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How to Get Your Keys From a Locked Car

Toyota Car Keys

Imagine returning to your vehicle after a long day of work only to realize that you don't have your keys. Not only do you not have your keys, but you can also see them sitting on the driver's seat. You've locked yourself out of the car and have no other way to get home. You have no idea what you're going to do.

When all hope feels lost, you have a few options to consider. These steps will help you get your keys out of a locked car so you can be on your way.

First Things First: Always Have a Spare Key

Toyota Car Keys

The first thing you should do after you buy a new car is to get a second set of keys made. In fact, you should consider having three keys. You can have one you travel with, one that you keep in your home, and one that a trusted person should keep for you in case of emergencies. This means that if you get locked out, you may have somebody who can quickly bring you another set of keys so you can be on your way with no hassle.

Download the Manufacturer's Phone App

Many manufacturers allow owners to unlock a vehicle via a mobile phone app. You will need to sign up for the app and pair it with your vehicle when you purchase your car. This will prevent future lockouts. Some apps even help you to locate your vehicle by turning on the engine or honking the horn if you've lost it.

If you buy a newer vehicle model, it's important that you ask about this option to determine what kind of features you will have access to. It can be pretty handy, especially if you are prone to losing your keys. Additionally, there's an app you can put on the smartphones of everybody in your home so that even if you lock your phone in the car, someone in your household will be able to help you access it.

Use a String To Unlock Your Car Door

If you have an older vehicle, a string or fishing line can be used to unlock manual door locks. It may be a tricky solution for some, and you'll need several feet of string to make this work.

You'll start by making a loop in the middle of the string. Fish it into an opening so you can hook that loop onto the door lock. The best entry point is likely the upper right corner of the driver's door via the door seam. Pull up on that lock to unlock your door. This method will work with shoelaces, fishing lines, twine, and other string types.

Use a Wire Clothes Hanger

A clothes hanger can be used to unlock an older vehicle as well. You need to straighten the hanger and insert it into the door frame. Use the hanger to manipulate the lock to pop it into the unlock position. If you struggle to bend the wire hanger into the right shape, you may need to use pliers to create a hook that can easily manipulate the lock.

If you don't have a wire hanger handy, you may also be able to do something similar with a sturdy strip of plastic. As long as it can be manipulated into the right shape and fit into the door seam, you should be able to make it work.

Use an Inflatable Wedge

Today, some people use inflatable wedge kits to get into their vehicles. If you frequently lock yourself out of your car, this might be a helpful tool to carry with you. You will need to inflate the wedge in your door jamb so that you can use other tools to access the manual lock. You can also avoid scratching your paint, and the process is easy.

Call a Locksmith or Roadside Assistance

If you have roadside assistance as part of your insurance plan, or you have a locksmith you can call, use that option. If nothing else is working, a professional can save the day. They will have all the necessary tools to get you into your car so that you don't have to search for solutions.

Roadside assistance can be a great service to help you with lockouts in the future. Keep in mind that some companies will offer a limited number of free lockout services each year, so make sure you give everything else a shot before you call for help. If you do not have roadside assistance, any auto locksmith and many towing companies should be able to accommodate you.

In an Emergency, Contact the Police

In some situations, you cannot wait for help unlocking your door. For instance, you might have a small child or pet locked inside the car with the keys. In these situations, you do not have time to wait for a locksmith, nor can you leave the vehicle searching for a wire coat hanger. In these situations, the police may be able to assist immediately, whether using a slim jim that can open the door or safely breaking the window. You can always replace the auto glass, but you cannot replace a life.

New Safety Features Are Changing the Game

When you are in a sticky situation and cannot get to your keys, you want to know that you have options. When you buy a new car, make sure that you get extra keys. These spare keys can be handy when you are in a pickle. Just make sure to store them somewhere you or somebody that you trust can quickly access them.

Now is also an excellent time to ensure your car has safety features to prevent a lockout. Many newer vehicles have features that make your vehicle safer, so you do not accidentally lock yourself out. Longo Toyota in El Monte offers many cars with stellar safety features. Check out our new inventory or browse used suvs for sale to learn more about these features.

