Your Toyota’s safety features are some of the most important to keep your family protected while driving. Even if you’re a confident driver, you can still be a victim of another driver’s errors, so advanced safety features are a great way to detect and alert you to danger before you see it coming. Most modern vehicles come with advanced safety systems that can detect oncoming traffic, alert you to objects behind you, and help you stay safe in your lane. With Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, you’ll have the most up-to-date tools to keep you safe while driving your Toyota vehicle.

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What Is Safety Sense 2.0?

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is Toyota’s latest version of its comprehensive safety system, which includes such features as driver assist, advanced detection, and high-tech cruise control. These systems are designed to work together to keep you safe from collisions that could leave you injured, your car damaged, and others hurt. Safety Sense uses a forward-facing camera on your windshield along with millimeter-wave radar to keep an eye on your surroundings, approaching vehicles, your position on the road, road signs, and more. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is the latest in advanced vehicle safety technology and is standard in many new Toyotas.

Multi-Information Display

On the multi-information display, you’ll see visual alerts, signage, lane tracking, and other information connected with your vehicle’s Safety Sense system. In most Toyotas, this display is located on the instrument display area behind the steering wheel, where it’s easy to see without taking your eyes off the road. You can change the information displayed, scroll, and perform other operations on the multi-information display with the meter control switches that you can easily reach on your steering wheel. The screen can also display fuel stats, tire pressure, and other vehicle information that it’s good to keep track of.

Pre-Collision System

The pre-collision system is designed to help prevent frontal collisions with your vehicle. The system uses a forward-facing windshield camera and grille-mounted radar system that can detect approaching vehicles and bicycles. It will even alert you to pedestrians in low-light conditions when it can be harder to see people on crosswalks. If the pre-collision system detects danger, it prompts you to action through audio and visual alerts. In certain situations where the action is deemed extremely urgent to avoid a highly likely collision, automatic braking may be used to reduce speed and lessen or avoid impact.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Safety Sense 2.0’s Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is an advanced system that lets you set your preferred highway cruising speed and uses the front camera and grille-mounted radar to detect a vehicle in front of you. It also automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe preset distance. An audio and visual alert lets you know if the car in front of you slows even more, and automatic braking may be applied if needed. Once the slower-moving vehicle has left or increased its speed, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control will return you to your set speed.

Lane Departure Alert

The Lane Departure Alert feature works by using your windshield-mounted front-facing camera to detect the edges of the lane on relatively straight roads. It can use the lane marking along with curbs or other distinct borders to judge your position in the lane and alert you if your vehicle starts to deviate or depart so you can safely correct its course. In addition, Toyota vehicles equipped with Safety Sense 2.0 that also have electronic power steering will be able to use Steering Assist to automatically make small corrective steering movements to keep your Toyota in its lane.

Lane Tracing Assist

Lane Tracing Assist is an additional feature available on some vehicles with Safety Sense 2.0. It works similarly to the Steering Assist feature but is used in conjunction with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Your front-facing camera is used to detect the lines of well-marked lanes along with the movements of any vehicle in front of you. Lane Tracing Assist then works with your Cruise Control feature to keep you at a safe distance behind the vehicle and centered within your lane by automatically implementing small corrective steering inputs.

Automatic High Beams

Nighttime can be a more dangerous time for drivers when reduced visibility is mixed with glaring traffic lights. With Safety Sense 2.0’s Automatic High Beam, you can worry less about forgetting to switch to low beam and accidentally causing glare for other drivers and spend all your attention focusing on the road. Automatic High Beam works by using an in-vehicle camera to detect headlights of approaching vehicles as well as taillights of any vehicles in front of you, and then automatically switching from high beam to low beam and back again when the traffic has passed.

Road Sign Assist

Have you ever been distracted and driven past an important road sign without seeing it? Hopefully not, but if you didn’t see it, how would you know? With Safety Sense 2.0’s Road Sign Assist feature, you’ll be able to get the information since your Toyota’s front-facing camera can read certain road signs and display them on the vehicle’s multi-information display screen, where you can see signs you may have missed or overlooked. Road Sign Assist is designed to read and relay the information on posted speed limit signs along with Stop, Yield, and Do Not Enter traffic signs.

Safety Sense 2.0 is Toyota’s latest package of safety features that are available on many of its new vehicles. These features will help keep you safe while driving to work, running errands around town, and enjoying a weekend road trip. If you’d like to know more about this or any other Toyota systems or want to look at some Toyota vehicles, then contact us at Longo Toyota in El Monte, California. You can call us at 626-377-9743 or stop by our dealership at 3534 N. Peck Road, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Every year, about 15 million new vehicles and 40 million used vehicles are sold throughout the U.S. If you’re thinking about buying one soon, you’ll need to figure out what to do with your current car, truck, or SUV first.

You can attempt to sell your existing vehicle on your own if you would like. You can also call on a company that specializes in buying vehicles for cash and see if they would like to make you an offer.

But trading your vehicle into Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, might be your best option of all. Check out some of the biggest benefits of taking this approach below.

Trade-In Your Vehicle

Helps You Get Rid of a Car You Don’t Want

As we just touched on, there are a variety of ways in which you can get rid of your current car to make space in your driveway for a new one. You’re more than welcome to try to sell a car on your own if you want to do it.

