Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may look okay, but do lousy jobs of wiping when put to the test.

Most experts say wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance and driving visibility. That’s because wiper blades don’t last forever. Exposure to sunlight and ozone causes the rubber to age, even if the wipers aren’t used much. 

As a set of blades age, they lose much of their flip-over flexibility and they’re less able to wipe cleanly. They may develop a permanent set (called “parked” rubber) or curvature which prevents full contact with the windshield. The sun bakes and hardens the rubber. Then when the wipers are needed, they streak and chatter because they’ve taken a set and won’t follow the curvature of the windshield. 

Cold weather can affect blade life, too. Freezing temperatures makes rubber hard and brittle, which increases the tendency to crack and split. The holders can also become clogged with ice and snow, preventing the holder from distributing spring tension evenly over the blade. The blade “freezes up” and leaves streaks as it skips across the glass. 

Heavy use can be hard on wiper blades, because dust, abrasives, road grime and even bug juice wear away the edge that the blades need to wipe cleanly. 

How well the wiper blades perform also depends on the condition of the wiper arms and holders. A blade’s wiping ability is affected by the amount of spring tension on the wiper arm, the number of pressure points or claws that hold the blade, and the design of the blade itself. If the springs in the arms are weak (which is more apt to be a problem in older vehicles), the wipers may not be pressed against the glass firmly enough to wipe cleanly. Replacing the blades won’t make any difference because the problem is weak arms not bad blades.

Ultimately, any blade that’s chattering, streaking or doing a lousy job of wiping is a blade that’s overdue for replacement. The same goes for any blade that is cracked, torn, nicked or otherwise damaged. 

If you have replaced your wiper blades and chattering or streaking persists, visit the Toyota of Tampa Bay Service Department to have one of our technicians inspect your wiper blades and wiper arms to ensure your continued safety on the road.

Source: [Yahoo Autos]

In a time when many companies are making headlines for slashing jobs and paying CEOs enormous bonuses, Toyota of Tampa Bay continues to focus on our community. We wanted to take a moment to share a letter we received from a customer about a job well done by our hard working body shop staff to help restore an Iraq war veterans dream car.

“Good afternoon Mr. Morgan, I wanted to take a moment of your time to express the hard working efforts of George and his body shop staff.  I’m sure you are aware that this past Veterans Day a vehicle was presented at your Toyota of Tampa Bay dealership to an Iraq war veteran.

This past Friday I was recognized by State Farm for my efforts in putting this donation program together and I felt it necessary to pass this recognition on to some of the other folks who helped to make it all possible. George was instrumental in getting the vehicle in thru the shop, arranging for the donation of parts and supplies by the various venders we all do business with. He worked closely with the Service Department to insure that the vehicle was in good working order prior to the hand off on November 11th 2009.

George’s leadership within the business community opened many doors to help make this program a success and I look forward to working with him in the coming years.”

Our staff at Toyota of Tampa Bay strives to earn letters like this every day by providing you and your family with world class service for years to come.

On February 11, 2010, Petro Frigerio, Chief Operating Officer of  Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., together with Lamborghini car designer Valentino Balboni and other top American and Italian Lamborghini executives joined Larry Morgan and Victor Young for Morgan Auto Group’s exclusive Grand Opening of Lamborghini Sarasota located at 5145 Clark Road in South Sarasota, Florida.  Lamborghini Sarasota is one of 31 exclusive Lamborghini dealerships in North America with certified Lamborghini technicians trained at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’ Agata Bolognese, Italy.

Lamborghini Sarasota’s Grand Opening was held in conjunction with the ninth annual Sarasota Exotic Car Show weekend that benefits the Child Protection Center. Car enthusiasts nationwide attend the Sarasota Exotic Car show for the opportunity to see Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Aston Martins, Bugatti Veyrons, and other rare luxury cars.  Lamborghini Sarasota’s Grand Opening festivities started Thursday morning with interviews on local networks and continued with a live news feed of Lamborghini Sarasota’s Grand Opening Thursday night.  Over 350 invited guests attended the event that included live music by the jazz group City Heat, Italian hors d’ oeuvres as well as a Callezione runway fashion show that debuted the most recent fashions from Lamborghini’s Winter/Spring 2010 clothing line.   Lamborghini Sarasota, with its catwalk and sleek marble and leather accoutrements, provided the perfect setting for guests to enjoy smooth jazz, Italian cuisine and see the latest clothing line from Lamborghini.   During regular business hours the catwalk features the latest Lamborghini automobile models and the showroom brings Lamborghini’s style and elegance to Morgan Auto Group’s latest jewel, Lamborghini Sarasota.

About Lamborghini

Founded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant’ Agata Bolognese, in Northeastern Italy and manufactures some of the world’s most sought-after super sports cars. With 31 dealerships in North America and over 125 worldwide, Automobili Lamborghini has created a succession of dynamic and elegant super sports cars including the Miura, Islero, Urraco, 350GT, Espada, Countach, Diablo, Murciélago LP 640, Murciélago LP 640 Roadster, Gallardo SE, Gallardo Superleggera, Reventón Coupe, Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé and Spyder, Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni and the recently introduced Reventón Roadster.

