Is Your Vehicle Ready for another Wisconsin Winter?
As anyone who has ever lived through one can attest, winters in Wisconsin can get cold. Really cold. Not just nippy, but seemingly a few degrees above absolute zero cold. The biting sort of cold that, despite several layers of clothing, cuts through your body like a frozen blade of a knife. It stings! Thankfully, one only needs to be out in it for brief periods at a time; usually as long as it takes to go from a heated building to one’s vehicle and back again.
Even though you may not be exposed to the blustery, frigid elements for long, your vehicle may have been sitting out for hours. Ideally, you can stay inside and remote start your transport. But one fantastically freezing day, you try it and nothing seems to happen. You’re going to have to brave the frozen tundra to try to get it started. You trudge over the frozen landscape, reach your vehicle, quickly nestle in, turn the key in the ignition, and – oh no! – all you hear is a hideous series of click-click-clicks, groans, and exhausted whirs. You’re in a bind now. Why oh why didn’t you winterize your ride!?
Deadly Winter
According to the National Weather Service, “Hundreds of people are injured or killed each year as a direct result of winter weather. Heavy snowfall and blizzards easily trap motorists in their vehicles and make walking to find help a deadly effort. Severely cold temperatures and wind chills during and after a winter storm can lead to hypothermia and kill anyone caught outside for too long.”
Jason Vasen, Master Diagnostic Technician 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.
“If a car moves, many people assume everything is in good operating order,” says Vasen. “While the car might still have the oomph needed to go, preventative maintenance will help prevent future breakdowns … and major expenses.”
Vasen recommends having your vehicle serviced to prepare it for the challenges winter can pose.
Winterization Checklist
- Battery –It’s not an illusion; it really does take more power to start your 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
- 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.
- Brakes and tires – 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.
“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.
Vasen says all motorists should have a cell phone and phone charger handy, and it doesn’t hurt to have quality wiper blades installed and your windshield wiper fluid topped off. 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:
Junk in Your Trunk
- · 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 — do a practice run if necessary.
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.
Green Light a Vet
Local Support. National Exposure.
Have you ever noticed when you drive by Smart Motors, whether it is on the beltline or Odana Road, some of their powerful lamp posts project a green hue? And if you have noticed, ever wondered why?
For 11 months out of the year, since 2015, Smart Motors has been a proud advocate of the “Green Light A Vet” campaign. Only in October do their three perpetually glowing green lights turn pink in support of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”
“I believe nationally the campaign was started in 2015,” says Smart Motors’ Assistant General Manager, Robert Jordan.” And even though we’ve been supporting it for the past seven years, I’m not really sure people know what exactly the lights mean.”
What Does it Mean?
According to campaign organizers, “’Greenlight A Vet’ is a campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green. Green is the color of hope, renewal and well-being. ‘Greenlight’ is also a term commonly used to activate forward movement. The simple action of changing one light to green is intended to spark a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans, and ‘greenlight’ them forward as valued members of our communities.”
“We think the ‘Greenlight a Vet’ campaign is unique and important,” Jordan says. “U.S. military veterans are brave, hard-working men and women who have sacrificed a lot for our nation, but when they are out of uniform they become somewhat camouflaged. By keeping a green light burning, they know their valor is being recognized and honored; not just on Veterans Day.”
Local Locations
For those who are curious to see Smart Motors’ three green lights, there is one next to the beltline at their new Toyota Showroom & Service Center (5901 Odana Road), one at Smart Motors Used Cars (5710 Odana Road), and one at their Prep & Detailing facility (5775 Tokay Blvd).
This year, Veterans Day is observed on November 11. But by changing one light to green in a visible location – your porch, in your home, or at your place of work -and keeping it glowing symbolically shows support for our Vets 365-days a year.
Social Media Hashtag
“We’d love to see other people and companies in the Madison area get involved,” says Jordan. “As part of the campaign, people are asked to share their support by taking a picture of their green light and posting it using the hashtag #greenlightavet. The whole thing takes very little effort, but it speaks volumes.”
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 Smart’s history page.
Getting It Done During an Employee Shortage
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.”
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.
Deer Are On the Move in Wisconsin. Drivers Beware
Fall in Wisconsin is simply gorgeous. As rolling hillsides burst with color, local farmers hustle to bring in the Fall harvest and prepare fields for the inevitable Wisconsin winter. And at the same time, whitetail deer activity increases.