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2023-Toyota-Crown

Meet the 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2023 Toyota Crown combines sedan style with the cut of a sports car yet appears to hold SUV ancestry, as shown in its grand, imposing appearance and elevated seating. From all outward appearances, the Crown is a new addition to Toyota's lineup, at least in North America. Although the Crown line of automobiles was initially available in 1972, it has been conspicuously absent for several decades. more So, while this may make this new model seem entirely different, it's both a comeback for an innovative new sedan and a replacement for the position previously occupied in the Toyota range by the discontinued Avalon. The Crown is available in three trim levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. All trims have all-wheel drive as standard. In addition, while all three come with standard hybrid power, there are slight differences in the engines offered for the XLE and Limited trims. This article will take you through the different options available and give you a rundown on the performance of this automobile to give you a good idea of what to expect from this new entrant to the Toyota line, available at Longo Toyota of El Monte, California. Engine and Powertrain 2023 Toyota Crown Let’s start at the heart of the car — the engine. For the XLE and Limited trims, the 2023 Toyota Crown has a pair of conventional hybrid powertrains, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with three electric motors and a sophisticated addition of the continuously variable automatic transmission. The Platinum trim offers a hybrid max powertrain, a 2.4-liter cylinder, an electric motor, and a complete power delivery of 340 horsepower. All the models offer a hybrid powertrain, but only the top-end Platinum model is available with the hybrid max powertrain. This 2.4-liter engine pairs with a rear-axle electric motor to produce 340 horsepower. It also uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The XLE and Limited trims go from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, whereas the more powerful Platinum engine can manage it in 5.7 seconds. Each trim's engine is reasonably efficient. The basic powertrain, available on the XLE and the Limited editions, will achieve approximately 42 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The hybrid max powertrain for the Platinum model offers roughly 29 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways. The hybrid max also always operates in all-wheel drive, with 30% of the torque primarily distributed to the rear wheels. Overall, the car is more sedan than SUV in the engine department, giving you efficiency and style in the cities and on freeways. Interior The Crown’s interior is salubrious, with aluminum metallic trim marking the black plastic dashboard. While the interior is broadly similar across the different trims, the XLE has black woven fabric seats. In contrast, the Limited and Panoramic trims offer a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery in black or black with chestnut. The Limited and the Platinum models come with a moonroof, with the latter trim having a Bird's Eye View Camera system that gives you a panoramic overhead view of the car. The Limited can also provide this system through the optional Advanced Tech additions. The elevated position of the driver and passengers is an advantage, but it includes the drawback that it might lead to a lower level of headroom for taller passengers. All trims have heated seats as standard and dual-zone climate control. Legroom is adequate for front and rear seats, at 42.1 inches for the front passengers and 38.9 inches for the rear. The headroom is 38.2 inches and 37.5 inches for the front and rear, respectively, which is quite adequate compared to other cars in its class. The trunk offers 15.2 cubic feet of storage, a reasonable amount for a sedan, and the rear seats fold for extra cargo space. All trims feature the 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen as standard, with the Toyota interface: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone connections. These connect to a second 12.3-inch display with digital gauges for the driver. In addition, a wireless smartphone charging pad, USB-C ports, and onboard Wi-Fi are standard. For the XLE trim, there is a basic six-speaker stereo, upgraded to an 11-speaker JBL stereo for the Limited and Platinum editions. You have a high-tech, effective set of safety and support systems in all trims, including emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Exterior As shown, this car falls somewhere between a sedan and an SUV, with added elegance and grandeur. The body forms a sharp, fastback sedan shape, and the cladding around the wheel and the lower body suggest an SUV. Essentially, the aim is to give you the benefits you can get from an SUV in traffic while offering you the smooth handling of a sedan. Overall, the look is stylish on all the trims. There's a high shoulder line and tall roof, with a wide grille on the nose that adds to the imposing impression and grandeur. Two-tone paint is available for all trims. The XLE and the Limited models have 19-inch alloy wheels, but 21 inches are optional for the Limited trim and come standard on the Platinum. Hidden extras add to its look — such as the chassis holding MacPherson struts in the front with multi-linked rear suspension in the rear. The hybrid max also offers thicker anti-roll bars than the XLE, and adaptive variable suspension is available on the Platinum model, allowing the car to float over the road and ensuring a smoother ride. Despite being a new entrant into the Toyota line, this 2023 Crown impresses and looks like it has real staying power. The best way to experience this automobile in all its newly produced glory is to see it up close, and you can best do this by reaching out to our dealership at Longo Toyota of El Monte.

