What’s a vehicle history report and why is it important

When it comes to purchasing your next used car, you need to make sure it’s a vehicle worth sinking your hard-earned money into. The history of your next vehicle can make or break your driving experience before you even get behind the wheel. The all-important vehicle history report can tell you all you need to know about your chosen vehicle’s past so you know you’re buying a car that’s worth your money. At Toyota of N Charlotte, we make it easy with our certified used cars that come equipped with a clean history report. You should always ask for a vehicle history report as part of your car buying process and Toyota of N Charlotte is here to tell you why!

Why you should always ask for a vehicle history report

Your chosen used car may or may not come with a clean history record and you’ll never know until you can read a verified history report. Before you sign on the dotted line, you should know if the N Charlotte Toyota vehicle you’re interested in was well maintained, has accident damage, or has a clean ownership record. A vehicle history report can tell you these essential pieces of information along with things like:

• Current Title Info.: Your vehicle’s current title standing can be either clean, salvage, rebuilt, or junk. Essentially, this tell you the condition of the N Charlotte Toyota vehicle. Our auto sales experts suggest that you only shop for vehicles with clean titles.
• Previous Accidents: Accident damage on your vehicle can negatively affect your vehicle’s overall value. An accurate vehicle history report will disclose any accident damage on your chosen N Charlotte Toyota car and the extent of said damage.
• Current/Past Recalls: Unfortunately, auto manufacturers issue many recalls and it can range from things like a tire pressure sensor to an entire transmission system. Before you purchase your new vehicle, check the vehicle history report to make sure it’s up to date on all recalled components.
• Current Odometer Reading: The odometer reading on the history report, in the vehicle’s advertisement, and on the physical odometer should all match. If the numbers don’t match when you test drive the N Charlotte Toyota vehicle, start asking questions.
• Previous Owners: Having more than one owner on a vehicle isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it could be. Previous owners of your chosen N Charlotte used car could have driven it harshly, maintained it poorly, or stored it in poor conditions.
• Service History: There are several types of vehicle history reports you can request for your chosen used car and some of them may disclose its service history. This can give you a good idea as to how well the vehicle has been maintained before you got behind the wheel.

If you’re unsure of what to look for in a vehicle history report, have no fear, Toyota of N Charlotte is here! Give us a call at (704) 875 - 9199 for more information.

Toyota of N Charlotte’s tips for safer night driving

Driving has become second nature to many people and we often forget that there are always dangers when we get on the road. While driving during the daylight comes with its own set of hazards, driving at night is especially unsafe. Only 25% of traveling occurs during the evening hours but, according to the NHTSA, almost half of all traffic related fatalities occur during those times. Unfortunately, driving at night is something we can’t just avoid, but we can take steps to make it a safer driving experience. Check out these tips from Toyota of N Charlotte and stay safe.

Drive alert

Being fatigued can almost certainly lead to an accident and driving at night can only make your exhaustion worse. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure to rest and, if you feel tired while driving your N Charlotte Toyota car, find the nearest rest area and rest before resuming your commute.

Limit distractions

Distractions like cell phone use, eating, and paying attention to your passengers can take your attention from the road ahead and poses a safety hazard. With limited vision and the brightness of headlights while driving at night, you can’t afford to get distracted. Put away your phone, dim the cabin lights, and have your passengers settled down to stay more focused.

Clean your N Charlotte Toyota car’s windshield

Your vehicle’s windshield is the one way you’re able to see the road ahead safely and if it’s dirty then trying to see what’s ahead becomes difficult. Especially when you’re driving at night. Be sure to wipe your N Charlotte Toyota car’s windshield clean to avoid obscured vision. Also, make sure to inspect your windshield wiper blades to see if they need to be replaced.

Drive defensively

With limited vision and heavy headlight reliance, driving at night poses a world of threats to N Charlotte Toyota drivers. Always keep your headlights on while driving in the dark to increase your visibility and use your high beam headlights when necessary. Make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the driver in front of you, slow down your speed to increase your reaction time, and stay focused on the road ahead.

Get a regular eye exam

Driving your N Charlotte Toyota car relies almost entirely on your ability to see the road clearly in front of you. If you’re wearing your corrective lenses (contacts, glasses, etc.) and still having issues seeing clearly when driving at night, you could be developing a form of night blindness. Make sure to consult a optometrist regularly and take eye exams to ensure that you’re up to date on your prescriptions.

Drive safely with Toyota of N Charlotte

Driving at night is always dangerous, but taking steps to drive carefully and stay focused can keep you safe. If you need additional safe driving tips, to replace your windshield wipers replaced, or your headlights cleaned, then visit Toyota of N Charlotte! Give us a call at (704) 659 – 2025.

Weird car sounds and what they mean

Typically, when your N Charlotte Toyota vehicle runs into a problem your dashboard is the first place to look. While your dashboard lights can give you a general idea of which auto maintenance issues to look for, your vehicle also has a basic but helpful alternative method. Car sounds typically mean something is going wrong under the hood and they can often help you determine the specific problem that’s going on with your N Charlotte Toyota vehicle. Most drivers experience car sounds, but knowing exactly what they mean can be tricky. Luckily, Toyota of N Charlotte is here with an easy guide to make sense of all the car sounds you may hear.

Yawning or groaning: Yawning and groaning sounds can typically occur while turning your steering wheel. If you hear this, it’s likely an issue with the power steering system. Our N Charlotte auto service experts recommend having this car sound professionally inspected.

Squeals: Unfortunately, squealing car sounds are fairly common and can be caused by a variety of places and they can be difficult to pinpoint. For example, if the sound occurs when you press the brakes, then it’s likely a worn brake pad or rotor. But the sound could also come from your N Charlotte Toyota car’s engine area which could be caused by a worn belt.

Flapping: A flapping sound that happens when you use your air conditioning is likely being caused by a worn out or loose ventilation flap. The car sound can get pretty annoying, but this auto maintenance issue isn’t one that will make or break you N Charlotte vehicle.

Rear rumble or roar: Typically, a roaring sound is accompanied by a rumbling feeling and that could spell issues with your vehicle’s exhaust system. If there’s a leak somewhere in the system, excess noise can escape and cause and excessive amount of sound and vibration. The car sound isn’t necessarily an issue, but exhaust system leaks can often lead to carbon monoxide leaks into your N Charlotte Toyota car’s cabin which can be fatal. Make sure to have this issue inspected by an auto service tech immediately.

Grumpy cat: No, we’re not referencing a meme. If your car makes a sound similar to when you wake a cat from a nap or a type of growling noise, this could be a sign that your engine’s battery is running out of power. A N Charlotte auto service tech can usually solve this issue with a simple recharge, but you may need to have your battery replaced.

Take care of weird car sounds at Toyota of N Charlotte

Hearing odd car sounds from under the hood or the undercarriage can worry the most composed of driver, but they can often point you in the right direction when it comes to auto maintenance issues. If you’re uncertain as to what’s making noise in your car, visit our auto service department at Toyota of N Charlotte! Give us a call at (704) 659 – 2025 to set up an appointment today!