Drivers would be hard-pressed to find another SUV with the reliability of a Toyota, with the Highlander serving as proof. However, as miles accumulate, even the most reliable vehicles require some repairs. Eventually, finding replacement Toyota windshield wipers becomes a necessity, and that’s where our Toyota service center in Madison comes in.
What Windshield Wipers Does My Toyota Highlander Need?
Toyota brand vehicles use SightLine wiper blades, specifically engineered for the windshield shape and wiper arm downforce of your car, truck or SUV. The generally recommended length for a Highlander’s wiper blades are a 26-inch blade on the driver’s side, an 18-inch blade on the passenger’s side, and a 12-inch blade for the rear window if one is required. The length of your wiper blades may vary depending on trim level or model year, so make sure to check your owner’s manual to be on the safe side.
When Do I Replace My Windshield Wipers?
You should have your Toyota Highlander windshield wipers examined every 5,000 miles as part of routine maintenance. If you see any of these signs of wear and tear, we strongly recommend getting replacement windshield wipers immediately:
- Scooting and skipping: Dried out or corroded rubber can cause scooting or skipping on the windshield
- Streaking: Worn blades become warped from exposure to elements like tree sap, road tar, and other chemicals, which can cause the rubber to harden or crack
- Splitting: Split rubber occurs from prolonged exposure to sun’s damaging UV rays
- Screeching: As blades age, the rubber stiffens and loses flexibility, which can cause squeaking or screeching
Order New Toyota Highlander Wiper Blades in Madison, WI
If you’re looking to replace your Toyota Highlander’s windshield wipers, don’t hesitate to order the necessary parts from our service center in Madison, WI. If you have any questions regarding windshield wiper replacement or other Toyota services we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us online at Smart Toyota.
What’s New in the 2025 Toyota Camry?
Every year, Toyota strives to improve the quality of their already impressive vehicles, with the Toyota Camry being no exception. The new 2025 model features plenty of advancements and innovations over the previous year’s Camry, and our Madison dealership is prepared to showcase what makes this sedan a must-have.
What’s New in the 2025 Toyota Camry?
Safety and Infotainment
The 2025 Toyota Camry still possesses all of the safety and infotainment features you know and love from the previous model year, with voice activation, smartphone compatibility, as well as sensors for parking assistance and collision warning systems. The 2025 model has added a blind spot warning system, for keeping you apprised of any other surrounding vehicles while driving.
As for infotainment, a few formerly optional features have now become standard for this model, including a wireless charging pad, along with a navigation system including a 12.3-inch display.
Engine
While the base model isn’t fully electric, this sedan boasts a powerful hybrid setup with a strength-matching engine, churning out 232 horsepower – exceeding the vigor of the 2024 model.
Buy a New 2025 Toyota Camry in Madison, WI
If you’re not fully convinced the 2025 Camry is the right vehicle for you, schedule a test drive at our Toyota dealership in Madison. If you have any questions regarding the Camry or anything else in our inventory, contact us online at Smart Toyota.
What Tires are Best for an All-Wheel Drive Car?
Madison area drivers looking to take the best possible care of their vehicle can always turn to Smart Toyota. From Toyota tire coupons to expert advice, our service center is dedicated to helping you maximize your car, truck or SUV.
Drivers in our community due for a tire replacement are encouraged to stay tuned for October Toyota tire sale, which is a great opportunity to install brand new tires, and prolong the reliable performance our featured brand is known for.
What Tires Do I Need for an AWD Car?
Whether your vehicle features all-wheel drive or not, it’s incredibly important to only use the proper tires designated for your vehicle. Having an AWD Toyota without the corresponding tires isn’t just a potential hazard out on the road, but prevents you from using your vehicle’s AWD system to its fullest potential.
In other words, the best way to figure out which tires are best for an AWD vehicle is to refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidance on replacing your tires. Not only should you always try to use four tires from the same brand, but the exact same model if possible.
Unless specified by the tire manufacturer, tires should be the same size while also possessing the same speed rating and load index. For more information, you can refer to the tire information generally found on the driver’s door jamb, which usually includes the appropriate tire size and recommended amount of tire pressure.
Save on Tires with Our Toyota Tire Sale in Madison, WI
If you’re unsure about your current tires’ condition, request a service appointment and let the certified technicians at our Toyota service center in Madison take a look. If you have any questions about the tires available during our sale or compatibility with your all-wheel drive Toyota, we strongly encourage you to contact us online at Smart Toyota today.
What Happens When a Car Owner Dies?
When a car owner dies, there may be many outstanding questions:
- Did they leave a last will and testament?
