The last scenario you want to find yourself in is discovering that your car battery has died and you require emergency services. It will leave you wishing you had made an effort to look after your car's battery better. In any case, it's not a pleasant location to be in. Understanding these patterns can assist you in extending battery life in the hope of preventing such a situation. That is why our Toyota dealer near Tustin is here today to teach you what good drivers do to keep their vehicle's batteries running as long as possible:

Remembering to turn off all of your lights.

We are all aware that one of the leading causes of a car battery discharge is leaving the headlights on. These days, most cars have systems that can assist you in avoiding this issue. Sadly, there are lights inside a vehicle that you can leave on even though they're not your headlights. Trunks and hatches are notorious for not closing all the way; thus, if a door doesn't close, a light may remain on for a very long period or perhaps forever. Some vehicles will turn off all lights automatically after a short period, but if this happens frequently, it could reduce the battery's lifespan. More importantly, this drain will become more significant as your battery ages, says nearby Tustin car dealerships.

Turning off the vehicle when parked.

The battery should be good as long as the engine is running and the alternator is functioning properly. However, your battery will be drained if you stop the car and leave the engine running, perhaps while your passenger does a quick errand to the store. While having the fan on and music playing is fun at the moment, running numerous devices while the engine is off may drain a car's battery. You can perform this once, and it won't harm the battery. The battery will struggle if you do it repeatedly since the harm will accumulate. Your AC may turn off for several reasons, one of which is when a start-stop system activates at a traffic signal.

Keeping your car sheltered in severe weather conditions.

Tustin Toyota dealerships warn that even when keeping a car outside in the open isn't always an option, it's crucial to comprehend what is taking place. Extreme weather conditions can harm batteries and reduce their lifespan. The extreme temperature might result in a buildup of crystals on the battery, whether it is over 100 degrees or below 10 degrees. Those crystals aren't ideal for performance, as you might expect. When it's possible, parking in a garage or under cover can help so that your car doesn't become overheated or too cold. Both of these scenarios will mean disaster for your battery.

Optimize your car battery with Toyota of Orange.

If you are unsure about the current condition of your car's battery, go ahead and schedule an appointment with our Toyota dealer near Tustin today. Our specialists will run all the necessary tests to ensure your battery runs smoothly. If you need a replacement, we'll gladly swap 'em out for you!

While rain may not be the most common occurrence in Southern California, that doesn’t mean it never happens. When it does, we will use our windshield wiper blades because when it rains, it certainly rains! You probably already know how critical it is to have routine maintenance procedures like tire rotations and oil changes. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what can happen to you if your windshield wipers don’t work, so what about forgetting to update them? This is a crucial aspect of car maintenance. Learn more directly from the experts at our Toyota near Irvine:

How frequently should windshield wipers be changed?

The wiper blades should be changed every six months or as soon as you observe a change in your driving visibility. They are made to glide smoothly and easily across the surface of your windshield. Wiper blades can start to squeak, smear, or streak when they are no longer in proper touch with the windshield surface, reducing your ability to see the road ahead. Unfortunately, damaged or broken blades will not function as intended. You should call and schedule an appointment immediately if you notice something is off.

What can cause windshield blades to wear out?

Wiper blades deteriorate due to various environmental variables, such as sunlight, oil, and flying debris. Being seen is essential for safe driving. Even though drivers rely on their car wiper blades to clear away snow, sleet, and rain, many don't change them until they're needed. Wiper blade maintenance can improve visibility, effectiveness, and dependability. As we’ve already established, the consequence of failing to replace your windshield wiper blades on time is a no-brainer- so do not wait to consult your Toyota dealer near Irvine before it’s too late.

When is it time to change the blades?

Here are a few methods to check the wiper blades for replacement in addition to their sound and wipe quality:

• Verify the edges of the squeegee. The wiper blade's ability to make solid contact with the windshield and the wipe's quality can be compromised by worn edges.
• The visible flaws in the rubber squeegee's edge include cracks, tears, and missing portions.
• To test whether the rubber squeegee is still flexible, move it back and forth. The contour of your windshield won't fit old squeegees, which can result in streaks.
• To ensure the wiper blade is firmly mounted on the wiper arm, tug or gently pull it. Verify that the squeegee is firmly affixed to the wiper blade frame.