Motorists stay alert
All of this commotion also makes Wisconsinites daily commute slightly more dangerous. From mid-October through December, deer and other wild animals will be out in droves. And while you may only see one deer standing along the roadside, rest assured, there are more near by ready to dart out at any given moment, striking your vehicle with full force. It’s an unfortunate experience. And it’s one that is getting costlier.
Last year, according to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were over 16,000 deer-vehicle collisions reported. That’s nearly three times as many as alcohol-related crashes. Less dense foliage, higher animal activity levels, an earlier setting sun along with the annual Wisconsin deer hunting season collectively result in nearly 150 accidents per day during the seasonal peak with more than 400 personal injuries on an annual basis.
Repairs can be Costly
Ask anyone who has hit a deer and they all agree there’s really no such thing as a “minor” deer-vehicle crash.
“When a deer smacks into your car, they collide with significant force,” says James Anderberg, manager at Ball Body Shop, a division of Smart Motors. He says the average hit can cost between $2,500 and $6,000 with some smash-ups resulting in a total loss. And to make matters worse, these costs are going up.
Anderberg says the features that are currently on vehicles to help keep drivers and passengers safe are one of the reasons repair costs are on the rise.
“Deer commonly take out the hood, grille, air conditioning condenser, the radiator, fan assembly, and front inner structure components,” he says. “But more and more, we’ve had to replace sensors, cameras, and other high tech safety features now more commonly housed in the front of your vehicle.”
Anderberg says some auto manufacturers are said to be refining collision-warning systems to help alert drivers to deer. “For now, though, there’s not a front crash prevention system that is calibrated to recognize deer or other animals,” he says.
State Farm Insurance says the national reported cost per claim from hitting a deer rose 6 percent to more than $4,100 from about $3,900 in 2014 and then rose to $4,341 in 2018. And while a driver’s comprehensive insurance coverage should absorb these costs, many drivers elect not to carry comprehensive and therefor have to pay out of pocket.
Anderberg acknowledges the situation is unfortunate, but assures Ball Body Shop has the expertise required to fix any deer crash incident.
But to make sure the accidents never occur in the first place, Anderberg recommends avoiding high density areas where deer congregate after dark. Rural and suburban roads with zig-zagging stretches, long straightaways, uphill corners, sharp curves, dense culverts and low lighting can all overlap to create dangerous choke-points where accidents may occur.
Tips for Motorists
Anderberg also offers the following tips on how motorists can help avoid a deer-car collision this fall:
• Always use caution when driving – especially at dusk and into the evening hours. When light levels are low animals are more active.
• Complacency equals negligence. Stay alert, focused and pay attention – be aware of the landscape and your environment.
• Deer generally travel in small groups. If one crosses the road, odds are there are others nearby that might attempt crossing. Watch for and recognize deer crossing signs.
• Sometimes it makes sense to hit the deer. This might sound callous, but if the choice comes down to hitting a deer or swerving over the center line, hitting the deer will cause less damage and reduces mortality rates.
• Be a speed limit driver, higher speeds reduce reaction times – going the speed limit increases travel safety.
• Keep your lights, brakes and tires well maintained for optimal performance. Buckle-up, don’t tailgate and remember to slow it down.
• And, prepare for the unexpected.
About Ball Body Shop
Ball Body Shop, the official body shop of Smart Motors, opened its doors in 1950 and provides the Madison area with customized, cost-effective auto-body services to all domestic and imported vehicle makes. Ball Body Shop has been voted “Best Body Shop” by the readers of Madison Magazine over the years. Ball Body Shop is located at 2225 Eagle Drive, Middleton WI. Phone #: 608.831.5944.
12th Annual Pink Light Display
Chances are, you’ve been directly or peripherally affected by cancer. The disease impacts the lives of millions of Americans annually. Breast cancer is the third most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. (behind skin and lung cancer) with nearly 200,000 new diagnoses each year. This means that another American woman is diagnosed with breast cancer at the shocking rate of every two minutes! It is the most common invasive cancer in women with a global outreach affecting an alarming one in eight.
Because of these staggering statistics, Smart Motors in Madison has observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a bold and eye-catching manner every year since 2010. Anyone looking at the night sky near Odana Road has witnessed a brilliant display in the form of a powerful rose-tinted glow. That’s because Smart Motors sponsors a vivid light show in flowing streams of pink in respectful observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This eye-popping exhibit is the Smart Motor way of connecting with the community in a symbolic, entertaining and meaningful fashion for an exceedingly important cause.
