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Do you know one thing that’s even scarier than all the ghosts and ghouls of Halloween? Getting stuck with an unreliable car. That’s why we recommend that you schedule an appointment at our Toyota service center at Sansone Toyota to get your vehicle ready for autumn. more Check Your Heater With our coldest months approaching, you want to check now to make sure that your heater is ready. Typically, heating systems need to be serviced every 30,000 miles. We recommend that you check your owner’s manual for the specific guidelines for your vehicle. Inspect Your Tires While it may seem warm now, we’ll have snowy and icy streets in no time. As a general rule of thumb, your tire tread should be at least 4/32 of an inch. In the winter, we recommend that it’s at least 6/32 of an inch to keep you in control. Replace Your Windshield Wipers All that frost and ice means that your windshield wipers are about to get a workout too. It’s an opportune time to replace your windshield wiper blades to ensure they’re ready to work. Inspect Your Battery Extreme temperatures can be harsh on your battery. We encourage you to get your battery tested to ensure it’s in peak condition. If yours isn’t reliable, now is a good time to consider a replacement. Pack an Emergency Kit If you do find yourself stuck, it’s best to be prepared. These are a few things we recommend keeping on hand this autumn (and winter): Ice scraper Jumper Cables Flashlight Blanket Bottled water Non-perishable snacks Schedule an Appointment at Our Toyota Service Center Today Autumn is here and winter is right on its heels. Don’t let it sneak up on you. Reach out to Sansone Toyota to schedule a service appointment with our team today!

Summer is heating up and we know what that means – vacations are calling. If you’re ready to hit the road, make sure that your vehicle is ready for all those extra miles. We can help with Sansone Toyota service from our expert team. more Inspect Your Tires Before your tires are put to the test, you want to make sure that they are in prime condition. They should have at least 4/32 of an inch of tread and need to be properly inflated. It’s a good idea to also rotate your tires to minimize any wear. Change Your Oil Fresh engine oil can make a huge difference on your trip. Naturally, it helps to protect your engine and keep it running smoothly. It can also improve your performance and even your fuel efficiency. Top Off Your Fluids Your engine oil isn’t the only thing that may need a refresh. Make sure to check all the fluids in your vehicle to see if any need to be topped off or are due for a replacement. Your various fluids include: Transmission fluid Coolant Brake fluid Power steering fluid Windshield wiper fluid Test Your Battery Your battery will be put to the test on a longer road trip. We encourage you to have it tested before you leave to make sure it’s in peak condition, or it may be time to replace it. Schedule Toyota Service Today Our technicians at Sansone Toyota are trained and certified to care for Toyota vehicles and will make sure your vehicle gets the care it needs. We also have a plethora of Toyota specials that you can take advantage of. Visit us to get your vehicle ready for those road trips today!

Many drivers know a Toyota oil change is an important part of caring for their vehicle. However, maintenance needs differ for an electric vehicle. We’re outlining the maintenance requirements for an EV at Sansone Toyota. more Oil Changes Engine oil is designed to keep the fast-moving parts of an internal combustion engine moving freely. It lubricates the parts to limit friction, which can damage your engine. Plus, if the parts rub together too harshly, they can become so hot that your engine overheats or fails completely. The EV Difference So, does an electric vehicle need an oil change? No, it does not. That’s because an EV doesn’t use an engine at all. An EV is powered by an electric motor, which draws energy from a battery. The Maintenance Differences EVs need significantly less maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles since they have fewer moving parts. Plus, they don’t need the maintenance required for an internal combustion engine such as oil changes and filter replacements. Gasoline-powered vehicles also have many engine-related components that eventually need to be replaced, such as spark plugs. EV Maintenance Requirements Even though EVs don’t need oil changes, they still require routine maintenance. You want to ensure your EV is maintained and routinely inspected by a professional. Plus, electric vehicles have certain parts with a limited lifespan that will need to be replaced at some point. EV service tasks include: Battery inspection Tire rotation Cabin air filter replacement Windshield wiper replacement and fluid top-off Brake pad replacement and brake fluid top-off Schedule Toyota Service Today While electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, it’s still important to regularly maintain them. Reach out to Sansone Toyota to schedule a service appointment or simply stop in at your convenience. Visit us for Toyota service today!

