Original Equipment Manufacturer vs. Aftermarket Toyota Parts

Your Toyota's tires help keep you safe, enhance your ride, and improve fuel efficiency. You should never wait until you encounter problems to replace worn tires. Worn tires reduce traction, increase stopping distances, and cause blowouts, so to minimize your risk for accidents, check your tires regularly and change them when necessary. If you're in Tacoma and unsure whether you need new tires or professional advice, this guide is for you. Continue reading to learn when to replace your tires and schedule regular maintenance. You'll also discover where to find quality tire services and get tips to help your tires last longer. Understanding the Importance of Regular Tire Service You may assume that your tires are okay if they look fine, but tire wear can be deceiving, so adhere to regular service appointments before significant safety issues arise. Keeping up with tire maintenance helps with traction, maintains gas mileage, and contributes to a smoother ride. A major risk associated with older tires is hydroplaning. This happens when water accumulates on the road, causing your tires to lose grip. Tires are engineered to push water away, keeping the rubber in contact with the road. If the tread is too worn, they can slide in wet conditions. This affects steering and braking, resulting in potential accidents. Regular tire maintenance will keep your tires in good shape and help you save gas money. Proper tread and adequate tire pressure help your car accelerate smoothly, while tires that are worn or low on air cause the engine to work harder, which requires more fuel, Regular tire maintenance, including rotations, balancing, alignments, and pressure checks, helps your tires wear evenly and maintains good traction. At Titus-Will Toyota, our certified technicians conduct comprehensive tire inspections and services to minimize your risk of hydroplaning and other safety issues and improve fuel efficiency. 4 Signs Your Toyota Tires Might Need Replacing With regular service, the technicians can tell you when you should replace your tires. Here are a few signs that could also alert you. 1. Your Tread Looks Worn (Try the Penny Test) You can assess the wear of your tire tread using a penny. Place it in the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can still see the top of his head, it's time to replace your tires. Most Toyota tires also have wear bars, which become visible when you need new tires. 2. You See Cracks, Bulges, or Sidewall Damage Routinely check your tires for bulges or cracks, which can develop over time or because of bad weather and eventually cause a blowout. If you spot any of these issues, have your tires changed immediately. 3. You’re Losing Air More Often Than Usual If you need to inflate your tires often, you might have a slow leak. You can repair some leaks, but it might be time to change your tires if they keep losing air. 4. Your Tires Are Over Six Years Old Even if your tires still look good, they might not be safe. Changes in temperature and exposure to sunlight can cause wear over time. Most brands recommend replacing your tires every six years. Finding Reliable Toyota Tire Service in Tacoma When you need new tires, choosing a trusted service center is important for your safety. At Titus-Will Service Center, we offer expert tire services that fit your Toyota's needs. Our certified technicians reliably mount, balance, and inflate your new tires. Here's what you can expect: Toyota-approved tire brands that are compatible with your car Fair prices on tire replacements and special promotions A comfortable waiting area with Wi-Fi and drinks What To Expect at Your Tire Service When you bring your Toyota in for tire service, we follow a clear procedure to ensure its safety: Tire inspection: We begin with a thorough examination of tread depth, wear, damage, and pressure. Even if your tires are in good shape, we might suggest rotating or balancing them to extend their life. Tire replacement and installation: We'll help you choose your best options if you need new tires. We'll ensure they're mounted, balanced, and aligned for even wear and performance. Final safety check: We'll perform a final check to ensure everything's in shape before you leave. We'll also give you tips on how to care for your new tires. Caring for Your Toyota Tires New tires can be expensive, but you can ensure they last longer with good care. Here are some tips: Regularly check tire pressure: Tire pressure that is too low or too high accelerates tire wear and reduces gas efficiency mileage. Adhere to Toyota's tire pressure recommendations. Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,500 miles: This maintains even wear on all tires and helps prevent early replacement. Align tires regularly: Misalignment leads to uneven wear and affects handling. Drive with care: Sudden stops, excessive speeds, and potholes should be avoided. Common Questions About Toyota Tires Below are some common questions about tire pressure. Can I Check My Toyota’s Tire Pressure at Home? Yes. Most Toyotas have a dashboard warning light for low tire pressure, or you can check with a tire pressure gauge. Where Do I Find the Right Tire Pressure for My Toyota? You can find it on the driver's door sticker or your owner's manual. How Often Should I Be Checking Tire Pressure? Check it monthly and before long trips or heavy loads. Keep Your Drive Safe With a Quick Tire Check in Tacoma Your tires are a key safety feature of your car. Keeping them in good shape maintains performance and ensures the safety of you and your passengers. If you see signs of wear or aging, schedule a professional tire check at our service center in Tacoma. Our skilled team provides top-notch tire replacements, checks, and maintenance to keep your Toyota in good condition. Reach out today or book an appointment online.

