Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see the answer to your question on this page, please don’t hesitate to call Lexus of Knoxville and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to assist you.

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Vehicle Maintenance

How many miles before my Lexus needs an oil change?
Part of the Lexus of Knoxville ownership experience is letting us worry about your maintenance schedule so you don’t have to. Someone from our service center will contact you when it is time to get your scheduled maintenance, including an oil change. However, you can check your owner’s manual to determine the time intervals for service for your specific vehicle if you wish to manage this as well. If you are unable to find your owner’s manual, give us a call and we will be happy to look it up for you.
When should I replace my car battery?
You should check the warranty date on the battery to determine when it should be replaced. The letter is the month – A for January, B for February and so on. The number is the year. A battery that shows D18 means April 2018. You should change the battery just before this date so you do not end up stranded with a dead battery. You can also bring your battery into our service center to have it checked.
What if my vehicle doesn’t start?
There are several things that could result in a vehicle not starting such as a dead battery, a bad starter, a bad alternator, a bad sensor, or even a broken timing belt.
If the issue is a starter or the battery, you will generally hear a click when you engage the ignition. If you have a voltmeter, you should check the battery. It should have at least 12 volts when the vehicle is off. Have someone turn the key while you check the voltmeter and the voltage does not drop below 10.50 volts, the problem is most likely the starter, assuming that all other systems are working fine.
What if my “Service Engine Soon” light turns on?
You should bring your vehicle in as soon as your service engine soon or check engine light comes on. The only way to determine the issue with your vehicle is by plugging in the code reader into the diagnostic port.

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Tires

How often do I need to buy or replace tires?
There is no hard and fast rule for replacing tires because it depends on the type of tires, how you drive, how often, and where. Tires will wear faster if you are driving often on rough surfaces, such as gravel. Tires made with soft rubber also tend to wear faster. Every tire has an expected number of miles it will last. However, you should still always check your tires for low pressure, wear, or other imperfection. If you notice that the tread is almost even with the wear bars, then you need to get new tires.
Do I need to align my tires when I get new ones?
It is always a good idea to have your alignment checked. If you notice and uneven wear pattern on your vehicle, then you should absolutely have an alignment done.
What kind of tires should I get?
When you are ready to get new tires, you should let your service technician at Lexus of Knoxville know where you drive, how often, and if you drive mostly in the city or on the highway. With this information, they will be better able to help you find the best tire for you and your vehicle.

Parts

When should I replace my belts and hoses?
The time frame varies based on the product. When hoses start to get soft or if they are showing cracks, they should be replaced. When belts show dry rotting, the bottom side is shiny or if the tensioner can no longer keep tension on the belt, it’s time to change the belts.
What is the difference between OEM and generic parts?
OEM parts are “original equipment manufacturer” parts. That means that they are made by the manufacturer, like Lexus. They may be sold by Lexus or a third party. generic parts are made by another manufacturer to fix your Lexus vehicle. Even though they fit, they do not have the same quality as OEM parts. Here at Lexus of Knoxville, we only use Lexus OEM parts.

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Certified Professionals

Why should I use ASE-certified technicians?
No one knows your Lexus better than the technicians at Lexus of Knoxville. That’s because our personnel are Lexus trained and certified—so they’ll fix your car according to the exact manufacturer standards. It is also important to note that in order to properly service a Lexus vehicle, technicians need to be certified to use the specific diagnostic equipment. Without these tools or knowing how to use them, technicians cannot properly identify a problem with your vehicle. This can easily lead to an inaccurate diagnosis that will end up costing you more than you need to pay. That is something that will never happen here at Lexus of Knoxville. By using an ASE auto repair technician, like those at our service center, you know that your repairs will be done correctly the first time.
What’s wrong with uncertified mechanics?
If you choose a mechanic that does not have the proper Lexus certification, you cannot know whether or not that mechanic knows how to do the job. You also cannot guarantee that they will use quality OEM parts. Additionally, they may not guarantee the parts or their work.
What are the ASE certification requirements?
The technicians who work for Lexus of Knoxville must take and pass the ASE certification test in their specialty. If a technician is a master technician, they must pass a group of tests in a series. A master technician must also have two years of documented hands-on work experience.
For automobiles, a master tech must pass eight tests for the master status. For collision repair, a tech must pass four tests in the series. The A series for automobiles and light trucks include:
  • Engine repair
  • Automatic transmission/transaxle
  • Manual drivetrain and axles
  • Suspension and steering
  • Brakes
  • Electrical/Electronic system
  • Heating and air conditioning
  • Engine performance
Master techs in body repair or collision must pass these four tests:
  • Structural analysis
  • Painting and refinishing
  • Mechanical and electrical components
  • Non-structural analysis and damage repair

