Lexus will Donate $5 to Toys for Tots for every Big Red Bow you share on Facebook

Lexus has made it easier to give this Holiday Season. For every shared Big Red Bow from their Facebook page, Lexus will donate $5.00 to Toys for Tots.

Let's all remember those who are less fortunate and let's make a difference in someone's Holiday by simply clicking the above image to be taken to Facebook.

We're getting our Google+ pages ready for you

Lexus of Pleasanton
on Google+

Just like other Social Media pages, we are putting together our Google+ plus page to better connect with you, our valued guests. Please let us know what kind of information you would like to see on Google+!

Be sure to add us to your circle as we continue to add valuable content to Google+.

How To: Read a Tire Sidewall

There’s probably a lot more information on a tire’s sidewall than you’re aware of, such as where the tire was made and when, and sometimes even whether your tire complies with pass-by noise regulations in Europe.

Here’s how to decode it all:

1.) “245”: The numbers preceding the slash indicate the distance, in millimeters, across the widest point of the tire—called section width (245mm, or 9.65 inches, in this case)—when mounted on a wheel of specified width. Often listed before this number are letters that loosely signify the kind of duty for which the tire was designed: “P” stands for “p-metric” and is generally used on passenger cars, “LT” indicates light-truck duty, and “T” is for a temporary spare.

2.) “40”: This two-digit number is the aspect ratio, or profile, of the sidewall. This tire’s sidewall height is 40 percent of the tire’s width, which equates to 98mm, or 3.86 inches. The lower the number, the shorter the sidewall. An exception is Michelin PAX tires, where this number signifies the overall diameter of the tire in millimeters.

3.) “R”: This letter indicates radial tire construction; nearly all tires sold today are of this variety. Other constructions are “D” for bias-ply tires and “B” for belted. A preceding “Z” is simply a reference to an outdated and vague speed rating of more than 240 km/h, or 149 mph (the specific rating can be found in the service description).

4.) “18”: This number indicates the diameter of the wheel on which the tire should be mounted, generally in inches. These are usually whole numbers but can also be half-inch increments, such as “16.5,” or in millimeters, as in “390.”

5.) SERVICE DESCRIPTION: These numbers and letter together are called the service description. The numbers indicate the tire’s maximum “load” rating, or the amount of weight the tire can bear (“93” stands for 650 kilograms, or 1433 pounds), and the letter denotes the speed rating, or how fast the tires can safely rotate (“W” means 270 km/h, or 168 mph). The lowest rating typically found on passenger-car tires is “Q,” which means 99 mph. The highest, “Y,” is good for 186 mph, and when enclosed in parenthesis, as in “(93Y),” it means “in excess of” 186 mph. These values are determined by tire-testing machines in a lab, and the decoded load rating is also listed elsewhere on the tire.

6.) RED DOT: Here’s a long-held myth that can be put to rest: It doesn’t help in the balancing process to align the “heavy spot” of a tire—often indicated with a red dot—with a wheel’s valve stem when mounting. Aluminum wheels are now the norm, and the valve stem is no longer the de facto lightest point.

7.) “200”: The tread-wear grade is a relative figure based on the rate of wear of a tire during a 7200-mile on-vehicle test compared with that of a reference tire. The higher the number, the longer it will likely last. “300” indicates that the tire should last three times longer than the Uniroyal reference tire, which scores 100.

8.) “A”: A tire gets a seemingly uninformative traction grade (“AA,” “A,” “B,” or “C”) based on how much grip it generates in a straight-line test in which the tire is dragged at 40 mph across a wet surface without being allowed to rotate at all.

9.) “A”: This letter indicates a tire’s ability to dissipate heat. As heat increases dramatically at high speed, this is, in effect, a second, less precise speed rating. “A” means the tire can withstand speeds over 115 mph, “B” is for between 100 and 115 mph, and “C” means between 85 to 100 mph.

10.) “M+S”: This stands for “mud and snow” and simply means that the tire has more space between the treads, which should help to facilitate traction on soft surfaces.

11.) “MOUNTAIN SNOWFLAKE”: Unlike the M+S rating, this icon indicates that a tire has met a minimum performance requirement in snow testing.

