How to Properly Maintain Your Toyota Vehicle | Breinigsville, PA

Toyota models are famous for their long-lasting reliability. However, no car is reliable without proper maintenance. On this page, you’ll learn more about how to properly maintain your ride, whether it’s a Corolla, RAV4, Highlander, or other model we sell at Krause Toyota.

One of the best ways to keep your car in good condition is to regularly wash it. Over time, debris and contaminants — like road salt or bird droppings — can damage the bodywork of the car. At best, you’ll have to deal with cosmetic defects. At worst, the car may rust, potentially leading to costlier damage. Washing your car once a month is a good place to start. In the winter, aim for every two weeks.

Oil is key to helping its engine run smoothly and efficiently. Without routine oil changes, the motor will overheat and suffer from reduced performance. It’s important to get the engine oil changed regularly on your Toyota. Every 5,000 miles is a good starting point, but you should consult your car’s owner’s manual for Toyota’s official recommendation. It may vary depending on oil type and your vehicle.

Under normal driving conditions, it’s unlikely that all four tires will wear at the same rate. Typically, the front tires wear faster than the rear tires. To extend the life of your vehicle’s tires and to maintain the intended handling and balance on the road, getting the tires rotated is an important part of routine Toyota maintenance.

After enough bumps, the wheels may no longer be perfectly aligned on your Toyota. This can lead to handling issues as well as excessive wear and tear. Have the wheel alignment checked from time to time at Krause Toyota to ensure you don’t run into any problems, especially if you own an off-road-capable SUV like the Toyota 4Runner and frequently drive on uneven terrain.

Tire pressure levels decline over time and fluctuate with exterior temperatures. Underinflated tires generate more friction, reducing fuel economy and increasing wear and tear on the tread. Meanwhile, overinflated tires are at higher risk of blowing out when encountering irregularities like potholes. Monitor tire pressure regularly and be ready to inflate or deflate it at least once per season.

Engine oil isn’t the only important fluid used by your Toyota. You should also routinely inspect the transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and coolant. The transmission fluid can be checked with a dipstick, while the others can be assessed visually and replaced on your own fairly easily. However, flushing your transmission fluid should be done by a qualified technician at Krause Toyota.

Your car’s brakes are their top safety feature. Always be on the lookout for potential issues with them, particularly auditory ones. If your brakes consistently squeal, that’s a good sign the pads should be replaced. If they grind, the pads are already completely worn out and the brake assembly is being damaged, so you should head to the shop immediately. Rattling noises, uneven braking performance, and a mushy brake pedal should all be causes for concern.

Battery performance degrades over time. Typically, a car battery should be replaced every 3-5 years. Until then, you can remove corrosion buildup on the battery terminals to keep it in good working condition. A wire brush, combined with a solution of water and baking soda, should do the trick.

In addition to oil and fuel, your engine also needs air. However, that air needs to be filtered to ensure the engine doesn’t breathe in a whole lot of contaminants. Over time, the air filter gets dirty and needs to be replaced to avoid reduced engine performance.