Assembling Bikes, Building Community Each spring, something remarkable happens behind the showroom doors at Toyota South. Workbenches are rolled out, wrenches are handed off like batons, and an assembly line starts clicking into motion. The mission is to build a bike for every car sold in May. The recipients are local foster children who might never forget the day they received their very own bike, and the people who built it just for them. As we look ahead to the 2025 Bud Gates Bike Drive, excitement is already building. A Tradition Rooted in Heart The Bud Gates Bike Drive began as a tribute to the late Bud Gates, founder of Toyota South and a man deeply committed to serving his community. His son, Steve Gates, now carries that legacy forward, transforming what began as a thoughtful gesture into a full-scale annual event with a huge impact. What started with fewer than 100 bikes has now become a signature tradition. Over the last decade, more than 1,000 new bikes and helmets have been assembled and delivered to foster children throughout the Richmond and Lexington area. These are not secondhand donations. Each bike is brand new, carefully constructed, test-ridden, and fitted with a matching helmet before it's handed off to a waiting child. Precision, Toyota Style The drive’s most notable feature is its assembly process. We’re talking about one that mirrors the sophistication of Toyota's own manufacturing lines. Volunteers from the Georgetown Toyota Plant, including members of the Toyota Christian Fellowship, transform our dealership into a bustling bike-building operation. Parts are laid out. Roles are assigned. With efficiency that would make any engineer proud, the bikes come together one by one. Roughly 20 plant employees make up the core of the build team, but they’re far from alone. Our entire sales team jumps in to help, organizing helmets, greeting families, making final adjustments, and handing each bike to a child. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4HpASLiU2A One Day, Hundreds of Smiles The real magic happens in June, when foster families arrive to pick up their bikes. It all happens in one day, build to hand off. The energy is hard to describe. There are no press events, no flashy announcements. Just kids picking out their favorite color, parents and guardians smiling with gratitude, and volunteers quietly beaming behind the scenes. Looking Ahead to 2026 As we prepare for the 11th Bud Gates Bike Drive, we do so with gratitude for the children who trust us to show up, for the foster families who do so much with so little, and for the volunteers who make this event possible year after year. There’s no need for a flashy call-to-action or big campaign. The Bud Gates Bike Drive has always been about people, not promotion. If you're a customer, a neighbor, a foster parent, or a Toyota team member, you’re already part of this story. If you’ve been with us on this journey, thank you. We’ll be back in May. The bikes will be ready, and the joy will be just as real as ever.

A Legacy of Excellence Recognized Year After Year For more than three decades, Toyota South has received one of Toyota’s highest honors: the President’s Award. Earning this distinction once is a mark of excellence. Winning it over 30 times is something very few dealerships nationwide can claim. This award recognizes a dealership that consistently exceeds expectations. For Toyota South, this is much more than a plaque on the wall or another certificate. It’s a reflection of the way we choose to do business: centered on people, driven by service, and committed to improving every day. Year after year, the team at Toyota South continues to build a dealership experience rooted in trust, transparency, and a genuine dedication to our customers. From sales and service to parts and community involvement, we work to make sure every guest receives attentive care at every opportunity. That long-term consistency is what keeps us among the most respected Toyota dealers in the region. A History of Excellence Toyota South’s history with the President’s Award goes far beyond a few milestones. The dealership has earned this honor almost every year from 1990 through 2024, totaling 32 awards in 35 years! That kind of streak is almost unheard of, and it shows how consistently the team delivers the level of care Toyota looks for when selecting its top-performing stores. This newest President’s Award win marks yet another chapter in a long history of exceptional performance and reinforces what our customers have known for decades: Toyota South sets the bar high and keeps raising it. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the President’s Award for Toyota? The Toyota President’s Award is one of the top honors that Toyota Motor Sales gives to its dealers. It recognizes stores that excel in customer satisfaction, business operations, sales, and service. Only dealerships that deliver an outstanding experience across every part of our business earn this recognition. What Is the President’s Award for Car Dealerships? For car dealerships, the President’s Award serves as a benchmark for exceptional performance. It reflects a dealership’s ability to consistently provide outstanding service to customers while maintaining high standards in sales, operations, community involvement, and long-term customer care. It’s a sign that a dealership is performing at the highest level. What Does the President’s Award Mean? Winning this award means that a dealership has reached Toyota’s highest expectations for quality and customer satisfaction. It represents dedication from every department: sales, service, financing, and management. It also shows that customers can expect a trustworthy and dependable experience every time they visit. What Is the Most Awarded Toyota Dealership in Kentucky? While Toyota does not publish an official statewide ranking, Toyota South has earned the President’s Award more than 30 times. That’s an achievement that is virtually unheard of. Very few dealerships in the country can match this level of long-term recognition, which speaks to Toyota South’s consistency and commitment to its customers. How Many Times Has Toyota South Won the Toyota President’s Award? Toyota South has received this honor over 30 times. That remarkable streak places them in an elite category nationwide and reflects decades of dedicated service, strong leadership, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. Looking Ahead Together Toyota South’s long run of President’s Awards reflects years of showing up for customers and doing things the right way. Earning this honor 32 times is rare, and it speaks to how much the team cares about the people who walk through our doors. As we move forward, our focus stays on creating experiences that feel genuine, helpful, and consistent. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning after many years, Toyota South is proud to be part of your car-buying and owning experience.

Your tires are the only part of your Toyota that actually touches the road, so they get the most wear and tear of all the parts of your vehicle. Since their condition directly affects your driving experience and safety, keep your eye out for a few key indicators of when you might need to bring your vehicle in to your Toyota dealer to get new tires. Tread Depth Is Below 1/16th of an Inch The tread on your tires plays an important role in providing traction, especially in wet conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, when tire tread reaches a tread depth of 1/16th of an inch, it's time to replace them. An easy way to check this is with the “penny test.” Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tires. Visible Tread Wear Indicator Bars Newer tires have a handy feature called tread wear indicators. These small raised bars run between the tire treads, and as your tires wear down, these bars become more visible. When they are flush with the tire's tread, it means the tread depth has reached its safe limit, signaling that a tire change is due. Cracks or Cuts in the Sidewalls Inspect the sidewalls of your tires for cracks, cuts, or grooves. These imperfections can be indicative of developing leaks or, worse, a potential blowout. Sidewall damage can occur from driving over potholes, curbs, or debris and is a sure sign that your tires need to be replaced. Bulges or Blisters on the Tire Sometimes the outer surface of a tire begins to weaken, leading to a bulge or blister that extends outward from the rest of the surface. This weak spot can cause a sudden blowout. If you notice any of these anomalies on your tires, don't delay in getting them replaced. Excessive Vibration While some vibration is normal, especially on poorly paved roads, excess vibration could indicate a tire problem. It might be a sign of misalignment, imbalance, or internal tire damage. Although other car issues can cause vibration, it's a good idea to start by checking the tires, as they are often the culprit. Regular tire maintenance and inspections are crucial for the longevity of your Toyota and your safety on the road. If you notice any of these signs, call Toyota South today to schedule your vehicle for a thorough tire inspection, to see if it might be time to invest in a new set of tires.