12.) ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) MARKING: These letters—or a symbol—indicate that this is the automaker-specified version of a tire that came as a car’s original equipment. These tires can often be a very different blend of rubber compound compared with the off-the-shelf variety of the same tire, even though the tread pattern is identical. Examples of OE markings: General Motors—all have a TPC SPEC number; BMW—most have a five-pointed-star symbol; Mercedes—some are emblazoned with “M0”; Porsche—all have the letter “N” followed by a number, i.e., N1, N2, etc.

13.) TIRE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: This is a required and self-explanatory list of the reinforcing materials and number of layers (in both the tread and the sidewall) that are molded into a tire’s rubber for reinforcement.

14.) DOT LABEL: Every tire sold in the U.S. must have U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) labeling. The first two characters indicate the factory of manufacture, and the next five or six are manufacturer-specific jargon (for tracking purposes, as in the case of a recall). The last four numbers give the date of production (the first two indicate which of 52 weeks, and the second two, the year). The European equivalent of the DOT code may also be present (it starts with an “e”), although fewer manufacturers are printing both on a tire’s sidewall (to prevent gray-market shipments when currency exchange rates fluctuate). If this string of numbers ends with “-S,” it means the tire complies with European noise regulations.

Here at Lexus of Pleasanton, we supply the correct tires for your model Lexus at competative prices. Factor in our value added details such as, courtesy shuttle, courtesy loaners or rentals, complimentary wash/vacuum, and fully stocked guest lounges. Its becomes apparent we should be your choice when it becomes time to replace your worn out tires. Give us a call at 925-224-7634 or email us at lexusguestservices@hendrickauto.com to find out more!

Article by DAVE VANDERWERP
Car and Driver, November 2009

Original article is here at http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/how_to_read_a_tire_sidewall-feature

Engineering Perfection - the Lexus RX350 up close

Ever wanted to know what it takes to engineer and build World Class vehicles like the Lexus RX350? Take a look at this Discovery Channel episode that aired about a year ago.

For a closer look at these engineering marvels up close, give us a call or just stop by!

Remember to stop by our Facebook Page.

Airbags, why so many?

Ever wanted to know just why we need so many airbags in our Lexus cars? Being passive, it's the responsibility of these safety systems to deploy in a fraction of a second to prevent bodily impact injuries. With all of these airbags deployed in this video, you can clearly see just exactly how they do their job...save lives.

For future information like this and more, please visit us on our facebook page or follow our Blog here.

Win a $500 Apple Gift Card!

We want to buy your car! Simple to enter, just let us give you a quote to buy your car! You can enter online at HERE or cut and paste into your web browser http://www.pleasantonauto.com/apple-gift-card.aspx for more information. If you like you can call us at 866-902-0541 to schedule an appointment.

Show me the CarFax - but what is a CarFax report?

Ever wondered what is in those CarFax reports? Well here's a sample report that you can see. The report will cover details such as number of previous registered owners, accidents/damage reports, factory vehicle recalls, emissions testing, DMV registration notifications, and even service records (if repair facility is a subscriber to CarFax, such as our dealership).

Click for a Sample CarFax Report

If you have any questions regarding how to read a CarFax report or like to receive one on any of our pre-owned vehicles, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Rick Hendrick ink $250,000 sports sponsorship deal

Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Automotive Group has agreed to a $250,000 sponsorship with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that will allow middle schools to offer complete sports programs for the upcoming academic year.

For more in depth article please go to http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/08/03/2501145/cms-rick-hendrick-ink-250000-sports.html

3rd Annual Pleasanton Automall Custom Car Meet - 10-02-11

Save the date! Our 3rd Annual Custom Car Meet is set for Sunday, October 2nd. Will be hosted this year Umigo Indoor Kart Racing in Livermore. Kart racing is optional, but special pricing for that day! Reserve your kart racing spot soon!

We plan to have over 200+ cars, indoor vendor alley, food trucks, taco stand, trophies, and more! Follow us at Pleasanton Automall Facebook Events Page for up to date details! (You may have to log into your Facebook account to view) Best part? Its FREE to show your car or be a vendor!

Feel free to contact me directly for more information.

Adam Toy
adam.toy@hendrickauto.com

Don't miss our 2011 Lexus Golden Opportunity Sales Event

This only happens once a year, the Lexus Golden Opportunity Sales Event. Come on in for exceptional financing and one of the widest selection in Northern California.

For more information online click Golden Opportunity Sales Event or watch the videos below.
 

Online videos on how to operate some of the many features in your Lexus

With all the bells and whistles in your Lexus, how does one stay on top of how to operate them?

Here is a link to all the factory How-to-Videos on the many features of your Lexus.

Lexus How-to-Videos

If you have any further questions or like to see a video on a specific feature on a specific model, please don't hesitate to ask me.

adam.toy@hendrickauto.com

The weather isn't the only thing heating up

Now is the time to act! Don't miss out on some great factory financing incentives on both New and Pre-owned Lexus cars.

With a large inventory of used cars on sale as well, now is the time to act while the section is good.

Click here to see some of the Hot Summer Deals.

What should you do to when you lock yourself out in your car?

Every driver dreads locking keys in a car, and the reality is, it does happen. What do you do when the keys are safe inside a locked car? Here are some options help avoid that situation and deal with it, should it happen to you…

Dial 911. Safety comes first, and if you don’t feel secure where you're stranded, you should call 911 to get help on the way fast. In many cases the police can unlock the car’s door. But if they can’t, they will probably call a tow truck, which will be on your tab, of course. But at least you’ll be safe.

Call for roadside assistance. Here’s when those annual auto-club fees really pay off. AAA, Allstate, and other organizations that provide roadside service will help you, though it could take a while for them to reach you. If you don’t subscribe to such a service, you might still be in luck. Most new cars come with roadside assistance during the basic warranty period. Your owner’s manual should have the details, but of course that’s locked in the car with the keys. The number for Lexus Roadside Assistance is 800-25-LEXUS (800-255-3987)  You can get information by calling us at the dealership. To be prepared, you should store the number in your phone or write it down on paper and keep it in your wallet or purse. Unless of course those are also in your car. What if you don’t have a new car or you don’t belong to a service like AAA? Ask about adding roadside assistance to your auto-insurance policy. Also, some major highways are patrolled by trucks offering emergency aid. Keep an eye out for one.

Call a tow truck. If you have no free options, most towing services provide lock-out service. Call 411 for services in your area. Or text the words “tow service” and your location to GOOGL (46645).

Get a temporary key. A dealer or a local locksmith might be able to make you an inexpensive key that will open the doors (but not start your car) so that you can retrieve your permanent keys. This may be a challenge if your car has a smart key system that doesn't typically use a key. You’ll probably need your vehicle identification number (visible through the lower edge of the driver’s-side windshield) and proof that you own the car. Of course, you’ll also need a ride to the dealership.

Keep an extra key handy. Stash a spare key in your purse, your wallet, or a well-hidden spot on the car. You can buy a small magnetic box that can hold a key and be placed on a car’s underside. This can be a challenge with some of the newer cars with smartkey system, where the signal from the additional key may interfer with the locking of the car. Ask us if your car has a door key only option. Or leave a spare with someone who could rescue you.

Buy a car with benefits. Many cars won’t lock with the power-lock button if the key is in the ignition and a door is open. This is a feature on many luxury cars. However, if the keys are in a duffle bag or luggage in the trunk, the signal may be blocked and you will still be able to lock yourself out. If you drive a vehicle with a telematics system such as Lexus Safety Connect or the more commonly known, On-Star, you can call a toll-free number to have your car remotely unlocked.

Keyless. If you have lost the key altogether, things get more complicated. You’re going to need the car towed and replacement keys for some higher-end models with smart key remotes, can cost several hundred dollars and can only be purchased and programmed through a dealer. And that means an expensive trip to the dealer on a flatbed.

Wondering what those strange looking square codes are?

Microsoft MS TAG

Microsoft Tag is a new kind of bar code that connects almost anything in the real world to information, entertainment, and interactive experiences on your smartphone. You will find them on ads, posters, product packages, displayed on a website, billboards, clothing…the list is endless. When you scan a Tag using the free Tag Reader application on your smartphone, it can automatically open a webpage, add a contact to your address book, display a message, or dial a number – depending on intended use of the creator. There are no long URLs to type or SMS messages to send.

Anyone can create Tags for free. And unlike other kinds of bar codes, Tags are fully customizable. Tags may come in either black and white or colorful Tags that visually represent a business or personal brand in a spectacular manner.

