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How do you use Toyota Destination Assist? Destination Assist is a unique available feature on select new Toyota models that have the available Premium Audio System. It is a system that is designed to help give you live assistance from an actual human being while you are searching for a specific destination. The person can look up the information and send you directions on how to get to where you need to be. It’s a great feature that can come in handy on those long road trips. How do you use Toyota Destination Assist? Watch the videos below! How do you use Android Auto™ in your Toyota? Toyota Destination Assist video demos How do you use the Toyota app?

Time-based car service vs mileage-based vehicle service You often see warranties or service information giving you time and mileage suggestions or requirements, such as “three years or 36,000 miles.” When it comes to routine maintenance, guidance is often given about how many miles should be driven between oil changes, generally arriving somewhere between 3,000 miles and 10,000 miles (though the specific number is up to the manufacturer, so it is always best to check your owner’s manual). But what about situations where you are hardly driving, like what has been happening the past year for many people? What if months and months have gone by since your last oil change but you haven’t come close to the mileage amounts needed for that service? We want to take a closer look at time-based car service vs mileage-based vehicle service. How to take care of your car during quarantine Should you get an oil change even if you didn’t hit the necessary mileage? In short, yes, there are instances where you should get your oil changed and your vehicle serviced even if you did not hit the normally required mileage. It is recommended that, even if you do not drive often, you should get your oil changed at least twice a year to keep everything running smoothly. So, if you’ve hardly driven at all in six months or longer and haven’t hit that 3,000 or 5,000 mile threshold, it is still recommended to change your oil anyway. Oil always degrades over time, so the quality of the oil continues to deteriorate as the months progress. No matter how often you are driving, the oil quality will only go down over time, and even if you do not drive often, you need to be sure that you have high-quality oil working its magic. Other routine services to consider You don’t want to let too much time go between service appointments because, in addition to getting fresh oil for the engine, other items might need attention. Even if you haven’t driven the necessary amount of mileage, the time elapsed is important to consider for such things as tire rotations, battery checks, brake service, and really the whole kit and kaboodle. It is vital to stay on top of your vehicle’s needs because, while you may not drive it often, you need to be sure it will work as it is supposed to when you do take it out for a spin! San Francisco Toyota has two service center locations!

How do you use Android Auto in a Toyota? It’s no exaggeration to say that our smartphones are a huge part of our daily lives. With so much of our lives being lived online and with the assistance of mobile apps, staying connected is a vital component of living these days. Toyota understands this, and that’s why many new Toyota models come equipped with Android Auto, which allows users of compatible phones running the Android operating system to connect to the vehicle and use certain applications while in the car. How do you use Android Auto in a Toyota? Keep reading for a step-by-step process. Does the new Toyota Venza come with Android Auto? Steps for setting up Android Auto in your Toyota Connect your device using the USB media port in the center stack. This should automatically launch Android Auto on your device. Older operating systems/phones may require you to first install Android Auto from the Google Play store. Within the Android Auto App on the device, tap the button that says to connect. Tap through the on-screen instructions and accept or give permissions as needed or requested. On the vehicle’s multimedia touchscreen display, tap “On” to turn on Android Auto. Using Android Auto once it is set up Tap the tile on the home menu on the touchscreen display. You will see icons for certain applications, including Google Maps, your calendar, your phone, and other apps, all directly from your Android device. Press the icons as needed while being careful to pay attention to your driving. Use the Exit icon or press the Home or Menu button on the multimedia display at any time to return home and exit Android Auto. And that’s all there is to it! Android Auto is a convenient way to access some of your favorite features, including your favorite playlists or podcasts, and stay in touch with family and friends with hands-free calling and messaging while on the road. How do you use the Toyota App?

