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For full-size SUVs on the market this year, none can measure up to the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, which offers everything from performance to power to sophisticated technology. Check out all the exciting features of this year's redesigned Sequoia to see how it stacks up against the competition. more The 2023 Sequoia is newly redesigned to boost the sporty-yet-posh exterior, while also upgrading most of the performance specs. Some of the highlights of this full-size SUV include the six-inch sliding third row, 14-inch touchscreen infotainment, and the incredible Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist features that come standard on Sequoia models. Performance Right out of the gate, the Sequoia has top-tier performance thanks to a powerful twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine, which generates a horsepower of 437 and 583 lb-ft of torque. The towing capacity of this SUV is an estimated 9,520, making it one of the most adaptable trailer towers in its class. The SUV even has an integrated trailer brake controller for added safety. Interior The interior of the Sequoia has boosted the overall luxury of the SUV. Starting with the panoramic moonroof, the cabin space of this SUV includes leather-trimmed seats with heated and ventilated first and second-row seats. The Sequoia also has an available upgrade for a power-folding third row that includes an adjustable cargo shelf system, so you can organize your cargo more efficiently. Technology The 14-inch touchscreen gives drivers access to the Toyota Audio Multimedia package, which includes audio controls and GPS navigation. Drivers can also upgrade to a Qi Wireless charging pad and a digital rearview mirror with integrated HomeLink to simplify their lives. The standard technology on the base trim features an eight-inch touchscreen. Trims The 2023 Sequoia has several trim options, including the SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone. The base SR5 model has 18-inch alloy wheels and an eight-speaker audio system, while higher trims such as the Limited and Platinum editions have 20-inch alloy wheels and a much larger multimedia touchscreen. The highest available trim, Capstone, has 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats with contrast stitching, 10-way power-adjusting front seats, and power-extending running boards. With a starting MSRP of just under $60,000 for the base trim, the 2023 Sequoia has plenty of excellent features. Many of this year's upgrades have increased the luxurious vibe of the full-size SUV and there are even upgrades that make cargo storage more convenient. Drop by Ed Martin Toyota in Noblesville, IN to take this SUV for a test drive.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We all love warm weather, but we also need a trusty car AC when the day gets just too hot. When your car AC is not working, it can make a pleasant drive feel almost unbearable. Fortunately, your Toyota dealer is here to help. If you have an AC problem, our expert technicians can repair it for you. These are some potential AC issues. more Water on the Floor A wet passenger carpet on a warm, sunny day is a sign that something is wrong. The cause of this strange problem is water generated by the cooling process overflowing in the cabin. The evaporator coil holds chilled refrigerant from the compressor. As the AC fan blows over the air over the coil, it chills the air and removes humidity. The humidity is converted into water, which collects in the evaporator heater box. The evaporator heater box has a drain pipe that drains the water out of your car and onto the ground. In time, the drain pipe can become blocked by mold or bacteria. If water can't escape your car, the evaporator heater box will slowly fill up and overflow. The heater box is positioned in front of the passenger cabin section, and overflowing water will leak onto the carpet. We can clean or replace the drain pipe to fix this problem. Refrigerant Leak Refrigerant is the gas that enables the AC to work effectively and chill the air. It changes between gaseous and liquid states during the chilling process. Over time, AC components can become worn or damaged, and this can cause a leak in the AC system. Refrigerant is pressurized in both its gaseous and liquid states, and this means a tiny hole anywhere in the system can cause a rapid loss of refrigerant. Unlike most other potential car leaks, a refrigerant leak is impossible to see with the naked eye. Refrigerant is odorless, colorless, and evaporates when in contact with the air. We can trace a leak in your AC system by feeding a UV dye into the compressor. We then use a UV monitor to trace the refrigerant's passage through the AC. Once we spot the leak, we can permanently seal the hole to fix the problem. Noisy AC A smoothly functioning AC makes almost no sound. If you listen very carefully, you can hear the quiet click of the compressor clutch switching on and off, and you'll hear the sound of the blower motor. If these sounds are replaced by rustling, rattling, or grinding noises, it's time to visit us for an AC checkup. Rustling or rattling noises could be made by dirt, leaves, or other debris rattling around the AC ducts. Grinding noises, in contrast, could be caused by a damaged AC bearing. We'll check the ducts and your AC system and fix the problem. If your ​AC isn't working correctly, ​ call our service department at Ed Martin Toyota.

