The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is back for 2017 and better than ever! If you're in the market for a new pickup, this model offers plenty to get excited about. Better Performance The new Tacoma TRD Pro raises the bar over its predecessor. The truck features a 3.5-liter V6, TRD-tuned front springs and rear suspension, 4WDemand that allows you to go from 2WD to 4WD while in motion, trailer-sway control, and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Whether you're buying the truck for the daily commute or rugged off-roading adventures, the Tacoma is designed to handle it all. Rugged Exterior The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro has been revamped to perform exceptionally well in the toughest off-road environments. This means enjoying a few perks like reinforced tires, projector-beam headlights, TRD Pro aluminum front skid plates, black bezel-enhanced taillights, a heritage-inspired front grille, and a color-keyed rear bumper. A more rugged exterior means being able to take on any adventure. Sporty, High-Tech Interior The Tacoma may be rugged inside and out, but it's nice to know that Toyota hasn't forgotten any high-tech features that make the driving experience more convenient. The new Tacoma TRD Pro boasts a 4.2-inch color multi-information display, a GoPro mount, a leather-trimmed tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with Bluetooth and audio controls, rear parking assist, and Toyota's Entune premium audio system with integrated navigation and an app suite. When it's time to shop for a new truck, be sure to test drive the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. We're confident you'll love it. Image provided by Shutterstock
Maintaining the Paint on Your Toyota
It doesn't matter what color or model of Toyota you own, you want to keep your vehicle looking shiny and new for as long as possible. Even though it can be a bit challenging to guard your vehicle's paint against the elements, it's worth taking these steps to protect your investment. Here are a few tips for how to maintain the paint on your Toyota. Keep it Clean Regularly wash your Toyota to remove pollen, bird droppings, and pollution-related residue. All of these compromise your vehicle's paint if they're left on the surface for an extended period. If you live where there's snow or ice in winter, your car likely gets exposed to chemicals placed on the road to melt the slush. Some of these chemicals cause rust and corrosion if they're left on your vehicle. Shelter It Limit your vehicle's exposure to paint-compromising substances by parking it in a garage or under a covered shelter when possible. Also, avoid parking under trees, which can shower your vehicle with pollen and debris. Parking near a sprinkler or leaving the car out in the rain is a bad idea because the minerals left on the car after the water evaporates can interact with the paint, and are very difficult to remove. Wax on, Wax Off This isn't just a memorable line from the Karate Kid. Waxing your Toyota a couple of times a year protects the paint by adding a protective layer to the surface. It even removes minor blemishes and scratches. Image provided by Shutterstock
3 Top Free Things to Do in Hatfield
If you live in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, there are a number of free things to do. Why break the bank going out for a dinner and movie when you can enjoy free activities that make for a fun outing? To help you plan your "free" time, here's a list of things to do in town that won't cost you a dime. Take a Drive to the Hatfield Auto Museum With exhibits that range from tiny toy cars to full-size antique vehicles, this museum is located in what used to be a car showroom. This attraction is a great place to spend an afternoon, and there's no admission fee. The museum's host, Todd Wish, encourages visitors to ask him about buying, selling, repairing, and trading vehicles. When you're finished viewing the classic and antique cars, there's a 19th century pool table on the second floor that guests can use. Check out the Walnut Street Cabin Hatfield Township owns this park, which includes two full acres. The centerpiece is a cabin that local scouts built more than 60 years ago, and it still hosts scout meetings to this day. The cabin is available to reserve for private events. Stroll through the park and enjoy its full-grown trees, stream, and footbridge. Dive Into the Hatfield Aquatic Center Sharky's Volunteer Program lets you earn one free pass to the aquatic center for every two hours you volunteer. This is a great way to get in free to a multiple pool facility that caters to adults and families. Image provided by Shutterstock
3 Spring Events in Montgomery County, PA
