Like any other type of machine, Toyota cars and trucks need service. Even though they are the greatest vehicles in the world, and seem to just run and run forever without any problems shouldn't lead you to think they don't need attention from time to time.

The most important service is the fluids. Just like a farmer’s tractor needs constant grease! Toyota's need fresh fluids on schedule! Oil changes are to be done every 3,000 miles. This is the standard! The oil is the blood of your Toyota! Why risk damaging your engine just to save a little money? The oil change is probably the cheapest service one can do, and is the one of the most important.

The oil that goes into your transmission or Differential's lasts much longer. They are to be changed every 30,000 miles. Letting this go can cause unnecessary wear on the bearings and gears. You really don't want to replace either of these units…the prices will scare you! The cases I have seen in which we do have to replace either the engine, transmission, or gear units have been due to no oil in them, or oil that isn't a lubricant anymore because it has been used for way to long.

Coolant, or antifreeze, needs to be changed every 30,000 miles or two years. Coolant can look good, and can be tested to protect your vehicle in cold temps (30-40 degrees below zero), but still be bad!
What happens to coolant after time is it turns acidic!!! Its pH factor needs to be maintained, just like a hot tub. This is what is done when you recycle your coolant. It goes into a machine that cleans it which returns the pH back to normal specs. If the coolant gets to acidic, it will eat at anything metal! The pipes that transfer coolant around the engine are metal. The radiator can be metal as well.

If you neglect basic maintenance (such as the items listed above) on your Toyota, you will end up with paying a lot more in the future. I find that if you take care of your Toyota, you will have a need for fewer repairs down the road.

Other services that your Toyota needs are the 15,000 mile and 30,000 mile service!

The 15k is simply an oil change and tune up service, we also take a look at the brakes at that time. All grease fittings are lubricated. We tune your engine. This will consist of new spark plugs, air and fuel filters and service to the distributor. We clean and adjust the brakes. We also inspect all items in the engine compartment, belts, hoses, brake fluids, power steering fluids. Just anything that looks worn.

The 30k service covers the same things as in the 15k service and in addition to that we change all of them oils. Gear oils! Transmission oils!

There are three reasons to keep up with these services...

One is to insure that no matter what your driving habits are, you will be protected.

You may want to go on a trip one day just at a whim! If your services are current then you can just go.

I do this! I like to travel! My truck is one year old. I have 34k miles on it. I want to be ready when I get the urge to take off. This is a very comforting feeling to me...It is always risky to take off, not knowing what shape your vehicle is in.

The second, reason is resale, resale, resale!!! When your ready to sell your vehicle you want to be able to show the buyer that you have taken good care of your Toyota. As you know Toyota's have excellent resale value! But lets face it; we don't want to pay prime dollar for a Toyota that will need a lot of work because the seller didn't take care of the maintenance. I have had two new Toyota trucks, and I maintained them perfectly. The people who purchased these two trucks didn't think twice when they saw how well they had been taken care of. They both were very easy to sell.

Reason three!

The dealer, or manufacture requires that you service your new Toyota, this is only fair to manufacture when it comes to warranty repairs. You can't just drive your Toyota without doing the service and expect nothing to happen. If it does, and you haven't serviced it? The dealer could refuse the warranty repair due to your neglect! As a Toyota customer we do have responsibilities!

Any qualified mechanic can do the service work that is required. The dealer doesn't require that you go to them only for this service. But it has to be done. If you change your own oil, and keep the receipts it will work as proof for that service when it comes to a warranty item. Keep in mind that warranty items are only to be done at the dealer!

At Charley's Garage we do all the recommended service items. We are nosey when we have your Toyota in our shop for these services. We like to look at everything. I find that visual observation is some of the best preventive maintenance. If you see a belt, or hose, or any small item looking bad you can address it before it can cause problems. No one wants to have to pull over just to find a $6.00 belt kept us from our destination! I think that is our job, to do our best to prevent you, the customer, from unnecessary breakdowns and costs.

I hope this helps you understand what service is all about and the importance of taking a look at your vehicle from time to time. Knowing what condition your Toyota is in! Keeping your investment secure!

     Charles D. Miller