But it can be difficult trying to unload a car yourself. You will need to:

• Clean your car from bumper to bumper and make any necessary repairs to it.
• Take photos of every aspect of your car.
• Put together a write-up for your car.
• List your car for sale in the appropriate places.
• Meet with potential buyers and allow them to test drive your car.

It can take days, weeks, and sometimes even months to sell a car in this way. It would be so much easier to go through the process of trading your vehicle into a dealership. You can do it within just hours with next to no effort on your part.

Prevents You From Having to Fix Up an Older Car

If you’re going to try to sell a car on your own before buying a new one, you will often have to invest some money into it first. You’ll need to pay for cleaning supplies or pay to have it detailed by someone else. You’ll also need to pay for any necessary repairs unless you plan on disclosing them to buyers and possibly scaring them off.

The money that you’ll need to spend to get your car into tip-top shape so that you can sell it might not be worth it. In the end, you may lose money on a deal when selling a car yourself versus trading it in. It’s another reason why you should think about trading your vehicle into Longo Toyota.

Brings Down the Price of a Car You’re Buying

When trading your vehicle into a dealership, it will make it easier for you to afford the new car you’ll be buying. A dealership will give you money for your trade-in that you can apply directly to the price of the car you’ll be buying.

The price tags on both new and used cars have increased slightly in recent months. You can bring them back down to earth by trading your vehicle into a dealership and getting what you can for it.

Lets You Take Advantage of Tax Incentives

If you go through the trouble of selling a car yourself rather than trading it in, you’ll have to pay taxes on the sale price. Those taxes are going to cut into your profits and leave you with less money for your car than you were anticipating.

But when you trade your vehicle into a dealership, the opposite will be true. Trading a car in can bring the price of a new or used car down and lead to you paying lower taxes on it overall. You might be surprised to see just how much money you can save when you trade your car in after you take tax incentives into account.

Makes It Easy to Pay Off a Car Loan

Do you happen to still owe money on the car that you would like to get rid of at this point? This can make selling a car during a private sale more trouble than it’s worth.

Before you can officially toss the keys to your car to a buyer, you’ll need to have them pay you so that you can pay off the loan that you have on your vehicle. This can delay your ability to sell a car in many instances.

When you trade your vehicle into a dealership, they can handle helping you to pay off the loan that you have on it. You won’t have to worry about doing a thing to get this loan taken care of once and for all.

Allows You to Avoid Scams

Unfortunately, not everyone who shows an interest in purchasing your car during a private sale is going to have your best interests at heart. There are lots of scammers out there who will show an interest in buying a car from you in an attempt to scam you out of money.

As long as you’re extra careful when selling a car, you might be able to avoid these scammers. But why risk it when you can just go through the process of trading your car into a dealership instead? It’ll be so much easier and will help you steer clear of scammers altogether.

Consider Trading Your Vehicle into Longo Toyota

Buying a car can be a stressful experience for some people. It can be especially stressful when they have to be concerned about selling their current cars before they can buy new ones.

If you don’t want to have to worry about this aspect of things, trading your vehicle into a dealership like Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, will be your best bet. We will gladly take your trade-in from you and help you pick out a new or used car that you’ll love.

Are you ready to get started? Come visit Longo Toyota today to get the trade-in process underway or contact us for more information on the vehicles that we have in our inventory at this time.

Trade-In Your Vehicle

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When summer road trips and pool days wind down, school is just around the corner. Whether you’re sending your child off to kindergarten or their freshman year of high school, there are some things your family can do to prepare for going back to school. Here are eight helpful tips for students and parents to ensure a successful start to the school year.

Acclimate to the School Schedule

Summer activities can mean staying up late and sleeping through the morning. Casual mealtimes and relaxed schedules are a fun way to spend the summer, but many kids do better with some consistency once school starts. In the weeks before the first day of school, consider implementing some healthy habits, such as consistent wake-up times and bedtimes. Gather the school and work schedules for each family member, and create a calendar or noticeboard with start and end times along with regular activities. A visual reminder in the days leading up to school can help eliminate a panicked first morning.

Try On School Clothes

You can start getting your kids’ school wardrobe together by reviewing the school’s dress code policies. Once you have an idea of what kind of clothes your kids need, you can pull out the pants, shirts, and shoes for school. You may find your younger children outgrow their clothes in just a few months. You can donate clothes that no longer fit them to make drawer space for a shopping trip, or get ahead and buy clothes when you see a great sale.

For some kids, the ritual of shopping and buying a few new school clothes helps the transition from summer to the school year. A favorite shirt or new backpack they helped pick out can build their confidence and ease any nerves on the first day of school.

Acknowledge Anxiety or Excitement

Kids may not offer up their feelings about the upcoming school year voluntarily. It can help if parents ask questions in a one-on-one conversation when you’re in an environment without distractions. Maybe your child would enjoy a special meal or treat at their favorite restaurant.

Kids may open up if parents share their own feelings first, such as, “I remember my first day of seventh grade. I was really nervous about starting a new school. Are you?” Let them share anxiety so you can come up with coping mechanisms together. In addition, encourage them to think about the things they’re excited about or look for things that will be different but possibly better.

