Do manuals get better gas mileage?
Manuals vs Automatics: Which Are More Efficient?
One of the things that stick shifts have historically had over their automatic counterparts is better gas mileage. And while that difference may have been much more pronounced in the early years of automatic transmissions, a lot has changed and evolved over the years. If you’re looking to save money on fuel, should you get a vehicle with a manual transmission?
Do manuals get better gas mileage?
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Do Manuals Get Better Mileage?
In the past, yes; nowadays, no. With older vehicles, even by just a few years, a stick shift will get better gas mileage because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard as an automatic to shift gears. According to Consumer Reports, as recently as 2015, this difference can be anywhere from two to five more mpg.
However, since then, automatic transmissions gained multiple gears with lower ratios that reduce the stress on the engine and transmission, vastly increasing fuel economy. The CVT has been considerably refined in past couple years as well, making for another non-manual alternative with excellent fuel economy thanks to not having fixed gear ratios.
Hybrids Get the Best Mileage
The posterchild for great fuel economy is the hybrid, which employs electric motors and CVTs to get mpg far above what a traditional combustion engine and manual transmission can do alone. For instance, the Toyota Prius gets a staggering 54/50/52 mpg.
Manuals are Cheaper
Where manuals still win the day, though, is in initial and repairs costs. Manuals usually cost somewhere between $800-$1200 less than their traditional automatic counterparts. And thanks to fewer moving parts, the manual transmission is also easier, and therefore less costly, to repair. However, in the States, few know how to drive a manual, and even fewer want to buy a new vehicle with an automatic transmission. This translates into difficulties regarding resale.
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How to open a gas cap on a Toyota Camry?
Locating the Fuel Door Release in your Camry
We’ve all had it. The new car giddiness. The kind where everything is brilliant, but we still don’t know what all the buttons do or where certain controls are. That’s part of the magic of a new vehicle. However, pulling up to the pump just to realize you don’t know how to open you gas tank can be as embarrassing as it is frustrating.
No worries, we’re here to help. Let us show you…
How to open a gas cap on a Toyota Camry.
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Locating the Gas Cap Release in a Camry
Where the gas release is depends on the year of Camry, though Toyota is pretty consistent with where it keeps the release mechanism. If your gas reservoir door doesn’t open manually, then chances are that the release mechanism is located on the left-hand side floor just in front of the driver’s seat. On newer models, it should be right below the “Open Trunk” lever.
If there is no release lever in that spot, take a look at the left most part of the dash. Somewhere on there, likely below steering wheel level, will be your release. If you can’t locate it at all, we recommend calling whoever services your vehicle regularly. They will know where to find the release.
What if the Fuel Door Doesn’t Open?
Take a credit card and slide it in opposite of the hinges. Have someone pull the release while you apply force with the card. If this doesn’t work, call a mechanic. Besides a worn-out spring or dirty hinge, other problems require a certified technician to fix. Whatever you do, do not try to pry the cap open with heavy duty tools, like a crowbar. Doing so could damage the body, the paint, and the mechanism itself.
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Reasons Why Your Cruise Control isn’t Working
Cruise control is a great feature. If you do a lot of highway driving, then it’s a godsend. Not having to micromanage your speed frees up your senses to focus on other things like that jerk that’s tailgating you while you’re in the slow lane. But seriously, being able to focus on something other than the accelerator lets you pay more attention to the road and other drivers. More awareness equates to safer driving conditions for everyone.
So if your cruise control isn’t working, it can be a real pain.
Why is the cruise control not working in my Toyota?
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Why Cruise Control isn’t Working
There are many reasons why your cruise control could be malfunctioning. The easiest way to get it fixed is to take into a certified service mechanic. Here are some of the most common issues:
- Blown brake light
- Brake light switch
- Check engine light on
- Control switch
- Electrical system gremlins
- Fuse issues / blown fuse
- Spiral cable issues
- Vacuum leak (old vehicles only)
- Vehicle Speed Sensor malfunction
Fixing Your Broken Cruise Control
Most modern vehicles will store a code in the vehicle’s computer when something malfunctions. Certified mechanics will have diagnostic readers specifically built for Toyota vehicles. Going to one of them is the fastest and most efficient way to get your cruise control fixed. If you’re more the DIY-type, then switching out a blown brake light or a fuse is easy to do at home with only a few tools. Any electrical system issues should be fixed by a professional, no matter your amount of know-how or access to tools.
