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Just as you gear up to fight off the winter chill, it's also important to make plans to protect your car against the elements. Implementing a little planning and acting on these simple steps can extend the life and looks of your vehicle, in the wintertime and beyond. Cover Up It may be convenient, but leaving your car outside to soak up the sun, wind, and rain can dull a paint job over time. If you have access to a garage or carport, don't be lazy and just leave it in the driveway. Go ahead and pull the car in the garage to park. You'll thank yourself when you don't have to shovel snow and ice to dig your car out when the weather takes a turn for the worse. more Protection Matters You can protect your car's "skin" just the same as you would your own--by applying a little balm. Car wax and paint sealants applied over the car's surface imparts a nice luster while also protecting the paint job from corrosive road salts and dirty snow melt. Don't forget about your tires. Keep wheel corrosion at bay with wheel coating and an application of tire gel will prevent tires from cracking in the cold. Scrape Carefully Use the right tools for the season, such as a snow brush with soft bristles, and be wary of scraping a windshield scraper across paint surfaces, as it may cause damage. In addition, using a windshield wiper fluid that was formulated for wintertime will help keep moisture from freezing. You can also make sure to dust snow and ice off of the hood when you exit the car so that melting run-off won't freeze on the windshield. Pull your wipers up off of the surface to keep them from freezing to the surface so your scraping isn't such a chore. Clean Up One of the best things you can do to prevent corrosion is to wash your vehicle frequently. You can do this at home, but many people prefer to take their car to a car wash or detailer in the winter months to clean even hard to reach places, like the undercarriage and behind mudflaps. Try to wash your car earlier in the day so there will be time for it to dry without water refreezing on the car. Also, beware of washing in very low temperatures, lest your doors and locks freeze shut. The Inside Counts Don't neglect the interior of your car. One surprising place that breeds corrosion is underfoot, beneath your snowy boots. Melting, dirty snow carries road salt which can soak the vehicle floor mats and sink through to the undercarriage, eventually causing rust. It's a good idea to invest in fitted plastic floor mats that will easily wipe clean with a towel. Keep your car clean inside and out in the winter months. If you are vigilant about washing your car and protecting its surfaces, you'll also protect your car's beauty and structural integrity in all seasons. You can also protect your car's "skin" just the same as you would your own, by applying a little balm. Car wax applied over the surface of the car will not only impart an attractive glow, but will also protect the paint job from corrosive road salts and dirty snow melt. Photo by John Morton | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

When people look for a car, one major consideration is if there is enough room for their family. Many people buy SUVs because they offer plenty of space. However, not all SUVs are made alike. Some focus on comfort, while others have advanced technology. Toyota's line of SUVs is designed with comfort in mind as well as upgraded navigation systems, and they are consistently ranked among the top 10 SUVs. These three below give you room for your large family while making sure you get to your destination safely and without any interruptions. 1. Highlander One of the most important parts of driving is how comfortable everyone is. The Toyota Highlander not only fits your family, but it also offers a smooth ride thanks to the six-speed automatic transmission. It provides three rows of seating so no one's squished next to each other, and the first two rows have plenty of head and leg room for eight passengers. Is anyone thirsty? The center console can hold up to 58 juice boxes, so you can be ready when the kids come from practice with their friends. The base and the V6 models get up to 25 mpg on the highway for fewer stops. Additional features include a sunroof, keyless entry, and tri-zone automatic climate control. more 2. 4Runner This SUV is for families who love an adventure. There are also three rows, enough for seven people or a family of five with extra equipment for traveling. Take out the optional third row and you get a pull-out cargo deck that holds up to 440 pounds and storage compartments for every item to fit. Since there will be lots of traveling, the 4Runner has an upgraded infotainment system including navigation integration so you're not lost. The satellite radio is useful when you're driving in the country and there are no radio stations available, or use the app suite on the infotainment to listen to songs via Pandora. 3. Highlander Hybrid This is ideal for families who love the room of the Highlander but want an environmentally friendly SUV. The Highlander Hybrid gets up to 27 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. Its three rows seat seven people well, and the kids in the back will enjoy watching movies on the rear-seat Blu-ray player. Adding to the comfort are leather seats in the first two rows and leatherette in the third, as well as an optional heated steering wheel. The Etune infotainment system helps drivers navigate using an 8-inch touch screen. Large families need comfort in addition to security, and these three Toyota SUVs have it. They all have entertainment to keep people busy, soft seats for optimal comfort, and storage for long road trips. They also provide Bluetooth connectivity and safety features to rival any competitor, but those won't stand out. It's the little differences that make a big impact, so it depends on the needs of your family. These models will not disappoint.   Toyota's line of SUVs is designed with comfort in mind as well as upgraded navigation systems. These three below give you room for your large family.