Toyota introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Avalon today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.  Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies.

Even with numerous refinements inside and out, the Avalon remains true to the idea that comfort is honest and uncomplicated, and “Traveling Avalon Class” is rich in simple, familiar pleasures.  

The new Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience.  Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability with music streaming to the audio system are among the improvements that enhance the 2011 Avalon’s excellent blend of spaciousness, comfort and technology.

“The Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship,” said Bob Carter, Group Vice President and General Manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment.  The competition does not stand still, and neither do we.”

Restyled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a “zero landfill” facility that also assembles the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza.  It was also developed at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Dynamic New Exterior

For 2011, Calty restyled Avalon to project an elegant, outgoing presence.  A wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered center of gravity and emphasize the Avalon’s wide stance.

The new headlamps, which combine multi-reflector halogen high beams with halogen or HID low beams, utilize light pipes to create a signature, night-time appearance.  The front fog lamps, now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, provide a wider angle of illumination.  

Viewed from the side, the 2011 Avalon is enhanced by additional use of chrome trim, redesigned rocker panels, and glare-resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals.  New 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade feature a 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.

At the rear of the car, identification is cleanly defined by a single Avalon logo located above the license plate.  Dual-exhaust pipes are integrated into the cutaway trapezoid shape of the lower bumper for a modern image.  Taillights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, helping to create a lower coefficient of drag.  The new lights integrate stop, turn and side marker lighting functions in one combined lamp.  Unique LED light pipes with dark aluminized sides and both clear and red lenses project a modern appearance.

Spacious Interior Built For Comfort

For 2011, a new interior has been designed with a contemporary style.  The new interior remains generously spacious and elegant, fitted with comfortable seating and thoughtfully integrated amenities.  Coordinated colors and rich wood-grain materials were carefully chosen to convey an optimistic attitude and modern essence.

Standard leather-trimmed front seats and seatbacks on the Limited are fitted with ventilation systems and an enlarged perforation area to help keep them cool.  Interior seats feature thicker stitching, which provides an elegant accent to the interior design.  Active front headrests are also standard.

The rear seating area is configured to seat three passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and reclining rear seats, unique in the segment.  The rear headrests have also been reshaped and enlarged for better support, and a convenient flip-down center armrest provides storage when the middle seat is not in use.

A power rear sunshade, deployable via a one-touch lever, filters direct sunlight coming through the rear window.  The sunshade, which helps to protect rear seat passengers from unwanted light and heat, automatically detracts when the driver selects reverse gear.

A new instrument panel incorporates visually attractive and highly readable Optitron gauges that use graduated white illumination with white pointers.  They are set inside smoked lenses and deep chrome rings that add depth and a sense of luxury.

The steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth hands-free phones, the audio system, climate system, and the information center.

Technology-Enriched Environment

A comprehensive infusion of technology was designed into the new interior to ensure an enriched environment, with enhanced function and connectivity.

New standard equipment includes Bluetooth hands-free phone and music streaming to the audio system from a compatible device, XM satellite radio (subscription required), and both USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod and other audio devices.  Each of the three available audio systems can control iPods seamlessly using switches located on the steering wheel and display track information stored in the device.

Toyota’s latest DVD Navigation system has a newly adopted database and now has easier search and address input functionality.  The Navigation system also offers new displays for road icons and points of interest, and a keyboard screen arranged in the same way as a personal computer.

The Avalon grade’s standard nine-speaker system offers exceptional sound quality, while the Limited grade features a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system with enhanced two-coil sub-woofer.  The system uses 12 speakers and a 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver profoundly rich, full sound to all seats of the vehicle.

A rear-view monitor function is standard in the rear-view mirror or with the navigation system.  The rear-view-mirror image includes on-screen back-up guides that help drivers to back into parking spots or driveways.

Performance and Efficiency Combined

Avalon’s exceptional combination of ample horsepower and excellent fuel economy offers one of the best overall dynamic performances in the large sedan segment.

The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm.  The engine is equipped with the latest dual VVT-i electronic valve-control mechanism that provides a broader powerband, while requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions.  It is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Avalon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), EPA-estimated to deliver 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined, as good as or better than any V6 model in the segment.

A roadworthy mix of fine ride quality and accurate driving control is delivered by the Avalon’s MacPherson strut suspension, which uses coil springs at all four corners.  Rack-and-pinion steering combines with front-wheel-drive and optimized steering gear for a natural handling feel.  

