At Mount Airy Toyota, we believe car ownership should be empowering—not confusing. That’s why we created the Insider Tips Series, a collection of straightforward tutorials and proven advice on everything from car buying to maintenance, ownership, and service. Each episode takes a practical look at real-world driving challenges and offers expert guidance that helps you save money, avoid costly mistakes, and get more out of your Toyota.
To kick off the series, we’re highlighting two important topics: how mountain driving affects your car and the hidden features built into Toyotas that many drivers never use.
Mountain Driving: What Wears Out First
Driving in the North Carolina mountains is a unique experience. The steep climbs, sharp descents, and winding roads don’t just challenge drivers—they also put extra stress on vehicles. In one of our first videos, Mount Airy Toyota Certified Technician Chris Pack explains that tires, brakes, and fuel consumption take the biggest hit when you drive in the mountains.
Tires
The constant uphill climbs and downhill braking cause tires to wear out faster than on flat terrain. Mountain drivers often find themselves replacing tires sooner than expected, making regular inspections essential. Keeping an eye on tire tread and alignment can prevent uneven wear and extend the life of your tires.
$$$ SAVINGS TIP – Keep your Toyota driving safely with a fresh set of tires—and save big while you do it! Watch our website and social media for the Mount Airy Toyota Tire Sales. We often advertise buy three tires and get the fourth tire FREE.
- Expert Toyota Certified installation
- Tires matched for your model and driving needs
- Boost safety, performance, and fuel efficiency
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of mountain driving. Frequent downhill braking generates more heat and friction, which can wear out pads and rotors at a much faster rate. Getting your brakes serviced on time doesn’t just improve safety; it also saves money. When brake pads are replaced before they wear down completely, you avoid damaging rotors and calipers, which can lead to costly repairs. In other words, preventative service now means avoiding major expenses later.
Fuel Efficiency
Steeper terrain requires more power, which means more fuel. While there’s no way around the physics of climbing mountains, keeping your tires properly inflated, maintaining a clean air filter, and following regular service intervals can help maximize your fuel economy.
The takeaway is simple: regular maintenance is not optional—it’s essential. Staying ahead of tire and brake service not only keeps you safe on mountain roads but also protects your wallet from unexpected repair bills.
Hidden Features: Getting the Most From Your Toyota
Our second video in the series dives into something many drivers overlook: the hidden features built into their Toyotas. These features are designed to make daily driving easier and more convenient, but too often, owners never use them.
Key Fob Technology
Your Toyota key fob is more than just a way to lock and unlock your car. Depending on your model, it can roll down your windows, open the trunk remotely, and even activate a panic alarm with specific button combinations. These functions can save time, add convenience, and improve safety, yet many Toyota owners never take advantage of them.
Watch this video by Mount Airy Toyota Certified Tech, Chris Pack to learn about your Key Fob.
Additional Features Drivers Forget
- Automatic High Beams – Many Toyota models include this feature, which automatically switches between high and low beams to improve nighttime driving safety.
- Eco and Sport Driving Modes – These selectable modes adjust throttle response and fuel efficiency. Eco mode helps save gas, while Sport mode sharpens performance for a more responsive drive.
- Rear Seat Reminder – Designed to alert you to check the back seat before leaving the vehicle, this safety feature helps prevent accidents and forgotten belongings.
- Toyota Safety Sense Alerts – From lane departure warnings to adaptive cruise control, Toyota’s safety systems have customizable settings that many owners never personalize. Taking the time to adjust them can improve your driving comfort and confidence.
By exploring these hidden features, our goal is to help you get the most out of your vehicle. After all, you invested in Toyota quality—you deserve to enjoy every feature it offers.
Why This Series Matters
Between car buying myths, confusing service schedules, and overlooked technology, drivers face a lot of uncertainty. Our Insider Tips Series was created to clear up that confusion. We want to provide:
- Clarity – Cutting through myths with honest, straightforward answers.
- Confidence – Helping you understand your vehicle so you can make informed decisions.
- Cost Savings – Showing you how preventative maintenance and smart ownership habits save money over time.
Each video features our certified technicians and experienced team members, giving you access to insider knowledge without the jargon. Whether it’s understanding how mountain driving affects your brakes or learning a hidden feature on your key fob, the series is designed to make car ownership easier and more enjoyable.
Who Should Watch
This series is for everyone who owns—or is thinking about owning—a Toyota:
- New drivers will gain practical tips without feeling overwhelmed.
- Long-time owners will discover features they might not know about and learn ways to extend their vehicle’s life.
- Families on a budget will find strategies for saving money without compromising safety.
In short, the Insider Tips Series is for anyone who values transparency, expertise, and peace of mind when it comes to their car.
Join the Conversation
The Mount Airy Toyota Insider Tips Series is more than just videos—it’s a resource for our community. We’re here to answer questions, share knowledge, and help you make the most of your Toyota ownership experience.
👉 Subscribe to our channel and follow along as we roll out new episodes. With each one, you’ll gain insights that make driving safer, smarter, and more affordable.
At Mount Airy Toyota, we’re not just here to sell cars—we’re here to help you enjoy every mile.
