How to Extend the Life of Your Car

How to Extend the Life of Your Car in Dothan, AL

You rely on your car every day, whether you use it for commuting to work, taking the kids to school or running errands around Dothan, Ozark, Enterprise and the surrounding area. That’s why it’s important that your vehicle stays healthy, so it’s ready to go whenever you need it. Scheduling regular maintenance is crucial if you want your model to stay reliable, and the team here at Toyota of Dothan is here to provide whatever service your model needs — from minor tune-ups to major repairs. All of our service technicians are highly trained and familiar with all the ins and outs of Toyota vehicles , so you can be confident that your car is in good hands when you leave it with us.

In addition to regular service, there are other ways that you can extend the life of your vehicle. Take a look at our list below to learn simple ways that you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come. And remember, if you have any questions, just contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Wash & wax your vehicle regularly.

Keep your Toyota clean and protected against harsh weather by washing and waxing it on a regular basis.

Don't forget the interior.

To ensure your car’s interior looks (and smells) fresh, remember to deep clean, use stain remover and vacuum the seats and carpeting often. If you have leather seats, keep them in great shape with leather cleaner and protectant. If your seats are covered with fabric instead, you can use upholstery cleaner and fabric protectant.

Keep an eye on your tires.

High-quality tires are key to a great driving experience. Check your tires regularly to ensure they have deep tread and the correct internal PSI (as recommended by your owner’s manual). Don’t forget to bring your model in to have its tires rotated, too. This helps your tires wear evenly over time.

Fill up with care.

Only choose reliable gas stations when it’s time to refuel, and try to avoid pumping gas when the fuel truck is filling up the tanks. During this process, sediment can be stirred up in the gasoline, and this sediment can clog your vehicle’s fuel filters and injectors.

Keep up with oil changes.

Regular oil changes are crucial to maintaining a healthy vehicle. Check your owner’s manual to see how often to have your oil changed, and don’t postpone when your vehicle is due for this vital service. Your car will thank you!

Change the filters.

Your car’s filters are also important components that need to be replaced regularly. Your owner’s manual will contain guidance on how often to have your air, fuel, transmission and cabin filters replaced.

Repair damage to your windshield as soon as possible.

When a rock chips your windshield, it may not seem like a big deal, but tiny chips and cracks can become major issues over time. Before long, you may have to buy a whole new windshield.

Use genuine OEM parts.

Don’t settle for off-brand parts. Genuine Toyota parts will fit your vehicle best, allowing it to perform at peak efficiency. If you need help finding a specific part for a DIY repair, our Toyota experts will be happy to help!

Make sure fluids are at the correct level.

Your vehicle’s fluids need to be checked regularly in order for it to function properly. Refer to your owner’s manual to see how often each fluid should be checked, and if you need any help, our technicians will be happy to advise you.

These are just a few steps to follow in order to keep your vehicle healthy and on the road for a long time. If you have any questions about your vehicle's maintenance, don't hesitate to contact a member of our team or stop by our dealership at 2285 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301 . We look forward to serving our customers near Ozark and Enterprise.