Rene Isip's Toyota of Lewisville Blog

Fluid Changing: Donald writes, I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma truck with 55k miles. I plan to start pulling my boat and I want a little extra protection for my transmission. I decided to switch to synthetic transmission fluid. The other day on your show, you mentioned the fact that dropping the pan and draining the fluid doesn’t remove it all. Ok, then how do I do it?

Mike: Donald, switching to synthetic fluid will really help. However, it is very difficult to remove all of the fluid from your transmission, torque converter, and cooler without using specialized equipment. Like most transmissions these days, removing your transmission pan and replacing the filter only removes about four quarts out of the fourteen that it holds. Rather than kill yourself or make a mess, go to your local shop or dealer and have them flush it for you. They have a really cool machine that will remove all of the old worn out fluid and replace it with synthetic. (think of it as a colonic for your transmission) For years, I have recommended flushes using BG products. If you go to www.bgfindashop.com you can locate a dealer in your area that can do it for you. It is not an expensive service and it will add years to the life of your transmission. I have done this with all of my vehicles with great success.

Here is a tip: Be aware of the noises your vehicle makes. If you hear a new noise, pay attention to it. I had a neighbor who took their Explorer in for an oil change and a tire rotation. Later that day, their daughter was driving it and a wheel fell off. Come to find out, the lug nuts were left loose on one side, human error. We also found out that their daughter heard the noise in plenty of time to keep anything from happening, but she ignored it and turned up the radio. Luckily, the only damage was to the wheel and wheel studs. Of course, it could have been worse. The moral of the story is, when you hear any funny noises coming from your vehicle, pull into a tire store, auto shop, or a dealer and ask them to look. They usually will not charge you for looking. Please be aware, because if you think a noise could be a problem, it usually is.

Listen to The Automotive Reporter radio program with Mike Herzing and Harold Gunn Sunday mornings from 8:00-9:00 on KGOW 1560AM “The Game” or go online www.1560thegame.com to listen to the show. Mike was an ASE Certified Master Tech and auto shop owner for 31 years. Questions or comments? E mail Mike: mikeh@letstalkwheels.com. For an archive of his articles, go to: www.letstalkwheels.com

Rene’ Isip’s Toyota Of Lewisville launched a completely redesigned Website on March 1, 2011. The dealership is one of the first in the Dallas area to adopt an impressive new SEO Website strategy.

Dallas, TX –Rene’ Isip’s Toyota Of Lewisville announces an all-new, redesigned Website.  While the address will remain the same, the look, function, and the feel of the Website will improve to make navigation easier and faster for customers looking for new and used cars in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

We want our Dallas-Fort Worth area customers to have the best possible user experience when they visit our Website.  The newly redesigned Website has a brighter, more visually appealing look and feel.

“Our goal is to always make sure our customers have a great experience when they visit our dealership,” Scott Fly, General Manager of Toyota Of Lewisville, said. “Our new Website will expand that great experience online by insuring that our visitors are able to find the vehicles, service, and information they are looking for online more quickly. We are really excited with the new Website and we are looking forward to our customer’s feedback on the update.”

The new Website will allow customers to access each department more quickly and efficiently. Customers will also be able to search the vehicle inventory by body style, model, color, year, and desired price range. An enhanced new search feature allows customers to look up vehicles that receive specific miles per gallon.

Toyota Of Lewisville decided on TK Carsites to host the newly revamped Website in order to bolster Search Engine Optimization efforts. TK Carsites is the leader in Automotive Search Engine Optimization(SEO), having recently won awards for both “Best Marketing Strategy” and “Pinnacle Platform” in the Automotive Website Awards.

As one of the first dealerships in the Dallas area to adopt this strategic SEO platform, Toyota Of Lewisville expects to be one of Ward’s top 100 Internet dealers in the United States this year.

“By being found more easily on the Internet and by having a better online shopping experience, we will be able to take care of more satisfied customers in Dallas and all across Texas,” Fly said.

Being heavily engaged in 21st Century Marketing, Toyota Of Lewisville’s new Website will link to all the popular social networking Websites where customers can directly engage with the company.  Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToyotaofLewisville, or follow Toyota Of Lewisville on twitter at www.twitter.com/ToyotaLew to stay up-to-date on all of the latest and greatest Toyota news from Toyota Of Lewisville.

About Toyota of Lewisville

Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville is a new and used car dealership proudly serving the greater Dallas Fort Worth area including Addison, Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving,McKinney, Mesquite, Richardson and Southlake.

