FEATURED CAR OF THE WEEK: 2002 Honda Accord with just over 85k miles

 This week, we wanted to feature one of our best deals for those of you are looking for a reliable, economical vehicle that's easy to drive. This could also count as a great gift for someone who has been looking for a simple car at an affordable price. 

The interior is SUPER clean and ready to take home today! To check out the features and other info click here! 

With the ‘Drivemotion’ LED Car Sign, you can say what you feel

What do you think of this as a Christmas gift? On a bad day it’s probably best to let the other drivers know how you’re feeling so they think twice before messing with you on the road. With this nifty LED car sign, it’s set up through a controller that each user is able to customize their emotions and then from there it’s displayed by the push of a button. Along with the cutesy emoticon faces, ‘Drivemotion' can also display distinct messages such as “Hello” and “Bye.” The road is already distracting enough, so handle this gift with caution when using it.

Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

It’s the age old debate: Real or Fake Christmas tree?  We want to know where your allegiance lies!

Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

Real

Fake

Poll Maker

Time for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, which can only one thing... FOOD! And lots of it!

Thanksgiving is the time of year where families get together to give thanks and to show appreciation for the wonderful things in our lives.

It is also the time time of year where families spoil themselves with more food then one can eat. From turkeys and hams to stuffing and mashed potatoes to delicious pumpkin and pecan pies, it leaves everyone in a state of awe with a giant food baby for a few days. But it's all worth it, after hours of preparation and getting the family together, turkey day is definitely a day to be thankful for.

Preparing for the Thanksgiving can definitely be a challenge, especially to the families celebrating on their own for the first time or to the families looking for new recipes to try out versus the recipes that has been passed along from their grandmas, grandmas, grandma. Even though it was bad, you just might want to try something different.

So for the people in need of wanting to try something new, we have decided to pass along some ideas for you to try out to give our thanks for your support!

Simple Roast Turkey

Time

3 1/2 hours, plus 1 to 3 days’ standing

Yield

10 to 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 turkey
  (10 to 12 pounds)
• Coarse kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, zested and quartered
• 1 bunch fresh thyme or rosemary
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 12 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1 bottle hard apple cider (12 ounces)
• Dry white wine, as needed
• 2 onions, peeled and quartered
• 3 bay leaves
• Olive oil or melted butter, as needed

Preparation

1. Remove any giblets from the cavity and reserve for stock or gravy. Pat turkey and turkey neck dry with paper towel; rub turkey all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt per pound of turkey, the pepper and the lemon zest, including the neck. Transfer to a 2-gallon (or larger) resealable plastic bag. Tuck herbs and 6 garlic cloves inside bag. Seal and refrigerate on a small rimmed baking sheet (or wrapped in another bag) for at least 1 day and up to 3 days, turning the bird over every day (or after 12 hours if brining for only 1 day).
2. Remove turkey from bag and pat dry with paper towels. Place turkey, uncovered, back on the baking sheet. Return to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours to dry out the skin (this helps crisp it).
3. When you are ready to cook the turkey, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for one hour.
4. Heat oven to 450 degrees. In the bottom of a large roasting pan, add the cider and enough wine to fill the pan to a 1/4-inch depth. Add half the onions, the remaining 6 garlic cloves and the bay leaves. Stuff remaining onions and the lemon quarters into the turkey cavity. Brush turkey skin generously with oil or melted butter.
5. Place turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack set inside the roasting pan. Transfer pan to oven and roast 30 minutes. Cover breast with aluminum foil. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh reaches 165 degrees, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours more. Transfer turkey to a cutting board to rest for 30 minutes before carving.

GRAVY

Time

20 minutes, with premade stock

Yield

5 to 6 cups

Ingredients   

• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup flour
• Salt and pepper
• 4 to 5 cups rich stock, warmed
• Turkey drippings and giblets, optional

Preparation

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour on the onions, stirring constantly, and cook until flour is golden to brown. Adjust heat so mixture does not burn.
2. Gradually whisk in 4 cups stock until mixture thickens and is smooth. If it is too thick, add liquid. Cool, cover and chill.
3. When ready to serve, reheat mixture over low heat, stirring. Scrape bottom of turkey pan and add drippings or giblets to gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve.

