Toyota of N Charlotte's tips for when you run out of gas

As a car owner, you've got a lot to keep track of. You have to stay on top of car detailings, keep a service schedule, handle repairs in a timely manner, keep your ride gassed up, find and keep the right car insurance, pay your monthly payment... it's a lot, and from time to time things can slip through the cracks. While forgetting to schedule routine car care is a common issue we see at Toyota of Clermont, another one that's high up there on the list is running out of gas. As easy as it seems to keep your car fueled up, it's just as easy to forget, to overestimate the amount of fuel you have left, or to have a broken gas gauge that's giving you an inaccurate reading. Our Clermont Toyota service center is here to help! 

Signs you're about to run out of gas

First of all, you should be able to recognize the signs that your car is running out of gas. They include: 

• Jerking motions - your car may jerk forward in sudden bursts of acceleration for no reason
• Sputtering noises coming from the engine 
• Backfire noises coming from the tailpipe 
• A loss of power - if you press the accelerator you get no result 

What to do if you run out of gas

If you notice any of these signs, you're about to be in a stressful and potentially unsafe situation. So what should you do when your car runs out of gas? 

#1: Pull over to a safe spot. Find a safe spot to get off the road and out of the way of traffic. Look for a flat spot that's free of sand and mud (so you don't get stuck) and well-lit (if you're driving at night). Also, make sure there's enough space for you to get a solid distance away from traffic. Once you've parked your car, turn your hazard lights on and pull your parking brake. 

#2: Decide who to call. Who will you call for assistance? You've got lots of options, including: 

• Services like AAA and Mach1 that offer roadside assistance and fuel delivery when you run out of gas 
• Friends and family who can deliver gas to you in a can or drive you to a gas station to purchase one and fill it 

Or you can have your vehicle towed to the nearest gas station if need be. Word to the wise - check your car insurance policy as they sometimes have provisions for roadside emergencies! 

#3: Determine exactly where you're stopped. You have to know where you are if you're going to request that someone help you. If you're calling friends or family, you can simply share your location with them on your phone so they know exactly where you've stopped. If you can't share locations, take note of things like cross streets, addresses on businesses, and highway exits and mile markers. 

And as a last resort, you can hoof it. If you have a gas can or know there's a gas station nearby where you can buy one, you can always head out on foot to retrieve the gas yourself. Just be careful, especially if you're walking at night or on the side of the highway. Use sidewalks whenever you can and if you can't, stay as far from the side of the road as you can. 

Want help keeping your car in the best shape possible and get the best fuel efficiency possible? Call the service center at Toyota of Clermont today. We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001 and we're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50. 

Car Maintenance Checklist for Teen Drivers

If you have a new driver in your family, we at Toyota of North Charlotte are sending them a huge congratulations! We understand how many hours are invested into learning and practicing the ways of the road. It's a proud moment in a family to know that your little one is growing up. You may be handing over the family car or even buying a new one from our N Charlotte dealership. However, a new car comes with new responsibilities for your teen driver. So to make your life easier, we've formulated a car maintenance checklist to send in your teen driver's direction. 

Let's get into the car maintenance checklist. 

            1. Get an oil change 

If you have a car, you have to schedule your routine oil change. Most cars are recommended to change their oil every 3,000-5,000 miles or every three months. It doesn't take too long and can be inexpensive. The oil is essential in taking care of your N Charlotte Toyota as it helps lubricate different parts of your engine to keep it running and healthy. 

            2. Pay attention to your tires! 

Tires are constantly maintaining your N Charlotte's load, and with all that hard work, there's wear and tear that develops over time. If you don't take care of your tires, you could end up with a worn-out tire that blows out on the highway. Luckily this is very unlikely to happen if you maintain your tires, frequently check your tire pressure, and get your tires rotated every time you come in for any car service. 

