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Taking good care of your tires can make them last longer and additionally keep you and your passengers safe. Proper tire maintenance has several important steps. Here is what Toyota of Dothan wants you to know about taking care of your tires. What You Need To Know About Tire Pressure If your tires are over or under inflated, a variety of issues can occur. First, your tire treads can wear down prematurely. Your fuel economy can be reduced, your drive can become rough and your tires can start to make a humming sound. Worst case scenario is that your tires could over heat and fail. Tire pressure should be checked monthly and adjusted to the recommended level in your owner’s manual. The Importance Of Tire Rotations Tire rotations are also critical when it comes to tire longevity and safety. When tires are not rotated on a regular basis, the treads wear unevenly. Many owners will have their tires rotated when they get their oil changed. Pay Attention To Tire Alignment Proper tire alignment is also essential for safety. While you can’t just look at your tires and know that they are not in alignment, there are warning signs. These include your car pulling to one side or another, a humming sound or a vibration in the steering wheel when driving. Check Your Tire Tread Regularly Finally, checking your tire tread regularly will allow you to know when your tires are no longer safe to drive. A simple check is to use a penny and place it with Lincoln’s head down between the treads. If the tread goes past the top of Lincoln’s head you are good, but if it doesn’t it is time for a new tire. Be sure to check all four tires and not just one.

The steering gear is an important part of your day-to-day driving.  The steering gear, which is also referred to as the steering gear box, is responsible for exactly what the names suggests: steering the car in the direction indicated by the position of the wheel.  What happens if something is a little off?  Toyota of Dothan discusses damage to the steering gear. How Does the Steering Gear Work? The steering gear, or steering gear box, responds to the position of the steering shaft, transmitting the direction to the wheels to that the car travels in the intended direction.  The steering gear permits you to merge, turn corners, and to switch lanes quickly and with very little effort. How Can I Tell if My Steering Gear is Damaged? One of the most revealing indicators of wear or damage is the lack of response when steering.  If you try to turn or switch lanes, and you experience a significant delay, the steering gear is most likely the culprit.  We have come a long way from the steering of the old days, which was laborious and exhausting.  If you sense a decline in your steering, visit the shop right away.  There are other ways of identifying damage or failure: steering is jerky, there is excessive play, you notice a leak from the gearbox or steering shaft, or cracks are evident. What are the Dangers of a Damaged or Worn Steering Gear? Think about this for a moment: you go to turn quickly, or you need to make a sudden maneuver to avoid danger, but the car does not respond to the action.  What do you think the result will be?  You need to have steady steering to control the car at high speeds, to make maneuvers, and to avoid accidents.  Anything short of responsive will be disastrous.

Have you heard the term ‘paddle shifter’ recently?  If you have been shopping for a car online, chances are you have.  A few Toyota vehicles are equipped with the feature, but what is it and how does it work.  Toyota of Dothan explains paddle shifters. What are Paddle Shifters? Paddle shifters are ideal for drivers who like to have a little more control over their speeds and RPMs.  Manual transmission are still very popular options for drivers, and many high performance vehicles features standard transmissions.  Paddle shifters capture the essence of the manual transmission, but without all of the work.  Paddle shifters are generally located on the back of the steering wheel, on either the left or right side.  The shifters are hand-operated and permit the driver to choose between ‘drive’ mode and ‘manual’ mode.  Drive does not require shifting.  Manual mode gives the driver the ability to shift either up or down.  The shifters are usually a minus paddle on one side for downshifting, and a plus paddle on the opposite side for upshifting. How do I Use Paddle Shifters? Not all designs are the same, but many work similarly.  With the car in ‘drive,’ you just drive as you would with an automatic.  If you downshift or upshift when the car is in drive mode, the transmission will adjust accordingly, but only temporarily.  If you want to take complete control of shifting, you have to switch the manual operation mode, which allows you to control the RPM at which the gears are changed.

Frequent oil changes are the bane of many drivers. The cost, the time, the remembering, all add up to a general dislike of how often cars need the oil changed. Toyota of Dothan has a word for drivers who wonder if synthetic oil is worth the extra cost over petroleum based oil.   The oil in your engine provides several functions. It protects the engine from heat, it reduces friction and it keeps the engine clean and corrosion-free. It is probably the most necessary fluid in the engine. The problem is standard petroleum based oil breaks down easily and needs to be replaced every few thousand miles. Synthetic Oil Has Advantages Synthetic oil offers several advantages over regular oil. It tolerates heat much better and doesn't break down like petroleum oil. It lasts much longer, extending the time between oil changes to twice as long- or more- than petroleum oil. The smaller number of oil changes helps discount the higher cost of synthetic oil.   Synthetic oil also tolerates cold weather better than petroleum, which can make a real difference to Alabama Toyota drivers traveling north. Regular oil will thicken in cold temperatures. Synthetic oil doesn't have that problem. This feature alone can make synthetic oil the best choice for your vehicle in winter months.   Because of the powerful friction reduction provided by synthetic oil, your engine parts can last longer than they will with petroleum oils. Your oil won't build up with sludge and dirt that can potentially harm your engine. You can expect longer engine life, with fewer problems when you choose synthetic oil.

