Work to prevent car tire blowouts with simple car care

No one ever wants to experience a car tire blowout. Not only are the noise and sensation frightening, a blowout is exceptionally dangerous - you can lose control of your vehicle rapidly and end up in a collision. That's why we took the time to sit down with our Charlotte auto service techs - they gave us some simple car care rules to abide by to help prevent car tire blowouts from happening at all. Check it out - you don't have to spend a lot of time or money to avoid this roadside emergency!

5 car care rules to avoid blowouts

Rule #1: Never overload your car. Your car has a weight limit, no matter how tough or durable your ride may be. Never overload your car - this puts a lot of stress on your tires as they flex to try and support the extra weight. This actually leads to them flexing too far, doing irreparable damage, and blowing out. Check your owner's manual to see what your car's max weight is before you load up.

Rule #2: Stick to a car care schedule at all times. You need to stick to a routine car tire care schedule in order to help prevent blowouts - luckily, our Charlotte Toyota service techs can get you on one right now and help you stick to it. Routinely getting tire rotations, wheel alignments, and replacements can extend your car tires' lives and ensure you're safe every time you hit the road.

Rule #3: Give your tires TLC in the summertime. Summertime means hot and even extreme temperatures. It also means the pavement is exceptionally hot. All of these factors mean undue wear and tear and stress on your car tires, which leaves them prone to blowouts. Inspect them carefully or bring them to Toyota of N Charlotte for inspection on a regular basis during the summer season.

Rule #4: Pay attention to your PSI. Your tires should be inflated to the right PSI at all times - after all, that air pressure is what keeps the weight of your vehicle supported. If it's too low, the tire has to flex past its limits to support the weight of the vehicle. That's why it's essential to keep your tires inflated to the right level at all times. You can find this number both in your owner's manual and on a placard on the driver's side door jamb, as well as ask our car care techs when you come in.

Rule #5: Avoid potholes and curbs. Driving through potholes and into curbs can do damage to your car tire that you may not even be able to see... but it's there, which makes you more prone to a blowout. If you hit a curb or a pothole, bring your ride to our Charlotte Toyota service center to have our expert techs inspect it carefully for you.

Schedule car tire care at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Want to schedule car tire service today or get on a routine schedule? Call our Charlotte auto service center at (704) 659-2025.

Toyota of N Charlotte’s best holiday road trip maintenance tips

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...to prepare your care for a road trip for the fast-approaching holidays. If you’re planning a trip to visit with family and friends in the upcoming weeks, you’ll want to make sure your car is equipped to handle the journey. Your friends at Toyota of N Charlotte want to ensure you have safe travels, so we’re offering some of our favorite road trip maintenance tips for this holiday season.

Tip #1: Service your car’s brakes

Your vehicle’s braking system is possibly the most important safety mechanism built into it. Without brakes, you could go go go all you want, but what happens when you want to stop? Consider getting those rotors and brake pads checked before your big trip to make sure they’re in good working order.

Tip #2: Schedule your routine maintenance

There is no better time than now to think about getting your regular car maintenance all set. Especially if you’re planning on driving a far distance during the holiday season, it is wise to ensure your engine is running right, your oil is changed, and your filters are swapped out for new ones. Let our experienced N Charlotte Toyota vehicle experts take a look under the hood for you. Nobody has time to break down on the side of the road when there’s a yummy Thanksgiving meal waiting for you!

Tip #3: Clean your ride─inside and out

Before taking off, make sure to swing by your local car wash. Get a nice scrub for your car’s exterior and don’t forget the wax! In cold climates that see snow and ice, the road salt can be harmful to your car’s paint job, so consider taking preventative measures and applying a coat of wax for protection. While you’re at it, be sure to clean out the inside of your ride to ensure a comfortable drive!

Tip #4: Check on your tires’ health

Your tires get a lot of wear and tear from usage, so be sure to add tire servicing to your road trip maintenance list. It’s best practice to check out the air pressure and tread to ensure they’re both in safe condition before taking off. Our N Charlotte Toyota technicians would be happy to check those for you, as well as perform a tire rotation and wheel alignment, if necessary.

Tip #5: Replace your windshield wipers, if necessary

The unpredictability of the weather during this season can become somewhat of a hindrance for your holiday travels. Double check your windshield wipers are in good shape in order to prevent windshield obstruction from rain and snow on your trip. 

