Auto Service and Maintenance

Northtown Toyota - Service FAQ

Get Expert Answers to Your Most Popular Service Questions

It's our job to help drivers from Niagara Falls prepare for the roads ahead.  We know our customers have many questions about service and regularly scheduled maintenance, so our crew has decided to answer some of the most popular questions that we keep getting.

How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?

Getting the oil changed in your vehicle is one of the most important automotive services that you can perform.  To ensure your vehicle operates smoothly on the roads in Buffalo, we recommend getting your oil changed every 5,000 miles of driving.  For newer vehicles that use high-quality synthetic motor oil, you can change the oil every 10,000 miles.

How Often Should I Check My Vehicle's Fluid Levels?

You should get into the habit of checking your vehicle's fluid levels at least once a week. To help you get started, make it a point to check your vehicle's fluid levels each time you stop for this gas. This will help you monitor your fluids and top-off any of your reservoirs that are low on fluid.

How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?

Your air filter needs to be changed every 4-6 months, depending on how often you drive and where you spend most of your time on the roads.  Located under the hood, it's good to also get in the habit of checking your air filter at least once a month.

Do I Really Need Winter Tires?

If you drive a small sedan or a less capable vehicle, winter tires can significantly help improve your vehicle's performance when the roads are covered in ice or snow.  Consider investing in a good set of winter tires to command the highways this winter, especially if your vehicle doesn't come equipped with all-wheel-drive.

When Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

Brake pads should be replaced when you start to hear a loud, high-pitched screeching sound coming from your wheels and rotors.  This indicates that your brake pads are worn down to the metal backing plates and are scraping against the edge of your metal rotor, causing the annoying squeal.

When Should I Replace My Car Battery?

Car batteries are imperative to the function of your vehicle's electrical software, including generating enough power to start up the engine.  We recommend replacing your car battery every 2-3 years.

When Should I Get a Tire Rotation?

Rotating your tires twice a year will help increase the lifespan and longevity of your tires. A proper tire rotation helps evenly distribute wear and tear amongst all four tires.

How Much Air Pressure Should I Put into My Tires?

Please refer to your owner's manual or the information on the outside of the tire for how much air pressure you should be putting in.  It's important not to overinflate or underinflate your tires.

What Should I Do When My Check Engine Lights Come On?

Check engine lights indicate that something is wrong with the engine.  If you one pop up and illuminate on your dashboard, we recommend bringing your vehicle into our service shop to have it checked out right away.

What Happens If I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

Ignoring the low tire pressure warning light on your dashboard can cause permanent damage to your tires if they are running low on air.

How Often Should I Have My Brakes Checked?

If you're in the market for service and you schedule an appointment at Northtown Toyota, our service team will gladly inspect your brakes to ensure they are not about to fail.  Otherwise, you should check your brakes every few months.

Why Does My Vehicle Need a Coolant Flush?

A coolant flush helps drain out the old fluid and replenish the new coolant system. Coolant helps promote strong AC and heating capability, and helps regulate the temperature of your engine to ensure you don't overheat on the roads in Tonawanda.