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Your car battery has a limited life span, and it’s important that you know how to test your battery if there’s an issue. If you can, let your vehicle sit for a couple of days before testing the battery. If you test it while it has been running, the alternator may have been charging the battery. Connect your battery tester by clipping the red cable to the positive terminal on your battery. The black cable should hook up to the negative terminal. Switch on the battery tester to see what the voltage reading is. If your battery is…

The evolution of the blind spot monitoring system is one of the most inspiring legacies of modern safety. Older drivers remember when the only thing that monitored a blind spot was a sharp turn of the head and a prayer. You never could be quite sure what was in your blind spots (the areas outside of your vehicle that aren't immediately visible in your mirrors). Blind spots have gotten more than a few people killed over the years. Modern automakers knew how important this technology was.

How It Works

A blind-spot monitor is a two-part system. First, you'll…

Driving around with your pets in the backseat is definitely an ideal way of traveling. Unfortunately for your car's upholstery, it's definitely going to have its consequences. Pet hair has an uncanny ability to seem like it's everywhere. Here at Chicago Northside Toyota, that's why we decided to give out a few helpful tips for dealing with that unwanted pet hair.

One big preventative measure you can take is to spread out protective sheets over your seats. These will prevent your pet's hair from clinging to your seats and upholstery. 

When you begin the process of cleaning the engine of your car, you need to remove the plastic covers that you see. This will make it easier to clean them separately and won't be in the way when you're cleaning the surface of the engine. You also need to remove the battery's negative cable. Chicago Northside Toyota can assist in showing you which cables to disconnect.

A plastic bag can be used to cover any of the electrical components so that they don't get wet during the process. Cover the air intake as well, especially if…

When it comes to ensuring your vehicle’s long-term health and performance, regular oil changes are essential. However, if you’ve never seen the process done before, you may have reason to ask, “how does an oil change work?”

 

If you want to drive safely and comfortably, then proper tire care is a must. And while you might check your air pressure and tread periodically at home, do you know how to rotate tires? Most drivers leave the heavy lifting to the professionals, but it's still a good idea to learn the basics of rotating tires to understand the importance of regular services.

Nothing ruins a quiet and peaceful drive around Chicago like an unexpected sound rumbling under the hood of your car. But if you want to know the reasons behind those strange car noises, it's important to keep listening!

When the Chicago snow starts to fall, you can count on a healthy layer of road salt flooding the roads. And while this safety measure is a terrific de-icer during those freezing temperatures, this corrosive substance can also cause major problems with your vehicle. Do you want to know how to protect your car from road salt? The right winter maintenance can keep your car in great shape all season long.

 

Chicagoland drivers know that treacherous winter conditions can wreak havoc on a car, so how should you prepare as the temperatures begin to drop? Many drivers in the Cicero and Oak Park areas are turning to snow-proof winter tires to protect themselves against the slick roads and freezing temperatures of the colder months. Take a closer look at the benefits of winter snow tires with Chicago Northside Toyota, and see if a brand new set of tires can make your holiday driving just a little merrier!

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It’s happened to everyone: your battery dies at the worst possible time, and you’re stuck. Knowing how to jumpstart a car is a must-have life skill. All you need are some jumper cables and someone willing to let you hook your car up to theirs.