Like many Toyota parts, batteries aren’t built to last forever. If your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan or is no longer reliable, it’s time for a new one. Our expert team at Sansone Toyota has a few tips to keep in mind when ordering a new battery. more The Size of Battery You Need When shopping for new batteries, the size of the battery is crucial. It needs to fit your vehicle appropriately, and all vehicles also have distinct power needs. Your owner’s manual will include the recommended battery size for your vehicle. The Location of the Terminals It’s also important to know the terminal layout of the battery. It needs to be compatible with your vehicle’s design and it shouldn’t come in contact with metal surfaces in your vehicle, which can lead to damage. The Newness of the Battery Every battery has a shelf life, so you want to make sure you aren’t getting one that’s already old. Check the label to see what month and year it was manufactured. To ensure it’s still working optimally, we suggest purchasing a battery less than six months old. The Battery’s Reserve Capacity A battery’s reserve capacity is the amount of time that your battery can work on its own. You want to look for a battery with an adequate reserve capacity because if your alternator suddenly fails, you’ll need the reserve capacity for your vehicle to work. The Battery Brand It’s also important to consider the battery brand when shopping. You don’t want to simply look for the cheapest option, you want a quality product that’s reliable. Order a New Car Battery Today If you can’t depend on your car battery, it’s time to replace it. Stop by Sansone Toyota to order a new battery for your vehicle today!

The spring season is here! While we know all about spring cleaning, did you know there are a few extra service tasks your vehicle needs too? The experts at our Toyota service center at Sansone Toyota suggest completing these spring maintenance tasks. more 1.      Test Your Battery Cold winters can strain your battery, leaving you with one that’s unreliable. We can test your battery, as well as look for corrosion, loose cables, or any unusual wear. 2.      Conduct the Quarter Test Test the traction of your tires with a quick trick. Stick a quarter into the lowest groove with Washington’s head pointed downward. If the tread doesn’t reach his head, your tires are too worn and must be replaced. 3.      Replace Your Windshield Wipers Windshield wipers can get worn down and brittle over the winter. Our technicians can inspect your wiper blades and replace them if needed. 4.      Run Through the Carwash It’s a good idea to get all the winter slush and road salt off your car since they can compromise your vehicle’s exterior. Consider a wax too, which can help preserve your car's exterior from the hot sun. 5.      Check Your Fluid Levels Adequate fluid levels are important to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Our technicians can check the levels of your vehicle’s fluids to ensure they are at the recommended minimum. Your vehicle fluids include: Engine oil Transmission fluid Brake fluid Power steering fluid Coolant Windshield wiper fluid Toyota Service at Sansone Toyota We encourage you to take advantage of our Toyota service specials and schedule spring maintenance at our service center. Our trained technicians will provide all the quality care you need. Stop in and see us today!

Is your vehicle struggling to start? When you have a car that won't run, it can be confusing and undoubtedly frustrating. The experts at our Toyota service center at Sansone Toyota can help. more You Have a Dead Battery More often than not, a vehicle that won’t start is due to a dead battery. To know for sure, you’ll want to try jump-starting your vehicle. It’s important to also have your battery inspected to make sure it won’t happen again. These issues can drain your Toyota battery: You have loose or corroded connections You have a parasitic draw (something in your vehicle that consistently drains your battery) You’ve left your lights on You frequently take short drives Your battery is old You Have a Bad Alternator If your car starts, but then stalls, it’s likely due to a faulty alternator. Your vehicle needs its alternator to charge your battery. So, while you may be able to drive with a bad alternator, it’ll depend on how much your battery was charged before it fails completely. You Have a Faulty Ignition Switch Your ignition switch is part of the system that starts your engine. Without it, your vehicle can’t get power from the battery to the engine. If you notice that your dashboard lights are dim or flickering, that’s a sign that your ignition switch is failing. You’re Out of Gas This is a simple human error that can happen to anyone. Try to think back, was your low fuel warning light on the last time you were able to start your car? While it’s inconvenient, at least this one is an easy fix. Schedule Toyota Service Today When you need expert Toyota service, look no further. Our technicians are trained to care for Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs. Contact us to set up a service appointment today!

