Do you already own a Toyota or planning to get one soon? What can you do to get the best out of your Toyota and improve the lifespan?
Regular car maintenance using the correct specifications will help ensure that your Toyota is in great condition even for a resale at a later time if you chose to.
Proper Toyota maintenance also ensures that there are no long-term faults in your vehicle and will go a long way in helping you save steep labor costs and avoidable part replacement costs.
We’re not asking you to become a grease monkey as maintenance can be as simple as checking tire pressure to washing your Toyota regularly to frequent visits to the auto shop to ensure that your Toyota functions effectively.
These Toyota maintenance tips will help reduce costs as well as keep you and your Toyota safe on the road.
1. Study the Manufacturer’s Manual
The first Toyota maintenance tip is to comprehensively study the user’s manual as this reduces the chances of making basic mistakes as a Toyota owner.
After studying, adhere to the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer, when it comes down to this, they made it so they know when it’s the most ideal time for maintenance.
As a Toyota owner, you need to look at the manufacturer’s manual as your first guide to properly maintaining your Toyota. This could include tire change and rotation, spark plug changes, correct brake oil, and car fluids to use in general.
2. Check Car Fluids Regularly
It is imperative that you ensure at all times that all fluids; oils, water, etc. are always available in your vehicle.
It is important to observe that at all times the fluids in the Toyota are at an appropriate amount and of the proper specifications. It should never go below the indicated levels and avoid using the wrong fluid types as this WILL cause irreparable damage to the engine or car parts that use the fluids.
3. Toyota Air Filters
The air filters in any car are important. The air filter blocks dirt and debris from getting into the engine of the car. This helps the car to breathe better and also helps achieve better gas and air mixtures. The downside to this is consistent misfires that will reduce performance, increase fuel consumption and increase emissions.
But as it is a filter for obvious reasons it may get clogged or riddled with dirt. As a car owner, it is important to check your air filter and change it when necessary.
4. Tire Pressure
Tire Pressure is important both for the safety of the driver and the condition of your Toyota vehicle. Having the correct amount of air pressure in your tire helps in the improvement of fuel efficiency.
Good tire pressure helps you know when your vehicle is correctly aligned but you should always have a spare. Proper maintenance of air pressure in your vehicle can negate undue damage to your Toyota vehicle and help you avoid spending excessively on buying new tires and in worse cases, rims.
5. Objectively Inspect your Car
As a car owner, it is sometimes important to look at your car and review it. Do the tires look good? How is the bodywork of the car? Are the lights hazy? Is the windscreen cracked? Is the paint chipped?
It is important to also evaluate the car as you drive it. Pay special attention to it and if it sounds off maintenance is in order.
6. Know What Your Warning Lights Mean
All cars have error codes and warning lights and so does your Toyota. No driver enjoys seeing these bright lights come on, a short ride could go south because of these lights.
Often these lights could mean simple things like; you’re out of gas, low in oil, etc. but once in a while, critical lights (fault codes) may pop up telling you that your car needs to be taken in for maintenance immediately.
7. Tend to your Battery
The easiest time to check your battery is when checking car fluids and the hood of the car is open, run a small check on your Toyota battery. Ensure that the battery’s contact is not corroded and if they are, clean them with a cleaning brush.
The cleaning can be done personally or by a mechanic. Battery contacts can be cleaned with baking soda and warm water, scrub with a brush and rinse with cool water, lubricate with oil; throughout the car must be turned off, the nut of both clamps must be removed and cables unfastened, whilst wearing a glove.
8. Change Spark Plugs
Check your manual to know when it is best to change the spark plug, but check it regularly. A spark plug is one of the cheapest engine parts to buy and should be checked, cleaned, and changed when necessary as it helps the entire car function better. From startup to acceleration, to idling, literally, all the car systems require an engine that is running well.
Throughout the life of your Toyota, the spark plug will be changed, cleaned, and replaced. Oftentimes, the change interval is between 2 – 3 years but this may differ depending on the frequency of use of the car, quality of gas used, etc.
9. Think About Covering Your Car
Covering your car can help in keeping up the appearance of your car. Your Toyota car can wear faster if it sunbathes for too long or is being exposed to other unfavorable elements.
Covering up your Toyota when not in use helps preserve its fresh new look as well as prevent it from rusting and breaking down.
10. Check Brake Pads Regularly
Your Toyota has sensors within that will notify you if there is a problem with your brake pad, as a driver, you need to listen and pay attention to your Toyota. If the brake pads need a change, then, there may be squeaking or even metal grinding from the brakes. This is worth checking.
The brake linings in your Toyota wear off gradually hence it is not noticeable immediately but could put the driver at great risk if not changed regularly.
Further Reading
- Your 101 Guide to Choosing the Right Used Hybrid Car for Sale
- What You Need to Know about Buying Used Electric Vehicles
- 4 Easy Ways to Potentially Increase a Car’s Valued Idea?
- Used Cars: Easy, Quick, and Helpful Maintenance Hacks
Learn to listen to your car just as much as you listen to your wife as they can both cost you your life.
It is recommended that you have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic. This ensures that issues only professionals can identify will be detected and rectified.
If you plan to switch vehicle brands or what to land awesome deals on used vehicles but don’t know where to purchase, contact us here and we will happily assist you in getting the vehicle of your choice.
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