Meet the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota is expanding its lineup with the addition of a 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid, bringing high performance and fuel efficiency to an already excellent crossover SUV option. The gas model of the 2022 Corolla Cross was introduced in 2021 and is modeled after the highly popular Corolla sedan. The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will use the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid system with increased efficiency and performance capabilities. If you've been waiting for your favorite Toyota to become a hybrid, check out the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Here are the much-anticipated details of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Trims Available 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in five trims: LE, XLE, S, SE, and XSE. The LE features 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails, while you get 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights on the XLE. The S also features 17-inch alloy wheels but adds privacy glass plus LED headlights and taillights. On the SE, you get privacy glass and roof rails. The XSE has 18-inch alloy wheels with premium LED lighting, including headlights, taillights, and fog lights. You can get the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid in four two-tone color combinations featuring a black roof, including Barcelona Red, Sonic Silver, Acidic Blast, and Blue Crush Metallic. Other color options include Wind Chill Pearl, Sonic Silver Metallic, Cypress, Barcelona Red Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and Blue Crush Metallic. Powerful Performance You can expect more power than the standard Corolla Cross, along with higher fuel efficiency with the hybrid engine. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system that has three electric motors to deliver 194 horsepower. You can expect to go from zero to 60 mph in just eight seconds with the hybrid powertrain. The Corolla Cross Hybrid has not yet received an EPA estimate for fuel economy, but Toyota estimates that it will feature a combined rating of 37 mpg for all trims. All-wheel drive is standard on this hybrid, giving you better traction and control over various road surfaces and weather conditions. The four-wheel anti-lock braking system with power-assisted brakes helps you stop on a dime when needed. Impressive Interior Design Not much has been shared about the interior design of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, but similar features to the Corolla Cross can be expected. The lower trims will offer keyless entry, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. You may also see a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, automatic climate control, multiple USB and USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad. The XLE is rumored to feature faux-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped shift knob, heated front seats, and a rear seat center armrest. Interior color and upholstery options include fabric-trimmed seats in light gray and black on the LE or SofTex-trimmed seats in black or Macadamia/Mocha on the XLE. The S features fabric-trimmed seats in black and gray, while the SE offers the same option with the addition of black and blue. On the XSE, you get SofTex-trimmed seats in either black or black and blue. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid features the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. With a subscription, you’ll be able to get a Wi-Fi hotspot and SiriusXM. The system also features an HD radio and USB data, with the ability to stream music via Apple Music or Amazon Music. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has the standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver-assistance features to help keep you and your passengers safer on the road. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection can detect bicyclists and motorcyclists in some situations. It can also detect oncoming vehicles when turning or approaching an intersection, providing you with visual and audio alerts and sometimes applying the brakes to avoid a collision. You also get improved lane recognition for the lane tracing assist, which helps keep you in between the lines of your lane. The Corolla Cross also features dynamic radar cruise control to maintain a specified following distance between the Corolla Cross and the vehicle in front of you. Lane departure alert with steering assist not only alerts you using visual and audio alerts but also gently guides you back into your lane. Rear seat reminder, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist control are all standard features of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system. Drive more confidently, knowing that Toyota has your safety in mind. Limited Warranty You get a limited 36-month/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty that covers everything except normal wear and tear on your 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. An additional 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty also covers against perforation from corrosion with no mileage limit for 60 months. An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty covers all hybrid-related components needing repair due to defects in workmanship or materials. Your Corolla Cross Hybrid battery is covered by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, which is transferable to a new owner. You also get the ToyotaCare plan for factory-scheduled maintenance on your 2023 Corolla Cross for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is in addition to two years of Roadside Assistance from Toyota with no mileage limit. Visit Longo Toyota Today When you're ready to check out the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, contact the team at Longo Toyota. We'd love to answer any questions you may have, give you a tour of our dealership, and get you set up for a test drive in the Corolla Cross Hybrid or any other Toyota on our lot. You can find us at 3534 N. Peck Road in El Monte, California. Our sales team is available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, for your convenience. We also offer financing and service to help get you into a Toyota and keep it running for years to come. Fill out our secure online contact form or call us at 626-377-9743 to get started.

