How Long Does a Toyota Battery Last?

Chances are you haven’t thought about your Toyota’s battery in a while. Don’t worry, our vehicle’s battery is usually forgotten about unfortunately until something goes wrong. We all know a vehicle’s battery is important because without it our vehicle won’t start and if it doesn’t start then that means we are not driving anywhere. It is important though that we take care of our battery, have it tested and of course replaced when it is time but how long does a Toyota battery last?

We look at all the things you need to know about your Toyota battery include its life expectancy, warning signs and more.

On average, new vehicle batteries last 3 to 5 years, assuming that they are properly cared for. To maximize battery life, there are a few things that you can do.

• Periodically clean the terminals
• Avoid draining your battery
• Avoid short trips

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View Parts Specials at Arlington Toyota

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How Long Does a Toyota Prius Battery Last?

The Toyota Prius is a little different than the normal Toyota vehicle as it has two batteries. A high-voltage battery is used to run the car and a low voltage battery is used to run the computers. The low voltage battery is basically a standard car battery, which means that it will need replacing every 3 to 5 years. The high voltage battery is what makes the hybrid powertrain go and it is a nickel metal hydride until that should last for 150,000 miles.

Toyota Battery Service near Chicago, IL

If you are in the Chicago and surrounding area and are looking for battery service for your Toyota vehicle then contact us at Arlington Toyota. We sell TrueStart batteries which include free installation and we often run service specials on battery tests which provide you with accurate diagnostic battery test information on the health of your battery. You may view our service specials through our website as well as schedule a service appointment. Contact us today if you have any questions.

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Toyota SofTex vs Leather vs Cloth Seats

The interior can say a lot about a vehicle and certain materials and colors can really add that extra sporty, modern or luxury look that you are wanting. Choosing a vehicle is half of the fun because once you choose your perfect vehicle then you have to decide on exterior color, trim, interior options and more. Toyota has a couple of interior upholstery options that can fit into any lifestyle. While many of us know the basic qualities and differences between leather and cloth, many may not know what Toyota’s SofTex material offers. Find out the differences between Toyota’s SofTex, leather and cloth seating and choose for yourself what material is the best option for you.

Toyota SofTex Interior

Toyota’s SofTex interior is a synthetic leather seat material that is designed for wear, easy cleaning and resisting spills. SofTex weighs about half as much as genuine leather and is soft to the touch. SofTex leather generates about 85% fewer CO2 emissions and 99% fewer Volatile Organic Compounds than conventional synthetic leather. SofTex material also does not include any animal-based material. A benefit of SofTex seats that customers love is that SofTex material reflects sunlight which means they do not get warm like traditional leather seats do.

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Cloth Seating

Toyota Leather Interior

Aside from giving off a luxury, classic look on the interior of your vehicle, leather seats have many benefits to customers. Leather seats are easy to clean and stains such as spilled drinks or any other liquid do not soak into the leather material as they do with cloth seats. Leather seats also help to minimize the level of allergens within a vehicle and provide extra comfort to passengers due to the supportive and thick material. Some downsides of leather seats include heating up in the summer months and being cold in winter months but with the addition of heated and cooled seats, this can quickly solve the problem. Leather seats do have to be properly maintained as well as they can fade and look worn over time.

Toyota Cloth Interior

Cloth upholstery is often a popular choice because of its affordability as it is the option with the lowest cost. Cloth seats are also comfortable and due to the material, there is no sticking, sliding around or burning associated with cloth seats. Cloth materials also don’t have to be maintained but cloth is easier to stain and absorbs odor, while leather doesn’t stain or absorb odor.

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Test Drive

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Choosing an interior fabric comes down to your preference though your lifestyle should be taken into account. While leather seats may cost a little more the added features of the leather material may be worthwhile to you and your lifestyle. Contact us at Arlington Toyota to talk with a team member about interior options and come visit us and try out the various interior options for yourself.

