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The check engine light is the main reason drivers take their vehicles for a diagnostic test. However, there are many components of your engine that need to be assessed regularly in order to keep your vehicle running its best, and a diagnostic test can spot an issue before it becomes a big problem. There are several important things you can find out when you have an engine diagnostic test on your Toyota. more 1. Toyota Engine Particulars A lot of problems under the hood of your vehicle can be discovered by your OBD system, which will alert you of anything amiss by illuminating a light on your dashboard. If your check engine light is on your expert technician can use the OBD system to get a little more information about the problem from a diagnostic code that your vehicle uses to identify the reason why it senses a potential problem. The code from the OBD system is used merely as an arrow pointing to the source of the issue. The true work of finding the problem and fixing it is up to your expert mechanic. When it comes to a problem with your engine, the OBD system may be reacting to something as simple as a loose gas cap of a faulty sensor. Your experienced technician will be able to check your engine's overall health with complete diagnostic engine testing. 2. Catalytic Converter Performance A diagnostic of your engine can also detect a defective catalytic converter. This can be expensive to replace, however, the damage is usually caused by faulty ignition coils. Through regular testing, your expert mechanic will be able to determine when your ignition coils should be replaced before your catalytic converter is affected. Catalytic converter failure may also be caused by an inefficient oxygen sensor. This is something that is easily discovered with a diagnostic test on your engine and can be fixed without the need for more costly replacement parts. In order to preserve the health of your catalytic converter having a diagnostic engine test will reveal these small issues before they cause serious harm. 3. Transmission Health Additionally, transmission problems can make your check engine light come on and therefore be prevented by having regular diagnostic testing on your engine. Difficulty switching gears or slowed acceleration can be a sign of a weak transmission. Replacing your transmission or having it rebuilt can be one of the most expensive repairs needed if you wait until your check engine light comes on to have a diagnostic test. A diagnostic test on your engine can determine problems with your transmission before you have to resort to extreme and costly measures to fix it. Your professional mechanic will use computerized equipment to test various aspects of the health of your transmission to make sure that everything is working correctly. They will be able to notice if your transmission is running too hot or low on fluid levels and make adjustments before it malfunctions. 4. Exhaust System Functionality Another system that is checked with a diagnostic engine test is the exhaust network in your vehicle. The oxygen sensors are important components that look after the health of your engine by determining when there is too little oxygen in the surrounding air. A diagnostic on your engine will check for any leaks in your exhaust system as well as make sure that your oxygen sensors are working correctly. The exhaust system depends on the oxygen sensors to give an accurate reading to the OBD system. If the oxygen sensors are not detecting the correct level of oxygen in the air then they will not trigger the check engine light alerting you of a possible exhaust leak before more serious damage occurs. By having routine maintenance your trained mechanic will test all of the sensors that are related to your engine in a diagnostic. A diagnostic test on your engine is capable of analyzing many components of your vehicle and should be taken advantage of to prevent serious problems. At routine maintenance services, you will receive valuable information about your engine and the overall health of your vehicle from a diagnostic engine test. For most information or to schedule a diagnostic today, contact Cloninger Toyota.