To make an appointment with a sales associate contact Toyota of Lewisville by phone at 888-805-6888 or to contact the service and parts department pleasecall 800-639-5673. Additional information can be found at ToyotaOfLewisville.com.

Learn more about Toyota Of Lewisville at http://www.toyotaoflewisville.com.

Jim Flint

Toyota of Lewisville
713-444-5493

jim@johneagle.net

Buy movie tickets, check the weather, hear the latest traffic report, listen to your favorite Pandora playlist, and more…..in your car? Yes, Toyota’s new Entune system syncs your smart phone to your car and provides a one-of-a-kind complete in-car experience right the car dashboard of Texas auto owners.  Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville breaks down this revolutionary game-changing in-dash technology for all car technology enthusiasts in the Dallas area!

How does it work?

Entune couldn’t be simpler or more perfect for the lifestyle of a Dallas, Texas driver. First you download the Entune app to your phone and then pair your phone to your Toyota through Bluetooth. It’s that easy. Gone are the days of listening to radio commercials, fumbling to dial numbers while driving, and hitting traffic at every turn. The revolutionary Entune system makes driving and staying connected simpler than ever before. Once you try Entune, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.

The Apps

Technological innovation and safety features have long been synonymous with Toyota vehicles, and Entune continues that legacy. By seamlessly connecting your Toyota to your smart phone, Entune offers thousands of apps that can be accessed by simply using your voice. Here’s a look at some of the available apps:

Bing provides an easy way to quickly access the web with its voice activated search. There is no question this Microsoft-powered behemoth can’t answer.

Open Table makes finding the perfect restaurant incredibly easy with searches by genre and location. It even lets you make reservations from your car.

Pandora makes your drive endlessly awesome by playing the music that you want to hear without having to deal with annoying radio personalities and cheesy commercials.

Everything your phone can do, Entune can do too. That means turn by turn navigation, traffic reports, and weather are all a couple of spoken words away. Entune’s conversational voice recognition system allows you to control actions without having to memorize a list of voice commands, so you can finally talk to your car like the friend it’s always been. In the busy Dallas Metroplex, with the long commutes and active lifestyle, Entune provides the perfect driving partner, even if you aren’t in the carpool lane!

Safety

In the fast paced traffic around Dallas, safety is of the utmost importance. Toyota never fails to provide the latest safety features, and Entune doesn’t disappoint. Working off of the groundwork laid by Toyota’s Safety Connect, Entune continues to deliver emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location services, automatic collision notification, and roadside assistance. The safety services will leave you with the peace of mind to which other Toyota customers have grown accustomed.

If these features aren’t enough to convince you to purchase a Toyota, then we know a test drive will do the trick. Visit Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville on our website to schedule an appointment today.

Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville is a new and used car dealership proudly serving the greater Dallas Fort Worth area including Addison, Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, McKinney, Mesquite, Richardson and Southlake.

Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville continues its technological leadership in the automotive industry with the introduction of an all-new mobile phone application. The exciting, all-new iPhone app provides instant access to the entire store.

DALLAS, TX – This week Toyota of Lewisville released an all-new free iPhone App to the public. The App allows users to browse the extensive inventory of new, Certified Pre-Owned and used Toyotas.  In addition, users can schedule service appointments, call the dealership directly, send an email and get directions to the dealership.  Users can also connect with Toyota of Lewisville’s thriving communities on Facebook and Twitter and read testimonials from customers on the app.
“Now our customers have a great way to stay connected with us,” Rene’ Isip, Owner of Toyota of Lewisville, said. “The free App provides more convenience and value to our customers. We know they have busy schedules so we want to be as responsive as we possibly can in order to make their experiences as smooth as possible.”
For someone looking to buy a new car, this new App makes Toyota of Lewisville the number one choice. Whether you buy a new or used vehicle, this app will make it as simple as possible to keep it in top condition. Even if you haven’t bought from Toyota of Lewisville before, you can still use the app to make sure you take care of your car.

The service component of the app allows customers to make appointments, add appointments to their calendar and record mileage due for next service. Not only can you record the mileage for the next appointment, but your phone will keep a record of when your car was serviced. Notifications keep app users informed on all the service specials.

Toyota of Lewisville’s new, no cost iPhone App allows you to make easy appointments and stay instantly connected with the dealership on the go. To learn more about the iPhone app, visit www.ToyotaOfLewisville.com.  Find the free App at the App Store on your iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3Gs or iPhone4 by searching “Toyota of Lewisville”.

The new iPhone App allows customers to stay connected to the dealership and schedule appointments even when they are out of town.