Where to get your Toyota serviced in the Bay Area As a vehicle owner, you know how important it is to get your vehicle serviced for routine maintenance to make sure it continues running properly and to check to see if there are any issues to be fixed. Even in tumultuous times where driving may not be happening as frequently, you still need to make sure that your car is properly taken care of--just as you have regular doctor visits, even if you’re feeling well, to make sure that everything is copacetic. While San Francisco Toyota may be best known for our selection of new Toyota models and used vehicles for sale, we also offer two service center locations. If you’re looking for where to get your Toyota serviced in the Bay Area, you’ve found it! Where are the San Francisco Toyota service centers? We have two Toyota Certified Service Centers for you to choose from here in San Francisco. The first is at 4099 Geary Blvd, and the other is at 1608 Van Ness Ave. So, depending on where in the San Francisco area you live, you can select the location that will work out best for you. Our service hours are generally 7AM to 5:30PM Monday through Friday, 7AM to 5PM on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. However, as you know, the pandemic has made things more fluid in terms of changes, so adjustments in hours or when locations are even open at all may be needed at times. Be sure to always check our website for the latest information, and feel free to give us a call at 415-941-2502 for any questions. What services are offered by San Francisco Toyota? Get your Camry, Corolla, RAV4, or any other Toyota model the service it needs with us! Come to us for your oil changes, engine filter changes, transmission flushes, muffler and exhaust repairs, diagnostic checks, front-end alignments, windshield wiper blade replacement, and more. With us, you will be sure your Toyota is getting parts from Toyota for your Toyota, so you can be certain you have the parts specifically designed for what you’re driving. Come and visit us today! We also have a collision center to get your Toyota looking as good as new after a crash

How to manage your Toyota App account Today’s technological age is a marvel for vehicle owners in general, but it makes owning a Toyota particularly better. By driving a Toyota and signing up for a Toyota App account, you will gain access to a wide variety of functions, including remote access to select features on your vehicle, diagnostics, and more. This can sometimes be a tough area to navigate, so we wanted to show you this video that explains how to manage your Toyota App account. Take a look! How do you use the Toyota App? Demo of managing your Toyota App account View our inventory of new Toyota models

Options for the end of your Toyota lease In addition to being able to finance and purchase a new Toyota model here at San Francisco Toyota, you also have the option of leasing a new Toyota model instead. Leasing is a fine option for many people depending on driving preferences and lifestyles, but what happens when it is time to end the lease? There are a few different options for the end of your Toyota lease, and these videos go over them to provide you with the answers you need. Toyota end-of-lease processes explained Did you know you can rent a new Toyota in San Francisco?

How to use the hands-free power liftgate in the 2021 Toyota Venza We are excited that Toyota decided to bring back the Venza, this time as a hybrid crossover SUV fit for entire families or single drivers alike. It has a lot to offer, and one such feature that a lot of people will love is the standard hands-free power liftgate. This feature can come in handy when you’re heading up to the Venza with arms full of groceries or luggage. Some things are better explained through visualization, so here is a video on how to use the hands-free power liftgate in the 2021 Toyota Venza. Compare the 2021 Toyota Venza trims Take a look at the 2021 Toyota Venza color options

How do you use the Toyota App? Did you know that many select new Toyota models come with the capability to remotely connect to an app on your compatible smartphone? With the Toyota App, you are able to access a number of different statistics and information about your vehicle, as well as take certain actions. The setup is easy, and once you’ve experienced the convenience, you won’t want to go back! How do you use the Toyota App? We have a video to explain below. Link your car to an Android or Apple smartwatch! Read how to connect Amazon Alexa to Toyota Remote Connect.

How does Toyota Remote Connect work on smartwatches? Technology and connectivity are so engrained in our daily lives that it barely feels novel anymore, as it is more and more important to stay in touch with the world around us as often as possible. For that reason, many devices, including smartwatches, are used each day. You can connect these devices to a lot of new cars these days, including select new Toyota models, in order to access certain statistics or take certain actions like remotely locking or unlocking the doors. You can do that through Toyota Remote Connect for many new Toyota models. How does Toyota Remote Connect work on smartwatches? We included a video here to explain. Steps to connect your Toyota to your compatible smartwatch How do you connect Amazon Alexa to your Toyota vehicle?

How do you connect Amazon Alexa to Toyota Remote Connect? Although it may be a cliché, you can look at just about any vehicle and say, “the future is now,” and that is especially true for Toyota, which has always been on the cutting edge of innovation and technology in the automotive world. Many recent Toyota models allow for connection to Amazon Alexa, the popular smart device and application that offers easy and convenient voice-activated information and entertainment. If your Toyota is equipped with this functionality and you have a compatible mobile device, you can take advantage of numerous Alexa features as well as remotely locking/unlocking your car, among other things. How do you connect Amazon Alexa to Toyota Remote Connect? Keep reading for a step-by-step process. How to pair your phone to Toyota Entune 3.0 Steps for connecting Amazon Alexa to your Toyota First, make sure that your vehicle is equipped with Remote Connect and you have already registered with Toyota Connected Services under your Toyota Owners account. If you haven’t done so yet, you’ll need to register prior to connecting your Alexa device. Once that is situated, sign in to your Amazon account on their website or open the Amazon Alexa app on your device. Then, in the menu under the Skills option, search for the Toyota skill. Enable that, then sign into the Toyota skill using the same username and password you use for your Toyota Owners account. Select your vehicle to link it, then create a four-digit PIN and hit Save. And that’s it! This process only takes a few minutes, and once that is finished, you will be able to easily access different features on your compatible Toyota model from the comfort of your home using your Amazon Alexa device. If you want to know which Toyota vehicles offer Alexa compatibility or would like a demonstration and you’re in the Bay area, contact a San Francisco Toyota representative today.

