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!