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!