How to Boost Your Fuel Economy

While New Jersey has relatively lower gas prices than its neighbors, improving your fuel economy can help you save more money, while reducing your carbon footprint. Here are some simple ways to boost your car's fuel efficiency and get more miles to the gallon.

Change Your Driving Habits

Speeding, stomping on the brakes, and accelerating too quickly all waste fuel. Break away from these habits to improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these bad habits can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town. Stick to the speed limit and stay aware of your surroundings so you can coast to a stop. Not only will these best practices help you save money, but also they'll increase your safety.  To avoid speeding on long trips, use cruise control. By maintaining a constant speed, cruise control can help you conserve gas when driving on the highway. 

Another habit to avoid is idling. Depending on your engine size and air conditioner, idling can waste a quarter to half a gallon of fuel per hour. Always turn your vehicle off when it's parked.

Know When to Roll the Window Up

On slow city streets, turning off the AC and rolling the windows down can help conserve fuel. However, when driving on the highway at faster speeds, roll your windows up. The aerodynamic drag caused by driving with the windows down at fast speeds lowers the fuel efficiency more than the AC.

Properly Maintain Your Vehicle 

 

Regular vehicle maintenance is key to healthy car. For a fuel-efficient vehicle that operates at peak performance, you need to follow the maintenance schedule provided in your owner's manual. Old engine oil, worn spark plugs, and dirty air filters can impede fuel economy, so get them changed as required.  

Also make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can reduce your mileage by 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in the average pressure of all tires. Low tire pressure can also cause premature wear and poor handling. Refer to your owner's manual for the appropriate tire pressure. Check your tires at least once a month and re-inflate as needed.  Keep in mind that the tire pressure decreases more rapidly in cold weather. 

Lighten Your Load 

Don’t drive around with dead weight, such as an empty roof rack or that pile of junk in your trunk. The heavier your load is, the harder your engine has to work, and the worse your fuel economy is. Remove things from your car that you don't use frequently. Your passengers, engine, and wallet will thank you. 

Buy the Right Fuel

Make sure you are purchasing the right octane gasoline for your vehicle. The correct fuel can be found in your owner's manual. If your vehicle takes regular fuel, premium-grade gas won't improve your fuel economy. It'll only put a bigger hole in your pocket. 

Choose a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

When it's time to buy a new car, choose the most fuel-efficient option that suits your needs. The Department of Energy reports drivers can save up to $1,400 in fuel costs each year by simply choosing the right vehicle. A motorist who drives 15,000 miles a year at $2.15 a gallon will save nearly $2,700 with a vehicle that gets 30 MPG instead of 20 MPG.  For a fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs, check out our New Jersey auto sales at Autoland in Springfield.

Drive Out of Route 22 Toyota with Your Car for the Next Decade

One of the main reasons drivers choose Toyota more than any other brand of vehicle is the understanding that Toyota’s are built to last. The car you buy tomorrow could very well be the car your child drives ten years down the road. When you purchase a new vehicle at your Route 22 Toyota dealership, we want you to feel like you bought a car that will be part of your family for at least a decade. That’s why we put together the following tips to follow to ensure a long lasting relationship with your new Toyota

• Never Skimp on Preventative Maintenance – It’s not only imperative that a new Toyota gets an oil change every 3,000 miles, it’s also important that the filters and motor oil purchased are of a high quality. Paying extra on synthetic motor oil and the filters that are used during your oil change could pay off big time in the end. Also, consider keeping track of your tire pressure and driving in a manner that doesn’t put your car under unnecessary strain.

•  Inspect Your Vehicle – The worst problems with vehicles are the ones that go unnoticed for too long. While things can certainly be spotted during your routine maintenance checkup, make a habit of inspecting your vehicle for a few minutes from time to time. In doing this you may find issues with the hoses under the hood, tires that are wearing unevenly or even save yourself from a ticket by noticing one of your lights is out.

• Keep That Shine – Regular car washes may seem more about style than substance, but that’s not really the case. Keeping your car washed regularly can actually help prevent damage to the outside of your vehicle. This is especially true during the winter months in New Jersey where rock salt is everywhere and can eat away at your paint year after year.