Without a functional transmission, your vehicle will not move, as the transmission is responsible for transferring the power from the engine to the wheels. You don't want to let your transmission get to that point before getting it serviced, though, or you'll end up stranded. Fortunately, there are quite a few common signs to tell you that your car needs transmission service. more Dashboard Warning Light While not every vehicle has a specific warning light on its dashboard to indicate that your transmission needs to be serviced, most cars do have a light that will warn you that something is wrong with your vehicle and that it needs to get a diagnostic test right away to see what the problem is. This is true for your transmission, as a "service engine soon" or "check engine" light will come on if your transmission is not working properly. Metal-on-Metal Grinding Sound If you start hearing a grinding or squealing sound when you shift, this is likely an indication that your vehicle is low on transmission fluid. The metal-on-metal grinding is actually the result of not having enough lubrication from the transmission fluid. This is a situation that can occur in vehicles that have either an automatic or manual transmission, and if you hear it, you should bring your car into a repair center, such as your dealership, that services transmissions immediately. Burnt Smell You should never smell anything burning in your vehicle, and sometimes it can be hard to know what is causing the burnt smell. However, if this smell reminds you of paper burning, and it occurs when you shift, it could be a transmission problem. If you have a manual transmission, it probably means you need a new clutch plate. For an automatic transmission, it's a sign that the transmission fluid is overheating. Either way, you're going to need service. Late Shifting This is an issue that will only occur in vehicles with automatic transmissions because the transmission is supposed to shift when it reaches certain RPMs. If your car is revving higher than normal between shifts, you need to add transmission fluid to your car. You should not wait too long to get your vehicle into a service center because continued operation with late shifting will lead to a bigger, and more expensive, transmission problem. Popping Out of Gear Cars that have manual transmissions should not randomly pop out of gear, so if your vehicle is doing this, it is something that needs attention immediately. Not only is it causing a dangerous situation for you, but it also could be the sign of low transmission fluid, worn synchronizers, or shift linkage that has not been adjusted properly. In any case, you cannot allow this problem to continue for safety's sake, as well as for your transmission's sake. In most cases, transmission problems can be fixed by adding transmission fluid or by replacing it with new, uncontaminated fluid. However, you can't really tell how severe the issue is unless you get your vehicle serviced right away. So, if you're seeing any of these signs, contact Cloninger Toyota today to schedule an appointment to have your transmission inspected by one of our experienced technicians.

Car parts get worn out from normal use. That's why to keep your car running smoothly, you need to occasionally replace some parts. To help you out, here are some crucial tips to remember when replacing your Toyota parts. more Avoid Breaking Warranty Terms Your Toyota warranty specifies the mechanical and electrical parts covered by the agreement. For that reason, boosting the engine, or lifting the suspension of your car may cost you your warranty. When that happens, you have to foot the bill for any work done on your car. Which can be a drag, especially if the car is fairly new. Get Your Car Serviced Regularly Some parts need regularly scheduled replacement which comes with every service. If you don't service your car on time, you could run into bigger problems like engine failure. This can turn out to be quite costly. To avoid these excess costs, get your car serviced on time, and replace parts when you need to. Don't Ignore Warning Signs Your car will give you multiple warning signals when the parts are wearing out. For instance, if your car needs more oil top-ups than usual, it could be a sign that you may need to replace your oil filters or a more serious leak. It's best to attend to any warning signs as soon as you notice them. Use OEM Parts There are two main types of Toyota spare parts; Original equipment manufacturer parts Aftermarket parts The safest option to replace the worn-out parts of your Toyota vehicle is with OEM parts. This is because using aftermarket parts will risk damaging your car. With genuine OEM parts, you know what you are getting, however, aftermarket parts are made by different manufacturers, with inconsistent quality standards, so you can't really tell how good they'll be. Check the Certificate of Authority Many knock-off manufacturers have mastered their art incredibly well; even their packaging may look like the real thing. It's easy to mistake the fake for the original. That's why you should check for the certificate of authority that comes with genuine Toyota products. Go to a Recommended Toyota Dealership It's important to get your parts replaced at a certified Toyota dealership. Why? Because they know what they are doing, they have the best people and the best facilities. You can trust them to do a good job. Not only that but you can also be assured that the parts used on your car are genuine, original equipment manufacturer parts, no knock-offs. What's more, if an outside mechanic damages your car, you can wave goodbye to your warranty. Replacing your car spare parts is critical to keeping your driving experience smooth. This is why it's important to remember to watch out for your warranty and use only original parts. More importantly, getting the right people on the job will save you a lot of stress. To get your parts replaced by a trusted Toyota dealership contact Cloninger Toyota today.

