Safety tips for driving in a California Winter | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

The California winter is just around the corner. Time to brush up on driving tips to keep you safe.  

Officials say a few basic practices can help commuters get through.

Turn on headlights.

“If your windshield wipers are on, you should have your headlights on,” CHP Officer Juan Galvan said.

Not only do headlights help the driver see potential hazards ahead, they also help other people see the vehicle, Galvan said. Plus, it’s required by the state.

Slow down.

“Drive at those speeds that you can maintain control of the car,” Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Drake Madison told The Times. Often that means going below the speed limit.

How can a driver tell how fast is too fast? Don’t outpace the flow of traffic, Madison said, and “if you feel you’re not adhering to the road very well, if you’re slipping and sliding, that’s a clue.”

Also, make sure not to drive so fast that rain collects on the windshield faster than the wipers can clear it away, Galvan said.

Don’t tailgate.

It takes longer for vehicles to stop on wet roads, so leave even more distance than usual between your car and the one ahead, Galvan said.

Avoid standing water.

“Don’t be the first one to drive through it, and don’t follow another vehicle -- just because they make it doesn’t mean you’re going to make it,” Galvan said.

“Your engine can stall and then you’ll be stuck in there. If it’s a strong current, you might even get swept through that water.”

Plan ahead.

Do preventive maintenance to minimize the odds of breaking down and becoming part of an accident, Galvan said. Before heading out in the rain, he said, replace the windshield wiper blades if needed and check the vehicle’s tires and fluids.

Madison said October and November are particularly good months to check wipers and tire treads.

“In the summer months, all the heat is hard on the rubber,” he said.

Pay attention.

“Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings,” Galvan said. “Accidents are not caused by the rain. It’s how we drive in the rain.”

Source: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-drive-in-the-rain-20141202-story.html

October is Car Care Month

With all of the leaves changing, nights getting cooler you need to be doing more than just throwing a sweatshirt on or raking up the fallen leaves. There's something you need to check and maintain, that's just as important as the gutters and other weekend projects. When was the last time you checked out what was going on under the hood of your car? Have you at least gotten an oil change in the last few months? With the Fall season in full swing, it's important to properly care for your vehicles. You rely on them so much to get you to and from all of your seasonal stops safely with no problem! You don't want to ruin a trip back from Thanksgiving at grandma's with a flat tire do you? That could be the least of your problems with the types of components that tend to require maintenance. From your wipers and brakes to your battery and defrosters there are plenty of ways to care for your car this fall season.

Where Do I Begin? What Can I Do?

When it comes to your cars there are plenty of options in front of you. For those of you who don't mind getting your hands dirty or are interested in minor car work, your weekends can turn into small DIY projects here and there to keep your car running great. Other ways for full fall car care is to drop it off at a full service garage that can make sure your car is ready for whatever the fall or winter throws at it! Even with this said, it's important to understand the areas on your car that will need attention during these frigid seasons. That way you can make sure that your car is getting what it needs, and you're not paying an arm and a leg for something completely unnecessary.

Key Areas for Fall Car Care

Below, we'll go through the areas you should focus your fall car care. Each of these sections have certain vulnerabilities or weaknesses to the colder temperatures, extra moisture and other elements. Other areas that need to be focused on are those you will be relying on the most, like your heating system, defrosters, and wipers.

Heating (HVAC) System and Wipers - We'll jump right in. It's always a good place to start, as it's the most logical. Properly working heating and ventilation systems are completely necessary for safety and comfort. Can you imagine attempting to drive home with a frozen windshield and no heat? Or pouring rain and worn out wipers? Also make sure you have the filters all checked, as it's common to find clogs. Many people take the fall season to replace their filters so their car runs as efficiently as possible. As replacing your wipers should be replaced every six months, timing them around the Fall season helps as well. That way, once you are getting ready for those spring showers, it's time to replace your wipers again.

