A quick guide to the "how often should I" questions of car care

A huge part of owning a car is taking care of it and keeping it on a car care schedule. However, you may have - more than once - found yourself asking "how often should I" when it comes to your auto service. How often should you check your tire? Change your oil? Schedule brake service? Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help you answer all of your "how often should I" questions - check out this quick guide to the most common car care questions we see. 

How often should you schedule your car care? 

Here are some of the most common "how often should I" questions we get at our Charlotte auto service center. 

How often should I get a multi-point inspection? It's never a bad idea to get a multi-point inspection where techs will check your car from bumper to bumper to ensure everything is good. Additionally, our Toyota of N Charlotte techs will conduct a free multi-point inspection every time you bring your car in for service. 

How often should I check my tires? You should check your car tires daily - just do a quick lap around the car to visually inspect them for excessive wear, blisters, bulges, flats, and low tread. You should check your tire pressure every 2-4 weeks to ensure your car tires are inflated to the right PSI, and when you notice a tire is low or your tire pressure warning light comes on. 

How often should I rotate my tires? You need to schedule tire rotations every 5,000 miles for your vehicle. This will ensure your tires wear evenly and last longer and ensure better performance for your car.  

How often should I check my oil? Our Charlotte car care experts recommend you check your motor oil once a month. Pull the dipstick up and make sure the oil is clean and full and free of debris. You should also check oil before you drive for extended periods of time or take a road trip. 

How often should I change my oil? Your car's oil change schedule will depend on two things: what your owner's manual demands and also the type of motor oil you're using. Check your owner's manual to see what mileage they recommend scheduling this car care at, and check to see what motor oil you're using. If you use conventional motor oil in your car, you'll need to change it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you use synthetic motor oil, you'll need to change it every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Our Charlotte car care techs can help you get on the schedule that's right for your car. 

How often should I get brake service? You only need brake service every 20,000 miles or so. However, pay attention to your vehicle and if you notice anything different with your brakes - odd noises or sensations or smells - then you bring your car to Toyota of N Charlotte for car care. 

How often should I get a tune-up? Tuneups are one of the less frequent car care appointments you'll need to make. Newer, more modern cars only need them every so often - your car care specialist can tell you when your vehicle is due. Older vehicles need them every 45,000 to 50,000 miles. 

Get all of your car care questions answered at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions about your car care schedule? Toyota of N Charlotte can help. Call us today at (704) 875-9199! 

What do the different grades of gasoline mean?

 When you fill up your car at the gas station, do you notice that there are actually three different options when it comes to regular gasoline? And we're not talking diesel (the green handle) - just regular gasoline. At most gas stations, there are three grades of gas available to customers, and our Charlotte auto service center is here to explain what they mean and how they affect your car. 

There are three "grades" or categories of gasoline at most gas stations: Regular (87 octane), Midgrade (89-90 octane), and Premium (91-94 octane). Some gas stations refer to them as Unleaded, Premium, and Super Premium, but whatever they're called, they have different octane ratings. 

Octane ratings - the number you see on the pump - are a measure of fuel stability and are based on the pressure at which fuel will spontaneously combust in an engine. A fuel with a higher octane rating is more stable than a fuel with a lower octane rating. 

Why does the octane rating in your gasoline grade matter? 

Why does octane rating matter? Here's the basic breakdown. 

When you drive a car that uses internal combustion to start and power the vehicle - so a regular gasoline car or a hybrid - your car will use a controlled combustion process to ignite the fuel inside the engine and get the car running. On the other hand, unstable, low-octane fuel can cause spontaneous or unplanned secondary combustion inside your engine. This leads to uneven fuel dispersion, high pressure, and eventually, damage to your engine's pistons (which is expensive and time-consuming to fix). 

The good news is that most modern cars have special sensors built into the engine to sense this unstable secondary combustion. The engine can then delay the controlled combustion and reduce pressure, which protects your car from damage to its pistons. 

It's still important to look at the octane rating of the fuel and figure out which one your car needs. Most cars will easily run on regular or unleaded 87 octane gas without a problem. However, you may have a N Charlotte Toyota that requires premium or super premium high octane gas. Your owner's manual can tell you what your car needs, and if your car requires premium, you'll likely have a sticker on the inside of your gas door to let you know. 

Here's some more good news - if your N Charlotte Toyota doesn't require premium fuel, you don't have to use it. Putting premium fuel in a vehicle that doesn't require it doesn't improve performance or have any benefits, so you can save your money (premium is the most expensive of the three types of gasoline). 

Let Toyota of N Charlotte answer your questions about gasoline grades

Have questions about gasoline, internal combustion, or fueling your car? Call Toyota of North Charlotte today. We're just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road. 

Warming up your car before driving in winter: Is it necessary?

 Do you REALLY need to warm up your car before you drive in the winter? 

It's a question we hear a lot at our Charlotte auto service center, especially in the winter. Is it really necessary to warm up your car before you hit the road? The answer isn't quite as clear-cut as you'd imagine, and our Charlotte car care experts are here to explain. 

It all boils down to how old your car is (in years, not mileage). When your car sits for an extended period of time - like overnight in your driveway - all of the oil in the engine drains down to the bottom of the oil pan. Before you drive, it has to recirculate through the entire engine to ensure all of the parts are lubricated and ready to perform. This is especially true when temperatures are cold outside. 

Do you need to let your car warm up? Why?

Here's the breakdown. 

