 “Mirai” means “future” in Japanese, and that’s just what Toyota’s latest model represents in the automotive world. The Mirai, Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, will soon be available in the U.S.
Capable of traveling 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, the Mirai converts hydrogen to electricity and emits only water vapor, no pollutants. This range goes miles beyond the typical capacity of a battery-powered electric vehicle, literally – electric vehicles typically can only go less than one hundred miles between charges.
Best of all, the tank can be refilled in just five minutes. The main challenge for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, however, is the infrastructure to support the technology. Toyota has a plan to fix that, too. The company is currently in the process of promoting and facilitating the construction of hydrogen fueling stations in California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda said in a video address, “our fuel cell vehicle runs on hydrogen that can be made from virtually anything, even garbage. It has a fuel cell that creates enough electricity to power a house for about a week.”
There isn’t an official retail price for the Mirai yet, but estimates hover around $60,000. Stay tuned for updates about the Mirai and other Toyota news!
 Temperatures are falling, which means it’s time to update your fall and winter wardrobe. As so many trends come and go, however, it can be difficult to decide which pieces you can count on to last you until next year’s cold front. Most shopping experts suggest spending more money on a handful of classic staples, and less on trendier additions that could be out in a matter of months. Here’s a list of cold weather go-to items for both women and men that are worth the investment.
Skinny/Dark Wash Jeans
Dress them up, or dress them down, but dark wash, slim-cut jeans are easily the most versatile aspect of your wardrobe, for both women and men. If you’re going to invest in a good pair of jeans, these are them.
Cashmere/Big Knit Sweater
Another ubiquitous wardrobe piece is an all-purpose sweater. Whether this is a fitted cashmere sweater or an oversized cable-knit pullover, spend more on a good sweater that will carry you through the season.
Long-sleeve Layer/Flannel
The fall/winter season is all about layering, and you’ll always need good basic layers regardless of this year’s trends. Invest in good, light long-sleeve shirts and/or a plaid flannel that you love. You’ll be able to incorporate these staple pieces into any outfit once the weather gets cooler.
Chambray/Denim/Quilted shirt
A classic look for women is the Chambray button down. It’s like a denim shirt, but lighter, and wears like a lightweight flannel. The same goes for denim or quilted shirts for men. These heavier top layers will deliver optimum comfort and style, with little effort.
Bright Coat/Down Jacket
When shopping for a warm jacket, it may be tempting to go for black because it will go with anything. That’s perfectly fine, but also consider opting for a brighter color for your outer layer. You’ll appreciate the pop of personality during the grey days of late winter, and you’d be surprised how well the right color will coordinate!
Knee-high Boots/Work Boots
A good pair of boots is a must-have. This is one aspect of your wardrobe for which you should prioritize quality, because you’ll wear good boots for years if they hold up. For women, knee-high boots in a neutral color are essential, and for men a quality pair of work boots or desert boots will stand up to the elements and keep you looking suave at the same time.
Sweater Dress/Tweed Blazer
Who says dress season is over when it’s cold outside? Invest in a sweater dress or shift dress that will serve as your “little black dress” of the winter season. Men, your LBD will be a tailored tweed/neutral blazer. Throw it over a button-down with dark wash jeans for a more dressed-up look.
Cozy Scarf
Wind chill stinks, but it does give us an excuse to stock up on scarves. Both men and women should invest in a quality, warm scarf that will add both style and protection against the elements.
 If you haven’t had your car checked yet this month, it’s a good time to do so before the weather gets even colder, bringing with it the possibility of snow and ice. Winter weather makes your car work harder, so it’s important to be sure that all components of your vehicle are working properly.
Carcare.org shares these nine tips to prepare your car for the winter months:
- Because winter is particularly harsh on your battery, make sure your battery and charging system are in optimal condition.
- Put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
- Consider changing your windshield wipers if they are old; you could also invest in winter wiper blades and cold weather washer fluid.
- Check your car’s tire pressure and tread depth. Once wintery weather hits, check your tire pressure once a week.
- Have a technician check the condition of your fuel, air and transmission filters.
- Because winter weather amplifies existing problems with your engine, make sure to get a tune-up if you’re due for one.
- Get your car’s brakes checked.
- Make sure all your car’s lights work properly, both inside and outside your vehicle.
- Make sure the exhaust system does not have any carbon monoxide leaks.
Our service team would be happy to help you winterize your vehicle. Give us a call to make an appointment today.
 When friends and family gather around the Thanksgiving table, year after year the same course gets the spotlight: the turkey. It’s big, it’s beautiful, and it’s (hopefully) roasted to perfection. But why should turkey get all the attention? Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to mix it up this year, take a look at these under-appreciated fall flavors that will make you forget all about everyone’s favorite gobbler.
