 Valet parking is a popular service that allows you to spend more time doing the things that are important to you. Valet services are common at hotels, shopping malls, and golf clubs, but as with all of these things, there is a certain etiquette to ensure that you keep everybody happy. Follow this guide from DCH Toyota of Oxnard on valet service etiquette to ensure that you do not make any faux pas.
Before you take your car to a valet, there is a minor amount of preparation that you should do inside first. There is no real need to clean the car, but you should always remove items of value. This includes your checkbook, any personal paperwork, your mobile phone, and similar items. Try to take as many of these items with you as possible, or remove them and leave them at home. This ensures your personal security, and can also avoid an embarrassing situation later.
When you approach the valet, allow him or her to give you directions on where to park or where to leave the car. Wait patiently if the valet is dealing with somebody else, bearing in mind that he may simply ask you to move forward a little. Wait until the valet greets you and asks for your keys before getting out of the vehicle.
Tipping is common for valet services, and if you want to get good treatment, you should make every effort to give the valet a tip. This applies even if you are already paying an overall service fee. It is advisable to tip the valet when you hand over the keys AND when the car is handed back to you, particularly if this is a service that you want to use regularly. The valet will remember generous drivers, and will then try and keep your car in a good space. If the valet has to retrieve your car because you forgot something, you will need to offer another tip.
You may not want to give the valet your entire key bunch, especially if this contains your house keys, or keys to your office premises. Drivers that regularly use a valet service keep a separate bunch for the valet, with only the essential keys for the car, but this may require a little too much forethought. Ensure that the valet has all the keys that he could possibly need, including any alarm or immobilizer fob.
Ensure that throughout the process you are polite, friendly and courteous. There is no need to bark orders at the valet, or treat him like a servant. Bear in mind that this individual is looking after a very expensive asset, so it is worth your while to show him a high degree of respect and manners. This could go a long way when you need help with your car.
 All right, it’s the New Year and time to make your car look like new again. The first step is pretty obvious – clean it. Don’t go through an automated carwash if you want the best results though, as even the most advanced car washes can leave dirty spots on the outside of your car, and some can even damage the paint surface on your car. Read on for more details from DCH Toyota of Oxnard.
But first, a description of the paint on your car. It’s made up of several layers of paint, usually a primer, one or more layers of color paint, and a clear coat on top of it all to protect the color paint. The scratches that build up in car paint are often only damage to the clear coat and it is this that you want to repair. Buy a reputable brand of cleaning products – they usually come as a multiple step system, but this is what you essentially want. First item necessary is a good detergent. Don’t use dishwashing liquid or household cleaners, as they can strip layers of wax and clear coat off. Next, you will want to use a good quality wax. This not only protects the clear coat, it fills in the scratches in the clear coat itself. Apply a layer of polish for the final gloss. At all stages use a new, clean cloth – never brushes or sponges. The idea to keeping care of your paint is using the least aggressive way of cleaning it.
Larger scratches and paint damage, such as the result from getting into a scrape with another car or a pole can often be buffed out using a cutting wax. This has tiny abrasive particles in it that strip contamination off the car. Even when it looks like your paint has been badly scratched, it is often the case that whatever the car has contacted has left some if it’s paint on top of your paint, and with a cutting wax it can quite literally be wiped away.
On the inside of your car it’s always a good idea to have a set of good quality floor mats. These not only cover the carpet under the mat and keep dirt off it, but it also means you don’t need to be too aggressive when cleaning the carpet itself. Most cars have synthetic carpets, and if you move the head of a vacuum cleaner over it too fast and with too much pressure, the friction can actually cause enough heat to melt the fibers together and cause a big scratch-like mark.
Dust builds up on the dashboard and center console, and this can be removed by simply running a damp cloth over the surfaces. As long as the cloth is damp and not actually wet the electronics in your car should not be affected. If you want to go further there are plenty of interior cleaners and polishes that can give a glossy effect, but always try the new formula on a piece of trim you don’t normally see so you can gauge whether you want your entire dashboard to look like that.
If your car has leather upholstery, you can go with a high quality leather cleaner. This not only cleans the leather, but like the polish on the outside of the car, it protects the leather from certain damage. Again, be careful in choosing a cleaner as some can make the leather extremely slippery.
