To confidently conquer the roads as a safe and savvy driver, it's important to understand your Toyota's maintenance needs and components. Whether you're a new driver or just brushing up on your basics, here are five important facts to keep in mind.

1. Regular service intervals are essential for optimal performance

Toyota University-trained technicians recommend servicing your vehicle every six months or 8,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. During winter, debris like road salt and sand can build up on your vehicle's exterior and underbody. Sticking to your maintenance schedule allows experts to properly clean and care for your vehicle parts, reducing premature wear and ensuring optimal performance.

2. Your engine requires expert maintenance to operate at its best

Factors such as gas quality, seasonal weather changes, and your driving habits can impact your vehicle's fuel and combustion engine systems, which can compromise fuel efficiency and performance. To keep your engine running at its best, Toyota Technicians recommend performing a Toyota Combustion and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) System Cleaning service approximately every 80,000 kilometres. This service cleans contaminants and deposits in the combustion chambers and on intake and exhaust valves within your engine, cleans your fuel injectors, and helps to restore your engine's performance.

3. Your vehicle uses fluids that require regular inspections and refills

Thousands of connected moving parts within your vehicle rely on carefully engineered fluids and lubricants to keep them working smoothly. Some of these essential fluids include coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Toyota University-trained Technicians will inspect and top up these fluids during a regular maintenance appointment, using only Toyota genuine parts.

When shopping for vehicle parts, beware of counterfeits. Only Toyota genuine parts are developed specifically for Toyota vehicles and rigorously tested to meet Toyota's renowned quality, safety, and performance standards.

4. Always drive on the right tires for the season

There's a difference between winter and all-season tires, which is especially important in the extreme Canadian climate. Winter tires feature sipes, deeper treads, and softer rubber for better traction on cold, snowy, and icy roads. All seasons are firmer and have different tread patterns to keep them agile in warmer weather and dryer conditions. Driving on the correct tires for the season is safest and helps to maintain longevity. Toyota technicians can help ensure your tires perform at their best regardless of the season through regular tire rotation, correct wheel alignment, and proper inflation.

5. Air conditioning systems require maintenance every 12 months or 16,000 kilometres

After lots of driving, your air conditioning system can become congested with pollutants and odour-causing contaminants like pollen, dust, and other debris. An Air Conditioning (A/C) Refresher service performed by a Toyota Technician can help keep the air you breathe in your vehicle clean. This service thoroughly inspects your A/C system, including your Toyota Genuine Cabin Air Filter. If your filter is clogged, a Technician will change it for you. If there's any build-up in your A/C system, they will perform a two-part process to ensure clean air can flow smoothly into the vehicle cabin.

5. Air conditioning systems require maintenance every 12 months or 16,000 kilometres

To maintain the quality of your vehicle, it's best to be proactive with your vehicle parts. Keep on top of service and act quickly to resolve any issues you may experience along the way. Toyota University Trained Technicians and Toyota Genuine Parts are here to help ensure your Toyota is always there for you.