Bad car care habits that can cost you big bucks

Your car is a big investment - probably one of the biggest ones you'll make besides your home. And you probably dropped a hefty chunk of change on it whether you made a down payment and are financing it, or whether you bought it outright with cash. Either way, it's your job to protect your investment with routine car care and detailing. 

Don't make these car care mistakes 

However, it's also your job to do away with bad car care habits that could be doing damage to your ride. Toyota of North Charlotte is here to discuss five of the most common bad habits we see and how to correct them! 

#1: Not emptying out your trunk. 

Are you guilty of keeping way too much junk in your trunk? Believe it or not, this bad car care habit can cost you. Extra cargo weight means your car is less fuel-efficient so you'll burn up more gas than you should. You'll also likely wear out your brakes, suspension, and even your engine more quickly as the extra weight puts extra stress on your car. Save yourself money and go minimalist in your trunk, keeping just the bare necessities on deck. 

#2: Putting the bare minimum in the gas tank. 

Are you guilty of putting just a few dollars worth of gas into your tank at once and coasting on near-empty as often as you can? Stop. You may think you're saving money, but you're actually just racking up car care costs. Keeping your fuel pump submerged in gasoline helps it to run cooler and also preserves it so it lasts longer. Plus, the fewer trips you have to take to the gas station, the less gas you use getting there and back. 

#3: Putting the pedal to the metal. 

If you're a fan of putting the pedal to the metal and accelerating quickly, you may want to rethink it! First of all, you're using way more gas than you need to when you do this. Second of all, consistently hitting the accelerator hard puts a lot of strain on the drivetrain of your car, and also puts more stress on the brakes because they have to work harder to bring you to a stop. Work on accelerating evenly. 

#4: Avoiding using the parking brake. 

Feel like you don't have to use the parking brake unless you're parked on a hill? You may want to reconsider. Using your parking brake actually helps to redistribute your car's weight better so it's not as much strain on your regular brakes. Pull the e-brake when you park to save money on car care down the road. 

#5: Shifting from reverse to drive too quickly. 

When you shit from reverse into drive, you should bring your car to a complete stop and THEN shift into drive. Many people are guilty of shifting into drive immediately while their cars are still rolling, but this can actually damage your car's transmission over time. 

Address your car care concerns at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have car care questions or concerns? We're here to help. Call Toyota of N Charlotte at (704) 875-9199 today or stop by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23. 

What does a brake replacement entail?

When was the last time you had car brake service? If you can't name it off the top of your head, it may be time to schedule service at our Charlotte Toyota service center. In fact, you may even be due for a car brake replacement. However, don't let the name psych you out - our Charlotte auto service techs are here to tell you exactly what a brake replacement entails and what you can expect when you bring your car in for this important service appointment. 

What's in your car's braking system? 

To get you more comfortable with the idea of a brake replacement, our Charlotte auto service techs are first going to break down the car brake system so you have a sense of direction when it comes to all the pieces and parts. 

Brake pads: The brake pads are slim pads that create friction against the rotor when you brake, bringing you to a stop. 

Calipers: The calipers are the pieces in your car brake system that hold the brake pads in place so they can do their job. 

Rotors: Rotors are large discs that your brake pads move against to create friction and bring your car to a stop. 

Brake lines and fluid: Your brake lines connect your main braking assembly to the brake pedal and brake fluid helps to keep the entire system working properly. 

What happens when you get a brake replacement 

You'll know when you're due for a car brake replacement at our Charlotte Toyota service center. Giveaway signs include squealing noises, the smell of burning carpet, shuddering or shaking when you hit the brake pedal, and your brake warning light coming on in the dash. It's important to handle brake service and replacements as quickly as possible, as irreversible and expensive damage can be done to the system if you don't. During brake replacement, our Charlotte car care techs will:

• Thoroughly inspect the brake system and main assembly to troubleshoot and see if there are any issues developing with any of the parts. 
• Check your calipers. If they're in good shape, our techs will lubricate them and move on. They may need to be sanded down to remove dust and debris, however, and if they're in bad shape, you may need to replace them. 
• Check your brake pads. If they're too thin, our Charlotte car care experts will replace them so you have full stopping power on your side. 
• Check your rotors. Rotors don't require a lot of maintenance, but it's worth having them checked to ensure they haven't been damaged at all. 
• Inspect your brake lines and brake fluid. Our techs will ensure you have enough brake fluid and also that your lines don't need to be flushed. 