MPG consumption screen in a vehicle

How to Improve Your Toyota's MPG

Longo Toyota is dedicated to helping you get the most from your Toyota. One way to save money on operations and repairs for your Toyota is to make sure you take action to improve your mpg. Fuel efficiency is a top concern with today's vehicles, but you can make your fuel go further with these tips on increasing your mpg. What Is MPG? Image by Michaela Pereckas is licensed with CC BY 2.0 Miles per gallon (mpg) is a measurement of the distance a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel. Manufacturers also use mpg to determine the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, which is a measurement of how it uses its fuel. A higher mpg means better fuel efficiency. Drivers may prioritize fuel efficiency when shopping for a vehicle because it means few fill-ups at the pump and can be more cost-efficient. Understanding the fuel efficiency of your vehicle is important when determining which vehicle is best to buy, creating a travel budget, and for the daily use of your vehicle. Longo Toyota can help find a great car for you with excellent fuel efficiency. Ways To Improve Your MPG Regardless of your vehicle's mpg, there are ways to improve it and get the most out of your fuel. Following tips to boost the fuel efficiency of your Toyota can help you save money and maintain your vehicle. Maintain a Constant Speed When driving, try to keep a consistent speed if possible. This means that you don't speed up or slow down. Following the speed limit exactly will help you maintain a constant speed. This helps improve mpg because acceleration uses more fuel, so if you drive at a consistent speed on highways and throughout cities without having to accelerate constantly, you can preserve your fuel. It's easier to get better fuel efficiency on highways because there are not as many stops as there may be within city limits. When possible, it can help to travel by highway rather than through a city. Also, when driving on highways, use your Toyota's cruise control feature to help you maintain a consistent speed. Accelerate Slowly When starting your car or transitioning to a zone with a higher speed limit, accelerate your vehicle to the new speed slowly. Pressing the gas pedal hard and pushing it all the way down uses more fuel. Slow acceleration is also easier on your engine and can prolong its life because it takes less work to get up to the tire rotations per minute that a new speed requires. Increasing your vehicle speed slowly is also safe and can help you avoid accidents. The sensitivity of your gas pedal can change depending on your vehicle, so it's useful to become familiar with the amount of pressure your vehicle requires to accelerate. Be a Conscious Driver For safety, it's important to be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving, but being a more conscious driver can also improve your gas mileage. Being aware of what's in front and around your vehicle can help you prepare for stops and changes in the speed limit. It's also useful to be familiar with the area in which you're driving so you can anticipate periods of heavy traffic that may require you to stop frequently. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly Tire pressure is the pounds per square inch (psi) of air pressure inside your tires. This determines how inflated your tires are. Proper inflation helps you get the fuel efficiency your vehicle is capable of because then your tires can rotate evenly and propel the vehicle forward with minimal effort. Low tire pressure can affect the miles per gallon you get and the smoothness of your ride. With a low tire, you may also experience more bumps and risk getting a flat tire. You can check your tire pressure with a gauge that presses on the air valve on each tire and provides a measurement of how much pressure is in the tire. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can be found on the inside of the driver's door. When it gets colder outside, you may check your tire pressure more regularly because the cold air may lower the air pressure. If the gauge says your tires have low pressure, add air using an air compressor, which you can purchase or use an air compressor, which are often located at gas stations. Combine Errands When you expect to make trips to different locations, try to plan accordingly so you can complete your errands in one trip. You can use a map app to plan the best route to take in order to make all your stops. This helps you to use less fuel and be efficient with your mileage. Reduce the Use of Your Air Conditioning Running the air conditioning in your vehicle uses fuel, as it causes the engine to work harder. By running the air less frequently, you can improve your mpg. This is especially true for shorter trips in your vehicle. In warmer weather, you may do this by rolling your windows down rather than using air conditioning. You can also park your car in the shade so that you can use less fan power to cool down the interior when you begin to drive again. Park in Covered Areas During Colder Months In the winter, try to park your car in warmer areas, such as a garage or another covered area. Doing this can allow your vehicle's engine oil and other fluids to remain thin, which is optimal for your engine, instead of the fluids thickening in the cold. Having thinner fluids to lubricate your vehicle's engine quickly allows for a more efficient start-up when you turn on your vehicle. This helps warm your vehicle's interior for your comfort, too. If you're looking for a vehicle that has top-rated mpg, stop into Longo Toyota and discuss your options. We have many vehicles that are optimized for saving you money on fuel and helping you to get on the road more often.