In addition to scheduling regular oil changes and tune-ups for your Toyota, there are two key times of the year when it’s important to bring your vehicle in for a checkup. When the weather starts to cool down, and when it starts to heat up.
In this guide, we will cover the two specific parts of a Toyota that need attention when the seasons are changing, as well as some signs and symptoms to watch for throughout the entire year.
Prepping a Toyota for the Winter
When the temperatures start to drop, it’s definitely time to bring your Toyota into our friendly service department for a battery inspection.
The cold weather can impact how well a car’s battery will work, and it may also cause an older battery to conk out. This can lead to being stranded in the cold weather at work, school, the grocery store, or when you’re getting ready to head out of town to visit relatives for the holidays.
By bringing your vehicle to Toyota of Bristol at the first sign of cooler weather, we can give it a thorough test, which will let us know if it’s in danger of failing. If needed, we will take care of the Toyota battery replacement right here in our service department.
In addition to the battery, we also highly recommend checking the coolant before winter hits. The antifreeze in a Toyota will keep the fluids inside the engine from freezing during our cold winter weather. We will check the coolant level and, if necessary, top it off with a correctly diluted amount of the fluid.
Getting Ready for the Dog Days of Summer
When spring has sprung here in Bristol and the weather is starting to warm up, it’s time to bring your Toyota back in for a seasonal service appointment.
Just as we did when the weather was cooling off, we will inspect the battery to be sure it’s in good condition. The heat can zap power from a battery fast, and the last thing we want is for you to be stranded somewhere on a hot day up in the Tennessee mountains, or when you’re out and about running errands.
Warmer temperatures also mean it’s time to check the vehicle’s entire cooling system, including the radiator, cooling fans, and hoses. We will also check the fluids and parts that make up the car’s air conditioning to be sure they are in excellent working order, and suggest repairs as needed. We are proud to offer quality AC service Bristol residents can depend on.
Signs of a Weak Battery
No matter what the weather is dishing up outside, it is wise to listen and watch for signs of a weak battery all year long. These failing car battery signs include:
- Dim headlights
- Taking longer to start
- The battery is older than 3 to 4 years
- The battery looks swollen
If you notice any of these car battery signs, please schedule a battery check-up at Toyota of Bristol at your earliest convenience.
Symptoms of Coolant Problems
The coolant can also need servicing at any time of the year. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call us for a coolant service:
- Poor gas mileage.
- The temperature gauge is rising into the “hot” area while you are driving.
- The warning light came on.
- You see steam coming from the engine compartment.
Seasonal Services Help Keep Your Toyota Running Smoothly
Hot and cold weather can wreak havoc on the battery and cooling systems of cars. By being proactive and scheduling seasonal checkups for your Toyota’s battery and AC system, your vehicle will be better equipped to get through the seasonal temperature changes. Give us a call or schedule your service online; we look forward to hearing from you!
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