Have questions or need car brake service? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today. We're open seven days a week for your convenience at (704) 659-2025! 

Stay cool all season long with these summer car care tips

Summer is a great season in the state of NC - it's the perfect time to hit the beach, get out and hike the trails you've been eyeing since spring arrived, and cool off at the lake. Summer, however, can also mean intense heat and high humidity, neither of which is good for your car OR your driving experience. Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help - our expert auto service techs have summer car care tips on how to stay cool behind the wheel all season long. 

4 car care tips to stay cool this summer 

Tip #1: Be strategic about your parking spots. 

It can really make a difference in the interior temperature of your car if you're careful about where you park. Parking in a home garage or parking garage is best, but a carport or covered parking can keep the sun off your car and help keep things cooler inside. Even a shady spot under a tree can make a difference when it comes to keeping your N Charlotte Toyota cooler! 

Tip #2: Cool down your car quickly. 

Have you ever opened the driver's door to your car after a hot summer day and felt that blast of hot air escape, kind of like an oven? It's not a good feeling, especially when you know you have to get into the driver's seat. Our car care experts have tips to cool things off quickly, though. First of all, open all the doors of the vehicle for a minute or two to let hot air out. Next, close the doors but roll down the windows and blast the A/C so hot air gets pushed out and cool air starts to circulate. Finally, close the windows to seal the cold air in, and hit the road. 

Tip #3: Shield the interior from the sun. 

It really helps if you can shield your car's interior from the sun to keep the inside of it cool. A few car care experts highly recommend getting a sunshade for the interior of your N Charlotte Toyota, and window tinting can make a big difference. It's also recommended that you at least cover your steering wheel with a towel or turn it 180 degrees when you park so it's not too hot to hold when you first get into the car. 

Tip #4: Take care of your air. 

It's important to maintain your A/C carefully all year so you can use it when you need it most. Our Charlotte car care experts recommend scheduling A/C service at the recommended intervals and if you notice any problems, bring your car in right away to have it fixed. 

Toyota of N Charlotte can handle all of your summer car care needs 

Want more tips? Call Toyota of N Charlotte's car care center today at (704) 659-2025. We're here and waiting to get you back on the road and stay cool all summer long. 

Auto glass repair: Everything you need to know

When you sustain damage to your auto glass, it can be a pretty serious issue. After all, your auto glass is responsible for protecting you and your passengers from the elements, debris - you name it. Basically, it keeps the outside, outside so you can safely hit the highway again and again. Even if the damage is a small crack or chip, anything that weakens the structural integrity of your auto glass can be a big deal down the road. 

Toyota of N Charlotte explains auto glass  

Toyota of North Charlotte's Collision Center is here for all of your auto glass repair needs, and we're also here to give you the ins and outs of this very important performance element. Let's get started! 

Let's talk about auto glass damage, first. It can happen pretty easily, unfortunately. All it takes is one rock flying up off the highway or getting into a fender bender to cause damage to your N Charlotte Toyota's windows or windshield. And while a small chip or crack may not seem like a big deal, like we mentioned before it can weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle's glass and make it dangerous for you to be behind the wheel. Plus, the damage can quickly become worse if the wind, pressure, road conditions, etc. exacerbate it (which is likely). 

Do you need auto glass repairs or replacement? 

Luckily, taking care of auto glass repairs isn't a huge hassle (especially with the help of our Charlotte auto body shop). You'll likely need either a repair or a replacement - here's a quick guide on which you'll need to consider when it comes time to get repairs. 