Taking the preventative measures for your car ahead of the holiday season will ensure a less stressful experience for everyone. Let us help you with your holiday road trip maintenance─call (704) 659-2025 for an appointment or stop by Toyota of N Charlotte at 13429 Statesville Rd just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville today!

Should your next N Charlotte Toyota use alternative fuel sources?

Going green is becoming more and more important as we continue to see the effects that our methods of transportation have on mother nature. And luckily for you, it's easier than ever to make your drive time more eco-friendly when you shop our N Charlotte Toyota inventory. However, is one of these alternative fuel cars the right fit for your day-to-day drive time? And if so, which one best suits your needs? Our N Charlotte Toyota dealership is here to help you figure it out.

Should you invest in an alternative fuel car? 

First things first - should you really put an alternative fuel car in your driveway? While they definitely have their perks, they aren't for everyone and you should take time to think long and hard about whether this type of vehicle will suit your needs. Here are three main questions to ask yourself before you buy.

1) Will this type of car meet my needs?
Like we said, N Charlotte Toyotas that use alternative fuel sources aren't for everyone. These cars are designed to be as eco-friendly and fuel-efficient as possible and while they excel in those areas, they aren't suited for off-roading or towing and hauling heavy loads (at least, not yet). Make a list of your drive time needs and ensure this type of vehicle can support them.

2) Does my city infrastructure support owning this type of car?
While hybrids are easy to fuel and maintain (they use gasoline as a fuel source), electric cars and fuel cell vehicles use special fuel sources and require technicians who know how to work on them. Does your city have the right charging and fueling stations for your alternative fuel N Charlotte Toyota? What about mechanics - can you get your car maintenanced and repaired in your town? Look into these things before you buy.

3) Which one should I buy?
Which one is right for you? There are three main types of alternative fuel vehicle and our N Charlotte Toyota dealership is breaking them down below to help you decide which one is right for you. Make sure you carefully consider each option before signing the dotted line.

Which of these N Charlotte Toyotas is right for you? 

What are the main types of alternative fuel vehicles? Here are your three N Charlotte Toyota options.

Hybrids: These are by far the most popular and the easiest to own and fuel. Hybrid cars use both gasoline and electric power to get you where you need to go, so you can easily refuel at a standard gas station. By also relying on electric power, though, they cut down on fuel use (and up your bank account) and emissions, making them a greener drive time solution.

Electric cars: Electric cars don't rely on gasoline at all, instead operating off of a battery. This means they'll need to be charged up regularly and you'll have to find charging stations in your city to keep you running (although you can also charge at home in your garage). Automakers are working on improving the range of electric cars - some of them can go up to 400 miles on a single charge.

Fuel cell vehicles: FCVs are pretty amazing. These N Charlotte Toyotas run on hydrogen so they only emit water vapor, making them about as clean as it gets. Unfortunately, the only states that support fueling them at this point in time are California and Hawaii. We hope to see them arrive in North Carolina soon!

Want more info or feel like you're ready to start shopping? Call today - we're open and waiting at (704) 875-9199!

4 tips to protect your car from road salt this winter

Fall is in full swing and winter will be here before you know it. While it's exciting to think about the holidays, road trips with family and friends, and the possibility of snow, it's also important to think about the effects that the season can have on your car. Namely, we're talking about the effects that road salt can have on your vehicle. Our Charlotte auto service tips are here to lend a hand, though - check out these 4 tips to help protect your ride from the salt on the roads this season.

How can you protect your car from the effects of salt this winter? 

Tip #1: Get prepped NOW. We know it's only fall, but the best way to protect your car from the negative effects of salt is to get ready now. Wash and detail your ride and choose a quality wax to apply to the exterior. Wax will protect your car's paint from moisture and salt and help to prevent damage and rust. Our Charlotte auto service techs recommend that you keep the wax on hand - you may want to reapply during the winter season.

Tip #2: Wash your car frequently in the winter. No one wants to stand outside with the hose in the cold. We get it - it's not ideal. However, rinsing your ride will give the salt from the roads less of a chance to damage your car's paint. Our Charlotte auto service experts recommend washing your car and giving it a good scrub every two weeks, and rinsing it off as often as you can. (And if you really can't stand the cold, at least run your ride through an automatic car wash.)