For more ingredients, go to Essential Thanksgiving!

Share you recipes with us on our Bob Massie Facebook Page!

Car battery during winter

Don't you wish you could have your own Pikachu to help charge your battery when it is low on juice? All the money we could save for years to come. Now that winter is here getting your battery to perform can even be more of a challenge!

Batteries can have problems in cold weather. A battery is a can full of chemicals that produce electrons. The chemical reactions inside of batteries take place more slowly when the battery is cold, so the battery produces fewer electrons. The starter motor therefore has less energy to work with when it tries to start the engine, and this causes the engine to crank slowly.

Schedule your next service appointment at Bob Massie Toyota to see if your battery is charged and ready for winter!

Veterans Day!

Veterans Day is Monday November 11th! Be sure to honor and give support to all the Veterans that served as well as the families of those who served that gave their lives fighting to protect our freedom!

Here is a little History about Veterans Day:

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

 Thanks to all those who have served! Your services are forever appreciated and will never be forgotten! 

Do not text and drive!

The popularity of mobile devices has had some unintended and even dangerous consequences. We now know that mobile communications are linked to a significant increase in distracted driving, resulting in injury and even loss of life.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2010 driver distraction was the cause of 18 percent of all fatal crashes – with 3,092 people killed – and crashes resulting in an injury – with 416,000 people wounded.

Eleven percent of drivers aged 18 to 20 who were involved in an automobile accident and survived admitted they were sending or receiving texts when they crashed. Research suggests that texting slows driver reaction times more than being drunk and the act is a constant risk nowadays as everyone carries phones.

How do you prefer to watch the game!?

At home or in the stadium!?

Do you like watching the game from home? Benefits from being at home would include saving money on tickets and food. Sitting on your own comfy couch, and using your own personal toilet for when you got to go. Not having to deal with ridiculous amounts of traffic before and after.

Would your rather watch the game from the stands? Benefits from watching in the stands may include: Yelling as loud as you want with out upsetting the spouse or kids, getting the great feeling of a roaring stadium after a touchdown or goal. Delicious hot dogs and ice cold beverages, no boring commercials to take away from whats going on in the game.

Halloween road trip anyone!?

Have you been itching to take a vacation this October but don't want to miss out on the Halloween festivities!? Why not take a road trip to one or more of the Top Ten Halloween destinations for great October vacation!?

The Top Ten Halloween Destination for October Vacations

Number 10 - Anoka, MN - Halloween Capitol of the World since 1920, a weeklong celebration with parties, contests, and parades makes this place number ten on this countdown

Number 9 - Hollywood, CA - Not only does Universal Studios host its annual Halloween Horror Nights that will turn your hair white, tinsel town has great haunted tours - especially those focused on the horrifying and unsolved Black Dahlia murder.

Number 8 - Las Vegas, NV - Speaking of wild Halloween parties, it’s hard to top Vegas! Scantily clad costumed partiers abound and there are tons of haunted attractions, parties and events to choose from.

Number 7 - New Orleans, LA - Voodoo and Vampires, some of the best ghost tours in the U.S. are in New Orleans, and they just get better in October!

Number 6 - Eastern State Penitentiary and Brandywine Valley, PA - Sinister souls still in shackles, this Gothic church-like ruin is one of America’s most historic prisons and also one of the most haunted!

Number 5 - Orlando, FL - Terror at the Theme Park - Orlando, Florida is entertainment central year-round, but in October, it kicks into horror mode.

Number 4 - Keene, NH - The Biggest Pumpkin Festival in the World, This is a Halloween destination to plan your October around.

Number 3 - Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, New York City, NY - Wild Halloween Bacchanalia.  If your favorite thing about Halloween is the costumes, New York City’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is the ultimate Halloween costume experience.

Number 2 -Sleepy Hollow, NY - The Headless Horseman Still Rides… Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was all about this haunted destination and the headless ghost wandering the night in search of a replacement head – will it be yours?

Number 1 - Salem, MA Something Wickedly Witchy This Way Comes. There is nowhere in the U.S. like Salem on Halloween! It’s got it all: fabulous fall foliage, New England charm, a horrifying history, and tons of Halloween events and activities.

Read more about each spooky destination at Planning Fun RoadTrips!!