Tires and Wheels - One of the biggest concerns you should have as the weather begins to cool are your tires. For one, replacing them is never a fun process, and secondly as everything contracts in the cold, your tires will lose air pressure. Always make sure to check your tires weekly, and fill them according to their PSI requirements. With slicker surfaces, its also equally important to check the treads. You want to make sure there are no bald spots or leaks. Another warning sign to look for is uneven wear, which means it's also time for a wheel alignment.

Battery - Cold weather is brutal on all types of electronics. Your car battery is just as vulnerable to this. It's always good to check your battery and it's connections. Clean up any areas with corrosion and make sure all of the connections are clean and tight. It's also not a bad idea to have the levels checked by a shop, because you can't always tell when one is about to die. The last thing you want is to get in the car late one night, out of state, ready to drive home to realize your car battery has died. One precaution many take in their fall car care is to just replace their car battery in general. Especially if it has several years behind it.

Brakes - When it comes to car care and maintenance, tending to your brakes are always a good idea. With so much reliance behind these components it's important to make sure the linings, rotors, and pads are all working properly. Brakes can play a pivotal role in your survival on instances of slick roads, black ice, and snowfall.

Other Fall Car Care Tips

Besides confirming that these areas mentioned above are being maintained, there are other components to double check as well. I know that some of these can seem like they are more geared towards colder winter weather, but its always better to be prepared beforehand. Both the fall and winter season offer many different types of situations, from issues you can control like your car to those you can't, like the elements.

Check your fluids. People tend to overlook the fluids that are in their car. It's a rare thing to see anyone actually check their oil let alone their anti-freeze! Its always important to check your fluids, and the cooler season months are no exception. Check for leaks as well, so you can attend to those before they cause larger problems.

Keep scrapers in your car. Yes, it's fall, but that doesn't mean we're absolved of freezing temperatures until December. It's already hit the 30's. Scrapers, extra anti-freeze and lock deicer are all components you should have gathered in this point, so keep them all together (Besides the lock deicer, it kind of defeats the purpose if it's stored in your car).

Make sure all of your lights are working. Look for signs of clouding on the headlights and make sure all of your bulbs are still working. Dead bulbs only take a few minutes to replace, but always seems to be put off. Besides assuming responsibility in accidents where you've been rear-ended, wasting your time by being pulled over, and more, you are making the roads much more hazardous. Your lights and signals are the only means of communicating with other drivers. Take that out of the equation and others have no means of knowing what you intend on doing.

What Now? Start Caring For Your Car!

In the end, your car is only as valuable as the time and work you put into it. If you completely neglect it, you can't rightfully assume that it will always prove reliable. All of the fall car care tips we've mentioned above are pretty simple. Most can even be done as you are walking up to your car in the morning before work, or within ten fifteen minutes on a Saturday morning. While it may cost you a few bucks to keep your car maintained, or even a few hundred to replace a part just look at the bigger picture. You continue to keep your family safe and your vehicle running efficiently each and every time you take a moment to make sure it's running the best it could be.

Source:  http://eggzack.com/article/2013-10-31-important-fall-car-care-tips.html

Five Fun Facts About Vehicle Maintenance

Even if you're serious about maintaining your automobile, you'll enjoy these five fun facts about car maintenance.While there are many things you need to do to keep your car running smoothly, these are a few of the tasks associated with basic automobile maintenance:

• Changing the oil and replacing the oil filter
• Rotating and replacing tires
• Checking and replacing wiper blades
• Checking fluid levels
• Checking and replacing brake pads and rotors

While many of these tasks don't seem very exciting, you might be surprised by the following little-known facts about them.

Almost 900 Million Oil Changes Each Year

In 2007, drivers in the United States registered over 254 million passenger vehicles. On average, Americans drive their passenger cars and trucks just over 10,000 miles per year, and they get an oil change every 3,000 miles. That translates to nearly 900 million oil changes!

Different models of cars and trucks take different amounts of oil, but most engines require 5 to 7 quarts. That means that in one year, Americans use at least 1.1 billion gallons of oil in their vehicles. Much of this oil is reused and recycled. 