“We are fortunate enough to have a real opportunity to increase awareness,” says CEO J.R. Smart. “We know that members of our staff and also so many of the individuals who use our services have been, in some way, touched by breast cancer. We want to be part of the cure.”
Smart says the dealership uses the pink gel lights as a reminder for women to take the time to stay informed, be proactive and schedule their recommended screening tests. Early detection improves one’s chances for survival. The lights also serve to offer encouragement and support to all people affected by breast cancer.
It generally takes three days for Smart Motors to install the pink gels in their 149 exterior lights. They will have a total of 85 pink lights at the Toyota showroom and service facility location (5901 Odana Road), and there will be 64 additional lights shining pink at their new preowned facility, Smart Motors Used Cars, across the street at 5710 Odana Road. It’s a first-place display for one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers, and the Midwest’s largest hybrid dealership.
The pink lights display at Smart Motors is believed to be the largest of its kind for an auto dealership in the Midwest. The pink aura will light up the west side throughout the month of October.
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 www.smarttoyota.com/our-history.html.
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.
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.”
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’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.
Winter is Coming … Will Your Tires Last the Season?
You know it’s going to happen. You’re in your car waiting for the traffic light to turn green and there’s a dusting of light snow on the pavement. After a few moments, light turns green, you step on the gas pedal and your tires spin on the wet pavement. It takes a second or two for them to catch traction and propel you forward. You cringe. Is this a sign you need new tires?
If you’re like most people, you hate the thought of vehicle maintenance and upkeep. You just want to get in the driver’s seat and go and not worry about pesky things like oil changes, new brakes, wiper blades, a dead car battery and purchasing new tires! What do you know about vehicle maintenance? It’s a completely foreign concept to you and you’re always afraid of making the wrong – and possibly very expensive – decision. The good news is that a little know-how can go a long way when it comes to replacing a set of tires. The simplest thing you can do is ask a qualified and trusted auto shop service technician what he or she would recommend.
“Excuse the pun, but we would never steer you in the wrong direction,” says Robert Jordan, Smart Motors’ Operations Manager. “If you give us a few basics about your driving habits, we can help you make the right choice for your needs.” Most tires need to be replaced about every four to six years, although high mileage and prolonged exposure to the elements will shorten your tire’s life expectancy. Regardless of when you need to replace them, you basically have a choice between three options: all-season, summer (a.k.a. high performance), and winter tires.
“For most drivers in the Madison area, a good set of all-season tires are the way to go,” says Jordan.
All-Season Tire: This type of tire come in S- and T-speed ratings. They grip the road well under most weather conditions and are long-lasting. They are the most common tires found on mainstream cars and SUVs. Truck owners have a similar option with either all-season or all-terrain truck tires.
Summer or High-Performance Tire: Driving enthusiasts who prefer sports cars and performance sedans are likely to forego all-season radials and instead opt for summer or high-performance tires. Summer tires are excellent for dry conditions. They handle beautifully as long as there aren’t any adverse weather conditions to contend with. But they certainly aren’t for everybody. Jordan recommends summer tire owners should also invest in a set of winter tires if they want to drive their vehicle year-round. He says that what winter tires lack in performance handling they more than make up for in safety in rain, sleet and snow.
Winter Tire: People who live in rural areas and have a long commute to work on roads often covered in snow and ice should probably swap out summer or even all-season tires with winter tires before the first snowflake falls to be on the safe side. “You shouldn’t really think of it as an added expense”, says Jordan. It’s an investment. Switching between two sets of treads means both sets of tires will last longer, which could save you money in the long run.
Tire Size: No, not all round tires (is there any other kind?) are created equal. Aside from the different types of tread, it’s important to know the size tire you need so your vehicle’s handling and safety isn’t compromised by ill-fitting radials. So how do you know what size tire is on your vehicle? You can locate your vehicle’s recommended tire size by consulting your owner’s manual, or it’s also printed on the decal located inside the driver’s side door jamb.
“Most people don’t know what they’re looking at when they see the cryptic set of letters and numbers indicating their tire size,” says Jordan “It will look something like ‘P215/60R16.’ No worries, though. As long as you have that information, you can order tires anywhere. Any tire store can help you interpret this number for you and help you find the perfect tire for you.
Lastly, when selecting your next set of tires, it’s helpful to know how many miles you want your tire to last. You may have an option between 45,000-mile tires and 80,000-mile tires. The 80,000 set is almost certainly going to run you a higher price, but if you can afford it you can afford to not have to worry about replacing your tires again for quite some time. Also, if you know how many miles you drive, on average each year, this can help you select not only the right tire for your vehicle, but for your driving habits too.
