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Getting car maintenance doesn't just keep your car running for longer. It also helps keep it safe. So, going to the Toyota dealership to get some dealership safety checks and services should be routine for you. more 5 Toyota Dealership Services That Help Keep Your Toyota Safe 1. Dealership Safety and Multipoint Inspections One very simple service you should get regularly is a multipoint inspection. This works as a function and safety check, as multiple components in your car are checked to make sure they're in good condition, leading to a smooth and, most importantly, safe ride. If there's anything wrong that could pose a threat to your safety or your car's function, then the dealership will let you know about it. 2. Brake Service Your vehicle's brakes are the main component that prevents accidents, as stepping on the brake pedal quickly enough can help you avoid and reduce the impact of collisions. Making sure your brakes have enough stopping power, function on both sides, and are as responsive as possible is vital. Visiting the dealer at least once a year to get your brakes checked is essential, though it's better to stop by twice annually to be extra safe. 3. Oil and Coolant Checkups Your car's motor oil lubricates your engine, while the coolant helps it regulate its temperature and prevents overheating. Both an un-lubricated and overheated engine can cause problems for your car, which can then pose a threat to your safety. Let's say your engine has no lubrication and seizes up or it overheats and stops working in the middle of traffic. That can put you at risk of other drivers crashing into you, so make sure you get your oil and coolant levels checked and corrected as needed. You'll also need to get an oil change approximately twice a year. 4. Tire Checks Your car's tires grip the road and help you stay stable. Their tread is what gives them that traction, helping you brake when you intend to, avoid slipping all over icy and wet roads, and stay steady when going uphill and downhill. Without enough tread spread evenly across their surfaces, the tires can't do their jobs well. Getting tire rotations lets the tread wear down at a slower, even rate, and getting tire checks lets you learn when it's time for a new set ASAP. 5. Light Inspections Make sure you get your headlights, taillights, and all other lights on the car tested regularly. If any of the lights are dim or flickering, then you probably need to get the bulbs replaced. Making sure all the lights are working well boosts your safety in low-visibility conditions and reduces the risk of your headlight bulbs burning out while in use. Come get all the services and safety checks you need at Monken Toyota of Mt. Vernon in Mt. Vernon, IL. Schedule a service online.

Now that winter is behind us and spring has decided to make an appearance, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning – for your vehicle! Winters can be harsh on your car, which makes spring the perfect time to do some good maintenance and a deep clean. Oil Change. A good rule of thumb is to get an oil change approximately every 5000 miles.  It’s an easy and inexpensive part of your vehicle maintenance and it really helps extend the efficiency and reliability of your vehicle. A GOOD Car Wash – Inside and Out. More than just the aesthetic of having a clean car, giving your vehicle a good wash at the start of spring is a step toward maintaining the overall health of your car. Road salt left on the exterior for too long can deplete the color and corrode the metal. (And spring rain showers are not enough to rinse off all that winter grime). Don’t forget the wash the undercarriage as well – this is where a lot of the road salt tends to sit and cause problems. Don’t forget about the interior.  Winter tends to encourage a trash buildup in the doors, nooks and crannies of vehicles. Take 20 minutes after your car wash and vacuum out the entire inside. Replace Wiper Blades. Winter can be very harsh on wiper blades and small tears and cracks can appear without you being able to see them. With the onslaught of spring showers, you want to make sure that your wiper blades are up to snuff. Check Tire Pressure and Alignment. Your tires are literally the cushion between you and the road, so it’s especially important to take care of them. We recommend checking your tire pressure monthly. Most newer vehicles will send you an alert when one or more tires has fallen below the recommended level. Check the tread for wear and tear. Roads can be very slippery during spring rain storms, so you want to make sure you’re able to stop without sliding. You’ll want to rotate and align them in the spring as well. Change Air Filters. You may not be using that AC just yet, but before it becomes an absolute necessity, make sure that your air filters are unclogged and replace them if necessary. Review Your Insurance Policy. This is one of the vehicle maintenance items that people always forget about. Oftentimes, your agent will proactively reach out to you every so often, but if they don’t, spring is a good time to be proactive about it yourself. Are you in the most efficient policy for your family? Will you be adding a new teen driver to your policy soon? Call your agent and find out if there are any deals or discounts that you can get as well.