The First Auto Tires Were Like Bike Tires

Decades ago, drivers had to replace their tires far more frequently than we do today. These days, it's not uncommon to get 50,000 miles or more on a single set of auto tires, but this longevity is due to the advanced technology and materials used to produce modern tires. Radial belts, synthetic and natural rubber components, and body plies, or layers, give today's tires a long lifespan.When inventor Philip Strauss designed the first tire in 1911, the structure of tires was very different. These tires were closer in design to bicycle tires, featuring an inner tube that was inflated to provide a firm base for the outer rubber shell.

Windshield Wipers Were Invented by a Woman

Next time you're driving in a rainstorm, you can thank Mary Anderson, who invented windshield wipers in 1903. Anderson was visiting New York City and noticed that the streetcar driver had to keep his window open in a sleet storm in order to reach his arm out of the car and manually clean his windshield with a squeegee. Anderson received a patent for the windshield wiper, but she couldn't sell the invention to the auto companies, who claimed that the device did not have commercial value. After Anderson's patent ran out in 1920, windshield wipers eventually became a standard feature on automobiles.Today, changing windshield wipers is an important part of automotive maintenance. Wiper blades come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and some are even heated to help keep your windshield clean in icy conditions.

Your Car Uses Six Primary Fluids

Think you can get away with just changing your oil? Think again! Believe it or not, you car actually uses six different fluids:

• Motor oil
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

It's important to replenish and change these fluids according to the car's maintenance schedule, and it's also imperative that you properly dispose of the old fluids. Many of these substances are hazardous to people and animals.

Antilock Brakes Were Invented Over 50 Years Ago

Even though they are a fairly recent safety feature on most passenger cars, antilock brakes have actually been around for half a century. The British company, Road Research Laboratories, created an anti-skid braking system in 1958. The system, called "Maxaret," was used in production in 1966 on the Jensen FF Sports Sedan.

Initially, Maxaret and other antilock braking systems were simply too expensive for automakers, but advances in computerized braking now make it possible to get antilock brakes on almost any new car.
Final Words

While auto maintenance may not be the most scintillating topic of conversation for most people, it's something all vehicle owners have to perform. Next time you're in the waiting room of the car garage, you can entertain the other auto owners with these fun facts about car maintenance.

Source: http://cars.lovetoknow.com/Fun_Facts_About_Car_Maintenance

School Zone Safety Tips | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

Keeping Children Safe

Parents and caregivers who drive on campus and in neighborhoods near school can plan an important role in enhancing safety near schools by following safe driving practices. At arrival and dismissal times, drivers are often in a hurry and distracted which can lead to unsafe conditions for students and others walking, bicycling and driving in the area.

Drivers should always:

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in
  
  neighborhoods surrounding the school. 
• Comply with local school drop-off and pick-up procedures for the safety of all children accessing the school. 
• Avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks to let children out of the car. Double parking will block visibility for other children and other motorists. Visibility is further reduced during the rain and fog seasons when condensation forms on car windows. 
• Avoid loading or unloading children at locations across the street from the school. This forces youngsters to unnecessarily cross busy streets—often mid-block rather than at a crosswalk. 
• Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing. Drive with
  
  
  caution when you see yellow hazard warning lights are flashing on a moving or stopped bus. 
• Stop for a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing, regardless of the
  
  direction from which the driver is approaching. Drivers must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the red lights stop flashing, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed. 
• Watch for children walking or bicycling (both on the road and the sidewalk) in areas near a school. 
• Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. 
• Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing up (out of a driveway or leaving a garage).

Source: http://apps.saferoutesinfo.org/lawenforcement/resources/driving_tips.cfm

Handwash Your Lexus to Maintain Optimal Appearance

“What’s the proper way to wash and wax my Lexus, and how often should I do it?”

For the inside story, I spoke with Joseph DiDonato, the Collision Training Administrator for the Technical & Body Training Department at Lexus College. DiDonato provides training on finish repair to dealer technicians, and also works with aftermarket paint manufacturers to ensure that replacement coatings meet exacting Lexus quality requirements.

