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Toyota once again led the industry on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Photo by Beige Alert | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Having a car is a great investment. It gets you where you need to go and is a reflection of your personal style. However, it won't get you anywhere if it's not properly taken care of. Keeping your car clean, both inside and out, is very important to its longevity. Here are seven tips that will make sure your car stays clean longer. 1. Clean the Carpets It is hard to avoid getting your carpets dirty. Even if you forbid everyone to eat in the car, shoes are full of dirt that collects on the carpet. You can get them cleaned at a local car wash, or use carpet shampoo and do it yourself. Vacuum regularly to pick up any loose dirt. more 2. Wipe Surfaces Down Your dashboard, steering wheel, and other hard surfaces pick up lots of germs and dirt from hands. Clean these surfaces to prevent the spread of bacteria and to keep the car clean and smelling fresh. To be chemical-free, use baby wipes rather than ones from an auto store. 3. Keep Your Seats in Good Condition Lots of people sit in your car, and over time those seats get worn out. Proper cleaning will help them look new again. Leather seats need a special conditioner to make them shine, while cloth seats should be vacuumed and scrubbed. 4. Clean Air Vents Dirt builds up over time. You don't want to turn on the air conditioner and have a blast of dirt hit your face. Vacuuming air vents consistently helps to prevent buildup and damage to your car and your health. 5. Maintenance Is Key You have to keep your car running smoothly, so don't forget to check under the hood. Change your oil as needed, and make sure to top off wiper, brake, and other fluids. Even changing the wiper blades when they wear out prevents problems. Proper maintenance helps your car run for tens of thousands of miles. 6. Use an Air Freshener Even after cleaning your car, sometimes a smell still lingers. Hang an air freshener on the rear-view mirror or clip it on the vent. It releases a pleasant scent for up to 30 days, so remember to change it monthly. 7. Keep a Trash Can in the Car You bring all kinds of items into your car, from receipts to food. Once you realize you need to get rid of them, either you look around for a garbage can or stick trash in the back seat. You forget about it until you don't know what that smell is. A trash receptacle in the car is useful; it can be as simple as a plastic bag. These seven tips are just the beginning to keeping your car running well and looking good for a long time. Proper care and cleaning helps your car last for a long time. You do invest in maintenance, but keeping your car free from trash and dirt is also a great long-term strategy. Photo by VintageBlue | Licensed under cc0 1.0

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The Toyota Avalon went through a major change in its 2013 models, providing better interior space and a more sleek design. In 2016, the Avalon Hybrid XLE added features to rival competitor sedans. Here are five reasons you should consider this car. Improved Engine The Hybrid XLE has an engine that improves upon the Avalon. A standard Avalon has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that gets 268 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 6.7 seconds. The Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine. This combines with the transmission setup to give 200 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 8.2 seconds. While the speed seems lower, the Hybrid offers three different driving modes. For example, the EV mode runs on just battery and goes up to 25 mph, saving you gas when speeds are slower. more Safety Features The Hybrid XLE takes safety a step further to protect the ones you care about. There are rear-side thorax air bags and front knee bags that received high crash-test safety ratings. The Hybrid XLE also has a Rear Cross Traffic Alert System, featuring sensors on the rear quarter panels to let you know when vehicles are approaching on the side or from behind. This safety feature prevents accidents as you're backing out the driveway or getting around tight spaces. The tire pressure monitoring system prevents underinflation, which leads to flat or blown tires. Low Price Compared to other luxury sedans on the market, the Hybrid XLE gives you more features for less money. The base MSRP price of $32,650 is lower than the competitor's $34,000. There is better back room than other sedans, providing comfort for up to four adults. The Hybrid's 14 cubic-feet trunk is a little smaller than Avalon's 16 cubic feet, but there is more than enough room for grocery bags or sports equipment. Fuel Economy The Hybrid XLE is great on fuel efficiency. It weighs about 3,600 pounds, less than other cars with heavier battery packs. The structure is lighter, stronger, and stiffer, providing the Hybrid with more fuel savings. You get 39 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, and the Sport Mode provides a power boost around corners without sacrificing gas. Features That Satisfy Everyone The Hybrid XLE has features that excite drivers and passengers alike. Drivers get a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and heated mirrors for the colder months. The premium package also includes wireless charging so you don't fumble with cords. Passengers will love the leather seats, as well as the Mp3 player and CD player. Acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows make the ride quiet. These five features on the Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE are just a small description of what this car offers. Toyota upgraded the car and received high safety ratings, better fuel efficiency, and comfort for everyone inside, and

Forty-three thousand energetic Toyota team members prove their efficiency efforts are no carbon copy. With a renewed focus on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects, Toyota has achieved a feat no other automaker can claim: 11 consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

When we drive our car, we are mindful of other vehicles and follow the rules of the road. However, there are times when we find ourselves in an accident, no matter how cautious we are. How many people Photo by StockSnap | Licensed under CC0

Give a gift of Toyota parts or accessories that are custom fitted, custom-designed, and durability-tested for Toyota and receive 10% OFF this Holiday Season.

