Fuel injector flushes: Why your car might need one

If you're noticing performance issues with your car, it could mean a multitude of issues (all of which our Charlotte auto service techs are happy to diagnose for you). One common problem that we see in our car care bays is vehicles that need fuel injector flushes. But what is a fuel injector flush, and what does it mean for your car's health? See what our Charlotte car care experts have to say about it. 

What is a fuel injector? 

A fuel injector - to put it in the most basic terms - is a pressurized valve that pushes a carefully measured amount of fuel into your car's engine. Once the fuel has been pushed into the engine, it mixes with air and is then ignited to get your car up and running. Fuel injectors are used quite often - like every single time you drive your car - so like any other part, they tend to build up dirt, grime, and residue over time. This can negatively impact your car's performance by messing up the fuel/air ratio and in turn, reducing your car's fuel efficiency and also leading to issues like rough idling, stalling out, and more. 

So how can you fix this common problem? At Toyota of N Charlotte, we recommend a fuel injector flush. During this auto service appointment our techs will flush your fuel injectors and fuel system with a special chemical solution. This will push out any dirt or debris in the system, as well as get rid of any corrosion. 

And you and your car will benefit from it. Not only will you get back to the fuel efficiency you deserve and expect in your car, but you'll also have a cleaner performance and give your car (and the parts in it) a longer life. 

Five signs you need to schedule a fuel injector flush

Let's talk about signs that you're due for a fuel injector flush. If you notice your car exhibiting any of these symptoms, then it's time to bring it into our Charlotte auto service center for car care. 

Sign #1: Your car is stalling out. Is your car stalling out when you're stopped at a stoplight or sitting in slow-moving traffic? This can be a sign that you've got problems with your fuel injector and is worth checking out. 

Sign #2: It won't accelerate. If you press down the gas pedal but don't get the acceleration you expect (or you experience sputtering), then you need to visit our Charlotte Toyota service center. 

Sign #3: It's idling rough. Does your car feel like it's sputtering or shaking when you're sitting still? Definitely a sign that it needs car care. 

Sign #4: Your RPM needle is jumping around. If you notice your RPM needle jumping around - moving up and down erratically - when you're not even pressing the accelerator, then you need to pay us a visit. 

Sign #5: Your fuel efficiency has taken a dip. If you see that it's taking more to fill up at the pump and your fuel efficiency is lower than what it should be, you definitely want to investigate. 

Have questions or need help scheduling a fuel injector flush? Call us today! Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and you can also schedule online for added convenience. Or just stop by - we're just off the I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road. 

Car Cleaning Hacks With Household Items

It’s springtime and a great time to start your spring cleaning! It can be hard to get yourself to clean your N Charlotte Toyota and expensive to buy cleaning supplies. Here at Toyota of N Charlotte, we want to make sure you can clean your car on a budget and without hauling yourself to the store to get supplies. Today, we will be giving you the best car cleaning hacks with items you’ll be able to find in your household! Let’s get into it. 

Use your old makeup brush! 

Did you know that you can use your makeup brush to clean parts of the car, like the vents, dashboard, and small areas? It’s one of the best household items for dusting! Just make sure you clean your makeup brush before and see it work! 

Keep the upholstery looking great with baking soda.

Do you have a stain on your seats? If you’re having a hard time cleaning out a stain, the good news is this will help it disappear! Just mix ¼ cup of baking soda with a cup of warm water and place it on the stain. Next, you’ll want to scrub it out with a toothbrush. Let the solution sit for around 30 minutes if it’s a tough stain. 

Polish your dashboard with olive oil.

Oil is something that many people have in their household pantries. Oil is an excellent polish that eliminates odd smells from chemical cleaners. After you dust your dashboard with your makeup brush, take a small amount of oil on a microfiber cloth and wipe down your dashboard. 

Cupcake liners in your cup holders.

You’re probably tired of cleaning out your cup holders. They’re that specific place in your N Charlotte Toyota that loves collecting dirt and spills. We have a quick and easy solution: put cupcake liners in your cup holders! 

Get a conditioner with lanolin in it. 

Conditioner is an excellent polish for the outside of your N Charlotte Toyota. Cleaning the exterior of your car can be tricky in spring. There’s pollen falling onto your car and there can be all sorts of things from nature getting on your N Charlotte Toyota too. You can take your car in to get a free car wash after your service and then polish your car by combining two cups of water in a bucket and adding half a cup of hair conditioner. Next, use your microfiber cloth and smooth it over your N Charlotte Toyota. 

Grab your Toothbrush and toothpaste.

Don’t throw your old Toothbrush away! Instead, bring it out to your car and use it to brush out the dirt from the crevices in your N Charlotte Toyota. You can apply your toothpaste in circular motions on your headlights and wipe it off with a gentle cloth for headlights that look brand-new! 

Make Some Slime!

If you’re a parent, you probably have some slime lying around somewhere. Thank you, children, for your creative activities, and use it to clean out the crumbs and car vents. 

Stock up on Dryer Sheets.

Dryer sheets are great to help with your N Charlotte Toyota’s scent. Place the dryer sheets underneath your seats, and over time you will notice a pleasant smell. They also help eliminate bugs from the exterior of your N Charlotte Toyota, just use them to swipe them off. 

Want a complimentary car wash? Then, take your car to Toyota of North Charlotte for a service! 

We would love to fix up anything you need to be done on your N Charlotte Toyota. So call us at (704)659-2025 to schedule a service appointment. We’re open seven days a week just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.