Connect With School Friends

Once your kids know their class assignments, it might be helpful and fun to arrange a get-together with classmates or other school friends. Help your kids get excited about seeing their friends every day, especially if they’ve been missing them over the summer. If they’re starting at a new school, and school rules allow it, meet friends at the school and walk around to see where the different buildings are. The kids can plan where to meet their buddies on the first day to help ease those new-semester nerves.

Plan Lunchbox Menus

If your children take packed lunches to school, the last few weeks of summer are a great time to get back into lunch planning and packing mode. You could go on a dedicated trip to the grocery store together and pick out some special lunch snacks or talk about new meal ideas to try while browsing the aisles.

Back at home, you can get out the lunch boxes or bags for a good cleaning. Make a plan together for preparing lunches, whether that’s sharing the duties together, packing lunches the night before, or making a list of everyone’s favorite items to post in the family information center.

Fill Out Forms in Advance

Schools require forms for sports activities, field trips, parking passes, and various other things. The last thing you want is to scramble around the first morning of school searching for pieces of paper handed out at orientation nights or hunting through your emails for links to online forms. If you are given the option in advance, the best time to gather and sort out what you need is when you have time to sit quietly and read the forms carefully.

Set Family Goals for the Year

Many families choose to come together for a special meal or family meeting time before school starts. Some families find that setting an intention, choosing a family theme, or planning goals for the school year can help everyone focus on important family values as they get busy with schoolwork and activities.

These intentions can be centered around a religious text, a code of ethics, a favorite song lyric, or a beloved family book. Your family may identify a habit everyone wants to improve, such as gathering for dinner each night or spending part of the weekend all together without distractions. Setting goals together can be a unifying and bonding experience for family members of all ages.

Prepare a Homework Station

Some families like to set up a dedicated communal space with desks for laptops, stationery for homework, shelves for organizing, hooks for backpacks and coats, and bulletin boards for important information. For young kids especially, having their school items contained in one spot can help with tidiness, and if it’s within earshot of your main grown-up space, parents can offer homework help when needed.

Older kids may want a more private desk space in their bedrooms. However you choose to organize your home, creating a dedicated study spot can help separate areas for homework, sleeping, and family living. You might take a trip to the store and gather some fun new school supplies to make the area feel fresh and ready for the first day.

The end of summer fun and family adventures can be hard, but we hope these eight suggestions help your family prepare to get back into school routines. Are there any tips we missed? We’d love to hear about them. Feel free to contact us, and let us know what helps your family get ready for the first day back at school.

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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.

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California is one of those states where getting around is difficult without a car. In turn, teens and adults must go through driver’s education to pass their written and driving tests at the DMV. At Longo Toyota, we’re invested in seeing people get a quality driving education so they can become safe and confident drivers on the roads in and around El Monte.

The following is a look at the best driving schools near El Monte, CA. All of them offer driving school packages designed to meet the needs of you or your teenager to qualify to get your driver’s license. Read on to learn about the driving schools that offer straightforward services to ones who can pick up a student from start to finish at the DMV.

Student First Driving School

Student 1st Driving School helps teen drivers earn their minimum requirements for taking their driving test at the DMV. The school also offers driving education to adult drivers, although adults aren’t required to have a minimum number of hours to take the test. Lesson packages for drivers of all ages include working on driving skills and preparing for the written portion of the driving test, with each package meeting the driver’s specific needs.

The school offers a single lesson package intended for a student who already has some driving experience and has completed some hours with another driving instructor. Most students, teens, or adults can get a more comprehensive driving experience and education with the three or five-lesson package. The multi-lesson packages include driving in challenging conditions to help the student learn how to become a confident driver in all types of driving situations.

America’s Driving School Walnut

America’s Driving School Walnut is one of those unusual driving schools in that it doesn’t have a website, and it’s located in a carwash facility. The reason why it’s listed is that it has great reviews for professionalism, and its staff does an excellent job of helping students learn how to drive and understand the rules of the road.

The school takes students of all ages and experience levels, and lesson packages are affordable. You can get picked up by the driver, provided you live within a certain radius of the school, although you have to call and find out what that radius is.

During the lesson, the teacher takes time to walk the student around the car and then has them sit in the driver’s seat for a further lesson on the controls of the car. Parents of teenagers are invited to observe the teacher while they show the student how to operate the car.

The biggest takeaway from reviewers is the fact that the teachers are pleasant and thorough, and they make it a point to help students relax behind the wheel. Students at America’s Driving School frequently ace their driving tests at the DMV after finishing their driving lessons with one of the quality instructors from the school.

Advan Driving School

Advan Driving School is a family-owned and operated driving school located in Alhambra, CA. It’s a full-service school that offers in-person driving lessons to teens and adults and online education for the written portion of the exam. Class options include basic driving lessons that enable a student to qualify for and take their driving test. There are classes available for students who need a more comprehensive driving experience that they may not otherwise receive.

The goal of the school is to teach students how to become safe and confident drivers capable of passing the driving test. Students can get picked up at their home for a fee, provided they live in Arcadia, Montebello, Pasadena, or Pico Rivera. Advan Driving School is a California DMV-Certified Driving School.

Viva Driving School

Viva Driving School offers driver’s education both online and behind the wheel for teens and adults. Students can take lessons one hour at a time or in multiple sessions to meet California’s six-hour drive time minimum for taking the road test. The school also offers online and in-person driver training that emphasizes safe driving habits as well as learning about the rules of the road.

