Gosh We Get Crazy Busy At Times

Just a reminder that when you need upcoming service make your appointment as early as possible. We are a very busy shop and at times it’s hard to get in for service.

Please don't forget about our other shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair. AHR is located just 5 minutes away and also services all Toyota's and Lexus models. All gas powered and hybrid Toyota’s and Lexus are welcome.

The shop is run by General Manager Kenny Hancock who has been a ToyoTechs employee for 20 years. Kenny was the lead Master Technician at the main shop before moving over to AHR 6 years ago. AHR has all the same equipment as the main shop

AHR is smaller, so often it's easier to get an appointment. Gas powered and hybrids are welcome. Located at 5630 Peachtree Blvd. 1 mile away from the main shop across the street from Wendy’s and the Kia dealership. Call for appointment at 770-492-7437 or http://www.atlantahybrids.com/appointment-request

Thanksgiving Thoughts

It seems as though it was only a blink of an eye ago that I was wishing you Happy Thanksgiving at this time last year. Time flies and I have have so much more appreciation of everything in my life. The list of people places and things that I am grateful for grows longer each year.

With that in mind I wish to thank you all for being loyal customers. It is your patronage that enables all 16 of our employees and their families to have a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs and food on their tables.

That is a really big deal and we appreciate it more than I can ever say. We have so many customers that have been with us for so many years. Thank you. So many of you have referred your families, friends and neighbors that have enabled our company to grow to its current size.

I now mention the word grateful. To me it is such a strong expressive meaningful word. (Grateful definition: warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful)  

We are truly grateful for every customer that comes into our shop.

Our hopes are that you have a awesome Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you're staying home or you're traveling across town or across the country may your journey be a safe one filled with much joy and laughter. Hug all your friends or loved one’s and let them know you are grateful for these folks being in your life.

The ToyoTechs and Atlanta Hybrid Repair Team

“A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being”

                                                  . James E. Faust

Just a Reminder About Our Other Shop

Hey folks just a reminder that when you need upcoming service make your appointment as early as possible. We are a very busy shop and at times it’s hard to get in for service.

Call 770-457-9991 for appointment.

Don't forget our other shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair is only 1 mile away and also services Toyota's and Lexus. All gas powered and hybrids welcome. Atlanta Hybrid Repair services all Toyota’s and Lexus models.

The shop is run by General Manager Kenny Hancock who has been a ToyoTechs employee for 20 years. Kenny was the lead Technician at the main shop before moving over to AHR 5 years ago.

AHR is smaller, so often it's easier to get an appointment. Gas powered and hybrids are welcome. Located at 5630 Peachtree Blvd. 1 mile away from the main shop across the street from Wendy’s and the Kia dealership. Call for appointment at 770-492-7437

Springtime Savings at Our Atlanta Hybrid Repair Location

Here’s some Springtime savings from ToyoTechs 2nd shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair. Most people don’t realize that AHR works on many gas powered cars. AHR services and repairs Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, Subaru and many other brands.

Atlanta Hybrid Repair is run by General Manager Kenny Hancock who has been a ToyoTechs employee for 20 years. Kenny is a Master Technician who can diagnose and repair any issue gas powered or hybrid.

If you have any questions or would like an appointment give Kenny or Robbie a call at 770-492-7437 or click on the link. https://www.facebook.com/atlantahybrids/app/111689078859535/

THIS COUPON GOOD ONLY AT ATLANTA HYBRID REPAIR LOCATION

NOT FOR USE ON OIL CHANGES

Honoring Our Servicemen, Quilts for Veterans

On Tuesday of this week Pat Kilmark from Quilts for Veterans was in our office to present to Shaun Anderson a quilt in honor of his service in the United States Army. Shaun served active duty 1990-1995 and 1996-1998 in the reserves.

Our company honors Shaun for his military service and honoring Pat Kilmark for her service work for veterans.

Pat’s group could use your help. Below is a letter Pat sent to me with the needs for her group.

Dear Chris

“I've sewn all my life.  I was a 4-H'er in Michigan for many years and owe my knowledge of sewing to making different projects/garments from ages 10-17.  From my accomplishments in various 4-H projects I earned several trips to Michigan State University for State competitions.  That experience helped me to know that that was where I wanted to go to college and major in Home Economics Education.