Here are a few reasons to use Microsoft Tag:

• Call-to-action – Use Tags as a direct response tool for print campaigns; Tags automatically integrate in printed advertising with mobile devices. 
• Provide customers an enhanced experience - Tags can to link to a mobile website or video; on a business card to instantly add someone to your address book; dial a phone number; or display a free message.
• Single Reader – The Tag Reader runs on all major phone platforms and is downloaded from a single site. Every Microsoft Tag can be scanned by the Tag Reader, cutting down on consumer confusion from incompatible solutions.

You will soon find these through out the dealership on the car's windows. Ours will take you to CarFax online for the pre-owned cars, so you can see the vehicle's history report. On the new cars, it will take to you a video related to the vehicle you are looking at.

Let us know what you think of this kind of technology.



What grade of fuel can you use in your Lexus?

We get asked this question by many owners and thought we take the mystery out of which grade of gasoline to use in your cars.

Many owners use premium gasoline in the belief that it's better for engines than regular. That can be a costly mistake, especially during times of high fuel prices. Octane grades don't represent a "good, better, best" choice; they simply measure the resistance of fuel to knocking or pinging, a condition in which gasoline burns uncontrollably in the engine's combustion chambers. Knocking and pinging can damage an engine.

While high-octane formulations resist knocking better than lower octanes, most engines are designed to take regular gas, which has an octane rating of about 87. Engines requiring premium gas are typically the more powerful ones found in sports and luxury vehicles, which include those found in your Lexus. Lexus engines use a very high compression ratio (which is basically how tight the piston squeezes the air/fuel mixture), making them more vulnerable to knocking, so recommended fuels have octane ratings of 91 or higher.

Some engines for which premium gasoline is recommended can run on regular without problems. That's because the engine's electronic knock-sensor system detects the presence of uncontrolled burning in the combustion chambers. When it does, the engine's computer-control system retards engine timing, eliminating the knock but slightly reducing power.

If you don't mind giving up some performance, you can run these engines on less-expensive regular gasoline. To check whether your engine is capable of running on regular gas, read your owner's manual, send us an email, or give us a call at 925-224-7634. What grade of fuel do you use in your Lexus?

How to set the navigation setting from automatically changing back to the map screen

My recent Lexus CT 200h review included a line about the annoying feature of the navigation system always reverting back to a previous screen.

I find this feature awful -- if I'm clicking through radio stations, and don't touch the Remote Touch mouse paddie thingie for a few minutes, the display screen will switch back to the map after a few minutes.

It should go when I say it goes, not on its own. However, there is some logic behind this: Once you pick your radio station, you no longer really need it on the audio setting, so instead of taking your eyes off the road to put the map back up, let the car do it for you.

However, after the review ran, Lexus sent me a quick note explaining that this revert to the map feature, can actually be turned off.

Check out the photo Lexus sent me explaining it step by step. I appreciate the tip and will definitely use it in the next Lexus I drive. This information is also available in the owner's manual -- which I'm sure every person reads before operating this car.

From The Detroit News: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/scottburgessblog/index.php?blogid=1335

Core Values

Hendrick Automotive's mission is to be the premier quality vehicle retailer in the world, providing the best opportunities for our team members, customers, communities, and the manufacturers we represent.

Hendrick Automotive Group has achieved its mission and remains the industry’s leader by following the Hendrick Advantage, a set of core values which the company stands by.

The Hendrick Advantage
Teamwork through Trust and Respect
We at Hendrick know how to value our people. We believe that we are able to reach our goals through cooperation. We recognize each person’s contribution and treat each other with respect.

Integrity

We conduct business in an honest and straightforward manner. It is important that customers as well as members of our team esteem the company as honorable and trustworthy.

Commitment to Customer Enthusiasm

It is our intention to keep our customers satisfied and we continuously work at improving our service for their greater pleasure.

Passion for Winning

Hendrick has a tradition of success that drives its leaders. We keep our eyes on the prize and relentlessly pursue excellence.

Accountability at all Levels

It is our pleasure to have our customers depend on us to deliver on our promise of great service, hence we consistently persevere to provide high quality and efficient business results to maintain our customers’ trust in us.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

We do not believe in resting on our laurels. There is always room for improvement and we always seek it. We remain proactive in finding ways to grow and develop in order to serve our customers better.