“A lot of people neglect the finish because they’re not aware of the replacement cost,” says DiDonato. “Refinishing an entire vehicle can run into the thousands of dollars if they’re not keeping general maintenance up.”

Let’s consider the finish on your Lexus. At the base is a primer/sealer that has been formulated for flexibility; this elasticity makes it more responsive and provides greater protection. Special chip-resistant coatings are added to areas subject to high wear, such as on the hood and around the wheels.

Over the primer you may have anywhere from six to twelve layers of paint. The number of layers is a function of color; solid colors require fewer coatings, while metallic and pearlescent colors require more. Atop the paint is a protective layer of high-quality urethane clear coat, one that DiDonato proudly notes is 50 percent thicker on a Lexus than that found on typical vehicles.

All of this combines to make the finish on your Lexus among the most durable in the industry. And regular washing and waxing will help protect it even further. But there’s a right way to do it.

For starters, hand-washing is the way to go. (Lexus owner’s manuals warn that commercial car wash facilities may scratch your Lexus.) The idea is to hand-wash your vehicle regularly to remove grime and contaminants that can abrade or mar the finish, and apply a high-quality paste/hardened wax only periodically, as needed—primarily for UV protection.

As far as the mechanics of washing a Lexus, DiDonato recommends using “a ph-neutral car wash soap, applied with a wool mitt or soft sponge.” The benefit of ph-neutral soaps is that they clean away grime without stripping existing wax from the finish, enabling you to go longer between wax applications. By contrast, harsh soaps such as dish detergent will immediately strip away the wax, thereby necessitating a reapplication.

Speaking of wax, how do you know when it’s time to apply a fresh layer? DiDonato explains that when you wash your Lexus, the water should roll off the finish “like water off a duck’s back.” If the water clings—drying and leaving spots—that means you’re due for a fresh wax.

How frequently should you wash and wax your Lexus? That depends on where you live. Urban areas with more airborne particulates (aka smog) require more frequent washing. Similarly, if you live near the ocean, remove the extra salt condensation often.

“In big city areas, I’d say wash regularly, on a weekly basis,” says DiDonato. “When you notice that you don’t have the beading, or the rolling of the water off the vehicle, then wax as well. But if you’re using a ph-neutral soap, it may be a few months before you need to reapply the wax.”

One final note: In taking care of your vehicle, Lexus feels it’s important to take care of the planet as well. That means being aware of any local water use or runoff requirements. For example, where I live there’s a great deal of concern about the harmful effects that soap and road grime can have if allowed to drain untreated into the storm sewer. For that reason, at my city’s recommendation, I wash my car in the yard, letting the water drain onto the lawn and soil, which act as a kind of biofilter.

—CLARK HEIDEGER, LEXUS AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

Resource:  http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/magazine/articles/Vehicle-Insider/Ask-Lexus-Car-Wash

Regular Car Checks Recommended During High Summer Temperatures

Staying on top of your car's systems during the height of summer can help ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car's battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir.

As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges.

The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner's manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's tires.

"It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The council reminds motorists that the vehicle's exterior also can be damaged by sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visithttp://www.carcare.org/.

Source: Car Care Council

Simple Tips to keep you Safer when driving at Night | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

Nighttime Driving Safety Tips 

Driving after dark brings extra dangers. When you can’t see far ahead, you have less time to react to an obstacle in the road, whether that’s another car, a person, or an animal. But reduced visibility isn’t the only concern.

Even though there’s much less traffic at night, almost a third of traffic fatalities occur between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The worst times to be on the road are weekend nights, when a lot of people are partying.

In 2012, more than half of the drivers who were fatally injured between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. were legally intoxicated at the time. This suggests that you have a good chance of sharing the road with drunk drivers at some point. Even if they are a small percentage of your fellow travelers, it’s another good reason to take sensible precautions, like leaving a wide berth between your car and the other guy.