Technology

Lexus Enform® App Suite
The Lexus Enform® Suite of apps puts convenience, safety and security at your fingertips. If your vehicle is equipped with Lexus Enform® Remote, you can instantly tap into a range of features that make your life easier, as well as more comfortable and secure.
Vehicle Finder: Make the interior of your Lexus comfortable and ready for you — no matter what the weather is like outside. Based on the last climate-control settings, your Lexus will run until the brakes are engaged, a door is opened, the engine is remotely turned off or up to 10 minutes.
Door Unlock/Lock: Put an end to juggling packages with the Lexus Door Unlock/Lock feature. Change your mind once you unlocked the doors? The system will automatically relock them after 30 seconds if no further action from you takes place. You’ll also never have to worry about forgetting to lock the doors again. With its instant confirmation that you’ve successfully locked the doors, you’ll always know that your Lexus is secure.
Guest Driver Monitor: Keep new drivers safe and learn about the driving habits of a guest who borrows your Lexus with the Guest Driver Monitor feature. You can receive alerts when the vehicle’s speed exceeds limits you’ve set, when it is started, the total time and/or distance that’s elapsed from a particular location and more.
Vehicle Status and Alerts: You’ll be able to instantly learn the status of your vehicle with just the touch of a button. Find out about the vehicle’s odometer reading, trip mileage and fuel level. Discover the status of its moonroof, doors, trunk, windows and hood. You can even set up customizable alerts with Lexus Enform® Remote.
HomeLink® puts you in control
Lexus vehicles now come with HomeLink®, the leading vehicle-based wireless control system. With this technology, you can easily open and close your garage door or gate, control your home security system, and even turn on or off your interior or exterior lighting, appliances, and electronics. You will not have to deal with remotes in your vehicle that clutter up your space or replacing any batteries because HomeLink® has three easily accessible buttons in the interior of your vehicle for these functions. Programming HomeLink® is easy and compatible with nearly all garage door openers and gate systems, and an ever-growing list of other radio-frequency (RF) controlled devices. This is just another way that your driving experience is changing in a Lexus from Lexus of Knoxville.
Stay Connected With Lexus Bluetooth
Your new Lexus allows you to connect your smartphone using Bluetooth technology. You can gain access to your smartphone without even touching it with this technology. You can call someone or accept a call, leave a voice message, and even listen to your favorite songs. All you have to do is pair your smartphone to the Bluetooth in the Lexus vehicle using a simple and quick process. You can do this on your own or you can stop by our service center here at Lexus of Knoxville for some assistance.
Pairing Your Phone to Lexus Bluetooth
To get started make sure your vehicle is safely parked then go to your smartphone’s Bluetooth screen and turn Bluetooth on. Your device will now search for Bluetooth connections. You should now see the connection on the screen of your smartphone, followed by the last four digits of your vehicle’s VIN number. Select this to confirm the Bluetooth connection. Now, look at the center console display on which you will see a message asking you to connect. Select this option and the screen will display will show a 6-digit pin number corresponding to the one shown on your phone. Select “Yes” and then finally, press “Pair” on your smartphone.

Does Your Car Have a Safety Recall?

Recalls have been in the news a lot lately. We know you have questions about the effect of these recalls on the safety of you and your passengers. We can’t service every vehicle with an open recall, but we can alert you if your vehicle has one.

Find out if your car is affected.

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