Toyota brakes are extremely durable and reliable. But all car brakes undergo a great deal of wear and tear and eventually need components replaced. How long your brake pads and rotors last really depends on how often you're stepping on that brake pedal, which in turn depends on your regular driving conditions. Let's take a look at a few common signs that you need to visit your nearest Toyota dealer for brake repair and also the kinds of conditions that cause brakes to wear down faster. Worn Out Brake Pads Each time your brake pads clamp onto the rotors, slowing your car, they lose a little more of their upper friction layer. When this friction layer is almost finished, you'll hear a squealing sound. If the friction layer disappears altogether, you'll hear an alarming grinding sound of metal scraping directly on metal. Warped or Scored Rotors Rotors can sometimes become scored by worn-down brake pads. They can also warp out of shape when overheating. A damaged rotor often creates a vibrating sensation that you can feel through your foot on the brake pedal. You can sometimes rescue a damaged rotor with resurfacing, but more often, you'll need a new one. Leaking Brake Fluid Brake fluid leaks are dangerous because when a brake hose leaks, power will no longer be transferred properly from your foot to the braking mechanism. When brake fluid leaks, your brakes will often feel soft and spongy. The brake fluid is oily and yellow in color, so you can check to see if a fluid of this description is pooling under your hood or undercarriage. Damaged Brake Calipers The calipers house the brake pads and rotors. It's possible for small parts to occasionally come loose within a caliper, such as a bolt, pin, or clip. Any such loosened part will rattle about or create a grinding sound when you use your brakes. You'll probably need a mechanic to take the caliper apart and fix the problem. Driving Conditions That Wear Brakes Down Faster Long-distance drives along clear highways are ideal for cars as relatively little braking is involved. Being stuck in stop-and-go traffic, on the other hand, can take a real toll on brakes. Mountainous roads with long downhill stretches are also rather brake-heavy. And if you're increasing the weight of your vehicle with a roof rack or trailer, then your brakes are also under considerably more strain. Ask Your Toyota Dealer About Your Driving Conditions If you're in doubt as to how brake-heavy your regular driving conditions are, ask at your local dealership. During your biannual brake servicing visits, they can check how rapidly your brake pads are wearing down and tell you how much you're using them. Visit Toyota South today to have your brakes checked and repaired. We've been providing exceptional vehicles and customer service since 1915.

Brakes are one of the most important parts of any vehicle, and keeping them in good working order is critical. If your brakes begin to fail in any manner, slowing down or stopping your car may become considerably more difficult. This greatly increases your chances of being involved in an accident. This tutorial will go through some of the most typical indicators of brake difficulties so you'll know when it's time to see local Toyota dealer. 1. Strange Sounds Cars can emit all kinds of rumbling and vibrating sounds as their various parts and systems move around. Some sounds are normal and nothing to worry about, but others can be warning signs that something has gone wrong. If you hear grinding or squealing sounds when pressing the brakes, you might have issues with a number of different brake components, including the pads, calipers, brake shoe, and plates. 2. Warning Light On Modern cars have various dashboard lights that let you know when certain components are being used or may be in need of attention or repair. You may have several brake indicator lights on the dashboard, for example. One or more of these lights might show up automatically when the parking brake is being used, but they might also illuminate when something is wrong with the brake system. 3. Shaking or Wobbling Another big sign that something might be wrong with your brakes is wobbling or shaking movement when the brakes are used. If you press down on the brake pedal and feel the vehicle or steering wheel start to vibrate and shake, it's likely that your brake rotor has a problem. The rotor may have gotten rusty, worn, or fallen out of its usual position, for example. 4. Spongy Brakes The brake pedal should be firm and resistant, and you should have to use a reasonable amount of effort to push it down with your foot. If it feels soft and spongy, or sinks right down to the ground when you press it without providing any real resistance, this is a sign that the brakes require urgent repair. You should never try to continue driving with soft or spongy brakes. 5. Pulling to the Side Another possible issue that you might notice is your car veering to one side when you apply the brakes. This can be very inconvenient to deal with, as you have to steer carefully to stay in your lane whenever you apply the brakes. It's usually a sign that the brake pads on one side are worn down and need replacing, or it could be an issue with the brake hose or calipers. 6. Fluid Leaks The brake system needs a special kind of fluid, known as brake fluid, to work properly. If the fluid levels drop too low due to leaks or other issues, the system won't work as it should and you might experience soft or unresponsive brakes. It's recommended to have your brake fluid levels checked on a regular basis to spot any leaks or problems before they develop into something more serious. Schedule Your Auto Service Appointment Today It's never a good idea to carry on driving if you detect brake system issues. So if you spot any of the signs listed above, or any other issues with your brakes, the best thing to do is visit your local dealer for checks and repairs. Call Toyota South today to arrange brake servicing for your car in Annapolis, MD. Image courtesy of Toyota