Fight glare. A lot of people are sensitive to nighttime glare, from wet roadways and other cars’ headlights. Glare sensitivity gets worse with age. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a 55-year-old takes eight times longer to recover from glare than a 16-year-old. Ask your eye doctor for advice if you find nighttime driving getting harder for you.

Don’t be afraid of your high beams. High beams usually throw light much farther down

the road than low beams do, giving you more time to react to hazards. But most people don’t use their high beams as much as they should. Thankfully, more and more new cars have automatic high beams that dip themselves to low-beam when they sense oncoming traffic or tail lights ahead. They work well, and spare you the inconvenience of turning the high beams on and off manually.

Clean glass(es). To minimize glare, wash your windshield inside and out regularly. If you wear glasses, keep them clean as well. When you get new glasses, consider an anti-reflective coating.

Avert your gaze. To keep from being dazzled by oncoming headlights, switch your gaze to the lower right, toward the lane marker or road shoulder.

Adjust mirrors. AAA recommends the following trick for adjusting the outside mirrors to minimize both glare and blind zones: Move your head to the left-side window and adjust the left mirror so you can just see your car’s rear corner. Then move your head to the center of the vehicle and adjust the right-hand mirror so you can just see the right rear corner.

Inside mirror. Many inside mirrors automatically adjust for nighttime conditions. Others have little lever you flick for the night setting. Get used to using it if you don’t already. It really helps keep you from being dazzled by the cars behind you.

Headlight aim. If your headlights are mis-aimed or misaligned, that not only affects how well you can see, but they can also pose a real problem for other drivers.As a quick after-dark check, position your car 25 feet from your garage door or another convenient target at the same level as your car, and turn on your low beams. The two beams should be at about the same level and no higher than they are immediately in front of the car. You can use a yardstick or tape measure to find the distance from the ground to the middle of your headlight reflectors.

If the headlights don’t seem right, ask a local mechanic or franchised dealer if they have the right equipment for correctly adjusting your car’s headlights.

Resource: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/03/5-steps-to-keep-you-safe-on-the-road/index.htm

Summertime is perfect for adventure | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

Start Planning your next Road Trip

Whether you’re embarking on a three-day trip into the next state, or a three-week cross-country journey, a five-star road trip requires a keen balance of spontaneity and advanced planning.

To help with your road trip, heed the following advice before switching into Kerouac-mode:

• Make sure your vehicle is in sound working order – a cracked timing belt could be the difference between a great road trip and a hellish nightmare. Have your vehicle inspected before pulling out of the driveway. Or, do it yourself if mechanically inclined. Check the lights, directionals, wiper blades, and fluid levels and closely inspect the belts and hoses for wear and tear.
• Check that you have a fully intact car jack. A flat tire is not the time to discover you have a car jack but no lug wrench.
• Carefully examine the spare tire, ensuring that it’s fully inflated and the treads are in good condition.
• Organize an emergency kit stocked with: bottled water, first aid items (band aids, gauze pads, sterile pads), rain jacket, blanket, light sticks or flashlight, pocket knife, and one or two energy bars. Pack only essentials. The more compact, the easier it is to store.
• Check that your mobile phone is in sound working order. Also, be aware if your provider charges roaming fees. If roaming fees are a concern, consider using a phone card.
• Carry either a road atlas or a GPS device. If you know your route, check ahead for possible construction delays. Department of Transportation websites are great sources for road information, providing construction updates, weather forecasts and sometimes live webcams. Check out more on 511 Traffic Systems.
• Peace of mind is a good thing to have on the road. Subscribe with a car club that offers roadside assistance. If your vehicle breaks down 700 miles from home, its comforting to have access to a list of trusted mechanics and towing companies.
• Download road apps. GasBuddy, for example, directs you to the cheapest gas prices along your route.
• If you intend on camping, call ahead and inquire about reservations. This is especially important if you’re traveling during holiday weekends.
• Anticipate rush hour traffic when traveling through major cities. Either alter your route, or change your timing so as to drive through during late morning or early afternoon.
• Make sure you’re carrying all important driving documents: proof of car insurance, vehicle registration. and driver’s license.
• Be aware of state texting and cell phone laws.
• Make sure all traffic tickets are paid. The cleaner the driving record the better for you if stopped.

