April showers and windshield wipers

April showers certainly are active in Greensboro this Spring. Rain is blamed for thousands of accidents yearly. Before you head back on the road for your commute or carpool check out these tips for driving in the rain. Do your windows always fog up in the rain? Want to fix that? How about windshield wiper blades streaking across your windshield? Read on fellow traveler...

•Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up. Switch on both front and rear defrosters and make sure the air conditioning is turned on. Most cars' climate control systems will automatically engage the A/C when the windshield defrost function is selected.

•Stay on top of your car's condition. Its wiper blades, brakes, tire pressures, tire tread depth and defroster operation should be checked regularly so that you'll be ready to deal. If you have any questions, swing by and let us check out your vehicle at no charge.

•Have an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. We have them at our parts counter. Drop by anytime and take your pick.

In the movies, rainy days are spent hanging out at the local coffeehouse or holed up at home, petting the dog by the fire. In our world, you probably still have to go to work and run a boatload (no pun intended) of errands instead. Taking a few precautions will keep you from ending up sopping wet on the shoulder of the freeway, waiting for a tow truck.

Supercharged 5.7L V8 Toyota Tundra

Did you hear about the new TRD 5.7L V8 supercharger we just got in at Rice Toyota in Greensboro?

With the supercharger in place, the Tundra's horsepower output jumps from 381 hp @ 5,600 rpm to 504 hp at 5,500 rpm. Torque is multiplied from 401 lb/ft @ 3600 rpm to 550 lb/ft @ 4000 rpm.

Here’s what’s amazing – this whole system is still 50-state emissions legal! And, if it’s installed by an authorized Toyota dealer, such as Rice Toyota in Greensboro NC, the Tundra’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty remains intact, too. [If it’s installed by anyone else, the supercharger kit is covered by a 1-year/12,000-mile warranty.]

If you’re going to have that much power on tap, it only makes sense to beef up the brakes and add larger tires to handle the power. And these TRD components do the trick.

If you have a Tundra – think about a supercharger. Think real hard – the fun quotient is unbeatable. If you don’t have a Tundra… think about buying one and adding this combo of the supercharger, big brakes and big wheels and tires.

To purchase your own TRD Supercharger click here.

Want to know more? Send us an email parts@ricetoyota.com or come by and talk with one of our knowledgable Toyota Tundra enthusiasts about adding the ride amount of muscle to your ride.

Handicap Accessible Vans Greensboro

Are you shopping for a new van with a special needs passenger in mind? The all-new 2011 Sienna minivan now has a first of its kind in-line factory installed rotating power lift up seat. We proudly call it the Toyota Auto Access Seat (AAS). Toyota is the not only the first manufacturer to offer a factory installed lift seat but we are the only North American automaker to offer this mobility option directly to our customers.

The new auto access seat offers a new level of comfort and convenience to anyone who may need a little extra assistance getting in or out of a vehicle. The new Sienna with Auto Access Seat (AAS) provides a much needed transportation solution for caregivers of an elderly parent or spouse with a walking disability, disabled veterans, and parents of a child with a disability. If someone uses a walker or a wheelchair this would be an excellent solution to a challenging transportation dilemma.

Rice Toyota in Greensboro can help you custom order the new Sienna van with a factory installed rotating power lift up seat for your special needs passenger. We will also help you submit your Toyota Mobility Assistance Reimbursement Application for up to $1,000 in financial assistance on qualified purchases. Furthermore, Rice Toyota and our Toyota Mobility Partner can also provide you with a list of options of State, Federal and other Financial Assistance Programs that may be available to you.

How to Change Your Oil and Filter

Ever wanted to know how to change the oil and filter on your Toyota? Watch Dan, one of the Rice Toyota service team members, show you how it's done. Now if you'd like to try it yourself at home, you know how. Or you can bring it to us at 2630 Battleground Avenue Greensboro, NC and we'll handle it for you.

Rice Toyota services all makes and models, imports and domestic cars, trucks, vans, wagons, and SUVs.

Got a Lexus and don't know where to get honest, reliable car service like an oil change, new wiper blades or new tires in Greensboro? We service Lexus cars in Greensboro at Rice Toyota everyday.

Schedule Service at Rice Toyota

Toyota Camry in Greensboro

Looking for a new or used Toyota Camry in Greensboro? We have the popular 2011 Camry LE, SE, XLE and Hybrid models on our lot now.

Toyota is even offering Toyota Camry lease and APR finance specials to sweeten the deal! You can check all the Specials out at RiceToyota.com.

Search our entire inventory online at RiceToyota.com. Prices start in the low 20's and MPG in the 2011 gas Camry is 22 city/23 highway. Not too shabby!

We have sold Toyota Camry's to people from all over North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia-they all come to Rice again and again because "We Treat You Right." Our Toyota customers hail from Danville, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, High Point, Burlington and Winston-Salem. At least they have an excuse for a road trip in their new ride to break it in the right way!

Free Vehicle Inspections

Oh it's just the alternator! How much do you really know about what is going on under the hood?

If you are like most people, you get your oil changed and your tires rotated every 3000 miles and every thing is groovy. Then one day you are just in for the old routine maintenance and the mechanic from Monkey Joe's tells you, " You need new belts and your brakes have seen better days. Oh yeah and that'll be a couple grand to get you back on the road. "

Well, it might have been nice to know this before you dropped your bonus money on private cello lessons with Yo Yo Ma for your 6 year old.