About Toyota of Lewisville:

Toyota of Lewisville is a new and used car dealership that proudly provides parts and service for the greater Dallas Fort Worth area including Addison, Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, McKinney, Mesquite, Richardson and Southlake.

To make an appointment with a sales associate contact Toyota of Lewisville by phone at 888-805-6888 or to contact the service and parts department please call 800-639-5673. Additional information can be found on the main website at http://www.ToyotaOfLewisville.com.

The Toyota Camry has been a staple amongst car enthusiasts for decades. In fact, Toyota of Lewisville has sold some customers three, even four Camry’s over the years. We have some friends and even family members that have passed their Camry from one kid to the next as they move through life.

Recently, we asked a few people what they thought about their Camry and what it meant to them. We wanted to see if there were any great stories of how the Camry has made family life easier and more pleasurable.

Carmella Miller loves her Camry!

We found one person in particular that got our attention. Carmella Miller is a mother of two, wife and retired schoolteacher. She wrote something about her Camry that we just could not stop reading. Instead of paraphrasing, we want to share exactly what she said about her Camry.

I bought my Camry, new, in 1997.  She (my green Camry) has 103,523 miles to her credit. My Camry first earned my praises as a commuter car.  I drove an hour round-trip to my job, did the daycare drop-offs for two children, and traveled hours away to see extended family.  It was roomy and easy to get kids in and out of car seats. My Camry still provides a smooth, quiet, and dependable ride everywhere we go.

For over 13 years, my Camry has maneuvered my family dependably during the worst weather. We live at 3,500 feet in the Sierra foothills, and ice and snow are a yearly event. My neighbors still can’t believe I travel the same roads they do without a four-wheel drive, and without studded tires! I attribute much of this to careful driving, but my Camry was right there with me.

My Camry is my truck!  The most amazing feature I appreciate is my Camry’s versatility. I retired in 2004, and began the yard projects and hobbies I always wanted to do!  Here are some things I have transported in my Camry:

* a bale of hay

* furniture

* 4 maple trees

* PVC pipes

* very big critter cages

* 4 2x4s—(that’s lumber)!

Recently, I salvaged two pieces of 2’x4’galvanized ductwork, the worker’s couldn’t believe I said to just put them in the back seat.  What is amazing is that the interior of my car is beautiful. The wear and tear on car seats, kids, dogs, travel, and my project materials have not diminished the upholstery or the interior in anyway.

My Camry, my comfort, my convenience, my dependability, and my versatility.

Everyone here at Toyota of Lewisville would like to take a moment to thank Carmella for sharing this story about “My Camry.”

What’s your Camry story? Share your stories with us on Facebook and Twitter during Camry week.

Since its release into the hands of truck enthusiasts back in 2000, the Toyota Tundra has won the hearts and minds of people everywhere, especially in North Texas.

We ran across one Tundra enthusiast that relies heavily on his truck to bring home the bacon! Have any of you ever tried fly fishing or been on a guided fly fishing trip? Well, we found a person who guides over 300 days a year on various rivers all over the country.

Each and every day, Keith Kaneko of Angling on the Fly guide service, packs up his Tundra with gear and hauls his boat down the dusty and rugged roads to launch his boat. Thankfully, the Tundra has a solid frame, big, aggressive tires, a fail-proof four-wheel drive system and best of all, is very comfortable. This river rock star stops at nothing and each dollar he makes depends on making it safely to the river.

Keith has put his Tundra though the river and over the hills, literally! With over 50,000 miles logged a year hauling, transporting clients and sometimes even making for a great bed, the Tundra is a fly fisherman’s best friend. Fly fishing guides see the sun rise and set every day. Their hands are worn down from constant exposure to the elements and for Keith, the comfort the Tundra provides is of the utmost importance.

The Tundra leads in the outdoors

We asked Keith why he went with the Tundra. He told us,

“Number one, Toyotas are reliable. I have to get to the river every day, no matter what. My clients depend on me to get to and from the river.

Number two is safety. I transport clients every day and know that we are all safe in the Tundra.

Number three rests in the off-road capabilities. Tundras are like nothing else and are impossible to stop. Because of the shorter wheelbase and optimized distribution of power, I can climb anything, even with my boat attached. Bottom line for me is that I have to be there, everyday with a smile on my face and the Tundra helps me do this.

Lastly, after a 15-hour day, I usually have to drive two more hours to get home to my family and I love how my Tundra rides.”

A Tundra made this happen

It’s clear that a year-round, seasoned fly fishing guide knows what it takes to succeed and the Tundra has earned a ton of credit.

This week is Toyota Tundra week at Toyota of Lewisville near Dallas.  Jump over to Facebook now and share your Tundra stories.  Also, make sure to follow us on Twitter.

