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As summer rolls in, it’s the perfect time to get your Toyota ready for long drives and open roads. Whether you’re heading to scenic parks or planning a coastal getaway, summer road trip prep is key. At Monken Toyota Mt. Vernon, we help Toyota owners get road-ready with smart, seasonal care. Proper summer maintenance can save time, reduce costs, and keep your adventures running smoothly. From tire checks to fluid levels, every detail matters for a worry-free trip. If you’re planning to take your Toyota on the road, now’s the time to prepare. more Check Your Tires and Pressure Hot pavement and worn-out tires don’t mix. Before you leave, inspect your tire tread depth and look for uneven wear. Proper inflation is also critical—too low and you risk a blowout, too high and traction suffers. Your Toyota’s recommended tire pressure can be found in the driver-side door jamb. Don’t forget to inspect your spare, too. Consider rotating your tires or having them aligned for better fuel efficiency and longer tread life. Test Your Battery’s Strength Rising temperatures can speed up battery corrosion and shorten battery life. If your Toyota is more than three years old, test the battery before your road trip. Look for signs of wear, such as slow engine crank or dimming lights. At Monken Toyota Mt. Vernon, our trained technicians can test your battery and install a new one if needed. A quick check now could prevent a roadside breakdown later. Inspect Brakes and Brake Fluid You’ll want confidence in your stopping power while driving through hilly terrain or heavy traffic. Listen for squeaking, grinding, or a soft brake pedal—these are early warnings. Make sure your brake fluid is topped off and not contaminated. Clean fluid keeps the braking system responsive and reliable. Coolant and AC Check Your Toyota’s engine needs coolant to handle the summer heat. If your coolant level is low or the fluid is dirty, your engine may overheat. A quick top-off or a full flush could save your trip. Don’t forget your air conditioning. Test it on a hot day before hitting the road. If it's not blowing cold air, it might need a recharge or filter replacement. Lights, Wipers, and Emergency Kit Inspect all exterior lights, including brake lights and blinkers. Replace burnt-out bulbs before your journey. Check your wiper blades for cracks and streaks—they tend to dry out faster in hot weather. Always pack an emergency kit. Include jumper cables, water, a flashlight, and basic tools. Final Prep at Monken Toyota Mt. Vernon Before you head out, visit Monken Toyota Mt. Vernon for a multi-point inspection. Our team is ready to help you with your Toyota for any summer road trip prep. We check tires, fluids, batteries, and more so you can drive with peace of mind. Whether you're traveling across Illinois or further west, make sure your Toyota is road-trip ready. Use the summer season to explore with confidence and keep your Toyota running strong all season long.

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross. If it's time for a new car, you may want to lease instead of buy. This means you make payments on the car while you use it and return it to the dealer when the lease is up. Here are five benefits of leasing a 2025 Toyota. more 5 Leasing Benefits with a Toyota Dealership 1. Potential for Lower Payments Depending on the kind of car you choose and the length of your lease, you may be able to secure a lower monthly payment than with a traditional vehicle purchase. This is a great option for people who want to drive a new car every few years but don't want to incur the high cost of financing. 2. Access to Higher-Value Vehicles Lessees can also select a higher-value car for around the same price as an older vehicle would cost with an auto loan. These models are generally new, without mechanical issues that are expected to crop up in the next year or two. They also tend to have the latest comfort, safety, and driver assistance features. 3. No Expensive Repairs Because you're leasing a newer vehicle, the chance of needing a major repair is very low. Leased vehicles are usually still under the manufacturer's warranty too, so if there is any work that needs to be done, it's unlikely to come out of your pocket. 4. Protection Against Depreciation Unlike houses that appreciate in value over time, cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot. When you own a vehicle, you absorb this loss over time in the form of reduced market value. Unfortunately, it will always sell for less than you bought it for. How much depends largely on the make, model, year, and condition of the car. With leasing, you're only paying for the cost to drive the car for a period of time, instead of the full price of the vehicle itself. The car gets returned when your lease is over, with no depreciation on your end. 5. You Don't Have to Worry About Selling Your Car Later Selling a used car can be frustrating. There's the hassle of having your car detailed, putting up listings online or in your local newspaper, and negotiating with buyers, when all you want to do is just get behind the wheel of a new vehicle. A lease lets you do this easily, without the stress of being responsible for your own sale. Are you thinking about leasing a 2025 Toyota? Contact us at Monken Toyota, or come visit us to take one for a test drive today.