Vegetarian
Just because you’re skipping the turkey and gravy doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in autumnal flavor. This hearty butternut squash and sage lasagna perfectly combines sweet and savory for a fully satisfying meatless main course. If you need some color in your life, try this sweet potato, onion, and fontina tart with a crispy walnut-studded crust. Its delightful fall colors are only matched by its rich, roasty flavors.
Vegan
Who needs cheese? These protein-packed quinoa-stuffed sweet potatoes are pure animal-product-free perfection. So is this roasted butternut squash with kale and almond pecan parmesan.
Turkey is So Last Year
Dietary restrictions aside, you might just be looking to switch up your Thanksgiving protein. The world is your oyster. You could actually serve oysters, if you’re into that. Try one of these scrumptious, non-turkey carnivorous options for the holidays:
- Red meat: the rich taste of this beef rib roast will have your guests wondering why you didn’t ditch turkey long ago. A combination of rosemary and black pepper bring out the flavor of the meat while also creating delightfully seasonal aromas.
- Everyone gets a bird with this recipe for roasted Cornish hens with morels and leeks. Cornish hens are completely different than turkey, obviously, but it still looks like you’re serving your guests perfectly seasoned, deliciously crispy, mini turkeys, which sound way better than regular old turkey.
- Pork with persimmons and mustard greens: if the taste of this pork doesn’t convince you, take a look at the cook time. This pork loin only takes an hour before you can dig in. Say goodbye to waiting around for five hours for your oversized bird to roast.
- Double meat: if one meat is just not enough, this roasted pork loin with pancetta and sage takes pork to a new level. Better yet, this simple recipe only calls for three ingredients.
Dare to be different this Thanksgiving! Swap out your turkey traditions for one of these recipes, and brace yourself for guests asking for seconds.
 Whether it’s stocking the fridge with fresh produce or wiping down the counters to keep critters away, a home’s healthy lifestyle depends on a clean, healthy kitchen. If you haven’t updated these essential kitchen tools, however, they could be counter-intuitive to clean-up, and might even be endangering your health. Take a look at this list and make sure your kitchen safety is up to snuff.
Smelly Sponges
Even if it doesn’t smell yet, the porous and damp nature of sponges makes them perfect homes for nasty bacteria you’ve worked so hard to avoid. If you’re using an old sponge to wipe down your kitchen counters, guess where all that bacteria goes? That’s right, everywhere. You can quickly disinfect a sponge by rinsing with hot water and sticking it in the microwave for 30 seconds, but you should still be replacing your sponges every two weeks, at least.
Dirty Dish Towels
Everything about sponges applies to dish towels as well, except towels have a greater surface area, all the better to soak up even more yummy bacteria. You also normally use a dish towel both to clean up and wipe your hands, which means lots of bacteria spreading. Wash dish towels as often as possible, and replace them sooner rather than later.
Cut-up Cutting Boards
You might think little nicks and cuts on an old cutting board are harmless, but they’re actually perfect venues for bacteria parties. Worst of all, it’s really difficult to clean a razor-thin cut made by a very sharp knife thoroughly. Regardless of their material make-up, cutting boards should be replaced if they’re damaged and scarred. Good cutting boards are fairly inexpensive, so a replacement is a small price to pay for safety.
Plastic Containers from the Past
You’ve probably heard of a little something called bisphenol A, or BPA, a compound found in manufactured plastics that has been linked to a long list of health problems that would make any physician shudder. If you’ve had your plastic containers for a long time, this compound could be seeping into your food and endangering your health. Luckily, companies are phasing BPA out of production, so it’s easier nowadays to find BPA-free plastic products, once you toss your old ones.
Nasty Nonstick
This is a relatively controversial issue, but research has shown that heating nonstick pans to temperatures higher than 500 degrees Fahrenheit possibly releases toxic fumes that can make you sick. They’re not deadly, and normal cooking won’t necessitate a temperature that high, but scratched nonstick surfaces are more likely to release fumes at a lower temperature. If you’re cooking with scratched and outdated nonstick pots and pans, it might be worthwhile to upgrade.
Grisly Grill Brushes
If you’re firing up the grill for a cookout, make sure to check your grill brush bristles. If your brush is old, these bristles can detach from the brush and attach to your food, posing a significant health risk. Swallowing sharp, dirty bristles is bad news for your body. Grill brushes should be replaced every two to three months, especially if you’re an enthusiastic griller.
It’s never a bad time to track down and toss out the kitchen tools that could be harming your health. Take the time for a quick update, and you’ll have a happier, healthier, kitchen in no time.