Family life can be demanding, delivering everyone where they need to be on time takes quite a bit of planning. But with the Toyota Highlander, most of your work has already been done for you.

For 10 years, the Highlander has been transporting families in style and comfort. This award-winning crossover provides all the essentials you need to get to your destination with ease:

Navigation

There’s nothing worse than being lost on the road, and the Highlander gives you the tools to prevent this. The optional voice-activated touch-screen navigation system can help get you where you need to be stress-free. Plus, the navigation screen incorporates the back-up camera, so you don’t run over your kid’s bicycle backing out of the driveway.

Entertainment

Keep kids and adults alike entertained on the trip. The Highlander offers an optional rear entertainment system with a flip-down video screen and DVD player.

For those sitting up front, Bluetooth technology, a USB port and XM Radio are other ways to make the miles fly by.

Safety

Keep an eye on your precious cargo

Safety is a major concern when the family is riding together. The Highlander offers a total of seven airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats. Even whiplash-reducing active front head restraints are standard.

You want to know how well your vehicle would fare in an accident – well, not to worry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Highlander the highest possible rating in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.

Cargo Space

All Highlander models come standard with third-row seating. And for 2011, Toyota improved the third row seat with 50/50 split seating. Now passengers can sit in the very back and you still have extra room for luggage.

With all the seats folded, this Toyota offers a spacious 94 cubic feet of cargo space.

Comfort

How often do people riding in the backseat complain about it being too hot or too cold? You don’t have to hear those complaints anymore. The 2011 Highlander has rear climate control standard on all models.

The second row seat has a 40/20/40-split design. Fold down the center section and you have captain’s chairs; give the kids some room and avoid those back seat scuffles.

Style

The Highlander may be perfect for families but this isn’t your parents’ station wagon. The new sporty design makes it perfect for everything from the outdoor adventure to nights out on the town to taking the kids to soccer

Ready for a little "me" time?

practice.

And with the 270 horsepower V-6, the Highlander hits 60 in 7.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest midsize SUVs on the market.

From the grocery store to football practice, the all-new 2011 Toyota Highlander has you covered and there is only one place to go to get the best price, Toyota of Lewisville.

Stop by Toyota of Lewisville today to test drive the stylish, newly redesigned cross over.  For more information, visit our website, plus check us out on Facebook and Twitter

About Toyota of Lewisville:
Toyota of Lewisville is a new and used car dealership that proudly serves the greater Dallas Fort Worth area including Addison, Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, McKinney, Mesquite, Richardson and Southlake.

To make an appointment with a sales associate contact Toyota of Lewisville by phone at 888-805-6888 or to contact the service and parts department please call 800-639-5673. Additional information can be found on the main website at www.ToyotaOfLewisville.com.

Roger Writes: I have a 2005 Tacoma with an automatic transmission. I plan to tow a small trailer on vacation later this month. Would it be worth adding a transmission cooler? I have heard that it is a good idea, but wanted to ask you.

Mike: Roger, If you plan to do any towing and your vehicle doesn’t already have a transmission cooler, it is a good idea to have one installed. A transmission cooler is a low cost way to lower fluid temperatures and extend the life of your transmission. Severe heat degrades the fluid’s ability to lubricate and greatly shortens its useful life. Anything you can do to drop fluid temperatures will save you a ton of money and headaches in the future. Also, remember to have your fluid flushed out every 25-30k miles.

Help your car beat the heat: If your car sits out in the hot sun every day, there are a few things you can do to keep the interior from being damaged. First, get one of those sun shades and place it behind your windshield every time you park it. This will lower your interior temperatures at least 25 degrees along with keeping your dash and steering wheel from cracking. Second, place a white bath towel across your back seats and that shelf behind the rear window. This will help prevent the sun from damaging your upholstery and deteriorating the seat stitching. It also helps to roll your windows about a quarter of an inch to release some of that hot air. Anything you do will help.

Mike the Car Guy University: In response to all of the great e mails I get every week, I am planning a series of clinics on understanding your vehicle, and using that knowledge to extend its useful life. Details are still being worked out, but the clinics will be in a series and hosted by some of the outstanding dealers in our city. If you would like to be notified when I am teaching in your area, just e mail me and I’ll let you know. MH

About the Author: Mike was an ASE Certified Master Tech and auto shop owner for 31 years. If you have questions or comments, E mail me: mikeh@letstalkwheels.com or go to www.letstalkwheels.com to read more articles. -MH

This car care tip was brought to you by Toyota of Lewisville, please call us with any questions at 469-671-5500.