Thank you for being a customer at Passport Toyota. We look forward to serving you in 2016. We wish you peace, happiness, and an abundance in good health this new year.

To aid the safe implementation of automated driving, Toyota is developing a high-precision map generation system that will use data from on-board cameras and GPS devices installed in production vehicles. The new system will go on display at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2016 in Las Vegas, which will run from January 6 through 9. Toyota's new system uses camera-equipped production vehicles to gather road images and vehicle positional information. This information is sent to data centers, where it is automatically pieced together, corrected and updated to generate high precision road maps that cover a wide area. more An understanding of road layouts and traffic rules (including speed limits and various road signs) is essential for the successful implementation of automated driving technologies. Additionally, high precision measurement of positional information requires the collection of information on dividing lines, curbs, and other road characteristics. Until now, map data for automated driving purposes has been generated using specially-built vehicles equipped with three-dimensional laser scanners. The vehicles are driven through urban areas and on highways, and data is collected and manually edited to incorporate information such as dividing lines and road signs. Due to the infrequent nature of data collection, maps generated in this manner are seldom updated, limiting their usefulness. Additionally, this represents a relatively cost-intensive method of gathering data, due to the need to manually input specific types of data. Toyota's newly developed system uses automated cloud-based spatial information generation technology (developed by Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc.) to generate high precision road image data from the databanks and GPS devices of designated user vehicles. While a system relying on cameras and GPS in this manner has a higher probability of error than a system using three-dimensional laser scanners, positional errors can be mitigated using image matching technologies that integrate and correct road image data collected from multiple vehicles, as well as high precision trajectory estimation technologies. This restricts the system's margin error to a maximum of 5 cm on straight roads. By utilizing production vehicles and existing infrastructure to collect information, this data can be updated in real time. Furthermore, the system can be implemented and scaled up at a relatively low cost. To support the spread of automated driving technologies, Toyota plans to include this system as a core element in automated driving vehicles that will be made available in production vehicles by around 2020. While initial use of the system is expected to be limited to expressways, future development goals include expanding functionality to cover ordinary roads and assist in hazard avoidance. Toyota will also seek to collaborate with mapmakers, with the goal of encouraging the use of high precision map data in services offered by both the public and private sectors. In October 2015, Toyota introduced the Mobility Teammate Concept, which is part of the company's approach to embracing automated driving technologies while keeping fun at the center of the driving experience. To that end, the Mobility Teammate Concept envisages a driver-car relationship based on a shared purpose?somewhat like a relationship between close friends who alternately watch over each other and help each other out. Toyota will continue to develop of technologies that aid the spread of automated driving technologies, with the aim of realizing a society where mobility is synonymous with safety, efficiency, and freedom.

Looking to have fun on the cheap in Washington, D.C.? In a city this big and diverse, you

May the holiday spirit be with you and your family today and throughout the New Year.

Living and working in Washington, D.C., can be expensive, so saving on gas is a priority for many car buyers. Plus, when you pick a fuel-efficient vehicle, you

In Washington, D.C., traffic is serious business. According to some studies, D.C. actually has the worst rush-hour congestion in the country, with commuters experiencing an average of 82 hours of traffic delays each year. With all that time spent in your vehicle, the last thing you want is to let traffic annoyances turn into full-blown road rage. D.C. drivers take note: these are the top tips for keeping your cool in even the worst traffic jams. Leave Extra Time This might seem like an obvious fix, but you Photo by Phil Roeder | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Entune

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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