- What happens to the car loan?
- What happens to the car’s insurance?
The process may vary depending on a number of factors, including state policy, but our Madison dealership is eager to help any auto-owner in our community, including their loved ones.
Transferring Car Ownership After Death
Several states have community property rules, which means a deceased car owner transfers ownership to the surviving spouse, as the car was their property. Transferring the car title may be more complicated, especially if the car owner didn’t leave a last will and testament, specifying what happens to the deceased person’s assets. Depending on location, the state probate court may have to determine who can transfer the title, which may take several months.
What Happens to a Car Loan When the Owner Dies?
Any outstanding auto loans remain even if the car owner passes away, as any debts the person owed in life would still need to be paid. Car loans may have a death clause that lays out the repayment process if the borrower dies, and if a will was left, the heir(s) may inherit the vehicle and associated loan.
While state laws and loan terms vary, sometimes the surviving co-signer on the car loan or the borrower’s estate is responsible for the remaining auto loan balance. The estate is a deceased person’s total net worth, including savings, investments, real estate and other assets, in which case the estate may need to sell assets in order to pay the auto loan.
The lender may require refinancing on a deceased person’s auto loan after the original borrower’s death, and if there’s no one to make payments or the estate cannot satisfy the loan, the lender may repossess the vehicle.
What Happens to Car Insurance After a Car Owner Dies?
This process may differ due to varying policies, but the best thing to do is to contact the insurance company and ask them about the next steps. If the surviving spouse or estate executor inherits the auto policy, it’s important to specify which driver is covered by the insurance. If the policyholder changes, the car insurance premium and discounts may also be altered.
If canceling a deceased car owner’s auto policy, you should still reach out to the insurance company, who may require a death certificate copy and documentation to show who the estate executor is to prevent fraud. If you have any questions, we’re more than willing to help. Just contact us online at Smart Toyota.
About 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, is Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison Wisconsin, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. More about Smart Motors.
Madison drivers who need a trusty sedan can continuously rely on the Toyota Corolla. But as you accumulate miles on your journeys, you’ll inevitably need new windshield wipers, and that’s where we come in. Smart Toyota’s offers genuine parts to fit the exact specifications of your Corolla, including Toyota windshield wiper blades.
The size of your wiper blade may depend on which Corolla trim level and engine type you have – the driver’s side windshield wiper blade should be 26” to 28”, while the passenger side ranges from 13” to 14”. However, no matter which trim you choose, the rear windshield wiper blade will be the same across the board at 12”.
When Do I Need to Replace My Windshield Wipers?
If you are unsure of when windshield wiper blade replacement is required for your vehicle, we advise you to keep an eye on a variety of scenarios that start with the letter “S”:
- Scooting and skipping: dried out or corroded rubber can cause scooting or skipping on the windshield
- Streaking: worn blades become warped from exposure to elements like tree sap, road tar and other chemicals, which can cause the rubber to harden or crack
- Splitting: Split rubber occurs from prolonged exposure to sun’s damaging UV rays
- Screeching: as blades age, the rubber stiffens and loses flexibility, which can cause squeaking or screeching
Order Toyota Corolla Windshield Wipers in Madison, WI
If you’re looking to replace the windshield wipers in your Corolla, don’t wait – using subpar wiper blades could be potentially hazardous for you and the drivers around you. We strongly encourage you to order Genuine Toyota Wiper Blades with our Toyota service center in Madison, WI. If you have any questions about windshield wiper replacement or services for your Corolla, don’t hesitate to contact us online at Smart Toyota today.
What Do My Toyota Dash Symbols Mean?
If there’s one thing we can say for certain, it’s that a dashboard symbol shouldn’t be ignored. The various icons on your Toyota dashboard can indicate malfunctions or other potential hazards, so it’s important to address them as soon as possible.
If you’re unsure about what a certain symbol means, refer to the trusty guide below, courtesy of our Toyota service center in Madison.
