Summer Vacation Driving Tips From Toyota of Concord

You want your summer vacation memories to be full of sun and sand and smiles. A few easy preparations can keep those memories safe, just as they can keep your family safe on your summer road trip. Common advice will tell you to unload any unnecessary cargo to get the best gas mileage and leave enough space for passengers and luggage, but there are a few things you shouldn’t leave home without. (Besides, if you drive a Toyota, you have plenty of trunk and cargo space!)

Sunscreen: Getting sunburned on the first day is the surest, fastest way to ensure a miserable summer vacation. Recommended practice is to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you plan to be in the sun, and to reapply every two hours – sooner if you swim or sweat heavily. Most people do not use enough. Around 1 ounce (a shot-glass full) will adequately cover the average person. If you keep your sunscreen in your car, you’ll always be prepared for an impromptu swim, and your skin will be protected if you have to wait for roadside assistance in the event of car trouble.

Umbrella: Of course an umbrella is helpful during summer storms, but it can be equally valuable on sunny days. Use it to protect yourself from the sun at the beach, at picnics, or in case you have to walk for help if your car breaks down.

Towels: The opportunity to take a dip in the water is never far away in the summer, so always bring a towel! However, your towel can also be used as a cover to protect your fabric car seats from people sitting on them in wet clothes, or to protect your legs from hot leather seats. It can also double as a sun shade, reducing sun and heat entering your car if it has to be stopped for long periods.

Baby powder: The beach is wonderful, but the sand that lingers long after summer vacation is not. Baby powder is the secret weapon for removing beach sand. A small amount in your hand rubbed onto sandy legs and feet will absorb the water that makes the sand stick, and it will brush right off. The same principle applies if you sprinkle the sand onto clothes and towels before you shake the sand free, and a light dusting of powder on car seats and carpets will allow you to vacuum the sand out more easily. Just be careful not to rub the sand into the carpet or dark fabrics or you could be left with white powder marks.

Emergency kit: Roadside emergency kits are widely available for purchase, but long, hot summer road trips need special consideration. Make sure you carry coolant and a jug of water in case your engine overheats. Hot weather and hotter pavement can weaken tires, so tire inflator is a lifesaver. Baby wipes or paper towels are useful for quick clean-ups after car maintenance.

Share your own summer vacation driving tips on our Facebook page. Safe travels from Toyota of Concord!

2012 Toyota of Concord Owner's Event

Our 2012 Owner's Event was another huge success!


This event is for clients that have recently purchased a new vehicle from Toyota Scion of Concord. Clients have the opportunity to get answers to any questions about their new Toyota, meet with highly trained technicians who will service the Toyota, meet the service advisors and the service manager. Refreshments are served, and we give away items such as tee shirts and discount coupons. 


We are already excited about the next event September! Follow us on Facebook for event updates.

Best Family Cars of 2012 Include Three 2012 Toyota Models

Three 2012 Toyota models among best vehicles for families

For the fifth year, Parents magazine and Edmunds.com have collaborated to compile a list of the year’s Best Family Cars. Several factors were considered, including safety (every vehicle on the list is equipped with antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and a minimum of six air bags), gas mileage, perceived value, and kid-friendliness.

In the Sedan category, the 2012 Toyota Camry was praised for its space, comfort, and sure handling. It won points for the spacious back seat, with enough room for taller adults and cumbersome car seats. Total seating capacitiy is 5 passengers, including 3 car seats. Other positive attributes are convenient technology (Entune, standard USB jack and Bluetooth capability, available backup camera), excellent fuel economy (21 city/35 highway), quiet ride, and ample trunk space. The 2012 Toyota Camry is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2012 Toyota Prius V was honored in the High-Mileage category, for which vehicles must achieve 40 mpg highway.  The Prius V boasts mileage of 44 city/40 highway, while providing the cargo space of a small SUV – enough room for a travel crib and luggage. With total seating capacitiy of 5 passengers, including 3 car seats, the rear seats slide forward and back in two sections to accommodate differing heights, and they also recline. Modern conveniences include standard backup camera, USB jack, Bluetooth capability, touch-screen audio system, and a hands-free smart key that unlocks the driver's side door as you approach. The 2012 Toyota Prius V is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2012 Toyota Sienna earned accolades in the Large Vehicle category chosen for its flexible configurations and engine options. Standard second-row seating is oversized captain’s chairs that slide forward and back and recline, but seating capacity can be boosted to eight with the optional bench seat. However, the last 2 rows can also fold down for hauling furniture or other large items. Traveling perks include a three-zone climate system, one-touch power windows, deep door pockets, and spacious glove boxes. Options include a four-cylinder or V6 engine and all- or 4-wheel drive, and available power lift-gate and backup camera. The 2012 Toyota Sienna is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

All three of these Best Family Cars of 2012 and many other Toyota models are available today at Toyota of Concord near Charlotte, NC. Stop by today for a test drive, on your own or with the family in tow, to find the one that best fits your needs.

Hot Summer Discounts and Special Financing at Toyota of Concord Near Charlotte, NC

Summer has arrived in the Charlotte area, and the deals at Toyota of Concord are getting hotter!

We are offering special discounts and financing terms for some of our most popular 2012 Toyota models. It's the perfect time to buy your new 2012 Camry or 2012 Corolla with 0% financing!

We also have amazing incentives on 2012 Tundra, 2012 Sienna, 2012 Highlander and 2012 Rav4.

These terms are only valid through June 16, so don't waste any time! Call Ric Morrison at 704-979-7700 today!

2012 Scion tC Wins Satisfaction Award

2012 Scion tC (Photo via Flickr user MSVG)

The 2012 Scion tC was named the Top Sporty Car in terms of customer satisfaction in the 16^th Annual Autobytel and AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

The Autobytel and AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards name the best vehicles in terms of how satisfied an owner is with his or her new vehicle, but this isn’t just a “rate your vehicle on a scale of 1-10” type survey.  The new vehicle owners rank their vehicle in 48 individual attributes, including: seat comfort, power, acceleration, cargo capacity, exterior and interior styling, and cabin noise.

On the performance front, the 2012 Scion tC delivers with a 2.5-liter engine that generates 180 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque.  Fuel efficiency is vital to customer satisfaction, and that same high-performing engine that sets the Scion tC apart from the rest of its class is able to return 31 mpg highway.

In today’s automotive market drivers crave technology, and the 2012 Scion tC satisfies those cravings with a slew of standard features.  A Pioneer audio system, Bluetooth hands-free calling, Bluetooth streaming audio and HD Radio are all standard. 

Customer satisfaction is not only attained through performance, fuel efficiency and technology, but also through peace of mind.  All Scion models are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

If you’re interested in learning more about the 2012 Scion tC, or in scheduling a test drive, stop by Toyota of Concord near Charlotte today!

Another satisfied customer at Toyota of Concord

If at all possible, we always contact Thomas Hopewell for the impeccable professionalism and care he provides.- Mickey