We get lots of questions at our Charlotte Toyota service center. We're OK with it - we like our customers to feel confident in their car care, and questions are how they can get there. We make it our business to provide the most comprehensive answers so you can drive away knowing that you got the best possible auto service. Today we're here to answer five of the most common auto service questions we get - read on!  

What are the five most common auto service questions? 

#1: How much will my service cost? 

We don't have a set answer for this one. Different auto services have different price points attached to them - for example, an oil change will cost less than a tune-up. And an oil change on a small car will cost less than an oil change on a large truck. However, here's the good news - our Charlotte Toyota service tech will give you an estimate of the work your car needs before they get started. On top of that, we offer service specials to bring down the cost of your appointment, as well as financing options for both service and parts. 

#2: How long will my auto service appointment take? 

Again, we can't give you a set answer on this. Auto services take different amounts of time, and you never know if something will crop up during the process to make it take longer. We've got good news again, though - our Charlotte Toyota service techs can also give you an estimate as to how long your car care will take, and can keep you updated on what's happening throughout the process via text. Plus, we have a comfortable waiting area with free wifi, TVs, and a cafe to keep you busy. 

#3: What's included in my auto service at different mileages? 

This one depends on the mileage. For example, at 5,000 miles you're due for an oil change and a tire rotation. At 15,000 miles, you'll need both of those auto services plus a new air filter. But our Charlotte Toyota techs will get you on a routine car care schedule based on mileage and remind you when you're due for car care. They can send you reminders via email and text and keep you on track. 

#4: Do you offer transportation? 

We do! We have a rental car office onsite, first of all. If your car is going to take a while in the shop, you can rent a car and return it at the Toyota of N Charlotte service center. Additionally, we have a service shuttle. We can take you anywhere in a five-mile radius while you wait so you can get food, run errands, shop, and more. 

#5: Will my car be washed? 

It will! We wash your car after each and every service to ensure that when you get back behind the wheel, it's sparkling again. 

Schedule your auto service today at Toyota of N Charlotte

Are you ready to get auto service on the books? Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week. You can schedule online, call us at (704) 875-9199, or stop by. We're conveniently located at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.

 

Change a flat tire with Toyota of North Charlotte

Imagine you’re jamming to your favorite tunes with all the windows down on the highway and your tire deflates, well so does your day now. But, you can reverse that feeling by using Toyota of North Charlotte tips on how to change a flat tire. Our best N Charlotte Toyota service experts wanted to share the best tips with you:

Prepare for the flat tire

Flat tires are one of the biggest reasons why a car breaks down so it’s smart to be prepared! We believe that every driver on the road should know how to change their own Charlotte car tires in case of an emergency because roadside assistance could take hours to get to you. It’s possible that it may be after hours or if it is an emergency and if Toyota Service Center isn’t assisting you, you’ll need to make sure that you have to proper tools.

What you need:

• A jack

• A lug wrench

• A spare tire

We also recommend having:

• A tire gauge

• Fix-a-flat (for a temporary fix)

• An air pump

• A flashlight

Time to get to work

Once you have the proper supplies, it’s time to get to work. Remember that you can always have the professionals at our Charlotte Toyota Service Center fix your tire for you. But there are emergencies when you’re in a hurry, so here is what to do when you’re feeling ready to try it yourself.

• Step 1: Make sure your vehicle is on a flat surface

Don’t drive on a flat tire! One you notice that one of your vehicle’s tires has blown, try to get off the road as soon as you can. Our Toyota Service Center in Charlotte suggests that you pull into a gas station if you’re close to one. If not, pull over to a flat surface on the side of the road. This will significantly decrease the chance that your vehicle falls off the jack.

• Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts

Loosen up the lug nuts on your tire before you get it off the ground. You’ll need to take off your tire’s hubcap to get to them. Once they’re exposed, place the lug wrench on them and strongly turn the wrench counterclockwise.

• Step 3: Jack up your car

Next, you’re going to place the car jack underneath your vehicle and make sure it’s resting on a sturdy part of the frame. You can check out N Charlotte Toyota’s owner’s manual to see exactly where you should place it. After that, you’re going to crank away until your vehicle is high enough off the ground to change your flat tire.

