Life of the party or quiet and gracious host? Your Toyota reveals what you bring to the table.

What does your calendar look like this month?  The holiday season spells stress for some; for others it means cutting loose and having fun!  The bottom line is: December is busy.  Between shopping, decorating, cooking, travel, and parties—how do YOU handle the season?  Let your Toyota do the talking.

Yaris: You bring child-like excitement to every holiday party you attend.  People love your energy; especially during the holiday season.  Most of your effort is spent on the more creative side of things, such as decorating the tree or wrapping gifts.  You’re the one at the party snapping fun photos on your smartphone. 

Prius: It’s no secret that you are passionate about keeping the environment clean.  Your holiday shopping bags are reusable, your wrapping paper is Eco-friendly, and you always switch off the holiday lights at a decent (if not early!) hour.  You are a great listener, which means your gifts always met with a delighted, "How did you know I wanted this!?" You’re the one at the party making sure all the plastic and glass is being recycled.

Camry: If you don’t use it—lose it!  You don’t understand the purpose of lotto scratchers or other cheap trinkets for stocking stuffers.  It's not about the price tag, it's about quality.  If it's not guaranteed to show long-term value, you’re not interested.  You bring a practical element to holiday parties, creating that sense of balance everyone needs.   You are the designated driver everyone appreciates!

RAV4: “Stress” is not in your vocabulary.  While people around you are worried about that visit from their in-laws, perfecting a new recipe, or color-coordinating the tree ornaments, you don’t sweat the small stuff.  Or the big stuff, for that matter.  When an obstacle presents itself, you quickly adapt to handle it—all with a smile on your face.  You’re the life of the party—usually the one in the middle of the dance floor!

Toyotathon is on!  If you're ready to party in the perfect Toyota, check out our online inventory today.

Back that thing up! Here's how to avoid tailgating troubles.

 

Whether you’ve got a habit of getting a little too “friendly” on the road or your style is being cramped by other drivers, it’s important to know the rules when it comes to tailgating.  Following another car too closely is not only irritating to the leading motorist; it’s dangerous for both parties involved.  Here’s what to do the next time you’re being tailgated:

-Tap lightly on the brakes to warn the person behind you that they are too close.

-Move to another lane to allow the car to pass you.

-Pull off the road completely so the vehicle is able to pull in front of you .

-If all else fails, use the old-fashioned method!  Reach your arm out the window and wave them around you.

Tailgating should be happening at football games—not on the road!  The most important thing to keep in mind is that the only driver you can control is yourself.  Practice defensive techniques and stay alert and stay safe!  Share YOUR safe driving techniques with us on our Facebook wall!

Here's why the phrase "dry-clean only" will be your best friend this winter!

1.      Wipe down the obvious spots.  Sweep a cloth over the bumpers, trunk, and hood to eliminate water spots and dust.

2.      You don’t have to get the entire vehicle polished to a mirror shine… just the mirrors!  Keeping the glass surfaces clean is not only easy—the impeccable visibility will help you stay safe. 

3.      If you’re guilty of using your car as a garbage can on wheels, keep a small trash bag inside!  Next time you stop to fuel up, do a quick sweep for extra clutter and toss it!

4.      Shake out the floor mats!  Don’t have time to detail everything with a vacuum cleaner?  No problem!  Give those mats a quick shake to drastically improve the appearance of the interior.

5.      Next time you’re cruising down the road, pay attention to where you look inside the vehicle.  Give the gauges, mirrors, dashboard, and center console a quick dusting—your passengers will be none the wiser.

Visit our Service Center to make sure you're fully winter-ready!

Toyota's new technicolor concept is truly from the heart!

Toyota’s latest concept truly is from the heart!  The FV2 is not something we are likely to see in production in the near future, but quite an idea nonetheless!  Inspired by the relationship between a horse and its owner, the FV2 lacks a steering wheel and instead is controlled by the motion of the driver.  The FV2 includes features such as voice and image recognition and a large windshield.  Did we mention the exterior color can change at will?  Tell us what you think!

Visit us online for all your automotive needs.

Daylight Savings Time is almost over, but it means more than just an extra hour of Sunday snoozing.

It's that time of year again!  Daylight Savings Time will be over on November 3^rd—but it means more than just an extra hour of sleep on Sunday.   The imminent chill of winter also means a change in our daily routines.

After we "fall back" one hour, many of us will be spending a good portion of our daily commute in poor lighting.  Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, the darkness that settles in the winter air can be dangerous if you're not prepared.   Keep these things in mind the next time you're out and about!

-Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid using your cell phone. While you’re zeroed in on the latest Instagram post, someone could be approaching you from behind.

-Avoid areas known to be dangerous. Whether you’re a lifer or a new resident, it’s important to memorize which areas of town have bad raps. Steer clear of the rough spots especially at night and when you’re alone.

-Be proactive about reaching your destination! Get directions before you leave your house so you don’t have to bother with the distraction of shuffling papers while you’re en route.

-If you get that creepy feeling that you're being followed, head towards a well-lit public place immediately. Muggers are less likely to attack when in highly-populated places because they are more likely to be identified.

Keeping these things in mind will not only make for a less stressful stroll through the city, it'll ensure you arrive at your destination safely.  Speaking of safe travels, have our techs take a look at your Toyota  to make sure it's in perfect condition before hitting the road! 

Want the most bang for your buck? We’ve got your back.

At McGeorge Toyota, we understand that you want to receive professional service without breaking the bank!  Whether you’re in need of a tire rotation, rental car, timing belt replacement, or a simple oil change, we’re here to help you save.  Just visit our website to see our Service Specials

 or take a look at our Facebook Offers Tab to discover all the ways we’ll keep your wallet happy.  

 No matter what your Toyota needs, we’ve got you covered.

 

Which of these terrifying traveling tales is YOUR worst nightmare?

Sometimes, traveling can mean more tricks than treats.  Between planning your finances, making sure you don’t miss any fun activities, and navigating a new place, spooky situations are bound to arise.  Which of these vacation nightmares have you experienced?

#1. THE HILLS HAVE EYES

You needed this solo road trip to clear your head, and it’s working so far.  You’re making great time—you’re practically the only one on the road!  But as the miles drag on, fellow travelers become few and far between.  Just as you glance down to see that your cell phone doesn’t have reception, an alarming realization sweeps over you: you’re lost.

#2. THE BIRDS

Not only have you escaped the chill of autumn with this beachside vacation, you scored the ONLY parking spot in the shade.   You hit the hay thinking, “I can’t believe I lucked out!”  The next morning, you stroll out to your car to see that your car has been…er…. “decorated” by the local wildlife.

#3. CARRIERS

You’ve hit a rather desolate stretch of road and the youngest has been complaining of a stomachache.  As you search frantically for a place to pull over, a shrill cry erupts from the backseat. Your grip on the wheel tightens as you hear,“I'm going to be sick!” immediately followed by a chorus of, “Ew, gross!” and "It's all over the place!"  Try to keep your temper... you're about to pass a sign that reads, “Next Service Station: 100 Miles.

 

#4. THE FLY

You don't know how the little guy got in your car, but you know he's got to go.  Problem is, he darts away from every opportunity to escape!   How can such a tiny thing be so annoying?  Before you know it, your nerves are shot and your hair is disheveled from zipping down the highway with all four windows down.  Just as you close the windows and regain composure, you feel a familiar tickle on the back of your neck...

 

Don't let your next vacation turn into the stuff of nightmares!  Plan a service appointment with us online and we'll make sure you're ready to hit the road safely.

If you think low-impact vehicles can't be low-cost...you've gotta drive the 2014 Prius Plug-In.

Have your eye on a fuel-efficient hybrid but haven’t taken the plunge because of the price?  Say hello to the all-new 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid.  Pricing has plummeted for the 2014 model year, making it easier than ever to drive green.  

A 2014 Prius Plug-In in your driveway means an EXTRA year of ToyotaCare’s famous Roadside Assistance (total of 3 years) and a few key improvements never seen in a Prius before.  Between the heated cloth front seats, Remote Climate Control, and the ability to drive long distances in EV mode, you won’t be able to choose your favorite feature!  Not only will your wallet thank you, so will Mother Earth! 

We can’t wait to see these vehicles out and about!  The 2014 Prius Plug-In becomes available in November.  Visit us online to schedule a test drive!

Which Toyota model do you drive? Your choice might say more about you than you think!

-Tacoma: I’m always ready to take on a new challenge.  I love the great outdoors and appreciate the value of a hard day’s work.  My life motto?  Work hard, play hard.

-4Runner: I’m a social butterfly.  I have many friends and I never turn down the chance to have fun!  My life motto?  The more the merrier!

-Camry: I’m rising straight to the top.  I won’t let anything stand in the way of achieving my dreams.  My life motto?   Shoot for the stars!

-Prius: I’m compassionate and conscious of the environment.  I value the importance of low impact living as much as I value personal style.  My life motto?  Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Check out the McGeorge Toyota inventory online to find the Toyota that fits YOUR life motto.

WILDLIFE CENTER OF VIRGINIA NAMED FINALIST IN TOYOTA 100 CARS FOR GOOD PROGRAM

Toyota to Donate Vehicles to Local Nonprofit Organizations

Based on Public Votes

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is one of 250 finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, which will award vehicles to 100 nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public beginning October 1, 2013.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will showcase five nonprofit organizations each day for 50 days at Facebook.com/Toyota.  Visitors to the page will receive two votes each day to select two separate winning organizations they feel are most deserving of new Toyota vehicles.  The Wildlife Center will be one of the five organizations highlighted for voting on Tuesday, October 1.

Local residents are encouraged to support the Wildlife Center in the quest for a new Toyota Sienna.  If the Wildlife Center receives the most votes and is awarded the vehicle, it will be used to support the Center’s life-saving work as a veterinary hospital and education center.  For example, the new Toyota will be used to transport outreach staff – and education animals – to programs and events throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.  These non-releasable animals – typically an opossum, a reptile [turtle or snake], or a raptor [falcon, hawk, or owl] – make life-changing impressions on audiences of all ages and are the key to highlighting the steps that each of us can take to protect wildlife.

The new Toyota would also be used to pick up a “treasure trove” of food and supplies – donated fruits and vegetables used to feed bears, opossums, rabbits, and other patients, as well as donated equipment and medical supplies.

About the Wildlife Center

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is an internationally acclaimed teaching and research hospital for wildlife and conservation medicine.  Since its founding in 1982, the nonprofit Center has cared for more than 60,000 wild animals, representing 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.  The Center’s public education programs share insights gained through the care of injured and orphaned wildlife, in hopes of reducing human damage to wildlife. 

In July 2011, the Center launched Critter Cam, which has allowed wildlife enthusiasts around the world to watch a variety of Center patients.  Current “stars” of Critter Cam include a record-setting 16 Black Bear cubs; Barn Owls or a Cooper’s Hawk, and an Eastern Screech-Owl or Buddy, the Center’s resident Bald Eagle.  A link to Critter Cam may be found on the Center’s homepage – www.wildlifecenter.org.  

Note to the Press: Photos of patients treated at the Wildlife Center and resident environmental wildlife ambassadors are available.  Please contact Randy Huwa at 540.942.9453 or at rhuwa@wildlifecenter.org.