How to spot irregular wear on your car tires

 

Car care is critical to keep your ride in good shape, and it's your responsibility as the owner to ensure it gets scheduled regularly and as needed. However, it's also prudent to be able to spot any issues that may be arising on your vehicle before they develop into bigger problems, and that's where our Charlotte auto service team is here to help. 

6 types of irregular car tire wear you should know about 

Your car tires are crucial to performance and safety so knowing when there's an issue with them is important. If they're wearing unevenly, not only does it mean you'll have to replace them more often but it also points to an underlying issues. Here are the 6 main types of irregular car tire wear that you should be able to spot. 

1. Feathering: You might not be able to actually see feathering on your car tires, but you'll be able to feel it. It feels like spiky or sharp pieces when you run your hands over the tires. This type of wear is caused by poor wheel alignments, so have our Charlotte auto service techs inspect your ride. 

2. Cupping: Cupping looks like small, semi-circle marks on your tires. You'll often find it on trailer tires because it's caused by the tires bouncing on the road. Regardless of which car tires you see these marks on, be sure to have your suspension and shocks checked. 

3. Side wear: If you notice the sides of your tires wearing more than the center, it could be caused by underinflation. If the PSI is too low, it'll cause this type of wear. Make sure you reinflate your tires to the right level. 

4. Center wear: Conversely, if the center of your car tires wears faster than the sides, your tires are likely inflated too much. This causes the tires to bulge and the center touches the road more than the sides, wearing it down quickly. 

5. Sidewall wear: If you have sidewall damage to your car tires, it's likely from brushing curbs or other objects while you're trying to park. This type of wear actually damages your tire's structural integrity and leaves you prone to blowouts, so don't ignore it. 

6. Flat spots: Flat spots can be both seen and felt when you drive, and are the result of aggressive braking. If you notice this type of car tire wear, be sure to bring your car to Toyota of N Charlotte ASAP to have them remedied. 

Take care of tire troubles at Toyota of Orlando 

Need car tire service or a new set of tires? Call Toyota of N Charlotte at (704) 659-2025 or stop by to talk to our team and schedule an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Cross these items off your fall auto service checklist this season

 

Fall weather is upon us, which means it's time for another round of seasonal car care. Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center is here to help! Explore this quick list of five auto service items you'll want to cross off your car care checklist before the season gets into full swing. And don't forget, you can make ALL of your auto service appointments at Toyota of N Charlotte. 

Don't skip these five critical auto service appointments 

#1: Check your battery. 

Driving all summer long can do a number on your car battery - the heat isn't kind to it. That's why it's important to have it checked as part of your fall auto service prep. Our Charlotte car care techs will inspect it visually to ensure they don't see cracks, rust, leaking, or swelling. They'll also test the voltage to ensure it's got enough life left in it to get you through the season. 

#2: Have your tires inspected by the pros. 

Before you hit the road this fall, have our Charlotte auto service center check your car tires. You'll want the right amount of tread and for them to be inflated to the proper level (and for them to be in good general condition overall). This way they can handle driving on wet roads and through loose leaves. 

#3: Fill all car fluids. 

Fill all of your car fluids in preparation for fall. The summer's heat can take a toll on them so it's critical to check and fill fluids like coolant, brake fluid, oil, wiper fluid, and power steering fluid. That will ensure you're ready to take on anything the season sends your way. Our Charlotte auto service techs can check and fill them for you. 

#4: Ensure your headlights are in good shape. 

Are your headlights, taillights, turn signals, and hazard lights all working properly? Have our auto service techs check them out if not. You'll also want to ensure all of your internal lights inside the cabin are working as they should. Remember, as daylight savings time ends you could find part of your drive time taking place in the dark, so you want ALL of the lights on your car to be in working order. 

#5: Make sure your defroster and heater are working. 

Make sure your defroster (for visibility) and your heater are working NOW, before you need them! It's better to be prepared for cold weather before it arrives. Test your defroster and heater and if they're not working, bring your car to Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center for repairs before the cold rolls in.

Let Toyota of N Charlotte help prep your car for the fall 

Need auto service? We can help. Call Toyota of N Charlotte today at (704) 659-2025 or stop by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

5 tips for upgrading your car audio system

 Are you sick of riding around listening to the radio (commercials are beyond annoying, right?)? Do you wish you had access to apps while behind the wheel? In need of navigation? Whatever your technical troubles, the answer could lie in upgrading your car audio system. However, if you're tech- and car-savvy you may not need a professional to do it for you. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips on how to take on this project DIY-style, if you've got the confidence. Check it out! 

Simple tips for upgrading your car audio system 

Tip #1: Before you can upgrade your car audio system, you need to decide which system you're going to upgrade to! Make a list of the qualities you want your new audio system to have and be sure to do research to find the right subwoofer, tweeter, and any other parts you're going to need. And don't forget, our Charlotte auto parts store can help you find anything and everything you might need. 

Tip #2: You'll need a new infotainment system when you upgrade your car audio system. This is also known as your head unit. If you drive an older vehicle, you'll definitely want to upgrade this element so you have access to a bigger variety of features (we're talking apps and connectivity). Again, let our Charlotte Toyota parts store guide you to the right one if you're confused as to which is right for you. 

Tip #3: Think about getting new speakers to go along with your new car audio system. After all, if you're spending the money on a new system don't you want the best sound to go along with it? Not to mention, you may NEED to upgrade them so they can handle the power of your new system. Get the best sound quality possible and spring for new ones - trust us. 

Tip #4: Look for an amplifier. As you upgrade your system, you're going to need more accessories and more power to make it all run smoothly. An amplifier can help you designate channels and run the system as efficiently as possible, so it's totally worth the investment. 

Tip #5: A new subwoofer is also a good idea if you want a better sound in terms of bass, and if you want to compartmentalize your sound distribution. This simple addition can really pump things up in terms of audio. However, before you buy a subwoofer ensure your car has the space for it (they can be fairly big) and you may need a designated amp for it to ensure it doesn't drain your car battery. Ask our Charlotte car parts experts to help you pinpoint exactly what you'll need for this audio system component. 

Shop for audio parts at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions or need some assistance choosing the right parts for your new car audio system? Call Toyota of N Charlotte! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and you can always stop by our parts store. We're located just of I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road.