After graduating from Michigan State, I taught school, returned to grad school (Murray State University, Murray, KY); taught school 3 more years before joining the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and later the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, from which I retired (early) in 1993.  While with the UGA Extension Service, I taught homemakers in DeKalb and Forsyth Counties how to be more efficient and economical at operating their homes.

In 1994, a friend invited me to a quilt guild meeting and I was hooked. I now identify myself as an avid, passionate quilter.

At one time, I was a member of 6 different Guilds.

Over the years I've become more and more proficient and skilled at making quilts.  I travel out of state taking quilting classes/workshops; enter fairs and quilt shows.

 As a Guild member, we make quilts for battered & abused women's shelters, children's homes, etc.

I've always appreciated the freedom I have and have always had an American flag flying from the front of my home.  In fact, I have a spare when one wears out.  As I've matured, I realize that freedom is not free.  Much has been sacrificed for the freedom

I enjoy.  Because of this feeling, I wanted to show my appreciation to veterans for what they and their families have done for those of us who often take freedom for granted.  It's not guaranteed.  It can unfortunately be taken from us......let's hope that never happens!

So, because of my gratefulness for the freedom I have, I wanted to do something to express my appreciation to veterans.

I organized a group of volunteers and reserved the Cobb County Government Community Room each month (usually the 2nd or 3rd Thursday) to meet for a day long Stitch-In.  Volunteers (usually quilters from Woodstock, Marietta, Chamblee, Canton,

Atlanta,) arrive whenever they can get there and stay until they need to leave.  I'm there at 7:30 AM and remain until around 4, 5, or 6PM.  (I have to leave my home @ 6:45am to beat the traffic traveling north on GA 400.)

I send out email notices reminding volunteers about the meetings.

Publix & Starbucks,  provide 'sweets', coffee & Chick-Fil-a has been supportive in the past by providing sandwiches for lunch.

We are most grateful for any and all support we receive from the community.

At the Stitch-In, each quilter brings all her own equipment/supplies needed for her project including fabric from her stash.  It takes anywhere from 4 to 12 months to make a quilt.

Donors (Lutheran Thrivent Action Team, Appleton, WI and World Toyota, Chamblee, GA) have made funds available in the past for the purchase of 108" wide fabric for 'backs' of quilts (so we didn't have to piece them.)  Wholesale fabric companies (Checkers and Wilmington Fabrics) have been gracious and sold us fabric at discounted prices and they even paid the tax & shipping on it for us.....we really appreciated that gesture.

We only use Patriotic colored fabric (no flowers) for our quilts for Veterans.  We follow the requirements of the National Organization on size, etc.

Volunteer quilters from the East Cobb Quilt Guild have been very accommodating and have been quilting quilts that we need quilted (if the quilter that made them didn't quilt them.)

What are our needs?

It would be nice if there was a closer meeting place to do our sewing in. (1 with good lighting, easy parking & accessibility to the room.)

We can always use MORE volunteer sewers/quilters men & women;

Bolts of 100% COTTON patriotic colored (red, white, blue &/or gold) fabric. 100% cotton Batting twin size (72" x 90"). Batting goes between the top and back layers of the quilt.)

Spools of  Lt. Grey cotton Auriful thread; 45mm & 60mm Olfa Rotary Blades; Olfa acrylic rulers 9" square, 12 1/2" square, & 6" x 24";

Oliso electric iron, color catchers (used to capture dye when red fabric is washed.)

Glass head pins & hand stitching needles.

We could also use 1 of those round, multiple outlet, extension cord 'things' to plug sewing machines in at the Community room. (Home Depot).

I am delighted that you would consider sharing our Community Service mission with others in the community.

We like what we do and enjoy doing it (anything to get out of housework) for those, who with their families, have sacrificed so much.

Should you desire more information or have questions, just let me know.  

It was a pleasure meeting you, Shaun, Fred and Patrick.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Pat Kilmark

To donate to Pat's group email me at toyotechs3atgmail.com and I will get you in touch with her

Car Care Tips From the Pros at ToyoTechs

ToyoTechs offers these car care tips to remind you to stick to a service schedule and gain a little more peace of mind driving especially during the winter months.

1. Replace dirty filters, such as air, fuel and cabin. Clean filters help keep your  engine running better and burns less gasoline. The cabin filter removes the road dirt and grime from entering into your breathing area.
2. Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual — more often if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
3. The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.
4. The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
5. Replace old wiper blades regularly. This is a must for seeing the road in rainy weather.
6. Have your battery checked. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. The summer heat wears down your battery so it is more likely to fail in cold weather.
7. Inspect all lights and bulbs. Replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses.
8. Worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month, letting the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good working condition. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels makes your engine work harder and thus use excess gasoline.
9. Have your brakes checked periodically for safety and to prevent costly repairs that can be caused by neglect.
10. Get transmission, brake and power steering flushes. These are part of a scheduled maintenance plan that are often neglected until a major failure. Routine checks and fluid flushes can prevent very costly repairs down the line.
11. Always carry an emergency kit with you: extra gloves, blankets, flares, a flashlight and extra batteries, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a emergency poncho,a cell phone and car charger. Also keep water and a few “high-energy” snacks in your car.
12. Emergency phone numbers should always be kept close by.

Regular, routine maintenance can help improve your gasoline mileage, reduce pollution, and catch minor problems before they become big headaches.

No Need to Idle Your Car in Cold Weather

Back in the day everybody would idle their vehicle to get the engine warm. That’s when all cars had carburetors. However it’s been 30 years since that was commonplace. With today's fuel injectors, computer systems and thinner oils you don’t need to warm up your car’s engine like in the good old days.

The best way to warm up your car is to start it up, wait a few seconds and go. It takes 3-10 minutes to warm your engine so just don’t gun the engine at the start. Just take it easy.  As your engine becomes warmer the computer sensors in your car will adjust the fuel mixture to be less rich until your car’s engine heats up to 40 degrees.

Idling your car for more than 30 seconds wastes gas, causes excessive wear to cylinders, piston rings, spark plugs and can even harm your exhaust system. So to be clear with the point, idling is not an effective or wise way to warm up your car.

So unless you're driving a 1980’s vehicle which we assume your not, dress warm get in your car and go.

Regular service and maintenance is the most important thing you can do for your car to keep it running better and longer.

Simple Car Care for All Ages

It’s never to late or to early to learn the ABC’s of car care.

• A - Always follow a preventative maintenance plan.
• B - Be sure to have your car safety inspection when you suspect a problem.
• C - Correct the problem to avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down on the side of the road.

Young people in general are so eager to drive, however their car care education should begin well before you hand over the keys. All drivers should understand the basics of car care before taking the wheel. This in turn will help everybody be a little safer on the road.

The bottom line is learning some basic car care is good for everyone. Below are the things our Technicians look at during a vehicle safety inspection which should be part of your preventative maintenance plan. Your Atlanta Hybrid Repair Technician takes great care to perform all these tasks during a vehicle safety inspection.

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake, transmission and antifreeze/coolant fluids.
2. Check the brake system every 6 months including pads, rotors and drums.
3. Check the hoses and belts for wear, cracking, frayed or loose.
4. Inspection of the exhaust system for leaks, damage or unusual noise.
5. Inspection of the steering and suspension system including shock absorbers, struts, ball joints tie rods and other related components.
6. Check the tires including tire pressure and tread. Tires are also checked for uneven wear, bald spots and bulges.
7. Inspection of wipers and lights so that you can see and be seen.
8. Check Battery. We make sure the connections are clean and battery is in good condition

Be good to your car and your car will last longer !

We Will Be Closed On

Monday December  26th

                  In Observance Of                   

Christmas Day

And

 Monday January 2nd

  In Observance Of

    New Year's Day

Should a Transmission Flush be Part of My Regular Maintenance ?

Transmission flushes are an important part of keeping your transmission in good working order. So yes transmission flushes should be part of your regular maintenance schedule. Think of a transmission this way. You would never not change your oil, right? That's because you know clean oil lubes your engine and helps it run better. The same principle applies to your transmission. When your transmission fluid becomes clogged and dirty with debris, it will fail to properly lubricate your transmission. As transmission fluid breaks down over time it will typically turn a dark color.

When performing a flush we use a specialized machine made only for transmission flushes. We input a cleaning solution, then add the new transmission fluid. A typical transmission will take 12 quarts of fluid however we use 16. By using the extra 4 quarts (which we drain out) the extra fluid helps to make sure that more of the dirt and debris is removed from your transmission. Repair shops that only use the 12 quarts leave in dirt and debris.

We recommend your initial flush be performed at 60,000 miles and every 30,000 miles after that or every 2 years. If you have not had your transmission flushed give us a call and we will set up an appointment for service.

Regular preventive maintenance is probably the single thing you can do as a car owner to keep your car running longer and save money on repairs in the future.