As April comes to a close, our Toyota of Plano team wants you to head into summer confident that your vehicle is prepared for all types of adventures this season. That’s why our team is wrapping up National Car Care Month by providing you with a list of reasons why proper vehicle maintenance is so important.
Aside from routine services, there are various measures drivers can take to ensure that their vehicles maintain their value and stay reliable.
Frequency is key. Neglecting your vehicle's maintenance needs can result in unnecessary wear and tear. By bringing your vehicle in frequently to be assessed by a Toyota of Plano certified technician, you can help to prolong the life of your vehicle and improve the overall efficiency of its systems. The service stickers seen on your vehicle detail the absolute latest date you should bring your vehicle in. Drivers who have a higher activity level may want to consider bringing in their vehicles more than the average driver.
Don’t turn a blind eye to any potential maintenance issues. While a warning light, a knocking noise, or the smell of gas may not seem like a big deal, these small issues can indicate a much larger problem. It is a good practice to address any small concerns so they don't develop into larger, more costly issues down the road. A good rule of thumb, when deciding on the urgency of a potential maintenance issue, is to always err on the side of caution, and our Toyota of Plano experts are standing by ready to assist with any of your vehicle concerns.
When the time comes to step into a new Toyota vehicle, keeping up with the proper maintenance of your vehicle will increase its curb appeal to potential buyers, and more importantly maintenance will also ensure that you receive the most resale value for your trade-in. A well-maintained vehicle is easy to spot, and the condition of your vehicle can significantly impact your trade-ins overall value. At Toyota of Plano, we take pride in offering the best pre-owned vehicles. When purchasing from our Certified Pre-Owned selection, you can feel comfortable knowing that each vehicle has gone through a 160-point inspection. That’s another reason why you can trust the experts at Toyota of Plano Service Center to make sure your vehicle maintains its value, because ultimately, our team knows what to look for.
Below are a few simple maintenance tasks that will have your vehicle out performing other cars on the road and help prevent larger issues.
-
Test your vehicle's lights, interior and exterior. By making sure that your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are properly functioning, you can be reassured that you are visible to other motorists in low light conditions. Improperly functioning lights is one of the main causes leading to vehicle accidents, and maintenance of these items can improve your overall safety.
-
Check your tire tread and tire pressure. Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature, and low tire pressure can increase your risk of being left stranded with a flat. Additionally, maintaining tire pressure can save you up to 6% on gas, by just improving your engine's overall efficiency. Checking your tread frequently is another equally important maintenance task. Worn tire tread will leave you unprepared to face unexpected driving conditions, whether you face snow, sleat, ice, mud, or rain.
-
Change your windshield wipers as needed. While generally wipers should be changed every six to twelve months, as the winter weather subsides, it’s important to check the condition of your wipers. Cold and rainy weather can cause your windshield wipers to wear or even sustain damage due to increased use. While it may seem like a secondary item, your wiper blades help to maintain your visibility on the road and should be assessed as a safety precaution.
-
Listen for any unusual brake noises. The brakes of your vehicle are one of the most critical safety systems, and any sort of noise could be a sign of a malfunction. It’s the best practice to take your vehicle in for a full vehicle diagnostic check, every several months. This will allow our Toyota of Plano service team to find any brake issues, before they become major concerns.
-
Have your battery life tested regularly. There are many factors that can cause your battery to malfunction, and they can be easy to overlook at times. During a vehicle diagnostic, our Toyota of Plano team will check your battery function, so you can act before a battery concern becomes a more costly issue.
-
For optimal performance, make sure to check your fluid levels and refill them as needed. The systems in your vehicle use fluid to function properly, and simple maintenance items like oil changes, can ensure your vehicle does not sustain unnecessary engine damage.
National Car Care Month is not only focused on promoting awareness of the importance of vehicle maintenance, but it is also concerned with improving awareness of the connection between many of these maintenance items and your overall driving safety. A well maintained vehicle is always the safest option, and our Toyota of Plano service team is ready to care for you and your vehicle.