 The day you bring home your new car is well-worth celebrating. The day you trade it in for a new vehicle can be just as exciting, especially if you have maintained your vehicle well over the years. Here’s why proper maintenance is so important, both during ownership and when trading in.
Cost vs. Benefit
There are two primary reasons individuals don’t get proper maintenance on their vehicles: time and money. Those who don’t have enough time to keep their vehicle maintained will definitely not have enough time to get it repaired down the road. Those who are worried about the cost of maintaining a vehicle need to examine two things: the cost of getting a vehicle repaired due to a lack of maintenance, and the increase in resale value as a result of proper maintenance.
Documentation
So you followed your maintenance log that came with your vehicle, right? Great! You also documented each and every oil change, tune up, tire rotation, windshield wiper switch, and whatever else you could think of documenting, correct? Having this information on hand makes your vehicle much more attractive to buyers. If you tell a prospective buyer that you’ve meticulously maintained your vehicle, he or she will be more likely to believe you if it’s properly documented in a log book, especially when accompanied by receipts.
Recommended maintenance and what to record
If you haven’t kept a log, gather your receipts. If you don’t have receipts, go through credit card statements. Make sure your records are accurate. Here are some of the things you should document:
- Fluid changes
- Tire rotation
- Paint or body shop receipts
- Engine repair paperwork
- Car detailing receipts
- Inspection reports
- Smog certificates
Other recommended maintenance
Obviously, nobody wants to buy a car that doesn’t run well, but in your haste to document and maintain mechanical aspects of the vehicle, don’t neglect to maintain the exterior and interior. Unsightly blemishes on the exterior or a torn, ripped, or dirty interior can distract from your well-organized documentation as well.
Pre-sale preparation
In addition to routine cleaning of the car’s exterior and interior, there are a few things you’re going to want to pay special attention to when preparing a car for resale. Clean the windshields inside and out. Use a high-quality product to return the luster to vinyl surfaces and components on the inside. Vacuum the upholstery and carpets. Wipe down surfaces. If you’ve been doing this all along, you’ll have no problems when it comes to preparing the vehicle. Keep the exterior free of debris and give it a good detailing when preparing it for sale.
There are more factors than routine maintenance when it comes to maintaining a car’s value. Take note, however, that a neglected vehicle will fetch less money, regardless of its make or model. Our service department at DCH Toyota of Oxnard will help you keep up with maintenance and preserve the value of your investment. Contact us today.
 It’s that spooky time of year again – time to embrace all that goes bump in the night. There’s no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than with a movie marathon. For horror lovers, this is the perfect opportunity to break out all the best slashers and thrillers, but horror isn’t for everyone. If horror flicks are likely to leave you at the end of the night in a cold sweat gripping the poor soul’s arm next to you out of sheer terror, don’t worry. There are plenty of lighter must-see Halloween classics that won’t strip you of your dignity.
Ghostbusters
This quintessential 1980’s classic is pure, ghost-laden, comedy. Do yourself a favor: pop this masterpiece into the DVD player, embrace the 80’s special effects, and let Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd show you who ain’t afraid o’ no ghost.
Young Frankenstein
Based on the 1930’s Frankenstein adaptations, this parody is a must-see. While it’s a little older and slower paced, it’s pure Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder combined genius. The only thing frightening about Young Frankenstein is how many quotable one-liners are incorporated into the script.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Co-written and produced by Tim Burton, this visually stunning stop-motion film has generated a growing cult following since its release in 1993. It’s creative, creepy, and only moderately scary for younger kids. The story follows Jack Skellington, “The Pumpkin King,” who pursues his obsession with Christmas by opening a portal to “Christmas Town” from “Halloween Town.”
Zombieland
Who doesn’t like a good ol’ zombie apocalypse? This gem is quite possibly the most hilarious account of an extended encounter with the undead out there. While this film has its fair share of violence, its constant quips, Bill Murray cameo, feature of a crazy Woody Harrelson, and heart-warming love story make for an apocalyptic comedy that’s downright delightful.
Beetlejuice
If you haven’t seen this movie, please get in your car right now, go pick it up, and watch it. Do it for you. Do it for comedy. Do it for Michael Keaton. Keaton’s role as a freelance “bio-exorcist” ghost in Tim Burton’s ghoulish comedy is arguably one of his best. The plot of Beetlejuice centers around a ghost couple who, desperate to oust the annoying new tenants of their home, employ “Beetlejuice” (Keaton) to scare them away. Chaos and hilarity ensue.
The list doesn’t stop here. Other solid contenders for a winning Halloween movie night include:Hocus Pocus, Monsters, Inc., It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Casper, Little Shop of Horrors, The Addams Family, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Gremlins. So, pop some popcorn, grab some candy corn, and embrace your inner Halloweenie this weekend with a (relatively) horror-free marathon.
