Do You Drive with Dirty Oil in Your Car?

Probably Not ! During the life of your car we all have our oil changed regularly because we know a vehicle running on dirty oil does not run as well, gets less gas mileage and will break down more often with costly repairs. The same thought process follows with power steering, transmission and brake flushes. You wouldn’t drive your car with dirty oil so why would you drive your car with dirty power steering, transmission and brake fluid ? Dirty fluid is dirty fluid. Below is some helpful information on the benefits having your fluids flushed.

Power Steering Flush

• Power steering fluid flush should be done every 30,000 miles.
• Insures proper lubrication of your power steering unit and its parts
• Over time the fluid becomes burnt, discolored, oxidized and tiny metal flakes from wear runs throughout the system causing damage
• Dirty fluid is thicker than clean fluid causing the components to work harder causing premature failure of the power steering system. (hoses, seals, pump, steering rack)
• Flushing will allow for a longer life for the power steering components helping save your car from an expensive repair

Transmission Flush

• Transmission fluid flush should be performed every 30,000 miles.
• Keeping your transmission lubricated will help it to operate with more efficiency.
• Over time as the fluid deteriorates it becomes darker in color and will acquire a burnt odor. Another indication the fluid needs to be flushed is when you see dirt and debris in the fluid.
• A transmission flush requires 8 quarts, however we use an additional 8 quarts to make sure the dirt and debris are flushed out as much as possible.
• A transmission flush will help your transmission run smoother and add life to your transmission.  

Brake Flush

• Brake fluid flush should be done every 30,000 miles or 24 months
• A brake fluid flush ensures proper brake system performance and increases the lifespan of your brake system components.
• Keeping clean fresh fluid in your system will keep your brakes working better and slow the corrosion caused by moisture
• Brake fluid starts to absorb moisture from the moment it is put in the system.
• Regularly flushes to your brake system will help keep you from costly brake repairs caused by corrosion.

Basicly all fluids break down over time and need to be replaced. Replacing these fluids need to be part of your scheduled maintenance over the lifespan of your vehicle. This can add years of life to your car as it ages.

Call 770-457-9991 for an appointment

Sienna Van Recall for Sliding Door, Takata Airbag Recall

Recently Toyota issued a recall on Toyota Sienna Vans for the model years 2011 - 2016. According to Toyota, when the sliding doors are “impeded” a circuit can become overloaded, opening a motor fuse.

This means “If this occurs when the door latch is in an unlatched position, the door could open while driving, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant”

I became aware of the Sienna Van issue a few months ago and have been holding off on writing about it hoping Toyota would come out with a remedy. With the current situation of not having a remedy please be careful especially if children are riding in the back seats.

Takata Airbag Update

The Takata Airbag recall that I and many others received on our vehicles last May still has no remedy available. The current solution from Toyota is to still not “operate the vehicle with an occupant in the passenger seat”.

Here is the current list for the Takata airbag recall of Toyota’s Lexus and Scion’s we found:

2011 - Sienna

2010 - 2011 -4Runner

2009 - 2011 Corolla

2009 - Matrix

2008 - 2011 Scion XB

2007 - 2011 Yaris Sedan

2006 - 2011 Yaris Hatchback

2005 -2007 Lexus SC Coupe

2002–2010 Lexus SC430

2006–2011 Lexus IS

2007–2011 Lexus ES

2010–2011 Lexus GX

There could be other models recalled, please check with the information below.

Here are some links and phone numbers:

Questions, call the Toyota Customer Experience at 1 800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction 1 800-255-3987.

Here is also a link where you can put in your vehicles VIN # to check for recall. You will need your full 17 digit VIN #.

http://www.toyota.com/recall

We will keep you up to date with current information on important Toyota Lexus and Scion recalls as they become available.

Car Care Tips From the Pros at ToyoTechs

ToyoTechs offers these car care tips to remind you to stick to a service schedule and gain a little more peace of mind driving especially during the winter months.

1. Replace dirty filters, such as air, fuel and cabin. Clean filters help keep your  engine running better and burns less gasoline. The cabin filter removes the road dirt and grime from entering into your breathing area.
2. Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual — more often if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
3. The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.
4. The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
5. Replace old wiper blades regularly. This is a must for seeing the road in rainy weather.
6. Have your battery checked. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. The summer heat wears down your battery so it is more likely to fail in cold weather.
7. Inspect all lights and bulbs. Replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses.
8. Worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month, letting the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good working condition. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels makes your engine work harder and thus use excess gasoline.
9. Have your brakes checked periodically for safety and to prevent costly repairs that can be caused by neglect.
10. Get transmission, brake and power steering flushes. These are part of a scheduled maintenance plan that are often neglected until a major failure. Routine checks and fluid flushes can prevent very costly repairs down the line.
11. Always carry an emergency kit with you: extra gloves, blankets, flares, a flashlight and extra batteries, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a emergency poncho,a cell phone and car charger. Also keep water and a few “high-energy” snacks in your car.
12. Emergency phone numbers should always be kept close by.

Regular, routine maintenance can help improve your gasoline mileage, reduce pollution, and catch minor problems before they become big headaches.