Toyota Driver's Tips - Beyond the Oil Change

Your Toyota is designed to be reliable and provide long-lasting vehicle performance. However, there are things you can do to make your Toyota perform even better, especially in light of rising gas prices.

Maximize Your Mileage

• When you drive a little faster, you burn considerably more fuel. Slow down and increase your Toyota's fuel efficiency.
• Once you're out on the highway at cruising speed, use your vehicle's cruise control. You'll burn less fuel if you do.
• Slow down for hills. Maintaining your speed up a hill means opening your vehicle's throttle, which burns more gas. On down hills, use gravity to help increase speed and improve fuel economy.
• Accelerate only when you have to, and only as much as you need to. Avoid jackrabbit starts, bring your Toyota to speed with a light right foot, and maintain smooth progress on the road.
• For slowing down or stopping, get off the gas as soon as you can. Use your brakes when you need to, but allow the other forces working on your vehicle to help slow you down.
• Whenever you can, keep your windows closed to decrease drag. For climate control, use your vehicle's air conditioning. It's the lesser of two evils.
• Roof racks and rooftop containers have extremely negative effects on a vehicle's fuel efficiency. Remove them when not in use.

Enhance Your Ownership Experience

• The most important thing you can do to keep your vehicle running well is to change the engine oil on schedule. And remember to use the proper grade motor oil and a genuine Toyota oil filter.
• Make sure to replace worn out wiper blades to ensure a clear view of the road under all conditions.
• Being able to stop your vehicle is a critical part of driving. Inspect your brakes at regular intervals according to your Toyota's recommended maintenance schedules.
• Your battery should be checked periodically to ensure you've got the power necessary to start your Toyota under any circumstance.
• Keep an eye on tire pressure - losing just a few pounds of pressure in your tires can hurt fuel economy and shorten tire life significantly.
• Be aware that the stop-and-go nature of urban and suburban driving is harder on your vehicle than steady long-distance driving.
• Read your owner's manual. It will tell you everything you need to know about your vehicle including maintenance intervals.

Check your vehicle's Scheduled Maintenance Guide.