While winter weather is beautiful, it can also be treacherous. If you’re stuck in the snow, our Toyota service experts at Sansone Toyota have a few tips so you know how to respond. more Check Your Surroundings While we know it can be frightening, try to stay calm. Check your surroundings and make sure that you’re safe or else call for assistance. Work to Clear Away the Snow This is your friendly reminder to make sure you have a winter kit in your car, so you’re prepared instead of scrambling in this situation. You should have a small shovel, ice scraper, and sand or kitty litter. Use your shovel to try to clear as much snow away from your tires and create a potential path. Add Some Traction Even a little extra traction can help you power out of the snow. Add the kitty litter or sand in front of your tires (and behind if you’re trying to back out). If you don’t have any available, look for small twigs or even use your floor mats if necessary. Attempt to Rock Your Way Out Once you’ve cleared as much snow as possible, attempt to rock your vehicle out. After turning off any traction control, slowly drive forward, stop, and then reverse. If possible, get some reinforcements to help with a push (using extreme caution). Visit Us for a Tire Inspection Today The best way to avoid getting stuck in the snow is to increase your traction on the road. Stop by Sansone Toyota to have your tires inspected today. We’ve also got quality replacements if you need any!

We rely on our car batteries every day, but they aren’t always reliable. In fact, there are many things that can drain your battery. If you follow these tips from our Toyota service technicians at Sansone Toyota, you will know how to respond to a dead battery or hopefully avoid one altogether. more Jump-Starting Your Battery If you have a dead battery, you’ll need to find another vehicle to jump-start yours. Park both vehicles as close together as you can and pop your hood, securing it carefully with the hood strut. Then, use your jumper cables to start your battery. Attach the clamps in the following order: Red clamp to the positive terminal of your dead battery Other red clamp to the positive terminal of the booster battery Black clamp to the negative terminal of the booster battery Other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface of your car Start the working vehicle and then start your car. Keep it running for a few minutes and then carefully remove the jumper cables in the opposite order that you attached them. Take your vehicle for a short drive before turning it off. Things That Drain Your Battery While you can’t always protect your battery, you should try to avoid a few things that drain your battery. These things can make your battery less reliable: Leaving your headlights or interior lights on Having loose or corroded connections Driving in extreme temperatures Frequently taking short drives Having an old battery If you’ve had issues with your battery, it’s important to have it inspected to make sure that it’s still working properly. Contact our Toyota dealership near Jersey City, NJ to set up a service appointment with our team today!

Driving can always get a little precarious once the winter season gets underway. The roads get slick, it can be more difficult to see, and you always run the risk of getting stuck in the snow. It’s important to schedule Toyota service at Sansone Toyota to get your vehicle prepped for it all. more Replace Your Windshield Wipers When those sightlines do start to get blurry, you want to make sure your windshield wipers are ready to do their job and do it right. If your wipers are struggling to clear your windshield, it’s time to replace them. They are also more brittle and prone to breaking in the winter, so keep an eye on them all season long. Inspect Your Tires If your tires have become too bald, you run the risk of completely losing control on winter streets. Check to make sure they have at least 6/32 of an inch of tread, which is the minimum recommended depth in the winter. Test Your Lights With visibility limited, it’s also crucial that your lights are working properly. You need to make sure you can see as best as possible but it’s equally important that others can see you. Make sure you check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and your turn signals. Pack an Emergency Kit Even when you are as careful as possible, you could still face a time when you lose control and find yourself in a collision or stuck in a drift. Make sure that you have all the emergency supplies you need. An emergency kit should include: Flashlight Blanket Bottled water and non-perishable snacks An ice scraper and a small shovel Kitty litter or sand Contact our Toyota dealership near Staten Island, NY, to set up a service appointment today—we’re happy to help!

