Free Vehicle Inspections

Oh it's just the alternator! How much do you really know about what is going on under the hood?

If you are like most people, you get your oil changed and your tires rotated every 3000 miles and every thing is groovy. Then one day you are just in for the old routine maintenance and the mechanic from Monkey Joe's tells you, " You need new belts and your brakes have seen better days. Oh yeah and that'll be a couple grand to get you back on the road. "

Well, it might have been nice to know this before you dropped your bonus money on private cello lessons with Yo Yo Ma for your 6 year old.

While some mechanical issues are unpredictable, some are not. A good way to stay on top of your vehicle maintenance, and cut down on vehicle surprises is to take advantage of Free Vehicle Inspections from Rice Toyota. We offer complimentary inspections on your tires, brakes, fluids, belts, battery, wipers, battery, cables, filters, lights, signals and A/C and give you a written report that ranks the items condition on a scale of Need Immediate Attention, Near Term Attention, Excellent and Good.

One thing is for sure, life will always be unpredictable. But a little preventative maintenance is less costly than repairs. And it always helps to know as much as possible about the road ahead.

Swing by Rice Toyota on Battleground Avenue for your complimentary vehicle inspection report. We service all makes and models. We are open Monday-Friday 7:00 am-6:00 pm. Saturday 7:00 am-4:00 pm.

What You Need to Know About Antifreeze

You've probably never thought about your coolant or antifreeze unless you have a leak in your car. However, this fluid is one of the most important parts of your Toyota. Here are a few facts about antifreeze/coolant and why it is important to your car.

This versatile fluid serves two purposes: It keeps your engine from overheating in warm weather and your engine from freezing in cold temperatures.

You should have your radiator flushed every two years to keep fresh antifreeze/coolant in there. Particles of rust and metal can erode and build up in the fluid if it is not maintained. This can clog the system and create a number of problems and expensive repairs.

You can recycle antifreeze, but you should never throw it in sewage systems, storm drains or in your trash container.

Whether used or new, antifreeze is extremely toxic and can lead to death. Always use special care when handling antifreeze around children or pets.

Antifreeze must be able to withstand heats in excess of 250 degrees. It also contains rust inhibitors and a lubricant to keep the cooling system working properly at all times.

These are just a few things your Greensboro, NC area Toyota dealer thought you should know about antifreeze and your cooling system.

Prepare Your Car for Cold Weather

In preparation for the recent snowfall, I brought my plants inside, stocked up on canned goods and water (just in case), and cut up some firewood. The one thing I didn't give much thought to was my car. In hindsight, I should have known better, and consider myself lucky that I didn't get stuck out in the cold and unprepared. Here are a few tips to keep your car running smoothly during these cold winter months.

Brakes
The brakes must be faultless and equalized so there is no pulling to one side, which may cause skidding.

Cooling System
If it hasn't been done in a while, have your cooling system flushed out with a good chemical cleaner and put in fresh anti-freeze. Check containers, belts, hoses, the pressure caps and thermostat.

Battery and Electrical System
Cold weather is hard on batteries. If your battery is several years old, have it checked. Be sure connections are clean and tight.

Engine
A diagnostic check-up of the engine can be a good pre-winter investment. If you're due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Faulty wiring, worn spark plugs, a sticking choke or emission control devices that need attention, can all lead to hard starting.

Exhaust System
Check the muffler and tail pipe system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when the windows are closed.

Fuel System
Make sure there is plenty of gas in your tank at all times. A full tank minimizes condensation, which may cause gas line freezing. Add gasoline antifreeze occasionally.

Heaters, Defrosters and Wipers
Have them checked to make sure they are operational. Install winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Ensure your windshield can give you clear vision of the road and traffic around you.

Oil and Filter
Dirty oil can give you trouble in the winter, so change the oil and filter. Check the other filters, including the fuel, air and transmission filters.

Tires
Check your tire pressure regularly - for every 5º C of temperature drop, tire pressure goes down by one pound.¹


To schedule your winter tune up call Rice Service center 336-288-6225 or email us at service@ricetoyota.com. We service all makes and models, imports and domestics.
Rice Service Center Complimentary Winter Check Up