When to Change Your Car Air Filter
We recommend you change your car air filter every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, you need to be on the lookout for signs of an air filter that is past its prime. Here’s how you’ll know it needs to be replaced.
- You see a decrease in gas mileage: A common symptom of a dirty air filter is a decrease in fuel efficiency. Due to the lower amounts of oxygen, your engine compensates by consuming more fuel to produce enough power.
- You hear unusual engine sounds: When the engine is turned on, but the car is not in motion, you should hear the smooth hum of an efficient engine. What a sound! However, if you notice your car is vibrating or you hear a slipping or coughing sound, this could be a sign of rough idling taking place. This can occur due to a damaged spark plug resulting from a clogged air filter.
- The engine misfires: Speaking of engines, if you begin to notice your engine not easily starting up, it may be due to a dirty filter. An unclean air filter significantly hinders the amount of airflow to the engine. This, in turn, can have many effects on how the engine operates.
- Flames of black smoke exits the exhaust: An insufficient air supply can result in some of the fuel not burning and exiting the car through the exhaust pipe. If you see black smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, then it’s time to schedule an appointment!
- The service engine light comes on: Yes, the dreaded service engine light that every car owner fears. This is a useful sign that your air filter (among other things) needs to be checked. It’s advisable to never ignore the service light in your vehicle.
- You notice a drop in horsepower: If your car does not respond normally when you press the gas pedal, or if you notice jerking movements, this is a sign that your engine is not receiving the air it needs to perform. When this occurs, you should check and replace your filter if it appears dirty. Speaking of which…
- Your air filter looks dirty: Appearances go a long way, and a new air filter should appear white or off-white. Over time as it gathers more dirt and dust, it will turn darker in color. Once that happens, it is time to have it replaced.
Never forget that you have certified auto mechanics that will always be around when you need them. Whether you need an air filter change, oil change, or any other maintenance issue, Scott Clark Toyota has your back! Schedule an appointment online today, or call us at 855-314-64444, and make sure your car’s needs are taken care of.
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Should I Buy or Lease My Next Car?
Decisions, decisions! The answer to this question is going to vary from individual to individual and from circumstance to circumstance. We’re here to make this important decision a little clearer for you.
First, a look at the benefits of buying a car:
- Eventual ownership
- No mileage limits
- Modify the car without fear of breaking contract agreements
- Once it’s paid off, you can sell it at any time
Sounds great right? Maybe to some, but maybe not to everybody. So, here’s a look at the benefits of leasing a car:
- Lower down payment
- Lower monthly payments available
- Repairs will typically be covered under warranty
- No selling involved
- An option to get a new car every few years
Generally speaking, there are three factors to consider when deciding whether to lease or buy a vehicle.
- Monthly Costs: It is important to remember that this includes more than just monthly payments. You also need to consider car insurance, as collision and comprehensive coverage may be required when you’re financing a car or leasing one. It may also be a good idea to look into adding GAP insurance too, though some lease agreements will include it at no additional cost (always ask if it’s included).
- Overall Costs: This includes down payment, repairs, depreciation, and leasing fees. Examples of leasing fees you may have to pay are:
Acquisition fee- covers costs for arranging the lease.
Security deposit- Roughly equal to one month’s payment.
Early termination fee- Charged if you end the contract early. Amount can vary.
Disposition fee- Covers costs for cleaning and selling the car at the end of the lease.
- Flexibility: Are you the type of person that cringes at the idea of being locked into one car for a long period of time? If so, then leasing might be your best option. However, it is important to remember that leasing may not be as flexible as it appears. If you break your lease early, you could be liable to pay steep penalties including covering all of the remaining lease payments and additional penalties on top of other fees.
This might be a lot to take in, but here at Scott Clark Toyota we’re here to help! You can take our Buy Vs. Lease Questionnaire on our site, and stop by to talk to any of our knowledgeable sales men and women. We’ll be more than happy to help you figure out which option is best for you!
Members of The Scott Clark Auto Group present Marty Clary, President of the Boys and Girls Club Greater Charlotte, with a $10,000 donation.
What started off as a unique campaign idea ended up having a big impact at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte with a large financial donation of $10,000, ice cream, and special recognition to children who participated in an art contest.
It all started with Rick Smith, President of Impact Promotions and founder of Helping Kids Help Kids, was looking for a campaign that would be different and fun. Having worked with The Scott Clark Auto Group for over 10 years, and hearing about the great work the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte does, he decided to work closely with the two organizations and hold a special art contest for the children of the Boys and Girls Club. When it came to the guidelines for the contest, the rules were simple. “I want kids to be kids, so I want them to draw whatever they want and anything to do with a car.” said Rick Smith.
After collecting all of the entries, the top 3 winners were chosen and awarded a plaque with their name and artwork on it, in addition to a gift card. The first-place winners artwork was also sent out to 30,000 people in the Charlotte area.
First-place winner Imani Hull receives her awards plaque from Scott Clark at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte.
After the awards recognition, ice cream was on hand for all of the children and staff.
Marty Clary, the President of the Boys and Girls Club Greater Charlotte, is thrilled with the turn of events. “The support that The Scott Clark Auto Group gave us today is a huge boost. This club and other clubs in the Charlotte area will benefit greatly from the financial contribution provided.”
It stood without question, from all in attendance, that the ability to help out children is the biggest win of them all. “This will provide our kids with the opportunity to come after school to do homework, have fun activities such as visiting museums, and just enjoy themselves after school, out-of-school, and during the summer.” said Smith.
To make your own donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte, visit bgccharlotte.org.
3 Must-See Historic Sites in Charlotte, NC This Fall
Every city has its own unique atmosphere, and the southern town of Charlotte, North Carolina with its deep colonial roots is no different. Because of Charlotte’s big-city, banking capital reputation, it is easy to forget the area’s old-world ambiance and wealth of treasured historic sites close to city center. Charlotte is rich in tradition and southern romance, and boasts a trove of must-see historical sites. Here are just three examples.
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Park
The Reed Gold Mine in Midland, just 26.4 miles east of Charlotte off state-route NC-27 E, is likely the birth of gold mining in the U.S and is the site of the first official commercial gold mine in the area. One Sunday in 1799, farmer John Reed’s son Conrad found a 17-pound gold nugget in Little Meadow Creek on the Reed farm, valued at more than $1 million today. Just one year later, Mr. Reed officially started his highly successful mining operation, right on his own land.
It is no secret that Toyota builds great trucks. For more than 80 years, Toyota has been a leading vehicle manufacturer with a proven record of strength, dependability, and longevity by design. Considering 90 percent of all Toyota Tundras sold within the last ten years are still on the road today, it is no surprise that the Toyota Tundra earned the coveted Kelly Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value award for a full-size truck.
Starting at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $31,120, the Toyota Tundra has been a trailblazer in its class since it hit the U.S. market in 2000. For the model year 2018, we expect to see a revitalized Tundra with a handful of new features that make this half-ton Toyota pickup a must-drive this year.
Charlotte is serious about its burgers. Whether you are looking for the finest in quality ingredients or a quick fill-me-up for lunch, the burgers in Charlotte all have one thing in common: they all need two hands and plenty of napkins. Here are just four of the best burger joints in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Liberty
Touted as serving up the best gourmet burgers in Charlotte with Chef Condron at the helm, the Liberty serves up the finest daily specials; showcasing a variety of menu options like organic lamb, veggie burger, or a burger made from a tasty blend of beef and pork. No matter which burger you choose, the Liberty offers a unique combination of flavors. The Liberty boasts a full bar with 30 wines, 19 hand-crafted beers on tap, and 60 by the bottle.
Are you looking for a large SUV that is stylish and luxurious, while also being a full-blown off-road vehicle? If so, Toyota has you covered with the 2017 Land Cruiser. This iconic design is more stylish than ever. It is also fully equipped to handle even the most intense off-road situations. Here are just three reasons why the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is an SUV that is classy, functional, and rugged at the same time.
Everyday Driving in Comfort
You might buy a Land Cruiser because of its off-road capabilities and classy styling, but it is also a great everyday ride. Perfect for large, active families, the 2017 Land Cruiser can comfortably seat eight people. It also boasts 16.1 cubic feet of storage behind the third-row seats. This is expandable to an impressive 81.7 cubic feet when the third and second row are folded down.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Charlotte’s Best Desserts
If a good dessert is what makes you smile, then a trip to Charlotte will make your taste buds very happy. This city has several cafes, restaurants, and bakeries that offer delicious treats, and in the past few years, many of the local restaurants have upped their game to bring their guests more imaginative treats. Here is where you can indulge your sweet tooth in Charlotte with some of the best desserts.
The Doughnut
The Doughnut is not your average doughnut. This one-pound treat from Stoke restaurant starts off with a full pound of dough that the chefs fry to order. They then dredge it in sugar and fill it with a huge serving of diplomat cream which is a mixture of pastry cream and whipped cream, and then it’s topped with crumbled Heath bars. This dessert comes with a knife stuck right in it to show diners that they will probably need to share it since it will easily feed several people.
5 Ways to Make Your Drive Greener in Your Toyota
Car manufacturers are working hard to make their cars more eco-friendly, but there are also some things you can do to make your drive more environmentally friendly even if you have a regular gas-powered car. Here are five ways to make your drive greener.
Anticipate Braking
If you quickly accelerate and then slam on the brakes when you need to stop, you use much more gas than if you keep an even speed and ease into braking. Look up ahead to see when you’ll have to brake, and lift your foot off the accelerator to slow down before you need to press on the brake. You can do this even when driving in traffic; it just takes some practice. It also helps to pay attention to what is going on several cars ahead of you.
How to Eat Your Way Around NoDa: A Foodie’s Guide
If you’re a foodie living in North Davidson, or NoDa as the locals call it, then you probably already know the best places to eat. Just in case you haven’t learned about all the coolest restaurants, here are some you must try to be considered a NoDa foodie.
Haberdish
At Haberdish, you’ll find Southern-inspired food that is responsibly and locally sourced. This means that the chickens come from Springer Mountain farms in Georgia where they are vegetarian-fed with pesticide-free food. The Snowflake flour comes from a family-run mill in Henderson, and the pork from Beeler Farm, where the pigs are able to move around and socialize.
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