15 Essential Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Toyota in Great Shape

Buying a car made by a premium brand name like Toyota gives you a certain level of assurance that your investment will be rewarded with years of stress-free motoring. Even carmakers like Toyota, who have built a solid reputation for reliability and performance, will be keen to stress that as your part of the deal you will need to carry out some regular maintenance to keep your vehicle in prime condition.

Another essential requirement would be to ensure that you buy genuine original Toyota auto parts so that you know they will last a long time and keep your car running as it should.

With that in mind, here is a look at some essential maintenance tips and tasks that you need to schedule in at regular intervals if you want to get the most out of your Toyota.

Pay attention to recommended service intervals

It can be tempting to think you might be able to skip a service or postpone a maintenance task and it won’t have a big impact. 

This is never a good idea. There are so many components such as spark plugs, engine oil, fluids, and brake parts, to name a few, that require scheduled inspections and servicing to keep them in top shape.

Follow the guidance in your Toyota manual for its recommended service schedule. You will often save money in the long run with regular servicing and maintenance.

Oil changes are important

Your car’s engine oil plays a critical role in keeping all aspects of the engine properly lubricated and able to perform correctly. A typical new Toyota will probably need an oil change every 10,000 miles. Take guidance from your owner’s manual and service center on when to change the oil, but make sure you stick to the suggested interval period.

Check your tire pressures regularly

If your tires are incorrectly inflated it can cause all sorts of issues. Your tires won’t last as long if they are not at the right pressure. Also, your car will suffer more wear and tear and might not drive as expected when the tire pressures are wrong.

Make a tire pressure check part of your routine when you fill up with gas.

Use the right fuel

Your Toyota model will come with a recommendation on which octane rating to use when you fill the tank. Don’t be tempted to deviate from this, using a higher-octane rating fuel might promise more power but it could prove detrimental to your engine.

Tire rotation is a good tactic

Even if you are disciplined with checking tire pressures regularly you can still get uneven wear and tear. This is because the front and back tires carry different load pressures.

Swapping them around is a no-brainer as it prolongs their life and gives you optimum performance.

Carry out a cursory inspection every time you drive your car

It can be really useful to take a few moments to check the condition of your car before you drive off. Cracks in the windshield or a few paint chips can often be fixed cheaply when you spot them early. That’s why it’s a good idea to get in the habit of regularly checking the condition of your Toyota.

Don’t ignore warning lights

You might think a warning light could be an error or a temporary issue that will resolve itself, but ignoring this message could prove to be an error.

Make sure you understand what each warning light on your dashboard is telling you and act on the information by getting it checked before things get any worse.

Check your fluids regularly

It only takes a few moments to look under the hood and check your vehicle’s fluid levels. While you are checking the lights and tires, check your fluids at the same time.

Spotting when something is low will help you replenish before it becomes a problem.

Replace your wipers when they need changing

A new set of wipers won’t break the bank, but they will make all the difference to your overall visibility and safety.

You are more at risk of damaging your car or yourself when you can’t see properly in bad weather. Change your windshield wipers as soon as you notice that they don’t clear the screen as well as you want them to.

There are good reasons for replacing the air filter

Your Toyota needs to be able to breathe properly in the same way that we need our lungs to do the same. If the air filter is clogged and dirty it will impact fuel efficiency and performance.

It is a good idea to change your air filter on a regular basis so that your car can achieve optimum performance levels.

Get your spark plugs checked regularly

Another fundamental component of a smooth-running engine is a clean spark plug. In much the same way that a clean air filter is essential, you also need to appreciate how essential your spark plugs are to your engine’s health.

Spark plugs are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. If you are not sure how to do it or don’t feel competent enough, your service center will check their condition and change them for you, if necessary.

Drive considerately

If you drive with care and consideration for your safety and the protection of your car’s components, you will be rewarded in many different ways.

Your car will last longer and require less repairs when you drive considerately. You also improve your driver record when you avoid any accidents, which means cheaper insurance too.

Protect your car when not in use

If you don’t have a garage to put your Toyota into when not in use, it could prove a good investment to buy a cover for it. This will help protect the exterior from accidental damage or adverse weather.

Be a smart driver by knowing your car

How many of us get something new and only give a cursory glance to the instruction and owner’s manual?

It makes sense to take the time to read through your Toyota owner’s manual. This will help familiarize you with all of its relevant features. The information in it will help you to become a smarter driver and more confident about what you can do with your car.

Get your serpentine and timing belt checked regularly

Last but not least, it is worth highlighting another key component that often gets overlooked. The serpentine belt plays a pivotal role in keeping your Toyota running properly. It directly influences how your AC, water pump, alternator, and power steering works.

If the belt is damaged or not working correctly your car’s engine could easily overheat and stop. Make sure you have the belt checked regularly.

If you follow all of these simple but essential tips you should enjoy many hours of trouble-free motoring in your Toyota.