Tip #3: Fix up any paint damage. If your car has paint damage like chips or scratches, consider fixing them up before winter hits. These damage spots will allow moisture and salt to permeate and can lead to faster rusting and worse damage that's more expensive and difficult to repair. Have our Charlotte auto body repair shop get your ride in top shape today.

Tip #4: Avoid the salt trucks. If you happen to see a salt truck out on the road, steer clear. They're usually out spreading salt to make the roads more drivable and if you drive behind them, you're likely to get a full dose.

Our Charlotte auto service center can get you prepped for winter 

Have questions, need paint repairs, or want more tips on getting your ride into top shape this winter? Call Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center today at (704) 659-2025 to schedule your appointment.

Tips to help prevent auto repair issues

Car owners know the risk they take when purchasing a vehicle━upkeep can become a money pit, if you don’t maintain your car’s health. It’s exhausting running into auto repair concerns with your car and sometimes these are completely unnecessary and avoidable concerns. Your local Toyota of N Charlotte dealership is here to help take the stress out of car maintenance with our top tips on how to avoid auto repair issues.

Don’t get caught in a bind━practice preventative techniques with Toyota of N Charlotte

Tip #1: Stay up-to-date with a regular car maintenance schedule

We at Toyota of N Charlotte cannot stress enough how important it is to stick to a schedule for regular car care. We know we’re annoying about it, but we only do it because we care. Regular car maintenance isn’t something to joke about. It could mean the difference between having the shell out a bunch of money on some avoidable repair problems and saving a few bucks from being on the ball with the upkeep.

Tip #2: Address any concerns ASAP

As soon as you know of any potential problems with your vehicle, you should begin working towards a solution. The longer you wait, the higher the possibility of your car needing costly auto repairs. Set up an appointment with our service center to check out your concerns right away!

Tip #3: Don’t ignore the dash

Your ride’s dashboard is designed to tell you more about your car than you’d be able to see otherwise. If there is something wrong with your engine, the check engine light will tell you so. If you need an oil change, there’s a light for that too. Take those warning lights seriously and you may save yourself time major time and money in the long run.

Tip #4: React to unusual sounds

You know the basics of your car more than anyone else. Yes, that includes car maintenance techs too. You’re the one who drives your car day in and day out, so when you hear a sound that seems unfamiliar to you, that probably means something’s not quite right and you should get it looked at as soon as possible.

Tip #5: Consider switching to synthetic

Synthetic oil, although not always necessary, can be a good switch for your vehicle’s engine. It runs cleaner, promotes better fuel economy, and lasts longer than the standard conventional option. If you have more questions on whether you should switch to synthetic, check in with one of our knowledgeable N Charlotte service techs. They’d be happy to explain the best option for your car!

Tip #6: Practice proper tire care

The tires are (literally) the foundation of your car. Without them, how would you go anywhere? With that being said, it is so SO important to make sure they are kept in good condition. That means you must make sure the air pressure is at a safe level and that the treads have plenty of traction to them. Keeping your tires in good driving condition will ultimately help in avoiding unnecessary auto repairs.

Let our N Charlotte Toyota service center help keep your car safe from those pesky repairs. Stop by 7 days a week at 13429 Statesville Rd just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville!

Charlotte car care tricks for fall

Fall is upon us in Charlotte! Now is the time to start prepping your car for the inevitable seasonal changes. Don’t fret though━Toyota of N Charlotte has pulled a list together of the most important car care tricks for your vehicle this fall.

Tip #1: Replace your wiper blades

N Charlotte is no stranger to the rain. During the fall, checking the condition of your windshield wipers is essential to car care. Your wiper blades should be replaced approximately every six months, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them to notice if they’re working properly. You don’t want to be caught in the middle of a downpour without the use of reliable wipers.

Tip #2: Update your heater & defroster

Out with the warm and in with the cold. Ensuring your heating system is working properly is not only essential for your comfort as the temperatures drop, but it is also crucial for your safety. On chilly fall mornings or humid nights, you’ll want a functioning defroster to clear your fogged and frosty windows, so you can see clearly without your views being obstructed.

