Toyotas are known for their longevity and reliability. In fact, year after year, Toyotas have one of the highest resale values according to Kelly Blue Book. That’s why a lot of shoppers opt for used Toyotas over other brands. They know that - new or used - a Toyota is in it for the long haul. It’s important, though, to know a bit about standard car maintenance in order to get the most life out of your used Toyota.
All cars require routine maintenance. However, not all cars will reward that maintenance with a long life and hassle-free, reliable service. Take care of your Toyota and it will take care of you. The team members at Beaverton Toyota are experts in what your Toyota needs. They’ve put together a few tips below to help you take good care of this important investment.
1. Frequent Oil Changes
This seems like a no-brainer. Most folks have been hearing about the importance of frequent oil changes since they first learned to drive. But life gets hectic. It’s easy to put off an oil change time and again, only to realize that you’ve put it off much longer than you ever expected.
One way to make sure you take the time
to get your oil changed is to understand why it’s so important. You
probably know that oil lubricates your engine. But you may not know that
it performs two other crucial duties. The oil absorbs heat and sucks up
chemical deposits in order to keep your engine clean and running at a
safe temperature. Oil works hard.
By removing deposits, the oil
helps keep important elements of your engine clean and working
correctly. When you’re overdue for an oil change, your oil is,
essentially, tired, dirty, and not able to do its job very well. Let it
go long enough, and your engine is guaranteed to fail catastrophically.
Find a way to stay on top of oil changes. Set a reminder on your
calendar or your phone. On your local Toyota website, you can even
schedule an oil change online. Believe us, your Toyota will thank you.
2. Check Your Tire Pressure Often
The
health of your tires has a direct relationship with the health of your
car. Make it a habit to check the air pressure of your tires at least
twice a month. The pressure in your tires can also change after extreme
temperature shifts. So check them after a cold snap as well.
This
isn’t just nitpicking. Your tires were designed to operate at a
specific pressure or psi. Low tire pressure causes a number of serious
issues, especially if left that way. To begin with, improperly inflated
tires waste energy and reduce gas mileage. It’s estimated that 1.2 billion gallons of fuel are wasted each year as a direct result of
under-inflated tires.
Additionally, improperly inflated tires are
unsafe. Over time, as more of your tire comes in contact with the road,
it experiences undue wear and tear. The tires also experience heat
caused by increased friction. That heat can lead to a blowout. Simply
keeping an eye on your tire pressure can prevent all of this.
Another
tip? When you schedule your oil change, ask the technicians to rotate your tires as well. Both rotation and proper inflation will help you get
more from your used Toyota. And while prevention is the best medicine,
your Toyota has an emergency sensor that will alert you when your tire
pressure is low. If you see that sensor light up, make sure to find a
service station straight away.
3. Protect Your Car from the Sun
This tip may seem counterintuitive. After all, they make SPF for skin, not cars. But the same ultraviolet radiation that can burn your skin can harm your car. Over time, sunlight will age your car as it causes the molecular structure of your exterior paint to decay. It’s smart to find parking away from the harsh rays of the sun - both at work and at home.
Sun is also destructive to your car’s interior. The sun’s heat is intensified as it’s refracted through your car windows. That heat can cause the leather to crack, upholstery to bleach, and an overall increase in wear and tear. If you don’t plan on parking somewhere for a long time, you can protect the inside of your car with a folding windshield sunshade. If you’re unable to find a carport or a garage and you plan to park your car for a significant length of time, consider purchasing a car cover to keep your Toyota in tip-top shape.
4. Vacuum Regularly
When your car gets dirty due to slush, rain, or inconsiderate birds, you wash it. Fewer people think to clean the inside of the car as often. Try to make it a habit to vacuum your car as regularly as you wash it. Every time you climb in and out of your car, you track dirt, sand, slush, and who knows what else onto your upholstery.
Additionally, no matter how careful we are, our cars usually experience their fair share of spills, loose French fries, or crumbs on the seats. All of these things, along with the dust and hair that accumulates in any enclosed space, can have a corrosive effect on your car’s interior. You can prevent some of this wear and tear by purchasing floor mats. It’s best, though, to think of a car wash as a whole-car event - inside and out.
5. Get Reliable Maintenance
It’s clear now that regular maintenance is important. Make sure you get that maintenance from a reliable service center. It’s even better if you can find a mechanic that’s Toyota certified. At Beaverton Toyota, not only can you schedule your appointments online, and not only are our technicians Toyota certified, but we also have rewards programs for loyal customers that will help you save money over time.
Whoever you choose, make sure it’s a service center you can trust. Simple upkeep and regular maintenance will help you get the most out of your used Toyota for many years to come.