Toyota Dashboard Symbols and Meanings
 | Seatbelt reminder light This warns the driver and/or front passenger seat that their seatbelt is unfastened. |
 | VSC OFF indicator Push and hold the switch while your Toyota is stopped in order to turn off TRAC and BSC. |
 | Low fuel warning light This symbol indicates a low fuel level, and your Toyota needs gas. |
 | Master warning light When a buzzer sounds and this warning light flashes, the master warning system has detected a malfunction in your vehicle. |
 | Electric Power Steering (EPS) warning light There is a malfunction in the EPS system that needs to be addressed. |
 | TRAF OFF indicator The vehicle’s traction control has been turned off. |
 | SRS warning light This means the SRS airbag system has a malfunction and needs to be addressed. |
 | Slip indicator A buzzer may sound to accompany this flashing symbol, indicating the VSC is operating. |
 | Tire pressure warning light This means the vehicle has low tire inflation pressure, or that there’s a malfunction in the tire pressure warning system. |
 | Turn signal indicator The right or left turn has been activated, and will flash accordingly. |
 | ABS warning light There is a malfunction in the ABS or Brake Assist system in your vehicle. |
 | Charging system warning light Your vehicle’s charging system may have a malfunction. |
 | Security indicator For Toyotas with a Smart Key System: This will flash after the ENGINE START STOP switch has been turned off to indicate the system is operating.The indicator light stops flashing after ENGINE START STOP has been turned to ACCESSORY OR IGNITION ON mode to indicate the system has been canceled. For Toyotas without a Smart Key System: This light flashes after the key has been removed from the engine switch to indicate the system is operating.The indicator light stops flashing after the registered key has been inserted into the engine switch to indicate the system has been canceled. |
 | Low engine oil pressure warning light The engine oil pressure is too low. |
 | Headlight high-beam indicator The headlight high beams have been switched on. |
 | Cruise Control indicator The cruise control system has been activated. |
If any dashboard symbols persist, we encourage you to schedule a service appointment with us today. If you have any questions about your vehicle’s dashboard symbols or anything service-related, contact us at Smart Motors Toyota.
About 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, is Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison Wisconsin, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. More about Smart Motors.
Which Toyotas Come With Apple CarPlay?
AppIe CarPIay® is an incredibly popular software that helps you get the most out of your Toyota’s multimedia system. Find out which models from our featured brand are compatible, so you can stay connected on the road at all times.
Toyotas with Apple CarPlay
| •2018 – 2022 Aygo •2019 – 2022 Avalon •2019 – 2023 Corolla Hatchback •2019 – 2023 Camry •2019 – 2023 C‑HR •2019 – 2023 RAV4 •2019 – 2023 Sienna •2020 – 2021 86 •2020 – 2023 4Runner •2020 – 2023 Corolla •2020 – 2023 Highlander •2020 – 2023 Prius •2020 – 2023 Prius Prime •2020 – 2023 Sequoia •2020 – 2023 GR Supra | •2020 – 2023 Tacoma •2020 – 2023 Tundra •2020 – 2023 Yaris •2021 – 2023 Avanza •2021 – 2023 Mirai •2021 – 2023 Venza •2022 – 2023 Corolla Cross •2022 – 2023 GR86 •2022 – 2023 Voxy •2023 Aygo X •2023 bZ4X •2023 Crown •2023 GR Corolla •2024 Grand Highlander |
How to Set Up Apple CarPlay® in Your Toyota
Wired Apple CarPlay®
- Connect your iPhone® to your vehicle using an Apple certified USB cable
- Select “Yes” on your vehicle’s multimedia system when asked if you would like to use CarPlay®
- When prompted on your iPhone®, select “Yes” when asked if you’d like to use CarPlay®
- AppIe CarPIay® should now be connected
Wireless Apple CarPlay®
- Ensure Bluetooth® on your iPhone® is turned on
- On your vehicle’s multimedia screen, select Settings (gear icon) > ‘Bluetooth® & devices’ > ‘Add another device’ > ‘Search for devices’
- Select your iPhone® name as it appears on the list of discovered Bluetooth® devices
- Respond to the prompts on the multimedia screen to complete pairing your iPhone®, and select “Yes” when asked if you’d like to enable CarPlay®
- Select “use” when your iPhone® asks if you’d like to use CarPlay®
- AppIe CarPIay® should now be connected
Having some trouble? If you need instructions on how to set up Apple CarPlay® in your specific vehicle, just enter the model name and year, or 17-digit VIN at Toyota Audio & Connected Services Support. From there, you can learn how to maximize your drives with your favorite songs and podcasts, enjoy hands-free assistance technology and utilize navigation with your favorite apps.
If you’re interested in a Toyota with Apple CarPlay®, schedule a test drive at our Madison dealership or visit us in person for a closer look at a particular vehicle. If you have any questions, contact us at Smart Motors Toyota.
About 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, is Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison Wisconsin, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. More about Smart Motors.
How to Jump-Start Your Hybrid
How to Jump-Start a Hybrid Car Battery
Just like traditional gas-powered vehicles, a hybrid car battery can be jump started when the battery is discharged. Jump-starting your hybrid shouldn’t stray too far from the process of their gas engine counterpart, though the same amount of caution should be taken.
