Toyota-Lexus.
The names alone speak for themselves, Toyota “Reliability” and Lexus “Luxury.” From its sharp handling to attractive pricing, you can expect an exemplary performance. Of course, this only applies if you take care of that baby.
Toyota has a recommended maintenance schedule. It should be performed at intervals of 5,000, 15,000 and 30,000 miles. If you’re in need of Toyota-Lexus Repair, Service or Maintenance in the San Fernando Valley, give Automotive Instincts a call.
In the meantime, here are 10 top tips for Toyota-Lexus maintenance.
1. Tip #1 of your Top 10 Tips for Toyota-Lexus Maintenance, flush out the cooling system and change coolant. You want a 50/50 mix of distilled water and coolant. This ensures the cooling system stays at peak condition, preventing deposits and corrosion from clogging up the system. Do this at least once a year.
2. Get the car cleaned and detailed on the regular. This will maintain resale value and appearance. It ensures things that can stick to the underside gets removed. Any level of debris can get lodged in there. You also want to remove road grime and winter salt. This can be done with a hose.
3. Speaking of appearances, a coat of wax will keep the paint protected and looking good. Wax should be applied to your Lexus at least twice a year.
4. The elements can beat down on your car, creating gradual damage. Avoid parking in the sun to protect interior plastics. Use window deflector screens. It’s a good idea to apply a UV protectant to surfaces.
5. There are several belts in the average Toyota or Lexus. Even the IS200t has multiple belts that cause everything from the engine to the condenser unit to work.
These belts are vulnerable to wear, over time they will deteriorate in warm weather, rot in colder weather, and eventually fail due to simple mechanical wear. When these components fail, major damage will could occur in your vehicle’s precious engine components.
The good news is that having your mechanic replace these belts is simple and fairly inexpensive. Have your mechanic examine your belts every 25,000 miles to catch problems while they are small, rather than large issues.
6. Make sure oil is checked and changed regularly. Oil is to your Lexus what blood is to the human body. Nothing puts your engine at risk faster than neglecting oil levels. Feed it fresh oil, as well as filter changes.
7. If oil is the blood, your transmission is the heart. It manages the amount of power your Toyota-Lexus handles. If it doesn’t function properly, that vehicle is on the road to trouble. Transmission fluids should be changed based on service intervals and using recommended products, type and viscosity.
8. Drivelines need lubrication as well, especially components like the u-joints. The driveline may need to be removed to access parts like zerk grease fittings.
9. Based on recommended intervals, have wheel bearings inspected, cleaned and repacked. Taking care of them will cost a lot less than having to replace hubs or spindles, or watching one of your wheels escape and roll down the road without you.
10. There is a process called “hygroscopic,” referring to brake fluid’s capacity to attract moisture. Moisture can influence corrosion and, ultimately, failure. The braking system should be bled and fluids replaced at least once every 3 years. That’s an inexpensive step for keeping your Lexus brake system in pristine condition. We’re sure you’d rather not spend on expensive replacement of hoses, sensors and calipers.
We hope you enjoyed our Top 10 Tips for Toyota-Lexus Maintenance
If you’re in need of Toyota-Lexus Repair, Service or Maintenance in the San Fernando Valley, Automotive Instincts has 2 locations to serve you
You can visit our Toyota page click here.
or our Lexus page click here.
NORTHRIDGE SHOP
8602 Lindley Ave.
Northridge, CA 91325
(818) 349-5900
WOODLAND HILLS SHOP
19831 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 883-4172
Your Toyota dashboard indicators for 2016: http://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/dashboard-indicators