D.C. is a prime destination for those who love museums. Whether you Photo by skeeze |Licensed under cc0

Getting your windshield dirty is easy. Cleaning it, however, is also easy. Visit Passport Toyota Service Center and see if your wiper blades need replacing today.

As the maker of one of the first SUVs in the world, Toyota knows a thing or two about creating the best SUVs on the market. Since the unveiling of the Landcruiser in 1957, however, Toyota has increased its SUV output to include five different models, ranging from compact to absolute behemoth. So, which one is right for you? Check out a few of the features of these vehicles, and you'll find the decision a little easier. Landcruiser This is the mother of them all. Still regarded as one of the most ingenious and innovative SUVs of all time, the Landcruiser is now a luxury vehicle that's as practical as it is fancy. For an outdoorsman, the Landcruiser can kick it into high gear and outperform many other SUVs on the market. Inside, you'll find heated seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation system, and an optional rear entertainment system. If you can foot the starting price of $83,000, the Landcruiser might be the perfect SUV for you. more Rav4 The smallest offering from Toyota on the SUV side isn't necessarily void of features. Its attractive exterior mixes with a loaded interior to create an SUV for just about anyone. Available in both a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive option, the Rav4 has a peppy four-cylinder engine that provides power, as well as great gas mileage of up to 30 mpg. Standard features also include a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, rearview camera, and USB port. With all these features, this compact SUV is worth a look. Highlander If the Landcruiser is too big and the Rav4 is too small, then the Highlander might be just right. This mid-sized SUV was recently voted as one of the best SUVs for families thanks to a spacious interior, alluring exterior, and a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also has increased cargo space in 2015 compared to previous models, and has many other amenities for families, such as a power-lift tailgate, foldable third-row seats, and seating for up to eight people. Sequoia This monster, full-sized SUV is definitely the vehicle if your philosophy is "bigger is better." With room for eight and a whopping 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space, you can take the crew wherever you want to go in both style and comfort. In addition, optional features include heated leather seats, rear entertainment system, and climate control. Plus, you can add a tow package to haul a boat or trailer. 4Runner The 4Runner is on the same level as the Landcruiser, with a tough body and slick handling to tackle even the toughest off-road obstacles. The SUV also includes many of the best amenities Toyota offers such as a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, power moonroof, and heated front seats to get you to the top of the mountain in comfort. You really can't go wrong no matter which of these SUVs you choose. Depending on your needs and cash reserves, you'll definitely find the one that caters to your every whim. Without a doubt, Toyota's offerings trump all the competition. Image via Toyota

Like other inevitabilites such as death and taxes, winter looms, and with it comes potential problems for the unprepared. However, your car doesn't have to fall victim this year. By prepping your car for winter well ahead of the inclement weather, you can avoid the headaches of an unreliable vehicle. Here's a few ways to prep your car for the harsh Washington, D.C., weather. Do a Routine Maintenance Check If you're taking a car in for an oil change or a tire rotation, have the mechanic make sure all of your car's systems are running efficiently and properly. This includes a check of the battery, antifreeze, brakes, heater, and defroster. All of these are integral to ensuring your comfort and safety during the winter, and many places do it for little or no cost to you. more Get New Tires Another problem that arises during winter is traction in snowy or icy conditions. That's why it's important to make sure your tires are up to the challenge. If you have an SUV or all-wheel drive vehicle, this is less of a concern, but it's still important to check. The best way to do this is the penny test. Turn a penny upside down so Lincoln's head is facing you. If his head disappears when you put the penny in your tire treads, you're probably all right. However, if you see his whole head, your tires are bald and it's time for a replacement. Pack an Emergency Kit In many places during the winter, road conditions get bad enough that the Department of Transportation opts to close roads. Often it's late on this judgement call, causing motorists to become stranded on the interstate. In case of the worst scenario, it's a necessity to have an emergency kit. In this kit include batteries, a flashlight, nonperishable food, bottled water, extra clothes, and a blanket. With these items, you'll enable yourself to stave off a long night when stranded. Plan Ahead Whether you're headed to work or taking a 500-mile road trip for the holidays, you need to plan ahead. Listening to weather reports is a surefire way to avoid massive storms. If this is the case, check a map or GPS to find alternate routes to and from your destination. Although it may take a little longer, it's certainly better than hitting a storm or having to stay a night somewhere out of your way. Keep Your Fuel Tank Filled The reason to keep your tank filled is twofold. First of all, in an emergency, you don't want to run out of gas. If you do, you may not have heat to keep yourself warm. Secondly, a low gas level allows condensation to form inside the gas tank. If this water leaks into your fuel line, it can freeze and cause the line to burst. When in doubt, it's best to top it off. Winter driving doesn't have to become a fiasco. With some planning during the fall, you'll find that it's as easy as ever to navigate the roads, even when conditions are far from stellar.   image via Toyota