Car Maintenance in Palatine, IL
Here at Toyota of Arlington, we service all vehicles, not just Toyota ones. We do so affordably. If you’re looking to get some body work done, follow these instructions to get a free estimate.
What do the Toyota name and logo mean?
Toyota Name and Logo Explained
We’re so inundated with all the branding in the US that many of us don’t know where our favorite brands get their names or logos from. When you stop to think about it, it’s kind of weird how little we know about the companies we buy from. Well, we can help you out with at least one company!
Let us explain what the Toyota name and logo mean.
What the Toyota Name Means
Toyota is a variation of the name Toyoda. The original Toyoda company invented and produced numerous types of looms. In 1933, Toyoda decided to foray into the automotive market, expanding greatly in 1956 after steady successes. Toyoda means “fertile rice patty” referring to Japan’s most prominent cash crop. To distinguish themselves from the agricultural connotations of Toyoda Loom Inc., they changed their name to Toyota, which is similar sounding, but without ties to the farming industry. In the Japanese alphabet, Toyoda takes ten strokes to write, where Toyota only needs eight. Not only is Toyota easier to write, but eight is a lucky number in Japan, so the change was perceived as auspicious.
What the Toyota Logo Means
The Toyota logo as it is today had its American debut in 1990. It shows three overlapping ellipses, each of which represents an important facet of Toyota as a company. The column-like ellipsis in the middle and the perpendicular ellipsis perched on top represent the “unification of the hearts of [Toyota] customers and the heart of Toyota products.” The final ellipsis-the one that surrounds the other two-represents Toyota’s drive for technical innovation, as well as future possibilities and opportunities.
What does Toyota mean to you?
Why not tell us and our customers what your Toyota means to you? Leave a review! Experience the Toyota difference with ToyotaCare, and you’ll wonder why you ever put up other cars’ issues.
How to use Toyota navigation?
A Step-by-Step Guide for Toyota Entune® Navigation
In-vehicle navigation is a big plus. Trying to use your phone for navigation while driving isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. But if you don’t know how to use your in-vehicle navigation, then you may be stuck with trying to use your phone. Don’t worry! Let us show you.
Here’s how to use Toyota navigation.
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How To Use Integrated Navigation
The Entune® navigation system operates by searching for a destination and then providing turn-by-turn directions to that destination. Your phone needs to be paired with your Toyota vehicle. It must also be connected to the internet, so if your data plan is insufficient, you may need to upgrade. You must also have an Entune® App Suite account. If you meet all those criteria, then follow these steps:
- Press MENU on the faceplate
- Select Apps
- Choose Destination Search
- Pick one of the options:
- Enter a Search Term
- Categories
“Enter a Search Term” Instructions
After you have pressed Enter a Search Term :
- Enter an address or a Point of Interest (like movie theatre or coffee)
- Press OK
- Destination search results display in a list form
- Pick one of the results or search a new new destination if necessary
- Touch Map to engage navigation to selected destination
- Press Go to (O) (use destination icon) to begin calculating route
- Select OK to begin navigation proper
“Categories” Instructions
If you don’t know exactly where you want to go, you can browse local options by selecting Categories . Once the Categories command has been pressed:
- Select a category from the list
- Use up and down arrows on the right side of the screen to peruse options
- After selection, destination results in chosen category will appear
- Select desired destination
- Touch Map to engage navigation to selected destination
- Press Go to (O) (use destination icon) to begin calculating route
- Select OK to begin navigation proper
Is your Entune® suite not working?
Consider scheduling an appointment to get it fixed. Don’t forget to check out the service specials before you go. That way you make sure you’re getting the best deal.
How to connect to Bluetooth in Toyota?
Pairing Your Smartphone with Your Toyota Vehicle
Bluetooth functionality is a must have for any modern vehicle. How any given company goes about integrating it will be different though. As a result, the process for actually connecting your device to your vehicle can require a completely different set of steps. But don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through it.
Here’s how to connect to Bluetooth in your Toyota.
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Connecting Your Smartphone to Toyota Bluetooth
Once you know what to do, connecting your device via Bluetooth is pretty straightforward. Choose either Android or iPhone and follow those directions. Remember that you’ll need to create a Toyota EntuneTM account to utilize phone apps in your Toyota vehicle.