Alternately, find a detailing company with a good name and reputation and have them do it all for you. Completely cleaning a car can take a long time, and that’s why there are many professionals around to do the job for you.
 New Year is a time when we vow to make a fresh start. And often that includes taking better care of ourselves. But how about taking better care of your car? Here are five resolutions from DCH Toyota of Oxnard to consider:
1. Wash it once a week
Keeping the paint in good condition is not just a matter of pride; it actually protects the value of your investment! Road grime, tree sap, and deposits from feathered friends contain contaminants that eat into paint, dulling a bright finish and helping corrosion get started. Not everyone has the time or a place to hand-wash their car, so go to a car wash and pay for the better service that includes the underside. Even if you don’t live in the snow belt, keeping this clean helps prevent rust.
2. Clean the inside
Do friends and family wrinkle their noses at the left-over fast food boxes in your car or truck? Do they wipe their hands on their pants after closing the door? You probably keep your lounge clean and tidy, so why not your car too? Make it a rule for the first Saturday of each month to vacuum the interior and get rid of the junk. Buy a tub of automotive interior wipes and go over all the surfaces – you’ll be surprised at how fast they gather dust – and clean the window glass. You’ll see out better, the windows will mist up less, people will want to ride in your car, and by keeping excess weight off, you’ll even save a little gas!
3. Get the oil changed
The engine is your car’s heart, but it asks for very little. Just treat it to a regular oil change and it will reward you with years of loyal service.
How regular is regular? That depends on your vehicle and the type of driving you do. Some light an indicator when the oil needs changing – resolve not to ignore it! For others, ask the dealership what they recommend – it could be 3,000, 5,000, or even 7,500 miles – then mark on your calendar, organizer, or planner when you need to get fresh oil.
4. Check the lights and tire pressures
Resolve to do this every week. You don’t want to drive around without lights, and you certainly don’t want under-inflated tires.
Check brake lights by backing up to a garage door or wall and tapping the pedal while looking in the mirror. If you don’t see the red glow from each light ask a friend to watch while you work the pedal. If there’s a problem get it fixed promptly!
Tire pressures should be checked when the tires are cold. The best way is to buy a gauge and do a check before you get in and start driving. Perhaps you could do it before heading off to the car wash on Saturday morning! And don’t forget the spare if you have one.
5. Stay current with servicing
Modern vehicles are extremely reliable, but there are things that need inspecting and replacing at regular intervals. Staying on top of servicing helps ensure your vehicle will provide reliable service for years to come. Ask your local service department what is recommended, and heed their advice.
The New Year is a time for fresh starts. Spend more time looking after your car, and it will be cleaner, more reliable, and even safer. That has to be a resolution worth sticking to!
 The phrase “parallel parking” is enough to strike fear into the hearts of even the most accomplished drivers. Students have failed countless driving examinations when they are forced to parallel park, as it is almost certainly one of the hardest maneuvers required to pass your driving test. However, parallel parking need not be such an ordeal. Find out why with these simple tips from DCH Toyota of Oxnard to help you parallel park.
Choose the right space
It may seem like stating the obvious, but in order to parallel park successfully, you have to be sure that the space is large enough for the vehicle that you are driving. Very skilled drivers can parallel park cars in smaller spaces than other drivers, but unless you see yourself as an expert, you may save time by simply picking a decent-sized space in the first place.
Let people know that you are parking
One of the problems with parallel parking is that it can cause impatience in other drivers, particularly if they are not sure that is what you are doing. When you have identified a space that you want to parallel park in, check your rearview mirror and side mirror to ensure that you signal early enough to give the driver behind you fair warning. If need be, roll down your window and wave him or her on to be absolutely clear. Be patient, too. Wait until other cars have passed before starting to park.
Line your car up first
Line up your car with the vehicle that is parked directly in front of the spot you want to move into. Do not get too close, or you may clip the other car when you make your move. Conversely, stay within two to three feet of the car. Line up your rear bumper with the other car to get yourself into the perfect starting position. Put your vehicle into reverse and then check your rearview mirror to ensure that it is safe to move. Look over your other shoulder towards the space so that you can assess the turn as you make it. Turn the steering wheel sharply to the right. Now release the brake and begin slowly backing into the space.