2022 Toyota Corolla LE Walk-Around
Let’s jump right in! The 2022 Toyota Corolla LE we will be reviewing had an exterior color of ruby flare pearl – which is a new color for the Corolla in 2022, and looks great!
To see a complete video walk-a-round on the new 2022 Toyota Corolla LE, check out our YouTube Channel.
Sport Mesh Grill
So, first we’ve got a sport mesh grill. Flat black in color, with gloss black trim around the edge. Toyota badge right smack in the middle, and if you didn’t know, behind it is the sensor for the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which comes standard as part of the Safety Sense P on the Corolla.
Headlights
The headlight set up is a full LED headlight projector style headlight, incorporating the Toyota J curve style headlights. Really a nice aggressive look up front. Toyota definitely went for a sporty feel, and we believe accomplished it.
Wheels and Tires
The wheels and tires on the LE edition are going to be a steel wheel with vinyl wheel cover fitted on 16 inch Yokohama tires. Great all season tire. Disc brakes up front with antilock and traction control on this front wheel drive Corolla. Toyota does offer the Corolla as a hybrid, should that interest you. A Smart Toyota teammate would be happy to show you both.
2022 Toyota Corolla LE Exterior
The Corolla LE has colored to match exterior door handles and mirrors, and the mirrors are collapsible, and breakaway. These are power outside mirrors, matte black finish trim up and over the doors, as well as your B pillar. This model we are reviewing does have your traditional keyless entry system.
As we swing around the rear, the taillights are full LED, including third brake light. Rear window defrost, color to match shark fin antenna on the roof that works with your Sirius Satellite Radio and chrome Corolla and Toyota badging. There is also a backup camera right above the rear license plate. Then there is a nice matte black finish on your bumper to protect against scratches and we finish things off with single exhaust tip coming out the rear.
Pop the Trunk
Here we’ve got a nice low lift, which makes it easy to load and unload. It’s also a nice deep trunk with a 60/40 split, which is great for longer cargo, and a cargo light so you can see things at night. Release points for the rear seats (split) are easily accessible and fold flat with the light pull of a lever. And just so you know, the trunk opening is wide enough for a set of golf clubs – bonus! Under the truck mat is where you’ll find the tool kit, and a temporary spare tire. You can check it yourself, but in our opinion there’s room underneath there where you should be able to store a set of jumper cables or emergency equipment. Either way you look at it, it’s nice size truck, surprisingly big, for the size of the car overall.
Under the Hood of the 2022 Corolla LE
Diving under the hood of the Corolla LE; Standard is a 1.8 liter four cylinder gasoline engine that puts out 139 horsepower, a combined fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon, and connected to a CVT automatic transmission. Of course, Toyota does include ToyotaCare with every new vehicle purchase. So that means for the first two years, or 25,000 miles, Toyota is going to cover your oil changes, your fluid top offs and your tire rotations at no additional charge.
Behind the Wheel
From the driver’s seat, we’ve got a 3-spoke vinyl steering wheel which is standard. Now for most every vehicle, on the left-hand side, we’ve got fingertip controls for your information center which displays the readout on the gauge cluster. Additional controls for the sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for your Smartphone and headlight controls with automatic on and off. Toyota has also equipped the 2022 Corolla with Automatic High Beam that can be controlled (on/off) with a button on the left-hand side. The LE does have all of the same safety features you would find on any Toyota Corolla; Toyota Safety Sense. On the right hand side we’ve got controls for wipers, dynamic radar cruise control and lane departure.
Information Center
The center Information Center is where you’ll find many of the creature comfort controls, of which you can personalize for your liking. The LE has been upgraded to the eight inch touchscreen and where you’ll access controls for AM, FM, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and it’s Alexa compatible navigations not standard, it’s an app you would put on your Smartphone. As we come down the center stack there’s four vents, gloss black trim all the way around your entire center stack. We’ve got front & rear window defrost, Eco mode for our heating and air conditioning system. The ECO mode allows us to set it up so if there is no passenger, you can turn off the heat and air conditioning for this area and save on fuel economy.
In the Back
Let’s go ahead and jump in the backseat. The doors do have a cloth padded armrest, and bottle holder. It is a full cloth interior in the backseat, folding armrest with cupholders, there are three seatbelts and child safety seat anchors for child safety seats. Lastly, you can fold the seats down with the release button behind the headrests.
