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.