•  Follow the Laws – It sounds simple enough, but the laws of the road are put in place not only to keep the masses safe, but to keep you and your vehicle safe as well. The more law abiding you are on the open road, the more likely your vehicle will remain untouched. And nothing takes away from the longevity of a vehicle more than a preventable accident.

• Cover Up – We talked about regular washes for a clean exterior that prevents body damage during the winter, but the summer months can be brutal on the body of your car as well. Leaving your car out underneath the hot sun day after day can actually lead to solar damage. Also, utilizing a carport will protect your vehicle from bird droppings as well as sap from nearby trees.

The best part about these tips is they don’t require an excessive amount of work but can lead to huge savings on vehicle repair during your time with your Toyota vehicle. A responsible owner will always get the best value from their car. Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our experts or stop by our Route 22 Toyota dealership today!

5 Great Fall Day Trips in and Around North Jersey

Fall is just about here, and if you are thinking of taking a day off anytime soon, you may want to get out of town and see something different! Autumn offers loads of opportunities for fun day trips to enjoy the cooler weather and colorful leaves. At Autoland, your Springfield, New Jersey auto sales dealer, we want to help you find and get to these destinations, so here are our picks for great day trips in and around north Jersey:

1.  The Delaware Water Gap – If you're into leaf viewing, then the Delaware Water Gap should be your premiere destination. Located in the northwest corner of New Jersey where it borders the Delaware River and Pennsylvania, this recreation area offers some of the best natural views in the state. And one of the best things about it is that you can experience this area in a number of ways and from different perspectives. You can stop at one of the many scenic overlook spots for great pictures and a full-scale view of the thousand-foot-deep water gap; if you are the active sort, take a kayak or raft down the river, or hike the mountain trails of the area.

2.  Carton Brewing – Located in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, Carton Brewing has made a name for itself in the ever-expanding craft beer market with imaginative brews and flavors. Try one of their favorites like the 077XX, an east coast double IPA with standout flavors of hops, yeast, malt, and tropical fruits or one of their specials, like the Pumpkin Cream ale, with flavors of pumpkin, cream, orange, ginger, and peppercorns. Their hours are relatively limited on weeknights (Thursday and Friday, from 5 to 7:30 P.M.), but they are open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 5 P.M. Eat a good meal before going, as they don't serve food, and stay at the local Blue Bay Inn (a five minute walk), so that you won't have to worry about driving afterwards. Remember, always drink responsibly!

3.  The Cloisters – If you are interested in history – especially European – the Cloisters are a must-see! A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that is located in northern Manhattan overlooking the Hudson, this museum houses some fascinating historical artifacts, none more impressive than the building itself. The Cloisters were designed and constructed based on historical records (the building was completed in 1938), with bits and pieces of actual cloisters built into the fabric of the structure. Rather than mimicking a specific building, the Cloisters actually represent the progression of architectural styles through the centuries in chronological order – meaning that seeing them is almost like taking a fast-forwarded journey through time.

4.  New Hope, PA – This is one of those quaint little towns that is just so easy to love! Brimming with arts and culture, and boasting beautiful river views and historical buildings, New Hope has something for everyone.

• Walk part of the Delaware Canal Towpath, a 60-mile stretch of track that was used to tow coal and other cargo in the 19^th century.
• Head into town to get dinner at one of the many restaurants. You'll find many different types of cuisine, from French and Mediterranean to Indian, new American, and even some vegan and vegetarian options.
• If you're looking to sample some good adult beverages and have a great meal, try out Nektar Wine Bar or Triumph Brewing Company.
• When you're done with dinner, head to the Bucks County Playhouse to catch a show.
• And don't forget to squeeze in some shopping while you are here. New Hope has tons of little specialty boutiques that just exude eclectic charm.
• And if you haven't gotten enough out of New Hope, walk across the bridge to New Jersey (it's literally just across the river!) to visit Lambertville, which offers more restaurants and shops, and the same rustic, small-town atmosphere. 

5.  Barnegat Lighthouse State Park – If you are looking for a beach trip without the crowds, fall is a great time to plan one. And visiting Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on Long Beach Island is sure to please! The lighthouse is open to the public, and you can climb to the very top to get amazing views of the island, Island Beach State Park across the inlet, and the ocean. Take note – with 217 steps, the climb to the top is relatively strenuous, so anyone with heart problems should use caution. When you have descended, head down to the beach, put your feet in the water, and do some seashell collecting. Beautifully-hued scallop shells can be found in abundance here!