What do you do when one of the parts in your Toyota stops working? This question faces thousands of Toyota drivers every year, but it doesn't need to keep you up at night. The next time you have car problems, consider these four reasons why your Toyota dealership is the best place to get your repairs done. more 1. Fair and Standard Pricing For many people, the idea of walking into a repair shop and haggling over prices sounds like a terrible nightmare. If you don't know what things should cost when you get your car repaired, it can be difficult and stressful. At a dealership, it is far easier because their parts prices are determined by Toyota and you won't need to haggle. 2. Experts with Your Car's Warranty A warranty can be a driver's best friend, but you need to understand it if you want to use it. What many people don't realize is that there is maintenance you need to do to upkeep your Toyota to keep your warranty valid. A Toyota expert at your local dealership can help you understand how your warranty works and how you can get the most out of it. As well, when something goes wrong with your car, it can be easy to forget about your warranty completely. But for new Toyotas, drivers can expect to have a basic warranty that lasts 36 months or 36,000 miles. Powertrains and hybrids have an even longer warranty. You've already paid for your warranty, so if you need a part replaced, make sure that you get it repaired at a dealership and take advantage of that warranty. 3. Entrust Your Toyota to an Experienced Mechanic Even if you don't know a lot about cars, you want to make sure that your Toyota is being handled by a real expert. Someone who has been trained to repair Toyotas and has lots of experiences with vehicles just like yours. If you want that kind of mechanic working on your car, then an experienced Toyota mechanic at a dealership is the best choice for you. 4. Toyota OEM Parts Toyotas require many parts that work in unison to provide you with the driving experience that you have come to love. When your Toyota gets repaired, the mechanic may need to replace one of those parts. If that's the case, then it is important that you replace that faulty part with an equivalent OEM Toyota part. OEM parts from Toyota were designed especially for your car. Unlike generic parts that can fit numerous different vehicles, genuine OEM parts are designed to be an exact fit. Dealerships have a direct relationship with Toyota, so they can help you get OEM parts installed in your car quickly and efficiently. Even with their excellent reliability, some Toyotas will need repairs throughout their lifetime. When that time comes, it is important to know how a dealership can help you get your car back on the road for a fair price. Call Cloninger Toyota to schedule your next repair or maintenance today.

With everyone on the go, living in our fast-paced society can create the feeling of never having enough time to handle essential chores. Our exceptional team at Cloninger Toyota is here to serve the Morrisville, Huntersville, Lexington, and Salisbury communities with convenient and easy service options that best fit your schedule. When it comes to taking care of your new or used vehicle, there are many reasons to prioritize your Toyota maintenance. more 1. Maintains Safety and Functionality Keeping up with oil changes and routine maintenance helps to keep the car up and running. Toyota's are built to last and are reliable vehicles, but the best way to maintain their reliability and to keep yourself safe on the road is by taking care of the engine. To learn more about what service and maintenance should be done on your Toyota, stop by our service center for a quick diagnostic check. Our certified technicians will look at the mileage, wear and tear, condition of the power train, and much more. We make it easy and convenient to schedule tire rotations, flush fluids, change, oil, and all other routine or emergency repairs. 2. Helps to Retain Value When you purchase a Toyota, you are given the practical advantage of having an easy vehicle to sell or trade-in. By performing routine and regular maintenance, you help to lock in a higher resale value for the car. The maintenance and care for the vehicle will help to keep the engine healthy for years and miles to come. Dealerships and independent buyers alike are drawn to vehicles that have been meticulously cared for by their previous owners. Many of our vehicles come with service warranties and contracts that help to cover the cost of most repairs and maintenance. 3. Uncovers and Resolves Underlying Issues The best way to deal with a vehicle issue or problem is to nip it in the bud. If left without a repair, small and minor problems like a little crack in the oil pan can eventually cause the engine to lock up, creating expensive engine repairs and replacement situations. By not neglecting the maintenance of your Toyota, you allow the car to be reviewed and examined by experts in the Toyota service industry. Our service center can uncover and resolve many issues before they become an expensive and possibly time-consuming problem. We are proud to offer convenient and professional service options on all Toyota vehicles at our service center. Give us a call or stop by today to see why customers consistently trust us with their regular maintenance and essential repairs. Our team can perform a variety of complex and simple service packages, and our experienced service members and technicians always use trade-required OEM parts for all repairs and services. There is nothing more frustrating than having car troubles, whether minor or significant. Visit us today at Cloninger Toyota to schedule convenient Toyota maintenance or service on your vehicle.

