5 Car Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Toyota in Top Shape

We get it. You’re busy. Between work, family, and the many other obligations you have, life is hectic. Sometimes it’s easy to let car maintenance slide, but staying on top of the recommended services for your vehicle will keep it in tip-top shape, and your local Toyota dealership can help.

1. Stick to a Regular Schedule of Oil Changes

Regularly changing the oil in your car is an easy way of keeping it in good condition. Clean oil lubricates the engine and keeps it working efficiently. Conventional wisdom is to schedule an oil change every 3,000 miles, but if you’re using synthetic oil you can go for longer intervals.

Each time you take your car in for an oil change, the mechanic will inspect the vehicle, replenish any automotive fluids that are low, and alert you to any emerging problems. So the oil change appointment also serves as a general wellness visit for your vehicle.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure

Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure offers a host of benefits. It ensures that your vehicle is burning fuel efficiently and that your tires are wearing evenly. Tires that wear unevenly are unsafe to drive on and can strain the vehicle’s suspension, brakes, and other automotive systems. In addition to monitoring your tire pressure, you should have the tires rotated at regular intervals.

3. Read Your Owner’s Manual

It may not be the most exciting thing you ever read, but your vehicle’s owner’s manual is a great resource for maintaining your vehicle. This manual spells out when manufacturer-recommended services should be scheduled. It also contains information on what type of gasoline and motor oil should be used, and how to diagnose vehicular problems. Every Toyota model is a little different, so your owner’s manual is the best way to understand your vehicle.

4. Use the Right Octane

Some drivers are tempted to use a higher octane fuel with the theory that more is better. But sticking with the octane that your car was designed to run on keeps it functioning at optimum efficiency.

5. Visually Inspect Your Car 

Take a few minutes every once in a while to look at your car, noting anything about the exterior that needs to be addressed. Are there cracks in the windshield? Are the tires fully inflated? Are your headlights emitting bright, clear beams of light? Small maintenance concerns can grow into big ones if they aren’t addressed, so it’s important to pay attention to the parts of your vehicle that need repair.

Maintaining your vehicle doesn’t have to be difficult. Following a few simple tips will keep your car, truck, or SUV on the road for years to come. When you’re ready to schedule your next service appointment, call Toyota of Kingsport.

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