Look around you all the time
As you back into the space, check in front of and around your car all the time, assessing the amount of space you have. Stay a safe distance away from the bumper of the car in front of the space. Your rear tire may hit the curb—this means that you have reversed too far. Shift the gears and just pull forward a few feet before shifting back to reverse and carrying on. While still looking all around your car, turn the steering wheel to the left once the rear of the car is mostly in the space, staying in reverse until you are a safe distance from the car behind. Keep looking around you, shift into drive, and then move slowly forward to stop a reasonable distance from the car in front.
Keep calm
Throughout the process, remain calm and take your time. Erratic movements and haste will seldom get you into the space any quicker, and more often than not will mean that it takes much longer. If you make a mistake while reversing, take a deep breath, shift into gear and move forward, without rushing or panicking. Finally, do not let other road users hurry you along. Take the time to do it properly and you will be out of their way in no time.
 No pet owner likes to leave their beloved member of the family at home when traveling over a holiday. With a little preplanning, a road trip with your cat or dog won’t turn into a stressed-out disaster for either one of you. Check out these tips from our team at DCH Toyota of Oxnard to ensure a safe, comfortable holiday road trip for all.
Holiday road trip comfort and pet safety
Always “test drive” your pet before embarking on a long road trip to test their tolerance level. If your vehicle is equipped with a pet barrier, be sure to use it. You don’t want your animal roaming around the inside of the car and possibly causing an accident.
While not all dogs need to be confined to an appropriately-sized travel crate, all cats do. Pet safety is one consideration, but it’s also a fact that cats are less stressed when they feel protected inside a carrier.
Bring along your dog’s bed for added comfort. Your cat will be satisfied with a piece of soft clothing that you’ve worn lately and has your scent placed inside the crate.
Keep your pet occupied during the road trip
Pack their favorite toys and a few snacks. A quality chew toy will keep most dogs occupied for a long time. Along with old favorites, buy a new toy for added interest.
Cats that don’t really like to travel in cars can be harder to keep occupied. If they like catnip, make sure they have a fresh catnip toy. For cats that really do hate to ride in cars and tell you so by crying for hours at a time, speak with your vet about using an herbal calming tincture that will safely calm them and promote sleep.
Make regular road trip rest stops
Your pet needs breaks on a long holiday road trip just as you do. To prevent any “accidents” inside your car, try to stop at least every two hours. Inside cats can be placed on a familiar harness and leash (train your cat before you leave home) to use the portable litter box you brought along.
Have your dog’s leash handy at all times. Should there be other dogs at the rest stop, and they appear friendly to each other, let them romp in a grassy area away from the parking lot. If not, stretch your legs with a 20 minute walk. This effort is an especially good investment for hyperactive dogs with a lot of energy.
Comfort your pet through communication
Just as you talk to your dog or cat when you’re at home, keep the conversation going when you’re in the car on a long holiday road trip. Animals find the voice of their owner soothing. Let other family members take a turn chatting away as well. Use your dog’s name to get his attention and keep repeating it throughout the road trip so that he knows you’re talking to him.
Stay overnight at a pet-friendly motel
Your cat or dog will feel insecure because they are away from their home, but if you find a motel with pet friendly accommodations, this will help relieve a little of the stress. Playtime is important for relaxation and to promote a good night’s sleep. Pet-friendly motels that attract dog owners usually have a play area where dogs can interact with each other and release pent-up frustration.
On the other hand, most cats appreciate a little playtime with familiar toys inside the room and will be content to inspect the room while being outside of their travel cage.
Ensuring pet comfort on a holiday road trip isn’t as hard as you might think if you anticipate their needs before leaving home.
 The survivors of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines are in desperate need of help. DCH Auto Group has responded to this urgent call for aid by making a donation to the International Red Cross.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to anyone who has been affected by the terrible typhoon,” said George Liang, President of DCH Auto Group. “Our donation to the International Red Cross, helping the victims of this improbable disaster, is an extension of DCH Auto Group’s unyielding embrace of the tenants of corporate citizenship.”
Headquartered in South Amboy, New Jersey, DCH Auto Group owns and operates a wide array of car dealerships – including Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Jeep, Lexus, Nissan, Scion, and Toyota – located in Southern California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. DCH Auto group is a firm believer in good corporate citizenship and working to improve the lives of others in each community DCH does business. Each of DCH Auto Group’s 27 dealerships regularly works with local charities and non-profit groups, including local high school chapters of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
All of us at DCH Toyota of Oxnard, along with our fellow DCH Auto Group team members, extend our thoughts and prayers for the people of the Philippines.