Toyota Prius catalytic converter protectors for sale in San Francisco CA Have you heard of the criminals that have been stealing catalytic converters in the area? Indeed, criminals have turned to cutting people’s cars open and stealing the catalytic converters because of the valuable metals contained within them, including platinum. This has happened disproportionately to Toyota Prius models, and some speculate it could be due to their lighter weight, which makes them easier for thieves to lift up. If you are a Prius owner, you can protect yourself with Toyota Prius catalytic converter protectors for sale in California right here at San Francisco Toyota. How efficient is the 2020 Prius? Toyota Prius catalytic converter installation Here at San Francisco Toyota, we are pleased to sell Cap City Muffler's Cat Security™ Plate for Prius models. These plates act as sort of a shield for the catalytic converter on your Prius, especially protecting the O2 sensor wire from getting cut and allowing the unit to be removed by criminals. These plates are also set up to ensure proper exhaust ventilation. They are resistant to corrosion and are made from aluminum to keep things lightweight, which is especially important on a Prius to maintain its remarkable fuel economy. Why it is important to protect your catalytic converter If you haven’t already had to experience the sucker punch to your bank account that is replacing a catalytic converter, consider yourself lucky! Any way you slice it, catalytic converters are expensive, which makes sense given that they have such an important task in converting the pollutant gases from the engine into something less toxic to be released outside. Sometimes these items can cost in the thousands of dollars, so waking up one day and heading to your Prius only to find that the catalytic converter has been stolen overnight will be a costly experience, much more so than the price of installing a protector. These catalytic converter protectors act as deterrents to would-be thieves. Please contact us to learn more about protecting the catalytic converter on your Prius!

How to take care of your car during quarantine As you know, there are so many questions whirling around in these anxious, uncertain times. The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has halted many parts of people’s daily lives all over the globe, and while it is important to stay at home to help stop the spread of the virus, that itself raises a new question: Should you drive your vehicle during stay-at-home orders? Read ahead for some tips on how to take care of your car during quarantine. How to clean your car to help disinfect from coronavirus How often should you take your automobile out for a drive? It is important to follow the guidelines laid out by health experts and by officials when it comes to heading out of your house, so travel needs to be limited to what is essential. According to the order currently in place, you can still go outside for some recreational purposes as long as you continue to maintain proper social distancing guidelines and adhere to closures of parks and other areas. One thing you can do is take your car out for a recreational drive, and that is actually recommended by automotive experts. It is recommended that you drive your car for at least 10 minutes every few days or so, or at least once a week. It is important to drive your car rather than just let it idle, because you want to give the battery a good charge as well as keep everything in smooth, running order. Leaving the car sitting for many days on end could end up draining the battery, and the last thing you’ll want to be greeted with when you go to start your car up once these orders are lifted is the sound of your vehicle not starting. If possible, see if you can get up to highway speeds for at least part of the drive to keep your vehicle used to driving such speeds. Driving your vehicle will also make sure that it is not sitting in the same exact spot for so long that the tires begin to wear out unevenly at the spot where they are constantly in contact with the ground, plus you will be able to better monitor the tire pressure and make sure they are always properly inflated. If you do need to go and pump some air in your tires, gas stations are considered essential businesses and remain open during the crisis, so head on over to your local station (safely) and pump up those tires if you need to. In general, driving your car once a week also gives you the opportunity to check in with your car and make sure everything remains in good working order. In addition to checking your tire pressure, take a look at your windshield wiper blades, top off your fuel tank, be sure you have windshield washer fluid, look for dashboard warning lights, keep the battery charged (which is the biggest point in driving your car regularly during this time), check your brakes, and be sure your exhaust system is still in good working order. If it is time for some maintenance, contact San Francisco Toyota and we can talk about service options during these times of lockdown and social distancing. Other resources about COVID-19 for Californians California government website California Department of Public Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention