Category Archives: Tips & Tricks

How to Transport a Kayak on Your Toyota

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Kayak on Roof Rack | Robbins, TX

A great way to escape the heat in Texas is to spend a day on the water. Many people invest in kayaks as an affordable alternative to a boat. But how are you supposed to transport a kayak? Fortunately, if you own a Toyota, it’s relatively easy to transport one or two kayaks to your favorite spots like Wright Patman Lake or the Cathedral Paddling Trail in Karnack.

Roof rack

If you have an SUV like the Toyota 4Runner or Highlander, you can attach your kayaks to the roof rack. If they didn’t come already installed, or you only have side rails, you can get a full roof rack installed at Robbins Toyota.

Kayak attachments

To help keep your kayaks secure, you may consider purchasing a kayak attachment. This will keep your kayaks in place while you drive. You can choose from multiple varieties including J-cradles, saddles, and stackers.

Loading the kayak

Once you have the right tight of roof equipment, you should be able to easily load and attach your kayak to the roof of your Toyota. While it is possible to do this alone, it will be easier and safer with two people. Each person can hold one end of the kayak while you both maneuver it into position. Make sure all straps and buckles are secured properly before you start driving.

If you’ve got the kayaks but not the Toyota, visit Robbins Toyota in Nash, Texas, to get just the car and accessories you need to transport your gear!

Road Trip Tips for a Better Experience

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Road Trip Tips | Robbins Toyota | Nash, TX

Going on a road trip is one of the most exciting parts of summer. But even with perfect weather and good company, spending hours upon hours in the car can wear you down if you haven’t prepared adequately. Use these road trip tips for a better experience next time you head out!

Keep your plan loose

Any plan you make should have enough flexibility to accommodate last-minute changes. Leave room in your plans for spontaneous activities and you’ll have a much better time!

Download a playlist

There’s no mood-killer like a string of ads on your favorite radio station, or music that won’t play because of connectivity issues. If you’ve made a playlist to listen to on your trip, make sure to download it before you go!

Bring a paper map

If your trip takes you to remote areas, you may not be able to rely on cell service for navigation. Sure, you can download the map ahead of time, but bringing out the paper map feels a lot cooler. Turn your copilot into a proper, old-school navigator!

Give your car a tune-up

You want your car to run as smoothly as possible during your trip. The best way to do that is to schedule a service appointment at Robbins Toyota in Nash, Texas! Our team of expert technicians will ensure your ride has a clean bill of health.

3 Reasons Why You Should Buy a New Toyota in 2022

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New Toyota models come with advanced technology, top-of-the-line reliability, and money-saving fuel efficiency. Here’s a closer look at a few reasons to buy a new Toyota in 2022 and kick off your New Year on a fast start.

Smart safety technology

Looking for reassurance on the road? New Toyota vehicles come standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ technologies, which include helpful features like Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which allows you to maintain a set speed and stopping distance relative to the car ahead of you.

Reliability

A new Toyota will provide a quality driving experience for years to come. Industry experts like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book frequently award Toyota vehicles for their quality and long-lasting reliability.

Efficiency for your daily drive

Whether you’re looking for a combustion-engine vehicle, a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric vehicle, you can find an efficient Toyota that suits your needs. And when you choose a Toyota, your electrified options aren’t limited to the small sedans and compact crossovers that most manufacturers offer. Rather, you can choose a hybrid version of the family-friendly Sienna, the spacious Highlander, and the sporty RAV4. Ready to take the next step towards getting a new Toyota? Come to Robbins Toyota in Nash, Texas — we’ll help you find the perfect model for your lifestyle and budget.

Toyota Collision Assistance App Guides You after a Collision

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Toyota understands that sometimes accidents happen and wants to help drivers stay prepared. To assist them in this effort, they’ve created a Collision Assistance app to help aid drivers in what can be an incredibly stressful or traumatic experience.

Collision Assistance exists as part of Toyota’s mobile app and walks drivers through the steps they should take after an accident. This includes scheduling post-collision repair as well as help with managing insurance claims. The technology, developed by CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc., helps drivers document the accident and streamlines the process of submitting the information. It also helps keep the driver informed about the claim and repair process by providing transparent communication.

Collision Assistance is included in Toyota’s Safety Connect features that include access to a 24/7 help center. Agents at this help center can dispatch emergency services for drivers as well as Roadside Assistance. Per Andreas Hect, CCC’s OEM Services Group SVP, “Toyota is taking a comprehensive approach to post-collision management, and we’re proud to support its mission to deliver world-class safety experiences to drivers.” Collision Assistance is available to Toyota drivers who have an active Safety Connect subscription or owners of a 2018 model year or newer Toyota within its Safety Connect trial period. If you’d like to get a vehicle that qualifies, make sure to visit Robbins Toyota in Nash, Texas, to check out our new and used Toyota lineup!

Tips for Transporting a Christmas Tree

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Tips for Safely Transporting a Christmas Tree - Robbins Toyota - Mt. Pleasant, TX

A Christmas tree is the perfect way to make your holidays bright this year, but they can be difficult to transport. Not only are trees large, but they also shed needles and can drip sap onto your vehicle. Toyota crossovers, SUVs, and trucks like the RAV4, Highlander, and Tacoma are great options for safely transporting a Christmas tree.

Whether you’re staying around Nash, Texas, this year or driving out of state for the holidays, transporting a tree doesn’t have to be difficult. First, make sure you’ve got the right vehicle and equipment. If you’ve got a Toyota RAV4, Highlander, or Tacoma, for example, you’re off to a good start. From there’ you’ll need to bring a tarp, rope, a tree net (ask the tree salesman), and bungee cords for your tree.

Positioning the tree properly is key to getting it home safely. The trunk of the tree should be facing the hood, with the branches secured and pointing to the rear of the vehicle. This will make the ride more aerodynamic, reducing the risk of the tree falling off. Be sure to anchor the tree just above the bottom branches.

If you want to transport a tree inside the vehicle, just be sure to put a tarp down to make cleanup easier. Not only will this prevent pine needles from getting everywhere, but it will also prevent sap from ruining the upholstery.

Need some tips and tricks for transporting your Christmas tree? Or how about the right vehicle and accessories for the job? Robbins Toyota in Nash can help. Give us a call and we’ll set you up with a test drive in a new Toyota that’s perfect for hauling your handsome evergreen.

Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Car

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spring cleaning your car - Robbins Toyota - Nash, TX

Spring is just around the corner, and so is spring cleaning. Here are some ideas for making your car look fresh and clean for spring.

Give it a once over

The first step is to get remove anything that doesn’t belong in the car. This includes toys, clothing, junk mail or any other clutter that you’ve been chauffeuring around. Gather up the things you want to keep and stuff the rest in a trash bag. Now you can start cleaning. Remove the floor mats and vacuum them, then vacuum the entire interior of the car, including the ceiling. Now wipe down the dashboard with a soft cloth and mild soap. Don’t forget to wipe the door panels and frames with an all-purpose cleaner. At this point, your car will look great, but don’t stop there.

Pay attention to the upholstery

If you and the kids eat in the car, there are probably stain on the upholstery. You can treat them with a stain remover from the auto parts store. Follow package directions. If you have leather seats, it is a good idea to invest in some quality leather cleaner.

Work some magic

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge is truly magical when it comes to removing scuff marks in the interior of the car. Gently rub them away. Finally, get those windows sparkling clean.

Remember, the mechanical parts of your car are just as important as what it looks like. Bring your car to the Robbins Toyota service department and have our expert technicians “spring clean” its powertrain and other important mechanical parts!

How to Spring Clean Your Car

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The start of spring means time for spring cleaning, and this year, you should extend that luxury to your vehicle. Taking the opportunity to tidy up your ride inside and out will help get you ready for the warmer months ahead and all the road trips and adventures they entail. Here are some tips for how to spring clean your car.

Don’t Forget the Trunk

The trunk or cargo area of your vehicle may be the easiest to neglect because you only tend to look at it when you need it. But you’ll want to make sure that it gets the right amount of TLC as well. Clean out any trash or debris, vacuum and wipe down any surfaces, and make sure that things like your emergency kits and first aid kits are organized and accessible.

Clean Out the Nooks and Crannies

The carpeting and upholstery will no doubt get the bulk of the attention when spring cleaning your car, but you should still pay special mind to the smaller details. Your dashboard glovebox, center console storage, door storage pockets, and seatback storage should all be considered, whether it’s removing out-of-date paperwork or getting rid of clutter.

Wash the Windows and Wheels Last

When you go to wash the exterior of your car, make sure you do the windows and wheels last. Washing the body will bring down all the grime and dirt over these surfaces, making them the last spots you should clean. Clean up the windshield with some glass cleaner at the end, then deep-clean the wheels for that like-new shine.

If you want professional vehicle service and detailing, look no further than Robbins Toyota. We’ll help get your car in spring shape.

Toyota Tops All Mainstream Brands in 2019 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

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According to the 2019 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, no mainstream brand in America was more reliable in the 2016 model year than Toyota. Toyota tied for second in the study, sitting just behind luxury brand Lexus earning similar scores to luxury brand Porsche, with a score of 108 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). This was far better than the industry average of 136 PP100 and 7 PP100 better than the next highest-ranked mainstream auto brand.

The J.D. Power VDS monitors the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles in the past 12 months among owners of vehicles that are three model years old. By seeing how frequently 2016 vehicles are experiencing problems three years on from purchase, J.D. Power is able to determine which brands are most reliable overall.

Not only did Toyota rank highest of all mainstream brands, but it also took home the titles of Highest Ranked Midsize Car for the Toyota Camry and Highest Ranked Large Light Duty Pickup for the Toyota Tundra. Several other Toyota vehicles ranked among the top three in their respective segments: The Toyota Corolla ranked second among compact cars, the Prius v ranked second among compact MPVs, the Sienna ranked second among minivans, the Avalon ranked third among large cars, the RAV4 ranked third among compact SUVs, and the Highlander ranked third among midsize SUVs.

Stop into Robbins Toyota and see for yourself why Toyota makes the most reliable and best-loved vehicles on the road.

Things to Do in Texarkana in 2019

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For the new year, many resolve to be more adventurous, but that doesn’t always mean having to stray far from home. There are plenty of places around Texarkana worth exploring that you might want to consider visiting — or revisiting — in 2019.

  • Bringle Lake Park: For some lovely waterfront views and recreational opportunities, head to Bringle Lake Park. Spend the afternoon fishing with some old friends or just taking in the scenery.
  • Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House: This beautiful house is part of the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1885 with an Italianate Victorian architectural style and in the shape of a club. Since the 1980s, it has functioned as a museum, allowing the public to enjoy a wonderfully restored and historic American home.
  • Perot Theatre:  The Perot Theatre stands proudly on Texarkana’s Main Street and hosts all kind of theater shows, concerts, and productions year-round. Attend one of your favorite shows this year, or try out something totally new.
  • Texarkana Museum of Regional History: Learn about Texarkana’s all-American history with a visit to the Museum of Regional History. While there, you’ll learn about Texarkana’s pioneer past as well as its most recent history.

For a reliable, stylish, and fun-to-drive vehicle to get you around Texarkana, stop into Robbins Toyota.