How to handle driving in construction zones

Do you feel confident driving in a construction zone? While it may be part of an ordinary drive time experience for some drivers here in Charlotte, driving in these zones requires an adjustment to your typical drive time habits for safety and also so you're staying legal behind the wheel. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips to help you quickly adjust to driving in a construction zone - check it out. 

8 N Charlotte Toyota tips for driving in construction zones 

Tip #1: Be ready for delays. 

Construction zones can cause delays and slowdowns with lane changes, reduced speed limits, and other interruptions. If you know one is in your route, be sure to allow a bit of extra time to make up for the delays. And don't be tempted to speed or engage in distracted driving to make up the lost time if you do hit a delay - your risk of collision goes way up when you engage in these behaviors. 

Tip #2: Slow down. 

You should always slow down when you enter a construction zone - this allows you to react more efficiently should you need to suddenly brake or move, and it also keeps the workers safe. Remember, speed limits are typically reduced in construction zones anyway and speeding tickers are almost always doubled if not tripled. Slow down! 

Tip #3: Pay attention to road signs. 

Pay close attention to any and all road signs in the construction zones. These signs will alert you to things like new speed limits, merges, lane changes, workers, and more. 

Tip #4: Watch the flaggers and follow their instructions. 

Flaggers are there to help direct traffic and ensure you navigate the construction zone safely. Don't take them for granted - follow their directions and also watch out for them. Driving past them without heeding their instructions puts your safety and theirs in jeopardy. 

Tip #5: Use the "take 10" rule to change lanes. 

If you need to change lanes in a construction zone, use the "take 10" rule. Signal with your turn signal for three full seconds before you move, and then use the remaining seven seconds to slowly change lanes. This gives drivers around you plenty of time to notice and react to your movements. 

Tip #6: Use your best defensive driving abilities. 

Construction zones are a great place to put your defensive driving skills into play. Be especially aware of your surroundings and the vehicles around you to ensure you can avoid an accident or collision instead of reacting to it as it's happening. 

Tip #7: Don't engage in distracted driving. 

Anything can happen when you get behind the wheel and especially in a construction zone. You should be prepared for anything and this means not engaging in distracted driving - instead, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road so you can devote your full attention to the task at hand. 

Tip #8: Don't jump the gun when you get near the end of the zone.  

You may be tempted to put your foot on the gas and speed things along as you near the end of the construction zone, but don't - wait until you're well clear of it to resume your normal speed and drive time habits. 

Let Toyota of N Charlotte answer all of your drive time questions today 

Have questions? Call us! Toyota of N Charlotte is here for ALL of your automotive needs and questions seven days a week at (704) 875-9199. We're conveniently located at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Your quick guide to car tire types

 Have you ever shopped for car tires before? It can be overwhelming - there are a lot of options out there and tires can be a pricey purchase, so the pressure is on to ensure you get the right set for your vehicle and also for your driving needs. Luckily, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help. Our service center is stocked with plenty of affordable car tire options and on top of that, we have knowledgeable service techs available to answer any and all of your questions. We sat down with them to come up with a quick guide to the different types of car tires - check it out. 

What are the five main types of car tires? 

1) All season tires: All season tires are just what they sound like - great for all seasons. Mild seasons, though; these tires are intended for climates that don't see harsh winter weather. They can handle wet and dry conditions and light snow, and there are typically two types. Touring tires are quiet and great for handling, while Passenger tires provide a smoother and more comfortable ride and tend to last a bit longer. 

2) Summer tires: Summer tires are similar to all season tires but not really suitable for snow - in fact, they're best suited for climates that stay above 45 degrees most of the time. They can handle both wet and dry conditions and have special tread patterns with orbital grooves in them that allow for great handling in dry weather. 

3) Winter or snow tires: Winter or snow tires are perfect if you live in an area that sees heavy snow and lots of ice. These tires are made from a special type of rubber that stays pliable and soft even when temps dip below freezing, and they also tend to be more durable than other types of tires. Additionally, they have deep treads and multiple fissures and grooves that help cut through deep snow and give you superior traction. 

4) Truck tires: If you drive a truck, you have even more options. Check out these available choices. 

• All-terrain: All-terrain tires are great for versatility - they can handle the open road but also tackle sand, gravel, and light mud. 
• Off-road: Off-road tires, on the other hand, are perfect for tricky terrain like deep mud, heavy snow, and loose sand that might otherwise cause you to get stuck. 
• Highway: Highway tires ensure a comfortable and smooth performance. 
• Performance: Performance tires are great for traveling at high speeds, and they offer exceptional handling capabilities. 

5) Performance tires: If you like tires that allow for great cornering and handling as well as driving at high speeds, performance tires are for you. They're wider (to allow more contact with the road) and have shallower treads. 

Let Toyota of N Charlotte help you find the right car tires 

Have questions or need to shop car tires? Call us! Toyota of N Charlotte is open at seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 or stop by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Don't make these 6 common DIY car care mistakes

 Are you confident enough in your automotive knowledge to take on DIY car care? Lots of drivers do it, whether they're trying to save money or just like the sense of accomplishment that goes along with caring for your own vehicle and keeping it up and running. However, before you try to tackle auto care DIY style you should check out this list - here are some of the most common DIY car care mistakes our Charlotte auto service experts see on a routine basis. 

6 DIY car care mistakes we commonly see 

1. Overestimating OR underestimating abilities. 

You should never overestimate or get too confident when it comes to car care. It can end up doing irreparable or expensive damage to your vehicle, so start small. If you're not experienced in auto service, you should start out with the basics, like oil changes, tire inflation and inspections, etc. Once you're more comfortable you can move onto bigger projects. Similarly, don't underestimate what you can do! If you want to try DIY car care, you can always ask our Charlotte car maintenance techs any questions you may have. 

2. Not having the right tools. 

You shouldn't attempt to complete car care without the right tools - again, you can do damage to the vehicle that can cost you big bucks. Before you start a project, find out which tools are necessary to complete it. If you don't have them, decide if it's financially smart to invest in them or if you should just bring your car to Toyota of N Charlotte for the service it needs. 

3. Postponing routine car care. 

Even if you're DIY-ing your car maintenance, you should never postpone routine auto service or ignore warning lights. Similarly, don't hope that odd sounds or smells will just go away. This can cost you big time and do a lot of damage to your vehicle, so get on an auto maintenance schedule and stick to it. 

4. Jacking your car up in the wrong spot. 

When you jack your car up to work under it or change a tire, make sure you're doing it in the right spot. You can find this information in your owner's manual. If you jack up a car in the wrong spot, you're not only putting yourself in extreme danger but also running the risk of doing major structural damage to your car's frame. 

5. Not using the right fluids for your car. 

Before you start DIY car care, find out which fluids your car requires. It likely requires a certain type of motor oil and may require specific coolants, transmission fluids, brake fluids, etc. Check your owner's manual or ask one of our Charlotte auto service techs what your car needs before you pop the hood and get to work. 

6. Not labeling parts when you remove them. 

If you're new to the DIY car care game, you may want to label your parts when you remove them from the car. They might make sense to you when they're in place, but can look totally different when they're sitting on the driveway. Save yourself the confusion and stress and label them quickly as you take them out so you know what's what when it's time to put them back in. 

Call Toyota of N Charlotte with questions or for advice! 

Have questions or need advice when it comes to car care? Talk to the experts at Toyota of N Charlotte today. You can call us at (704) 659-2025 OR stop by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23.