The Toyota Tacoma is a popular truck across the globe. In America, it is the best-selling mid-size pickup, with quite a big margin from its competition. Over the years, the truck has been building a reputation for its legendary reliability. The new 2020 Toyota Tacoma comes with a wide array of features that further enhance this reliability. more Improved Styling It is not easy to improve on an already great vehicle, but the engineers at Toyota know it can be done. One reason for the Tacoma's continued success is its constant style improvement since it was introduced in the mid-1990s. The designers of this truck did a fabulous job on the 2020 model. On the outside, the changes are few, but they do a perfect job keeping the truck's modern appearance. The truck features new futuristic headlights, newly designed front grille, LED inserts, and redesigned alloy wheels. These improvements keep the Tacoma looking new without altering the main style elements that raised it to the top. Equipped for the Job It could be pretty and modern-looking, but it becomes a flop if it cannot do what it was created to do. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma comes equipped with enough power to get the job done. The truck is offered in two engine options; a naturally aspirated 2.7L four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180lb.-ft of torque and a 3.5L V6 that delivers 278hp and 265lb.-ft of torque. The 2020 model also comes with refined shocks and rear springs for enhanced performance. No matter what engine you pick, the Tacoma comes with a standard towing capacity of 6800 pounds – impressive. The truck is also equipped for the beaten road if that is where the job is. The pickup truck comes with a multi-terrain select feature with five modes to choose from. The terrain select mode adjusts the traction control and the engine throttle to keep the machine going. Reliable Safety Features Whether you are dropping the kids to school in the morning or working at a construction site, safety is a priority to every driver. All the new Toyota Tacoma trims are equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense P package, which comes fully packed with high safety standard features. The features include a lane departure alert that warns the driver when the truck is drifting off its lane and a pre-collision system that detects possible collisions using radar technology and high-tech cameras. Tough Yet Modern and Comfortable The 2020 Tacoma is built for the beaten road, the rocks, and the hills. But it is also extremely comfortable and fitted with modern technology. While it takes the beating on the outside, the driver and everybody inside can relax. The Limited trim is offered with leather-trimmed seats and 10-way power adjustment. Upper trims have leather on the steering wheel and the steering knob. The TRD Pro trim gets even better – it adds heat to the high-end quality leather seats. All the new Tacoma trims come standard with a 7-inch touch screen interface that can be upgraded to 8 inches. Available is also a seamless smartphone integration. The truck comes enabled for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB Ports, and Bluetooth connection. The new Toyota Tacoma sets the standard for the modern pickup truck. It is fully equipped to get the work done while observing safety and modern styling and technology. Get a Toyota Tacoma today, contact Cloninger Toyota Salisbury, NC.