Do you need ideas for spring activities near Mt. Vernon, IL that the whole family will enjoy? Whether you're looking for park adventures in the sun, a fun educational experience, or a great playground, check out some of our favorite local attractions where you can celebrate the warmer seasons. more 5 Family-Friendly Spring Activities Near Mt. Vernon, IL 1. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area There's no shortage of fun activities for families who love the outdoors at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area at 11094 Ranger Road in Whittington. The 3,300-acre state park is a great place to have a picnic, hike, or bike. Horseback riding is also available, and you can pack all your camping gear in the spacious cargo area of the Toyota RAV4 to spend the night immersed in nature. 2. Jefferson County Historical Village If you're looking for an activity where you and your kids can all learn about local history, check out Jefferson County Historical Village at 1411 North 27th Street in Mt. Vernon. Enjoy the spring weather while you walk through a pioneer village that includes authentic log cabins and a one-room schoolhouse. Admission is free, and there are also several exhibits and events held throughout the year that you can explore. 3. Veterans Memorial Park Located near the heart of Mt Vernon at 800 South 27th Street, Veterans Memorial Park, also known as Mt. Vernon City Park, is a great place to honor the brave veterans who served in the military while your family enjoys a wide range of recreational activities. You can take a casual stroll around the lake, let the kids play on the multiple playgrounds, or play sports like basketball or tennis together. 4. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Cedarhurst, which sits on an 85-acre estate at 2600 Richview Road in Mt. Vernon, is home to an art center, the Mitchell Museum, and an outdoor sculpture park. They offer concerts and a choral project, plus plenty of family events, including First Friday Story Time at the museum, where your kids can learn about cultural traditions, nature, and more through age-appropriate books. 5. Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo Waterpark For a day of family fun in the warmer days of spring, the Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo Waterpark at 1700 South 24th Street features multiple water slides, including a 266-foot dual rider tube slide. There are also two diving boards, a splash pad for kids, and more to provide an unforgettable time for your whole family. Spring is also a great time to give your Toyota some love after a rough winter or find your next family-friendly ride. Call us or visit Monken Toyota of Mt. Vernon in Mt. Vernon, IL for all your automotive needs, and let us know if we can offer more recommendations for fun things to do with your family this spring!

The legacy of Toyota's most rugged SUV lives on with an incredible hybrid powertrain. The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is equipped with a full-time 4WD system that comes in clutch when traveling on rough roads, slippery streets, and uncharted off-road trails. Discover all of the reasons why this rugged, high-performance is ideal for your next adventure. more Test Drive the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser At the heart of the refreshed 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder i-FORCE MAX turbocharged hybrid motor that produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This model boasts a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs and comes with an integrated tow hitch receiver with a wiring harness so you can effortlessly haul a heavy trailer or camper. This model gets 23 MPG combined. This hybrid is engineered for impeccable off-road stability with an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with downhill and uphill shift logic. The Land Cruiser has a standard Crawl Control system to control acceleration and braking on tough terrain when driving at low speeds. The highest Land Cruiser trim is also equipped with Multi-Terrain Select with Dirt, Auto, Sand, Rock, Mud, and Deep Snow driving modes. Exterior Features of The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser The Land Cruiser is equipped with practical off-roading features, like mud guards that protect the undercarriage from mud and other road debris. This model comes with LED daytime running lights, a windshield wiper de-icer, and frame-mounted tow hooks at the front and rear of the vehicle. The SUV also protects the undercarriage with a front skid plate. Integrated front LED fog lights are standard. The Land Cruiser has privacy glass installed on the rear quarter, rear side, and rear liftgate windows for added rider comfort and security. On the upper trim, the SUV comes with running boards to make vehicle entry easier and roof rails that can accommodate Toyota roof-mounted carriers for additional cargo space and recreational equipment. Interior Features This hybrid has a three-zone climate control system that allows each front-seat passenger and the rear riders to have individual climate settings. This system has rear climate controls so back seat passengers can make independent climate selections. Another key convenience feature is the auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated compass so you can find true north when you're off-roading and a HomeLink system to automatically open your garage door when you return home. Safety Features The Land Cruiser is equipped with Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, an adaptive cruise control system that uses radar information to adjust acceleration and keep pace with surrounding traffic. The standard Blind Spot Monitor has a built-in alert system to identify rear cross-traffic, as well as a Trailer Merge Warning system, which extends the blind spot system when a trailer is hitched. The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser reimagines hybrid performance with off-roading engineering features for maximum performance. Drop by Monken Toyota of Mt. Vernon in Mt Vernon, IL for a test drive.