• Step 4: Replace your flat tire

Once the vehicle is up on the jack, remove the lug nuts from the damaged tire. Now you can take off the old tire, replace it with the spare tire, and put the lug nuts back on. Make sure that you put the nuts back on as tight as possible,  you don’t want to have a flyaway when you’re on the road!

Car tire service in N Charlotte

Bring your car back down to the ground and you’re ready to hit the road! You can only drive around 70 miles and go a maximum speed of 55 mpg on a spare tire, so make sure to bring your vehicle into our Toyota Service Center as soon as you can to get a new car tire.

Come to Toyota of North Charlotte for all your car tire needs! Our service center experts will make sure your car is road ready. We’re located at 13429 Statesville Rd. in Huntersville.

Choosing the right car paint color

 When you're choosing a car paint color, it's important to walk through the process. It's not as simple as just pointing at a color swatch (unfortunately). And whether you're buying a new Toyota at Toyota of North Charlotte or repainting an existing vehicle, color is going to come into play. Our body shop experts are here to walk you through choosing a car paint color so you find the perfect hue for your new (or existing) N Charlotte Toyota! 

What should you think about when choosing a car paint color? 

What do you like? Which colors do you personally like for your vehicle? This is one of the main factors it'll boil down to, so do research and see how different colors look on different cars to narrow your options. 

What should you know about the color? Before you settle on a car paint color you should know if it has any bearing on the vehicle. Here are a few facts to keep in mind: 

• It's rumored that red cars are most noticeable to law enforcement and because of that, get pulled over more often. (Not sure if it's true, but it seems viable.) 
• Insurance companies will often have higher premiums on red or yellow cars because those colors are usually associated with sporty or performance-driven cars, which means they're more of a risk. 
• On the other hand, insurance companies will often have lower premiums on silver or white cars because those colors reflect the most light, are the easiest to see, and accordingly should be less at risk of getting into a car accident. 

What colors are popular or common now? Colors like black, white, red, and silver are some of the most common hues on the road and as such, have the most resale value. Unusual or uncommon colors tend to have lower resale value, so you'll get less bang for your buck when you sell or trade your car. 

Does the color fit your make and model? Think about your car - the make, model, style, etc. - before you settle on a color. Does the color suit the vehicle? If you have a N Charlotte Toyota sports car, for example, bright yellow could look amazing (like the Toyota Supra). However, if you own a minivan or sedan, bright yellow paint could make it look like a taxi. 

Go classic for restorations. If you're restoring a classic Toyota, consider using a classic paint color. Classic paint colors that are true to the era look more accurate and aesthetic, and we have good news - most factories have reproduced classic paint colors. This means you'll get the authentic color but with today's durability and longevity built into it. 

Our N Charlotte Toyota body shop can help you choose a car paint color 

Have questions about your car paint color? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today at (704) 875-9199. We're just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road. 

 

Best Toyota Cars For Dogs 

Looking for a N Charlotte Toyota that is compatible with your next adventure with your dog? You are at the right place, at the right time; This is your sign from the universe. You are definitely going to look for a car that has the perfect fabric to protect the interior of your next Charlotte Toyota from your dog’s paws, and more. Let’s just get right into the best Toyotas for your dog!

Best Toyotas For Dogs – Features to Look For

Below are the features to look for when you are searching for the best Toyota for dogs in your N Charlotte Toyota!

• The Perfect Interior

If you are preparing for your next adventure with your best friend, aka your dog, then you are not going to want to have a leather interior. Their nails are sharp, even when cut, and will scratch your seats whether or not you have seat covers. Consider getting SofTex and care for your car’s interior.

• Large Cargo Area. 

You’re going to need a large cargo area because you need your pup will want enough space for extra safety and more toys. More space means more surface area for your pup to sleep and enjoy the next adventure in your N Charlotte Toyota.

• Fold-Flat Rear Seats. 

If a large cargo area doesn’t seem viable for your next N Charlotte Toyota, then your next best option is to get a Toyota with fold-flat rear seats so you can have that extra space for your dog. 

• Low Height. 

Another notable feature is an N Charlotte SUV that has a low height. Going in and out of the car for your pup can lead to long-term effects or mishaps, like hurting their hips or injuring them from falling. Stick to safety.

Meet the Best Toyotas For Dogs! 

