My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

5 Parts On a Toyota That Will Need to be Placed

When discussing the most reliable car brands, Toyota is usually near the top of the list. While many of its vehicles have a reputation for being extremely dependable, this does not mean they will mot require repairs. Certain components simply wear out over time. Here are the parts that you will most likely need to replace.

Five Parts On a Toyota That Will Likely Need to be Placed

1. Battery
Toyota vehicles are equipped with a conventional lead-acid car battery, which is rated to last for around five years. However, certain factors may cause the battery to fail sooner than anticipated. Exposure to hot temperatures can definitely shorten its lifespan. This is why it is advisable to keep the battery wrapped in a heat shield.

To keep tabs on the health of your battery, it’s a good idea to have it tested and inspected twice a year. Batteries also come from the factory stamped with a manufacture date. If the battery is more than a few years old, have it replaced to be on the safe side. This is especially true when buying a pre-owned Toyota.

2. Seals and Gasket
Seals and gaskets are considered to be wear and tear items. They often begin to harden with age, thus making them more prone to leaking. The only way to effectively fix the problem is to have the part replaced.

Toyotas are especially susceptible to experiencing worn valve cover and oil pan gaskets. This typically leads to the vehicle consuming more motor oil than usual. While there are “quick-fix” additives available to temporarily mend the issue, these products can do more harm than good. Simply keep an eye on the oil level until you can have the gasket replaced by a mechanic.

3. Timing belt
If you own an older Toyota model, it may come equipped with a timing belt. This part is designed to synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft. It typically needs to be changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The recommended replacement interval can be found in your owner’s manual.

Because a timing belt is made of rubber as opposed to metal, it gradually weakens over time. If the belt suddenly breaks, you’ll ultimately need to call for a tow. Furthermore, some Toyota vehicles built in the late 1980s and early 1990s feature an interference engine design. This means major engine damage can occur when the timing belt snaps.

4. Brake Rotors
It’s no secret that your brake pads will eventually need to be changed. However, the brake rotors can also wear out. These large metal discs are what the brake pads clamp down onto when you need to come to a stop.

Brake rotors can last for a long time. However, hard stopping can cause premature warping. Allowing the brake pads to get excessively low can also damage the rotors. Although you can extend the life of a rotor by having it resurfaced, most auto shops in the triangle area will recommend replacement as the safest option.

5. Coolant Hoses
Coolant hose replacement is an important aspect of Toyota maintenance. This is especially true for the upper and lower radiator hoses. If one of these hoses bursts open while you’re on the road, engine overheating can occur quickly.

Be sure to have your hoses inspected by a mechanic at least once a year. When the hose becomes soft or starts to swell up, it’s already on borrowed time.

The best way to keep your Toyota running strong is to have Creech Import Repair perform your vehicle's routine maintenance. You can find the schedule for this manufacturer-recommended auto care in your owner's manual. Or you can call your trusted mechanic at Creech Import Repair to find out if your routine maintenance is due.