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Toyota

Maintenance

Apart from scheduled servicing, does my vehicle need other maintenance? It's always important to listen to your car and deal with any problems immediately. Be on alert for changes in performance, sounds and visual tip-offs that indicate service or repairs may be needed. Some other clues to look for include engine stumbling, strange engine noises, a leak under the vehicle, a change in noise from the exhaust, spongy feeling brake or clutch pedals, high engine temperature, or if the vehicle steering pulls to one side. If you do experience any of these early warning signs, make sure that you have your local Toyota Service Centre inspect your vehicle at the earliest possible opportunity.

How to tell if you need new spark plugs

Common signs that your spark plugs need to be replaced include difficult starting, unstable running, engine misfires, loss of performance and increased fuel consumption.

When to replace your oil filter

A Toyota Genuine Oil Filter is designed to perform efficiently for the total time between recommended services. If you have your Toyota Service Centre service your car, then the oil filter will always be replaced according to the servicing schedule.

When to replace your muffler

In most instances, your muffler will let you know when it's time for a replacement. Loud, abnormal noise indicates a hole in the muffler, although replacement should be carried out whenever there's any sort of damage or serious corrosion. Also, if your muffler becomes clogged, then you'll notice a loss of engine power. Replace your muffler immediately when:

  • It makes a low booming noise, a rattling noise, or a hissing noise.
  • The outside of the muffler is covered in soot.
  • The internal separator rattles when tapped lightly.
  • The muffler's exhaust noise becomes louder.

When to change your drive belt

Toyota Genuine Drive Belts are designed for longevity and performance. A drive belt will last 60,000 to 100,000km of normal use, but this can vary greatly due to harsh operating conditions. When a belt wears out, it will start to slip and become noisy. This can cause numerous problems such as reduced cooling efficiency, the battery not being charged properly, and poor performance from the power steering and air conditioning. If you have your Toyota Service Centre service your car, then the Drive Belts will always be inspected for wear and/or replaced according to the servicing schedule.

When to replace your Brake Pads

Toyota Genuine Brake Pads are designed to perform efficiently for the total time between recommended services. However, should the brakes begin squeaking or juddering, then have them inspected for wear immediately. If you have your Toyota Service Centre service your car, then the Brakes Pads will always be inspected according to the servicing schedule.

When to replace your Air Filter

A Toyota Genuine Air Filter is designed to perform efficiently for the total time between recommended services. However, the condition of your Toyota Genuine Air Filter can be judged just by removing the casing and looking at the filter element. If it is dirty, clogged or damaged, then it needs replacing. If it is merely dusty, cleaning will be sufficient. If you have your Toyota Service Centre service your car, then the Air Filter will always be replaced according to the servicing schedule.

NOTE: Under severe operating conditions your Air Filter may require additional maintenance. Please refer to your Service & Warranty handbook or consult your Toyota Dealer.

Cabin Air Filters clear the air - so you breathe easier

To protect your driving comfort and wellbeing, Toyota Genuine Cabin Air Filters capture airborne particles such as smoke, dust and pollens before they enter the car’s cabin. Depending on the driving environment, a Cabin Air Filter may need changing in as little as 15,000 kilometres or so. A clogged Cabin Air Filter can create a musty smell and also impact on your air conditioning system’s performance. When you have your Toyota serviced, make sure you request to have your Cabin Air Filter checked and breathe easy.

Tell tail signs of a worn clutch

  • Poor acceleration
  • Increase in fuel consumption
  • Speed doesn't pick up quickly compared to amount of acceleration
  • Poor power when climbing hills

Filling up

The best way to ensure trouble-free motoring for years and years is to develop a habit of regularly checking under the bonnet and around your Toyota. It only takes a few minutes when you're getting petrol, and early detection could save you a lot of money. If you're unsure how to carry out these checks, see your Service & Warranty Handbook or ask your Toyota Service Advisor for a demonstration at your next service.

  • Check engine oil/coolant/ brake /clutch /windscreen washer fluid levels.
  • Check tyre pressure including spare (when cold)
  • At home, you should walk around your car checking all lights and indicators are operating.