Please note your jumper cable connectors should not be touching unless they are fully disconnected.
- Park your vehicle on a flat and dry surface
- Turn the vehicle off alongside all electrical components including the headlights and radio
- Place the positive jumper cable clamp (+) colored red on the positive battery terminal of your discharged hybrid battery or positive jump post
- Place the positive clamp on the positive terminal of the functioning car battery
- Place the negative battery (-) colored black on the negative terminal of the functioning car battery
- Place the negative clamp on the negative battery terminal of the dead battery or negative jump post
- Start the engine of the vehicle with the functioning battery and lightly press the accelerate for about five minutes
- Start the engine of your hybrid with the discharged battery
- Remove the negative clamp from the previously-dead battery
- Remove the negative clamp from the functioning battery
- Remove the positive clamp from the functioning battery
- Remove the positive clamp from the previously-dead battery
What Causes a Hybrid Battery to Die?
While it may be difficult to narrow down the exact cause of your hybrid battery dying, there are a few main culprits that tend to pop up:
- Loose battery terminals can cause a discharged battery in both gas and hybrid vehicles. In order to avoid this, inspect your battery terminals when your Toyota is turned off.
- Extremely cold temperatures can negatively affect the 12-volt battery by slowing down battery chemistry
- Parasitic draw happens when something electric, like a cabin light being left or a door not being closed all the way, drains your car battery.
If you’re having constant issues with your Toyota hybrid battery, schedule a service appointment with us at our Toyota service center in Madison. If you have any questions or need more information about caring for your hybrid car battery, contact us online at Smart Toyota.
About Smart Motors
Founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, the Midwest’s largest hybrid dealer, Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume.
Anderson Family to Purchase Smart Motors, Continuing Legacy of Family Ownership in Madison
After 115 years, 28 different vehicle franchises and three generations of Smart family ownership, President/CEO J.R. Smart is handing his family’s legacy to a new owner. Madison’s Smart Motors, founded in 1908, making it one of the longest-running automotive dealerships in the United States, has selected the Anderson Family of Omaha, Nebraska, to continue its long legacy of service to its clients and the community. The sale is effective January 8th.
Anderson Family History
The Anderson Family entered the automotive business in 1957, when Tal Anderson started working part-time at Baxter Chrysler-Plymouth in Omaha. Tal’s work ethic and common sense caught the attention of Johnny Baxter, who eventually made Tal a partner and ultimately sold the dealership to Tal Anderson in 1983.
The Andersons retained the Baxter name, both out of respect for Johnny Baxter and understanding the value of continuity in business. That history of honoring the past and service the community made Baxter Auto Group the right owner for Smart Motors.
The two families, the Smarts and the Andersons, have much in common, including multigenerational ownership and navigating their way through many obstacles, including gas shortages, wars, a pandemic and supply chain interruptions.
“I celebrated my 52nd anniversary at the dealership earlier this year,” said Smart. “And while my time is sunsetting at the helm of our family business, I had to ensure my teammates and the communities we serve were well cared for.”
The Anderson family has deep roots in the automotive industry and a solid reputation in the communities they serve. “I could have sold the dealership to any number of organizations,” said Smart, “but I chose Mickey Anderson and the Baxter Auto Group. Commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and the continuous improvement are our core values and I’m confident they will continue to build off what our family has created since 1908.”
“We are so pleased, and humbled at the opportunity to carry on the legacy and work of the Smart Family in Madison,” said Mickey Anderson. “To build upon that history and commitment to quality is a challenge that we welcome and will be diligent every day to carry on this great tradition.”
“At Toyota, we wish Baxter Auto Group a successful entry into the Madison market. They’ve already proven to be a valuable partner with Toyota dealerships in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska,” said Shane Sizemore, General Manager, Chicago Region, Toyota Motor North America. “We also want to thank the ownership at Smart Toyota for nearly 60 years of automotive excellence. During this time, three generations of Smart family members helped grow the Toyota brand in south central Wisconsin, though award-winning sales, service and extraordinary community involvement. They epitomized Toyota’s mantra of ‘respect for people’ by providing exceptional customer service.”
Smart Family Legacy
The history of the Smart Family’s involvement in the automotive industry is a very interesting story.
“It seems like every decade or so something throws a wrench into the works,” said Smart. “I’d say the very first hurdle my grandfather’s new business had to overcome was a lack of inventory… and the cost of a new car.”