The brake pads on your Toyota are essential brake system components and must be thick enough to slow your vehicle down. To ensure that your RAV4, Corolla, or Tacoma is always safe to drive, it's vital to have regular brake inspections and pad replacements from the qualified technicians at your Toyota dealer. more Pad Wear and Thickness The lifespan of the pads depends on various factors, including your driving habits and the frequency with which you use your brakes. When you drive your car in heavy traffic and use your brakes often, your pads will wear faster, and if you tend to avoid congested roads and don't have to brake that often, your pads will last much longer. New pads typically measure between eight to twelve millimeters thick, but over time, they wear down. Generally, if your pads are seven millimeters thick or more, they should still work effectively. Once they reach a thickness of four to six millimeters, it's time to consider replacing them. If the pads wear down to three millimeters or less, replacing them as soon as possible is crucial for your safety. Brake Service and Pad Replacement Intervals Your vehicle's brakes must be serviced and tested regularly to ensure the pads never wear too thin, prevent brake failure, and keep you safe on the road. Toyota recommends a thorough brake inspection when the oil is changed every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. During each service, the Toyota technician will carefully inspect your car's brake system to ensure it's working properly. The technician will also check the pads for wear and measure their thickness. At the 10,000-mile interval, the technician will inspect the brake lines and hoses, and at the 20,000-mile maintenance interval, they'll replace the brake fluid if necessary. The recommended brake system inspection intervals for your specific Toyota model are in your owner's manual or speak to a Toyota technician. Genuine Toyota Brake Components It's important to use genuine Toyota brake components if you want the assurance that your brakes are working properly. Genuine Toyota brake components are designed and manufactured to fit your Toyota perfectly. Opting for ceramic pads can reduce noise, heat, and brake dust while prolonging the rotor life, guaranteeing excellent reliability and long-lasting braking performance. Plus, when you go to your dealer to replace your car's pads, you can trust that a factory-trained Toyota technician will expertly install them. The Importance of Replacing Pads Regularly Your car's pads must be thick enough to slow down and stop your car adequately. To maintain complete control of your vehicle, give you maximum stopping power, and optimize your braking performance, replace the pads before they wear too thin to ensure your safety behind the wheel. To give you the necessary braking power, head over to Ed Martin Toyota today for guaranteed brake performance every time you hit the pedal. The qualified Toyota technicians will thoroughly check your brakes, replace the pads if required, and ensure your brake system functions properly.

Hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, and if you're looking into buying one it's important to know what your options are. While there are several choices on the market right now, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid easily takes first place. We'd like to share some of our favorite features of the Corolla Cross. more 1. Plenty of Safety Features Safety should always come first in any piece of technology, and the Corolla Cross is no exception with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes: Adaptive cruise control Lane departure alerts Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection Road sign assist Lane tracing assist Automatic high beams Additional safety features include a blind spot monitor, an adaptive front-lighting system, and nine total airbags, along with a ToyotaCare maintenance plan. These features do a great job of showing Toyota's dedication to keeping drivers safe on the road. 2. Powerful Performance At 42 miles per gallon and 196 combined horsepower, the Corolla Cross Hybrid takes you farther than ever before. Feel free to enjoy the sights on the road without having to worry about when you'll need to stop for gas next. And as a bonus, it's environmentally friendly! 3. Expansive Technology Options The Corolla Cross doesn't skimp on advanced technology. It includes a free trial of Remote Connect, which allows you to connect to your car through the Toyota app to do things like lock and unlock it or start the engine. Other trials include WiFi Connect, which allows you to use the Corolla Cross as a hotspot, and Drive Connect, which helps you navigate unfamiliar places. There's also Service Connect, which lets you easily keep track of data for mileage, fuel level, and maintenance records. Additionally, the Cross Hybrid offers plenty of options including a premium sound system, Qi wireless charging, keyless entry, and an 8-inch touchscreen that allows you to easily control many of the car's systems and connect to your devices. 4. Gorgeous Design Your Corolla Cross Hybrid will be the talk of the town wherever you go with its bold exterior and stylish alloy wheels. If you feel like treating yourself, you can even go for two-tone paint to really add to the 'wow' factor. The modern design helps this car stand out in the best possible way. As you can see, with all the amazing features of the Corolla Cross, it's hard to pick a favorite! We fell in love with it, and we know you will too. Head to Ed Martin Toyota today to check out the Corolla Cross Hybrid and see for yourself!