It used to be common maintenance to get a regular tune-up for your vehicle. It's harder to know if your new vehicle needs to be brought in for a common tune-up though, isn't it? If you have a Toyota, these are the things to get checked out on a regular basis.   With electronic ignitions, your wheels don't have the same issues they used to. But there are a few things to keep an eye on. Sure, you don't have to putz with the carburetor like you used to, but that doesn't mean your vehicle is maintenance free. Computer Diagnostics Tell the Tale Late model Toyotas have a computer that runs a constant diagnostic test on your vehicle. When something goes awry, a light shows up on the dash and you know it’s time to take it in. The frustration, however, is many cars have a general Engine Needs Service light and the problem can be anything from transmission trouble to a sensor fail. Spark Plugs Still Need Spark With all the advances in car engines, spark plugs still need to work properly and they do need to be replaced. Your battery is probably sealed, but it needs to be checked for power loss. Other mechanical pieces will fail and need replacement as well.   You may be able to go as long as 100,000 miles without a tune up. Check your owner’s manual to see what is recommended for your model. Even though you need to go less often, it doesn't mean you never go at all.

Your brakes are a critical component on your vehicle, so they should be one of the top priorities on your list.  Brake issues can be identified visually, by the sound they make, and what you feel when you are driving or stopping. Your owner’s manual will tell you when your brakes should be serviced, but you may be wearing them out sooner than expected.  Toyota of Dothan wonders if you are reducing your brake life. What Causes Brakes to Wear Out? Your vehicle’s brakes are not designed to last forever, but you can usually get 30,000 to 70,000 miles out of your brake pads.  Rotors will last much longer.  Your driving habits may reduce the lifespan.  Common brake-life killers include: Aggressive driving and speeding Last minute stopping Overloading the vehicle Riding the brake pedal when you are driving or going down a hill Failing to have the brakes inspected when recommended by the manufacturer Constantly on and off the brakes when you are traveling Installed cheap brakes How Can I Tell if it is Time for New Brakes? Your Toyota will tell you when the time is getting close for a brake job.  Common symptoms include: Squealing when you stop The car pulls to one side when you are stopping The pedal is spongy The brake pedal or the steering wheel shakes when you are stopping You keep having to replace the brake fluid You observe strange smells or noises coming from the brakes Your braking reaction time is reduced

You may have heard the term ‘blown head gasket,’ but what does it mean?  Is your car at risk for an explosion?   No, but they are a big and expensive issue. Technicians at Toyota of Dothan explain head gasket fails. What is a Head Gasket? When you look at head gasket, it appears to be rather minor, but it plays a critical role in the health and operation of your vehicle.  A head gasket fits between the cylinder head and the engine block; its jobs include forming a seal in the combustion chamber and preventing oil and coolant from mixing.  The head gasket has to be strong enough to seal at varying engine temperatures. Why do Head Gaskets Fail? A number of factors may contribute to head gasket failure: The number one reason for head gasket failure is overheating Pre-ignition or detonation Faulty or cracked OEM head gasket Installation error Existing gasket is old and worn out What are the Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket? You will not be able to see if the head gasket is damaged just by looking at it.  Inspecting the head gasket requires removing the cylinder head.  The gasket itself does not cost much, but the repair is expensive.  The technician also has to evaluate the underlying issues that may have contributed to the failure.  The following issues may be the sign of a gasket issue: Coolant leaks below the exhaust manifold Engine continues to overheat The oil is white and milky The vehicle loses oil, but there are no signs of a leak Radiator has bubbles Overflow tank has bubbles Do not attempt to replace your head gasket on your own; it is not a do-it-yourself task for newbies.

Some winter nights can dip down into the 40s.  Nearly a year ago, Alabama got a taste of freezing rain and sleet.  When cold weather strikes, you can take steps to ensure your car is ready and willing to go. Toyota of Dothan is discussing engine block heaters.  You may be surprised to discover that your car already has an engine block heater.  If not, you can talk to the dealership about having one installed. What is an Engine Block Heater? An engine block heater is a system that keeps your engine warm.  The device keeps the fluids warm so that the vehicle is easier to start when it is cold outside. If you have a plug-in device, you will only need to plug the car in for 3 to 4 hours. There are many different types of engine heaters, and each one depends on your budget and anticipated need. Dipstick heater keeps the engine oil warm A frost plug warms the coolant inside the engine block External heaters are attached to the block/oil pan Inline heaters, non-circulating or circulating, splice into the coolant hose Engine blanket is just like the electric blankets you use as home, but it is designed to keep your pipes, hoses, and fluids warm.  The blanket spreads across the engine compartment. Do I Need an Engine Heater? Although we do not dip down into subzero temperatures, engine heaters help the vehicle not have to work so hard to get moving.  Typically, engine heaters are recommended for the following reasons: You use non-synthetic oil Your park your car outside during the winter There is the possibility that your car can experience temps 50°F and below

Do you or someone you know require special equipment when driving or riding in a vehicle?  People with disabilities can still drive the latest vehicles with the help of Toyota.  Not only does Toyota equip all of its vehicles with the latest safety features and technologies, it offers a special service that outfits its models with the latest in assistive devices as well. Toyota of Dothan offers Toyota Mobility services. What is Toyota Mobility? It is a service that converts vehicles into the very best modes of transportation for people with disabilities.  Toyota aims to provide Toyota consumers with the “best mobility services on the market today” to accommodate the needs of many different drivers and passengers, and to maximize the consumer’s quality of life.  Toyota offers peace of mind, safety, mobility, and a renewed sense of independence to consumers with disabilities. How do I know What I Need? Toyota has an online reference guide that allows consumers to match their needs with the available assistive devices.   The chart allows users to determine the proper equipment for a driver or passengers. Can I Afford it? Toyota has two programs to assist Toyota consumers with the specialized equipment: cash reimbursement up to $1,000 for Toyota owners, and a program for veterans through the Auto Grant Program.  Effective October 2012, the one-time grant for service connected veterans increased from $18,900 to $19,905. Whom Can I Talk to About the Service? Look no further than you Dothan Toyota dealer for assistance.  Call a representative at 888-550-2816, or fill out an online form for more information.

Can you say with full confidence that you are happy with your car insurance company, or do you not give it very much thought?  If you do not love your car insurance carrier, maybe you are with the wrong one.  The satisfaction ratings are in, and eight companies earned 90 points or more out of 100.  How does your company compare? Toyota of Dothan looks at insurance companies with the highest customer satisfaction ratings. How to Find the Right Insurance Company First, let us discuss how you can find the right insurance company. Get multiple quotes online Once you have narrowed down your options, research the financial strength ratings for each provider Get recommendations from your friends and family members Visit the state’s department of insurance site Check to see how the company is rated on the JD Power site Do not be afraid to switch if you are unhappy.  You are not locked into the policy for any length of time, so you can change companies if you find a better deal or better service elsewhere. Highest Rated Insurance Companies Did you company make the list of the top eight?  It is no surprise that USAA is the #1 insurance company, with an overall 93.90 rating.  According to Insure.com, 95% of the company’s clients plan to renew their policies.  State Farm came in second with a 92.70 score; Farmers scored 91.50; GEICO scored a 91.10; 90.50 was awarded to both Nationwide and Liberty Mutual; Allstate rounds out the list with a 90.0 grade. USAA, State Farm and Farmers are the 2014 Insure.com People’s Choice winners.

Tires hold a crucial function in your vehicle; they separate your vehicle from the hard road surface.  Tire malfunctions can cause serious injury and devastating accidents.  Even given the obvious importance of tires, many fail to ensure that their tires are consistently in optimal condition. Toyota of Dothan points out some key areas to be aware of regarding tire safety.   Be particularly wary as tires age.  The age of the tire can greatly affect its ability to perform ideally.  As a tire sits, it can develop cracks in the rubber that are not always visible.  Small cracks may not appear to be a cause for concern but they are certainly warning signs that the quality of your tire has been compromised.  They can lead to tread separation and tire failure.  Heat is another catalyst that can cause this problem to progress even more quickly. You can avoid the risks of cracking, aging tires and other tire safety hazards by following some of these tips: Always purchase new tires.  Don’t be afraid to inquire how long a tire has been sitting on the shelf or the date it was manufactured. Always maintain regular maintenance of your tires and ensure that you periodically replace your spare tire.  Spare tires sit in the heat of a trunk and are typically not in the best of condition.  The worst case scenario is to have a tire emergency only to find your spare is not in good enough condition to use. Maintain tire maintenance, replacement and inflation levels and you will greatly decrease your likelihood of experiencing a tire emergency.

There are laws requiring that seat belts be worn throughout the United States. Unfortunately, millions of injuries occur each year due to lack of seat belt use.  In case you are one of the people who still does not believe they are necessary for safety, read through these reasons from Toyota near Troy for why you should wear a seatbelt in a vehicle at all times. Statistics Your chances of being injured or killed in an accident is reduced by 50% when you wear your seatbelt.  According to the CDC, in 2009, over 2.3 million drivers were teated in the emergency room because of motor vehicle crashes.  Millions of adults do not wear a seat belt on every trip in the car. Airbags Are Not Enough Airbags can help when working in combination with a seat belt.  Airbags alone will not keep you from banging into other people in the car or other parts of the cabin, or keep you in a beneficial position from the airbag if you are not buckled in.  It is possible you can still be thrown from your car when an airbag alone deploys. Seat Belts Secure You Seat belts keep you from flying through the windshield.  If you are projected from the vehicle, you could land in the middle of traffic, or in such a way that you break your neck.  They also keep your face from just smashing into the windshield, which could be deadly at high speeds. Safer For Your Baby Pregnant women are also kept alive in an accident with seat belts.  If they are killed, their unborn child has a very rare chance of survival.  The should wear the lap belt below the belly and through their breasts so their fetus is not injured upon impact.