Spring Cleaning Part 2

Second: Tires

When preparing for the warmer weather, it is crucial to get your tire alignment checked. Your tires take a beating during those harsh winter months and often need a check-up once the warmer weather rolls around. In addition, many people look into having their tires rotated. It is a relatively easy process that can increase the tread-life of your tires and should be done roughly every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Lastly, checking the pressure of your tires is a must once the temperatures start rising. As the temperatures increase outside, the air inside of your tires expand, causing an increase in tire pressure! Don’t forget to give your tires the attention they deserve after they have helped you ride through those grueling winter months.

Spring Cleaning Part 1

Spring Cleaning

The warmer weather is finally here, and with it comes thoughts of Spring Cleaning. Even though the closets and garage probably come to mind first it is important to remember to take care of a few items on your vehicles as well. This will be the first in installment of our three part cleaning regiment:

First:  Undercarriage

The most important thing that needs to happen is to get all the salt from the winter off your vehicle. Even if there is none covering your paint job there is likely plenty that is hiding on your frame and undercarriage.  So be sure to take your time and get those hard to reach places to unsure there is no lasting damage.

Winter Weather Fun - Hendrick Lexus Kansas City

Winter Weather Fun

With the recent snow storm, we know many people will decide to stay in and stay safe!
 Here are some ideas for things to do while inside:

•  Baking with loved ones is always a fun way to pass the day!
• Cuddle up with a good book.
• Don't forget nap time, snow or raining days are not complete without one.
• Laundry, not a fun suggestion, a great way to get ahead for the week to come
• TV/Movie Marathon, grab some popcorn and a friend and watch a favorites all day.
• What a great time to do your Internet surfing, catch up with all your social networks.
• Who doesn't love game time when you are stuck inside.  Break out those board games.
• Bundle up for some snow time fun!
• The best thing about snow is snow Ice Cream.  There are some great recipes out there.
• Craft time, find your favorite Pin and create it. 

 Make sure to share your favorite snow day activity and we would love some great Ice Cream recipes!

Have Fun and Be Safe from Hendrick Lexus Kansas City!

New Year Resolution Time! Lease Vs Purchase - Hendrick Lexus Kansas City

Benefits of Leasing over Purchasing

There is no better time to look over the family finances than the start of a new year. If this is on your list then one this you should consider is the option to lease a new vehicle versus buying.

Of the many advantages to leasing over purchasing a new vehicle a lower monthly payment is at the top of the list. The car’s monthly payments are cheaper because you’re only paying for the future depreciation of that vehicle, and not the total amount. For example, if you were to purchase a vehicle that retails for $40,000 you would have to finance the full $40,000. However, with a lease you are only paying for the portion of the vehicle that you use. The residual value is based on the car’s predicted future value, and is what the car is expected to be worth at the end of the lease. The residual value is subtracted from the purchase price and what’s leftover is what you make payments on.

Another advantage is that leasing instead of buying will allow some driver to getting a nicer and more luxurious vehicle than they would otherwise get into. So rather than settling for just any vehicle you can get the Lexus you have always wanted. Since you’re only paying for a portion of the car when you lease, payments are typically less than when you have a car loan. If you only have a small down payment saved up, leasing may also be better for you. Many leases require anywhere from $0 to several thousand dollars up front, though the down payment is negotiable.

Finally, if you enjoy having newest and best in new-car technology and safety features, leasing could be right for you. There is almost always an option to buy at the end of the lease if you find that you just cannot let the vehicle go. But most shoppers turn in the vehicle and lease another new car once the lease term has ended. This will allow you to get a new vehicle every few years, and be up to date with what advance there are in the auto industry.

Safe and Happy New Year:

New Year's is the time of year when we all feel a little nicer, a bit more cheery, and in general happier. It is a time to enjoy family and friends, many of whom we see very infrequently. New Year's is a time to celebrate and welcome 2014. While you are out you should remember a few thing in case something unforeseen happens.