The best way to travel is together, and the 2025 Toyota Sienna is the best vehicle to do it in. It has everything families need to travel in comfort, from flexible seating to convenient technology. The Sienna also boasts outstanding hybrid efficiency and advanced safety features to protect everyone inside. more 1. Seating Designed for Families Every family is different, so the 2025 Toyota Sienna's cabin adapts to meet your needs. Choose from an eight-passenger model with a second-row bench or a seven-passenger Sienna with second-row captain's chairs and super-long-slide leg rests. No matter which configuration you choose, the rear seats are easy to fold, expanding the cargo area from 33.5 to 101 cubic feet. The driver, front passenger, and rear passengers each enjoy their own temperature zones, thanks to the Sienna's standard three-zone automatic climate control. With 18 cup and bottle holders and seven USB ports located throughout the cabin, every passenger can stay hydrated and keep their devices charged. 2. Advanced Safety Systems The 2025 Toyota Sienna protects your family with standard features like 10 airbags and numerous advanced safety systems, including a Blind Spot Monitor. It has earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA, providing greater peace of mind. The Sienna's newest safety feature is its standard Advanced Rear-Seat Reminder, which can detect motion in the rear seats after the vehicle has been locked. If a passenger is detected, the vehicle will sound an audible warning. More alerts follow, including a smartphone notification and an automated phone call from Toyota Safety. 3. Outstanding Hybrid Efficiency With EPA-estimated efficiency of up to 36 MPG combined, you can make the most out of every family trip in the 2025 Toyota Sienna. Its 2.5-liter hybrid engine isn't just efficient; it also produces 245 net horsepower and tows up to 3,500 pounds. Every Sienna grade also offers available all-wheel drive for extra control in inclement weather. 4. Convenient Technology The Sienna's dashboard features a vibrant Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, which makes it easy to adjust vehicle and audio settings. You can select from several audio sources, including SiriusXM and your compatible smartphone. Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provide convenient smartphone connections for streaming music, viewing driving directions, and interacting with apps. 5. Unique Trims for Every Lifestyle Whether your family loves the outdoors or prefers an edgy style, there's a 2025 Toyota Sienna trim that's a perfect match. Its six available trims include unique options like the adventure-ready Woodland Edition, which comes with roof rails, two AC power outlets, and all-wheel drive. For exclusive 20-inch dark wheels, a black metallic sport mesh front grille, and a sport-tuned suspension, check out the sporty XSE. These are just a few of the reasons that so many drivers trust the 2025 Toyota Sienna to transport their families every day. To find out more, get in touch with our sales team at Monken Toyota of Mt. Vernon in Mt. Vernon, IL. Image via

