How to get "unstuck" off road: Toyota of Clermont tips

When was the last time you took things off the pavement? If you're itching to find new adventures this spring, we get it - it can be exciting to explore the path unknown. However, when you drive off road there's always a good chance that you're going to get stuck. Toyota of North Charlotte is here to give you tips on how to get yourself UNSTUCK when you find yourself in a sticky off road situation.

Stuck in the mud 

Hitting off road trails comes with a high probability of getting your N Charlotte Toyota stuck in the mud (but hey, that's half the fun of it). However, don't stress it - check out our tips for getting yourself unstuck.

• Carry kitty litter with you - trust us. We'll explain. 
• Stop hitting the accelerator when you feel your wheels start to slide - continuing to press the gas will just dig you deeper into the mud. 
• Still stuck? Here's where that kitty litter comes into play. You'll want to pour it in front of your power wheels. If you have a front-wheel drive car, these are your front wheels. If you have a rear-wheel drive car, these are your back wheels. Pouring the kitty litter in front of them will help them gain traction. 
• If that doesn't work, you're going to need a tow rope. However, make sure you're using an actual tow rope that can withstand the weight. You also want to ensure you're hooking it up to the right places (i.e. not the bumpers or suspension) when you have someone start pulling you out of the mud. 

Stuck in the sand 

Heading to the beach for spring break? If you're taking things off road and onto the sand, then you'll need to drive carefully to avoid getting stuck. Our N Charlotte Toyota dealership recommends not making sharp turns and avoiding slamming on the gas or brakes too hard. You should also drive closer to the water, where the sand is firmer (but don't drive in the actual water). However, if you find yourself stuck, use these tips:

• Just like you would when stuck in the mud, stop spinning your wheels. Hitting the gas is just digging you deeper into the sand. 
• Try to dig your wheels out. Sometimes, shifting that loose sand out of the way can let your tires reach the firmer sand underneath and get traction. 
• If that doesn't work, get your floor mats out of your car. You'll want to put one under each tire; this way, your N Charlotte Toyota can get traction on the mat and pull itself out of the sand. 

Need more tips or want to get your ride ready for off road adventures? Call Toyota of North Charlotte! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025.

Toyota of North Charlotte explains the evolution of car keys

In today’s America, not only is anything possible, it's also instant. We rarely think about how much technology has evolved in order to get us where we are today. As we enter this new decade where technology plays such a massive role in our daily lives, let’s reflect on the ways it’s transformed over the past 100 years, specifically within the automobile industry. The first automobile introduced was the Benz Patent Motorwagen, invented by Karl Benz in 1885. This vehicle was created with the idea to replace horses and carriages as the main source of transport, but it was not until the 20th century that the automobile industry really took off and started gaining recognition worldwide. 

Not only have cars evolved immensely since it’s first production, but the design and function of car keys has changed along with it. Originally, in order to get your vehicle running one would have to manually crank a lever to get the engine started. Not only did this method allot for a high risk of injury, but it required a great deal of strength and patience as well. Another major issue with this manual method of starting your vehicle was that as car engines were built stronger and more powerful, the strength needed to get it up and running also increased. Taking your family out for a drive was an all day affair. Forget about locking your car! Henry Ford used to chain his vehicle to a lamp post to prevent someone from stealing it. 

In modern times we think of a push-to-start N. Charlotte Toyota as high-tech and futuristic when that is very much not the case. For the majority of the roaring 20’s, before car keys, cars had electric-starter motors, turning the car on with the push of a button. This definitely solved the issue of the tasking labor of starting your vehicle, but it didn’t solve the security and safety issues that were arising. It was not until the late 1940’s where we started seeing the development and use of mechanical car keys come into play with the Cadillac Type 53, forever changing the game for the automobile industry.