If you drive an older car, our Charlotte car care experts recommend that you let your car run for a few minutes in your driveway before you try to hit the road. Otherwise, oil won't be properly dispersed through the engine and your engine parts won't be lubricated enough. This results in the risk of damaging your engine's pistons, which can lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs. A few things to note: 

• Older cars take a longer time to disperse the oil throughout the engine because they don't have the same technology or mechanics as newer cars. 
• This is where the assumption comes from; older cars DO need to warm up before being driven so no damage occurs. 
• However, you don't need to let the car warm up for more than a few minutes. After you've idled it in the driveway for 5 minutes or so, hit the road. The best way to warm up your engine is to drive, after all, and extensive idling wastes gas and produces unnecessary emissions. 

If you drive a newer car, you don't need to let it warm up. The engine takes far less time to be ready to perform. You really only need 20-30 seconds to completely lubricate the parts in the engine. So by the time you crank the heat, buckle up, and pick a song from your playlist, you'll be ready to hit the road. Your engine may not be totally warmed up, but it is lubricated and as such, ready to go. Remember, the best way to warm up your car's engine is to simply drive it. 

All in all, it boils down to how old your car is AND how comfortable you feel behind the wheel when it comes to warming it up. If you feel like it's best to take a few minutes to clear the windshield, warm up the cabin of the car, and get situated, you're totally fine. Just don't waste any more gas or emissions than you need to - it only takes a few minutes to prep the engine, even in an older car. 

Toyota of N Charlotte can answer questions about letting your car warm up

Have questions about driving in winter or letting your car warm up? Toyota of N Charlotte has answers. Call us today at (704) 659-2025 ot stop by in person. Our Charlotte car care center is located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road. 

Prepare your car for driving in winter in North Carolina

Here in the Charlotte area, we get a little taste of winter. Not nearly as much as our neighbors to the north, but we see some ice and sleet, rain, and enough snow to make it feel like it's really winter. Not to mention, we get our fair share of low temperatures. Even though we don't see harsh winter weather in North Carolina as a whole, the weather that we do get can still have a negative impact on your car and your drive time if you haven't prepared accordingly. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips on how to prep your car for driving in winter in North Carolina. 

Four tips to prep your car for driving in winter 

Tip #1: Check your car tires. How are your car tires looking? Before winter arrives, you want to ensure they're in the best condition possible - no bulges, blisters, sidewall separation, etc. You'll also want to check your tread depth (use the penny test or have our Charlotte auto service techs check for your) so your tires can grip icy, slippery roads. Additionally, check your tire PSI. When driving in winter, your car tires can lose pressure as the cold temps make the air inside of your tires denser. Make sure they're full enough to begin with so if they do lose a little pressure, you don't damage your tires. 

Tip #2: Take a closer look at your wiper blades. How did your wiper blades far after a long, hot summer? The summer sun can dry out the rubber on your wipers, causing it to crack and rip. Make sure that the rubber is intact and in good condition, and that your wipers cleanly sweep water off your windshield and don't leave smears or streaks. If you notice any issues, let our Charlotte car care techs help you out - you don't want to be driving in winter weather with bad wipers. 

Tip #3: Have your battery inspected. Before tackling driving in winter weather, have your car battery checked out at Toyota of N Charlotte. Our techs will inspect its physical condition, looking for leaks or swelling, and also check the terminals and cables to ensure everything is secure. Additionally, they'll be able to test the voltage of your car battery to make sure it can handle the cold. Remember, cold weather can negatively impact car batteries, especially if they're not in good shape to begin with. Don't get stuck with a dead battery! 

Tip #4: Ensure your heater and defroster are working. Are both your heater and your defroster working in your N Charlotte Toyota? NOW is the time to check - you don't want to be stuck with them not working while driving in winter weather. Test them both routinely as winter weather approaches and if you notice any issues, have our Charlotte auto service techs inspect the system as a whole to find the problem. 

Get your car prepared for North Caroline winter at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions about prepping your car for NC winter? Don't risk driving in winter without getting your car in shape - call us today at (704) 659-2025 to schedule service or stop by. We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Is it time to replace your car clutch?

 The car clutch is an integral part of a manual transmission vehicle. Without it, you're not able to shift gears, accelerate, decelerate, or even start your N Charlotte Toyota! That's why it's critical that you maintain and monitor your car clutch, as well as replace it when it comes down to it. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips on how to care for this critical component and how to know when it's time to call it quits and replace it. 

Toyota of N Charlotte tips: How to care for your car clutch 

First, let's talk about how to care for your car clutch. Here's what our Charlotte auto service techs recommend: 

#1: Be careful of overheating. You should be watching your coolant level and cooling system, in general, all the time. If your car overheats, it can do damage to the transmission and engine... but did you know it can also damage the car clutch? Watch your temperature gauge, keep the coolant full and clean, and be sure to look out for any leaks or signs that your cooling system is having issues. 

#2: Bleed the system when necessary. As you use the clutch, sometimes little air bubbles will build up in the hydraulic fluid. This can result in your car clutch feeling "spongey" or mushy. In this scenario, bring your car to Toyota of N Charlotte. Our techs can bleed the system - basically, force all of the fluid out and then replace it to get rid of the air bubbles. 

#3: Don't ride the clutch. Don't press on the clutch unless you're actively shifting gears (or sitting in gear) or starting your car. You should also avoid resting your foot on the car clutch while you're driving - keep your left foot on the floor. Pressing or resting on the clutch too often will wear it out faster, and it's not cheap to replace no matter where you have the repair done. 