Winter time!!

Winter time is near and it's time to get the right set of winter tires! You might be asking yourself why do I need different tires though? Well, first off winter has many things to offer daily drivers such as; Slick roads, slow drivers, and limited vision for bad weather conditions! Make sure to take on these obstacles no problem with the right set of tires! Having the right winter tires can help prevent most accidents from happening. Don't be one of those people stuck in a ditch on the side of road while it's freezing outside and waiting hours for a tow truck to arrive.


If you need the right winter tires be sure to check out our Bob Massie Toyota Parts page!

Toyota Land Cruiser

This is a classic 1970 version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. The Toyota Land Cruiser is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles and its series is the longest running series in Toyota history.

Production of the first generation Land Cruiser began in 1951 as Toyota's version of a Jeep-like  vehicle^.

Don't Fall Behind on Your Vehicle's Maintenance!

• Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's service intervals.
• Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer fluid on hand to fight road salt, grit and other grime.
• Replace worn tires with all-season radials or snow tires, as conditions warrant. Don't forget to check the spare tire and the tire jack.
• Engine performance problems such as rough idling, poor acceleration or hard starts should be corrected before cold weather sets in. (You'll get better gasoline mileage, too.)
• Check the condition of your battery and cables, plus the radiator, and all hoses and belts.
• The cooling system/radiator should be completely flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant/antifreeze should be checked periodically. (Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled!)
• Make certain the heater and defroster are in good working condition; have the exhaust system examined for leaks, a potentially deadly condition in closed vehicles.
• Carry emergency gear: flares, boots, gloves, ice scraper, high-energy snacks, a blanket, shovel, flashlight, tire chains, a few tools and a cell phone.

Toyota: an Emblem to Remember

Three ovals combine to form the letter "T", creating Toyota's well-known emblem. Two perpendicular ovals overlap to represent the mutually beneficial relationship and trust that is placed between the customer and the company. The largest oval that surrounds both of these inner ovals represent the global expansion of Toyota's technology and unlimited potential for the future. Together, this emblem is a strong representation of the connectivity of Toyota, its customers and their visions of the future.

Jay Leno Drives the First Car Toyoda (Toyota) Ever Produced

The next time you're in Japan, be sure to check out the first Toyota ever produced. Jay Leno got the opportunity to drive this 1936 Toyoda AA. Check it out!

Ride Along: 1975 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40

Restoring this 1975 Toyota Land Cruiser is not just a hobby, it is a bonding experience between this father and son duo.

Kirobo the Robot Astronaut: Toyota's role in Kibo Robot Project

A 13.4-inch humanoid robot named Kirobo will soon travel to the International Space Station. The mission: to participate in the first robot-human conversation experiments in space.

To prepare for the trip, the robot participated in zero-gravity and other safety tests. The training, Kirobo says, was tough.

Kirobo is one of two robots developed under the Kibo Robot Project, a collaborative research effort by various agencies. Toyota Motor Corporation provided the voice-recognition software for the robots and plans to use what it learns from the project to improve the company’s partner robots and interactive conversation technology.

And perhaps the trip will help fulfill Kirobo’s dream, “to create a world where humans and robots can live together.”

Courtesy of Toyota Newsrom

Tips for Traveling with Kids

 

Here are some ideas to make summer travel fun!

You picture the perfect vacation. Smiling kids. Fun on the road. Perfect memories.
But, packing up your family and hitting the road can also be a recipe for boredom and frustration. So, how can you keep your kids amused while traveling? Here are some tips:

Put your kids in charge.

Have each of your children pack a small bag of their own selection of toys, books and music.

Let kids mimic you.

Children like to have what adults have.

• Consider buying an inexpensive digital camera for your kids to share
• Or perhaps an iPad loaded with fun learning games
• Maybe an iPod with music or recorded books
• Or a portable DVD player with an array of movies and cartoons

Share the music.

Bring a communal iPod with classic music, or sing-alongs for everyone to enjoy together!

Track your travels.

Buy a colorful map for your kids to follow along with on your journey. Vibrant maps or print outs from online sources help your kids feel involved, like they're helping you navigate.

Find the unexpected.

Research quirky stops – restaurants or landmarks – along your route. These are good opportunities for kids to stretch their legs and expend pent-up energy.