Electrical problems can have many different causes, including worn wiring, loose connections, or failed sensors. All of these situations make driving more difficult and can even prevent your car from starting. Your Toyota dealer in Noblesville, IN can fix these and any other problems for you. These are some of the problems you might experience. more Worn Wiring Wiring is essential for transmitting electricity to all the systems that need it. Unfortunately, even the high-quality wiring in your car can eventually fail. Wiring is subject to heat and even slight movement in a car, and this can lead to damage. The wiring will also age, and the constant flow of electricity through the wills can weaken them, and they'll fray. Frayed or damaged wiring presents two problems. Electricity can't flow through a broken wire, and this will cause one or more systems in your car to fail. The second problem is electricity will continue to flow into the wire until it reaches the break. This causes the wire to heat up, and the insulation on the wiring will burn. We can fix these problems by tracing the wiring and installing replacement wiring. Loose or Damaged Connections There are numerous connections in your car's electrical system, for example, the battery cables. These connections are essential, as they connect the components that need electricity to the electrical system. When you're driving, the various connections can move slightly due to the car's motion. In time, these movements can create a gap between the connection and the component they're attached to. Connections can also become damaged due to rust or corrosion, which interferes with the transmission of electricity. Connection problems can cause systems to intermittently fail or prevent them from working at all. Our technicians can test the flow of current through your car's electrical system, pinpoint worn or damaged connections, and then repair or replace them. Failed Sensors Sensors are the equivalent of your computer's eyes and ears. They're connected to all your car's most important components. These sensors constantly monitor their attached component's efficiency and provide early warning of any problems. They're also essential for your computer's decision-making, as the computer relies on the information received from them. Failed sensors can cause a host of problems, including increased emissions, low performance, and decreased fuel efficiency. Their failure can also cause additional engine problems, for example, damaged spark plugs due to a fuel-rich engine. We can test the sensors, and easily replace failed ones to fix this problem. Most electrical problems can be prevented by regular servicing, as our technicians can identify a potential problem and rectify it. Call our service department today at Ed Martin Toyota.

The long-awaited 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will make its debut later this year. Described as the ultimate family SUV by the brand, the Grand Highlander is a larger, more powerful spin on the iconic three-row Highlander SUV. It enters the lineup just below the full-size Sequoia SUV. If you're in the market for a spacious vehicle, here's what you need to know about this all-new Toyota model. more Interior Space This massive SUV has a total interior space of more than 150 cubic feet. The Grand Highlander has almost 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats alone. Passengers in all three rows enjoy generous headroom and legroom. You can accommodate up to eight people or fold seats flat for equipment, supplies, or luggage measuring up to 97.5 cubic feet. You'll find smart storage throughout the cabin, and the large center console can even fit a tablet. This SUV is packed with standard comfort and convenience equipment such as three-zone automatic climate control and 13 extra-large cupholders throughout the cabin. Higher trims of the Grand Highlander offer even more premium features. You can select options like leather-trimmed, climate-controlled front seats and a panoramic moonroof. Performance You'll be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Grand Highlander. You have your choice of a traditional gas powertrain and two different hybrid options: the Hybrid Max, which provides 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and a dual-electric hybrid model that gets 243 hp. The Grand Highlander comes with three drive modes, so you can switch between Normal, Eco, and Sport mode as needed. If you ​select the Hybrid Max or gas AWD versions ​of the powertrain, you'll be able to take advantage of Multi-Terrain Select, which features snow, rock and dirt, and mud and sand modes for the ultimate off-roading experience. Technology Every Grand Highlander comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment dashboard that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Everyone can stay connected with seven charging ports throughout the vehicle. Toyota has also given the new SUV the full suite of standard driver assistance tech, including blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. You can upgrade the Grand Highlander with additional tech equipment like a panoramic surround-view monitor and wireless charging. An available Digital Key system lets you provide family members with smartphone access to your vehicle, useful if you have new drivers in the household. You'll be able to experience the Grand Highlander for yourself later this year. Get in touch with the team at Ed Martin Toyota to find out more about this highly-anticipated new SUV model.

A healthy radiator is essential for your Toyota, as it removes the heat generated by your engine. Combustion generates large volumes of heat, and this heat must be removed to protect your engine from damage. When your radiator is working efficiently, your engine will also work more effectively. If your radiator is damaged, your Toyota dealer can perform a radiator repair. These are some of the signs you may have a radiator problem. more Broken Radiator Fan When your engine temperature rises over 180 F, coolant is released into the engine. Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water and has the unique ability to absorb the heat radiating from the hot engine components. The coolant is pumped into the radiator, where the heat is removed by airflow over the radiator tubes. This process works most effectively when your car is traveling at speed. When your car is idling or moving at a slower pace, airflow through the radiator grille is more restricted. When this happens, the thermostat attached to the radiator fan will detect the increased heat in the radiator, and the fan will switch on. The fan blows cool air across the back of the radiator tubes and forces the heat out of the radiator. If the fan doesn't switch on, our technicians will need to examine it. We'll repair or replace the fan to fix this problem. Leaking Coolant Coolant is pumped through your engine at high speed, and the speed will increase as your engine temperature increases. The faster the coolant moves, the faster it can remove heat and control your engine temperature. The cooling system is subject to stresses from temperatures over 300 F and pressure, which can damage the system in time. Any damage to the cooling system can cause a coolant leak. As coolant leaks out, the pressure in the cooling system will drop. The reduced coolant level and its slower movement will cause your engine temperature to rise. A coolant leak can become apparent if you either see green, yellow, pink, or blue liquid under your car or if your engine temperature gauge starts to rise. Our technicians can trace a coolant leak and repair it very quickly. Loose Hoses Two hoses connect the radiator to the cooling system. These hoses are made from reinforced rubber and are designed to carry hot and pressurized coolant continually. The hoses are attached to the radiator by strong metal clamps that ensure an air-tight fit. Over time, the subtle movement of the hoses as you drive can loosen the clamps. A loose clamp can lead to a coolant leak or cause the hose to disconnect from the radiator. We will test the clamps and replace any worn or damaged ones. If your engine is overheating, call us immediately at Ed Martin Toyota.

The battery has been an essential part of every car since 1918, and it provides the power to crank and start the engine. Their lifespan has improved over the years, but even the best battery will wear out. As your Toyota dealer, we can easily replace a worn or damaged battery when you need it. These are some signs to watch for that you need a new car battery. more Dim Lights If you see that your headlights are dim when your engine is off, this usually means that the bulbs are failing and will need replacement. Should you also see that the cabin and dash lights are also dim, this is a sign that your battery is starting to fail. When your engine is switched off, the battery provides power for numerous systems, including the lights, alarm, and sensors. One of the ways to test if the problem is battery-related is to switch on the engine and check the luminescence of the lights. When your engine is running, the alternator takes over from the battery and supplies all of your Toyota's electrical power. If the lights are brighter when the alternator is supplying power, your battery is failing and will need to be replaced. Weather Is Too Hot or Cold Extreme temperatures can play havoc with a car battery. Extreme heat or cold affects a battery's ability to work effectively and can even shorten its life. In a cold Indiana winter, your battery will use 30% to 60% more power to start your engine. The reason for this is that the chemical reactions in the battery are slower, and the oil thickens and makes the engine more difficult to start. Hot weather, on the other hand, can lead to battery damage through overheating; if your battery is aging, extreme heat can cause the electrolyte mixture in the battery to expand and damage the casing. Our technicians will check your battery for signs of environmental damage and install a new one if necessary. Corrosion on the Battery Terminals Corroded battery terminals are usually caused by a failing battery. A worn battery releases hydrogen gas that mixes with other gases in the engine to form hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is drawn back to your battery by the electrical charges from the terminals. The gas gradually forms a white, gray, or green acidic salt that will damage the battery terminals. Corroded terminals can be temporarily cleaned, but the corrosion will return. We advise replacing a corroded battery right away to prevent possible damage to other engine components. If you suspect a problem with your battery, call our service department today at Ed Martin Toyota. Our Toyota-trained technicians will speedily fix the problem.