Tip #3: Inspect your tires

As temperatures fluctuate, so can your tire pressure. It is incredibly important to ensure your tires’ PSI levels are appropriate for the needs of your vehicle. Every time the temperature dips ten degrees your tires will lose 1-2 lbs of air pressure. This poses a safety concern if you plan on driving on soft tires. Equally as important is the need to examine each tire’s tread. You’ll want to make sure your tires have a good grip for when the roads get icy!

Tip #4: Look out for your light bulbs

Don’t forget to take a peek at your car’s bulbs. Flash on your headlights, tap on your brakes, and flick on your blinkers. It’s wise to do all these things to avoid driving around with any burnt out bulbs. Your lights and indicators are the tools used to show surrounding vehicle what your position is in relation to them and to tell them your intentions while driving. 

Tip #5: Check your brakes

If you’re unsure of what to look for when checking your brakes, bring your ride on by our Charlotte Toyota service center for some help making sure they’re in good working order. Your brakes are a crucial part of the driving process, so if they aren’t functioning properly, your safety and the safety of others is put at risk. When it comes to car care, this is one aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Fall is our favorite season! With all the fall colors, pumpkin flavored treats, and crisp autumn breezes, we are so excited this season has arrived that we just want to make sure our loyal customers are as safe as can be behind the wheel. Stop by our service center at 13429 Statesville Rd just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville to have one of our experienced auto techs inspect your ride for you or give us a call at (704) 659-2025 to set up a car care appointment today!

Reasons your check engine light might be on

Hopping behind the wheel of the driver seat just to turn the key and see that your check engine light is on is never a good way to start your day. As stressful (and slightly terrifying) it might be, your local N Charlotte Toyota dealership is here to give you and idea of what the problem may be so you can get it taken care of sooner rather than later.

5 common causes for the check engine light to be on

1. No spark to your spark plugs

If your car’s spark plugs have become faulty, you may have noticed reduced fuel economy, your car stalling, or your car even not starting. This is because the spark plugs are what ignites the fuel for the gas chamber to make the car go. Don’t delay getting these fixed as this problem could cause irreparable and very costly damage to the vehicle’s catalytic converter.

2. Your car’s catalytic converter? ...yeah, that might have gone bad

If you notice your car is running hotter than usual and has poor fuel economy, the catalytic converter may need to be replaced. This essential part of the vehicle is what takes the toxic carbon monoxide gasses and converts them into carbon dioxide. You will need to get this looked at ASAP. Set up an appointment with our Toyota of N Charlotte service center today!

3. Your mass airflow sensor needs to be replaced

This sensor measures the air flow coming into the engine to determine the proper mix of air and fuel needed for your car to run. It is crucial to get this part fixed as soon as you can or you may cause damage to your catalytic converter, O2 sensor, and spark plugs. We don’t know about you, but that sounds expensive to us! Stop by our Toyota of N Charlotte to have one of our experienced representatives to take a look at this sensor for you.

4. Your O2 sensor may be bad, Oh my!

It’s all in the name with this one. The O2 sensor senses how much oxygen is left unburned in the system and helps to manage it.Without rectifying this problem, you run the risk of damaging your car’s catalytic converter and spark plugs. Our Charlotte Toyota specialists recommend not hesitating on getting this taken care of as soon as you can.

5. The cheapest fix of all━a loose gas cap

If you notice your check engine light is on, it is best to verify your gas cap is properly in place before stressing. Sometimes our lives get so busy that we forget the little things. It’s important to double check your gas cap is tightened before taking off because it is what holds the pressure in the tank and keeps the gas fumes from escaping into the environment.

Our N Charlotte Toyota specialists are ready to get your car in working order again

Nobody has time to deal with a check engine light being on. Let our experienced Toyota technicians get you back on the road ASAP. Give us a call at (704) 659-2025 or stop on by 13429 Statesville Rd just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.

Toyota of N Charlotte maintenance tips for road trips

Are you excited?! If you’re reading this post, we’re assuming your just about ready to go on your next road trip. In order to ensure you and your family/friends are safe on the long drive, check out Toyota of N Charlotte’s list of six important car maintenance tips before taking off.

Tip #1- Top off the fluids

It is important to make sure your car’s fluid levels are all topped off because they ensure the car runs properly. Come into our N Charlotte service center━we would be happy to give your car an oil change and check/fill your car’s transmission, power steering, brake, radiator, and windshield fluids as well!