• If the damage is smaller than a quarter and doesn't have cracks extending out from it, you'll likely be able to get away with an auto glass repair. However, this may leave a blemish on the glass. Be sure to ask whoever is doing the repairs about residual blemishes and if that bothers you, consider doing a replacement instead. 
• If the damage is bigger than a quarter, on the other hand, or has cracks extending out from it, you may likely need a glass replacement. This is because the damage has weakened the glass too much, and it's at risk of blowing in given the right conditions. 

So, what should you do when you need auto glass repairs? The first step our Charlotte Toyota Collision Center recommends taking is contacting your insurance company. You'll likely have to pay toward a deductible to get the repairs done, but you should definitely file a claim so you can count the repairs toward your yearly total. Auto glass repairs can be $100+ while a full replacement can run upwards of $400. 

Ready to schedule Charlotte auto glass repairs? Contact us at (704) 659-2025 today. Toyota of N Charlotte is here and ready to get you back on the road! 

Toyota of N Charlotte explains ceramic coating

Have you ever considered putting ceramic coating on your car? If you've never heard of this product before, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to explain. 

Owning a car is a lot of responsibility, and we're not just talking about caring for everything under the hood. An integral part of car care and keeping your car's resale value high is caring for its exterior - namely, its paint. Washing, waxing, car detailing, and keeping the car paint protected from the elements requires a fair amount of time, money, and elbow grease. However, there may be a better solution for your needs - ceramic coating. 

What is this car detailing product? 

What is ceramic coating? Basically, it's a prime type of wax. This product is a liquid polymer that, when applied to your car by our expert Charlotte body shop techs, chemically bonds with the paint. It has to be applied by hand to ensure an even coat because once bonded with the paint, it's difficult to remove (for example, it won't come off when you wash your car). 

What are the benefits of ceramic coating? 

So what are the benefits of applying ceramic coating to your N Charlotte Toyota? Here are the top perks that our Charlotte body shop techs notice after utilizing this unique product. 

Your car is more protected. 

Ceramic coating offers superior protection to your vehicle's paint - superior even to high-quality car wax. It repels moisture, first of all, which protects your paint and also helps to prevent rust. It also helps protect the paint from chemical staining, as well as oxidization and fading caused by the sun's UV rays. It can even assist in preventing small scratches and chips in the paint from road debris in some circumstances. 

Your car will look newer. 

Ceramic coating doesn't just offer protection to your car's paint; it can actually make it look even newer. It adds high gloss to your paint, which means it looks newer and shinier all year round. 

Your car will be a lot easier to clean. 

We mentioned that ceramic coating repels water - this will come to your aid when you're cleaning your car (because despite applying this product, you'll still have to wash your car - sorry). This product causes water to bead up and slide off, which means dirt, grime, and mud will do the same. You won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get your car sparkling clean again. 

If you think you're ready for ceramic coating, give us a call! We're open and ready to help at our Charlotte Toyota Collision Center. You can reach us at (704) 659-2040, or stop by and talk with our techs. We're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road! 

Get rid of minor car paint damage: Charlotte Toyota service tips

Do you have minor car paint damage? It happens - with daily wear and tear, loose shopping carts, and hurricane season, it's pretty much inevitable that your vehicle will sustain car paint damage over the course of your ownership. It may not seem like too big of a deal, but it can actually make your car's appearance a little less than ideal in addition to leaving the metal beneath open to moisture, which can ultimately lead to expensive rust repairs. Luckily, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help! 

How to repair your car paint damage at home 

If you like to tackle auto repairs DIY style, this job is for you. In order to repair car paint damage, you should first gather supplies - you'll want microfiber cloths, fine grit sandpaper, shine polish, a clay bar wax, and soapy water. You'll also need to determine how deep the scratch is. Your car paint has four layers - the base panel coat, the primer coat, the body paint coat, and the clear coat. Here's how to detemine the depth of the damage: 

• If it's a clear coat scratch, you'll be able to see the scratch but it'll disappear when the car gets wet and then reappear when the car dries. 
• If it's a body paint coat scratch, it'll look white inside the scratch and won't disappear when the car gets wet. 
• If it's a primer or body panel coat scratch, the inside of the scratch will be gray or black. This is the deepest kind of scratch and MAY require professional help at Toyota of N Charlotte's body shop. 

