CAR CARE NEWS :: JANUARY 2012

2012 Camry boasts new Entune multimedia system

Some of the most dramatic changes taking place in your vehicle are not under the hood. They are in the bits and bytes tucked away in processors underneath your dashboard.

“One of the key features today's consumers are looking for is information and entertainment. But it can be a challenge to design a safe, easy to use system in an automobile,” said Bob Carter, vice president and general manager of Toyota.

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Seasonal service

Winter battery tips keep your car moving

A weak battery can leave you out in the cold, literally. Not all batteries require maintenance, but following some basic health tips can improve the life of your car’s battery.

An automobile’s battery is made of lead and plastic components. It contains an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water. When you turn your car key, the electrolyte solution delivers a short burst of high power.

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Car care

Simple solution to improve rainy day visibility

You’re driving through a rainstorm and every time the wipers make a pass they smear water across the windshield. The more it rains, the harder it is to see clearly.

Worse, a thin film of fog coats the inside of all the side and back windows. Using the car defroster doesn’t help much—there’s simply too much moisture in the air.

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Toyota Newsline

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Accessories

Gain control, access to your car via smartphone

You’re walking out of the mall carrying packages in both arms. Your vehicle is one-half mile away. Can your smartphone help make life safer and more convenient?

Absolutely.

So says Ken Gammage of Directed, developer of the Viper Smartstart application for mobile phones. Directed was founded in 1982 and is a leading manufacturer of vehicle security products, as well as major audio brands such as Orion Car Audio and Polk Audio.

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Seasonal driving

150th Civil War anniversary remembered at Shiloh site

A few months from now Captain Lee Millar will polish his saber and spin the cylinder on his Starr pistol. He will wiggle into an old military uniform that’s been hanging at the back of his closet.

The Captain will adjust the lapels of his gray jacket and don the accoutrements of war. His destination is some two hours drive east of his Memphis home. There, in the Tennessee hinterlands near weathered tombstones, Millar and thousands of brethren from re-enactment groups such as the 51st Tennessee Infantry intend to occupy Shiloh.

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Before you go

New California driving laws take effect Jan. 1

California motorists should be aware of some of the new laws going into effect January 1, 2012.

These new traffic laws were passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor earlier this year, and the California Highway Patrol is asking the motoring public to familiarize themselves with the changes before they take effect.

“Our hope is by educating the public of these new traffic safety laws in advance, more lives will be saved in the new year,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

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