Visit Our Madison, WI Dealer Today for More
So there you go. That’s a brand new 2022 Toyota Corolla LE edition in ruby flare pearl here at Smart Toyota – 5901 Odana Road Madison, Wisconsin. If you’re in the area and looking to purchase a new Corolla, head to our website to view our new inventory.
To see a complete video walk-a-round on the new 2022 Toyota Corolla LE, check out our YouTube Channel.
Smart Toyota is a Toyota dealership that proudly serves drivers throughout the greater Madison, WI area, including Middleton, Sun Prairie, and beyond.
Is Your Vehicle Ready to Handle the Summer Heat
You open your car door, a blast of heat nearly knocks you out. You pause for a moment and contemplate just how toasty your seat is, not to mention your steering wheel. You take the plunge and inch into the vehicle. Hot! Hot! Hot! No worries, though. You know your air conditioner will kick in in no time. You hold your face near the air vent and wait … why isn’t there cool air flowing? You turn some knobs and flick some switches, and still nothing. Your A/C IS BROKEN!!!
Jake Schaefer, service director at Smart Motors in Madison, says there are many steps one can take to avoid such a sticky situation. “Wisconsinites know how important it is to winterize their vehicles, but often neglect to ‘summer-ize’ them, too,” Schaefer says. “While some things can easily be done by the owner, there are also some where a service professional comes in handy.”
Schaefer says it is wise to have a 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 consists of the following steps:
• 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 that 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 Schaefer says his team is trained to offer additional measures that will help your car stave off the heat of the street.
Testing Your Battery
Additional procedures that either the vehicle owner or service technician can perform are:
• 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 makes the tires run hot and increases the risk of a blowout.
Lastly, Schafer says there are a few steps that vehicle owners can do themselves to stay cool:
• 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.
Schaefer 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 measure should drastically lower the risk of them happening to you.
Summer Solstice Harvest | Solar Panels
Turning daylight into green power
June 20 this year was the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. Normally, this annual event – when the sun makes its highest arching path across the sky – would be treated like any other day, except at Smart Toyota. This year marked the fourth summer solstice the automotive dealership has had solar panels installed, and their team is excited to find out just how much of the sun’s energy can be harvested in a single day.
In October of 2017, Smart Toyota began installing solar panels on the rooftop of their facility at 5901 Odana Road in Madison in order to use solar energy to help power their operations. The installation was completed in November 2017, certified in December 2017, and is the largest solar panel system installed by an automotive dealership in Wisconsin.
Smart Toyota | Madison, WI | Rooftop Solar Panels
Smart’s system is comprised of 940 SolarWorld panels and is a 325 kilowatt DC (direct current) rated structure generating approximately 429,154 kilowatt hours per year. The rate of energy production will diminish by about 1 percent per year over its estimated 25-year lifespan, meaning in that quarter-century, the solar energy gathering system will yield about 9,655,417 kilowatt hours. Since its installation, the solar panel system generates about 37 percent of the energy needed to run the building annually. During the summer months though the system can generate up to 50 percent of the power needed for their operation. As of June 10th, 2021, the dealership already reaped 1.17 GWh of solar energy.
Here are a few fun facts about solar energy:
● More energy from the sun lands on the face of the earth in one hour than the entire global population uses in one year.
● In 2003, the U.S. Department of Energy estimated that 90 percent of the electricity used by the U.S. could be generated from solar panels installed in abandoned industrial sites in our nation’s cities.
● Elon Musk and the International Energy Agency predict that solar energy will become the world’s largest energy source by the year 2031.
● Costs for utility-scale solar panels have dropped by 85 percent since 2009, becoming an increasingly financially viable option for average Americans across the country.
● The solar industry was responsible for creating one in every 50 jobs added in the U.S. during 2016.
● In 2016, an average of 31,000 solar panels were installed every hour worldwide, with 1.3 million in the U.S. alone.
● The US Energy Information Administration states that, unlike fossil fuels, solar energy “(does) not produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide.”
The National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) notes that auto dealerships face close to $2 billion in energy costs annually, their third highest operating expense. Many dealerships and auto manufacturers like Toyota are investing in a variety of energy upgrades like solar energy, efficient LED lighting, and electric vehicle charging stations, all of which are being implemented by Smart Toyota.
Unless you are 35 feet in the or higher, the panels are virtually invisible.
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