Author Archive for Jason Lancaster
Jason Lancaster is the editor and founder of TundraHeadquarters.com. He has nearly a decade of experience on the retail side of the auto industry, and another decade of experience of the part and accessory side of the industry.
Toyota – Free Maintenance For Two Years or 25k Miles
Toyota just announced that they will be offering free maintenance on all Toyota and Scion models for either two years or 25k miles, whichever comes first. This free two year 25k mile maintenance plan will include:
- As many as 5 oil changes or as few as 2 oil changes (depending on model)
- 5 tire rotations
- 24 hour roadside assistance
- Various chassis inspections and minor maintenance items
Why is Toyota offering free maintenance? Because…
A Little Bit About Automotive Glass – Truck Tech
Reading Toyota’s official description of the 2011 Tundra, you’ll find the following lines about glass:
Standard High Solar Energy Absorbing (HSEA) glass helps filter solar heat and most UV (skin-sensitive) light energy entering the vehicle. This reduces occupants’ sun exposure, helps to keep the interior cooler and enhances durability of interior materials. Limited grade models receive standard IR-cut glass, further reducing solar levels.
The question is, What the heck are “High Solar Energy Absorbing” glass and “IR-Cut” glass, and how do they work?
Tundra TRD Dual Exhaust Is Back
When the 2nd generation Toyota Tundra debuted in 2007, one of the things Tundra buyers liked was the option to buy a Toyota-authorized TRD cat-back exhaust system. Rather than buying an after-market exhaust system and worrying about performance, sound characteristics, and quality, new Tundra buyers could go with a system backed by Toyota.
The new TRD dual cat-back exhaust system for 2009+ Tundras retails for $1,000
However, for some inexplicable reason, Toyota canceled the TRD exhaust system at the end of the 2008 model year. Up until last week, anyone who wanted a TRD exhaust for their 2009-2011 Tundra was out of luck. However, TRD has corrected this oversight with a new Tundra exhaust system for 2009-and-up Tundras.
Here’s all the info:
Toyota Building Prius-Flavored Pickup?
This week’s Automotive News breaks down Toyota’s product plans for the next few years, including supposed plans for a Prius branded compact pickup – likely based on the A-Bat concept pictured here:
A truck based on this concept has been rumored for some time – a hybrid version has been hinted at over the last few years, and Scion President Jack Hollis has hinted at a Scion version of the A-BAT concept for a few months now.
Here’s what we think:
The UAW Will Forever Handicap Ford, GM, and Chrysler
Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) are not an homogeneous group. Most are conscientious, hard-working, and fine examples of everything that’s right with American manufacturing. This post will discuss unreasonable wage demands and video of UAW members drinking and smoking marijuana during their lunch hour, but it is in no way meant to slander the UAW’s hard-working majority. The issue isn’t the average autoworker – it’s the system that the UAW has created.
