An all-new Toyota Tacoma TRD lift kit is coming

 Get ready, Toyota Tacoma enthusiasts - news just broke that Toyota is releasing an all-new TRD lift kit for this much-loved truck. Why are we so excited? Well, up until this point there was no official Toyota lift kit for the Toyota Tacoma. You had to rely on aftermarket parts which means you're at risk of voiding warranties, having the kit interfere with existing features, and also giving you that hint of uncertainty that you get when you're not using an OEM part. Worry no more - Toyota has an official TRD lift kit coming to a dealer near you! 

Get the details on this new N Charlotte Toyota Tacoma lift kit 

What will this new Toyota Tacoma TRD lift kit have to offer? Our N Charlotte Toyota dealership has all the details below. 

First, let's talk about how pumped we are that this kit is an OEM kit. Toyota engineers designed, tested, and implemented it to ensure that it works perfectly in conjunction with the Toyota Tacoma truck and all of its parts, including its safety system and cameras. You'll also get the reliability you deserve with a Toyota part, and it won't void any warranties you may have on the vehicle. 

• This kit is also dealer-installed and will be up for grabs at your local dealership. Cost is $1,350, not including labor. It additionally comes with all necessary hardware. 
• This lift kit will provide you with an additional 2" of height in the front and 1" of height in the back. It's composed of Bilstein monotube shocks with digressive valving, and each shock is fitted with a red TRD dust boot and "tuned by TRD" graphics. 
• The rear shocks have a larger shock body than what you'd normally find on a stock Toyota Tacoma truck. This is to your benefit; they can house more oil, which means they stay cooler and also have an improved damping response (so you can better navigate tricky, rough terrain). They also have larger pistons and piston rods for extra strength, as well as cast-iron spacers. 
• The front shocks have an adjusted coil spring on the shock tube and have an extended rebound stroke. 
• You'll not only get more height but also enhanced ground clearance of 1.7". On top of that, your angles have all been improved. Your approach angle is enhanced +3.1 to 32 degrees, your departure angle +0.5 to 24 degrees, and your breakover angle +1.6 to 23 degrees. This allows you to travel over uneven terrain more efficiently and comfortably. 
• This Toyota lift kit also comes with a new grille and a new millimeter-wave sensor. These two enhancements allow it to stay compatible with the Toyota Safety Sense System in your new Toyota Tacoma, which is integral. The new grille boasts heritage-inspired "TOYOTA" badging. 
• As noted, this Tacoma lift kit is dealer-installed and can be installed at the time of or after purchase. If you have it installed at time of purchase, it comes with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. If you choose to install it after purchase, you'll get a 1-year/12,000 mile warranty. Either way, you're getting extra peace of mind. 

Shop all of our TRD parts and accessories at Toyota of N Charlotte today 

Ready to give your drive time a boost? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today. We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025. You can stop by to shop all of our N Charlotte Toyota parts and accessories at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Your daily car care checklist from Toyota of N Charlotte

Did you know that daily car care is a critical part of responsible car ownership? 

We know, we know - routine car care in itself can seem like enough of a responsibility, so why does daily car care have to be a must-do, too? Believe it or not, there are a few things you should do to your car every single day to ensure the best performance and the safest drive time. Our Charlotte car care experts are here to explain. 

6 daily car care items to add to your checklist

Here's the good news - daily car care doesn't take a lot of time OR money to complete (it's not like getting an oil change or a tire rotation). The checklist consists of small items that may seem like no big deal (and will undoubtedly just become a habit for you over time) but that can make a big impact. Here are the daily things our Charlotte auto service experts recommend you do for your car. 

1. Do a walkaround. Before you slide into the driver's seat, we recommend that you walk around the car once and give it a quick look. This will help you spot any issues, as well as any accident damage like scratches or dings that may have appeared without your knowledge. 

2. Check the tires. Give your tires a once-over before you drive, too. You don't even have to bend down to do it - simply look at them to make sure they're all inflated and you don't see any physical damage, like bulges or blisters in the sidewall. 