 

Car keys currently

At Toyota of N. Charlotte, most car keys serve a three in one function, a mechanical key to release the lock on the steering wheel, an electrical chip carrying a code read by the car when inserted into the ignition, and a remote controlled battery that allows us to lock and unlock doors with ease. As the automotive industry advances, some of the newer vehicle models have ditched mechanical car keys and now use a battery featuring a push to start button, a remote start engine, or even require the use of a smartphone to control car functions. As technology continues to transform, who knows how we will be starting our N. Charlotte Toyota vehicles in 10 years from now. 

Toyota of N. Charlotte cares about your car keys

As technology continues to integrate into our daily lives, we are bound to be reliant upon it. As mechanical car keys transform into battery based keys, it has become more important to stay on top of car maintenance. The last thing you want is to be running late and not be able to get your vehicle unlocked or started because the car key battery isn’t functioning properly. That is why it is important to catch the problem ahead of time by following these tips from our Toyota of N. Charlotte expert techs:

• Replace your car key battery every two years or so. Overtime, wireless car keys can experience battery loss. By staying on top of your key battery, you are saving your future self the stress of finding another ride. Fortunately, replacing the battery is relatively cheap and easy. There are numerous tutorials on the internet explaining the steps. All you need to do is get the right battery. Contact Toyota of N. Charlotte if you need any clarification on the battery specific to your car keys. 
•  Keep a spare nearby. One car key is really not enough to keep yourself safe from life’s many incidences. Toyota of N. Charlotte recommends keeping a spare key somewhere safe just in case you lock your key inside your vehicle or your key battery dies.
• Use the physical key lock every once in a while. I know it sounds old school, but doing so will prevent the lock from rusting, allowing for a bullet proof last resort in the incidence of a faulty key battery. 

If you need any assistance with caring for your car keys, don’t hesitate to visit Toyota of N. Charlotte today at 13429 Statesville Road.

5 easy ways to boost your fuel efficiency

Are you sick of shelling out at the pump every time you have to fill your tank, but not ready to trade your current ride in for something more efficient? We get it - gas isn't cheap, but you have to buy it in order to get where you need to go. Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help - we've got five simple tips to boost your fuel efficiency without having to buy a new ride. Read on!

5 fuel efficiency tips from Toyota of N Charlotte 

Tip #1: Keep up with tire care. 
Did you know that your car tires can actually affect your fuel efficiency? It's true - underinflated tires can drastically reduce fuel efficiency and jack up your fuel costs. Keep your tires inflated to the right PSI. You can find this number in your owner's manual and also on a sticker on the driver's side doorjamb. (Or you can ask our Charlotte Toyota service techs what the number should be.) Don't forget to routinely check your tires' PSI - every week to two weeks is a safe bet.

Tip #2: Empty out your ride on a regular basis. 
Are you guilty of carrying way too much stuff around in your car? Break the habit with this knowledge - the more stuff you have in your car, the less fuel efficiency you'll get. Empty out the trunk and backseat and make your ride lighter; your bank account will thank you next time you fill up.

Tip #3: Adjust your driving habits. 
If you have a lead foot when you're behind the wheel, it's time to adjust your driving habits. Fast acceleration can waste fuel. Instead of slamming on the gas, accelerate at a slower rate to get where you need to go and avoid stop-and-go driving if you can help it.

Tip #4: Don't idle your car if you can help it. 
Idling your car keeps you comfortable when it's hot or cold out, but it also wastes fuel. Did you know that idling for 10 minutes can use up to 22 oz. of fuel? It may not seem like much, but over time it can add up. Turn your car off whenever possible and restart it when it's time to hit the road.

Tip #5: Plan your route and use your available tools. 
Before you leave the house, plan your route! What may seem like the most efficient route could actually be inefficient if there's bad traffic. Plan your route according to traffic and weather and look for the most efficient way to get where you need to go. Additionally, use cruise control when it's appropriate! (You should only use it in good weather on the highway when there's no traffic.)

Schedule car tire care at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Want more tips on fuel efficiency or need to schedule tire care? Let Toyota of N Charlotte help! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025.