It never seems like an accident can happen to you — until it does. After an accident, the way you respond can make the biggest difference in the world. At Sansone Toyota, we encourage you to be safe and search for a “ Toyota repair shop near me” as soon as you can. Get to Safety Make sure you take care of yourself and your passengers first. If anyone’s injured, don’t try to move them — just call 911. If everyone is okay, move safely out of traffic or, at the very least, get out of your car and get to a safe space. Contact the Authorities In the state of New Jersey, you must report a car accident if it: Resulted in an injury or death Caused vehicle or property damage exceeding $500 Exchange Information Once you’ve ensured that everyone is safe, it’s important to exchange information with the other driver(s). If the driver isn’t the owner of the vehicle, you want to make sure to get the owner’s info too. Name, contact info, and driver’s license number Vehicle make, model, and color License plate number Insurance information Document the Accident After an accident, try to avoid talking about the accident, so no one is assuming fault. That will be determined by the insurance companies. You can help by taking lots of photos, both of the scene and the vehicles. Try to take down all the pertinent info you can, because it’s easy to forget the details. Schedule Repairs Next, it’s so important to set up an appointment with our Toyota service center in Avenel, NJ to ensure your vehicle is working like new and is safe to drive. If you’ve been in an accident, while we’re sorry to hear it, Sansone Toyota can help!

The uncertainty and fear that you feel when your vehicle fails inspection are stress-inducing. However, our team at Sansone Toyota is here to help you with our Toyota service center. If you are worried about failing an inspection, or if you already have, stop by our New Jersey Toyota dealership today to learn what to do next, and find out how we can help. How Our Toyota Service Center Helps If You Fail Inspection Let’s say you went to go get an emissions test for your vehicle — but you failed. When this happens, the person administering the test will give you paperwork detailing the issues that need to be addressed. For any failed official inspection, you will receive a detailed explanation as to why your car failed. You can bring this information to our Toyota service center, and we will give you an estimate of what it will cost to fix the issue. For example, if you fail an emissions test, it is probably due to an issue with your vehicle’s exhaust system. This may include your muffler or catalytic converter. Once you are given the estimate, you must decide if you want our team of trained technicians to make the repairs. If you do, we will then give you some tips on what you can do to pass the test next time. We will also give you paperwork that outlines what we did to your vehicle so that you can show the testing facility that you failed the test once and then had service performed to pass it this time. Ultimately, our Toyota service and repair experts will get you back on the road and ready to pass your inspection. Here at Sansone Toyota, we are committed to keeping you cruising safely and efficiently, so don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment today!

Routine Toyota service is a crucial part of owning a vehicle. These are a few essential maintenance tasks you’ll see at appointments at Sansone Toyota. Motor Oil Change Your engine oil lubricates your engine’s parts, which minimizes friction and heat. Without it, the parts can overheat and warp, which can even eventually lead to complete engine failure over time. As your engine oil ages, it loses efficiency and becomes thick and dirty. Fresh oil keeps your Toyota vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, as well as extends your engine’s lifespan. Top-Off of Fluids There are several fluids in your vehicle besides your engine oil. A standard oil change service includes topping off these fluids — or flushing their systems if needed. Make sure to check your owner’s manual to see the appropriate schedule for your vehicle. Fluids that need to be topped off or flushed and replaced include: Brake fluid Power steering fluid Coolant Transmission fluid Windshield wiper fluid Filter Replacement Your vehicle has four primary filters: cabin, air, fuel, and oil. These help to keep contaminants out of their respective spaces, helping to improve your vehicle’s efficiency and minimize wear. As they accumulate particles, they can become too dirty, restricting airflow. This can diminish your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. Tire Rotation A tire rotation involves shifting your tires to different wheels. Typically, tires are switched from front to back and from driver to passenger side (or vice versa). If you don’t regularly rotate your tires, they can wear unevenly, which leaves your tires prone to deflation and damage. Does your new Toyota vehicle need maintenance? Our trained and certified technicians will ensure your vehicle gets the expert care it needs. Reach out to our New Jersey Toyota dealership to schedule an appointment today!