Riding high off a 2024 MotorTrend Car of the Year award, the 2025 Toyota Prius is a hatchback with serious style and incredible performance. Its sophisticated and sleek profile makes it an icon of both efficiency and power. Here are six reasons to drive one home. more 1. Substantial Power The 2025 Toyota Prius offers drivers extra muscle, especially when compared with legacy models. Front-wheel drive models can achieve up to 194 net horsepower, while AWD models can put out up to 196 horses' worth of muscle. That makes it easy to muscle you way through busy traffic and makes easy work of even the shortest highway onramps. 2. All-Wheel Drive Whether you're interested in exploring back roads and off-road campsites or just want the confidence of improved performance in foul weather, the 2025 Toyota Prius's available All-Wheel Drive is for you. The system makes it easy to keep your confidence under a wide range of driving conditions and enables the Prius to climb from 0-60 time in just 7 seconds flat. 3. Massive Efficiency It should be no surprise that a vehicle with the word 2025 Toyota Prius on the liftgate delivers incredible efficiency, and the 2025 edition stays true to the brand's tradition of delivering outstanding fuel economy. Priuses configured with front-wheel drive can get up to a jaw-dropping 57 mpg combined, while those with all-wheel drive top out at a staggering 54 mpg combined. Either way you configure the Prius, it's the perfect vehicle for those who want to save money at the pump and slash their carbon footprint at the same time. 4. Excellent Handling The Prius's low center of gravity makes it easy to hug the road, and its tight turning circle speaks to its incredibly nimble maneuverability. That makes it easy to maneuver in and out of traffic, especially with standard Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts. 5. Advanced Park If you've ever spent a significant amount of time in any major city, then you know how cramped some parking spots can get. Thankfully, the 2025 Toyota Prius is so smart, it can even park itself. The available Advanced Park feature lets the vehicle take over acceleration, braking, and steering to safely nestle into even the most petite parking spots. Standard Safe Exit Alert and Vehicle Proximity Notification System make getting in and out of your Prius safer. 6. Day to Day Utility Being the perfect daily driver requires more than incredible efficiency and excellent driving dynamics. It also takes versatility. With over 23 cubic feet of cargo space under the hatch and a 60/40 split folding back seat, there's room for plenty of bags and gear to tag along for the ride. And with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assist systems coming standard, features like pre-collision braking and dynamic cruise control make each trip safer and easier. Test drive a fun and efficient 2025 Prius today at Monken Toyota of Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, IL. Image via

Shopping for cars when it comes to your teens can feel scary. You want something safe, reliable, and worth your money. All the information out there can be so confusing. We did the work for you and researched to find the top five cars for teens to make your shopping easier! 1. Toyota Corolla Overall 5/5 safety rating 35 mpg average Long, positive car history A more compact car 2. Honda Civic Overall 5/5 safety rating 35 mpg average Has a little more room than the Corolla Can be a little noisy 3. Toyota Rav 4 Overall 5/5 safety rating 30 mpg average Small spacious SUV Higher price range 4. Ford Fusion Overall 5/5 safety rating 25 mpg average Great price range Not as technologically advanced 5. Toyota Camry Overall 5/5 safety rating 34 mpg average Incredible reliability Smaller trunk

Are you shopping for a new vehicle, but have never been on a test drive? Test driving is exciting, but it is easy to forget good questions when deciding if it is the vehicle for you. Here are ten questions to ask yourself and the salesperson during a test drive. 10 questions to ask yourself or to check out during a test drive: Always start by observing your space as the driver. Do you have enough legroom? Is the seat easy to adjust? Does the steering wheel adjust? Check out the cooling system to make sure it is easy to use. If you want separate controls, heated seats, or cooling seats check for those too. As you begin to drive, see how well you can see your surroundings with your mirrors. Do not forget to check the back seat if you typically drive your kids or animals in the vehicle. Think about the sounds of the vehicle. Is it too loud? Do any sounds annoy you? Any sounds of concern? If you like the radio on then try it out. See if you think you will be able to figure out the infotainment system or if it is too much. Pull into a parking lot while you are testing it to see how parking goes. Is it easy to park? If not, do you think it’s something you could get used to? Leave the driver’s seat on your preferred settings and move to the seat behind it. See how the space is in each seat as if you were a passenger. Think about what you typically haul around. Will it fit in the trunk? Ex. stroller, car seat, wagon, sports gear, etc. Ask yourself how this vehicle compares to your current vehicle. What do you like or dislike compared to your current vehicle? If you love the vehicle, be sure to ask the salesperson questions like the vehicle’s warranty, specials, the longevity of the vehicle, opinions on the different versions, etc.

