Take Advice from Charlotte Area Toyota on How Not to Ruin your Car

Jul 5, 2013

With the every day hustle and bustle of our lives, it is easy to overlook necessary vehicle maintenance, which hurts our car. We may even be doing things to damage our vehicle and don’t know it. Take advice from Charlotte area Toyota on how to avoid ruining your car.

Change your Car’s Oil

You’ve likely heard this one a hundred times, but routine oil changes are critical to the car’s life. Oil is what lubricates the engine. Without it, the engine can seize up and stop working, which is a very expensive fix. Consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle for how often the manufacturers recommend oil changes.

Use the Parking Brake

When you’re parked on a hill or even a flat surface, use the parking brake. Otherwise the stress goes to the transmission. Remember to disengage it before you begin to drive again.

Don’t Let the Engine Overheat

This problem can cost several thousand dollars to fix if you let it happen. Overheating can occur because you have a problem with the radiator, thermostat, or have a breakdown of antifreeze that happens over time. Flush your antifreeze as often as your owner’s manual recommends, and watch your temperature gauge to know when you’re running over the engine’s normal temperature.

Keep the Interior Clean

Stains and odors will negatively affect your car’s resale value. Avoid eating, drinking and smoking inside, and be careful when transporting your pet. Vacuum it out on a regular basis and make sure to dispose of your car’s garbage when it is full.