If you have problems with your gears, hear horrible noises, see pools of transmission fluid on the ground under your car, or smell burning odors, your Toyota has transmission problems. To ensure an expert transmission repair, rely on the qualified Toyota technicians at your Toyota dealer who guarantee top-quality workmanship and fit genuine Toyota parts. more Expert Repair Services When your transmission is acting up, and your struggle to shift your car into gear, the gears slip, make awful buzzing, clunking, and grinding noises, or there's a transmission fluid leak, rely on the professionals at your dealer's service center. The highly-trained Toyota technicians will perform expert repairs and get you back behind the wheel in a flash. When you rely on the team at your dealer, you can rest assured that your Toyota is in expert hands and that the job is done right the first time. Toyota-Trained and Qualified Technicians The qualified Toyota technicians at your dealer's service center have the knowledge and skills to provide top-quality repair services to keep your car running like new. They use cutting-edge technology and specialized tools to perform expert repairs on modern, technologically advanced Toyota vehicles. Toyota technicians receive regular training to keep up with the latest technology, perform expert repairs, and use genuine Toyota parts to ensure your car continues to perform at its best. Reliable, Genuine Toyota Parts If your Toyota needs transmission parts, your dealer has a vast inventory of genuine Toyota parts for every Toyota model. Genuine Toyota parts are specifically manufactured for your Toyota and tested for endurance, reliability, performance, and safety. You can shop for genuine Toyota transmission parts on their website, and the team will help you find the right part for your specific model. Great Deals and Savings on Services and Parts Take advantage of your dealer's fantastic money-saving deals and discounts on services and parts to help you save on repairs. Check out the part specials and coupons on their website and chat with a Toyota Service Advisor for more information on all the great offers. Convenient and Easy Appointment Scheduling Scheduling a repair at your dealer is easy and convenient and just a phone call or a click of a button away. One of the friendly team members will assist you with a date and time for repairs that suits you best. You can also conveniently schedule an appointment online on your dealer's website by filling in the Appointment Scheduler. Rely on your dealer's team of experts and genuine Toyota parts when your transmission needs repairs. Please don't delay until the problem causes more damage and higher repair costs. Visit or call Ed Martin Toyota today to schedule an appointment, and rest assured that your vehicle's transmission issues will be sorted out quickly and effectively.

The engine is the heart of your Toyota, and it requires a regular car and attention to keep it healthy. As time passes, parts can wear out or suffer damage, and you'll need an engine repair. These are a few engine problems that your Toyota dealer in Noblesville, IN, can repair for you. more Rusted Radiator The radiator is responsible for removing engine heat. Engine coolant absorbs heat as it travels, and the hot coolant enters the tubes in the radiator. Once inside the tubes, heat is removed by heat exchange as cold air flows over the hot tubes. A radiator operates at high pressure and temperatures of over 300 F. Under these conditions, an under-serviced radiator can develop a leak. Coolant is composed of antifreeze and water. Escaping coolant will rapidly dry outside the radiator due to the high temperatures. Unfortunately, the water in the coolant can damage the radiator and cause rust. Rust can spread rapidly through metal and weakens the radiator. Weakened areas can create further leaks. We can't repair a rusted radiator, but we can replace it for you. Damaged Oxygen Sensors Oxygen sensors are installed in several parts of your car. Their job is to monitor the amount of air in your engine. Additional oxygen sensors monitor the amount of air in the exhaust gases. The information they produce is sent to your car's computer, which makes decisions to maintain the correct oxygen balance for your engine. Air is essential for combustion, as this process requires 14x more air than fuel. Damaged sensors can over or under-report the amount of air. If your computer receives the wrong information, this will cause further problems. An incorrect amount of oxygen can cause misfiring, damage to the spark plugs and cylinders, and potentially damage the catalytic converter. We can test the sensors and replace any damaged ones. Misfiring Misfiring is incomplete detonation during combustion. Combustion requires the correct mixture of air and fuel. These elements mix in the intake manifold and are injected into the cylinders. In each cylinder, the air-fuel mix is heavily compressed and then ignited by the spark plug. In the case of misfiring, either the mix is incorrect, or the compression isn't sufficient. When a cylinder misfires, you feel a shudder from the engine. Misfiring wastes fuel as most of the contents of a misfiring cylinder are dumped into the exhaust and not ignited. Misfiring usually occurs due to too much fuel in the air-fuel mix or damage to the spark plugs. We'll examine your engine and fix the problem. If your engine shows any signs of trouble, call us right away at Ed Martin Toyota. Image courtesy of Tim Samuel via Pexels

The alternator in your Toyota produces electrical power for all your car's systems and devices. The alternator will eventually wear out, and you'll need an alternator repair or replacement. As your Toyota dealer, we can help you with any alternator problem. These are some signs your alternator could be failing. more Random Electrical Problems Your Toyota's electrical system is designed for stability and efficiency. If you start to experience random electrical problems, you could have a dying alternator. The alternator, as we've seen, produces the power for your car's systems. When an alternator starts to fail, its electrical production starts to drop. This problem isn't readily apparent, as your alternator always produces more power than your car needs. When the alternator has worn down and can't produce enough power for all your car's systems. Your Toyota's computer will take over and apportion the available power to the systems that need it the most. This can lead to strange situations like a window that stops closing and then suddenly closes a few minutes later. We'll test your alternator, and we can replace a worn-out alternator very quickly. Damaged Battery A damaged battery can cause your alternator to fail and burn out. Your alternator recharges the battery and starts this process as soon as the engine is switched on. The battery isn't recharged at full power, as this places too much strain on the alternator. Instead, the alternator charges the battery at full power for five minutes and then reduces its charging strength. The alternator depends on the battery to send a signal that the first five-minute charge has been received. If the battery is damaged, it won't send that signal. Your alternator will continue to try and charge your battery at full power and wear itself out in the process. Depending on the damage, we may be able to fix your alternator, or we may need to replace it. Failed Rectifier The rectifier is a small component in the alternator that converts power. As the crankshaft turns, it causes the alternator belt to run across the alternator pulley. The pulley spins in response to the belt's movement, and this powers the alternator. The spinning movement enables the magnets in the center of the alternator to produce magnetic energy. The magnetic energy is captured by the stator and converted into AC. Your car's systems, however, require DC power. The rectifier's job is to convert AC to DC. If the rectifier fails, this conversion won't happen, and your car will rapidly lose power. We can replace the rectifier to fix this problem. If you suspect an alternator problem, call us right away at Ed Martin Toyota. Image courtesy of cottonbro studios via Pexels

There are various ways to tell when something is wrong with your Toyota Corolla, Camry, or Highlander. If you know what to look for, you can avoid further damage and high repair costs. The following signs will warn you when to schedule a service appointment. more Illuminated Warning Lights Dashboard warning lights go on when something is wrong with your car. If you see a warning light, address it quickly to prevent further damage. Keep an eye on these warning lights, which are the most critical: Check Engine Light The best cause of action when you notice the check engine light is on is to ask your Toyota technician to take a look as soon as possible. Brake System Warning Light Low brake fluid or a malfunctioning brake system will trigger the warning light. It's unsafe to continue driving while this light is on. You should pull over and contact your dealer. ABS Warning Light There's an ABS or Brake Assist System malfunction when the ABS warning light is on. Charging System Warning Light The light warns you that there is a problem with the charging system. Pull over and call your dealer for assistance. High Coolant Temperature Warning Light When the temperature of the coolant gets excessively high, it will trigger the high coolant temperature warning light. Stop immediately in a safe place and call your dealer. Low Oil Pressure Warning Light The low oil pressure warning light will go on when the oil pressure is too low. You should not continue to drive any further. Pull over and call your local service center. Low Fluid Levels and Leaks Your car needs fluids to lubricate the moving parts and cool down the engine. Low fluid levels will cause friction, increase wear, cause overheating, and damage components. If you notice that you must top off the fluids more frequently, schedule a service appointment at your dealer as soon as possible. A fluid leak could be the cause of the low fluid levels. Look on the ground under your car for puddles. The color of the leaking fluid will determine what type of fluid is leaking. Brake fluid: brown Coolant: bright red, green, blue, orange, or yellow Engine oil: amber brown to black Power steering fluid: red Transmission fluid: orange or reddish-brown Unpleasant Odors New and unpleasant odors are tell-tale signs that your car needs service. When you smell burning, it's caused by one of your systems overheating. Sulfur, or the smell of rotten eggs, indicates an issue with the fuel system. If you smell any unpleasant odor, especially from under the hood, ask your Toyota technician to take a look at it. Strange Noises Whenever your car makes unfamiliar noises, there is likely a problem. Components that are not well-lubricated or broken will make nasty sounds. Get it checked out immediately if you hear anything like whining, screeching, humming, or grinding. Service your Toyota regularly and avoid getting stuck on the side of the road and paying heaps of cash for expensive repairs. If your Toyota shows any of the above symptoms, call Ed Martin Toyota today to schedule a service appointment, and our qualified Toyota technicians will get your car back in great shape. Image courtesy of Malte Luk via Pexels