Android Directions
On Your Android:
- Select “Settings”
- Turn on “Bluetooth”
- Press “Scan for devices”
On Your Toyota Touchscreen
- Push “SETUP”
- Select “Bluetooth”
- Pick “Add New Device”
- Press “Make this system discoverable”
Select “Car Multimedia” on your Android. Accept the paring request on your phone and hit “Accept” on your Toyota touchscreen. Your phone and Toyota are now paired!
iPhone Directions
On Your iPhone:
- Select “Settings”
- Turn on “Bluetooth”
On Your Toyota Touchscreen
- Push “SETUP”
- Select “Bluetooth”
- Pick “Add New Device”
- Press “Make this system discoverable”
Hit “Car Multimedia” on your iPhone, and then select “Pair.” Back on your Toyota touchscreen, press “Accept.” Your iPhone and Toyota have successfully paired.
EntuneTM App Suite and Hands-Free Bluetooth
To utilize apps on your phone with your Toyota, you’ll need a USB cable. The Bluetooth set up earlier was specifically for hands-free EntuneTM operation. It enables voice command functionality for your EntuneTM, that way you can keep your eyes and focus where it’s needed most: on the road.
Need to Order Some Stuff for Your Toyota?
Check out our Parts and Accessories page, where we have everything you could need for your vehicle. While you’re there, take a peek at our service specials, so you know you’re getting the best deal.
How to reset Toyota Camry maintenance light?
Resetting the Maintenance Required Light in your Toyota Camry
Dashboard lights coming on is always a little spooky. Even if you take good care of your car, sometimes things just happen. However, not all dash lights mean something is terribly wrong; some are just reminders. The maintenance required light is one of them. But that doesn’t mean you want it on all the time. Here’s how to reset a Toyota Camry maintenance light.
Resetting Toyota Camry Maintenance Light
- Make sure odometer (ODO) is displaying total mileage (usually the ‘A’ display).
- Turn off vehicle, if on.
- While vehicle is off, press and hold ODO reset / readout button
- Continuing to hold down ODO button, turn the key in ignition. until dash lights come on. Do not start the vehicle .
- ODO display will blink a few times then start show all zeros.
- After ODO has begun to display zeros, release ODO button and turn the key back to ‘off’ position.
- ‘MAINT REQD’ light will now be off.
What ‘MAINT REQD’ Means
The ‘MAINT REQD’ light comes on every 5000 miles from the last time it was reset. It in no way indicates any system malfunction; it is simply a mileage counter intended to remind the user that an oil change is necessary. If you’ve always had your Toyota serviced by a technician, he or she resets it after every oil change. It should be noted that 5000 miles is not necessarily the mileage at which you should change your oil. Consult the owner’s manual and your regular mechanic to determine how often the oil in your Camry should be changed.
Need Help?
Our service department would be happy to help you out. All of our technicians are Toyota-certified and know how to fix even the most stubborn issues on your Toyota. Schedule an appointment today!
What is Toyota HomeLink?
If you’re shopping for a new vehicle and have been looking at Toyota models, you might’ve encountered a feature known as HomeLink. If you’re curious as to what exactly this feature is, we can certainly answer that for you. HomeLink is a type of rearview mirror that comes on many Toyota models, equipped with buttons and technology that lets you link your vehicle to certain aspects of your home, most notably your garage door. READ MORE: about Other Toyota Technologies
HomeLink Features
As mentioned, the primary function of the HomeLink rearview mirror is the integrated garage door opener. Rather than having a clunky opener clipped to your visor, your HomeLink mirror comes with some buttons that allow you to sync your Toyota vehicle to your garage, letting you press a simple button and open or close it. However, garage doors aren’t the only things that HomeLink can adjust.
You can also set up your HomeLink system to control property gates, exterior lighting, interior lights, your alarm system and much more. Another added bonus of the HomeLink functions over your clunky old garage opener is that this doesn’t require batteries, so you never have to worry about getting home and realizing you can’t get your car in the garage until you run back out for new batteries.
How to Program
If you ever have issues programming your HomeLink, you can, of course, give us a call here at the shop. However, it’s not as difficult as it might seem. The video below will walk you through the process of programming your HomeLink system, but you can also find more detailed instructions for your specific Toyota model by clicking one of the links on the HomeLink Toyota page – which you can find right here.