Students who are seeking their permit and are at least 15½ years of age can apply through the school. After the student receives their permit, they can take classes at Viva Driving School and work their way towards earning their regular driver’s license.

Viva Driving School also offers driver’s education to international students seeking to learn how to drive on California roadways. It also offers testing services in the form of scheduling the driving test at the DMV for a student as well as providing student pick-up and letting the student use the school’s car for the driving portion of the test.

Yolanda’s Driving School

Yolanda’s Driving School is a highly rated school that offers basic and intermediate driving courses for teens and adults. Teachers emphasize safe driving techniques, are patient with their students, and make sure that all students receive a complete education in the classroom and on the road. Students learn how to drive properly in an environment that’s low-pressure and encourages students to relax. The school emphasizes teaching the road portion of the lessons in a non-judgmental fashion while focusing on the importance of safe driving.

The school offers driving packages to help students meet their minimum driving hours and classroom education requirements. Online driver’s education is available, and students can study at their own pace. Yolanda’s Driving School also provides assistance to drivers who need a car to take their test but don’t have access to one.

This wraps up our list of the best driving schools near El Monte, CA. All these schools offer driver’s education services that meet a variety of needs for beginning drivers, whether they’re a teen or an adult. You or your teen can feel confident that you’ll be able to pass your driver’s test at the DMV after receiving a quality education from one of these schools.

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Going on a road trip can be a fun way to explore a new place with your family or friends. Whether you’re making a short trip for a weekend away or getting ready for multiple weeks on the road, it’s important to prepare yourself and your vehicle properly for your journey. Our team at Longo Toyota created this guide to help you best prepare for your next road trip in the El Monte, California, area.

Share Your Plans

Let someone know about your plans for your road trip. If possible, create an itinerary that details your plans, such as routes you plan to take, cities where you plan to stop, hotels or campsites where you plan to stay, and dates you expect to be gone. It may also be helpful to consider enabling location sharing through your smartphone so they know where you are.

Check Your Vehicle

Complete a comprehensive check of your vehicle before departing for your trip. Start by checking all the fluids, such as brake fluids, coolant, oil, and windshield fluid. If you’re not sure how long it’s been since your last oil change or you think you may be due for one while on your trip, consider scheduling an oil change before hitting the road. This helps ensure your car performs optimally and prevents you from sacrificing time on your trip to deal with repairs.

It’s also important to check your tires before your road trip. Check the tread on your tires to ensure you don’t need to replace them and the pressure to confirm they’re filled appropriately. Don’t forget to check your spare tire when completing these checks to avoid further issues if you get a flat on the road. If you have questions about your tires, it may be helpful to get a professional opinion.

Don’t forget to address small things you might not otherwise think about in your vehicle. For example, confirm the bulbs in all your headlights, taillights, and turn signals illuminate properly. Check your brakes, especially your brake pads and rotors, to confirm everything is in good condition. If you have any warning lights on, such as your check engine light, seek professional maintenance assistance and resolve the issues before your trip.

It may also be worthwhile to check your battery before leaving. Experiencing a dead battery may delay your trip significantly, and it may happen without a battery warning light illuminating first. Look for signs of a weakening battery, such as your engine struggling to turn on or dim headlights even after replacing the bulbs. Come visit us so we can check your battery and advise you about potential replacement options.

Create a Roadside Emergency Kit

Emergencies may happen during your road trip, but preparing for them can help ensure they have minimal effect on your trip. Build and pack a kit of supplies you can use to help you handle small emergencies or maintenance concerns that may happen on the road. Some important things that may be helpful to have include:

• Bungee cords or straps.
• Emergency triangle or flares.
• Extra fluids, such as oil, coolant, and wiper fluid.
• Flashlights.
• Full-sized spare tire.
• Portable gas container.
• Jumper cables.
• Road atlas.
• Supplies for changing a tire, like a car jack, lug wrench, and wheel lock key.
• Tire chains.
• Tire pressure gauge.
• Tire repair supplies, like an inflator, plug kit, and sealant.
• Toolkit with items like an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, a socket wrench set, tow rope, work gloves, WD-40, and zip ties.
• Umbrella.

Consider researching your routes before leaving for the trip. For example, this may help you know when to anticipate driving through highly rural areas and fill up in advance. Learning more about the terrain and environment and factoring in the time of year may also help with packing appropriate supplies for the weather. For example, it may be helpful to have an ice scraper if you’re driving to Utah in the winter, but you can likely leave it at home if you’re trekking through Arizona in July.

It may also be helpful to create a general emergency kit. Include items like a first aid kit, basic cleaning supplies, drinking water, nonperishable food items, blankets, baby wipes, and trash bags. When packing, consider ensuring everyone has extra clothing and personal care items in case of trip delays.

Bring Important Documents

Make sure to pack all your important travel documents. Confirm you have the essential paperwork for driving your car, including your license, insurance, and registration. Don’t forget to pack any membership cards for roadside assistance companies and confirm you know how to contact them. It may also be helpful to keep printed copies of your routes, plans, or reservations and invest in a paper atlas as an extra resource.