A collision can be a traumatic experience. The first and most important thing is to ensure that you and your passengers are safe and get the medical care you need. Putting the damage to your vehicle right will, of course, be next on your list of things to do. Here at Titus-Will Toyota in Tacoma, Washington, we have a professional certified collision center to help you do just that. With our highly trained staff and cutting-edge technology, we can diagnose problems and carry out extensive repairs to the highest standard. The Only Toyota-Certified Collision Center in Tacoma We're the only Toyota-certified collision center in Tacoma. This gives us the edge in professionalism and high-quality repair work on your Highlander or RAV4. Whereas other collision centers operate with general repair standards, we hold ourselves to the stringent quality requirements you've come to expect from Toyota. As a result, we can help you get back on the road with a car that performs at its best after we've put the damage right. Our certified technicians go through regular training provided by Toyota. They know each Toyota vehicle inside and out and can perform repairs and maintenance that comply with Toyota warranty standards. When you stop by our Toyota collision center with your vehicle, we can ensure that you still enjoy warranty protection after your repairs are complete. Another requirement for us to be a certified Toyota collision center is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts we use. This means the manufacturer has approved the components for your specific vehicle model to ensure top performance and long-lasting durability once you get back on the road. What To Expect From Our Collision Center At our Toyota-certified collision center, we use cutting-edge equipment to carefully diagnose the damage your vehicle has suffered in the collision. While some damage may be obvious, such as broken windows, a warped hood, or deformed bodywork, internal damage can sometimes be harder to spot. For example, problems with your transmission or other mechanical components may require specialist diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is complete, we'll provide you with an overview of the necessary repairs and the expected cost, ensuring everything is transparent. Auto body repair often involves insurance claims to cover the cost of repairs. Auto insurers are more likely to approve repairs coming from a Toyota-certified dealership. We can handle communication and billing with them directly. This can take a weight off your mind so you can focus on feeling better. You can expect our Tacoma body shop to complete all necessary repairs to a very high standard. We don't just rely on certified technicians to guarantee top-notch quality. We also have thorough checks and auditing processes in place to monitor repairs and make sure everything is in good working order before you get your vehicle back. The Toyota-Certified Advantage What sets us apart from other repair shops? A third-party repair shop doesn't necessarily need to conduct repairs to the same standards expected of Toyota-certified centers. They may use poorer quality parts or spend less time putting things right. If your vehicle still has a warranty, getting an independent shop to carry out extensive repairs could void it in the event of future damage or problems. However, the work we do for you has Toyota's full backing. Finally, our team of auto experts has a shared knowledge of each Toyota model and how it works that far surpasses the general car awareness you'll find in a third-party repair shop. We understand the differences between repairing a Land Cruiser or a Tundra and follow Toyota's manufacturing standards to ensure the best results. Tips for Post-Collision Maintenance After your repairs at our Tacoma auto body shop are complete, sticking to a routine maintenance schedule is important. With regular checkups, our service experts can monitor your vehicle's performance and quickly identify any problems that may arise. Routine maintenance should include changing your engine oil and rotating your tires every six months, getting your fluids flushed every year or so, and replacing components that wear over time, such as brake pads or air filters. You should also pay close attention to how your vehicle performs on the road following your collision repair. Do you notice any difficulty steering? Is your brake performance not quite right? If there's anything that you find unusual about your car after the repair is complete, tell us about it so one of our technicians can take a closer look. Schedule Your Appointment Today at Titus-Will Toyota Toyota-certified collision centers are here to help you through the difficult process of getting your car back on the road. We use a combination of well-trained professionals, cutting-edge tech, and high-quality OEM parts to do just that. We can work in partnership with auto insurers and ensure all repairs conform to Toyota warranty requirements. If you'd like to learn more or book a consultation at our collision center, feel free to contact our team today. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.