Tip #2- Clean your car inside and out

Nobody likes a messy car….especially when you’re trapped with the mess on a long road trip in a confined space. Try making some time before you leave to organize the interior by throwing out garbage, recycling empty bottles, wiping down the dashboard and console, and vacuuming the floors and seats. Don’t forget to clean the outside while you’re at it to prevent long term exterior concerns!

Tip #3- Check the quality of all four tires

Without tires, your car can’t go anywhere. That’s obvious, right? Because of that, it’s important to keep up with your car’s tire maintenance. To avoid unsafe tires, be sure to check the treads on each using the penny method. Stick a penny in between several grooves on each tire with Lincoln’s head upside down. If the head is showing completely, it is time to replace that tire. On top of that, check out your air pressure. Be sure to understand the maximum PSI level for your car by referring to the vehicle’s owner manual.

Tip #4- Get an A/C tune up

If you’re planning on taking a road trip south for the winter, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check the strength of your air conditioning unit. If it seems to be a bit weak, consider getting a tune up. Few things are more uncomfortable than sitting in a pool of sweat on a long road trip or having the wind blown affect from the windows being rolled down on the highway.

Tip #5- Do a brake check

STOP━don’t drive off without ensuring your brakes are in good condition. Make sure you, your passengers, and others on the road are safe by replacing old brakes if necessary. Swing by our N Charlotte service center to get your brakes inspected for you.

Tip #6- Replace windshield wipers

And last, but not least, make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order before you leave. Top off the windshield wiper fluid and replace the wiper blades as needed. Our Charlotte car specialists can install new wipers for you in a jiffy!

We hope you have a super fun and safe trip! Come by our Toyota of N Charlotte service center to ensure that safety by getting all the tune ups, replacements, and top offs all in one place━13429 Statesville Rd just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. Give us a call at (704) 659-2025 to set up an appointment for more efficient service today!

Car Maintenance for Proper Defensive Driving

What’s more important on the road than defensive driving? To us, nothing is more important because being aware and taking preventative measures helps to ensure you and those around you are safe. That’s why we, at Toyota of North Charlotte, are giving you some of our best maintenance and safety tips!

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Defensive Driving:

1. Get your tires inspected

Ensuring that your tires are filled with an adequate air supply, rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, and that the treads aren’t too worn out will help to keep you safe while driving in the rain or when needing to stop on a dime.

2. Get your brakes checked

Making sure your brakes are in proper working order will help to keep you safe when reacting to your surroundings. Stop by our Toyota of N Charlotte auto service center and we’d be more than happy to check your brakes out for you today!

3. Get your light bulbs changed

Making sure your headlights, taillights, and turn signals all have working bulbs allows other drivers to see you and anticipate your next moves. This is a key component to defensive driving because it allows not only you, but other drivers to remain vigilant on the road.

4. Get your windshield wipers replaced

Replacing both your front and back windshield wipers will help to avoid obstructions to your view and will allow you to better see your surroundings. If you need help installing new wipers, our Charlotte auto service center will gladly change them out for you!

5. Get your fluid levels checked

Topping off your car’s fluids and making sure your oil changes are done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil and every 5,000 to 10,000 miles for synthetic oil will help to keep your car in optimal order for defensive driving.

Additional Safety Advice from Toyota of North Charlotte:

• Implement proper merging techniques━use the ‘zippering’ method, allowing one car to go at a time to ensure an easy (and safe) flow in traffic
• Always slow to stop at any traffic light, stop sign, or turning opportunity
• Follow at a safe distance━employ the 3-second rule to allow adequate time to react in dangerous situations
• Stay alert at all times━practice awareness by looking ahead on the road to anticipate any oncoming problems
• Don’t assume the intentions of other drivers
• Only use your hazard lights in case of emergency━refrain from doing so because it’s raining
• Avoid distractions like texting or eating━keep your eyes on the road
• Yield to pedestrians and understand right-of-way law
• Adjust your rear view and side mirrors to enhance the scope of your surroundings
• And last, but most definitely not least...always wear your seatbelt!