Remember to always ensure that your vehicle is up to date on maintenance and inspections before you travel to any of these places. This will help you to avoid any breakdowns in unfamiliar areas, as well as any trouble with John Q. Law. Click here to schedule a service appointment online!

The Extra Features Everyone Wants in a Car

If you're thinking of getting a new car, what features do you think are the most important? Some people will say that they want a car with a good brake system, and others will say that fuel efficiency is their top priority. Everybody has different needs, and when you go car shopping, you may find that an extra feature will make or break your decision. Newer cars come with a lot of bells and whistles and, when you're trying to decide between vehicles, the number of extras can seem overwhelming. Here at Autoland, we've noticed some of the trends, and are here to list some of the features that are most popular:

Extra Power Outlet

Think about how many electronics you have: perhaps you have a smartphone, an iPod, or a tablet that you use a lot. And you may not have a lot of places, if any, to plug in at work. This is where having a USB port in your car can come in extra handy. Many new cars today come with a USB port or two standard, allowing you to charge your devices on your commute or even your lunch break, if need be. The best news about this? If your car should break down, your phone will be fully charged, making it easy to call for a tow!

OnStar Safety Systems

Flat tires, engine problems, and even accidents can occur at any time, and OnStar is designed to help drivers during any kind of troublesome situation. OnStar advisers can call a tow truck to your vehicle, call for police assistance, or even just talk to you if you're feeling anxious in tough driving situations. OnStar does charge a monthly service fee, but it's worth it when you consider the essential safety features you're paying for.

Keyless Entry

Cars have been toying around with keyless entry systems for a few decades now, but keyless lock technology has come a long way. Keyless entry systems allow you to unlock your car by pushing a button on a remote. A lot of people see this feature as a minor and lazy perk, but keyless entry is also useful for safety purposes. No more fumbling when your hands are full of bags, and you won't have to struggle with keys if you're parked in an unfamiliar and poorly-lit area.

GPS Navigation

Many of the latest Toyota vehicles will often have a GPS navigation feature built into them, which is very convenient. After all, your phone may have a GPS app, but fumbling with it when driving can be incredibly unsafe; the system built into the car keeps your hands free.

At our New Jersey auto sales dealership, you'll find all of these extras and more. Call or contact us at Autoland for more information today!

Simple Tips for Affording your New Car

Buying a new or used car is a financial milestone for everyone, even if they've done it countless times in the past. Unless you're making six or more figures a year, getting together the money to buy a car isn't simple. You have to build up your savings (or dip into them), crunch a lot of numbers, and hope that you made the right decision in the end. We know everything there is to know about New Jersey auto sales, and we can help you make sure that you can afford your next vehicle. You don't have to be a financial genius to buy a car, and if you follow these tips you'll have nothing to worry about!

Don't live in a fantasyland of affordability

This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised by how many people define something as being "in their budget" when it really isn't. If you and your significant other have a combined income of $50,000 a year, a $35,000 car may take too long to pay off. When you take what you can afford into account, don't just think about the sticker price. Consider how much you pay for gas, insurance, and maintenance like oil changes. Suddenly, a $350 car payment that looked doable can be daunting. Also don't limit yourself to cars that are at the top end of your price range. Just because you can afford it doesn't mean that you should buy it.

Get something from your old car

If you're looking for a new or used car it may be because your current one is no longer working and, therefore, of little value to you. However, even the most beat up clunker can be worth something. Your car may have seen better days, but a charitable organization like Purple Heart Cars or Kars 4 Kids could benefit from it. You may not get cash, but you can get a hefty tax break. If you really want to earn a profit from your old car, you can also consider selling it to a scrap yard. The scrap metal business is booming, and you could take home a couple hundred dollars if you find a good deal.

Focus on the big picture

You may think that the car with the lowest monthly payment is your best option, but that can sometimes be untrue. The monthly payment is always important when it comes to your day-to-day spending, but the amount of interest on your loan is equally important. If you find a car that has a low monthly payment and high interest, it could hurt you in the long run. This doesn't mean that low monthly payments are a bad thing; it just means that you should consider every financial aspect of your vehicle purchase carefully to get the best deal.