some of the most innovative driver-assist technologies to keep you and your passengers safer on the road. Here are a few of those technologies that are a part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection This is arguably one of the most important technologies in the Toyota Safety Sense Suite. It not only helps you stay more aware of oncoming obstacles, but helps you avoid collisions, keeping you, your passengers, and people outside your vehicle safer. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection uses a camera and sensors to constantly scan the road ahead for obstacles, vehicles, and pedestrians. If the system detects one, it will alert you via audio and visual cues. If the system detects an imminent collision and you haven't applied your brakes, it will apply the brakes for you. If you do apply the brakes, the Brake Assist system kicks in to give you a little more stopping power. more Lane Departure Alert and Lane Assist It's nearly impossible to avoid every possible distraction when you're driving. When you're distracted, your chances of leaving your lane increases, and so does the potential for a dangerous situation. That's where the Lane Departure Alert system comes in. The Lane Departure Alert system engages after you're traveling at 32 miles per hour or higher. Once it's engaged, sensors scan the road around you to find street lines to recognize your position in the lane. If you start to veer out of your lane without a turn signal, this system will use audio and visual warnings until you return to your lane or use your turn signal. Coupled with the Lane Assist feature, this technology is even more helpful. If your Toyota is equipped with Lane Assist, your vehicle will make small steering adjustments to keep you in your current lane if you start to leave the lane without a turn signal. Automatic High Beams To help improve your vision and driving safety at night, many new Toyota models come standard with automatic high beams. This system also makes the road safer for other vehicles around you at night. When activated at speeds of 25 mph and above, the Automatic High Beam system will switch back to low beams if it detects on an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle ahead of you. This helps ensure that you have the best view at night without taking away other drivers' ability to see the road. Road Sign Assist One of the newest features in the Toyota Safety Sense family is the Road Sign Assist technology. This feature uses a smart camera to scan the road for speed limit signs and other important road signs. When it finds one, it displays it on a display in the cabin for your reference. These technologies don't take power away from the driver; rather, they simply make better, more aware drivers out of all of us. If you're curious as to how these technologies work in real-life situations, you can take a tour of a Toyota equipped with them at Smart Toyota in Madison, Wisconsin. Proudly serving drivers throughout Middleton, Sun Prairie, and beyond.

Winter can be tough, especially in the northern parts of the country. Don't be afraid of what the season will bring this year when you get behind the wheel of one of Toyota's well-equipped vehicles. Here are four 2019 Toyota models that are winter ready. 2019 4Runner As Toyota's top off-roading vehicle, the 2019 4Runner is loaded with capabilities that make it totally ready for driving through winter storms and snowy streets. Opt for the TRD Pro trim level for the most capability. Features like the multi-terrain select system give you total control as you take on wet or snowy roads. This system has four different driving modes to choose from; each adjusts the braking pressure and engine throttle for ideal traction in each situation. Mode options go from light to heavy with the turn of a dial. more 2019 Highlander The 2019 Toyota Highlander is ideal for winter roads and inclement weather thanks to its available dynamic torque-control all-wheel-drive system. Engine power is perfectly distributed between the front and rear wheels, while braking is distributed between the left and right wheels for total grip and control. Exterior features like puddle lights and automatic high beams light the way as the days get shorter. The available smart entry system will detect when you're approaching the vehicle and turn on puddle lights on the bottom of the side mirrors. Automatic high beams turn off when approaching an oncoming vehicle to keep the dark roads safer. 2019 Sequoia With the space, power, and performance featured in the 2019 Sequoia, you can have peace of mind as you take the entire family out for a drive in the winter. A 5.7-liter V-8 engine gives you 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque for plenty of power to get through deep snow. Multi-mode four-wheel drive lets you choose among four-wheel drive low and high ranges and two-wheel drive. When you don't need traction, stay in two-wheel drive for better fuel efficiency. When you need to engage the Torsen limited slip differential, turn on four-wheel-drive easily. Bring along up to seven passengers or fold down the rear seats for 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space. You'll even be able to haul your favorite toys through bad weather with 7,400 pounds of towing capacity and trailer sway control. No matter what precious cargo you have on board or in tow, the 2019 Sequoia will keep it safe. 2019 Land Cruiser The 2019 Land Cruiser combines space and off-road capability for a Toyota model that's ready to take everybody out for a winter adventure. A multi-terrain monitor shows your surroundings on a 9-inch navigation screen so you can see any upcoming obstacles. The Cruiser's limited-slip differential sends power to the wheels with the most grip in each situation. Come by Smart Toyota today to see our selection of new Toyota vehicles that are ready to take on the winter weather. Our staff will be happy to show you our most equipped vehicles and get you out for some test drives. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original