• Toyota Highlander 

The Toyota Highlander is the perfect Toyota for dogs and kids. It is an SUV with even more space than the Toyota RAV4, you can fold the third row down for extra space. If you need even more space, consider looking into the Toyota Grand Highlander. 

• Toyota 4Runner 

If you are looking for a ‘ruff’ adventure with your best doggo, definitely consider getting the Toyota 4Runner. This N Charlotte Toyota is off-road ready and has SofTex seats, a large rear cargo area, all-weather floor mats, and a sliding rear cargo deck to load things into your Toyota effortlessly.

• Toyota Camry Hybrid 

Looking at the Toyota Camry hybrid, you might think it’s too small…but it actually has a nice spacious interior for a sedan. Also, it has the option of SofTex seats versus leather, has fold-flat rear seats and a low height. 

• Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best Toyotas for dogs because of the spacious interior and being super fuel-efficient. Also, it has fold-down second-row seats, isn’t too high off the ground, and has plenty of cargo space.

Stop by Toyota of N Charlotte! 

If you need car accessories for the best Toyotas for dogs, then stop by Toyota of N Charlotte! We’re located at 13429 Statesville Road. Just take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville.

Everything you need to know about car dents and dings

No matter how careful of a driver you are, it's inevitable that you're going to end up with some sort of damage to your car over its life. Rogue shopping carts, thunderstorms with hail, and careless kids throwing car doors open are just a few examples of the threats your car faces to its paint and body. The result of these threats? Car dents and car dings, both of which can bring down the resale value of your vehicle and leave it looking less-than-new. Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help - check out this easy guide on car dents vs dings, and learn how we can help you repair your car professionally at our body shop. 

How are car dents different from car dings? 

Let's start with car dings. Dings are the less serious and more minor damage of the two, for sure. They're usually minor indentations in your car's body that are a half-inch in diameter or smaller. Dings usually don't damage the paint or expose the metal of your N Charlotte Toyota, and as such are cheaper and easier to repair because they don't require metalwork or paintwork. They're less visible - they may be unnoticeable in certain lighting - and have multiple causes, like rocks flying off the road, shopping carts rolling, and more. 

Car dents, on the other hand, are more serious than car dings. Car dents are usually larger and cover more surface area, and they usually damage the body of your car and possibly the paint as well. Dents are more expensive to repair because more often than not, they require metalwork and paintwork to fix (as well as professional expertise). Dents are also more noticeable than dings and are harder to hide. This type of damage usually occurs because of car accidents or collisions, severe weather (like hail), and more. 

How to repair car dents and dings 

Now that you can tell the difference between car dents and dings, how do you repair them? DIY repair is an option... but not the best. Car dents and even dings can be difficult to repair on your own, especially if you're not well-versed in the world of auto body repair. Unfortunately, you could end up spending even more trying to fix your own mistakes than if you had scheduled an appointment with our N Charlotte Toyota auto body repair experts. 

Your best bet? To bring your car into Toyota of N Charlotte. Our expert body shop staff can assess all of your car dents and dings, come up with a repair plan, and give you an estimate. We offer services like paintless dent repair and use Genuine Toyota parts to keep your Toyota a Toyota. On top of that, we can work with your insurance company in the case of an accident or collision to get your car looking like new again. 

Get your car dent repair on the books at Toyota of N Charlotte 

We can help you get rid of your car dents and car dings - schedule today! Toyota of N Charlotte's body shop is located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville and you can call us for more info at (704) 659-2025. 

Should you buy a BEV, HEV, PHEV, or FCEV?

 So you're shopping for an alternative fuel car. The options can seem endless, right? We get it - it can be quite overwhelming to find the perfect solution, even if you're only shopping N Charlotte Toyotas. We're here to explain the difference between BEV, HEV, PHEV, and FCEV cars and to steer you in the direction of the one that best suits your drive time needs. 

What are BEV, HEV, PHEV, and FCEV cars? 

Let's talk about what each of these alternative fuel vehicles are and what to take into consideration when you're researching them for your next new Toyota in N Charlotte. 

