Extending the Life of Your Vehicle

Our Technicians have compiled tips to keeping your car running better and extending the life of your vehicle. Keeping up with your car’s maintenance and getting problems fixed before they become bigger problems are the keys to getting those extra years of life out of your car.

Tips for getting extra years out of your car and saving money in the long run.

1 - Change oil regularly, every 3000 - 5000 miles (longer if using synthetic, 7500)

2 - Check all fluid levels every few months (Transmission, brake, coolant and power steering)

3 - Change air filter (Usually every 6 months, car will get higher gas mileage and run better )

4 - Check tire pressure and wheels (Properly inflated tires give you better gas mileage, uneven wear from being out of balance or alignment causes vibration that can cause stress on the car's suspension).

5 - Fluid flushes (Transmission, brake and power steering flushes. These fluids breakdown contaminated by impurities, dirt, moisture and corrosive properties that cause these systems to have expensive problems.

6 - Schedule a safety inspection twice a year, more often if you do a lot of driving. (We perform a safety inspection with every oil change)

7 - Protect your car's exterior and interior. (Have your car waxed twice a year and keep the dirt and grime from the inside. This will increase your car’s value when it’s time to sell and it just feels better)

8 - Fix the small issues now (Small issues with your car often turn into big issues if they are not repaired in a timely manner, coolant leaks, oil leaks)

9 - Know your car (be sure to glance through your owner's manual to get an idea about your scheduled maintenance, as always we will be glad to help you with your scheduled maintenance)

All of these tips are inexpensive and have a huge effect on how well your vehicle runs. These simple tips will absolutely help lengthen the life of your car.

No Need to Idle Your Car in Cold Weather

This was originally sent out last winter however with the freezing weather I thought it was pertinent to send out again. It seems as though we’ve had more winter in the last month than the last 3 years combined.

Back in the day everybody would idle their vehicle to get the engine warm. That’s when all cars had carburetors. However it’s been 30 years since that was commonplace. With today's fuel injectors, computer systems and thinner oils you don’t need to warm up your car’s engine like in the good old days.

The best way to warm up your car is to start it up, wait a few seconds and go. It takes 3-10 minutes to warm your engine so just don’t gun the engine at the start. Just take it easy.  As your engine becomes warmer the computer sensors in your car will adjust the fuel mixture to be less rich until your car’s engine heats up to 40 degrees.

Idling your car for more than 30 seconds wastes gas, causes excessive wear to cylinders, piston rings, spark plugs and can even harm your exhaust system. So to be clear with the point, idling is not an effective or wise way to warm up your car.

So unless you're driving a 1980’s vehicle which we assume your not, dress warm get in your car and go.

( I will say last Thursday AM when it was 16 degrees I did sit in my car for 3-4 minutes. That was due more to me being so cold and not wanting to move.)

Don't forget about our other shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair. AHR is equipped to handle all your Toyota and Lexus service needs. AHR is smaller, so often it's easier to get an appointment. Gas powered and hybrids are welcome. Located at 5630 Peachtree Blvd. 1 mile away from the main shop across the street from Wendy’s and the Kia dealership. Call Kenny or Robbie for appointment at 770-492-7437

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Once again the holidays are upon us. All of us here at ToyoTechs wish you and your family Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Our hopes for all of you are that this is the most awesome Holiday Season ever.

We cherish you the customer and are so thankful for the trust that all of you have placed in our company for so many years. We are all grateful for your patronage. Y'all have told so many of your friends about us that you have become our best advertising.

As I get older I appreciate all of my family and friends so much more than when I was young spud. Now when my family gets together on Christmas there will be 50-55 people. There is so much food and fun it’s ridiculous.

In my younger years I took all of this for granted. Now being able to spend time with my daughters, brothers, sisters all 22 of my nieces and nephews it is so amazingly fun. The love and fellowship is all around we just need to take the time see it and enjoy it.

Be safe in your travels to be with your family and friends this Holiday Season.There is nothing more magical than time spent enjoying the love of friends and family.

Thanks

The ToyoTechs Team