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Every time your Toyota needs to have something replaced, you have a decision to make: aftermarket replacements or OEM parts from a Toyota dealer? While it may be tempting to choose the first, more widely available option, there are several very good reasons why it's better to use Original Equipment Manufacturer parts. 4 Benefits of Getting OEM Parts From Your Toyota Dealer 1. Guaranteed Compatibility Only Original Equipment Manufacturer parts can guarantee full compatibility with your car. They are designed to fit your vehicle perfectly, ensuring the best performance and safety. Aftermarket parts may look convincing, but more often than not, they don't offer full compatibility and cause issues further down the proverbial road. This is very important today, when most cars feature plenty of electronic systems. Nowadays, parts need to be compatible not only mechanically, with other components, but also electronically, with your car's computer and other advanced systems. When choosing OEM replacements, you can be sure that everything will work together perfectly. 2. Highest Quality OEM components, as the name suggests, are designed and manufactured by the same company that made the original parts in your car. They also have to meet the same quality standards and specifications as brand-new parts originally installed in your Toyota. This means that the replacement will be of exactly the same quality as the original part, so you won't see any drops in performance. Your car will be, quite literally, like new. 3. Longevity The original parts in your Toyota are designed to last. Manufacturers want their cars to be as durable and reliable as possible, after all, so it makes sense that they'd use the best materials and technology. The same is true for OEM replacements: as we've already discussed, they're manufactured to the same standards as original parts, using the same materials. All in all, you'll get a lot more mileage from OEM Toyota parts compared to aftermarket parts. 4. Warranty Coverage Aftermarket parts rarely come with a warranty. Meanwhile, all OEM Toyota parts are covered with a 12-month, unlimited-mile warranty to give you complete peace of mind. Even if something goes wrong with the replacement part, the warranty will take care of it. All you need to do to make a claim on your OEM replacement warranty is bring the proof of purchase to your local dealer. Just know that it doesn't apply to so-called "wearable" parts, like brake pads or discs, since these deteriorate with use by design. Ready to order OEM Toyota parts? Contact Pedersen Toyota in Fort Collins, CO today to book your consultation! We have a wide range of Toyota-manufactured parts in stock, ready to be installed into your car.

Owning your Toyota for many years comes with pride and joy. But no component lasts forever, including your vehicle's battery. Over time and use, batteries weaken, which can leave you stranded if not addressed. Here are 9 common signs to look out for that could indicate it's time for a new car battery installation at your local Toyota dealer. 9 Signs Your Toyota Needs a New Car Battery 1. Battery Tests Weak During Inspection Your Toyota dealer offers free battery testing to determine its overall condition and health. A fully charged battery should register above 12.4 volts - anything lower may indicate weakness as it nears the end of its lifespan. 2. Battery Is 6+ Years Old About every 5-6 years, on average, it is recommended to replace car batteries. Even if it passes other checks, a battery this old has likely lost much of its charge-holding and cranking abilities over time and use. 3. The Battery Is Cracked or Leaking Physical signs of damage, like cracks in the plastic casing or acid leaks from corrosion, mean the insides are likely compromised and cannot deliver steady voltage. This battery needs replacing before causing further issues. 4. Recurring Battery Drain Problems If your Toyota's battery seems dead more frequently than normal, even without extensive driving, it may have developed an internal short and can no longer regulate voltage flow properly. Time for a new one. 5. Cold Weather Starting Difficulties Cold temperatures place additional demands on the battery that can expose weakened ones struggling to provide enough power for a smooth startup without excessive cranking. These issues may not occur in warmer seasons. 6. Unusual Noises When Starting Any unfamiliar grinding, buzzing, or squealing instead of the usual clicking sound when turning the key indicates the battery is having trouble delivering enough current to the starter motor for a seamless startup. 7. Car Has Trouble Holding an Alternator Charge If lights noticeably dim when accessories are turned on but fail to bounce back, the battery and/or charging system may be incompatible and not efficiently transferring voltage. 8. Battery Terminals Are Heavily Corroded White, green, or blue crust buildup around the battery terminals prevents clean power transfer in and out, hastening the battery's deterioration and increasing strain on other electrical components and wiring over time if not addressed. 9. Dashboard Warning Lights Illuminate Your Toyota has warning lights to indicate issues like low voltage or problems with the charging system. Take heed if these begin illuminating, as a battery fault may be to blame. Keeping an eye out for these warning signs can help catch battery issues before they fully emerge. Visit Pedersen Toyota today for an affordable battery assessment. Our certified technicians in Fort Collins, CO, use high-quality replacement batteries designed for optimal vehicle performance. Stay proactive for continued hassle-free transportation!