When to replace your car clutch 

However, no matter how much you maintain your car clutch, a time will come when it's time to replace it despite your best efforts. When this happens, certain signs will let you know it's time. Here's what our Charlotte Toyota service techs recommend being on the lookout for in your manual transmission car: 

• Odd noises like grinding or squeaking when you press the clutch 
• Feeling like the clutch is mushy or spongey 
• Your clutch sticking when you press it down 
• Inability to shift gears 
• The car having trouble accelerating even if the engine is revving 
• The clutch "slipping" or basically taking a long time to engage when you're trying to shift gears 

If you notice any of the above signs, it's time to take your car to Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center so our techs can check things out. 

Need car clutch maintenance or repairs? We've got you covered. Visit Toyota of N Charlotte at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. You can also schedule online OR call us at (704) 659-2025. 

Why is there a burning smell in your car? Auto service experts answer.

 Do you have a weird burning smell permeating the cabin of your car? If you're wondering what could be causing it, the answer isn't that simple. There are multiple reasons why you could have the odor of something burning inside of your car and Toyota of N Charlotte is here to explain - see what our auto service experts have to say about it. 

Four burning smells and what they mean for your car 

As we said, there are multiple reasons you may have a burning smell inside of your car - four main ones, to be specific. Here's the breakdown from our Charlotte auto service specialists. 

#1: Burning oil smell

A burning oil smell indicates just that - burning oil. If you smell this odor inside of your N Charlotte Toyota, it usually indicates an oil leak. The oil is hitting something hot inside the engine bay and creating an acrid smoke smell that can spread into your cabin. It's important to get auto service immediately if you sense this odor. Leaking oil can cause your engine to overheat, damage your timing belt or crankshaft seal, or even cause a fire if it hits your car's exhaust. Bring your car in ASAP so our techs can take a look. 

#2: Burning plastic smell 

If you smell burning plastic inside of your car, you most likely have an issue with the wiring inside of your vehicle. The wiring is coated in plastic and when it wears down (or is chewed off - mice love to eat the insulation because it's soy-based), the wire is exposed. You don't want to ignore this smell. Exposed wires that touch each other can damage your electrical system and even cause a fire. 

#3: Burning rubber smell 

Smelling burning rubber inside your car? According to our auto service experts, this can indicate an issue with something under the hood that's made of rubber, like a hose or a belt. The smell comes from rubber hitting something hot and melting. Bring your car to our Charlotte auto service center so our techs can pop the hood and see what's going on. 

#4: Burning carpet smell 

The burning carpet smell is linked directly to your car's brakes. It can mean your brake pads or rotors are overheating, especially if you smell it mostly when you're hitting the brakes. The overheating can be caused by too-thin brake pads, sticking calipers, and more. The effects? You can wear down your brake pads prematurely and damage your rotors, which results in expensive repairs. 

Let our Charlotte auto service center take care of that burning smell

Need auto service to deal with a burning smell? Call Toyota of N Charlotte. We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and we're conveniently located just off the I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Did you know that gasoline goes bad?

 We've got some news that you may not be very excited to hear - gasoline has a shelf life. 

Yup, you heard us right. Gasoline does go bad over time, and it can cause pretty serious damage to your N Charlotte Toyota's engine if you continue to cycle it through. We understand your frustration at this news - don't you have enough to worry about already when it comes to car care and car ownership? We're here to make your life easy, though. Check out our guide to bad gasoline and also how to avoid it. 

What is the shelf life of gasoline? 

OK so for starters, let's talk about the shelf life of gasoline. Basically, its longevity depends on the type of gasoline you're using. 

• Normal gasoline has a shelf life of 3-6 months before it starts to degrade. 
• Diesel lasts longer - it can sit for a year before any degradation happens. 
• Ethanol only lasts about a month; it's affected more quickly by oxidization and evaporation, so it's less stable than the other two types of gas. 

Regardless of where your gasoline is - in a gas can, at the gas station, in the fuel tank of your car - it starts to degrade at a certain point. When this happens, the chemical composition of the gasoline actually changes, which means your engine can't process it properly. This can lead to operational problems as well as major damage to the engine, fuel lines, and fuel system in general. 

How do you know if you have bad gasoline in the tank? Here are some surefire signs you need to head to Toyota of N Charlotte to have our techs give you a hand: 

• You notice operational problems like your car refusing to start, stalling out, idling rough, or losing power when you press the accelerator. If you have a full tank of gas and a full tank of clean oil, these operational problems can definitely point to bad gasoline. 
• The gas looks and smells different. Gasoline that's gone bad will have a sour or spoiled smell to it as opposed to the typical gas smell; it'll also be darker in color and have a muddy or cloudy appearance. 
• Bad gasoline can also trigger your check engine light (and in that case, regardless of what's causing it to illuminate, you need to schedule a visit to Toyota of N Charlotte's car care center). 

If you realize you have bad gasoline in the tank of your car, you need to bring your car to our N Charlotte Toyota service center. The only way to deal with bad gas is to empty out the fuel tank completely and ensure that all of the bad gasoline has been removed from the entire fuel system. If you leave it to sit, it can turn thick and sludgy, causing engine issues and clogging fuel lines. 