While some mechanical issues are unpredictable, some are not. A good way to stay on top of your vehicle maintenance, and cut down on vehicle surprises is to take advantage of Free Vehicle Inspections from Rice Toyota. We offer complimentary inspections on your tires, brakes, fluids, belts, battery, wipers, battery, cables, filters, lights, signals and A/C and give you a written report that ranks the items condition on a scale of Need Immediate Attention, Near Term Attention, Excellent and Good.

One thing is for sure, life will always be unpredictable. But a little preventative maintenance is less costly than repairs. And it always helps to know as much as possible about the road ahead.

Swing by Rice Toyota on Battleground Avenue for your complimentary vehicle inspection report. We service all makes and models. We are open Monday-Friday 7:00 am-6:00 pm. Saturday 7:00 am-4:00 pm.

Spring Cleaning for Your Car

Wheel and Tire Cleaning
Cleaning the wheels and tires regularly is just as important as washing the exterior of your Toyota. And not just for appearance sake, but for protection too. Brake dust can pit and damage the surface of the rims if left to sit for an extended period of time.
When you wash your vehicle, clean the wheels first. Make sure that you do not use any of the rags, sponges, brushes, or even the bucket that you used on your wheels to clean any other part of the vehicle. Brake dust and other contaminates can scratch your vehicle's finish.
Ask Rice Toyota for Toyota Wheel Cleaner. It's safe and effective for chrome and alloy wheels, as well as plastic and rubber components.
Also, don't forget to put the finishing touch on your tires with Spray-n-go Toyota Tire Shine. To purchase, visit, click or call Rice Toyota. 2630 Battleground Avenue Greensboro, North Carolina
336-288-1190.

What You Need to Know About Antifreeze

You've probably never thought about your coolant or antifreeze unless you have a leak in your car. However, this fluid is one of the most important parts of your Toyota. Here are a few facts about antifreeze/coolant and why it is important to your car.

This versatile fluid serves two purposes: It keeps your engine from overheating in warm weather and your engine from freezing in cold temperatures.

You should have your radiator flushed every two years to keep fresh antifreeze/coolant in there. Particles of rust and metal can erode and build up in the fluid if it is not maintained. This can clog the system and create a number of problems and expensive repairs.

You can recycle antifreeze, but you should never throw it in sewage systems, storm drains or in your trash container.

Whether used or new, antifreeze is extremely toxic and can lead to death. Always use special care when handling antifreeze around children or pets.

Antifreeze must be able to withstand heats in excess of 250 degrees. It also contains rust inhibitors and a lubricant to keep the cooling system working properly at all times.

These are just a few things your Greensboro, NC area Toyota dealer thought you should know about antifreeze and your cooling system.

2nd Annual Rice Toyota/Scion Doggie Adopt-a-Thon

Mark your calendars!
We are gearing up for the 2nd annual Rice Toyota/Scion
Memorial Day "Doggie Adopt-a-thon." This will take place on May 25th in the morning at Rice Toyota in Greensboro, NC. We'll start about 7:00 am and end about 2:00 pm.

Last year's event was a huge success and generated a lot of exposure for our furry friends (dogs and cats) needing homes. Please spread the word! And we'll keep you updated as the date gets closer.

In the meantime, there are loving animals that are in immediate need of a good home. Please take a minute to visit the Triad SPCA site. There is information on ways to volunteer, charitable donations, and pets available for adoption right now.
Triad SPCA Site

Prepare Your Car for Cold Weather

In preparation for the recent snowfall, I brought my plants inside, stocked up on canned goods and water (just in case), and cut up some firewood. The one thing I didn't give much thought to was my car. In hindsight, I should have known better, and consider myself lucky that I didn't get stuck out in the cold and unprepared. Here are a few tips to keep your car running smoothly during these cold winter months.

Brakes
The brakes must be faultless and equalized so there is no pulling to one side, which may cause skidding.

Cooling System
If it hasn't been done in a while, have your cooling system flushed out with a good chemical cleaner and put in fresh anti-freeze. Check containers, belts, hoses, the pressure caps and thermostat.

Battery and Electrical System
Cold weather is hard on batteries. If your battery is several years old, have it checked. Be sure connections are clean and tight.

Engine
A diagnostic check-up of the engine can be a good pre-winter investment. If you're due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Faulty wiring, worn spark plugs, a sticking choke or emission control devices that need attention, can all lead to hard starting.

Exhaust System
Check the muffler and tail pipe system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when the windows are closed.

Fuel System
Make sure there is plenty of gas in your tank at all times. A full tank minimizes condensation, which may cause gas line freezing. Add gasoline antifreeze occasionally.

Heaters, Defrosters and Wipers
Have them checked to make sure they are operational. Install winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Ensure your windshield can give you clear vision of the road and traffic around you.

Oil and Filter
Dirty oil can give you trouble in the winter, so change the oil and filter. Check the other filters, including the fuel, air and transmission filters.

Tires
Check your tire pressure regularly - for every 5º C of temperature drop, tire pressure goes down by one pound.¹


To schedule your winter tune up call Rice Service center 336-288-6225 or email us at service@ricetoyota.com. We service all makes and models, imports and domestics.
Rice Service Center Complimentary Winter Check Up