When summer fades into the rear-view mirror, you know fall and winter are just around the corner. When it’s time to bust out the toques and flannel, it’s time to bring your Toyota to a Toyota service centre near you for a fall checkup. This fall car maintenance checklist will help ensure your car is prepared for the unpredictable weather ahead, keeping your Toyota dashing through the rain, leaves, and snow all season long.
1. Keeping Your Car's Battery Charged in Colder Weather
Many of us understand that cold can negatively affect a car’s battery, but did you know extreme heat can also impact a battery’s performance? With Canada’s drastic range of high and low temperatures, we recommend getting your car’s battery inspected in the fall to ensure it’s running at its best. Most batteries last about 4-5 years, but there are a range of factors that can impact how long a vehicle’s battery will last, like temperature and driving conditions.
If it’s time to change your Toyota’s battery, our recycling partner uses a closed-loop process to ensure batteries are recycled properly. When you get your battery changed at a Toyota dealership, almost 100% of the materials from your old battery can be used to create new ones. Now that’s something to be positive about!
2. Breaking Down Brakes
Over time, your brakes can start to wear down. There are a few different factors that can affect the performance of your car’s brakes, such as driving and braking habits, weather conditions, and how often you drive (or don’t drive) your vehicle. Routinely having your brakes checked by our Toyota University Trained Technicians will help ensure your car’s brakes are in top shape so you stop or slow down when you need to.
3. The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Routine vehicle maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your Toyota’s engine. Your engine’s oil breaks down over time, and a change in temperature can cause motor oils to break down even faster. When oil breaks down, it can lead to unwanted particle build up and degrading chemical properties, which can result in some serious engine trouble. With regular oil changes, this trouble can be avoided.
How often should your Toyota get an oil change? Check your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to find the specified time and kilometers before an oil change is needed. We recommend making a date every 8,000 KM (or every 6 months) to bring your vehicle in for an oil change inspection at a Toyota service centre near you.
4. Tired Tires?
Have you checked your tires lately? Fall is the perfect time to check your tires for cracks, tread wear, and other signs that it’s time to replace your set. When you bring in your vehicle for maintenance, they will inspect your tires for damage and wear to determine the health of your tires. When it’s time for new tires, your Toyota Service Advisor can help you find the right set.
Wondering when it’s time to change your all-season tires for winter tires? When the temperature is consistently below 7°C, it’s time to change to your winter tires. Changing to your winter tires before the snow flies will not only help you beat the rush, it also helps keep you safe on the road. Many Toyota dealers offer tire storage for winter and summer tires, making the swap convenient and easy.
5. Hit the Road With Confidence
Regularly scheduled car maintenance checks is one of the best ways to prolong the life of your Toyota. Whether you’re going on a road trip this fall or staying close to home, this fall maintenance checklist can help ensure your car is ready to face the unpredictable weather ahead.
