Maintenance

To ensure safe and economical driving, daily and regular maintenance is essential. Toyota recommends performing the maintenance described below:

Scheduled maintenance

Scheduled maintenance must be performed at specific intervals according to the maintenance schedule.

For full details on scheduled maintenance, refer to the "Toyota Maintenance Book" or the "Toyota Warranty Book".

Do-it-yourself maintenance

What is do-it-yourself maintenance? Many maintenance tasks are simple and can be performed independently, provided you have a basic knowledge of mechanics and some basic automotive tools.

Please note that some maintenance tasks require special tools and specific skills. In such cases, the work should preferably be carried out by qualified technicians. Even for experienced do-it-yourself mechanics, it is advisable to have repair and maintenance work performed by any authorised Toyota dealer or workshop, or another suitably qualified and equipped professional. Any authorised Toyota dealer or workshop will record the maintenance performed, which may prove useful if warranty work is required. If you choose a qualified and equipped professional who is not an authorised Toyota workshop to repair and maintain your vehicle, it is still recommended that you ask them to complete a maintenance record.

■ Where should I go for maintenance? To keep your vehicle in the best possible condition, Toyota recommends that all maintenance, as well as all other inspection and repair work, be carried out by an authorised Toyota dealer or workshop, or another suitably qualified and equipped professional. For repair and maintenance work covered by the warranty, contact an authorised Toyota dealer or workshop, which will use genuine Toyota parts for any problem encountered. There are also advantages to using authorised Toyota dealers or workshops for repairs or maintenance outside the warranty period, since as members of the Toyota network they can provide the best assistance in every situation.

Your authorised Toyota dealer or workshop, or another suitably qualified and equipped professional, will carry out all required scheduled maintenance on your vehicle efficiently and economically, drawing on their specific experience with Toyota vehicles.

■ Does the vehicle need repair? Pay attention to any changes in performance and sounds, as well as visual signs indicating that repair is needed. Important warning signs include:

• The engine loses power, does not run smoothly or knocks
• Significant loss of power
• Unusual engine noises
• Fluid leaking under the vehicle (Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is normal.)
• Exhaust sound has changed (This may indicate a dangerous leak of carbon monoxide. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
• Tyres that appear underinflated, excessive tyre squeal when cornering, uneven tyre wear
• The vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
• Unusual noises related to suspension movement
• Reduced braking effectiveness, excessive travel of the brake or clutch pedal, the pedal almost touches the floor, the vehicle pulls to one side when braking
• Engine coolant temperature consistently higher than normal. If any of the situations described above occur, take your vehicle promptly to any authorised Toyota dealer or workshop, or to another suitably qualified and equipped professional. The vehicle may need adjustment or repair.

WARNING

■ If the vehicle is not properly maintained Improper maintenance could cause serious damage to the vehicle and possible serious or fatal injury.

■ Handling the battery Battery systems, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after contact.