What does the VSC light on my Toyota mean?
How to Fix the VSC Light in Your Toyota
Your heart always tends to skip a beat when you notice a new light is on in your instrument panel. Then you usually ask yourself a bunch of questions that you don’t have answers to: Was this light on before and I just didn’t notice? Can I keep driving? How do I fix this? Will it be expensive? One light that comes on quite a bit for many Toyota owners is the VSC OFF light.
Well, here’s what the VSC light on your Toyota means and how to fix it.
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What does VSC mean?
VSC is short for ‘Vehicle Stability Control,’ which is the stability control system that Toyota uses in their vehicles. Stability control helps your vehicle maintain traction and control by reducing-or completely cutting-power sent to your wheels. It does this by automatically applying brake pressure on up to three wheels. The purpose of the system is to keep your vehicle headed where your wheels are pointed. It’s an essential safety feature that been mandated by law-at least in the USA-since 2012. Naturally, VSC OFF means that the stability control on your Toyota is off.
VSC Light Easy Fix
There will be a button either by your shifter or your steering wheel (depending on the model year of the Toyota) that has the same icon as the light in your gauges. Once you’ve located it:
- Make sure you are completely stopped. Put the car in park if you can.
- Press and hold the VSC button for a few seconds.
- The TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicator light will come on. Both systems are now off.
- Press the VSC button again. Both lights will turn off and the systems are now reengaged.
If the VSC OFF light is still on, it may be a bug with your vehicle’s computer or a malfunction with your vehicle’s VSC system. Take your vehicle into your local Toyota service center to have a certified technician run the codes and pinpoint the issue. It is safe to drive your Toyota while the VSC OFF light is on, however, we recommend cautious driving, especially in poor weather.
In Need of Repair?
If you’re near Chicago and need your vehicle serviced, bring it by the Toyota of Arlington service center. We have access to OEM parts and will install them for you. If you’re in need of body work, get a free estimate from our excellent collision center.
How to Pair Your iPhone to Toyota Entune
Step by Step Instructions on Pairing Your Phone to Bluetooth
Today’s vehicles offer us a number of conveniences all designed to make our everyday tasks easier. From driver-assistance technologies to innovative infotainment systems there are few things that vehicles can’t do nowadays. One of the best additions to models across the market is Bluetooth. Now we can safely use our phones to make calls, reply to messages and even play our music. Pairing your phone to Toyota Bluetooth is simple and quick. Take a look at our step by step instructions on pairing your phone to Bluetooth and start utilizing your vehicle’s convenient and stress-free features.
Read More: What is Toyota Entune?
Pairing Smartphone and Bluetooth Directions
Before trying to pair your phone to Bluetooth in your Toyota, make sure that your vehicle is in park.
- Turn iPhone Bluetooth ON
- Go to SETTINGS
- Select BLUETOOTH
- Turn Bluetooth toggle to ON position
- Turn on Bluetooth on the Entune system
- Select the APPS button
- Select SETUP
- Press BLUETOOTH
- Choose ADD to connect iPhone
- Connect Toyota Entune to your iPhone
- Select TOYOTA VEHICLE from Bluetooth devices list
- Entune system will confirm it’s paired to iPhone
- You may be prompted to verify PIN matches on both Entune and iPhone screen
Once you are connected you can now enjoy hands-free calling, audio streaming, SMS text, and various other features through your Entune infotainment system in your Toyota. To see phone compatibility and more pairing instructions check out Toyota’s Bluetooth Support page here.
Be sure to check out our blog for more tips and tricks or to read more information on Toyota’s various technology and safety features. If you have any issues pairing your smartphone to Bluetooth in your Toyota, please feel free to contact us and will be happy to assist you. Interested in the Entune system from Toyota? Stop by for a test drive and try it out for yourself
Toyota Entune 3.0 Features
At the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, Toyota showed off the future of driver-vehicle interaction including the new third-generation Entune 3.0. It will have more features, more functions, and greater connectivity than ever before and is leading the way in personal mobility in vehicles. Toyota’s new Entune 3.0 will have many features that will make just about everything more convenient for the driver and passengers of Toyota vehicles. Take a look at Entune 3.0’s features.
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