Let’s Go Places With Dad

Father’s Day is just around the corner.  Where are you taking dad this weekend?  Why do you love your dad and think he is number one? Share your stories and photos with us!

Ideas for Father’s Day

A fishing trip can be a great time to connect with your dad, and with nature.  Take dad to the lake or a close by pond to enjoy the outdoors together.

An Outdoor music concert is the perfect place to take dad this time of year.  Whether dad enjoys rock, classical, country, or soul, there are plenty of opportunities to check out great music this weekend.

A few places you could check out in Kansas City metro area:

  • The Country Club Plaza live music this weekend from classical to jazz.
  • Arrowhead Stadium country concert starting Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Eli Young Band, and Kacey Musgarve.
  •  Kauffman Center Lee’s Summit Symphony
A day at the Water park is exciting for dad and the kids!  Kansas City is known for great Water Parks.  If you love swimming and lots of sun, I can’t think of a better place to spend the day with dad.
A car show can be some quality bonding time with dad.  Is your dad a car nut?  Contact your local car clubs to find amazing vintage hot-rods or the latest electric car.

The Rainy Season

The rain just keeps coming, and won’t let up until the weekend, it seems.  These past few days we haven’t seen much sunshine.  The rain has been great for the grass and crops, but not too great on our windshields.  If you haven’t kept up with your wiper blades, you may be in a little predicament.

To avoid damage to your windshield during this raining season:

  • Keep your windshield clean.  Cleaning your windshield and wiper blades regularly will help avoid wear and tear. Wiper blade scratches are often caused by dirt buildup on the windshield. It takes a lot of rain or wiper fluid to get rid of the buildup, so it is better to hand wash the windshield first, and then run the wipers.
  • Do not run the wipers on a dry windshield. Who hasn’t accidentally turned on the wipers when it isn’t raining? This is probably the number one cause of wiper scratches.  Although, if you keep your windshield clean, you cut the risk of scratches if you accidentally turn on the wipers.
  • Make sure your wiper fluid is filled and working properly. If your wiper fluid barely sprays, it may cause scratches while trying to clean the windshield. If the reservoir is full, then check the spray nozzles and clean them if they are clogged. If that doesn’t work, you may need a new washer fluid pump.
  • Inspect wipers regularly. If they are worn out, replace them. It is cheaper to replace wiper blades than a windshield! Also check the clips to make sure they are locked in place. Loose clips can cause scratches. On standard wipers, loose or missing clips allow the blade to twist and bend which causes the metal part of the blade to scratch the glass.
For more information about your wiper blades or other Toyota parts contact us at 816-942-5200 or online at www.molletoyota.com.  We’re located off 435 between Stateline and Wornall, 601 West 103rd Street Kansas City, Missouri 64114.  Your safety is our utmost concern.

 

 

Why Our Brand?

The process of buying a car starts with choosing your favorite car brand.  How do you choose between brands?  Do you look for the brands that are most likely to offer the type of reliability and features you’re looking for?  Choosing the best brand is not always easy.   From the wide variety of possibilities it’s difficult to use the various resources put at disposal by all those professionals that do their best to find which car on the market is the best fit for you. The work of those professionals make it possible to avoid the worst car brands on the market.  Our professionals at Molle Toyota recommend focusing on cars that are most likely to hold onto their value as time passes.

The latest Consumer Reports’ Car Brand Perception Survey again shows that top automotive brands remain Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Chevrolet.

For 2013, Toyota has a 15-point advantage with its 133-point overall brand perception score over second-ranked Ford. Toyota boasted a more dramatic lead in 2010, and faded the next year.  However, Toyota has edged back up and is number one now.

Memorial Day is fast approaching and millions of Americans will be hitting the road for the lake, family visits, shopping and more.  The roads will be crowded and you should expect lines at the gas stations. A valuable brand can give you the confidence you need for long road trips.  Toyota fits the description of the best road-trip friendly cars that can go the distance.

For more information about our brand and inventory at Molle Toyota contact us at         816-942-5200 or online at www.molletoyota.com.  We’re located off 435 between Stateline and Wornall, 601 West 103rd Street Kansas City, Missouri 64114.  Molle Toyota, the two most trusted names in Kansas City.

Safety Tips For You and Your Family

Five Child Safety Tips

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,  ”car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States.”  Families are always on the go and spend a lot of time in the car.  Busy days lead to distractions and that it why it’s important you know how to keep your children safe during these busy times. By following these tips from Molle Toyota, you can be sure that you’re doing what it takes to maximize safety while driving from place to place.

First Tip

Choose the proper child safety seat: Child safety seats need to be carefully chosen according to a child’s age, height and weight. There are different child safety seats for infants and toddlers like rear-facing and forward-facing seats. Once your child has outgrown these, they may need a booster seat until they are big enough to wear just a seat belt. Children should usually switch to a booster seat when they reach 40 lbs. and are between the ages of 3-4 to help with the positioning of the child’s seat belt.