3. Check the battery 

Your car's battery is responsible for supplying the energy to keep the electricity zooming to start. Especially if you have a hammy-down car, you might want to get your car battery checked before the school year starts. Just in case of emergencies, it's always a good idea to keep jumper cables in your car for emergencies. 

4. Replace your air filter

In your N Charlotte Toyota, you'll want to make sure it smells good and that you don't hear weird noises coming from the cabin of your car. You can do this by replacing your Charlotte Toyota air filter every 15,000-20,000 miles. 

5. Check the windshield wiper fluid and blades. 

Your Charlotte Toyota's car has windshield wiper fluid and blades that help on those days when it starts pouring rain out of nowhere. However, you want to make sure that you go into our service center to get them looked at and further replaced if needed. 

6. Check your lights

It's as easy as making sure to test out your light bulbs before the school year begins if you have an older car. Grab a friend or family member to check your headlights, brake lights, taillights, and turn signals. 

Want to schedule a service appointment? 

Come into our dealership and our trusted service autos will take care of you. Call (704)875-9199 to schedule an appointment. We’re located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Should you get into a new car for the new year?

 So a new year has arrived and it's time for a new you... but is your car going to be able to come along for the ride? It may be time to get yourself behind the wheel of a new car, and our N Charlotte Toyota dealership is here to help you figure out whether or not you should sign the dotted line in 2022. Here are four telltale signs it's time to trade in, trade up, and spend the new year in a new car. 

Four signs you need to get into a new car this year 

#1: You feel like all you do is stop at the gas station. Does it feel like the gas station is your second home? If you're spending a ton of money on fuel, it may be time to swap into something more efficient. Toyota of N Charlotte has tons of fuel-efficient new cars on the lot, both hybrid and non-hybrid. For example, our new Toyota Corolla Hybrid gets 53/53 mpg! Save more money in the new year and check out our efficient new Toyotas. 

#2: You're about to start a new phase of life. Is your life about to change in a big way? Maybe you're about to start a family and want something more kid-friendly. Or maybe you're kicking off your career with a job that's a bit of a commute and you need something more efficient and reliable for the drive. Whatever your new phase is, buying a new car can make it a lot easier to transition. 

#3: Your current car is a money pit. If you're constantly shelling out for maintenance and repairs just to keep your current car up and running, then it's time for an upgrade. After all, it gets to the point where you're spending more than the car is actually worth and that money would be better served toward a down payment on a new car. If you're unsure as to whether or not you should take the plunge, our vehicle upgrade department at Toyota of N Charlotte can help you decide. 

#4: You don't feel safe in your vehicle. Do you feel unsafe in your car? Whether it's due to a much-needed repair that you can't quite afford yet or the fact that it's super unreliable and you never know when it's going to leave you stranded, having an unsafe car is never a good time. If this is how you feel about your current ride, it might be time to consider upgrading into a new car. 

Shop today online or in-person at Toyota of North Charlotte 

Have questions about trade-ins and finding the right car or want to start shopping? Call Toyota of N Charlotte. We're open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199. You can also stop by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Safe Driving Tips: When You're Dealing With Road Rage

If you've ever had a car pull out in front of you and cut you off, you've most likely encountered road rage before. This can be highly frustrating, especially when it's entirely out of your control and very distracting. According to The American Automobile Association, they have linked more than 12,500 injuries to driver violence out of 10,000 car accidents since 2007. Road rage is very dangerous for the driver displaying it and the other drivers on the road. At Toyota of N Charlotte, our expert techs want the best for your safety. 

That's why we're here to discuss the signs you're dealing with road rage and safe driving trips for handling road rage drivers. 

The 9 Signs you're dealing with road rage.

1. The car is swerving or weaving in and out of lanes.

2. They are tailgating your N Charlotte Toyota or other vehicles on the road. 

3. They are screaming and making inappropriate hand gestures.

4. They are getting out of their car and confronting other drivers. 

5. They hit another car on purpose. 

6. Preventing vehicles from chasing lanes or turning by speeding up.

7. They are cutting cars off.

8. They're going over the speed limit. 

9. They are brake checking other drivers on the road. 

10. They are unnecessarily honking their horn. 

 

Tips for how to handle road rage drivers

So, you're dealing with a driver exhibiting signs of road rage. Here are some tips to ensure you deal with road rage drivers in the best way possible. 