The Truck Life of Drew Baldridge Drew Baldridge is a country music star from Patoka, Illinois. Drew recently got a 2021 Ram 1500 from Monken Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM and we wanted to hear what he loves about the truck and more about his “truck life.” He has quite the history of vehicles, both new and old, but memories from each of them that will last a lifetime. Check out what we asked Drew and learn a little more about him! You just got a new truck, what are your favorite features about your RAM 1500? I love having the big screen, heated seats, and it rides so nice. I love having everything on the screen, it’s like two feet long. It also just rides so much smoother than any other truck I’ve been in. I can also automatically start it and it turns on my heated steering wheel and seats. We haven’t hauled anything with it yet, but I can throw all of my merch into the truck bed and it fits! Katie (Drew’s wife) loves the heated steering wheel and how happy it makes Drew! Have you had any friends comment on your truck? Oh yeah! Every one of them. Every song writing friend, everybody. They all talk about how much RAM has stepped their game up. Someone told me they’ve always driven a big Escalade, but they could see themselves driving a truck if they had one like it. Everyone comments on how clean and nice it is. Have you ever driven a truck prior to your RAM? I got my first truck when I was 16, it was an F150. Then after that I bought a RAM 1500 and loved it, but was so broke when I moved to Nashville I had to sell it. Then I bought a completely hail damaged black Chevy Cobalt. It looked like a black golf ball, but now it feels so good to be back in a truck. One of the first times I was writing at a new place, I arrived early and the door was locked so I was sitting on the hood of my black Chevy Cobalt. It looked terrible, but I was just trying to make ends meet. Then this really nice Chevy truck pulled up beside me and out stepped Thomas Rhett. He came walking up and I was telling him how much I loved his truck. He looked at me and said “What happened to your car?” I told him I actually bought it like this. So... the new RAM is a big step up! How did you get your first truck? So my mom made me a deal when I was 14 that said she would match whatever money I made to buy a truck. I worked hauling hay for my grandpa and started my own mowing business. By the time I was 16 I had a lot of money saved up and my parents were generous enough to match it, so I bought a 2001 Ford F150. What Is something fun you used to do with your truck? I remember back home when we used to get big snows. I had an F150 that was pretty jacked up and had pretty big tries on it. Then my brother had a truck that was a little bigger. So every time it would snow we would take our trucks to see if we could get stuck and then use our chain to pull the other out. Then we would find a field that was frozen over and do donuts on it. Did your family have a vehicle that you loved or dreamed to have one day? My dad had an old blue stick shift Dodge Dakota. It was one of the trucks I learned to drive stick on and it had a bench seat so we had to call the window seat. Then whoever sat in the middle would work the gears while my dad worked the clutch. There’s just a lot of memories in the old blue Dodge Dakota. Now my dad and my brother both drive RAMs. Do you have any great memories from family road trips? We used to take so many family road trips. My mom and dad used to have a minivan, so we piled in and slept in the back of it. We drove every year for beach trips to Florida and Alabama. Then we got one of those DVD players that would Velcro to mom and dad's head rest, which was a huge deal. Do you have any upcoming road trips you’re planning? I’d like to take a whole family road trip out west. They all haven’t been so I think it would be so cool to take them. Show them the Rocky Mountains, elk, different animals we don’t have, and so they can see the beauty out there. We are going to elk hunt as well. Trucks have been a big piece of Drew’s life between the memories and the traveling. We had a great time getting to know Drew more and learn about his truck life. Make sure to follow his country music journey on social media and listen to his songs on any platform!