It is a good idea to have an emergency kit in the trunk of you vehicle. If you have a flat tire or have an accident there are items like reflector or flares that will help alert other driver to you presence. It is also wise to put an extra coat and blanket so you can keep warm if the engine cannot run. Finally, keeping your cell phone on a full charge while on the road could help keep you connected to those that are coming to assist you.

Even though this is a fun time of year there is no reason to go unprepared. Please have a Safe and Happy New Year!

August 15, 2013

Toyota Motor Sales Earns Three 2013 AutoPacific 'Ideal Vehicle Awards'

• Toyota Avalon Hybrid Named Top Hybrid/EV
• Lexus Recognized for Luxury Mid-size Car and Hybrid Crossover – ES 350 and RX 450h

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TORRANCE, Calif., August 15, 2013 - - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) demonstrated its ability to listen to its customers yet again. Three TMS vehicles were named in the annual AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA). The Toyota Avalon Hybrid flagship sedan was named the 2013 top Hybrid/EV while the Lexus ES was named ideal luxury mid-size car and the Lexus RX 450h was honored with ideal hybrid crossover.

The AutoPacific IVA “recognizes the cars that best meet their owner’s expectations and desires about their automotive purchases.”        

The first Avalon to offer Toyota’s legendary Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Avalon Hybrid generates 200 horsepower while delivering a city/highway combined 40 miles-per-gallon.  Avalon hybrid combines elegant and athletic styling with interior comfort and refinement.

Launched in early 2013, the fourth-generation Avalon is the most American Avalon yet as it was designed and developed in the U.S. and assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Ky.

The 2013 model year marks the sixth generation of the Lexus ES and the introduction of the first-ever ES 300h with Lexus Hybrid Drive. The 2013 ES luxury sedan has a progressive new design and enhanced handling. The 2013 RX 450h features the signature Lexus spindle grille, an upgraded interior and EPA fuel economy estimates of 30 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models.

The IVA are based on a model-year survey of more than 52,000 vehicle owners across all manufacturers to reveal the vehicles that best meet the owners’ demands.  The award survey covers 15 key vehicle attributes including: exterior styling, exterior size, passenger roominess, cargo space, driver’s seat comfort, driver’s seat visibility, info/entertainment technology, interior lighting, power and acceleration, ease of getting in and out, interior storage compartments, ride, handling, safety features and tires and wheels.

Arctic Blast: Amazingly Cool!

Arctic Blast is an air conditioning supplement, made in the USA that combines cutting edge technology with environmental responsibility, simply put, if you add Arctic Blast to an air conditioning system you will greatly improve the performance and efficiency of that system, permanently. A more efficient system will cost less to use and save you money.

Arctic Blast is not a refrigerant or an oil, and will not replace either in your A/C system. As a concentrated formula, Arctic Blast is only available through your local service center. The service technician will inspect the operation of he A/C system to make sure it is working correctly before installation. Once Arctic Blast is installed, no further treatment is required unless the system is damaged and needs to be repaired.

ECO-Cool Technology: For the environmentally conscious, Arctic Blast is an Eco-Friendly formulation that will produce an immediate and affordable way to reduce your carbon footprint.

• PROVEN TO LOWER TEMPERATURE: Arctic Blast is proven to lower vent temperatures in most vehicles by more than 5° F.
• NON TOXIC - NON CORROSIVE: Arctic Blast is Non-Toxic and Non-Corrosive. In fact, Arctic Blast can help protect the major components of your air conditioning system.
• SPECIALLY FORMULATED: Arctic Blast contains a microscopic blend of chemical compounds specifically formulated for use in your automotive air conditioning system.
• COLDER AIR & BETTER MILLAGE: Upgrade your vehicle today and reward yourself with colder air and greater fuel economy.

SCHEDULE AN ARCTIC BLAST APPOINTMENT TODAY! 

NOTE: Arctic Blast will not repair a damaged system and can be added only to a system that is working correctly. Results may vary depending on ambient temperature, vehicle year, make and model and overall operating condition of the system. For use in R134a automotive A/C systems only.