You already know and love the Highlander, but do you know the newest great features you'll find on the 2020 Toyota Highlander? There's even more reasons to love it now. Never ones to rest on their laurels, Toyota has been pushing forward with all their vehicles, and the Highlander just keeps getting better. more The Great New Power and Drivetrain Choices The 2020 Highlander features three choices of all-wheel-drive systems, two of them paired to the standard V6 engine and one on the hybrid. This power-producing monster is a 3.5-liter able to generate 295 hp and 263 ft-lb of torque. With that much power, you can tow 5,000 pounds, and shifting is smooth with the mated 8-speed automatic transmission. And speaking of towing, wouldn't it be great to make that easier? Toyota has done just that by making hill-start assist, trailer-sway control, and downhill assist all standard on the 2020 model. The Gorgeous Design The Highlander has never been a bad-looking vehicle, but it's more dynamic than ever in 2020. Toyota was looking for ways to improve aerodynamics, and thus fuel efficiency, and they've accomplished just that. The new Highlander gets 34 mpg on the highway in the Hybrid version, which is best-in-class. Obviously any hybrid gets better mileage than most gas engines, but in this case, a lot of that has to do with the sweeping and gorgeous design, which carries over to all engines and trims. The Cargo Space The new changes to the Highlander make it longer and lower. This means you get more room inside--73.3 cubic feet of cargo space, to be exact. You can also choose between seven- and eight-passenger seating, depending on what configuration you get. Access all this space with large new rear doors that offer easy access and versatile folding options that mean you don't need an engineering degree to figure out how to put down the seats (as is the case with some SUVs)! The Peace-of-Mind Factor Who knew a vehicle could come with peace-of-mind standard? That's just what you get when you're working with all the great new safety features in the Highlander. This is built to keep everyone safe, whether it's just the two of you or you have a whole crew of kiddos in tow. For 2020, Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 is standard in the Highlander, and this includes dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, road-sign assist, and a comprehensive pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. That last will automatically brake if you don't do it in time. If you want to bump up to a higher trim, you'll also get: Blind-spot monitoring Rear-cross traffic alert Parking support braking Intelligent Clearance Sonar The Premium Infotainment The new infotainment system is designed with two clear goals in mind: keep the driver's eyes safely on the road, and keep the passengers entertained. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is easy to navigate, the whole system is intuitive to control, and everyone will enjoy the 1,200-watt JBL premium sound system. Want to try it for yourself? Visit us at Cloninger Toyota today and take a test drive!

The 2020 Toyota Rav4 is among the top best selling vehicles in 2020. It is ranked 5th with over 180,000 units sold in the first half of the year. What makes the new RAV4 so desirable is its cutting-edge safety features. The SUV safety features are graded superior by the IHS in both crashworthiness and standard safety. more Front and Rear Parking Assist While parking assists have become standard features in current vehicles, the Toyota RAV4 takes it a notch higher with front and rear parking assist features. The parking assist also comes with an automated braking system to avoid any accidental crashes when hurriedly trying to park your vehicle. The smart parking assist also warns you (with sounds and visuals) of any objects, cars, and obstacles blocking your path as you try to park. This safety feature helps protect your vehicle from any accidental hits. Blind Spot Monitor The 2020 Toyota RAV4 also has a blind spot monitor that alerts the driver of any vehicles (and sometimes pedestrians) on either side of the vehicle's blind spot. The blind spot also works hand in hand with a rear cross-traffic alert that warns the driver of any approaching vehicles when switching lanes, reversing the car, or taking sharp turns in an area full of traffic. To further improve safety and improve driver efficiency, the warning alerts are broadcasted to the car's primary monitor as well as the car's side mirror, which lights up incessantly. Vehicle Stability Control The enhanced vehicle stability control is a part of a suite of smart safety features labeled 'star safety.' The safety of any vehicle is highly dependent on how it handles at top speeds. The new VSC technology from Toyota helps improve handling and, subsequently, the safety of the car. The VSC keeps all wheels grounded firmly and avoids fishtailing when taking sharp turns. It also enhances traction as the tech detects any wheel imbalances and rectifies them via the ABS. Smart Stop Technology This technology is a part of the Toyota safety sense 2.0. Have you ever panicked, and instead of making an emergency stop, you hit the accelerator instead? Toyota designed the smart-stop technology specifically for such occasions – in case you hit the brake and gas pedals at the same time, the vehicle will automatically stop. The smart stop feature is also made more effective by the collision avoidance sensors and the pedestrian detection features. Eight Airbags The new Toyota RAV4 is equipped with eight airbags that lessen the crash impact in case the car is involved in an accident. The vehicle has extra-strengthened driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags for the driver and the front passenger, and curtain airbags for the passengers at the back. It also has extra knee airbags for the driver designed to lessen any crash impact that would otherwise break the driver's legs Would you like to upgrade to an SUV that guarantees your safety and that of your passengers? The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is that SUV. The vehicle is fitted with state-of-the-art safety features that you might not easily find many SUVs in. Contact Cloninger Toyota for a test drive or any other questions regarding the SUV.