Keep calm and stay focused.

Look out for yourself and your N Charlotte Toyota by not engaging in aggressive behavior. It may be challenging, but try not to let it affect your driving attitude. Instead, stay focused and don't get distracted by the aggressive drivers' behaviors. According to NHTSA, Roughly 20% of injuries occurring in car accidents involve distracted driving.

If they're tailgating you.

You may think you have to speed up when another car is tailgating you, but don't feel the pressure to do so if you're going the speed limit. Instead, if you're on a multi-lane road, go ahead and turn on your blinker, check your blindspot, and slowly turn into the other lane so that the car can pass you. 

Keep your distance.

If you notice another driver indicating road rage behaviors, the best thing to do is keep your distance. This includes getting your N Charlotte Toyota as far away from their car as possible while still focusing on the rest of the road to ensure you're in the clear. 

Don't stop your N Charlotte Toyota!

If the road rage driver indicates that they want you to stop, do not stop. Your priority is making sure you get to your destination safely by not engaging with their aggressive behavior. 

Visit Toyota of North Charlotte today! 

Call and schedule a maintenance appointment at (704)659-2025! We're located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Driving in Traffic After the Holidays

Now that the stress of Thanksgiving and Christmas are over, you might be gearing up to start packing to head back home. Unfortunately, many others are packing up as well, which will leave you stuck driving in traffic. At Toyota of N Charlotte, we’ve gathered the best tips for driving in traffic this holiday season. You’ll want to follow these Charlotte Toyota driving tips, so that you stay safe to start the New Year on the right foot. 

Five Tips for Driving in Traffic 

Tip #1 Leave plenty of extra time. 

Before you head out on the highway this year, be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time to get back home. There can be countless Charlotte Toyota road hazards along the way, and crazy traffic along the way. Before you head out and start driving in traffic, be sure to drive a little bit slower than you typically would. There will likely be more car accidents on your way back home, so it’s best to try to avoid these. 

Tip #2 Make sure your car is ready for the road. 

Toyota of N Charlotte also suggests to make sure your car is ready to tackle the road this New Year’s. We suggest to stop by Toyota of N Charlotte for a car maintenance check. Our expert auto service technicians can check your car battery and make sure all of your fluid levels are topped off before you start driving in traffic. The last thing you’d want is to get stuck on the side of the road. 

Tip #3 Check the weather and traffic. 

Also, it’s best to check the weather and traffic before driving in traffic this New Year’s. It’s best to stay prepared and check the weather so you don’t get stuck in the snow or in bumper-to-bumper traffic. You can also prepare mentally before heading out on the road. 

Tip #4 Don’t let distractions get in the way. 

Toyota of N Charlotte also recommends to practice defensive driving on the way back home. We know it can be easy to get distracted while driving home, but it’s very important that you do. 

Tip #5 Prep for the winter weather if necessary. 

If you’re headed home from up north, then you’ll need to make sure you have everything you need in case of emergency. Before you head out and start driving in traffic, be sure you have an emergency kit, blankets, water, flashlights, non-perishable food, and some extra clothes in case you get stuck in the snow. 

Visit Toyota of N Charlotte today! 

If you want more safety tips about driving during New Year’s, then give us a call at (704) 875-9199! We can check your car and make sure everything is in working order. Just book an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road! Take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville. We look forward to seeing you and having our Charlotte Toyota auto service technicians check your car! 

How to get rid of your old car: N Charlotte Toyota tips

 

Do you have a used car that you need to get rid of? Unlike household items, you can't just leave it on the curb for sanitation to pick up or drop it at the Salvation Army. It's a little more complex than that when it comes to getting rid of your old car. There are specific ways to get rid of a used car and our N Charlotte Toyota experts are here to give you all the options. Check it out! 