The first car founder O.D. Smart, J.R.’s grandfather, sold was an Apperson Jackrabbit, which he sold out of his father’s livery in Waukesha. The Jackrabbit was build by hand, and the car sold for $5,000, which is around $155,000 in 2023 dollars.
While the Model T continued to be very popular, Smart Motors sold smaller brands such as Studebaker, Packard, Crosley and Hudson. O.D. Smart focused on educating the community on cars, resulting in him becoming a spokesman of sorts and was often quoted as a “Specialist” in Madison on topics like proper care and general maintenance. That place of prominence continues for Smart Motors to this day.
“Starting in 1925, my grandfather’s business started to thrive,” says J.R. “The business was now in Madison, which made it a central point for people from Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Smart Motors was doing quite well.”
Then in 1929, the stock market crashed, and over the next three years, car sales fell by 75%. Through hard work and ingenuity, O.D. Smart managed to be the only one of the 14 car dealerships in Madison to avoid declaring bankruptcy in the 1930s and 1940s. He accomplished this by moonlighting as a machinist at a local factory to keep the lights on at this dealership.
Having survived the Great Depression, O.D. Smart faced a new challenge. World War II. This meant no inventory, as there were no cars manufactured for the public between 1942 and 1945, with all steel and manufacturing capacity being used for the war effort. Again, O.D.’s hard work and creativity kept his dealerships operating during this most difficult of times.
Following rapid change in the auto industry in the 1950s, James “F.J.” Smart took control of Smart Motors in the 1960s. His ingenuity led to what turned out to be a pivotal decision for the business and the family: Smart Motors became Wisconsin’s first Toyota dealer in 1966.
“My father was just as innovative as he took a chance on a number of unknows in the automobile industry,” said J.R. “He was always able to anticipate the need for a new product or service and make the correct decision.”
F.J. Smart’s decision to partner with Toyota in 1966 paid enormous dividends in the 1970s, when America found itself in a lengthy oil crisis, driving up the price of gasoline and ending Americans’ long love affair with very large, gas-guzzling vehicles. Toyota had been a relatively unknown, fuel-efficient brand. The energy crisis drove more demand for more efficient cars, with Toyota taking a prominent role in filling that demand.
The Smart and Anderson Families share a long history of community involvement and support. The Smart Family’s legacy in Madison included deep involvement in the American Red Cross, the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Research, American Family Children’s Hospital and the Susan G. Komen pink lights in October project.
The late Tal Anderson founded the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha, which provides tuition for at-risk youths who otherwise would not be able to attend private schools. The Anderson Family continues its support of that organization to this day, in addition to its support of a wide range of charities, including The United Way, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Initiatives, as well as primary, secondary and higher education.
About Baxter Auto Group
Baxter Auto Group is one of the nation’s leading automotive retailing groups, operating 21 automotive retail stores across the Midwest and Mountain regions and representing nine of the nation’s top automotive brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, INFINITI, Audi, Honda, Subaru, Volkswagen and Ford. Additionally, Baxter takes special pride in being a remarkable employer and supporting efforts to build stronger communities, showing gratitude for all the community has done to support its operations throughout the years.
Toyota bZ4X vs. Tesla Model Y
The new Toyota bZ4X is poised to amaze, as the all-electric vehicle makes its way to Madison roads. Get a closer look at the exciting new vehicle and how it stacks up against the competition with Smart Toyota today.
Is the Toyota bZ4X Better than the Tesla Model Y?
As all-electric models, the bZ4X and Model Y make for an intriguing matchup. While the Tesla brand may be more of a hot topic surrounding all-electric vehicles, the truth of the matter is that Toyota’s longtime reputation of reliability can even the odds.
While the bZ4X may come up short in horsepower and torque, the motif of reliability returns when it comes to fuel economy. The new bZ4X features EPA estimates of 131 MPGe in the city, 107 MPGe on the highway, and up to 119 MPGe combined. In addition to efficiency, the EPA electric range between the two models are incredibly close: 260 miles for the Model Y and 252 miles for the bZ4X.
The Toyota model also features a 6.6 kW on-board charger, which the Model Y lacks, and charges from zero to 80% in approximately 30 minutes when using a DC fast charger. What’s more, the bZ4X yields a better battery capacity (71.4 kWh) compared to the Model Y (60.0 kWh).
Are you interested in a new Toyota bZ4X? Schedule a test drive with the all-electric model at our Toyota dealership in Madison. If you have any questions about the new Toyota bZ4X in comparison to other vehicles, contact us at Smart Motors Toyota today.
About 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, is Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison Wisconsin, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. More about Smart Motors.
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