Spring is the perfect time to get out and enjoy blooming flowers and warmer weather. Here in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, another reason to celebrate spring is with all the exciting events and festivals. Below we've recommended some top fun spring things to do and see. Sapsucker Festival The impending first day of spring means that the sap is beginning to build up in trees, which also means it's time to sample it. On March 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove celebrates all sapsuckers and their sweet teeth with a day of pancakes and tree-tapping demonstrations. Certainly a unique experience, this event will definitely put you in the spring mindset, not to mention whet your appetite. dineKOP Restaurant Week Many cities throughout the United States are experiencing the phenomenon known as restaurant week, and from March 7 to 13, the residents of Montgomery County get to experience it in King of Prussia. Featuring signature dishes and special prices from Bonefish Grill, LP Steak, Seasons 52, and more, this culinary experience will definitely leave your mouth watering. St. Patrick's Day Pléaráca This St. Patrick's Day, celebrate in style on the Colebrookdale Railroad. For one hour and 45 minutes, you'll get to experience Irish merrymaking with a train ride complete with Guinness, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish coffee with dessert. So wear your green, gather up your friends, and get ready for a great March 17. No matter what spring activity you choose to do, we know that you'll have fun welcoming the sunny season. Image provided by Shutterstock
3 Free Things to Do in Montgomery County, PA
Free is fabulous, especially when you're looking for fun things to do in your local area. Montgomery County, Pennsylvania offers plenty of activities and locations that won't put a strain on your bank account. Here's a list of three free activities in the county. 1. Visit the Valley Forge National Historical Park There's no fee to learn about the Revolutionary War history at this site. During the winter between 1777 and 1778, the Continental Army arrived at the Valley Forge encampment. Even though the troops were under General George Washington, they were lacking proper training. During their time here, they worked with a former member of the Prussian military. After staying about six months at Valley Forge, the army went on to successfully fight the British troops. Take a self-guided tour of the encampment area to see many of the park's monuments. 2. Browse the Berman Museum of Art Urinus College is home to the Berman Museum of Art, which opens its doors without charging admission. More than 70 sculptures are on the grounds surrounding the museum. Inside, the museum has rotating exhibits that range from portraits, paintings, and photography, as well as artwork by the college's student artists. 3. Satisfy Your Curiosity at Asher's Chocolate Ever wonder how candymakers create delicious treats? Watch the experts at Asher's Chocolates create their confections. This sweet shop has clear glass separating visitors from those making chocolates, making it easy to see how candy is made. Watching is free, but if you want more than a sample, you'll have to open your wallet. Image provided by Shutterstock
3 Popular Day Trips from Hatfield
Living in Hatfield gives you all the benefits of living near a big city without all the hassles that come with life in downtown Philadelphia. It also means you live in an area that offers plenty of opportunities to make fun day trips. Check out this list of three popular day trips from Hatfield. 1. Experience the Simple Life in Lancaster About an hour and a half from Hatfield, Lancaster is located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Nestled among rolling hills that create a pastoral landscape, this town and others nearby are home to a thriving Amish population. As a result, you can enjoy Amish meals, horse-drawn carriage rides, and quaint shops selling Amish-made quilts, jams, and furniture. 2. Go Back in Time in Downtown Philly If you want to step back in history, drive an hour into downtown Philadelphia. Visit Independence Hall where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. The iconic Liberty Bell with its famous crack is also located in Philadelphia. Re-enactors are on hand at the Betsy Ross House to talk about her role in creating the American Flag. 3. Play in the Sand at Cape May, New Jersey Pack up the car and make the two-hours and 15-minute drive to this picturesque town on the Jersey Shore. In addition to its gorgeous beaches dotted with colorful umbrellas during high season, there are family-friendly restaurants and locally-owned shops. Stately Victorian homes provide a pleasant backdrop as you walk from a parking spot on a tree-lined street to the beach. Image provided by Shutterstock
3 Arts and Crafts Events in Hatfield