Five ways to get rid of your used car

Option #1: Trade it in or sell it to a dealership (like us). If your used car still has some life in it and you want to get your money's worth, you should consider trading it in OR selling it at a dealership like Toyota of N Charlotte. We'll give you cash for your car (even if you don't buy a new one from us) and we'll also handle all of the transaction paperwork, like transferring the tag and title, etc. 

Option #2: Sell it privately. You can also sell your used car privately. This allows you to set a price point on your own and decide how high or low you want to go. The only hassle with this option is that it requires a lot of leg work. You'll have to advertise the car, set up and go on test drives, and when it's sold, do all of the accompanying paperwork yourself (which means you'll have to trek down to the DMV - DREAD). 

Option #3: Kick it to the curb online. You also have the option of selling your car online to companies that buy them. They'll typically pick the car up from your house, but keep in mind that you won't be able to haggle the price. 

Option #4: Donate it. If you feel like being a do-gooder, why not donate your ride? You can always find an organization that's looking for a car and not only will it make you feel good to give back, but it'll also be a tax write-off for you. Be sure to consult with your accountant if you take this route of getting rid of your used car! 

Option #5: Junk it. If the car isn't fit to sell, trade, or donate, it may be time to junk it. Some junkyards will buy your cars as they can use the parts and some will just take them. You'll have to set up transportation for the vehicle, but it'll be off your hands. 

Set up a free appraisal at Toyota of N Charlotte 

How will you get rid of your used car? If you have questions or want to set up an appraisal appointment with our used cars director, call us. Toyota of North Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

Car maintenance for your older ride: What you should know

 Is your car getting up there in terms of years, mileage, or both? An older vehicle doesn't necessarily mean unreliable; nor should it mean you have to spend a fortune on car care just to keep it up and running. However, just like anything else, as it gets older you may have to give it a little more TLC to keep it in the best shape possible. Check out these car maintenance tips for older cars from our expert Charlotte auto service techs and give your car the love it needs to keep it going for miles to come. 

Five car maintenance tips for older vehicles 

Tip #1: Check your features regularly. As your car ages, things will start to wear out (there's really no getting around it). This is why it's important to routinely test your car's features like the A/C, defroster, radio, power seats, power outlets, etc. to ensure each is working as it should. If something seems like it's on the way out, figure out if it's worth repairing now to get ahead or if you can live without it. 

Tip #2: Be realistic about repairs. Yes, you want your car to stay in working condition (and for you to live that no car payment life) for as long as possible. But it's important to be realistic about your car's repairs. Consider the cost of the repair versus the value of your N Charlotte Toyota - would it be better to take the money you'd use for the repair and put it down on a new car? If you're not sure, you can always ask our Charlotte car maintenance techs for advice. 

Tip #3: Come up with workarounds. If the repair you need is going to cost you a little more than what you're comfortable with, try to be creative and come up with a workaround. Radio no longer working? What about leaving a Bluetooth speaker in the car? Consider the issue and see if there's a way to fix it more affordably before you shell out big bucks for repairs. 

Tip #4: Don't let routine car maintenance fall to the wayside. As your N Charlotte Toyota ages, it's even more critical to stick to a car maintenance routine. Make sure you stay on top of routine auto service like oil changes, tuneups, brake service, and tire rotations. Not only will scheduled car care keep your car in the best shape, it'll also keep other issues from arising as a result and save you time and money. 

Tip #5: Address issues ASAP. It's always tempting to ignore that funny sound coming from the engine bay or to act like you don't see the check engine light... but don't. Small issues can quickly become big problems in older vehicles, so you want to stay on top of it. If you notice something, just call our Charlotte car maintenance center and schedule an appointment to drop by and have our techs take a look at it. 

Schedule car care at Toyota of N Charlotte today 

Have questions or need to get car maintenance on the books? Call us! Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.