Get Your Toyota Hybrid Winter-Ready in Ruston, LA

There's talk that this winter will be a cold one. Is your Toyota hybrid able to handle dropping temperatures and inclement weather? The team here at Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston thinks it can — because all Toyota models, whether gas-powered, hybrid or all-electric, are engineered to take on various road challenges, including winter weather. However, we have a few handy tips on how to optimize your hybrid driving experience to make this winter perfectly uneventful. Keep reading to discover how to equip your Toyota hybrid to handle the cold!

Tips on How to Maintain Optimal Hybrid Performance

Perform an inspection.

Before a long road trip or weekend getaway, we suggest performing an inspection of your Toyota hybrid. Uncomfortable doing it yourself? Our team can help! We'll check the A/C and electrical functions, oil and fluid levels and wiper blade health. If your model is overdue for an oil change , we can perform that service, too. We recommend following your vehicle's maintenance schedule for optimal performance in all seasons.

Check tire health.

The air pressure in your vehicle's tires is vital to your hybrid's overall health, but thankfully, low pressure can be fixed quickly. With an air compressor at home or at your local gas station, fill your tires to the correct PSI, per your owner's manual. You'll want all the traction your tires can give you on slippery, salty winter roads, so use the penny method to determine if you need a replacement set. Is your Toyota hybrid equipped with all-wheel drive? Good. This must-have drivetrain offers peace of mind in all road conditions.

Park in a garage.

Do you live in a townhome or an apartment complex that offers closed garages? We recommend taking advantage of this service. Your Toyota hybrid's battery is sensitive to cold weather, so protecting it from the elements will help lengthen its lifespan. Most Toyota models are equipped with the remote start function, so use it a few minutes before setting off on your commute to warm up the engine. A warm engine uses less energy than a cold one; plus, by letting your hybrid idle for a little bit, you'll give it the necessary starting power and proper lubrication needed for a seamless drive.

Turn off the EV driving mode.

Don't worry — your model's fuel efficiency will still be incredible, even when EV mode is turned off. Why would we recommend turning off this helpful function? In cold weather, your model's battery charge can deplete faster. It's best to conserve battery life since you may have a noticeable decrease in performance by switching to EV mode. For a healthy battery and engine, let your Toyota hybrid do what it does best — switch between its gas-powered engine and all-electric motor effortlessly as you take on whatever is before you.

Inclement weather always has an impact on your model’s performance — hybrid or gas-powered. But the team here at Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston is convinced that your Toyota hybrid can handle just about anything. To learn more about our selection of new Toyota hybrids, stop by our location at 1001 N. Service Road East Ruston, LA 71270. We serve customers near Monroe, Shreveport and Bossier City.