Located along the Delaware River, Hatfield Township is as quaint as it is historic. This charming town is also known for its art, crafts, and culture. So while the weather warms up for those dog days of summer, it's the perfect time to explore the many festivals of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Below, we've compiled a list of these top events. Sugarloaf Crafts Festival During this festival located in the Oaks from March 18 through 20, more than 300 talented artisans will bring and display hand-selected and hand-crafted pieces of art work. Here you can stroll through the many booths, talk with the artists, see a craft demonstration, and sample delicious food from specialty purveyors. Spring Art & Craft Fling From candles and soaps to pottery to jewelry, the Spring Art & Craft Show truly offers a plethora of unique, handmade items. During this two-day event held on April 9 and 10, you can see more than 60 artists' work. Also offering great food and baked goods, this art and craft show is the perfect venue to find that special gift while treating yourself. 90-Second Newbery Film Festival Showcasing 90-second renditions of Newbery book winners from the vantage point of children, this unique and touring film festival is quickly becoming a favorite across America. From hilarious to ingenious, the movies shown at this April 26 event at Shallcross Hall at the Friends Central School will leave you inspired. So tell your friends and family and plan to attend one of these entertaining and culture-filled events. Image provided by Shutterstock
Just Like New: How to Properly Wash Your Car
It's been said before that it requires 10,000 hours at an activity to become an expert. Unfortunately, not everyone has that much time to spend washing their car. However, by following a few simple steps, you'll find your car looking spick and span every time you wash it. Here's how to do it. Get the Right Gear One mistake that amateurs make is using the wrong gear or borrowing items from the kitchen. Don't do it. Instead, go out and buy a few buckets, auto detergent, a micro-fiber cloth, a detailing brush, an all-purpose cleaner, a shammy, and wax. Only after you have accumulated these should you begin. Wash the Wheels First The first step is washing the wheels. All too often, you'll do them last as an afterthought, but it's never a good idea. The reasoning is that the wheels have the most grime and dirt on them, so firing a hose at them washes this dirt back on to your clean car. Washing Your Way Down Don't forget about gravity. Whether you're doing a pre-rinse or you're ready for soaping up your vehicle, start from the roof and work your way to the ground. Once again, you don't want to have to redo spots. Drying This is the hardest part and where most people leave streaks. Make sure to use a shammy or micro-fiber towel to dry the vehicle. You can also use compressed air to reach cracks and crevices where water sits. Voila! You now have a showroom ready car. The next thing to do is drive around and show your shiny new car to the rest of the world. Image provided by Shutterstock
A Quick Glance at the 2016 Toyota Mirai
Every so often, there's a vehicle that redefines what the public considers the wave of the future. The Toyota Mirai is just that car. Going on sale in 2016, the Mirai becomes the first hydrogen fuel cell powered car of its kind. If you're intrigued, here's a little more about the car. Hydrogen Fuel Cells The Mirai runs solely on hydrogen, meaning that it expels no exhaust other than water. As a result, it's the cleanest car on the market, plus it goes 300 miles on a single cell, which is more than triple the average electric car. Toyota backs the Mirai by offering the fuel for free for the first three years you own the car. The car even has a hydrogen fuel cell station locator, so you won't stress too much about not finding a place to fill up. Fuel-Efficient, Yet Peppy For those that are quick to bash the Prius, they won't have the same success with the Mirai. Despite its fuel source, the Mirai still pumps out 156 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 9.4 seconds. Sure, it's not going to win a drag race, but it isn't completely negligent either. Pricing At just over $58,000, the Mirai seems like an expensive choice, but then again, there aren't many fuel cell cars out there. In addition, the free fuel for three years totals about a $6,000 value, and tax credits can total as high as $13,000. If you want to become one of the first on your block to become a part of history, than you surely should consider the Mirai for your next vehicle. Image provided by Shutterstock
4 Things You Can Tow in a Toyota Tundra