 You’re familiar with those perspiration-like beads that form on the outside of a cold beer bottle. That’s moisture condensing out of the atmosphere. The drips can be irritating, but they won’t ruin your day. But when condensation occurs in your car’s fuel tank the impact can be far more serious. Read on to learn how to avoid this mishap from our team at DCH Toyota of Oxnard.
Gasoline and water don’t mix. Usually the water sinks to the bottom, from where it can get drawn in to the engine. And as water doesn’t burn, your engine is going to cough and splutter. That’s not the end though. Where there’s water, corrosion isn’t far behind, and a fuel tank with water in it can start to rust from the inside, as can the fuel lines.
Throw in freezing temperatures and the problems multiply. When water in fuel lines turns to ice the engine will be starved of gasoline and you won’t be going anywhere until things warm up.
There are three main ways water gets into the fuel tank: it was in the gas station’s storage tanks, it got past a badly fitted gas cap (perhaps when using a car wash or during a rainstorm,) and condensation. The first you can avoid by patronizing gas stations that do a high volume of business. (Rapid turnover keeps the tanks filled with gasoline.) The second is just common sense, and as for avoiding condensation… well here are some suggestions.
Condensation comes from water vapor in the air. The amount of vapor air can hold is closely related to its temperature: warm, moist air holds more than cold, dry air. Armed with this knowledge you’ll see that the keys to reducing condensation are to minimize both the amount of air in the tank and the temperature range it sees.
Keeping the fuel tank full is perhaps the easiest step. The less air inside, the less water vapor there will be to condense out when the temperature drops. As for minimizing temperatures, if a temperature-controlled garage is out of the question, the next best thing is to limit exposure to extremes.
If the car is garaged, avoid leaving the door open on frigid winter days as cold air will quickly chill the air in the tank. And conversely, don’t let the garage get too hot in summertime as a cool night will lead to moisture in the air in the tank condensing out. Insulation in the garage roof space will help, and you could try cracking the door open a touch too.
But what if, despite your best efforts, you think water has found a way into your fuel tank? Bring your car or truck into our dealership. We’ll be happy to determine if water really is the cause of your problems.
 Winter traveling—be it visiting grandma for the holidays, daily commuting, or for emergencies—can be wrought with hazards. These three mobile apps, recommended by our team at DCH Toyota of Oxnard, take some of the hazards out of winter driving, so you can feel secure as you travel.
The Weather Channel. You’ll definitely want to have access to daily and hourly weather reports during the winter driving months. The Weather Channel app, available on iPhone or Android devices, provides access to all the information you might need to avoid or escape a winter storm. The Weather Channel app is convenient and unobtrusive, delivering temperature alerts displayed in a systems tray. It also offers an extensive amount of local weather information, exactly what you need for the daily commute. With extended forecasts, animated radar maps, video forecasts, detailed precipitation facts and forecasts and health and safety information, The Weather Channel has your winter driving covered.
Dark Sky. You checked out the weather forecast and it mentioned the threat of snow or tricky driving conditions, but you need to know exactly where it’s snowing at the exact location you’re driving to. The Dark Sky weather app is what you need. Dark Sky uses state of the art weather forecasting to predict rain or snow down to the exact minute at your exact location. The app ties into radar available from the U.S. government to predict precipitation hourly wherever you are. The app’s stunning radar animation lets you track the path of a storm, so you don’t get stuck in it.
Winter Survival Kit. If you find yourself stuck or stranded in severe weather conditions, your safety might ultimately depend on your smartphone. The Winter Survival Kit app will help you determine your current location, call 9-1-1, contact friends and family, calculate how long you can run your engine without succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning and how long you can run your engine before you run out of gas. Of course, you’ll want to put together a physical winter survival kit as well. The Winter Survival Kit app will help by providing the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Service information on how to put together a physical winter survival kit, how to prepare your vehicle for winter driving and how to stay safe if stranded in a winter storm.
 When it comes to driving in the winter, some drivers assume that the only thing they need to worry about is keeping warm. However, the hazardous winter driving conditions present a number of different challenges, with traction being one of the most serious. Slushy, icy, wet roads present a serious hazard for drivers, and it is important to do everything you can to ensure that your car stays on the road safely. Your tire pressure is an important part of the puzzle.