Once you've figured out the extent of the scratch and whether or not you're comfortable fixing it, it's time to get to work. 

Toyota of N Charlotte tips for paint repair

Step 1: Clean things up. You should use the soapy water to clean the area you're going to be working on. This will get rid of any dirt or sand on the paint, which can lead to MORE scratches as you sand and polish. Dry the area with a microfiber cloth and then tape it off so you know exactly where you're working. 

Step 2: Sand. You'll need 3000 fine grit sandpaper for this part of the job, and here's a tip - wrap a dish sponge in the sandpaper before you get to work. This will prevent finger pressure marks when you sand. Get to work sanding the area around the scratch until the area looks hazy and the scratch disappears. Once that happens, it's time to move to the next step. 

Step 3: Polish and wax. Now you'll need 5000 fine grit sandpaper to add feathering around the sanded area (this helps it blend). Once that's done, put some polish on a microfiber cloth and shine the area where the car paint is hazy. Finally, use a clay bar wax to restore shine and get things looking like normal again. 

Have questions or have car paint damage that's not-so-minor? Call us! Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and we can get you on the books for Charlotte auto repairs in no time. 

Caring for your car tires: 7 quick tips

Your car tires are - without a doubt - one of the most important parts of your car. When they have issues, you're going nowhere fast (sometimes literally). However, caring for them is easy, and believe it or not, you can do a lot of the maintenance yourself from the comfort of your own garage or driveway. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with 7 quick tips to help you keep your car tires in the best shape possible (and save you time, money, and stress). 

How to take care of your car tires like a pro 

Tip 1: Do the penny test. 

How's the tread looking on your car tires? It may look fine to you, but you want to ensure it's deep enough to give you the traction you need (especially during wet weather). The best way to tell if you have enough tread on your tires is to do the penny test. Take a penny, stick Abe's head into the tire (head down), and if you can see the top of his head, you're due for a new set of tires. Driving with tread that's too low is dangerous - don't risk it. 

Tip 2: Schedule routine rotations. 

Tire rotations may seem like a pain, but this routine Orlando auto service can actually save you a lot of time and money. When they rotate your car tires, our Charlotte auto service techs will swap them from front to back and left to right to ensure that they're all wearing evenly. This makes them last longer, which means you won't have to shell out to replace them as often. 

Tip 3: Check your PSI. 

It's essential that you keep your tires inflated to the proper PSI (which you can find in your owner's manual or on the doorjamb of the driver's side door). When your tires are underinflated, you lose traction and you also lose fuel efficiency. Check your PSI every two weeks or so and if it's lower than it should be, head to the gas station to refill them to the proper levels. 

Tip 4: Be a better driver. 

An easy way to keep your car tires in good shape is to simply be a better driver. Avoid driving over potholes and road debris, try not to hit curbs, and avoid construction sites - they're often littered with nails, screws, and other sharp debris that can damage your tires and cause flats and blowouts. 

Tip 5: Don't overload your vehicle. 

It's a bad idea to overload your car with too much weight. Our Charlotte auto service experts advise against this because not only is it bad for your car's suspension and frame, it's also bad for your tires. Putting too much weight on them makes them wear out faster and also can actually damage them, leaving you prone to a blowout down the road. 

Tip 6: Try not to put off repairs. 

If you're due for Charlotte tire service or repairs, don't put it off. It won't make your tires last any longer, but it CAN cause you to have issues that can damage other parts of your car and lead to even more repairs or worse, an accident or collision. 

Tip 7: Don't forget about your spare. 

Extend all of this car tire care to your spare tire, too! It's easy to forget about it since it's usually out of sight (and out of mind), but there's nothing worse than having a flat, going to use your spare, and realizing it's not in good enough shape to even put on the car. Make sure you get your spare car tire out from time to time and visually inspect it as well as check the PSI and tread. 

Schedule tire care at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Want more car tire care tips or need to schedule service? Call us today - Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025. We're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville!