Toyota

What’s best for your Toyota?

Your Toyota has an optimum service interval that depends as much on time and driving conditions as it does on distance. Short, stop-start journeys, for example, are one of the hardest forms of work an engine can endure.

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  Since the engine doesn’t get up to optimal operating temperature for any real period of time it can’t burn off the by-products of combustion. So condensation and acids build up in the oil reducing its efficiency to lubricate which, in turn, can lead to premature engine wear and possible engine failure.

  So if you don’t do a lot of kilometres (and keep in mind the average Australian driver only does 14,600^ per year) you should have your Toyota serviced according to the recommended time based service intervals. Alternatively, if you use your car more regularly and drive more than the average distance then you will reach the kilometre interval first, therefore your servicing should be based on the recommended distance travelled. Remember, it's not time or distance, it's whichever you reach first

  In extreme driving conditions, such as when you are towing heavy loads or driving in very hot, cold or dusty conditions, you should have your Toyota serviced even more frequently. If you’re in doubt as to the best servicing schedule for your vehicle talk to your Toyota Service Advisor.

  ^Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey of Motor Vehicle Use (to 31 October 2007), August 2008.

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The consequences of irregular servicing

When you’re doing a lot of stop-start driving, your engine doesn’t get up to optimal operating temperature for any real period of time and can’t burn off the by-products of combustion. This causes condensation and acids to build up in the oil, reducing its efficiency to lubricate which, in turn, can lead to premature engine wear and possible engine failure. In extreme situations, oil actually turns into a tar like substance known as sludge.

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  Failing to have your Toyota serviced regularly can endanger your vehicle warranty. If, for example your vehicle develops a major problem during the warranty period and there is no evidence that your vehicle has been serviced as recommended , subsequent repairs may not be covered by your warranty.

  Irregular servicing can also lead to reduced fuel efficiency (and at today’s fuel prices, no-one wants that), increased air pollution and potentially damage the resale value of your vehicle.

  Adhering to recommended service schedules also ensures your brake system, tyres, driveline and steering components are inspected regularly for correct operation and wear. So failing to have your vehicle regularly serviced can be putting your safety at risk and that of your passengers too.

If you don’t change oil, it changes itself.

In some cases of irregular servicing, oil can actually thicken and oxidise into a tar-like substance known as sludge. This sludge cannot be pumped through the engine’s lubricating system thus reducing engine components of much needed lubrication which will eventually lead to engine seizure.

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  An increase of engine sludge in Australia tended to coincide with the introduction of unleaded petrol, tighter exhaust emission standards and the new generation of ‘cleaner’ engines. Once sludge occurs it can be very difficult and expensive to get rid of so having your Toyota serviced regularly is of utmost importance.

A service is much more than an oil change

It’s not just your engine oil that needs regular replacing. Gear oils and transmission fluids also lose their viscosity over time which can increase wear and tear and cause thinning and loss of lubrication. Coolants and fluid levels need to be inspected and topped up regularly to maintain optimum effectiveness.

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  More importantly, brake fluid needs to be replaced regularly as it is prone to absorbing moisture which can cause its boiling point to be lowered, causing vapour locks and will lead to a loss in brake efficiency and potential danger for you and your passengers.