We want to help you and your family stay safe on the roads, so come on by Toyota of North Charlotte at 13429 Statesville Rd just off of I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville or give our car care center a call at (704) 659-2025 to schedule an appointment. Our Toyota service center will happily do a full safety inspection and can provide you with more tips and tricks to improve your defensive driving techniques today!

What are the most expensive auto repairs?

When it comes to auto repairs, which ones are the most expensive? As a car owner, this is an important answer to know (mostly so you can do preventative maintenance and service to avoid ever having to make these repairs). Toyota of N Charlotte is here with answers! Our techs sat down and put their heads together to come up with a list of the most expensive auto repairs and how you can avoid them.

Avoid these auto repairs and save big bucks 

#1: Blown head gasket 
Blown head gasket - three words no car owner ever wants to hear. Unfortunately, this auto repair is more common than you think and can cost you a pretty penny to remedy. It'll cause your car to overheat pretty much immediately and can cost upwards of $2,000 to fix. Your best bet to prevent it? Stay up to date on all of your routine Charlotte auto service, especially when it comes to keeping your coolant tank full.

#2: Brake line replacement 
Working brakes are an essential part of safe driving, and your brake lines play a big part in making sure you can bring your car to a safe stop. When a brake line needs to be replaced, it can run up to $1,000. To avoid having to make this auto repair, stay up to date on your brake service! Our Toyota of N Charlotte service center can routinely inspect the brake system and help you avoid having to shell out big bucks.

#3: Mass airflow sensor replacement 
The mass airflow sensor is critical to keeping air flowing through your engine and helping to regulate its temperature. It works hand in hand with the engine air filter, which should be cleaned and replaced on a routine basis. If your engine air filter becomes too dirty to function, you could wind up with a broken mass airflow sensor... which can then lead to $400+ in repairs. Avoid this auto repair by staying on a routine service schedule at Toyota of N Charlotte!

Schedule routine Charlotte auto service can save you time AND money 

#4: Damaged A/C compressor 
Can you imagine spending summer in Charlotte without air-conditioning? Doesn't sound pleasant. But if your A/C compressor is damaged or breaks, you'll find yourself in that exact situation. Plus, it can cost anywhere between $500-$800 to fix. The best way to avoid this particular auto repair? Stay on top of routine auto care and let our techs inspect your A/C system on a regular basis so they can pinpoint any problems.

Have questions, need auto repairs, or think you need to schedule proactive auto service? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today at (704) 875-9199 or stop by 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23!

Car maintenance tips you’ll need to know to increase your car’s lifespan

When purchasing a new car, one thing that’s always going to cross your mind is how long this vehicle is going to last. Should you use premium gas? Higher-grade oil? No one is really sure. Luckily for you, Toyota of N Charlotte auto service team has come up with some of the best car maintenance tips you’ll need to pocket in order to avoid rapid wear and tear.

Easy car maintenance tips you’ll need to increase your N Charlotte Toyota’s lifespan

Tip #1: Buy gas at a reputable gas station

It’s really important to make sure you’re not fueling up your vehicle with gas that’s going to damage your engine. Ask the store clerk if the gas pump filters have been changed out recently and what their specific policy is on their filters. There are, however, some gas stations that don’t have any filters at all. This will increase your chances of filling up your vehicle with dirty or watered down fuel which can significantly decrease your N Charlotte Toyota’s lifespan. Fill up your tank with good, high-quality gas. Your fuel efficiency will increase, too!

Tip #2: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with enough brake fluid.

Make sure to check your vehicle’s fluids regularly - especially your brake fluid. If your bay is empty, add the recommended type located in your owner’s manual. Make sure not to use brake fluid that has already been opened. Once the fluid is exposed to air, brake fluid absorbs moisture and will accumulate contaminants easily. If you’re not sure how to replace your fluids, bring your car into our dealership for a car maintenance appointment. Your vehicle lifespan will increase as long as this fluid is replaced regularly. 

Tip #3: Lighten up your keychain.

If your keychain is weighing down your purse or pocket, chances are it’s also weighing down your ignition, as well! The heavy weight from your keys can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and lead to switch failure. A lightweight keychain will help increase your N Charlotte Toyota's lifespan by keeping your ignition intact. If you notice your key sticking when you turn on the car, it’s most likely trying to tell you that your switch is about to fail. Bring your vehicle in for some car maintenance right away if this happens.