Consider bringing cash and coins with you, too. Some routes may include toll roads, requiring you to pay a fee to drive on them. Toll routes often vary by state, but some accept coin and cash payments, while others may use a toll-by-plate system or only accept toll passes. Resources like TollSmart and TollGuru make it easy to research and plan for toll roads you may encounter.

Don’t Forget the Fun

Don’t let the stress of planning a road trip make you forget about having fun. Create playlists in advance to enjoy during your journey, and let people take turns playing DJ. Bring activities for the kids to do, such as card games or coloring. Think about making printouts of license plates from every state to play license plate bingo during the trip, or consider researching fun roadside attractions or landmarks to stop at throughout your drive.

We’ve reached the end of our guide about preparing for a road trip. At Longo Toyota, we’re proud to serve you and be the name you trust for everything Toyota in the El Monte area, and we hope you learned something new with our guide. Think we left something important off of our checklist? Drop us a line to share your suggestion. We may even update our guide to share your road trip preparation tips with our readers.

 

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Introducing the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra i-Force MAX. Finally, you have an all-purpose, full-size pickup truck with style, comfort, and capability to suit any lifestyle. The Tundra i-Force MAX works hard on the job, towing and hauling whatever you need. It also offers comfort and convenience features that make it a great daily driver around Los Angeles, and with the i-Force MAX, you get the incredible power and economy of Toyota’s revolutionary hybrid powertrain. We had our truck experts break down the i-Force MAX to help you better understand what makes the all-new Tundra unique.

Tundra i-Force MAX Powertrain

Toyota added hybrid technology to build on the powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine used in the gas-powered Tundra lineup. They engineered the i-Force Max engine with an electric motor/generator system within the bell housing between the engine and transmission. As a result, they created an inline hybrid powertrain unlike anything else in the segment. 

This parallel hybrid electric system draws on a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery pack that adds 48 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to an already impressive output. Toyota paired this revolutionary engine and permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with their 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence. The transmission features sequential shift mode technology, uphill and downhill shift logic, and Tow/Haul mode. As a result, the powertrain produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. 

Tundra i-Force MAX Economy Ratings

You can opt for the hybrid powertrain on any Tundra trim. However, your EPA estimated economy ratings will vary slightly depending on the model and 4×2 or 4×4 configuration. For example, the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition trims with the 4×2 drivetrain deliver 20 mpg driving around the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 22 mpg. 

Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and Capstone models with 4×4 configurations get ratings of 19 mpg on surface roads, 22 mpg on the freeway, and 20 mpg combined. The TRD Pro model’s ratings dip slightly, coming in at 18 mpg around town, 20 mpg on the interstates, and 19 mpg combined. Unfortunately, Toyota doesn’t offer the i-Force MAX powertrain on the SR and SR5 Tundra models.

Tundra i-Force MAX Interior Features

As with any vehicle lineup, the higher trims offer more amenities. For instance, the Limited trim features the beautiful and durable SofTex upholstery and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar support. The front seats heat and ventilate for added comfort. A rear under-seat storage compartment lets you keep tools and gear out of sight. In addition, Toyota includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel with all of your audio and driver-assist controls.

Your in-vehicle tech runs through a 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology to connect your smartphones for wireless operation. You also get a nine-speaker audio system as standard, or you can opt for the 12-speaker premium audio system from JBL.

The TRD Pro model uses the same SofTex material but adds contrasting stitching, technical camouflage pattern inserts, and a trim-exclusive TRD Pro red-striped leather shift knob. You also get the heating and ventilating front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and TRD badging throughout. In addition, Toyota adds a multi-terrain monitor system to the tech suite on the TRD Pro.

In the 1794 Edition, you have leather-trimmed seats with premium contrast stitching, heat, and ventilation. They pair nicely with the sophisticated American walnut wood interior trim and laser-etched instrument panel with 1794 Edition lettering. The driver’s seat has a 10-way power adjustment, and the front passenger seat has a four-way adjustment. A rear seat with heat and ventilation delivers comfort for all. The leather-trimmed steering wheel heats on the 1794 Edition, adding another layer of comfort.

Your tech runs on the same 14-inch touchscreen, but you also get a Qi-compatible wireless cellphone charger and a 12.3-inch customizable instrument panel. You can opt for a 10-inch color head-up display that projects your critical driving data to the windshield. The 12-speaker premium audio system from JBL comes as standard with the 1794 Edition.

Tundra’s top-tier Capstone model comes with all the refined features you expect from Toyota. Semi-aniline leather seats have contrast stitching, and they heat and ventilate in both rows. A matching leather-wrapped shift knob and heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel add stylish comfort. Toyota uses an American dark walnut wood trim with metal speaker covers on the interior. Even the instrument panel adds a sophisticated touch, backlit with the Capstone logo.

The 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, 12-speaker JBL sound system, and 10-inch color head-up display all come as standard on the Capstone. You also get a power-operated, panoramic tilt/slide moonroof that opens up your cabin to let in all the light and air you want.

Driver-Assist Technology

Every Tundra i-Force MAX truck comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of driver-assist systems designed to elevate your L.A. commute and help keep you safe. This suite includes a pre-collision system that scans the road ahead for obstacles. When the system detects a possible collision, even with a pedestrian, it alerts you. If you react slowly, the system engages emergency brake support to help.