Petrol Fuel blended with 10% Ethanol (E10)

For vehicles manufactured or imported by Toyota Australia:

TOYOTA (Passenger Models)
Locally produced Toyota models will operate satisfactorily on petrol fuel blended with 10% ethanol (E10) from the following production dates:

  • Camry: from Jan 1987 (All electronic fuel injection models)
  • Corolla: from July 1994
  • Avalon: All
  • Lexcen: All
(Note: Previous production and Corona model not recommended due to incompatability of material)

Enthanol blend greater than 10 % is not approved

All Toyota passenger vehicles fully imported by Toyota Australia will operate on petrol fuel blended with 10% ethanol (E10), except older models:
  • Supra
  • Cressida
  • Paseo
  • Starlet
(Note: E10 not recommended due to incompatiibility of material)
Enthanol blend greater than 10 % is not approved

TOYOTA (Commercial Models)

All Toyota Commercial vehicles imported by Toyota Australia will operated on petrol fuel blended with 10% ethanol (E10), except models fitted with a carburettor as listed:
  • Coaster Bus: pre Jan 1993 (carburettor engine)
  • Dyna: pre May 1995 (carburettor engine)
  • Tarago: pre Oct 1996 (carburettor engine)
  • Hilux: pre Aug 1997 (carburettor engine)
  • Hiace: pre Aug 1997 (carburettor engine)
  • 4 Runner: pre Aug 1997 (carburettor engine)
  • Townace: pre Dec 1998 (carburettor engine)
  • LandCruiser: pre Aug 1992 (carburettor & EFI engine)
(Note: E10 not recommended due to incompatibility of material) Enthanol blend greater than 10 % is not approved.

Dealer Safety Check

In addition to the maintenance points listed for each service, your Toyota Service Centre will regularly do a Safety Check over the operation of key features including:

  • Replacement of worn wiper blades
  • Brake system inspections
  • Headlight realignments
  • Wheel alignments
  • Balance and rotation of wheels for even tyre wear
  • Valve clearance adjustments
  • Testing and re-gasing air conditioning

Check Engine Oil

The easiest time to check the engine oil is when you fill up for petrol. Pop the bonnet, and pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick - pushing it in as far as it will go. Then pull it out and look at the level on the end. If the level is near or below the Low Level, remove the oil filler cap and add small amounts of oil at a time - using the dipstick to check the level.

Toyota Genuine Oils

Check Engine Coolant

Open the bonnet and look at the see-through coolant reservoir when the engine is cold. If you can't locate the coolant reservoir refer to your Owner's Manual. The coolant level should be between the FULL and LOW lines indicated. If the level is low, add enough coolant to bring the level up to the FULL line.

Toyota Genuine Coolant

Brake Fluid Level

The brake fluid is housed in a see-through reservoir, so do a visual check to make sure that the level is between the 'MAX' and 'MIN' lines. It is normal for the fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear, so be sure to keep the reservoir filled. If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mechanical problem. If you're not sure where to find the brake fluid reservoir, check your Owner's Manual.

Toyota Genuine Brake Fluid

Tyre Pressure

Do a visual check of your tyre pressure every week and check them with a pressure gauge fortnightly, or at the very least, monthly. And don't forget to also check your spare. The importance of the correct tyre pressure can't be stressed enough. The correct tyre pressure for your vehicle can be found on a label inside the driver's door or in your Owner's Manual. For an accurate reading only check the pressure when the tyres are cold.

You will find a pressure gauge and air hose at all petrol stations. Remove the valve caps and hold the pressure gauge to the outlet, then slowly add air until you reach the specified level. Always replace the valve caps tightly.

Lights & Basic Functions

Walk around your car and check that all lights and indicators are working. Also check the horn and the service indicators which should light up on your dash when you start the engine.

When to replace your shock absorbers

Toyota Genuine Shock Absorbers are designed for longevity and performance. However, should your steering become unresponsive, and you begin to feel every bump in the road, then they probably need replacing. If you have your Toyota Service Centre service your car, then the shock absorbers will always be inspected according to the servicing schedule.