The Toyota 4Runner has dominated the SUV market since it debuted in the mid-80s. Over the course of several generations, this marvel of automotive engineering has captivated SUV enthusiasts with its incredible off-road performance and unparalleled versatility. Toyota introduced the sixth-generation 4Runner for the 2025 model year in 2024, with significant overhauls to the engine lineup, exterior and interior design, and trim levels. The 2026 model builds on these changes with minor updates that drastically improve its driving experience. Here's everything you can expect from the all-new 2026 Toyota 4Runner. Revolutionary Design Changes That Honor the Past The 2026 Toyota 4Runner retains the classic boxy exterior design from the outgoing generation. However, this sixth-generation model brings fresh elements to the already stylish SUV. Its front fascia is characterized by a bold new Toyota Heritage grille and an integrated lighting bar, which imbue it with a modern vibe. The model also comes with new LED headlights, which further enhance the dynamic appearance of its front end. The new 4Runner features a revamped exterior paint color palette, with nine distinctive options to choose from. They include Heritage Blue, Everest, Supersonic Red, Mudbath, Underground, Black, Ice Cap, Cutting Edge, and Wind Chill White. The model is also available in a total of nine trim levels: TRD Sport, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, TRD Pro, TRD Sport Premium, Trailhunter, and Platinum. With such a broad lineup, you're guaranteed to find a 4Runner model that suits your lifestyle. For the 2026 iteration of the 4Runner, Toyota continues to offer a spacious and practical cabin that prioritizes the comfort of all occupants. Its interior is more spacious than it was on the previous generation, with an additional two inches of legroom for passengers in the second row and an extra two and a half inches for third-row occupants. Front row legroom has also increased significantly since the previous generation, giving the driver and front passenger more wiggle room for their legs. Seating options range from fabric-upholstered seats on the base SR5 model to SofTex-and leather-trimmed seats in higher trims. Additional comfort features, depending on the trim, include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with an air filter. Powertrain Revolution: The Hybrid Legacy Builder Throughout its fourth and fifth generations (2003-2024), the 4Runner's main powertrain was a 4.0-liter V-6, which, at its best, delivered 270 horsepower. However, for the sixth-generation model, Toyota discontinued the legendary V-6 engine in favor of an i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This powertrain, standard on all 2026 4Runner gas models, produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This is a significant improvement from the V-6 of the previous generation. For those seeking extra power and efficiency, there's a potent new hybrid powertrain that pairs the i-FORCE 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor. This setup produces a net combined 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The new engines significantly improve the 4Runner's fuel economy ratings. Whereas the V-6 from the fourth-generation model achieved EPA-estimated ratings of 16 city mpg and 19 highway mpg, the new i-FORCE 2.4-liter four-cylinder is rated at 19 city mpg and 25 highway mpg for rear-wheel models. Advanced Capability: Building on Off-Road Dominance The Toyota 4Runner has long been sought after for its exceptional off-roading capabilities, and the 2026 model carries forward this legacy with exciting new overlanding features. The available part-time and full-time four-wheel drive systems optimize power delivery to all four wheels for enhanced traction on challenging terrain. Also available for this model year is Multi-Terrain Select, which controls wheel spin by adjusting engine throttle and braking to achieve optimal traction on mud, sand, and snow. Crawl Control is another feature that comes in handy, particularly when driving on challenging terrain at low speeds. It controls acceleration and braking, allowing you to focus on steering. The new generation Toyota 4Runner offers the best towing rating in the model's history. When properly equipped, the 2026 4Runner can tow a maximum of 6,000 pounds, representing a 1,000-pound increase from the fifth generation. Technology Integration: Modern Tools for Adventure The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offers a standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. However, the new display runs the latest Toyota Multimedia software, providing an improved user experience. A larger 14.0-inch display with similar functionality comes standard on higher models, like the Limited and TRD Pro. Wireless smartphone integration allows you to connect your device to the infotainment system for hands-free access and control. Each 2026 Toyota 4Runner is outfitted with an updated version of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This state-of-the-art safety suite comprises several driver-assistance technologies designed to boost your confidence behind the wheel. Among its standard features are: Proactive Drive Assist Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist Lane Tracing Assist Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Road Sign Assist Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Higher models come with additional technology for enhanced safety. A Panoramic View Monitor is standard on the TRD Sport Premium and Platinum. It provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings, making maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer. Select trims, such as the Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims, also feature standard Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking and Pedestrian Detection. This system uses sensors to detect obstacles in your path and issues an audible warning if a collision is imminent. If you fail to take corrective action, the system will engage the brakes automatically to avert a collision. Should You Upgrade to the 2026 Toyota 4Runner? As a new-generation model, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner sees significant changes in design and styling, cabin technology, and powertrain options. While it retains its rugged exterior styling, it offers two new powerful and efficient engines, including a hybrid. It also features an updated infotainment system, offering improved connectivity and enhanced navigation. At Titus-Will Toyota, we believe these new modifications justify upgrading to the latest model. If you're unsure which trim to go for, firsthand experience of each can help you decide. Contact us today to schedule a test drive and experience the new 4Runner's enhanced performance and cabin comfort.