Tip #4: Fix small windshield chips and cracks ASAP.

If your windshield is even slightly chipped or cracked, you need to get it filled or replaced right away. Even small ones can get bigger or crack completely if they’re hit again. It’s important to bring in your vehicle to our Toyota of N Charlotte body shop for a replacement. Getting your windshield fixed will also save you the trouble of having to pay for a citation. 

Tip #5: Inspect your splash guards.

Your splash guards are necessary for car maintenance and keeping your engine in good working condition. Your splash guards help keep water and other debris from getting into the engine compartment where there can be damage done to the electrical mechanisms inside. You should replace cracked or broken guards to ensure your engine will not be bothered by water, debris, and mud.

Need to schedule a car maintenance appointment? Contact the Toyota of N Charlotte auto service center today!

If you need help maintaining your N Charlotte Toyota, contact our Toyota of N Charlotte auto repairs team to schedule a car maintenance check. Call us at (704)659-2025 or visit our dealership at 13429 Statesville Rd just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.

How to maintain your car battery - car maintenance tips from Toyota of N Charlotte

Your car battery has the responsibility of storing the energy needed to start your North Charlotte Toyota. Once the car engine starts, the alternator begins to recharge the battery for the next time it needs to start. Your regular car maintenance checks shouldn’t only include all of the mechanical portions of your vehicle, but the electrical ones too! This includes cleaning the battery of any and all debris, keeping all of the connections clean, and making sure the battery is secured in its place. Luckily, our Charlotte auto service techs have come up with tips on car battery maintenance just for you!

4 Car battery warning signs that are letting you know you need some car maintenance 

1. It takes awhile for your engine to crank.

When you try to start your vehicle, trying to turn on your engine will be sluggish and take longer than usual to start. 

      

      2. Your vehicle headlights are dim.

If your car battery is failing on you, there isn’t going to be enough juice to power all of the electrical mechanisms in your vehicle - such as your headlights. If you realize that it’s becoming increasingly harder to see the road at night, it’s time to check your Toyota of N Charlotte vehicle’s battery.

      

      3.  Needing to press your gas pedal to start the car.

It’s unusual to need to give your car some gas in order for it to start. If you notice that your North Charlotte Toyota is only starting after pressing the gas pedal, your car battery might be failing on you. 

      4. Your vehicle starts backfiring. 

This sign is the most obvious. When your car battery starts to fail, it can cause intermittent sparks to emit from your vehicle. These sparks can lead to the accumulation of fuel in your car’s cylinders. Ignited fuel can cause your car to backfire - this can be very dangerous! If you notice any backfiring, visit our Toyota of N Charlotte auto service center to schedule a car maintenance appointment and get a car battery replacement right away!

5 car maintenance tips you can use to avoid these car battery issues in your N Charlotte Toyota

     1. Avoid leaving your car lights on for a long period of time with the engine off. 

Leaving any or all of your car lights on while the car engine is off will drain your vehicle’s battery. This issue can usually be fixed by a car jump or recharge, but leaving your lights on consistently can damage the battery entirely. 

     2. Drive your vehicle as regularly as often as you can.

Powering up your vehicle and driving it around keeps your battery well-charged. If your car is going to be out of use for longer than a few weeks, it’s important to remember to disconnect your battery console until it’s time to drive again. 

     3. Keep your N Charlotte Toyota’s battery casing clean. 

Dirt, debris, and moisture can cause your car battery to lose its charge. To avoid this issue, make sure to check the case and terminals. If you start noticing any corrosion and rusting on your terminals, clean it off right away. If you’re not sure how to do this on your own, contact one of our Charlotte auto service techs for car maintenance help.

     4.  Park somewhere warm and out of extreme temperatures in the winter. 

Extreme cold can damage your vehicle’s battery over time. To avoid this, park your vehicle inside of you garage, if possible, to avoid a shortened battery lifespan.

     5. Replace your battery every three to four years. 

On average, your car battery can last up to three years. This heavily depends on driving conditions and weather. Take the time to bring your car into our Toyota of N Charlotte dealership to get regular car maintenance checks.

Need to schedule a car maintenance appointment with us? Call one of our auto service techs here at Toyota of N Charlotte at (704) 659-2025 or visit our dealership located at  13429 Statesville Rd just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.