Wednesday, August 30, 2023

A N Charlotte Toyota RAV4 Oil Type Guide

Are you the proud owner of a Toyota RAV4? If so, we’re sure you know how important it is to keep your N Charlotte vehicle in the best shape possible. That being said, you may find yourself needing a little more info about what's going on under the hood. Our auto care experts are here with a guide to Toyota RAV4 oil type, changes, and more - let’s get into it!

Toyota RAV4 oil change

Toyota RAV4 Oil Type: What’s the best option? 

It can be daunting to decide which motor oil is right for your N Charlotte Toyota, but having options is good! Our auto shop offers various blends to choose from, so here’s some advice from our auto care team:

  • Toyota RAV4 with less than 75,000 miles: oil with a viscosity of 0W-20 or 5W-20
  • Toyota RAV4 with more than 75,000 miles: oil with a viscosity of 5W-30

When should you schedule a Toyota RAV4 oil change?

Regularly scheduling a Toyota RAV4 oil change is so important to keep your vehicle in peak driving condition. How often you need an oil change depends on what kind of motor oil your RAV4 is using. It’s also affected by how many miles your car has or how many you have driven since your previous oil change. Here’s the standard recommendation:

  • Conventional oil: With this oil type, you will need a Toyota RAV4 oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.  
  • Synthetic oil: You can typically go longer between oil changes with this blend. Typically you will need a change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. 

If you’re unsure, check with our N Charlotte Toyota auto care team to see what is best for your vehicle. We can get you on an oil change schedule and send reminders before each appointment so that you stay on track. 

Is there a special Toyota RAV4 oil filter? 

The short answer is no - you have options when it comes to choosing a Toyota RAV4 oil filter. We do recommend sticking with Toyota brand filters just to ensure the best quality and performance, but the most important tip we have is making sure the filter you choose fits your exact model before purchasing. If you have any questions, consult your N Charlotte auto technician about the best option for your RAV4. 

RAV4 oil type

Here is some more important Toyota RAV4 oil type and change information: 

High Mileage Change 

Does your Toyota RAV4 have more than 100,000 miles? If so, you may want to consider a high mileage oil change. This involves a special motor oil blend with seal enhancers and additives geared towards protecting high mileage vehicles from leaking. 

Harsh Weather Conditions 

Do you live somewhere with intense high or low temperatures? It’s a good idea to look into what motor oil blend is the best option for driving in your area’s intense climate. Give our Toyota of N Charlotte auto team a call if you want to learn more!

Skipping Oil Changes

The best advice we can give you is to never skip a Toyota RAV4 oil change! Skipping an oil change can lead to corrosion and sludge buildup, not to mention expensive repairs and replacements. Get on a schedule with N Charlotte Toyota so that we can keep you on track and ensure you never miss an appointment!

Need a Toyota RAV4 Oil Change? Visit us in N Charlotte!

Need to schedule an oil change or have questions about the Toyota RAV4 oil type and filters? Stop by Toyota of N Charlotte today at 13429 Statesville Road. Just take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Rainproof Your Windshield With the Help of N Charlotte Toyota Auto Experts

 

Rainy season, hurricane season, normal everyday drizzle - driving in the rain can be annoying and sometimes dangerous. You should start preparing for those dreary drives by learning how to rainproof your windshield, and our Toyota of N Charlotte auto care team is here to help! Let’s get your car ready, so you can feel safe and confident on the road when it rains. 


Here are 4 easy ways you can rainproof your windshield

Our N Charlotte experts recommend these four steps to get your windshield prepped and ready for driving in the rain.  

1. Regularly Inspect Your Windshield 

You should consistently be keeping an eye on your windshield for any chips or cracks. If you do notice this kind of damage, you should immediately notify your auto insurance company and talk to them about a windshield replacement (which is free with some states' auto insurance, if you didn’t know). Assessing and addressing this damage will prevent unnecessary danger when driving in the rain.  

2. Thoroughly Clean Your Windshield

Most people don’t clean their windshields as often as they should. Making this a priority is key to keeping your N Charlotte Toyota prepped and safe for all driving conditions. Smudges and dirt build up over time and can impair your line of vision, so you need to be proactive!

3. Invest in Better Quality Wiper Blades

Windshield wipers are critical when it’s raining, so why wouldn’t you want a really great quality blade? They will last longer and perform better, so you can have peace of mind when driving in intense weather. Not sure if you’re due for a windshield wiper replacement? Here are some signs:

  • Chattering or squealing noises

  • Constant smudges on the windshield 

  • Blades bouncing along the glass

  • Scratches on the windshield 

Once you get your new wipers, you should do what you can to keep them in the best shape possible! Here’s some tips from our N Charlotte auto experts:

  • Consistently clean the blades regularly with wiper fluid or another solution

  • Protect your windshield wipers from extreme hot or cold temperatures as much as possible to maintain the flexibility of the rubber

  • Don’t ever use your wipers as an ice scraper - as tempting as it might be!


rainproof your windshield

4. Try out Rain Repellant

Rain repellant is a great resource if you want to thoroughly rainproof your windshield. This is a solution that will cause water to bead so you can see more through your windshield clearly. It also helps the water glide off the glass easier, and it prevents excess condensation (which is great for your defroster). Here are some tips from our Toyota of N Charlotte auto experts for applying your rain repellant. 


  1. Clean the glass thoroughly before beginning application

  2. Ensure the glass is completely dry before proceeding

  3. Apply the solution using the manufacturer instructions and be thorough

  4. When the rain repellant is dry, use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the glass

  5. Let it cure then rinse the windshield and dry again


Want to get prepared for driving in the rain?

Need help getting your vehicle ready for the rainy season or need any of these items? Then stop by our dealership today! We’re located at 13429 Statesville Road. Take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville.