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We’re almost a week into January, but we know there’s still quite a few people that are procrastinating their New Year’s Resolution. Instead of making the same old one, how about you try something new that will keep you and your family safe this 2017? We have 7 tips for a car-safe new year below. End Drinking and Driving: Each day, alcohol-impaired driving takes the lives of 36 people and injures nearly 700. While you may not be getting behind the wheel after drinking, there’s still plenty you can do to help eliminate drunk driving. Make sure your friends and family have a sober ride to and from social events, and if you see someone at risk, speak up and help them get a safe ride home. Consider Safety Rating: The great thing about New Toyota Vehicles is that not only are they stylish, tech-savvy, and fun to drive, they’re also incredibly safe. This year, make a vow to consider safety when shopping for your next car. Toyota has the most Top Safety Pick ratings from the IIHS, so DELLA Toyota in Plattsburgh is a perfect place to start! Change a Tire: Learning to change a tire is a great life skill. This is the year to learn to do it! If you need any help, our Service Department is here to assist. Be Prepared: While we hope you don’t find yourself in any car accidents this year, it doesn’t hurt to prepare. If you find yourself in a situation where your normal vehicle exit is compromised (your car is submerged in water or has rolled over), an auto escape tool like a glass-shattering hammer or seatbelt cutter could be the difference between life and death. Go out and buy one today. Buckle Up: This resolution is a no brainer! Seatbelts decrease your chance of death or injury in a collision by over 50 percent. Make sure you and every passenger in your vehicle is buckled up at all times. Fill Up Your Tank: Driving around on empty is dangerous and it can cause damage to your engine. Stay on top of your tank this year. No More Distracted Driving: Distracted driving continues to be an epidemic in our country, and ending it takes just a few adjustments. Change your habits so you can focus on driving. If you like to finish your makeup in the car on the way to work, wake up a few minutes earlier. If you’re tempted to text your group chat back, put your phone in the trunk where you can’t reach it. "7 Resolutions for a Car-Safe New Year on Edmunds.com." Edmunds. N.p., 06 Jan. 2015. Web. 05 Jan. 2017. < https://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/7-resolutions-for-a-car-safe-new-year.html >.

Winter is finally here in Plattsburgh, NY; Burlington, St. Albans, VT; Lake Placid, and Malone, NY! If you’re like us, you probably hate stepping outside in the cold to warm up and clean off your vehicle. Here are some common questions we get about the right and wrong way of doing so. Should I start my car and let it warm up before I leave? While it may be convenient for those who have automatic car starters, we recommend not letting your engine idle for more than a few minutes. Experts say this can harm the engine. Your engine requires gasoline and air to run, but when it’s cold outside, your car will begin to add more gas than air to the engine to keep everything running properly. The extra gas will “wash away” some of the oil, which is imperative for keeping your engine running smoothly. For those who don’t want to put down their automatic car starters - we hear you! The best thing you can do is start your car, gather your stuff, and head out the door. How do I warm up my car if I can’t leave it running? Contrary to popular belief, the best way to warm up a vehicle is to simply get in it and start driving. But take it slow, and take your time to avoid putting stress on the engine. It needs between five and 15 minutes to truly warm up (depending on conditions). If you want to make sure your heat and defrosters are working properly before our first big winter storm hits, schedule an appointment at the DELLA Toyota in Plattsburgh Service Department! Dee, Sarah. "Warm up Your Car Correctly on Cold Mornings." Autoblog. Autoblog Open Road, 28 Oct. 2016. Web. 7 Dec. 2016. Orwig, Jessica. "Stop Hurting Your Engine by Idling the Car When It's Cold out." Business Insider. Business Insider, 21 Jan. 2016. Web. 07 Dec. 2016.