It's important to know how to spot bad gasoline, but it's even more important to know how to avoid it in the first place. Here are some tips from our Charlotte auto service techs: 

• Fill up your gas tank all the way. This will prevent it from having room for moisture to accumulate (which can cause corrosion and other issues). 
• Avoid gas stations that don't seem busy. Busy gas stations go through gas quickly and get fresh deliveries of gas often. Less-busy gas stations don't go through gas as fast, which means it could be sitting there for a while before you get to it (which in turn means it has a higher chance of going bad). 
• Drive your car weekly. Even if it's a garaged vehicle that doesn't see the road often, you should take it out once a week for 20 minutes or so. This will circulate fuel through the system, as well as ensure that you're regularly adding fresh gas to the tank. 

Let Toyota of N Charlotte help you deal with bad gasoline 

Have questions about bad gasoline? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today. 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. 

Motor oil color: What you should know for your car's health

 As you well know by now, motor oil is key to your car's health and longevity (and let's be realistic - resale value, too). It's important to keep your oil full and clean at all times so your engine and all of its moving parts stay cool and lubricated. It's also important to troubleshoot your oil from time to time as you check it to make sure nothing is wrong with it. One important aspect to take note of is your motor oil color - here's a quick guide from the experts at Toyota of N Charlotte. 

The five motor oil colors you should know 

Color #1: Amber or caramel-colored 

If your motor oil in your N Charlotte Toyota is amber or caramel-colored, you're in good shape - this is the color it SHOULD be. Clean oil is typically this hue and if you check your oil and see this color on the dipstick, it means your car is in good shape. 

Color #2: Creamy-colored with a milky texture 

If you check your car's oil and notice that it's creamy in color with a milky texture, you could have a head gasket leak. If you also notice that your car is blowing white smoke or losing coolant, this is definitely the case. Bring your car to our Charlotte car care center immediately. A head gasket leak can lead to serious and costly damage to your car if you don't address it ASAP. 

Color #3: Creamy-colored with a frothy texture 

On the other hand, if you notice that your motor oil is creamy-colored with a frothy texture, you could have water in your oil. Check your coolant level and make sure your engine isn't putting out white smoke. If coolant levels are normal and you don't see any smoke, it's definitely water contamination. Let our Charlotte auto service techs take a look under the hood to see what's going on. 

Color #4: A hue slightly darker than amber. 

If you check your motor oil and it's slightly darker than amber or caramel, don't panic. You could be using an oil that has more additives. Ask your Charlotte car care tech which oil you have under the hood. 

Color #5: Dark brown or black oil 

However, if the oil in your car's engine is really dark brown or black, then you need an oil change ASAP. This indicates that it's full of dirt and has been cycled through the engine too many times. Dirty engine oil can cause major (and expensive) problems under the hood. 

Visit Toyota of N Charlotte today for all of your motor oil needs 

Schedule an oil change at Toyota of N Charlotte today! Our Toyota service center is located conveniently just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road. Call us today to schedule at (704) 659-2025! 

How to spot dirty engine coolant in your car

 Just like your car's engine oil, your engine coolant plays a critical role in your N Charlotte Toyota's performance. Its job is its name - it keeps your engine cool and prevents it from overheating when you're out on the road. Coolant flows through your car's radiator, water pump, water hoses, and the engine itself to ensure the engine can maintain a low enough temperature to continue running. 

What happens if your engine coolant is dirty? 

If you don't have enough in your car - or if the coolant is too dirty - it can spell big problems for your car's engine. Your engine will overheat and in a lot of cases, suffer catastrophic damage that can be extremely expensive and even irreparable. However, over time your cooling system will accumulate dirt, debris, and other contaminants, all of which end up in the coolant as it flows through the system. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with a quick guide on spotting dirty engine coolant - read on. 

An easy way to check your engine coolant is to pop the hood and look in the coolant reservoir. You can also check the level of engine coolant here to ensure your car has enough. Normal, clean coolant varies in color; it can be green, blue, orange, or even red. However, one common thing you'll notice with ALL clean engine coolant is that it's translucent in color - you can see through it, even though it's a thicker liquid. 

Warning signs your engine coolant is dirty 

Here are some signs your engine coolant is dirty and you need to visit our Charlotte car care center for a cooling system flush and fresh coolant. 

• Your coolant is no longer translucent. You can see dirt or debris in it, or the color has become cloudy or opaque, or even sludgy. 
• Your coolant level light and/or check engine light turn on. 
• Your engine's temperature gauge is in the red, meaning your engine is running hot. 
• You have steam coming from under your car's hood. 
• You have a coolant leak (you'll spot puddles under your car). 

If you notice any of the above things, it's time to hit our Charlotte car care center for a recommended coolant flush. Sure, you can drain the coolant and put fresh coolant in, but that doesn't take care of all of the dirt and grime left in the cooling system's lines, hoses, engine, and water pump. A flush will ensure all of that comes out before you put fresh coolant in, and you should be good to go for another 5 years or so. 

Not only that, when you get a coolant flush, our techs can inspect your entire cooling system to make sure ALL of it is in good enough shape to keep your car's engine cool. This helps head off any major issues before they become big and expensive. 

Let Toyota of N Charlotte answer your engine coolant questions 

Ready to schedule an engine coolant flush or think your car may need more coolant? Visit Toyota of N Charlotte today! We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. You can also schedule online OR call us at (704) 659-2025 today. 

Do you have dirty engine oil?