Load your snack packs.

Have healthy snacks on-hand for those long drives without pit-stops for food.

Play wildlife bingo and other games.

Headed to a national park? Have your kids keep their eyes peeled for wildlife sightings. Create a bingo card with animals you expect to see. Encourage your kids to mark the animals they spot. Whoever gets wildlife bingo first wins a prize.
Or, look for vanity license plates, specialty cars (Slug Bug!) or try to name as many food items that start with a given letter from the alphabet.

With a little planning and some ingenious ideas, you can transform an average summer trip into one you'll all remember fondly.


Courtesy of Ameriprise

Everything You Want for Less Event

Commitment to quality is only one reason that the Toyota Camry is America's favorite car. Innovative design, exceptional comfort and remarkable efficiency are also hallmarks of Toyota's sedan.

Enjoy 0% APR Financing for 5 Years PLUS $500 Toyota Finance Cash (excludes Hybrids) when you lease a new 2013 Toyota Camry!

Learn more details here: http://bit.ly/16MLD4l
View Toyota Camry inventory: http://bit.ly/17RSPki

Toyota Corolla: Gas Station Commercial

With legendary MPG you won't have to worry about getting to the places you need to be.

Constellation SENIOR PLAYERS Championship

Major golf returns to the city of champions with the Constellation Senior Players Championship.

The winner gains entry into the following season's The Players Championship on the PGA Tour.

Visit Constellation Senior Players Championship online here: http://bit.ly/136LUlm

Visit Constellation Senior Players Championship on Facebook here: http://on.fb.me/136M642

Using mayonnaise to clean your car and other odd tips

  Do you have stubborn tar that you just can't seem to remove from your car? International Aero - one of the world's largest aircraft detailing companies - says it uses a dab of mayo when it is trying to remove tar. Just let the Hellman's (or Kraft, or whatever) rest for about 10 minutes on the gob of goo and then rub. If that doesn't work, go with lighter fluid.

Courtesy of USA Today

Toyota Driving Expectations - One Family at a Time

Learning to drive is challenging for teens and their parents. Toyota Driving Expectations is a free program that helps them navigate the road together.

2005 Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma features a comfortable cab trimmed with quality materials and we have a great deal on this '05 Toyota Tacoma! Learn more here: http://bit.ly/YSiVdf

Pre-Owned 2005 Toyota Tacoma
VIN: 5TETU22N05Z115677
$17,685

Summer Tire Care Special

Summer heat can take a toll on your tires. Bring your Toyota in and take advantage of our Summer Tire Care Special. Click here for more details:  http://bit.ly/1013Euo

Toyota Maintenance Made Interesting: Genuine Parts

It is always important to choose genuine Toyota parts for your vehicle. They are the highest quality and are engineered specifically for your Toyota.

New Car Special: 2013 Toyota Camry

Receive 0% APR for 5 years AND $500 Toyota Finance Cash when you lease a new 2013 Toyota Camry! Click the following link for more details: http://bit.ly/14xsLGK

Toyota’s Prius V And Avalon On Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Family Cars List

The editors of Kelley Blue Book selected the 2013 Prius v and the 2013 Avalon for their list of 10 Best Family Cars.

The list is compiled annually by KBB.com editors to highlight vehicles that address unique family specifications and situations, and offer innovation.

“Our annual list is aimed at helping families find the right ride and always include something for everyone, with a special nod to what is new,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.

Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com editors offered these thoughts on the two Toyota models:
On the 2013 Toyota Prius v: “Let’s say you love Toyota vehicles and want the exceptional fuel economy of a hybrid, but the standard Prius just isn’t big enough. Then consider the 2013 Prius v, which comes jam-packed with all the Prius-ness you crave while also offering roughly 50 percent more cargo space. Yes, plus-sizing the Prius cuts combined fuel economy from 50 mpg to 42 mpg, but among family-friendly vehicles the Prius v remains a mileage champ.”

On the 2013 Toyota Avalon: “Renowned for its spacious interior quarters, abundance of luxury features and sofa-soft ride, the fully redesigned Toyota Avalon can now add “high style” to its list of highlights. In addition, laudable fuel economy coupled with an exemplary reputation for reliability and quality, make the 2013 Avalon a smart buy for today’s value-conscious family.”

Courtesy of Hybrid Cars

Hot Summer Car Care Tips

The arrival of summer marks an ideal time to make sure your car or truck is in good working condition. The high temperatures of summer can be tough on a vehicle - everything from the paint down to the tires is subjected to harsher than normal conditions. Gone unchecked, some issues could leave you stranded in the heat. Here are a few tips to help make sure you and your vehicle are protected against the hazards of summer.

Fluids like coolant, motor oil and windshield washer fluid are things motorists can regularly check on their own. Engine coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, is the number one thing motorists should stay on top of in the summer months. Since modern cars have a closed system for coolant, checking or adding coolant is easy. This is generally done through the coolant reservoir located under the hood. Consult your owner's manual for a specific location. Be sure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings, adding more if necessary. But never open the radiator cap or coolant tank lid when the engine is hot.

Tire pressure is also important, especially in summer months. As the outside temperature climbs, the air in your car's tires expands, so check your tire pressure when the tires are at a normal temperature - before you set out on a road trip. Also, be sure to use the proper tire pressure for your car, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Check the recommended tire pressure label in the door jamb or glove compartment, or consult your owner's manual.

Tires that are over- or underinflated can reduce the vehicle's handling capability or generate excess heat, causing a blowout. Although most newer cars have an on-board tire pressure monitoring system, get a good quality tire pressure gauge - a dial-type analog unit or digital gauge, not a straight, pen-type one - and check them yourself every few months. Don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tire, too. It's like an insurance policy. You never know when you might need it.

Along with the heat, summer also means more long-distance road trips that reveal the high cost of poor fuel economy. So it's a good time to keep up periodic maintenance like oil and filter changes and inspection or replacement of the air cleaner and fuel filters. Not only are these essential to the durability of your engine in the long term, but neglecting them will cause poor fuel economy in the short term, too. Performing regular maintenance means it will take less fuel to make that long highway trip. Maintaining proper tire pressure and using cruise control on the highway can further improve fuel economy, keeping your summer fuel costs down.

While air conditioning can be a drag on fuel economy in stop-and-go driving, keeping the windows up and the a/c on improves aerodynamics and is ideal on the highway. Plus, it will keep the driver and passengers comfortable and reduce driver fatigue. Have your air conditioning system checked annually. If your car's a/c is not getting cold, chances are you have a leak in the system. Adding refrigerant will only solve the problem temporarily, so invest in a proper repair. Some a/c systems have a cabin air filtration system. Check your owner's manual to see how often the filter should be changed. And if you see a little water dripping from your car, don't worry. The a/c system drains condensation when it's working properly.

Keeping your car cool when you're not driving is important, too. The heat of the summer sun can cause cosmetic damage to your car and make it harder to cool off inside when it's time to drive. Protect your paint and interior by parking in a garage or under an awning when possible. Regularly wax your vehicle using a polish with UV protection to reduce sun damage and paint fading. Protect the interior, too. Purchasing a $10 sunshade that keeps sunlight from coming in the windshield can reduce fading, drying and cracking inside your vehicle, and keep you cooler when you sit down behind the wheel.

Preparation is a key to handling harsh summer heat. Following these simple tips will help your vehicle to perform its best this summer. Not only will you and your vehicle be better prepared to survive the heat, but you'll also make the most of your summer by enjoying the freedom that a well-cared-for car can offer. That certainly beats being stranded in the heat.

What it means to you: Don't get stranded in the heat. Maintain your car year-round, but make special preparations for dealing with the hazards of summer, too.

New Car Inventory

Looking for a new car this weekend? Be sure to visit Bob Massie Toyota/Scion - we have great deals on the newest Toyota's you've been wanting to test drive! View our inventory here: http://bit.ly/Zz3GJV

2011 Toyota Venza Commercial - Social Network

Keep on rolling with the Toyota Venza. For this week's Throwback-Thursday, check out this Venza commercial from 2011!

Parts/Service Special: A/C Check

Come get your A/C checked and prepared for summer! Beat the heat with this special offer!
View/Print: http://bit.ly/Zu3mMc

Toyota Maintenance Made Interesting: Toyota Care — Marriage

Not only do we have your Toyota fully covered, we make Toyota Maintenance interesting! Check out this video!

Pennsylvania State Safety Inspection

Due for your Pennsylvania State Safety Inspection? Get your vehicle inspected here at Bob Massie Toyota/Scion for a great price. Click the following link to view/print your coupon: http://bit.ly/10IyJAh

2015 Toyota Prius wins our vote for the best camouflaged car

As you see in the spy shots here, the car has been heavily camouflaged (even the side view mirrors and alloy design has been camouflaged). This is why we voted the 2015 Prius in the images here as the best camouflaged car.

Prius has already completed its powertrain development and is currently in the process of undergoing road tests. The 2015 model is expected to be highly fuel efficient with best in class fuel economy and will sit on a modular platform. Interiors were also evident from the vehicle on test where it could be seen sporting a three spoke steering wheel and brand new instrument panel design. A new touch panel interface depicting the latest of technology with minimum amount of dials and buttons are seen in its interiors.

The new Prius is expected to sport the same 1.8 liter 2ZR-FXE though it will be mated to a new hybrid system. Batteries are likely to be lithium but other options is still being considered. Toyota is planning on commencing production of the 2015 Prius in the US from early 2015.

Courtesy of Auto Blog

Toyota Donates $250,000 to Oklahoma Tornado Relief Efforts

NEW YORK, May 23, 2013 – Toyota today announced a $250,000 donation to support relief and rebuilding efforts for victims of the tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma and the greater Oklahoma City area on May 20.  Funds will be allocated to immediate response and for mid-to-long term needs in the areas of food, small business revitalization and home rebuilding.  Toyota will also match employee contributions.

“On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this devastating tornado. Our thoughts are with the affected families as they work to rebuild their lives,” said Latondra Newton, group vice president of philanthropy and chief diversity officer.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Don't let your Toyota get out of line!

Don’t let your Toyota get out of line; set your car straight with our Computerized Alignment Special. Come in and visit our service department and we’ll set both front and rear wheel casters, adjust for proper centerline and thrust angles, inspect steering linkage, AND adjust your tire pressure.

Don’t forget to print your coupon!  Just click here:  http://bit.ly/YP0Zn4

Toyota Collaborator with Google+

Toyota and Google+ have teamed up to make car shopping a little more social with Collaborator. Be on the lookout for this super-cool tool, coming soon!

Parts/Service Special: Buy 3 new tires, get 4th one for $1!

Making sure your tires are always in great driving condition will help keep you safe on the roads. Need NEW tires? Come see your friends at Bob Massie Toyota! When you buy three tires, get the fourth one for $1!! Click the following link to learn more: http://bit.ly/15qqGzl

Hyundai, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota join DOE in fuel cells push

WASHINGTON -- Hyundai Motor Co., Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit, Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. have linked with the U.S. Department of Energy to prepare for the first major wave of hydrogen-powered cars, the department said today.

The formation of the public-private partnership, which will focus on hydrogen fueling infrastructure and is named H2USA after the chemical symbol for hydrogen, was first reported in March by Automotive News.

"By bringing together key stakeholders from across the U.S. fuel cell and hydrogen industry, the H2USA partnership will help advance affordable fuel cell electric vehicles that save consumers money and give drivers more options," David Danielson, an assistant secretary at DOE, said in a statement.

Fuel cell electric vehicles are seen as a way to lower tailpipe emissions from cars and lessen the world's reliance on oil.

Like electric vehicles, they use an electric motor to turn the wheels of a car. But instead of storing their power in batteries, fuel cell electric vehicles convert natural gas or hydrogen into electricity using a chemical process inside a fuel cell.

The only fuel cell electric vehicles on sale in the United States are Honda's hand-built FCX Clarity, which has been available for lease since 2008 but costs nearly $1 million per unit to build, and a more recent model from Mercedes, the B-Class F-cell, which is also leased in certain U.S. markets.
Costs dropping

Costs are falling fast, but fuel cells are expected to remain expensive even as more automakers put them on sale in the coming years. Toyota, which has pledged to sell its first fuel-cell electric vehicle in 2015, recently said those vehicles will cost about $50,000 apiece to make, with a sticker price below $100,000.

