Can your hybrid car really handle bad weather and tough terrain?

 When you think of hybrid cars, what's the first characteristic that comes to mind? 

We're willing to bet that it's not performance versatility. Most people think of eco-friendliness and fuel efficiency when they think of hybrid cars, and rightfully so. After all, these green Toyotas were designed to be as fuel-efficient as possible and also to offer a cleaner performance than their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, when you sink your hard-earned money into a new ride you want to ensure that it's a good fit for your needs and that it's going to be able to handle whatever situations might get thrown at you during your drive time, particularly when it comes to weather. Can your N Charlotte Toyota hybrid car really handle mother nature's worst? 

Is a hybrid car a safe bet in bad weather? 

Believe it or not, it can. Toyota hybrids in particular are engineered to be as versatile as possible and in that same vein, adaptable to all kinds of weather out on the road. Whether it's rain or snow you're facing, you're in good hands when you're behind the wheel of one of these green cars. Here's why. 

• Hybrid cars now come with on-demand all-wheel drive options. This makes them particularly capable of taking on rain, snow, slush, and ice with ease. You'll find this feature up for grabs in the N Charlotte Toyota Prius, RAV4, and RAV4 Prime. All-wheel drive supersedes front- or rear-wheel drive in bad weather because it means you have more control and more traction when taking on slick surfaces; each set of wheels (front and back) has an electric motor dedicated to them, giving you the power you need. 
• Hybrid cars also have more electrical components under the hood, which means there are fewer fuel-lubricated parts (and in short, fewer parts that can freeze and be damaged when the temperatures drop). This makes them especially handy in areas of the country where we see low temps on a regular basis. (That being said, make sure you give your hybrid car battery a little TLC in the winter - extreme cold can have a negative effect on them if you're not careful.) 

So in essence, if you're looking for a vehicle that's capable of taking on inclement weather conditions, you're going in the right direction if you're looking at a hybrid car. You don't need an oversized off-road SUV or a heavy-duty truck (unless you want one, of course) to be able to take on the open road when the skies aren't blue. 

Shop for a N Charlotte Toyota hybrid today 

If you have more questions about how all-wheel drive works, want to see it for yourself, or want to test drive any and all of our hybrid cars, call us! Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199. We're also conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road. 

Beat the summer heat with these six quick car care tips

  Summer will be here before you know it and with it bring scorching temps, intense sun, and the possibility of strong thunderstorms. It can be a tricky time to hit the road if your car isn't prepared properly, and Toyota of N Charlotte is stepping in to help. Our car care experts are here with six quick tips to help you prep your N Charlotte Toyota for the worst of summer weather without spending a ton of time or money on it. 

Six ways to knock summer car care prep out 

Tip #1: Check all fluids under the hood. Before summer arrives, you should definitely take a peek under the hood of your car and check the fluids. Make sure that your oil, coolant, wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid are all full and clean so your car can maintain its performance even when it's working overtime due to the rising temps outside. 

Tip #2: Invest in new wiper blades. Did the winter do your wiper blades in? It might be time to invest in a new set so you can take on summer thunderstorms without a problem. If your blades are streaking, smearing, or squealing, visit our Charlotte car care center for a replacement set. 

Tip #3: Get a tire inspection. Summer heat does a number on your car tires. Not only is it hotter outside, the pavement gets scalding to the touch and can really wear down tires that aren't in the best shape. Have our car care experts do a quick tire inspection for you to ensure they're in good condition, inflated to the right PSI, and don't have any problem spots that could cause a blowout when things heat up this year. 

Tip #4: Have your A/C checked now. NOW is the time to have your car A/C checked... not in the middle of summer. No one wants to deal with a broken A/C when temps are on the rise so have our car care experts at Toyota of N Charlotte inspect your system and make any necessary repairs or maintenance. 

Tip #5: Consider tinting your windows. Tint not only makes your ride look cooler but keeps it physically cooler inside the cabin. It's a great way to protect your interior, too, and we can help you get your car tinted right here at Toyota of N Charlotte. You may also want to splurge on a sunshade for your windshield and if you end up not getting tint, consider investing in seat covers and a steering wheel cover to prevent fading/cracking of your interior. 

Tip #6: Detail your car with the right products. Before summer arrives, our Charlotte car care techs recommend washing and waxing your car. Using a quality wax and applying a few coats can do wonders for protection from the sun's damaging UV light, which can fade and damage your car's paint. Shop our Toyota parts store for supplies! 

Let Toyota of N Charlotte help you beat the heat

Have questions or need car care help? We're here - call us at (704) 659-2025. You can also stop by 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.