 If you get routine oil changes, then congrats - you're taking steps toward keeping your car in good shape for a long, long time. You're also safeguarding performance. However, if you're known to skip routine maintenance appointments, there's a chance your engine oil could be dirty. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips on how to check your engine oil AND how to spot that it's dirty and you need to have it changed. 

First, let's talk about how to check engine oil. It's pretty simple - turn your car off and let it cool down for a minute or two. Then pop the hood and locate the oil dipstick. Pull it out, and take a look at the oil on the end of it. There are a few things you should note: 

• The oil level: The oil should fall in between the two tic marks on the end of the dipstick. If it's below the bottom tic mark, your oil level is too low and you need an oil change ASAP. 
• The oil color: What color is your car oil? Regular oil is caramel in color and indicates that the oil is in the right condition to do its job. 

Signs your engine oil is dirty 

How does your engine oil get dirty in the first place? Well, it circulates through the engine to keep things cool and to keep moving parts lubricated. As it circulates, it picks up dirt, debris, and grime and doesn't really have any way to get rid of it, so it just stays dirty. Here are some surefire signs you have dirty engine oil and need to have it changed at our Charlotte auto service center: 

• It just LOOKS dirty. If your oil is dark brown or black instead of caramel-colored, or you can see flecks of dirt and debris in it, it's definitely dirty. 
• Your exhaust is smoky, especially if it's dark in color. 
• You smell oil within the cabin of your Charlotte Toyota. 
• You hear knocking sounds coming from your engine, or your engine is just a lot louder than usual in general. 

You never want to leave dirty engine oil in your car. It can do major damage and cost you a ton of money in repairs - and worst-case scenario, it could do irreparable damage to your car, leaving it permanently undrivable unless you get a new engine. 

Schedule your oil change today at Toyota of N Charlotte 

If you think your car has dirty engine oil, let Toyota of N Charlotte help! Our auto service center is open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. You can call us at (704) 659-2025 today to schedule an appointment, or visit our website and schedule an oil change online! 

The main benefits of electric cars

 Electric cars are much-talked about at this point - what once seemed futuristic and out-of-reach is now finding its way into people's garages at a pretty consistent rate. However, is an electric car really worth it, or should you stick with gasoline and hybrid options? Toyota of N Charlotte is here to explain the benefits of electric cars so you can decide with certainty if one of these green options is right for you. 

Toyota of N Charlotte explains the five benefits of electric cars 

#1: No fuel costs. When you own an electric car, your gas costs are $0 - you heard us right. While hybrid cars do utilize gasoline as a fuel source, fully electric cars run solely on battery charge. You'll have to pay for charging, of course, whether you do it at a public charging station or at home in your own garage, your "fuel" costs will be a lot lower than if you were operating a gasoline-powered vehicle. 

#2: No local emissions. Electric cars are also green when it comes to local emissions. While internal combustion engine cars put out local emissions that form smog and are bad for the environment, electric cars have zero local emissions so you can feel a bit better about your drive time. If you're really concerned about emissions, be sure to find out where your electricity comes from (fossil fuels vs. hydro, solar, wind power) to see if your vehicle is putting out non-local emissions. 

#3: Instant power. Most people think that electric cars are slow and unable to tow and haul heavy loads... wrong. Electric cars don't have to wait for power to build up like internal combustion engines do. Instead, the minute you hit the gas you have instant power at your fingertips, which means you can hit high speeds more quickly as well as tow and haul heavy loads with ease. For example, the new Toyota Tundra and Sequoia both lost their V8 engines, but their hybrid systems are more powerful and give you extra horsepower and torque. 

#4: Less car maintenance. Electric cars also require less routine maintenance. Sure, you'll still have to get tire rotations and have our techs conduct multi-point inspections on your cars. But gone are the oil changes, spark plug swaps, coolant flushes, etc. as there's no internal combustion engine under the hood. You won't have to come into our N Charlotte Toyota service center as often and when you do, your maintenance will be cheaper. 

#5: Possible tax rebates. Did you know that some electric cars are eligible for state and federal tax rebates? Be sure to check with your accountant when you file your taxes or do the research yourself to see if you're eligible to get money back for driving one of these N Charlotte Toyotas. Additionally, you can sometimes even get rebates at local levels from air and electric companies! 

Explore electric car benefits with Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions about electric car benefits? Call us today! We're open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199. You can also stop by and chat with us in person at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Roaches in your car: How to get them out

 Roaches in your car sound like an absolute nightmare and if you've ever experienced it, you know that it's just that. Roaches can multiply quickly and leave you with an infestation on your hands that can be difficult, time-consuming, and sometimes, expensive to get rid of. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips on how to get roaches out of your car quickly and efficiently - read on. 

The four things you need to do to get roaches out of your car

#1: Locate the roaches. Find out where the roaches are hiding, first of all. You'll need to locate them, their nests, and any eggs that might have been left in the car. They like to hide in dark, warm places like under the seats, the glovebox and center console, cupholders, seatback pockets, under floor mats, and in the trunk. Also, don't forget to check where your spare tire is located - it's a great location for roaches to hang out. 

#2: Clean out your car as soon as possible. Once you've gotten rid of as many roaches, nests, and eggs as possible, it's time to detail your car. When your car has dirt and debris in it, it's an extremely tempting place for roaches to set up their permanent home. Remove all trash and clutter from the vehicle, and then vacuum it out and wipe down all surfaces to get rid of crumbs, dust, and other debris that might be attracting roaches. Further, if you have any stains or sticky spots in your upholstery or carpet, clean them. 

#3: Try baits and traps. Once your car is cleaned out, it's time to place roach bait or traps. Gel bait is very effective and will also spread the poison back to the rest of the roach colony. However, it is toxic, so if you have kids or pets in the car often, you may want to shoot for something non-toxic. Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic option that can be extremely effective. You can also try traps. 

#4: Make your car an undesirable place to live. Once you've evicted the roaches from your car, you need to keep them out. Be sure to set up a routine detailing schedule for your car to keep it clean and clutter-free; you should also be careful about what you're transporting in it. Roaches like grocery bags, cardboard, etc. so be careful about what you're picking up. Additionally, be sure to keep your windows and doors closed when you're not in the car, and try not to park near dumpsters or heavily wooded areas where roaches might be hanging out. 

Toyota of N Charlotte can help you keep your car clean 

Need more tips on how to get roaches out of your car, or any other pests? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today at (704) 659-2025 or stop by and see us. We're located just off I-77 in Huntersville (exit 23) at 13429 Statesville Road. 

Is your electric car really better for the environment?

 So you want to buy an electric car. Most people make the change from internal combustion to all-electric because they want to save money on gas, but also because they want to do their part in keeping our planet cleaner. But are electric cars really better for the environment? Unfortunately, the answer isn't quite as clear-cut as you'd think. Our N Charlotte Toyota specialists are here to explain the ins and outs of electric cars and the environment.

Toyota of N Charlotte can help you decide if your electric car is better for the environment 

The answer isn't as simple as we'd like it to be - it hinges on batteries and local/non-local emissions. Toyota of N Charlotte is here to explain the intricacies of whether or not electric cars are really better for the environment so you can better understand whether or not you should put one in the driveway. 

Let's talk about the batteries in electric cars first. N Charlotte Toyota EVs - and all other electric vehicles - use lithium-ion batteries. Production of these batteries creates a lot of harmful emissions, which means overall, your EV is not as clean as you think. Additionally, these batteries can't be disposed of in landfills or recycled in a traditional recycling facility, so that poses a problem in the feature. As demand increases, what happens to the old batteries that are no longer in use? 

Another issue in the question of whether or not electric cars are good for the environment lies in local and non-local emissions. Here's what our N Charlotte Toyota specialists have to say about it. 

• Local emissions are the ones produced locally - literally, the ones coming out of your N Charlotte Toyota's tailpipe. Obviously, internal combustion cars produce these. Electric cars, on the other hand, do not. So on the local front, electric cars are better for the environment. 
• Non-local emissions, on the other hand, are a little trickier. Your car doesn't use gas; it runs on electricity, right? But how is that electricity produced? If your electricity comes from solar, wind, or hydropower, then it doesn't put off many (if any) emissions and is pretty clean, so in turn, your EV is too. However, if your electricity comes from fossil fuels, it's not clean - creating that electricity produces quite a few emissions. 

Learn more about EVs at our dealership today 

So is your electric car as clean as you think? It's worth doing the research before you take the high dive into the world of EVs. And as always, if you have questions, Toyota of N Charlotte can help. We're open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199 and you can visit us at 13429 Statesville Road. We're just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

How to get spiders out of your car: Toyota tips

 If you've ever encountered a spider in your car, you know how disconcerting it can be. Where there's one there may be more, and the last thing you want is an infestation in your vehicle. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips on how to get spiders out of your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Before we talk about how to get spiders out of your car, let's talk about how they get in there in the first place. Spiders find their way in through cracks and crevices, open doors and windows, and even door and window seals that have gone bad. 

Spiders like cars because they're dark and warm and offer plenty of places to hide. They don't, however, like the vibrations that the car makes when it's in motion, so they'll often pop out of their hiding spots and surprise you while you're driving. 

How to get spiders out of your car

So how do you get spiders out of your car? Here are some of the best tips we gathered from the expert car care techs at Toyota of N Charlotte. 

Tip #1: Vacuum it out. Your first step should be to clean out your car. If you have crumbs and dirt in your vehicle, it can attract bugs, which in turn attracts spiders who want to eat the bugs. Vacuum and wipe your N Charlotte Toyota - be sure to get any spiders, spider webs, and spider eggs out of the car while you're at it. 

Tip #2: Utilize spider repellants. Visit a home improvement store (like Home Depot) to find a spider repellant spray for your car. You can also try natural remedies in the form of essential oils - spiders hate scents like peppermint, citrus, lavender, rosemary, and cedar. 

Tip #3: Try spider traps. Your local home improvement store can also provide you with spider traps, which will help trap existing spiders so you can dispose of them. 

Tip #4: Resort to a spider bomb. If all else fails, you can try a spider bomb. These chlorine-based bombs will wipe out all of the spiders living in your car. 

How to keep spiders out of your car

Now that you know how to get them out of your car, here are a few N Charlotte Toyota tips on how to keep spiders out of your car. 

Tip #1: Keep your car clean and clutter-free. The more dirt and clutter you have in your car, the more likely you are to have a spider problem. Clean your car out and keep it organized, and detail your car routinely. 

Tip #2: Seal it up when you're not in it. If you're not in your car, close all the windows and doors as well as the trunk. Also, check the seals in your doors and windows to ensure they're in good shape. 

Tip #3: Don't park next to debris or heavily wooded areas. Spiders like to hide in debris piles and heavily wooded areas (more bugs = more food). Try to avoid parking near these areas, and keep your garage clean. 

Want more tips or need help getting spiders or other pests out of your car? Call Toyota of N Charlotte. We're open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville, NC. 

Consider Your N Charlotte Vehicle’s Electric Car Charging Time Before You Buy

You may find yourself in a place where you’re considering buying an electric car. This can be great news, however, do you know how to handle them?  How can you stay fueled up without stopping at a gas station every time you go out or to work? Yes, there is no need to worry about stopping at the gas station, but EV range anxiety is very real. This is something you should consider before buying an EV N Charlotte Toyota. Before purchasing one of these cars, Toyota of N Charlotte will give you all the necessary information.

 

EV Range Anxiety and What That Means for Your Electric Car Charging Habits

It's exactly what it sounds like, EV range anxiety. This is the fear of running out of range (how far you can travel before running out of charge) and not finding a charging station in time. For you.to “refuel”. This thought constantly haunts some drivers causing them to constantly check their range gauge. Other times, it occurs whenever your ride's range begins to get low. No matter how you look at it, it's not a fun situation. 

This situation happens when you see your gasoline-powered engine monitor getting low. However, it is a lot easier to find a fuel station than it is a charging station. You can overcome EV range anxiety with tips from Toyota of N Charlotte. Having read this, you can put your feelings to rest because our N Charlotte Toyota specialist have everything you need to get you through the longest of commutes.

• Tip #1 Range has greatly improved.

Initially, electric vehicles did not have a huge range, making it difficult to drive them, causing range anxiety among N Charlotte Toyota EV drivers. However, vehicles like the N Charlotte Toyota bz4X have been designed so that it can travel 252 miles on a single charge. This is great news when it comes to electric car charging. 

• Tip #2 When you're running low on charge, check your instrument panel.

When it comes to your electric car charge, you will want to make sure to keep an eye on the dial. You may or may not do this in your gasoline-powered vehicle, but either way, it’s a great way to avoid a potentially disastrous situation.

• Tip #3 Make your home a charging station. 

It is also a good idea to install an electric car charging station in your house so that you will not have to worry about your Toyota EV's range anxiety. When you have it installed, you can charge your electric car and forget about range anxiety. For help, Toyota of North Charlotte recommends contacting Chargepoint or Merit. This will help you with your electric car charging needs.

• Tip #4 Perform routine maintenance on your Toyota electric car. 

Maintaining your  Charlotte Toyota electric car charge will also help reduce EV range anxiety. Our N Charlotte auto service technicians will be happy to do free multi-point inspections on your car which includes a double-check of the battery in your car as well. By doing this, you will be able to extend the life of your battery. 

• Tip #5 Locate charging stations. 

In addition, knowing where you can charge your car in your area is very helpful. Using the maps in your phone, you can find some stations. NextCharge, PlugShare, and ChargeMap are great resources for finding these according to our N Charlotte specialists.

You can Count on Toyota of N Charlotte to Charge you up! 

Whether you're looking for an electric car or need assistance, we can help! Contact us at (704) 875-9199 or stop in today if you need more information on electric car charging or more.  We’re located at 13429 Statesville Road at exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville. 

So your car got stuck by lightning... now what?

 They say your odds of getting struck by lightning are 1 in 15,300 (or so says the National Weather Service). And while those odds are pretty much in your favor that you won't be, there's always a chance. Today our N Charlotte Toyota dealership is going over what to do if your car gets struck by lightning and the damage that it can cause when this type of accident occurs. 

What should you do if your car gets struck by lightning? 

There really is no way to avoid your car getting struck by lightning other than to just not drive in thunderstorms, which we know isn't always feasible. So if you do find yourself in a situation where your N Charlotte Toyota has been struck, here are the steps to take after the fact. 

• If you're inside of your car, pull over and park. Turn your hazard lights on and refrain from touching ANYTHING metal (plastic is OK). Remember, metal is a conductor and there could still be electrical energy from the lightning surging through the car. 

• Put your hands in your lap and sit still for at least 30 minutes. It's also a good idea to call local emergency services to let them know what's happened and have them send help. 
• Don't open any doors or windows until the 30-minute period has elapsed. 

• If you're not in your car when it gets struck by lightning, it's still a good idea to call local emergency services and report what happened. 

• Wait at least 30 minutes before trying to open any doors of the vehicle. 

In both cases, you need to contact your car insurance company as quickly as possible. Your comprehensive policy on your insurance should cover lightning strikes, but you do need to start a claim right away. While physical aesthetic damage is easily tied to lightning, it can be more difficult to link electrical systems and mechanical damage as time goes on. 

What happens when your car gets struck by lightning? 

What types of damage can occur when your car gets struck by lightning? Here's what the experts at Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center have to say about it. 

Your electrical system and electronics could be fried. When your car gets struck by lightning, it could result in your electrical system being fried or melted. This can also damage electronics in your car, like your multimedia systems and cameras. 

Your N Charlotte Toyota could suffer mechanical or engine damage. Lightning strikes can also cause engine and other mechanical damage, which could leave you stranded as your car won't start. 

Your paint, glass, and exterior plastic accessories could be damaged. When your car gets struck by lightning you may experience paint damage on the exterior, as well as broken glass and melted or warped plastic. 

Your airbags may deploy. In some cases, a lightning strike will cause your airbags to deploy. If the other damage to your N Charlotte Toyota is bad enough, your car insurance company may declare the car totaled. 