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How to Clean Your Toyota Headlights with Household Items

Headlights are essential for lighting up your vehicle’s front end so you can easily see the road ahead. Of course they are also essential for other drivers to be able to see you driving during the night or whenever visibility is low. Headlights may be something that is forgotten quite easily but over time your headlights will become yellow or foggy due to oxidization. There are numerous products that one can buy to clean their headlights but did you know that you can also use a number of household items to clean them? Check out our how to clean your Toyota headlights with household items. Be sure to check out our blog for more Toyota tips.

How to Clean Headlights with Baking Soda

Put about 5 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl and apply enough warm water to form a paste. After you’ve give your headlights a basic cleaning, apply the baking soda paste to your headlights with a corner of your sponge. Polish your headlights with a clean cloth using small circular motions. Repeat this step as often as needed until you see the results you want. Wash the headlights with dish soap and warm water after and your headlights will be sparkling like new.

How to Clean Headlights with Vinegar

Take off your headlights cover and immerse it in a white vinegar bath and leave it there for about an hour. Use a rough sponge to rub away the grime and re-install the cover. The vinegar’s acidity should loosen any caked-on filth.

Read More: How Often Should My Tires be Rotated?

How to Clean Headlights with Toothpaste

Take some toothpaste and apply some directly on your headlights. Start from the middle and spread out toward the corners of the headlights, making circular motions with a soft, dry cloth. Continue until the toothpaste is completely wiped away and see the sparkling results.

Cleaning your headlights is easy and with the ability to clean them with household products, chances are that you will have something in your home to clean them with at any time. Remember to make sure that your headlights are clean and clear to help keep not only yourself but drivers around you safe while driving in poor visibility situations. If you have a cracked or scratched headlight, give us a call at Arlington Toyota and let us help get you some new headlights.

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How to Remove Coffee Stains From Car Seats

If coffee is an essential part of your morning then you have probably been there when you accidentally spill coffee of your car seats. Don’t worry, it’s a common accident but if you leave the stain untreated it can look unsightly and it can even start to give off a stale odor. No need to get upset or frustrated, we are here to help. Here are steps on how to remove coffee stains from car seats .

• Try to soak up as much as possible with a paper towel, old towel or whatever else you have. Try to get to this right away before the coffee stain dries.
• Use a diluted all purpose cleaner to apply to the affected area. Spray it on, let it sit for a moment then work it in with a microfiber towel. You may need to repeat this step.
• A designated upholstery cleaning product should be applied to the area and worked over with a damp microfiber towel or an appropriate brush.
• After cleaning, use a wet vac with warm water to extract the area. If you do not have a wet vac, using a vacuum cleaner will be just as suitable.

If you do not have designated upholstery cleaner to apply to the coffee stain, then another option would be to mix a solution of 2 parts water, 1 part white vinegar and a squirt of liquid dish soap into a small bowl. This mixture can then be used to clean the coffee stain.

Read More: Arlington Toyota Detail Center

How to Remove Coffee Stains From Leather Seats

If you have leather seats in you vehicle, then handling a coffee spill is quite different than cloth. While leather is durable, it is also still prone to staining and getting dirty. Here are steps on how to remove coffee stains from leather seats.

Read More: Spruce Up Your Vehicle For Spring

• Wipe up as much of the spill as you can, immediately.
• Ideally, you should use a cleaner made specifically for leather to keep your seats clean and to protect them.
• If you do not have leather cleaner, you can combine I part white vinegar and 2 parts linseed oil in a bowl or spray bottle.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the leather.
• Use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to wipe off the cleaning agent.

So if you spill your coffee on your way to work, don’t let it ruin your day. Just remember these quick and easy steps to ensure that your seats remain in their best condition. Remember to look for any spots that splashed up when your coffee spilled as well and clean those as soon as you can. If you have a spill or stain that cannot be undone, then let the professionals help. See our detailing center at Arlington Toyota and let us help you get your car looking like new again.

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