 Our team at DCH Toyota of Oxnard has always been impressed with Toyota’s innovative thinking. Now Toyota visionaries have taken design to a whole new level. The TOYOTA C-HR Concept presents a bold, dynamic style that may be the first hint at Toyota’s plans of a type of vehicle to add to the C-Segment market.
Taking a sleek diamond architecture design style, the C-HR Concept stuns with its compact but sensual cabin profile. The body has been carefully sculpted to mirror the fine look of a durable, precision-cut gemstone. This new styling theme could be the vision and direction for future Toyota vehicles.
While the TOYOTA C-HR concept has wowed us with its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, we are a long ways away from seeing any type of production. Luckily, DCH Toyota of Oxnard has a wide selection of quality new Toyota inventory ready for your viewing today.
Image: Toyota
 Dedicated fandom is one thing, but dedicated tailgating takes football frenzy to a whole new level. When proper tailgating is involved, football is not a game. It is an event. Nay, it is a lifestyle. Make every tailgate a success with these top tips.
Laminated List
Save yourself a whole trunk of worry by making a list of all the supplies you’ll need for the big day, then check them off as you pack. You can then use the same list when you’re cleaning up to make sure you don’t leave anything in the lot. If you’re a regular tailgater, laminate that list and reuse it weekend after weekend.
Freeze Water Bottles
Easiest trick in the book. Freeze a pack of water bottles the night before, and throw them into your cooler instead of ice. After the sun has done its damage, you’ll be left with cool, crisp, bottled water instead of a sad puddle of dirty water that used to be ice.
Freeze Meat
Prepack and pre-freeze burgers, steaks, and kabobs in their marinade. Your meaty morsels will begin to thaw during transport and they’ll be ready for the grill. This trick also decreases the possibility of spoiling during the drive, especially in the midst of game day traffic.
Balloon Buoy
It’s no use setting up for the party if the party can’t find you! Bring a recognizable helium balloon, or another bright marker, to distinguish your set-up from the rest of the swarming crowds. It may be tempting, but make sure you avoid balloons decorated with your team colors. They’ll be harder to find.
Repurpose Recyclables
Wait before you head for the waste basket! That cup carrier and plastic cups can be converted into a makeshift veggie tray, and that cardboard six pack holder is a fantastic condiment caddy. Best of all, you don’t have to take them with you when you’re done.
Tailgate Toolkit
Imagine this: you cook a mouthwatering burger, place it on a grill-toasted bun, and now all you need is…wait. You forgot the ketchup. The horror. Don’t let this be you. Pack a football-first-aid-kit, including utensils, sauces, napkins, can openers, trash bags, sunscreen, and anything else you may need. Your emergency toolkit could make the difference between a tailgate touchdown and a crash before kickoff.
Plastic for Dishes, Metal for Coal
It’s easy to forget about clean up, until you are left with a bunch of dirty dishes and nowhere to store them. Bring a plastic tub to load up with spoiled dishes, and a metal container to store hot tools and coal you want to reuse. Your clean trunk will thank you.
If you follow all these tips, there’s no doubt your tailgate will top all the rest. Carry on, tailgate champion, and show your rivals how it’s done.
 Are you ready for the all-new Toyota Tundra TDR Pro Series? Our team at DCH Toyota of Oxnard couldn’t be more excited. Off-roaders rejoice; the 2015 Tundra is better than ever with its new off-road package designed by the brilliant minds at Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Each part has been engineered, tested and tuned by the TRD experts.
Available on 4X4 models of the Tundra, as well as the Tacoma and 4Runner, the TRD Pro Series vehicles will offer:
- TRD shift knobs
- Black TRD alloy wheels
- TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs in the front and rear
- TRD-tuned front springs
- Unique front grill with “TOYOTA” badging
- TRD floor mats
It gets better. In addition to the series features, the Tundra TRD Pro will be exclusively equipped with:
- 5.7-liter V8 with a TRD dual exhaust system
- Multi-reflector halogen headlights with black sport bezels and manual level control
- TRD-tuned springs with 2” lift for the front of the vehicle
- Decreased spring rate to improve ride quality over harsh terrain
- TRD front skid plate
- All-black 18-inch TRD alloy wheels with Michelin Off-Road tires designed exclusively for Tundra
- TRD PRO quarter panel bed stamping
- Unique interior seat color with red stitching
- Unique TRD Pro instrument panel ornament insert
We are anxiously waiting for the Tundra TRD Pro to arrive at our lot at DCH Toyota of Oxnard in late September. Feel free to contact us for more information and in the meantime, check out our current inventory today.
Image: Toyota
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