Resource: http://www.dmv.org/articles/road-trip-tips-plan-a-fun-and-safe-drive/

6 Maintenance Tips for the Non-Mechanic | New & Used Lexus Dealer for Seaside, CA

Oil Level
Depending on the make, year and model of a car, the average oil change comes every 3,000 to 7,000 miles. Without proper oil maintenance, the engine may seize and constitute a much larger bill than a regularly scheduled oil change.

In between changes, check your oil by taking a rag, pulling out the dipstick and wiping it clean. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out to get a reading on oil level. There will be markings for an acceptable range to help determine whether you need a top off or change.

Tire Pressure
Once a month, use a tire gauge to ensure you’re maintaining a proper pressure. You can find the desired level in the owner’s manual and often in the door jam, fuel door or glove compartment.

If the pressure is too low, tires wear quicker and more gas is used. If too high, tires wear easily and have less grip on the road.

Tire Treading
Feel the treading of your tires for any height differentiation or smooth areas. If there are any irregularities, you may be able to preserve tires for a longer period by getting them rotated. If there is extreme wearing or signs of damage, you should take your car in to a service center to avoid flat tires and other dangerous situations.

Air Filter
Owner’s manuals will have recommended timing for filter replacements to keep your car air intake and exhaust emission ideal. With a clogged filter, cars lose fuel efficiency and power. The Internet provides how-to’s in checking air filters if you’re unsure a change is required.

Car Fluids
While most people just consider gas and windshield fluid, there are a number of fluids needed to run a car, including brake fluid, engine oil, radiator/engine coolant and antifreeze, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.

All fluids can be topped off at a service station and typically are during an oil change. Washer fluid is easily filled by yourself but for other fluids, AutoUpkeep.com offers advice, recommendations and how-to’s.

Drive Time
This is most pertinent for those storing cars for long periods of time, such as a deployment. Idle cars have to be started and run for a certain amount of time on a regular basis in order to keep everything working properly and ensure that when you return it’s ready to be used again.

A healthy battery can last up to three months without a car being started, but without a consistent start up, condensation may accumulate and rust out the engine. It’s recommended a car be started at least once a week and run for 10 to 15 minutes.

Lexus Way Ahead in Quality | New & Used Lexus Dealer

Lexus doesn't just have the best quality. It is miles ahead of the rest of the pack.

Lexus’ domination of quality surveys continues. The latest evidence comes from J.D. Power and Associates’ 2015 Dependability Study. The study looks at how many quality defects are reported by owners in a vehicle’s third year of ownership. Lexus leads the industry with an impressive score of 89 reports defects per 100 vehicles. The next closest brand, Buick, has a score of 110. From there the top performers are all relatively close to one another, including Toyota with its score of 111. Toyota’s Scion brand moved up 13 positions on the list this year.

Dependability – What it Means
The Dependability Study looks at 117 customer-reported symptoms in 8 vehicle categories. BlueTooth issues and voice recognition continue to be the most reported type of defects. Automatic transmission issues are also common, though, as a whole, the top performers have very few defects of any kind. Many of the reported BlueTooth issues are blamed on the vehicle when the phone and vehicle are difficult to pair.

Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive at J.D. Power explained this year’s conclusions by J.D. Power, saying, "As we've seen in our Initial Quality Study, technology issues with vehicles are viewed as significant problems by owners, and they typically don't go away after the honeymoon period of vehicle ownership is over… Owners clearly want the latest technology in their vehicles, and they are particularly critical when it doesn't work. Their definition of dependability is increasingly influenced by usability."

At Lexus Monterey Peninsula, we would love for you to come visit us at our Seaside dealership and find the new or used Lexus you have been dreaming of. We make it easy for you to drive away in Seaside without a worry. Please visit our about us page for additional information and directions.