3. Make sure there are no dashboard lights on. When you turn your car on, all of the dashboard lights will come on at once... but they should turn off once the car is up and running fully. Every time you drive, make sure that they all turn off. Dashboard lights that remain on can indicate a problem and you should never ignore them - instead, bring your car to our Charlotte car care center to get to the root of the problem. 

4. Ensure you have gas. Make sure you have gas before you leave. You don't want to get stuck on the side of the road with a dead car, and it's also bad for your fuel pump and engine to drive on E consistently. If you're low, stop at a gas station to fill up as soon as you can. 

5. Align your mirrors. Are your car's mirrors aligned the way they need to be to give you full visibility? Is the backup camera working properly? Check all of this before you leave the driveway - it enhances your safety and the safety of everyone around you. 

6. Remove trash from the car. Every day when you climb out of your car at the end of your commute, remove the trash from it. Leaving trash in your car can cause lingering odors and attract pests - in particular, bugs. Clean your ride out so you can choose your own drivetime companions. 

Get help with everything automotive at Toyota of N Charlotte's service center 

Have questions or need help with car care? Toyota of N Charlotte always has answers. Give us a call at (704) 659-2025 or stop by 13429 Statesville Road. We're located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Car care tips: What to do if your car runs out of gas

 Part of car care - responsible car care, that is - is keeping your car fueled up at all times. We know it can be tempting to let your N Charlotte Toyota run until the fuel light comes on before you break down and hit the gas station, but this is actually not great for your car. Our car care experts are here to explain and also have tips on how to react should you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. 

How can running on empty derail your car care? 

First, let's talk about what happens when you skimp on car care and let your car get to empty on a regular basis. Not only does it leave you at risk of getting stranded on the side of the road because you completely run out of fuel, but it can also leave you at risk for car care issues like: 

• A damaged fuel pump: Your car's fuel pump is supposed to stay submerged in fuel at all times for maximum performance. Why? Because as it sends fuel to the engine, it tends to get hot. The fuel that it's submerged in keeps it cool and lubricated. If you regularly run your car on empty, it puts more wear and tear on this critical part and eventually, can cause it to give out. It's an expensive repair, so don't risk it. 
• A clogged fuel filter: Your gas tank will start to collect dirt and debris over time; this is pretty typical. But when there's fuel in the tank, the dirt and debris tend to sink to the bottom and stay out of the way. If you don't have fuel in the tank, there's a higher risk of the debris being sucked into the fuel pump and clogging the fuel filter. This slows the flow of gas to your engine, creating performance problems. 
• Engine misfiring: If your fuel tank is empty, your fuel pump could start pulling in air. This causes engine misfiring which is disconcerting to deal with AND can cause more issues down the road for your engine at large. 

That's why we urge you to always keep your car fueled up - ideally, it's best to not let your car get below half a tank. At the very last, gas up as soon as your gas light turns on. 

What should you do if your N Charlotte Toyota runs out of gas? 

But what if it slips your mind and you simply run out of gas? First, don't panic. When it's completely out of fuel, your engine will start to splutter and stall. This means you need to get to the side of the road NOW - you don't have long before it dies completely. Do your best to get out of traffic and to a safe spot on the side, where you should park, turn your car off, and turn on your hazard lights. You should then call for help - call a friend to bring you a few gallons of gas in a can, or call emergency roadside assistance (like AAA). Worst case, you might have to call a tow truck to get your car to the nearest gas station. 

If your car dies in the middle of the road before you can get to the side, do your best to move it. But if traffic is heavy, call 911 for emergency assistance. The police can use their lights to make your car more noticeable to other drivers (and help avoid a collision) until a tow truck arrives, or help you get the car off the road safely. 

Have questions about car care, fuel, or anything else automotive? Call us today! Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025. 

What you need to know about your Toyota's hybrid car battery

 

If you drive a hybrid car, then you know that what goes on under the hood is significantly different than what goes on under the hood of a traditional gasoline-powered car. One of the elements that's significantly different is the hybrid car battery, and Toyota of Orlando is here to explain how. Learn the basics when it comes to this critical car part so you can have confidence when it comes to scheduled auto service or repairs. 

What exactly do these VIP parts do? 

We'll start with the basics - what they do. Hybrid car batteries are responsible for a lot more than just getting your car up and running; they actually are responsible for ensuring that your electric motor stays charged up enough to power the car at certain points, like when you're idling or moving at super-slow speeds. They play an essential role in performance. 

Did you know that there are actually three types of car batteries when it comes to hybrids? Here's the breakdown: 

• Nickel metal hydride batteries are the type you'll find in hybrid cars like the N Charlotte Toyota Prius. They're affordable to produce and have great durability and longevity, as well as a good ability to hold power. 
• Lithium ion batteries are more common than you'd think - they're also used in things like laptops, phones, and tablets because they're able to store so much power. However, they lose that ability over time and are more expensive to produce. 
• Lead acid batteries are the least prone to failure, but they aren't able to hold much power. If you were to put one in a hybrid car, it would only be able to power the car for 10 miles before running out of juice. 

If you're thinking about buying a N Charlotte Toyota hybrid, then you're probably also wondering just how long these car batteries last and how much it costs to replace them when it's time. We got the answers straight from our auto service techs: 

• Hybrid car batteries are built to last a long time - significantly longer than regular car batteries, actually. Typically, as long as you care for it properly and get routine car maintenance, this type of battery will last 200,000+ miles (which is great news, because they used to conk out at around 100,000 miles or so. Technology has vastly improved their longevity.). 
• When it comes time to replace your car battery in your N Charlotte Toyota hybrid, however, you may find it a bit more costly than replacing a traditional car battery. While it used to run upwards of $10,000, advancements in tech have brought it down to a much more affordable range of $1,000 - $5,000, depending on your make, model, and battery brand. When you factor in how much it would cost to fuel a non-hybrid car and replace all of the non-hybrid batteries, it's definitely worth it. 

Get help with your car battery, hybrid or not, at Toyota of N Charlotte

Want to test drive a hybrid car OR need service, repairs, or replacement for your car battery, hybrid or not? We've got you covered. Call Toyota of N Charlotte today at (704) 659-2040 or stop by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville! 

 

What to do if your Toyota Smart Key stops working

 Having a car that opens with a Smart Key - and starts up with a push button start - is pretty incredible. It adds a whole new level of convenience to your drive time, making it even easier to lock, unlock, and get your car fired up and ready to hit the road. However, just like any other device that runs on battery power, it will die eventually and it's critical that you know how to react so you're not left in a lurch. Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center is here with tips! 

What is the Smart Key System?

A Toyota Smart Key is exceptionally convenient. It looks like any other car key fob but functions a bit differently. If you have the Smart Key System, you can unlock and lock your N Charlotte Toyota by simply touching the sensors on the door handles as long as your Smart Key is somewhere on your person - even if it's in your pocket or in a purse. Similarly, as long as the key is nearby, you can start your car with the push of a button and without having to insert a key into the ignition. 

However, what happens if your Toyota Smart Key dies or worse - you lose it? Toyota of N Charlotte can help either way. 

How can you get your car running without your Toyota Smart Key? 

If your Toyota Smart Key stops working because the battery is dead (or any other reason, really), you can still unlock and start your car. Inside every Smart Key is a mechanical key - you just have to pull it out of the fob. It can lock and unlock your car. If you have a push button start, however, you may find yourself at a bit of a loss... how can you start your car with a mechanical key if there's no ignition? In this instance, just hold your Smart Key near the push button start and press the button. Your car should be up and running right away, just like normal. Then you can visit Toyota of N Charlotte's service center to take care of your key fob. If your car doesn't start, you may have an issue with the actual car battery (not the battery in your key fob). 

If you lose your key, it's a different story. You won't be able to lock and unlock or start your car, but you can quickly get a replacement if you visit Toyota of N Charlotte. Before we can replace it, we need you to produce: 

• A photo I.D. 
• Proof of ownership of the car 
• Your VIN number

Upon which we can locate your Smart Key code number. Once we have this, we can get you a new key and configure it for your car, which ensures that the new key works and the old one doesn't (just in case someone else finds it). 

Have questions about your N Charlotte Toyota's Smart Key or need assistance with yours? Call us today! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and Toyota of N Charlotte is conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.