Second Tip

Always have children ride in the back seat: Children 12 years old or younger should always ride in the back seat. The back seat is generally the safest place in the car, especially for children because of the dangers posed by passenger airbags. It’s also important to know your local child restraint laws.

Third Tip

Check safety belt fit: Make sure your child’s safety built fits correctly.  When your child has outgrown a booster seat, you want to make sure the seat belt is fit right. The seat belt must fit low and tight on the upper thigh and not the stomach, while the shoulder belt should fit across the chest and not the neck or face. Children shouldn’t put the shoulder belt underneath their arm or behind their back.

Fourth Tip

Use the LATCH restraint system: When securing your car seat into a new Toyota use the LATCH restraint system which helps you properly secure child safety seats. This system is made up of lower anchors and top tethers which are built in the rear seats to hook onto a child safety seat and keep it secure. The LATCH restraint system comes standard in all new Toyota’s.

Fifth Tip

Lead by example:  The final tip, is just as important as the other safety instructions.  Always remember to buckle up and remind everyone else in the vehicle to as well.  When an adult wears a seat belt, it is more likely that the children with them will also wear their seat belt. Lead by example, by following all safety rules when on the road.

Along with these tips, you must know the safety features available in your new Toyota.  When you buy a new Toyota from Molle Toyota our professional sales associate will go over the safety features and make sure you understand each one.  It’s smart to go over the owner’s manual right after you buy your new Toyota to understand the safety feature as best as you can.  Our new Toyota’s at Molle Toyota have some outstanding safety features that will help keep your family safe.

For more information about the safety features available in your new Toyota contact us at 816-942-5200 or online at www.molletoyota.com.  We’re located off 435 between Stateline and Wornall, 601 West 103rd Street Kansas City, Missouri 64114.  Your safety is our utmost concern.

How Smart Drivers Get Better Gas Mileage

How to drink less fuel?  A few simple steps will leave you an efficiency enthusiast.  Gas prices remain low, but forecasted to climb higher.  Today, gas prices are up from yesterday, and with Memorial Day approaching we will see a perk in gas prices soon.

5 Simple Steps to make you a fuel efficiency enthusiast:

First Step: Don’t be a lead foot.  The harder you accelerate the more fuel waste.  Drive slower and save more!  Fuel efficiency decreases significantly above 60 mph.  Those who drive slower can lower their gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speed.  Aggressive driving and rapid acceleration will leave you with less fuel.  So, watch your driving style and behavior the next time you get behind the wheel.

Second Step: Remove excess weight.  Next time you decide to leave your heavy tools or golf clubs in your trunk, think about the extra energy it takes to carry more weight.  The more energy, the more fuel consumed.  Get rid of the extra weight.

Third Step: Keep tires properly inflated.  This sounds simple, but people get too busy and forget to check their tires.   A properly inflated tire will not only will last longer, it will reduce the energy necessary to make it roll.  Concerning inflation pressures, it’s wise to air the high side.  Keeping your tires properly inflated will help you become a fuel efficiency enthusiast.

Fourth Step: Maintain your engine.  Putting off oil changes can lead to the buildup of sludge. Old spark plugs may not fully ignite fuel. A dirty air filter will reduce an engine’s power output. All of the above lead to less efficient

Fifth Step: Plan your trip.  Make sure you route the trip properly to save time and money.  This is a simple step, but sometimes we forget to plan our trips to save money!

If you put all these steps together, I can assure you will save money at the pump and help the environment.  For more tips and information regarding your vehicle or searching for a new car, Molle Toyota is here to help you with any new or used vehicle, service, parts or collision center needs.

100 Cars for Good – Toyota is Giving Away 100 Cars in 100 Days


It’s that time of year again.  The season of 100 cars for good is just around the corner.
Once again, Toyota is giving away 100 cars to nonprofit organizations, and each vote counts!  We need your help choosing a nonprofit organization that would appreciate a new Toyota.

The way it works:

Each day for 100 days, online voters will choose which of five nonprofits will take home a BRAND new Toyota. The organization who receives the most votes at the end of the day will take home a new Toyota.

Until March 26, nonprofit organizations can apply to be a finalist. From May 14 to August 21, organizations will be posted on Toyota’s Facebook page and voters can start picking their favorite nonprofit. We encourage you to help support your favorite nonprofit and make sure they’ve applied for the chance to win a brand new Toyota.

Toyota will be giving away several different models including the Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna and Sienna Mobility.  Each car will also come with a six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Outcome:

“Over the past two decades, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs in the United States, and now 100 Cars for Good will put the public in the driver’s seat for one of our philanthropic efforts,” said Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We wanted to engage the community and the supporters of thousands of worthy organizations in this process— allowing their voices to be heard as we award 100 vehicles based on their votes.”  Source: Toyota

Please mention this project  to any nonprofit organization that you feel deserves a new Toyota.  Molle Toyota will post application submission dates and instructions as soon as they are available.  Stay tuned for more details-Follow our blog or ”Like” us on Facebook for new updates and prizes!

 

The New 2014 Scion tC

The new 2014 Scion tC has an all new look in the front and the back, featuring styling similar to the popular FR-S.  Last June, the stunning FR-S came out leaving Scion customers and fans breathless.  With the new sporty look, the Scion tC relates to the FR-S.  A new grill and fog lights, angled headlights, and a new designed hood gives the tC a fierce look.  The new tC comes with the standard Scion Display Audio system with touchscreen, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, and HD radio.

Scion has come a long way and continues to improve as well as impressing our customers.  A couple of days ago, we had a customer buy her first scion.  The buyer wasn’t even looking for a Scion, but after talking to her sales person Rick, she decided that the Scion was the best fit for her.  She was happy with her choice and pleased with her experience.   

The tC will be available in 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions, while the 6 speed automatic version now has a Dynamic Rev Management system for cleaner shifting.   The 2014 tC has advanced LED tail lamps and new 18-inch alloy wheels.  There are two new paint choices available including the Absolutely Red and Blue Streak Metallic.

For questions or more information on the 2014 Scion or other Scion’s, visit our website: http://www.mollescion.calls.net/ or call: 816-942-5200.  Our Molle Team is happy to help and excited for the 2014 Scion tC to arrive!

What Documents to Keep in Your Toyota

A couple reminders when switching over from your old vehicle to your new vehicle:

Do you check if your car has the proper documents before taking it out for a spin?  Certain documents should remain in your car in case of being involved in an accident or being pulled over by a police officer.

The following documents should be in your vehicle at all times:

Proof of Insurance:

Proof of insurance is the first thing you need when involved in an accident or when pulled over by a policeman.  If you have these certain documents handy in your vehicle and make sure they are up to date, your life will be a little easier.  When you drive with non up-to-date information, you’ll likely result in a ticket or higher fees on an existing ticket.  We don’t want you to get a ticket.  By checking to see if you have the correct documents will save you time and money!

Car Registration

The physical paper document affiliated with your car’s license plate is your proof that your car is registered to you or a family member. Always keep this in the same safe place, like the glove compartment, near your proof of insurance.  It’s a smart idea to keep these two documents together.

Hope you enjoyed the tip of the day!  We are here to help if you have ANY automotive questions, whether it be a service questions or if you are looking to buy a new or pre-owned vehicle.  Our Molle team is here to help you!

Spring Maintenance Checklist

As we approach the end of cold weather, it’s important to do some routine after-winter maintenance on your Toyota.  We prepare our Toyota’s for cold weather, and it’s just as important to prepare them for warm weather. Taking the time to ensure your Toyota is working properly is not difficult.  The process is quick and easy.  Proper upkeep of your vehicle will give you less maintenance hassle and keep you safe.  We want to help prepare you for every season, with our checklist you will be well prepared.

Checklist for your vehicles care:

  • Inspect Your Tires: Your tires were working hard this past winter and my need some attention.  The air pressure goes down from the cold weather, so checking the tire pressure is highly recommended.  Also, it is recommended to rotate your tires seasonal if you put many miles on your vehicle.  Our maintenance professionals say to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles.  Rotating your tires when needed will extended the life of them.
  • Wiper Blades: Your wipers get a decent beating from the snow and ice in the winter.  If you notice your wipers not working properly or if they are damaged from the winter, spring is a good time to replace them.  You don’t want to be stuck in a rain storm this spring without your wipers working….Yikes!
  • Battery: Your battery works extra hard in the cold weather.  Beware and look for dimmed headlights or interior lights that imply a weak battery.  You want to have a good battery to start your spring off right.
  • Fluids. Your engine works harder in winter driving conditions due to the cold weather.  It would be a wise idea to get your fluids checked and topped going into the spring.
  • Test the A/C. The A/C has gone a long few months without being turned on.  Make sure to turn your A/C on full blast and make sure it doesn’t have any issues. If you notice the air not getting cold fast, bring your car in to have your A/C checked by our certified technicians.   

Taking these steps will give you a peace of mind and leave you worries free.  At Molle Toyota we are devoted to your safety and dedicated to keeping your car in proper condition.

For questions or information about our service, contact us at 816-204-4670 or visit us at molletoyota.com

 

Spring Flowers, March Madness & Yummy Food

Come enjoy our beautiful spring flowers while you wait for your car in service. If you can’t get a taste of spring outside, you can in our Molle service lounge.  The first day of spring has already passed us and snow is still on the ground.  According to the National Weather Service, we are going to see some sunshine this Easter weekend!  Can we get a hip hip hooray for sunshine!

To welcome the spring weather we have some delicious cookies in our service lounge.  It doesn’t seem to get better than cookies and flowers while you relax….Well, maybe a little better with our big screen T.V.  The T.V. has been especially popular this past week with March Madness.

We had our New Owners Celebration last night to welcome our new owners to the Molle family. The event was a success! Thanks to our 45 customers that attended and our knowledgeable employees that helped make the event successful. We hope our guest had a wonderful time enjoying refreshments and appetizers, winning prizes and learning about their new Toyota.  Thank you for being part of our Molle family of customers.  We value and appreciate each one of our customers.