Checking your tire pressure is one of the easiest auto maintenance tasks that you can carry out. Purchase a tire pressure gauge for a few dollars and you can check the tires at home. If your readings don’t match the manufacturer’s guidelines, visit a gas station or visit us at DCH Toyota of Oxnard to make the adjustments. Maintaining the right pressure helps ensure that your car handles well and that the tires wear evenly and ultimately last longer. Keeping the right tire pressure in winter becomes a little more complicated, however.
The colder weather causes the air temperature in your tires to drop. The drop in temperature means that the air inside the tire contracts, lowering the air pressure. If you start driving, the air in the tires warms up again, but lowers as soon as you stop. This makes it harder to keep the tire pressure within the recommended range. If you take the pressure before you start driving you will get a different result to one that you take after you have just driven a long way.
What does this mean? Well, if you suffer relative extremes in temperature during the winter (cold nights and warmer, sunny days), then the time of day that you adjust your tire pressure could have different results. Set in the afternoon, when it is warmer, and you may find that the pressure is not suitable when you leave for work in the morning.
There are three things that you can do to help combat this:
- Take the outside temperature into account. If you are adjusting pressure when it is warmer, then you need to account for the decrease in temperature overnight. Increase the tire pressure during a particularly cold spell.
- Check the pressure more often. Try to check the pressure every few days, particularly during extremes of temperature.
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This is the pressure when the tire is cold.
Keeping your tire pressure correct during the winter could save you money and keep you safe. Talk to your dealer if you have any questions.
 When ice covers the neighborhood pond, it makes skaters happy. But when ice covers the roads and highways, drivers feel quite differently about the slippery substance.
Ice is a major cause of winter accidents because it’s not always visible. Also, some drivers feel overconfident about driving on ice due to their car’s high-tech safety features.
Overconfident drivers may end up ruing their lack of precaution, however, if treacherous ice causes them to slip, slide, skid and spin wildly out of control. These five tips from DCH Toyota of Oxnard will help you stay on solid ground even if it’s a sheet of solid ice.
Buckle up and put on your defroster
You should wear your seat belt at all times, but especially during icy conditions when accidents occur at a greater rate than normal. Put on your defroster, too. Your defroster helps to keep your car windows from forming ice and melts snow if you’re facing the double winter whammy of ice and snow.
You always need to keep your visibility clear but especially in bad weather. Prepare for the unexpected and be on high alert for potential dangers like skidding, slipping or stalled cars blocking the road.
Slow it down
Seems like all drivers should know it’s important to reduce their speed when driving on icy pavement, but some drivers think that snow tires, all-wheel drive (AWD) and electronic stability control (ESC) will eliminate slipping and sliding.
Good tires help to grip the pavement, AWD assists in accelerating and staying mobile, and ESC helps to avoid spinouts, but even improved traction won’t keep you safe if you’re traveling at speeds too high for icy conditions. By reducing your speed, you give yourself a better chance to stop safely, to stay on the road, and to get where you’re going in one piece.
Don’t stomp on the brakes
When the roads are icy, you have to drive with greater caution and with slower, gentler actions. Brake softly, and try to avoid sudden hard stops which can initiate a spin that you may not recover from. If you do find yourself skidding:
- Immediately, take your foot off the gas pedal or brake
- Let the car naturally slow down and gain traction
- Steer in the direction you want the car to go
- As your traction improves, gently brake or accelerate as needed
- Avoid over steering or sudden sharp turns
If you’re walking on ice and quickly twist your feet in another direction, most likely you’ll fall. That’s why people walk cautiously and prudently on icy patches. Same thing goes for your car. Sudden, quick, steering maneuvers can create skidding just like over braking.
Follow the skidding advice above, because it doesn’t’ matter how or where you’re attempting to steer the car’s wheels if they have no traction. Only when the tires are gripping the road and actually rolling can turning the steering wheel alter their direction and yours.
Be aware of road conditions
Check social media, TV or the radio to see what meteorologists are saying about the weather. Low temperatures and even a few droplets of precipitation can make ice. Also, keep in mind, black ice may look like an innocent puddle, but if you know it’s 31 degrees outside and there’s light rain, you should treat the roads like a sheet of ice whether you can see it or not.
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