Toyota of Orange can get the job done.

It's time to replace your blades if you discover you're having problems getting rain off your windshield. Please, contact our service center here at Toyota of Orange for a quick and easy replacement. We are always here to help our loyal customers whenever you need us. You can also bet on a reliable and enjoyable driving experience for every single mile of your lease or ownership by bringing your car to your Toyota near Irvine for all your servicing and maintenance requirements, like replacing wiper blades and so much more!

Your wheel alignment is a critical aspect of your Toyota vehicle. Greater fuel efficiency, a smoother ride, and improved vehicle safety are just a few advantages of this frequently disregarded service. Here, we'll outline why you should always, which entails modifying your car's suspension system (the link between the vehicle and the wheels). Here is why you should always check your alignment at our esteemed Toyota dealer near Anaheim:

• Your tires will last longer.

Tire wear that is early and uneven might be caused by misalignment. It would help if you bought tires regularly when it's too late to obtain a wheel alignment at your Toyota dealer serving Anaheim. If you're currently near your car, look to see if any of these three types of premature or uneven tire wear are present in your tires:

Camber Wear: 

Does the inside or outside border of the tire tread appear significantly more worn than the center? It can be the result of camber wear. The angle your tires make with the car's frame is referred to as a camber, and depending on the angle, it can be either positive or negative. Recreational cars typically benefit from positive camber (tilting outward), whereas high-performance vehicles benefit from negative camber (leaning inward). Both positive and negative camber is beneficial, but too much of either is detrimental.

Feathering: 

Tires are said to be "feathered" when the tread is sharp on one side and smooth or worn down on the other. This kind of tire wear happens when several different incorrect alignment settings are present.

Heel and toe wear: 

Envision the treads on your tires, then zoom in. Tire "tread blocks" are those discrete pieces. Heel and toe wear occurs when one side of a tread block seems to be degrading more quickly than the other in the direction your tire is rolling. Vibration or loudness can be a sign of heel/toe wear.

• Better tires mean less need for frequent auto repair.

The roads can be harsh. Even a tiny bump could cause severe issues if your tires are out of alignment. A faulty alignment, for instance, can make hitting a pothole significantly more damaging to your tires and suspension system. Poor alignment puts your suspension and steering systems under strain, and parts of the steering and suspension systems may wear unevenly, necessitating costly repairs. A minor investment in wheel alignment services can save you from later having to pay a large sum of money for more extensive auto repairs.

• Lower fuel costs.

The cost of fuel and wheel alignment are directly related. An automobile with good alignment often has better fuel efficiency than one with improper alignment. This is because misaligned wheels won't function properly as a set. This can decrease fuel efficiency because your engine will have to work harder to move your automobile ahead.

Come to Toyota of Orange today!

Every six thousand, you should have your tires balanced and aligned to ensure more excellent performance and longer tire life. If your car displays any alignment issues, make an appointment for a wheel alignment at Toyota of Orange, the #1 Toyota dealer near Anaheim.

It's been hot in Orange County throughout August and September, that's for sure! For health reasons, locals across southern California are advised to restrict their time outdoors and stay out of the sun. Living in a seemingly endless summer can be both a blessing and a curse in places like this! You may easily protect yourself from the heat by choosing an air-conditioned vehicle whenever possible. But what about your car? That's where Toyota of Orange, one of the most respected dealers near Tustin Toyota, comes in with the most effective tips to help you protect your car from the extreme heat.

Use a sunshade.

Owning a sunshade is extremely important in a state like California. If you park at an angle where the sun beats down your windshield for hours every day, a high-quality sunshade can keep your car several degrees cooler than leaving the windshield exposed. As a result, you'll have to deal with dash fading, cracking, warping, and other issues. You may extend the life and condition of your automobile by taking a few extra minutes to set up a sunshade when you know you won't be returning to it for a while.

Park your car in the shade or a covered area.

Parking undercover is the most straightforward approach to safeguarding your automobile when the weather is sweltering. Covered parking significantly improves the life of your car's interior by preserving leather, preventing burning, and even preventing dashboards and other crucial parts from deteriorating due to extended exposure to the intense heat. Finding a covered parking space will save you money and headaches, especially as your car ages, because the average interior temperature of a car can rocket well above 150 degrees Fahrenheit during a warm day. Additionally, this will stop your paint from fading, your windows from changing color, and the display screens on your car from overheating.

Have your windows cracked at all times.

When it's scorching outside, open your windows! This allows heat to escape the cabin, making it less stuffy. Dealers near Tustin auto center will do this with the cars on their lot.

Install seat covers.

Your automobile seats can benefit from seat covers in several ways. They aid in keeping your chairs clean, and they also help in defending them against deterioration. But more crucially, keeping the seats cool in the heat improves the driving experience.

Check up on your air conditioning.

Get your car's AC checked at the authorized center if you notice that it isn't keeping you cool enough. It can be a problem with the compressor or the refrigerant charge level. Or perhaps the only problem is that your car's gas tank is low and the air conditioner has to be re-gassed. Get it checked out, identify the cause, and fix it before it stops operating. A well-working AC is vital to stay comfortable while driving and prevent accidents caused by driving while distracted.

Need some help?

If you feel your car needs some tuning to survive the heat, don't hesitate to come into Toyota of Orange, one of the leading dealers near Tustin Toyota in Orange County, CA!

Several systems and parts at work in your Toyota when you're behind the wheel keep you safe while driving. You might not expect it, but your tires are one of the most crucial safety systems. Your tires can quickly become a safety hazard on the road if they have inadequate tread. To ensure your safety, keep an eye out for these warning signs that indicate you need new tires and replace them at our Toyota near Irvine:

Peculiar noises while driving.

One of the most obvious warning signs of tire problems is the noise you hear while driving. Turn the radio, roll down the windows, and listen to your car as you go. When the tread wears down or is completely worn out, the tires' additional surface area that comes into contact with the road can occasionally generate noise. By carefully listening to hear if the noise changes in volume with your speed, you can tell the difference between noise coming from your car and road noise.

Low pressure on the tires.

Certain things affect the pressure in your tires, such as changes in temperature. It's essential to ensure the tires are at the correct pressure before you head out. If you drive on tires that are too low, you run the risk of damaging the wheels, while driving on overinflated tires can result in a blowout ot other damage to the tire. Always ensure a tire pressure gauge in your glove box and check the tires every time you get gas. This is helpful because if your tires are low, it's easy to fill them up while you're there.

Your car skids whenever you brake.

If you feel the car sliding or skidding when you apply the brakes, that is another obvious sign that your tires need to be replaced. Your vehicle can stop thanks to the cooperation of your tires and the braking system. You won't be able to stop quickly if the tires can't properly grip the pavement. Roads that are wet, icy, or snowy will worsen the problem. When you apply those brakes, you may also feel vibrations in the steering wheel. This could indicate that you need a new set of brake pads, but it could also be a sign that your tires are worn out or improperly mounted.

Low tread

Examining the tread depths is one quick way to determine whether your tires need to be replaced. The tires lose their ability to grip the road as the tread wears down, which happens naturally as you drive and may slide or skid when you apply the brakes. When road conditions are rough, this becomes even riskier, so you'll need to head over to one of the most trustworthy Irvine car dealerships before it's too late!

Cracks and bulges

Walk around your car once a week or so and inspect the tires. Look for areas that are bulging or showing signs of cracking because when a tire starts to deflate, the sides will protrude. Any of these symptoms could indicate a slow leak that needs to be fixed. Ignoring this issue could result in a more severe problem, such as a blowout while traveling at high speed or even a flat tire that occurs at an inconvenient time.

If you're due for a tire change, don't delay! Schedule a Toyota service appointment with Toyota of Orange today, the #1 Toyota dealer near Irvine!