You also get full-speed range dynamic cruise control that assists your standard cruise control by keeping you at a preset speed and distance while in traffic. If the traffic slows, this system slows you down, even to a complete stop. Then, when the way ahead clears, the system returns you to your presets.

A lane-departure alert with a steering-assist system warns you when it detects an unintentional drift from your lane. If you don’t react to the alert, the system uses gentle steering input to return you to your lane. The lane-tracing assist system uses similar technology to keep you centered in your lane, reducing driver fatigue. You also get a blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert. This technology alerts you when vehicles enter your blind spots, and it automatically engages braking and steering to help avoid a collision.

If you’re interested in upgrading your L.A. drive with a powerful, stylish, and efficient pickup, we invite you to browse our inventory online. As the leading Toyota dealer worldwide, we have your desired selection and prices to fit any budget. After selecting your favorite model online, you can visit our El Monte dealership for an all-important test drive. Then, one of our friendly staff will answer your questions and hand you the keys.

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Fall is the perfect time to get out and about with the family in El Monte, with average daily highs ranging from the mid-80s to the mid-70s, depending on the month. This Californian city and its neighbors have several great, fun, family-friendly events that can help you make the most of the weather. Here are some of our favorites.

Community Bike Ride

Discover El Monte on two wheels at the city’s community bike ride. While the ride has no age limits, the city recommends them for children aged 10+. The ride is an 8-mile course, so consider your children’s stamina when deciding if the ride is right for your clan. Bring your bikes and helmets to join in the fun.

Location: South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave., South El Monte.
Date: Sept. 10, 2022.
Time: Meet at 8:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. departure.
Price: Free.

Music on Main Concerts

Music on Main is predominantly a summer concert series, but it continues until the first month of fall with shows from Ellas, playing a blend of modern and mariachi music and No Duh, a No Doubt tribute act. The early start time makes these events perfect for music-loving families. Bring your chairs and dancing shoes, as there’s plenty of space in front of the painted band shell to bust a move. Nearby eateries and onsite food vendors ensure there are dinner options for even the fussiest eaters.

Location: Tony Arceo Park (on the corner of Tyler and Mildred), El Monte.
Date: Sept. 15 and Sept. 29, 2022.
Time: Show starts at 6:30 p.m.
Price: Free.

Movies at Victory Park

Travel 12 miles to Pasadena’s Victory Park for family-friendly movies under the stars. See “Moana” in September or “Edward Scissorhands” in October. Arrive early to secure a prime viewing position and enjoy music from live bands and MCs. Bring a picnic or enjoy delicious dishes from the onsite food trucks. As the park is dog-friendly, the whole family can enjoy a movie date out.

Location: Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., Pasadena.
Date: Sept. 24 and Oct. 8, 2022.
Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; the movie starts at 8:30 p.m.
Price: $10 to $30 depending on the tickets; free for children under five. Secure discounted advance tickets via the Street Food Cinema website.

Los Angeles Chocolate Salon

After a three-year hiatus, Pasadena welcomes the LA Chocolate Salon, Southern California’s original gourmet chocolate event, this fall. Now in its 14th year, this fun event features special chef appearances, live demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to taste the sweet stuff. The admission price includes tastings and samples, so you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging your sweet tooth. Just don’t blame us if your kids experience a serious sugar rush.

Location: The Pasadena Center, Conference Building, 300 Green St., Pasadena.
Date: Sept. 25, 2022.
Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Price: $22.75 advance price for adults ($25 at the door); $10 for children ages six to 12; free for children under six (up to two small children per adult).

Carved

La Canada Flintridge is a 25-minute drive from El Monte, but it’s worth the drive to enjoy the fall fun of Carved, the annual harvest festival at Descanso Gardens. Your kids will love admiring the thousands of carved pumpkins lined up for a mile through Camelia Forest and Oak Grove. They will learn how to create their own spooky squash at home with pumpkin-carving demonstrations. They can also test their navigation skills in the hay maze and step inside the awesome pumpkin house made of real pumpkins. Holiday-themed foods and beverages add to the fun.

Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge.
Date: October 7-31, 2022.
Time: Entry times are every half hour from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Price: $20 to $26 for Descanso Gardens members; $32 to $38 for non-members.

Thunderfest Car Show and Music Festival

Take the 10-mile drive to Covina for the 25th year of Thunderfest, the largest car show in Southern California. Admire the hundreds of hot rods and classic cars that line the downtown streets. If autos aren’t your thing, don’t worry. A variety of bands entertain the crowds from two outdoor stages. It’s also a great place to shop up a storm, with many local stores offering special Thunderfest deals.

Location: Citrus Avenue, Covina.
Date: Oct. 8, 2022.
Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: Free.

Los Angeles Fall Fair

This year marks the 41st annual LA Fall Festival. It’s the largest fall festival in Los Angeles County, with 12 acres of carnival rides and games, concert stages, a food court, and market stalls. Unlimited carnival rides keep the price low for families. You’ll find all your favorites here, including a merry-go-round, a giant Ferris wheel, and the thrills of the Krazy Train, Star Tower, and Zipper.

Location: La Prada Event Plaza, Whittier Narrows Park, 1600 Rosemead Blvd., South El Monte.
Date: Nov. 4-Nov. 6, 2022.
Time: Friday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $5 for adults and children 12+; free for younger children and seniors 65+; free parking.

Annual Fall Festival

South El Monte isn’t the only local city with a fall festival. For more fall fun, travel 20 miles northwest to Glendale for its annual fall festival. Your family can enjoy all their favorite fall activities here, including picking pumpkins and getting creative with arts and crafts. Carnival games, face painting, and a bouncy house provide little ones with plenty of fun. People of all ages love the Glendale Rocks climbing wall, live music, and tasty food options.

Location: Pacific Community Center and Park, 501 S. Pacific Ave., Glendale.
Date: Oct. 22, 2022.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Free.

The team at Longo Toyota knows what they’ll be doing this fall, but what about you? Are there any great local family events happening in the fall that we missed? We’d love to know how you’ll be enjoying our local area as a family this season.

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Since our humble beginnings in 1967, the Longo family has delivered high-quality sales and service to the greater Los Angeles community. As a result of our hard work and dedication to customer service, we’ve been recognized as the number one Toyota dealer worldwide in sales every year since our inception. That’s the direct result of our commitment to our customers.

Investing in a new Toyota is a big decision, and it’s natural to want to protect that investment as much as possible. The new Toyota Care — a maintenance and roadside assistance program — is here to help. This plan is provided free of charge on all new Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs. Should you ever need to use the program, you can be confident that Longo Toyota’s world-class service center is ready to assist. To help you understand the plan’s benefits, we had our experts break down the Toyota Care program. Read on to learn more.

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What Is ToyotaCare?

Toyota leads the automobile industry in safety and dependability and recognizes the importance of maintaining your vehicle to ensure maximum safety and reliability. Free enrollment in the Toyota Care program comes standard with every new vehicle you purchase or lease. Toyota Care protection means your new car, truck, or SUV will receive Toyota Genuine Parts on all services and repairs. You also benefit from the expertise of Longo Toyota’s factory-trained technicians. As a result, your car will run in tip-top condition the way Toyota intended.

Toyota Care Maintenance Coverage

Every vehicle purchased or leased receives the same quality coverage. Your Toyota Care maintenance plan provides you with two years or 25,000 miles of protection — whichever comes first. To take advantage of your no-cost Toyota Care service, bring your vehicle to Longo Toyota’s service center, and we’ll handle the rest. Don’t worry if you need service and find yourself far from El Monte, as you can bring your car to any participating Toyota dealership in the country. To find a participating dealership in your area, search on Toyota.com.  

The plan covers all your routine maintenance. At six months or 5,000 miles, we perform a complimentary multi-point inspection and tire rotation and will inspect and adjust your vehicle’s fluid levels. At 12 months or 10,000 miles, we provide you with the above services plus a complimentary oil change. Because Toyota engines don’t require oil changes more than every 10,000 miles, we skip that service at your 18-month/15,000-mile maintenance appointment. However, we’ll still perform tire rotation and a multi-point inspection and will adjust your vehicle’s fluids. 

When you reach the 24-month/20,000-mile mark, you get another oil change and the other services. Finally, when you hit 25,000 miles, we’ll rotate your tires, adjust your fluid levels, and provide you with a final multi-point vehicle inspection. Longo Toyota will send you service reminders throughout your coverage period to help you stay on schedule. 

Toyota Care Roadside Assistance Coverage

Longo Toyota understands that, even with the proper maintenance, you could experience a breakdown. Your Toyota Care Roadside Assistance plan, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has your back. Your Roadside Assistance coverage lasts two years with unlimited miles, so you’ll never be left stranded, no matter what happens. Call the toll-free number 1-800-444-4195, and we’ll send help.

Toyota Care Roadside Assistance covers you against the most inconvenient breakdowns. For example, if your battery fails, we’ll send a service vehicle to jump start your Toyota. Your roadside technician will test your battery and electrical system to determine the root cause of failure. Perhaps the battery failed, or maybe there’s a problem with the vehicle’s alternator not providing a charge. Regardless, you’ll know precisely the issue, and you can conveniently schedule service online for expert repairs or battery replacement.

No one plans on running out of gas, but sometimes, it happens. Your Toyota Care Roadside Assistance plan will dispatch a service vehicle to deliver fuel if this unfortunate situation arises. Or, maybe you locked your keys inside your car. If this happens, our team will send a technician to unlock your vehicle. 

Your coverage also includes tire service. Hazardous LA road conditions can do a number on your tires. If you have a flat tire, our Toyota Care dispatch will send someone out immediately to change your tire so you can get back to your busy life. 

Should you experience a mechanical breakdown of any kind and require a tow truck, Toyota Care will send you help. Your tow truck will bring you to the Toyota dealership of your choice within 25 miles of your current location. You also get the added protection of free winching service. Of course, no one plans on needing winching, but sometimes, you might find yourself stuck in a ditch, sand, mud, or snow after trying to avoid an accident. If this happens, we’ll send a truck to winch your vehicle out of trouble. You’ll be on your way in no time if you don’t need any repairs; otherwise, we’ll tow your car to the nearest Toyota dealer for service.

Toyota Warranty Coverage

Toyota offers some of the best warranty coverage in the industry standard. Every Toyota vehicle comes with a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty that covers all components other than normal wear and tear parts. In addition, you have a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty protecting your engine, transmission/transaxle, front-wheel-drive system, rear-wheel drive, seatbelts, and airbags.

You also benefit from Toyota’s Emissions Coverage, which follows Federal and California emissions regulations. Plus, a Rust-Through Coverage warranty protects you against possible corrosion perforation of the sheet metal parts on your car. Toyota also offers a warranty on all hybrid batteries for 2020 model years and newer. Coverage lasts for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Explore New Toyota Vehicles in El Monte

If you’re searching for a new car, truck, or SUV to elevate your LA commute, Longo Toyota has the selection to suit your lifestyle and needs. As the top dealership in the world, we offer the best prices in the region and expert service to support you long after your purchase. We invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by our dealership for a personal demonstration of your favorite Toyota.

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Several places offer high-quality after-school programs if you need a safe place for your child to go after school in the El Monte area. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to help your child with homework, provide a safe environment, or learn a new language, you have options. Our Longo Toyota team would like to share a few places where you can take your kids after school in El Monte, California.

iKids Learning Center

The after-school program at iKids Learning Center provides your child with a comfortable and safe environment where qualified teachers can help them complete their homework. iKids employs patient, passionate, and caring teachers who can lend a supportive hand to students that need assistance. Your child will get a nutritional snack at the iKids Learning Center after-school tutoring program. The staff will challenge your child as they learn and grow in trust and confidence.

iKids Learning Center is located at 3301 N. San Gabriel Boulevard in Rosemead. They provide care for your child until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. iKids has been serving the area since 2006, and its goal is to ensure its students are successful academically.

Data for Children

Another excellent after-school tutoring program is available at Data for Children. Your child will benefit from the caring and dedicated teachers who will provide homework help and tutoring based on your child’s academic needs. Teachers base lessons on your child’s current academic level to challenge them and help them grow as successful learners. Data for Children offers a constructive and safe environment where your child will make friends and have fun while learning.

A Summer Enrichment program is also available through Data for Children. This program runs June through August from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours available. The curriculum includes next-grade level common core and extracurricular activities such as edible and hands-on art projects, crafts, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), coding, and more. Data for Children is located at 253-255 S. San Gabriel Boulevard in San Gabriel.

Neo Learning Center

Neo Learning Center has served the Arcadia area since 1989 and offers after-school programming for kindergarten through grade nine students. Their program strives to develop your child’s social and academic skills through various activities and programs. Your child will work with experienced teachers who work to develop their most significant potential for life and career services. Neo is located at 19 Live Oak Ave. in Arcadia.

A standard day schedule consists of homework time, a break, plus vocabulary, math, reading comprehension, and school test preparation time. Neo also offers weekly speech, writing and language arts, math, and art classes for students. Optional programs include Spanish, Chinese, and piano and music theory for an additional fee. You can also pay to have your child picked up at school and delivered to Neo Learning Center. The pick-up time is between 5:45 and 6:30 p.m., with late pick-up available until 7 p.m.

Neo Learning Center offers your child a full-day summer school program, starting at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday. The summer program schedule includes writing, penmanship, reading, phonics, spelling, and language arts instruction in the morning. Afternoons offer common core math, coloring, thinking skill puzzles, board games, and field trips. Once a week, classes include phonics review, speech class, language arts review test, math review test, listening training, and art. Included special programs are fun science and team drama-play activities. During their summer program, Neo also offers Spanish, Chinese, and piano and music theory.

Little Harvard Academy – Harvard Education Center

Little Harvard Academy – Harvard Education Center is located at 62 Las Tunas Drive in Arcadia and offers an after-school and summer program to help your child close learning gaps and acquire advanced skills. Little Harvard’s programming is designed for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This educational program is available either in-person or online. Your child will receive homework support, targeted instruction, adaptive assessments, personalized learning, and enrichment activities.

The Little Harvard Academy summer program runs from June to August for students in first through eighth grades. The morning program runs from 9 a.m. to noon and includes critical reading, a writing workshop, mathematics, and test practice. In the afternoon, students will work on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), public speaking and debate, Chinese and Spanish, and fun activities from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

New Light Learning Center

New Light Learning Center offers several programs for kindergarten through grade 12 students, including homework tutoring, test preparation, college entrance preparation, and private music lessons. New Light Learning Center can also help your child improve their critical thinking and study skills. A Saturday enrichment program is also available for grade and middle school students. The after-school program at New Light is offered Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 9032 Mission Drive, Suite #210 in Rosemead.

Your child can also attend summer day camp at New Light Learning Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The summer program includes common core English language arts and math in the morning on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. After a lunch break, they continue with elective classes, world language club, informational text reading, problem-solving, reading comprehension, and number fluency. Wednesdays start with a common core review, and then everyone goes on field trips to places such as Castle Park, John’s Incredible Pizza, Splash Zone Waterpark, AMC Movie Theater, and bowling.

A high-quality after-school program can provide your child with the academic support needed to be successful in school. It can also give you peace of mind, knowing that your child is in a nurturing and safe environment with caring teachers and staff. Our Longo Toyota team hopes this list of available after-school and summer programming for your child is helpful. If you’d like us to help you find a new vehicle to haul the children back and forth to these programs, stop in and see us at 3534 N. Peck Road in El Monte.

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