Maintenance Warning Signs in Northridge, CA

It is important to be in touch with warning signs that indicate your car is in need of maintenance. For that reason, our team put this overview together! Come to Northridge Toyota if you require service for your vehicle.

Engine

Taking care of your car’s engine has long-term benefits for your vehicle, so it’s beneficial to know when you should visit us for maintenance. Getting an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is recommended, especially if you use conventional oil. If you don’t drive often, you should still swap out this fluid once a year. In doing so, you’ll prevent sludge from building up inside the engine of your car. Not only will this make the motor last longer, but it can also improve the fuel economy and overall performance that you experience when you drive down I-405. Several warning signs can be seen if your oil needs to be swapped, including the check engine light becoming illuminated. Also, look at the dipstick to see if your oil pan is low on fluid.

Battery

Routine battery tests and inspections are essential, as they let you know how much life is left in the component. We recommend that you visit for this service annually, or whenever you get your routine oil change. Car batteries last an average of three to five years, but this timeframe may be shortened if you take many short trips. That’s because a great deal of energy is used when it starts the engine, and if you don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge it, the battery will deplete faster. Check under the hood of your Toyota Camry, Corolla, or Tundra before your next Northridge outing. If there is rust or corrosion on the terminals, come get an inspection at our Service Department. Watch out for flickering lights, as this may mean your battery doesn’t have much power left.

Brakes and Tires

Coming to a complete stop on the freeway is an integral part of any adventure. This task is the responsibility of the tires and brakes, which require routine maintenance at regular intervals. If you hear squealing, scraping, or grinding noises while you slow down, then the brake pads are probably in need of replacement. The tires on your car will also wear down over time, so get them inspected whenever you visit us. Feel free to check the tread depths at home using a coin. When inserted upside down into the grooves, the head of the president should not be visible. If it is, browse our Tire Center for new components.