Avoid these 7 common car accidents

 Listen, we get it. Getting into a car accident is one way that can definitely ruin your day. It’s a headache dealing with insurance companies after an accident, as well as making sure you have your police report and the information from the other person (if needed). At Toyota of N Charlotte, we’re here to help you avoid a pesky car accident. Let’s dive in! 

• Rear-end collisions

Rear-end collisions are honestly the worst thing ever. What’s worse, is if there are multiple cars in the car accident. However, we have some Charlotte Toyota safety tips to avoid this! We suggest keeping your distance and stay at least three seconds away from the car in front of you. You can also practice Charlotte Toyota defensive driving. This will help you stay alert, and be sure to get enough sleep! 

• Parked car damage

Toyota of N Charlotte suggests trying to park in the back of a parking lot, park in the center of a parking spot, park in a garage, and park street-smart. Use these Charlotte Toyota safety tips and you should be safe from a car accident! 

• Car accidents from the elements

Before heading out for your Charlotte Toyota commute, be sure to check the weather and be prepared. You should also pay attention and not drive too fast. This should keep you safe! 

• Windshield damage

Also, try not to drive too close behind another car. If you drive too close, this could cause a rock to get lodged in your windshield. If this happens, then the integrity of your windshield is at risk. 

• Intersection crashes

Car accidents at an intersection are actually very common. If you’re a distracted driver and run a red light, you could smash right into someone. The best advice we have for you is to again practice defensive driving. 

• Vehicle theft 

Vehicle theft can be hard to prevent. If someone wants to get into your car, then they will get into it. But, you can prevent your precious items from being taken by always removing your valuables in your car and never park in a dark place. This is a recipe for disaster! 

• Braking collisions 

If you’re simply backing out of your driveway and not paying attention, you could have a car accident. Always check your Charlotte Toyota digital rearview mirror (or backup camera), and try to park in easy places to get out of. However, if you don’t have a backup camera, then you’ll need to check your surroundings, reverse in a straight line, back out slowly, and use your car mirrors before reversing. 

Visit Toyota of N Charlotte 

If you need more safety tips to prevent a car accident, then come see us! Our expert auto service technicians can explain everything to you in more detail according to your specific car. You could also purchase a new car with the latest and greatest safety gear. Just book an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road! 

7 must-have car accessories for tailgating

Summer is over and fall is here to stay. And, the best of it all is that football season is finally here! Get ready for some good food, fun times, and Charlotte Toyota car accessories for your special tailgate. Nothing is worse than getting to your tailgate and forgetting a key item to make it a memorable event. That’s why we’ve put together a list that will help you stay organized! Let’s dive in! 

Car accessories you must buy!

• Hitch

If you don’t have to tow that much stuff, then a hitch might not be necessary for you to purchase. However, if you need to bring some tables, chairs, and even a TV, then purchasing a hitch at our Charlotte Toyota auto parts store is a must! However, be sure to check how much weight your Toyota car can tow. If you tow too much, then you might end up needing to visit our Charlotte Toyota auto service technicians. 

• Cargo carrier

Another great Charlotte Toyota car accessory is a cargo carrier! This will help keep all of your items organized, and help you remember everything to pack! Nothing is worse than forgetting your toothbrush when out for a weekend! 

• Speakers

Speakers are another great Charlotte Toyota car accessory to bring with you for your tailgate. Who doesn’t want to jam to some sweet tunes while enjoying a hot dog and a cold one? Plus, it’ll make you the life of the party! We suggest using Bluetooth speakers so you don’t have to worry about a pesky cord. 

• Cargo mats

Another must-have Charlotte Toyota car accessory you need are cargo mats. Luckily, you can purchase these at our auto parts store. These mats help protect your carpet from accidental spills. If a spill happens, you just take the cargo mat out and shake it. That’s all, folks! 

• Power inverter

Your tailgating kit isn’t complete without a power inverter! A Charlotte Toyota power inverter turns direct currents into alternating currents. You’ll be able to charge everything with ease! Just make sure to bring your Toyota car to our auto service technicians for an auto service to make sure your car battery is good to go! 

• Bed cover

Having a bed cover for the back of your truck will make things a little bit more comfortable for you. This is a must-buy for any Toyota truck owner! For extra comfort, just throw on some extra blankets for your tailgate! 

• Bungee cords

You can also purchase bungee cords at our auto parts store! This is one car accessory you don’t want to skip on! These little cords will hold everything together so that nothing comes flying off your car and create a car accident. 

Visit Toyota of N Charlotte today!

Stop by today to check out our car accessories! We’ve got what you need! We’re located at 13429 Statesville Road! Just take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville! We look forward to helping you find the right accessories for your Toyota car! 

DIY Style: 7 tips to remove a dent from your car

Removing a dent from your Toyota car can be a troublesome task. It can leave you confused and want to run to the Charlotte Toyota auto repair shop ASAP! You should be able to spot a dent during your daily Charlotte Toyota car maintenance check, too. However, you can save a few bucks and a headache if you accomplish this task DIY style! All you need is a couple of tools and items listed below! Let’s dive in! 

Removing a dent doesn’t have to be hard!

Tip #1 Plunger time. 

Sometimes all you need to remove a dent from your car is a good ‘ol plunger. But, be sure to use a cup plunger and not a flange plunger. Also, it’ll work best if you wet the plunger before starting the removal process. 

 

Tip #2 Boiling water. 

Another method that works really well is to simply boil water and pour it over the dent. Toyota of N Charlotte recommends doing this because the warmed-up plastic should pop out. 

Tip #3 Dry ice. 

Using dry ice on your sweet ride can get dents out of your car or even a truck! Remember to apply the dry ice directly on the dent and wear Charlotte Toyota safety gloves before doing this task. 

Tip #4 Hair dryer.

Also, for all you ladies out there, a hair dryer works wonders for removing a dent. Just put the hair dryer to the hottest setting and blow away! The hot air will make the dent expand and the cold air will make it pop out! 

Tip #5 Hot glue, wooden dowels, and screws.

Another method that works is putting the screw in the wooden dowel. Then, you’ll want to use hot glue to glue everything in place. Now, you can use that elbow grease and start pulling. However, be careful not to pull too hard as you might chip the paint away. Of course, if this happens you can visit our Charlotte Toyota auto repair shop! 

Tip #6 Metal rod and knockdown. 

Another great method to remove a dent is to take a long metal rod and place a rubber knockdown on both sides of the dent and apply a lot of force to pop it out. Keep in mind this will be on the underside of the dent. So, this method is going to take a little bit more work. 

Tip #7 Tool kit. 

If all else fails, you can always purchase a tool kit from our Charlotte Toyota auto parts store. The will surely remove the dent for you. And, if the dent is still there, then our Charlotte Toyota auto service technicians will make your Toyota car look brand new again. 

Visit Toyota of N Charlotte today!

Stop by our dealership to talk auto parts with our expert auto service technicians. We’ll find the right materials for you! Just book an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road! We look forward to seeing you! 

6 car care tips to maintain the value of your vehicle

 Preserving the life of your Toyota car can seem like a daunting task. After all, there are many Charlotte Toyota car maintenance items to check off your list. However, by doing some well-needed car care can extend the life of your car, which means fewer car payments for you! Toyota of N Charlotte is here with the best tips on how to keep your reliable Toyota car longer! 

1. Shop smart!

One of the best ways to get a great deal on a Toyota car is to research! The more you spend time researching, typically means the better deal you’ll get. You’ll want to look for a car that has all of the Charlotte Toyota auto services filed away in the glovebox. You’ll be able to see if the previous owner (or owners) have taken good car care methods. 

2. Pick your parking spot strategically. 

Another great Charlotte Toyota car care tip is to pick your parking spot strategically. The harsh sun can fade your once beautiful car paint. However, if you’re not able to park in the shade, then at least park in the back of a parking lot. This will lower your chances of someone dinging your door and causing you to have an auto repair. 

3. Drive less.

Of course, if you drive less then it’ll be better for your car. You’ll have less wear and tear on your car and will require fewer auto services. Not to mention, you’re helping preserve the environment! 

4. Protect your car from wear and tear.

The front end of your car tends to take a beating. Toyota of N Charlotte suggests purchasing a clear plastic guard. This will reduce rust and rock chip damage. Also, if you want even more protection, then buy a mudguard! This will take care of the grime that ends up on your paint for less than $100! Our expert auto service technicians can help you find this auto part for your car! 

5. Purchase backup tires.

Another great car care tip is to purchase an extra set of Charlotte Toyota car tires. We suggest purchasing some winter tires so that you don’t wear your all-purpose tires during the winter. This will give you more buffer time between when you need to purchase your next set of tires. 

6. Wash and wax regularly. 

Another car care tip that is overlooked is washing and waxing your car. Don’t skimp on the wax just to save a couple of bucks! Wash your car twice a week during the summer and only once a week during the winter. This will keep your car paint in pristine condition! 

Visit Toyota of N Charlotte!

If you need help with more car care tips, then come talk with our Charlotte Toyota auto service technicians! We can help you with car accessories you need or any auto repairs! Just book an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road! We’re located off exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville! 

Tough car paint stains and how to remove them

 No one wants their car to look aged or dirty. When you pull up, you want to pull up in a ride that looks new and sparkling clean. However, it can be a challenge to maintain car paint to this level, especially as your car gets older. One easy way to start is to get stains off the paint, but we know some of them are tougher than others to remove. Check out these expert tips from Toyota of N Charlotte's techs and keep your car in mint condition! 

Four of the toughest car paint stains

#1: Dead bugs or bird poop. Practically everyone has faced the wrath of bird poop or bugs on their car paint and these stains aren't as easy as they look to remove. Typically, you can't just hit them with the hose and call it a day. Our solution for these tough stains? Mix up some white vinegar and warm water, dip a dryer sheet in it, and get to gently scrubbing. This should remove the dead bugs or bird poop pretty quickly. It's important to remove these stains immediately because they're acidic and can do damage to your N Charlotte Toyota's car paint over time. 

#2: Watermarks. Water, believe it or not, can leave stains on your car. Some water (like the water coming out of your hose) has quite a few minerals in it and if left to dry, will leave mineral deposits or watermarks all over your car paint. The solution? Dry your car thoroughly after you wash it, and then apply a coat or two of quality wax. The car wax will provide a barrier between your car and the elements, allowing water to bead up and slide off rather than sit and dry. 

#3: Fingerprints. You touch your car all the time without even realizing it, but as innocent as it is, you're still leaving oily fingerprints all over it. They're especially noticeable on darker-colored cars. The easiest way to get your car paint smudge-free is to take some warm water with mild soap and use a microfiber cloth to scrub them off. 

#4: Wet cement or paint. It's not common, but it happens. You could face wet cement driving through a construction site, and you may encounter wet paint at any time. Both are exceptionally difficult to get off of your car! Your best bet is to attack the stains right away - don't let them dry if you can help it. And when you go to clean, use an oil-based cleaner (like WD40). This along with some gentle but persistent scrubbing should take them off. Be sure to watch your car paint while you clean to ensure you're not scratching or wearing it down as you scrub. 

Get detailing supplies at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions about car stains or need to shop supplies for removing them? Toyota of N Charlotte is always here to help. Call us! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road.