Preventative Maintenance Tips for Your Toyota 4runner
Do you own a Toyota 4Runner ?
Toyotas are fantastic vehicles that, when properly maintained, often serve their owners for years to come. When taken care of, the average Toyota lasts for 200,000 miles, making the company one of the top longest-lasting brands.
If you invest in a 4Runner, you want to make certain you can drive it for a long time. But what should you do to keep your Toyota in the best shape?
We love Toyotas, and we've compiled 7 essential preventative maintenance tips to ward against problems your 4Runners may develop. Keep reading to learn more about caring for your car!
1. Get Your Oil Changed on a Regular Basis
Did you know that 4 out of 10 Americans avoid going to see a mechanic? This means that even though most car owners know their oil needs to be changed, a significant portion doesn't take their cars in.
Yet, when you don't change your oil, you run the risk of having a host of problems. In particular, your engine may start to run too hot, which causes it to work less efficiently and may warp some of its components. Eventually, the engine will break down completely and need to be replaced, which can cost $3,000-$4,000.
To avoid this, you should have your oil changed periodically. In the past, people used to get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, and you might be familiar with this advice. Now, though, car oil doesn't need to be changed as often. If you use a modern lubricant, you will be able to go 5,000-7,500 miles without an oil change.
If you want to know at exactly which mileage you need to change your oil, speak with a mechanic. For great results, use 5W-30 oil on your Toyota 4Runner.
2. Go to the Same Car Mechanic Every Time
Of course, if you go to an auto shop and dislike the service you get there, you should look for another one you like. Yet, once you find a good mechanic, stay with them for your regular maintenance checks.
Why do this? When you go to the same mechanic every time, the shop will develop extensive records of your vehicle's history. Should you need to get anything done on your car, the mechanic will have a detailed record of what has already been done.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Your Owner's Manual
When people purchase a car, they get a handy manual from the manufacturer that explains all of the basics of their car. The manual gives you more detailed information on how often to change your oil and what other preventative maintenance should occur.
You should also become familiar with the lights on your dashboard. The manual will show you what each of the lights means. They will usually turn on briefly when you start your car, and then they will go off unless something is wrong.
When your maintenance light comes on, for instance, it might be time to change your oil. Your tire light will turn on when there's a problem with your tire pressure. If your check engine light comes on, you should seek the help of a professional immediately.
4. Use the Correct Octane Fuel
Do you ever go to the gas station and select "premium" because you think it will be better for your car's engine or because you want to get more power?
Some people prefer using higher octane fuel, but this isn't always good for their engines. Many sports cars are designed to use high octane fuel, but if the wrong vehicles use them, the engine might run less efficiently. Toyota 4Runners are built for 87 octane fuel.
You should make sure that you don't get lower octane fuel, either. If you have too low octane fuel, your engine won't run properly and might eventually get damaged.
5. Get Your Tires Rotated
Do you ever wonder why people make such a big deal out of tire rotation?
In truth, the back tires of your car hold a different load than your front tires, which causes them to wear down unevenly. Ideally, you want your tires to wear down more evenly, so you should have them rotated every 5,000 miles or so.
6. Have Your Timing Belt and Serpentine Belt Inspected
Very few people think of their timing belt or serpentine belt, but both are vital parts of the car that is subject to damage.
The serpentine belt assists the AC condenser, the alternator, power steering, and the water pump. If damaged, it could cause your car to overheat.
The timing belt controls the camshaft and dictates when fuel and air enter your engine's cylinders.
7. Inspect Your Car for Damage
Want to know one of the best car preventative maintenance tips?
Before you drive your vehicle every day, you should check it for damage. This might involve walking around your car and looking for wear and tear or noticing when your car starts to drive differently than it usually does.
If you experience issues with your steering, see any external damage, or notice anything out of the ordinary, you should find your nearest Toyota mechanic and have it looked at. This is especially true if you notice anything wrong with your car's major systems, such as your engine or brakes.
Ready to Get Preventative Maintenance Done?
So, are you ready to get preventative maintenance done on your Toyota 4Runner?
Many 4Runner owners want to keep their vehicles running for the longest amount of time possible. 4Runners can last you a long time if you care for them properly. To do this, you should get your oil changed, have your belts inspected, look at your car for damage, learn your owner's manual, use the right type of fuel, get your tires rotated, and go to the same mechanic every time.
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