5 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Car | New & Used Lexus Dealer

Here are Five Spring Car Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Remove leftover salt

Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.

2. Check alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.

3. Change oil and check fluids

“If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it, spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services. Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.

4. Rotate tires and check air pressure
You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely.

5. Inspect brakes
Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.

“What You Get Out of It," the Commercial for the First-Ever Lexus NX | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

The all-new NX is our first ever crossover. All-new remote touchpad. Turbo performance. Iconic lighting. Generous cargo room. Dynamic display. Wireless phone charger. And bold, bold lines and curves. What makes it an NX is what you get out of it. Watch and learn what it’s in it for you.

Lexus Announces the Latest Addition to the Daunting 'F' Performance Line: the GS F Sedan | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

Lexus is yet again showing its sporty disposition and rumbling into Detroit. The luxury vehicle manufacturer has announced the much-anticipated GS F performance sedan, which combines a refined four-door package with the speed and agility of a premium sports car, will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 8:40 a.m. EST in the Lexus display at Cobo Center in Detroit. The GS F will be the latest vehicle to join Lexus’ high-performance “F” line that already includes the RC F coupe.

Although the GS 350 F SPORT shares the same platform as the new GS F, they should not be confused. The GS F will have enhancements throughout, including to its engine. Under the hood will be a responsive, naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces a remarkable 467 hp (473 PS )* at 7,100 rpm and peak torque of 389 lb.-ft. (527 Nm)* at 4,800-5,600 rpm. This sophisticated engine uses both Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximize power and efficiency in given situations. Befitting the nature of this high performance sedan, the engine will be mated to a lightning quick eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shifting capabilities.

Lexus’ innovative Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), also found in the RC F, will be part of a long line of standard equipment that’ll make the GS F’s handling stand out from the crowd. The TVD features three operating modes:

• Standard (default) provides a balance of agility and firmness;
• Slalom emphasizes nimble steering response and agility; and
• Track emphasizes control during high-speed circuit driving.

The GS F unibody will also feature structural reinforcements and suspension exclusively designed to optimize this super sedan’s handling envelope without detracting from its ride quality. Drivers will appreciate the GS F’s handling and smoothness on the open highway as well as the sedan’s ability to devour challenging roads, whether they’re winding up the side of a mountain or at a racetrack. The new GS F will offer drivers a very balanced sedan with genuine dual personality, equally adept at trimming lap times and the commute back home.

The Lexus RC F Biometrics Test: How the Body Reacts to Driving the Lexus Coupe | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

AoL video series Translogic has bypassed the subjective parts of an automotive review and gone straight to the hard data — here’s host Jonathon Buckley hooked up to biometric equipment while driving the Lexus RC F:

Lexus still wighing convertible prospects | Lexus Monterey Peninsula

By Noah Joseph

Lexus dealers may be clamoring more for a three-row crossover than a two-door convertible, but as far as the automaker itself is concerned, the prospect of a droptop is not out of the question.

In fact, according to the latest report from Automotive News, Lexus is currently considering two alternative proposals for adding a new convertible to its lineup. One would be based on the LF-C2 concept showcased at the LA Auto Show last month and take the form of an RC convertible, essentially taking the place of the outgoing IS Convertible at a relatively accessible market position. The other would essentially be a roadster version of the LF-LC sports car and take a much higher position in the company's lineup.

Lexus is reportedly evaluating whether it can justify having both convertibles in its lineup – something it hasn't done since the IS and SC convertibles briefly overlapped in 2009-10. But considering the downwards slide in sales of IS Convertibles, it would be hard to make the business case for two new ones.

So if sales of the IS Convertible have been so low, why make a new droptop altogether, you ask? A fair question, and the answer very well might come down to projecting a more youthful image and attracting younger buyers into Lexus showrooms – even if they don't ultimately buy a convertible at all. Lexus is well aware that its core customer base is aging, and is in no rush to alienate its more mature clientele, but if it's going to succeed in the long run, it's going to have to bring in younger customers.