People are constantly creating new products we never knew we needed, but always wish we had, especially in our car. Check out these 6 products you’ll want to buy right away for any vehicle you may own! Car cleaning putty You know how there's always dust in your air vents, on your dash or crumbs in places you can’t get? Well now you can clean it all with this car putty! It’s a reusable putty that will get into all the nooks and crannies in your car. It’s sticky to the dust and crumbs, but not to your hands! Dip Clip This product has had a viral following for a while now which makes sense because it solves a big issue, holding sauce cups while driving. Now you no longer have to hold them thanks to this simple little items that will clip into the air vent and hold your sauce. Portable Car Vacuum Did you know they make vacuums that plug into your car? If you have kids, pets, or eat in your car often, this could be a lifesaver. It’s a quick and easy solution to cleaning up crumbs, pet hair, sand, or the snacks you accidentally dumped on the way to work. Now just plug it in, suck them up, and it’s clean again! Seat gap organizer I know there’s been a time where you’ve dropped something in between your seat and console. Then it probably took you a long time to get it out or maybe you just left it there, so frustrating. Now you’ll never drop anything in between your seats again with these seat gap organizers. They also allow you to store a few more items too, aside from what will fit in your cup holders. Car Escape Tool A car escape tool is a product hopefully you’ll never need, but could be a true life saver. This is a universal tool everyone should have in their car in case of high water, even drawing, or a car wreck. It can both cut your seat belt and break your glass window all in one little tool. Seat hooks These hooks are perfect for lifting things off the floor in your car, so there’s more leg room and more organization. They’re durable, come in multiple colors and styles, and they’re a universal fit so you can transfer them to other cars too. They also work great to hold grocery bags off the floor or allow more space!

Gas is an essential item every non-electric vehicle owner must buy, but it takes out a large chunk of your budget. It's easy to get rewards for gas, so why not take advantage of them! Join a Fuel Rewards Program Most gas stations offer a reward program so you can earn rewards points when you purchase gas. Each program is different when it comes to the amount you must spend for rewards and how much you can save, so be sure to find the one you love. Find a credit card with rewards Various gas stations offer their own credit cards or some credit card companies offer cards with gas rewards. Make sure you read the fine lines of the credit card program and pay it off each month so you’re not paying interest. Some credit cards even offer cash back rewards or in station credit, which means you should choose a station that is nearest to your home or you’re most likely to stop at. Use apps to find the cheapest gas Gas Guru, Waze, and Gas Buddy are a few great apps that can help you find the cheapest gas wherever you may be. If you’re planning a road trip you can check the prices before your trip and pre-plan where to stop. Gas Buddy also offers their own reward program for free and there’s a few paid options too. They also help with roadside assistance through paid programs. This is a great app that’s worth paying for if you travel often! Check and maintain your vehicle Lots of people don’t know this, but there’s various things on your vehicle that can help you save gas in the long run. The lighter the vehicle the better, so remove racks and accessories added to the car when it’s not needed. Make sure your oil is changed routinely and keep your tires inflated to the correct amount of air. These may be little things, but every dollar counts!

If you are a Centralia High School alumni or had a child attend Centralia High School, then you are familiar with the Centralia May Fete tradition that has existed for over 100 years.  The Monken Family has been proud to be a part of this tradition and all family members have participated in the dances and/or court during their high school years. Jan Monken's mother, Dorothy Rixmann Miller, was the 25th May Fete Queen.  At that time May Fete was held outdoors and Dorothy made her own dress and train.  Her daughters, Jan, Melissa, and Wendy, were all attendants their junior year. Kim Monken McMillian's daughter, Megan Marcum, was a flower girl for Stacey Smudrick, a freshman attendant and May Fete Queen.  Her sister, Andrea Walton, was a freshman attendant the same year that Megan was queen. Both girls were involved with dances when they weren't on the court.  Lance and Megan’s kids, Hadley and Eli Marcum, served as scepter bearer and crown bearer. Shawn Monken Hartmann, was a flower girl for Carol Jo Vaccaro and an attendant her senior year.  Her children, Bredesen Hartmann and Katie Hartmann, along with their cousin, Will Miller, served as the trainbearers and flower girl for Megan Marcum.  Bredesen Hartmann participated in the couples dance every year and became a May Fete escort during his junior year.  Katie choreographed and participated in multiple dances all four years. Wes Monken, was the trainbearer for Jan Johnson when he was seven.  He wore the first white tuxedo ever used in May Fete and participated in the dance. Wes's older daughter, Jalyn Monken, participated in dances all four years. This year Wes's daughter, Addison Monken, will wind the senior maypole for her last year at Centralia High School. She has participated in dances every year.  Addison is the last Monken grandchild to participate in May Fete.  We look forward to all the great-grandchildren participating!