Toyota has a well-deserved reputation for reliability, but a lot is on you – the owner – to maintain your vehicle and keep up with regular services. Heed the signs that warn you your car needs a Toyota service and avoid unforeseen breakdowns and costly repairs.
You’ve Reached 5,000 Miles
The Toyota Maintenance Schedule, which is in your Owner’s Manual, is calculated on the number of miles accumulated over a period of time. Watch the mileage and you’ll know when it’s time to take your Toyota in for service.
Generally, it’s best to book a service every 5,000 miles or six months to prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs. Make an appointment at the recommended intervals to ensure that your Toyota always runs well!
Pay Attention to the Warning Lights
The warning lights on the dashboard will immediately inform you when there is a problem. When you start your vehicle, the ignition, battery, oil, coolant, engine, and brake lights should flash. When the lights stay on, it’s a warning that something is wrong.
The best thing to do is to make an appointment for a service so that a Toyota technician can attend to the problem promptly. The maintenance light will automatically turn on every 5,000 miles to warn you that your vehicle needs an oil change.
You Hear Unfamiliar Sounds
You know what your Toyota sounds like, and then suddenly, you hear an unfamiliar sound. Strange noises can mean anything, but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. Let a technician take a look before a small problem develops into a huge one.
There’s Smoke from Under the Hood
Steam from under the hood is usually caused by overheating. The best thing to do is to pull over and wait for your car to cool down before you take it for a checkup.
If you see blue smoke that is caused by burning oil, stop your vehicle, and do not drive it. Get it towed to your nearest Toyota dealership where a technician can take care of the problem.
There’s Pulling or Vibrating
Tire wear, worn brake pads or discs, and steering or suspension problem could be the cause of your vehicle pulling to one side or vibrating when you apply the brakes. It’s not safe to drive when this happens, and we recommend that you attend to the problem as soon as possible.
You’re Stalling
If your vehicle stalls when you accelerate, the cause could be a blocked fuel filter or fouled spark plugs. If your vehicle only starts after a few turns of the key and then won’t stay running, it could be a starter problem or a weak battery.
You Notice Poor Fuel Consumption
If you drive the same distance, but you have to fill up your Toyota more frequently, you need to ask a technician to find out what is causing the increased fuel consumption.
Maintain your vehicle to avoid the unforeseen problems that can lead to expensive repairs. Prevention is better than a cure, and almost always cheaper. When it comes to your Toyota, let a trusty Toyota-trained technician attend to problems quickly and efficiently. Contact Priority Toyota Chesapeake today and allow us to prove our commitment to providing our customers with exceptional service!
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