All Entries in the "Maintenance Tips" Category
Toyota Bluetooth Cell Phone Basics
Bluetooth technology has radically changed the way that people integrate personal electronic devices into their automobiles. The term “Bluetooth” refers to a protocol for wireless data transfer that allows different types of consumer electronics – cell phones, navigational systems, and mp3 players, for example – to communicate with each other. Probably the most common instance of Bluetooth technology in use are wireless headsets for mobile phones. These small earpieces are paired with a cell phone that can be as far as 12 feet away, allowing hands-free operation of the phone while driving or working.
The Blackberry Bold (right) and the Samsung Eternity (left) are two new popular Bluetooth enabled phones that are compatible with Toyota”s Bluetooth systems.
Since cellular phones and driving safety have become inextricably linked over the past few years, many municipalities have passed laws banning the use of hand-held phones while driving. This has lead to a surge in the popularity of Bluetooth earpieces and headsets, as hands-free phone use is still usually permitted. Over the past few years, Toyota has helped to lead the charge to incorporate Bluetooth technology into their vehicles in order to take hands-free cell use a step further.
After Market Brake Pads For Trucks and Towing
Towing is a big part of why people buy trucks, and anyone that knows will tell you that powerful engines and powerful brakes are essential for good towing. While there are quite a few things you can do to add power to your truck – after-market air intakes, TRD superchargers, and after-market truck exhausts, we’ve decided to discuss what you can do to make your braking system better.
After a reviewing slotted and drilled rotors for trucks and discussing whether or not slotted or drilled rotors are good for towing, it’s time to consider after-market brake pads available for trucks and designed for towing.
Blitz Rhino Ramps – Make Oil Changes Easier
Doing you own oil changes can be very cost-effective. Why pay someone else to do a job that is essentially no more complicated than unscrewing a drain plug? [Note – Click here if you’re looking for Tundra oil change instructions.] The simple answer for most people is ‘convenience’ – jacking a truck up in the air to get underneath and put a wrench on the oil pan’s drain plug can be a daunting experience, especially since many people aren’t comfortable laying underneath their vehicle.
Enter Rhino Ramps – a combination of
Equus Scanner and Code Reader – Equus 3100
While the march of progress has given us so much – increased horsepower, better fuel economy, reliable motors that start almost every time you turn the key (no matter what the temperature is outside) – the days of being able to take your truck to a “shade tree mechanic” to get a problem fixed have sadly passed us by. Modern vehicles use a complicated computer control system that not only keeps the vehicle running like a top, but also plays a key role in tracking problems should any arise.
Tired of paying to find out what’s wrong with your car? For the price of about one diagnosis fee, you can buy your very own handheld Equus Scanner and Code Reader.
If an issue does pop up, then your rig lets you know with the dreaded Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light. These vague warnings could be the result of almost anything – a loose gas cap, a lean fuel condition, a confused 02 sensor, or a failed cam position sensor – yet all these different problems will trigger one of two possible warning lights. Because the meaning of the light is so vague (and because modern vehicles are so complicated) there’s simply no way to know how serious the problem is until you can get your vehicle to a diagnosis and scanning tool. Up until fairly recently, the only way to get your vehicle diagnosed was
Fix In-Door Storage Compartment Rattle
The Toyota Tundra has a lot of smart features, but the multiple storage compartments, big and small, are some of the smartest. It’s great to a have a lot of places to store stuff – gloves, some extra napkins (for when you spill coffee), cell phones and cell phone chargers, CDs, etc. etc. Keeping these items tucked away keeps your truck looking neat and clean, and it discourages people from helping themselves to your stuff. Very smart.
Unfortunately, the in-door storage compartments (seen below) are subjected to a lot of abuse. Every time the truck’s door closes, the storage compartment door is shaken. Toyota added some felt pads to the storage door to dampen the shock, but you may find that your truck’s pads are missing or not quite working. The good news is that it’s a really easy fix (thanks to Jeremy on TundraNetwork.com for sharing this one).