Hyundai has started making a fuel-cell-powered version of its Tucson crossover. The Korean automaker aims to sell 1,000 units by 2015, when it will launch a next-generation version and target annual output of about 10,000 units.

Nissan and Mercedes-Benz unveiled with Ford Motor Co. in January a joint venture with the goal of bringing fuel cell electric vehicles to market by 2017.

One hurdle for fuel cell electric vehicles is infrastructure. Fewer than 100 hydrogen stations are in the United States, and only about 20 are accessible to the public.

The push to develop a bigger network of fueling stations marks a turnaround on hydrogen after former Energy Secretary Steven Chu was openly critical of the technology. Hydrogen technology research received $1.7 billion from DOE from 2004 to 2008 as part of the George W. Bush administration's FreedomCar coalition.


Courtesy of Automotive News

Don't forget to redeem your PensPoints!

ROUND 2 starts tonight! Help cheer on your favorite NHL team by redeeming YOUR PensPoints right here at Bob Massie Toyota! LET'S GO PENS! http://on.fb.me/15C64E9

Maintenance Tip: Empty Your Pockets

Did you know: The average guy spends 67 minutes each day behind the wheel? A thick wallet in your back pocket raises one hip above the other, twisting your spine and straining your lower back. Plus it can put pressure on your sciatic nerve, a common source of lower-back pain, says Stuart McGill, Ph.D., of the University of Waterloo, in Ontario. To avoid this potential lower-back pain, we suggest emptying your pockets!

Courtesy of Men's Health

Maintenance Tip: Remove Pain Transfer with Lighter Fluid

To remove paint transfer from minor scrapes with other cars, fences, etc., wet a towel with common lighter fluid and lightly dab the surface, wetting the area for 20-30 seconds. Then, rub the surface lightly and the transferred paint/color will disappear. Don't worry, it won't harm your cured paint, it just breaks down the bonds between the two paints there. Be careful because it is extremely flammable!

Courtesy of USA Today

Parts/Service Special: Save $5.00 on your next Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Spring has sprung...so has allergy season. Keep dust, pollen and pollutants out of your passenger cabin with a new Cabin Air Filter. Breathe easier AND save with this special offer! Click the following link to view/print your filter replacement discount: http://bit.ly/15qqGzl

Redeem your PensPoints Today!

Have you stopped in to redeem YOUR PensPoints yet?? Only a couple weeks left! And don't forget to cheer on your favorite NHL team TONIGHT as they enter GAME 4! Let's go Pens! http://on.fb.me/15C64E9

How to Clean Car Battery Terminals With Baking Soda

 

Popping the hood of your car can be a real nightmare. So much so that many people just don't do it, and, as a result, they miss some basic problems that can be solved at home. One example is battery terminal corrosion. If you neglect to clean the battery terminals when they need it, the corrosion can cause problems starting your vehicle. You can easily clean your car battery terminals with baking soda.

1.) Remove the terminal connector wires from the battery, using either a screwdriver or wrench (this depends on whether the wires are connected with screws or bolts). Remove the negative wire first followed by the positive.

 

2. ) Pour 3 tablespoons of baking soda into a small bowl. Then add 1 tablespoon of warm water to the baking soda and mix the two until you have a paste.

 

3.) Dip a toothbrush into the baking soda paste and scrub the battery connector wire heads. Be sure to clean the insides of the ring, as this is where the connection to the battery will be most affected by corrosion.

 

4.) Scrub the battery connection pegs where the wires were clamped on before your removed them. Be sure that your paste isn't too thin. You don't want water dribbling all over your battery. You want a nice thick paste to stay in place once you apply it.

 

5.) Wipe off both the battery connection wire heads and the battery connection pegs with a clean, wet cloth or towel.

6.) Allow the battery connection wires and the connection pegs to dry for at least 15 or 20 minutes. Don't reconnect the wires while they are wet. This will result in future corrosion and will defeat the whole purpose of cleaning them.

 

7.) Slather a tiny bit of petroleum jelly onto the battery connection pegs. This will help slow down any future corrosion. Make sure everything is totally dry before you do this.

 

8.) Reconnect the wire heads to the battery, install the positive wire to the battery first, then the negative. Wipe off any excess petroleum jelly that squirts through as you tighten the screws or bolts.

Courtesy of eHow