Simple Comforts Throughout

A dual-zone climate control system has nine air-flow modes for more precise control of interior climate, and a clean-air filter removes dust and pollen.  Doors use three stop positions instead of two for easier entrance and exit.  A lockable glove box has a pneumatic-door damper and inner box illumination.  The front-console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches front to rear, able to accommodate a wide range of driver positions.  The elegantly stitched top is padded with a double density cushion material for softness.  Inside, there is a 12-volt outlet in addition to the USB and auxiliary audio terminals.

Safety is Standard

The new Avalon’s occupant-safety strategy includes use of extensively tested energy absorbing structures, protective side impact beams and overhead structure, advanced belt systems and active front headrests as standard equipment.  Avalon will also have a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system.  

Seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, and front side curtain airbags for both rows, are also standard.  Toyota’s standard Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC traction control system.  TRAC and VSC functions can be disengaged if the driver needs to free the vehicle if stuck in mud or snow.

A full-size spare and alloy wheel is standard.  Each wheel has its own pressure sensor to warn if tire pressure drops, providing the driver with an early warning to find a safe place to change a tire.

Simplified Packaging

The 2011 Avalon will be available in two grades when it arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2010, Avalon and Limited.  Both grades will be well equipped with standard equipment like eight-way leather-trimmed power driver’s seats, back-up camera, dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels.  Limited will have additional standard equipment, such as an eight-way passenger’s seat with lumbar support, driver’s seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats.  Avalon grade can be upgraded with features like a JBL Synthesis sound system and heated front seats, while Navigation is optional for both grades.

Color and Trim

Avalon will be available in nine exterior colors including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica.  Additional colors include Cocoa Bean Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, and Sandy Beach Metallic.  Avalon grade will be mated to three leather-trimmed interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black.  Limited grade receives Ivory, Light Gray, and Black Bordeaux trims with accent-color trim on the vertical surfaces.

Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.  Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.  Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

The redesigned 2011 Avalon will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships nationally in spring 2010.

Source: [PR Newswire]

Between career and kids, parents aren’t left with much time to keep their shape, let alone their head. We leave the noggin up to you, but we’ve found time for exercise when you didn’t think you had a moment to spare. Here, the ultimate in mom/dad multi-tasking:

Line up for Ab Exercises
In the age of instant gratification, nothing is more aggravating than waiting in line. So when they close the express checkout, instead of getting mad, use the time for an ab checkup. “Abdominal vacuums are a simple way to turn any moment into a chance to strengthen your stomach,” says Kendra Kessel, a Los Angeles-based personal trainer. Simply tense your midsection, hitting both the abs and the intercostals (the tie-in muscles to the side of the stomach), and hold for a five-second count. Don’t forget to breathe. With each repetition, hold for a little longer while resting less in between.

Don’t Call Them “Dumbbell,” Unless….
It’s never nice to call your children names, but seeing them as a dumbbell might be the smartest thing you ever do. The next time you’re sitting and your kid grabs hold of the front of your leg, slowly raise your foot straight out, shooting to get your calf parallel to the ground. You get a workout; your tot gets a ride. You can also strengthen your legs with squats while holding your child against your chest, then lifting him up and down above your head to hit your shoulders, advises Scott White, a personal trainer based in Scottsdale, Ariz. When squatting, keep it safe by lowering yourself only until your thighs are parallel to the ground — no lower. When lifting, keep your elbows slightly bent; don’t straighten your arms until your elbows are locked. With these simple moves, “you can have a whole workout just with your kids,” says White.

Couches Aren’t Just for Potatoes
When it’s time for family TV, ask for a little more room on the sofa and get a lot more workout. Leg raises work your hip flexors, providing stability for your whole body. While perched on the edge of the couch, begin with your feet together flat on the floor. Raise your calf until it’s parallel to the ground, then slowly lower to get the negative. Want to hit those hard-to-help lower abs? Lie down on the sofa, knees bent and together, then pull your knees toward your chest. When you feel your hips lift slightly off the couch, hold for a beat and then return to the starting position. Feel the burn while you belt out tunes with “American Idol.”

Way to Go, Coach!
When you’re going to be at your child’s sporting event anyway, offer to help out as an assistant coach. You can lead the sprints, hit ground balls or just sweat off calories with extra-loud cheering while working the sidelines, says White. “This is the best combination because you get in great shape and also get closer with your kids,” he says. Plus, you’re not letting them have all the fun!

Take Your Cell for a Walk
The next time you catch up with a loved one on the phone, test your cellular coverage with a long stroll, says Kessel. “When you talk on the phone, time flies by,” she says. “Imagine getting a workout done without even knowing it!” For an extra challenge, hold that water bottle as you walk, and switch between hands to create a makeshift hand weight. Now even your water is multitasking!

As great as it is to kill two birds with one stone, sometimes there’s no substitute for the gym. So if certain exercises feel better done by the weight rack, save them for the gym one day a week. Most people can eke out at least that much time, says White. “If you get up 15 minutes earlier and go to bed 15 minutes later, there’s half an hour to get it done,” he says. Now let the fitness begin! 

Source: [Live Right, Live Well]