It's tough to compete with the established American brands in the truck business, but the Tundra effectively does just that. With up to 10,500 pounds of raw towing power, the Tundra puts Toyota on the map as a serious player in the truck game. If you're on the ropes about purchasing one, just check out what the Tundra can pull. Two Rhinos Although it's unlikely that you'd ever need to do it, the Tundra can easily handle the load of two rhinos. However, if you have aspirations of starting your own zoo or wildlife refuge, it'll do the trick. 105 Toilets For the plumbing contractor, toilet installation is just part of the daily grind. If you're bidding on a huge apartment contract though, perhaps a mention that you can haul 105 toilets to the installation site will help win the deal. 136 Gold Bricks At 77 pounds a piece, gold bricks are the epitome of the saying "worth their weight in gold." If you're a James Bond fan, you'll remember how the villain Goldfinger tried to steal all the money from Fort Knox. Now, you have an effective way to become an accomplice. Not that you would, but the opportunity still stands. 420 Two-Year Olds Have you ever dreamed of owning your own day care business? With the Tundra, you can take it to the next level. With the capacity for 420 toddlers, your mobile day care will quickly become a money-making phenomenon. Regardless of what you decide to use your Tundra for, you'll rest easy knowing it has some of the most power in its class. You'll also revel in the fact it pulls 7,500 racks of ribs. Either way, you're going to love it. Image provided by Shutterstock
3 of Toyota's Fastest Cars Ever
Because Toyota's emergence on the sports car scene is relatively late in comparison to American manufacturers, they are often overlooked. However, even a subtle glance at their fastest cars shows you that they outpace much of the competition. If you're a car enthusiast obsessed with speed, check out some of Toyota's fastest cars ever built. Supra Twin Turbo Despite a constant plea for Toyota to re-release the Supra, it still hasn't happened yet. However, if you find yourself behind the wheel of one, you'll get to feel the raw power. Featuring a 3.0 liter, twin turbo V-6 engine, this Supra tore up the roads with a top speed of 156 miles per hour and a zero to 60 time of 4.9 seconds. Camry SE V-6 One of the most surprising speed demons from Toyota was the Camry SE V-6. Although the Camry is typically known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, this particular model demonstrated it was more than that. The 3.0 liter V-6 under the hood allowed you to push the pace to 128 miles per hour and jet from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in just 5.8 seconds. Celica 1.8 T-Sport The Celica name is definitely a classic among Toyota enthusiasts, especially those who had one in the 1990s. During this decade, Toyota made the Celica 1.8 T-Sport, which although it had a four-cylinder engine, still went zero to 60 in seven seconds and reached up to 140 miles per hour. The saddest part about this list is that none of these cars are still being manufactured. However, it's interesting to see how Toyota's next sports car entry will perform. Image provided by Shutterstock
3 Must-See Roadside Attractions in Pennsylvania
Road trips are the quintessential American activity, not because the country is so massive, but because of the truly majestic scenery and attractions. While these can often border on the stereotypical, there are many hidden pit stops that lie in wait. The next time you're in Pennsylvania, don't miss out on these mesmerizing, bizarre gems. Haines Shoe House - Hallam Off US Highway 30, just south of Harrisburg, you'll find the quaint little borough of Hallam. Follow the signs, and eventually you'll find yourself at Haines Shoe House. The carefully preserved home, built in 1905, was the brainchild of Mahlon Haines, who ran several shoe stores throughout the state. Obviously, not many people have such a love of shoes, but this one's worth the trip. Magic Garden - Philadelphia If you manage to fight through some of the traffic in Philadelphia, take a stop off at the Magic Garden. Over a span of forty years, one man has tirelessly crafted a three-story building with glass mosaics and random objects. Maybe it's not a place where you'd want to live, but the efforts to create it are definitely magical. The Shark Tombstone - Pittsburgh Like the other two people on this list, obsessions go a long way to creating a legacy. One such man in Allegheny takes this to another level. In the Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh, you'll work your way through tombstones to one that stands out among the rest because it's in the shape of the shark from the movie Jaws. Pennsylvania is full of great sports sites, historical places, and other unique points, but nothing rivals these weird places. Without a doubt, a visit will leave a lasting impression. Image provided by Shutterstock