BEV: A BEV is a battery electric vehicle - it runs solely on electric power and must be charged by plugging it into a special charger. (You can plug it into a normal wall socket to charge, but it'll take days.) This type of car is zero emission and doesn't use gasoline or an internal combustion engine at all. It's a great option for drivers who want to go green on the local level, but if you're worried about being able to find a charging station (also known as EV range anxiety), then a BEV may not be for you. AN example of a BEV is the N Charlotte Toyota bz4X. 

HEV: An HEV is a hybrid electric vehicle. These cars run on both battery power (for short times and at low speeds) and have an internal combustion engine that uses gasoline. They're not zero emissions, but put out fewer emissions than a traditional internal combustion vehicle. They're a great option if you want to cut back on fuel usage and save money on gas but don't want the hassle of having to plug your car in to charge it up. An example of an HEV is the Toyota Prius. 

PHEV: A PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. These cars operate similarly to hybrid cars in that they have a hybrid system under the hood and take gasoline. However, they're designed to also be charged via a charging cord and can run on full electric power for longer periods of time and at higher speeds. If you're unsure about buying a BEV right off the bat but want to see what it's like, a PHEV is really the best of both worlds and can help you get used to charging your car without having to fully rely on charge as a fuel source. An example of a PHEV is the Toyota RAV4 Prime. 

FCEV: Luckily for you, you can knock FCEV - fuel cell vehicles - right off the list, as they're not really available on the east coast (you can really only find them on the west coast, in California). They use hydrogen fuel cells to power themselves and there's no hydrogen fueling infrastructure over here, so we don't expect to see them anytime soon. An example of a FCEV is the Toyota Mirai. 

Find your next alternative fuel option at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Regardless of which one you want to put in the driveway, Toyota of N Charlotte can help. Call us today! We're open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199. 

Toyota of N Charlotte's guide to your car suspension: What you need to know

When was the last time you had your car suspension checked? This important part plays a critical role in your car's performance - without it, you'd be going nowhere fast. And when it's in need of service or repairs, it can cause major issues for safety, performance, and even your other car parts - a damaged car suspension can lead to way more expensive repairs in the long run. That's why our expert techs at Toyota of North Charlotte always recommend knowing how to troubleshoot your car suspension and notice when something is off. Here's a quick guide to help you do it! 

What is your car suspension, and why does it matter? 

However, before you learn how to troubleshoot your car suspension, you need to know what it is, what it does, and what makes it up. Here are the main components of your car suspension: 

• Dampers, which usually include shocks or shock absorbers, sway bars, and struts 
• Springs 
• Rods
• Joints, bearings, and bushings 
• Wheels 

And here are the two main functions of your car suspension, according to our Charlotte auto service techs: 

#1: To help minimize the shaking in your car. When your car is traveling down the road - especially at high speeds or on bumpy surfaces - your car shakes and vibrates. Without suspension, you and your passengers would be very uncomfortable inside the cabin. Not only that, the constant vibrations and shaking could do major damage to the rest of your N Charlotte Toyota. Your car suspension keeps things in check. 

#2: To help keep your car tires touching the ground. Your car suspension is attached to your wheels and axles. The system constantly pushes your tires against the ground - without it, your car tires would bounce non-stop. 

Toyota of N Charlotte explains how to troubleshoot your car suspension

OK. Now you know what a car suspension is made of and how it works, it's time to learn how to troubleshoot it. Here's what our Charlotte Toyota service experts have to say about it. 

• You can see that one side of your car is sitting lower than the other when it's in park 
• When you push down on the bumper, the car bounces instead of just rebounding once 
• You see leaking fluid on the springs or shocks 
• You notice that your tires are wearing unevenly (because they're bouncing) 
• Your car feels bumpier or shakier (basically, you feel more vibrations while you're driving) 
• Your car feels unstable or off-balance when you drive at fast speeds, like on the highway 70 mph+
• You hear clunking or thumping noises when you drive over bumpy surfaces 
• You feel like steering is becoming more difficult and takes more effort 
• Your car is pulling to one side when your steering wheel is aimed straight 
• Your car is "tipping" to one side when you make turns
• When you hit the brakes hard, the car dips down in the front, or when you accelerate hard, the back of the car dips down

Think any of these signs apply to your car suspension? We've got you - schedule service or repairs today at Toyota of N Charlotte. We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23. You can also schedule online OR call us at (704) 875-9199.