Whether you have questions about what to do after your car gets struck by lightning or you need auto repairs to the damage it incurred, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help. Call us today! 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. 

EV range anxiety: What it is and how to beat it

 If you're thinking about putting an electric car (EV) in your driveway, then you probably have already considered the "fueling" part of the ownership experience. These unique vehicles run completely on battery with no gasoline needed whatsoever, and just like other devices that run on battery (like your phone), electric vehicles need to be charged. This is where EV range anxiety might enter the equation. 

EV range anxiety is just what it sounds like - when a driver feels anxious about their car's range, or how far the vehicle can go on one single charge. Drivers experiencing EV range anxiety may worry about their car running out of charge, not being able to find a charging station, etc. and it can put the damper on the excitement of driving a new vehicle. Toyota of North Charlotte is here to help! 

Four ways to beat EV range anxiety 

Luckily, there are simple ways to beat or at least alleviate EV range anxiety. Here are some tips from the experts at Toyota of N Charlotte. 

Tip #1: Be proactive and watch charge levels. Be a proactive driver and watch the charge level of your car - if you notice it's dipping low, stop and charge up as soon as possible. Don't wait until the last minute when you may be unable to find a charging station. Remember, gas stations are numerous, but charging stations may be harder to find in some areas. 

Tip #2: Download apps to help you find charging stations. Download apps on your smartphone to help you find charging stations! Toyota of N Charlotte highly recommends Chargepoint, EVGo, ChargeMap, PlugShare, and NextCharge. All of them can take your current location and recommend a charging station nearby. 

Tip #3: Invest in a home charging station. It's an investment, but a home charging station can give you added peace of mind. You can charge your EV every single night while you sleep and drive easily knowing that every day, you're riding on a fresh charge. All you need is a certified electrician and a garage to make it happen. 

Tip #4: Stay on a routine maintenance schedule. It sounds weird, but staying on a routine maintenance schedule can actually help alleviate EV range anxiety. Our techs will conduct a free multi-point inspection of your vehicle every time you bring it in for routine care, and they can spot any issues that might be affecting your car's battery and performance before they become big and costly. 

And remember, EVs have come a long way. While the earlier electric cars didn't have much in the way of range, advancements in tech have stretched things a lot farther. The N Charlotte Toyota bz4X, for example, has a range of 252 miles on just one charge. 

And if EV range anxiety has you second-guessing an electric car, why not compromise? You can drive home a plug-in hybrid like the N Charlotte Toyota RAV4 Prime or Prius Prime. Plug-in hybrids can run solely on battery charge, but they also have a hybrid system to fall back on should they run out of range. 

Shop EVs at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Let us help you beat your EV range anxiety - shop today at Toyota of N Charlotte! We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. You can call to schedule a test drive at (704) 874-9199! 

Toyota of N Charlotte Has the Download on the Best Back to School Toyota Tech

We know that Toyota Technology can make or break back to school. This is why our N Charlotte techs are sharing that the Toyota technology is evolving to suit your specific back-to-school needs. We’ve had our N Charlotte specialist share with us what they think are the biggest Toyota technology features that will make a difference in your back-to-school commute. Let’s take a quick study session and find out!

The Best Toyota Technology for Back to School

Our N Charlotte Toyota experts realize that back to school can be difficult. You have to deal with new traffic patterns, on top of pedestrians, crossing guards, and overall car safety. We’re going to give you the details on everything that makes your new N Charlotte Toyota one of the best back-to-school rides you can find.

Toyota Safety Sense

We talked about safety and for good reason. Keeping everyone safe is a priority for our N Charlotte Toyota dealership. Thankfully, our new Toyota technology allows you to be at the top of your commuting game. You will find the available Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ in your new Toyota. This tech will provide you with peace of mind. It includes lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist, and more. All of this combined keeps you, your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians as safe as possible while you are navigating your back-to-school commute.

Multimedia System

We love a good audio system at Toyota of N Charlotte, and thanks to our new Toyota technology we are able to deliver the best of the best. Most of our vehicles at our N Charlotte Toyota dealership have premium audio systems. You can find Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, Amazon Alexa, premium navigation, JBL premium audio, Bluetooth connectivity, and even Wi-Fi that can connect up to five devices via 4G available. Not to mention, the added USB-C charging ports to stay up-to-date with the latest charging cords for phones that will come in handy during your commute. Saving the best for last, some of our N Charlotte Toyota models have a free one-year trial of emergency assistance button that allows you to have 24/7 emergency access!

Toyota App

Our N Charlotte Toyota specialists are super excited about this feature. With new Toyota Technology in play, you will have a Toyota tech app that is compatible with previous and new models. You are able to subscribe to this app at a low cost. This Toyota Technology will allow you to keep up with your car. Our N Charlotte Toyota experts explain that this app will let you check in on your vehicle's health and maintenance, get service deals, and even receive recall notifications! You will also be able to control your car remotely, which makes sports pick-up a breeze when your hands are full of equipment. In addition to that you are able to access your car with your smartwatch, and even make a payment with your TFS online account.

Find your Favorite New N Charlotte Toyota Technology Today

You may want to come check this new Toyota technology out for yourself, and we wouldn’t blame you! Stop by our dealership today for a full demonstration to see if this Toyota Technology is right for your back-to-school drive. We’re open seven days a week and we’re conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road. You can shop in person or online – call today for more info at (704) 875-9199.