Blog / Allentown Toyota Service

Bennett Toyota Has Tips For Proper Tire Maintenance

Tires are more important to our cars than many of us think. It is easy to forget about them when we get in and out of a vehicle every day. Once there is a problem, you will quickly realize how critical they are to vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. Bethlehem Toyota does not want their drivers to wait too long, and is giving tips for proper tire maintenance.  Checking the Tread  If your tires' tread start to wear down, you may be in danger of losing control and sliding on the road, or hydroplaning in the rain. Every month check the depth of the tread with the tried and true penny test. Take a penny and simply place it between the tread upside down. If Lincoln's head is visible, then your tread is too low. If the wear bars that look like thin rubber strips in your tire can be seen, this is another indicator that tread is low. You should rotate your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles so that they wear evenly.   Checking the Pressure  When you're testing the tread depth monthly, you should check the pressure. If you don't have the right amount of air in your tires, this can lead to a blowout, quicker wearing out, and poor fuel economy. Your owner's manual will tell you what the amount of air in your tires should be, or you can ask a dealer or mechanic. Use a tire pressure gauge and place it on the valve cap to read the current amount of pressure in the tires. If it is too low, add air until the gauge reads the proper amount. Most gas and service stations have air available. Never over-inflate.
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ToyotaCare: A No-Cost Maintenance Plan

When you buy or lease a new Toyota you automatically get a no-cost maintenance plan that covers you for two years or 25,000 miles – whichever comes first. You also get 24-hour roadside assistance for your first two years of Toyota ownership or leasing, regardless of how many miles you drive during that time frame. Proper Vehicle Maintenance Increases Safety and Dependability Maintaining a vehicle is necessary to ensuring your safety and the dependability of your vehicle over time. Toyota offers the ToyotaCare program to help you maintain your vehicle. ToyotaCare 24-Hour Roadside Assistance For your first two years of ownership or when leasing a new Toyota you’re covered under ToyotaCare’s 24 hour roadside assistance. ToyotaCare roadside assistance covers: Towing Dead battery jump starts Lockout protection Winching Fuel delivery Flat tire assistance ToyotaCare Factory Maintenance Coverage When you bring your Toyota in for service we’ll keep a history of your maintenance visits and also send you reminders when you’re due for factory scheduled maintenance. ToyotaCare scheduled factory maintenance covers: Oil and filter changes Tire rotations Inspect and adjust all fluid levels Multi-point vehicle inspection

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Why is My Gas Mileage Dropping?

When we buy our new vehicles, one of the features that drives us to certain models is the fuel economy rating. If you drive a Toyota, you are getting some of the best range in the industry. Have you noticed you can’t drive as far as you could just a few months ago? Bennett Toyota technicians answer common questions about fuel economy range. Will Premium Improve Fuel Economy? Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which makes the car more resistant to preignition. Preignition is a problem most common with high performance cars, not your every-day commuter. High-octane fuel will only cost you more money per gallon; it won’t allow you to drive further. Why is My Gas Mileage Dropping? If you are noticing a dip in mileage, answer a few questions to identify the problem: Do you speed? Yep, one of the biggest reasons for poor fuel economy is a lead foot. Follow the posted speed limit signs, don’t drive aggressively, and quit stopping abruptly. Are your tires properly inflated? Get out the air pressure gauge and check the pressure. You can find the recommended air pressure in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Are any of your dash lights on? If so, you need to head to the shop right away. The Toyota technicians will hook up your car and run the codes to see what the problem is. Fuel Economy Myths If your fuel economy is dropping, don’t believe common fuel economy myths: Your car needs to be warmed up in the morning Gas from no-name stations is bad Filling up when it’s cold outside improves mileage The air filter is dirty (this is only true for older carbureted engines)

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Car Care Tips for Fall

The crisp in the air means one thing: fall is here. We are thrilled to see the leaves change, the holiday coffee blends, and the cooler temps. Not to mention the football games on nearly every day. Fall is also a time to brush up on maintenance and service to prepare your car for the cooler temperatures. This fall, head over to Bennett Toyota service department for fall maintenance. Fall Car Care Tasks The following tasks are a few of the most important to avoid a breakdown or accident: Improve visibility Visibility is critical during all seasons. To improve visibility, inspect all the lights around your car, inspect the rubber on your windshield wipers, top off the windshield wiper fluid with a cold-weather blend, and if your lenses are scratched and cloudy, have the lenses polished. Stay warm Now is the time to inspect the heater before the cold really takes hold. Test the heater and the defroster. If you have heated seats, test the seats and make sure the fuses are still in good shape. Protect the paint Many drivers choose to wash and wax their cars in the fall. During fall, the sap falls, leaves fall, and more debris is on the road. Change the oil Oil is essential for your car’s optimal performance. Bring your car in for an oil and filter change. While you are here, we will inspect the hoses and belts, and top off the other fluids in your car. Inspect tires and brakes This fall, take your car in for a tire rotation. While at the shop, the technicians will inspect the tire tread and look at your brakes.