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How to Maintain and Service Your Used Car

Many of our customers ask us how to maintain and service their used car to keep it running like new. One of the great things about Toyota SUVs, cars, and trucks is how long-lasting they are. Used Toyota Corollas, Toyota RAV4s, Toyota Tundras, and other Toyota models regularly last beyond the 100,000-mile mark.
When your Toyota gets to that esteemed level, you'll want to make sure to keep it well-serviced so it can make it to its 200,000th mile and beyond. Deluca Toyota's service department is here to help you keep your Toyota in great condition – read on to find out how.

Monthly Maintenance Checks You Can Do at Home

Every month, or even more often, be sure to check the tire pressure, oil level, and coolant level. Top off the oil with synthetic oil formulated especially for high-mileage cars. Finally, clean the backup camera lens with a rag.
It's probably also a good idea to wash your car every few weeks, or monthly. Washing the accumulated dirt and grime off your Toyota does more than keep it looking great – it can protect the paint from peeling and rust from forming on any exposed metal parts.

Every 3,000 Miles

Changing the oil is the most important thing you can do every 3,000 miles to keep your car running smoothly. You'll also want to replace the oil filter, check the washer fluid level, and add fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank next time you fill up.

Every Six Months

Check the power steering fluid level and top it off if needed, and wax your car (that's if you've not been waxing the car with the monthly washes).

Every 5,000 Miles

If you've got a manual transmission Toyota, get your clutch adjusted every 5,000 miles. Some clutches are self-adjusting, so you might not need to do this – when in doubt, check your owner's manual!

Every 10,000 Miles

Inspect all the belts under the hood of your vehicle and replace them if they look frayed or stretched-out. Have the tires rotated, too.

Every Year

On your car's birthday (or the anniversary of the day you bought it), there's a number of maintenance tasks to accomplish:

  • Inspect the brakes and check the brake fluid level
  • Clean the battery connections
  • Inspect hoses and clamps
  • If your car is a manual, check the transmission fluid
  • Check the coolant strength
  • Back-flush the radiator with a garden hose from the engine side and rinse off the air conditioner condenser
  • Buff the headlight assembly
  • Replace the cabin air filter (if you drive a lot, replace it more often – every 15,000 miles)

Every 30,000 Miles

When you're about a third of the way to your second 100,000 miles, you should do the following:

  • Check your spark plugs and replace them, especially if they weren't replaced before you bought the vehicle
  • If your car has a distributor cap and rotor, replace them
  • Change the transmission fluid
  • If your vehicle is a late-1970s to early-1990s model, replace the oxygen sensors
  • Perform a bounce test for the shocks, and inspect them for leaks
  • Clean the throttle body
  • Replace the PCV valve
  • Replace the fuel filter
  • Flush the coolant system and check the battery electrolyte level, replacing it if the levels are low.

Every 60,000 Miles and Beyond

At 60,000 miles, you'll want to replace the air filter, change the automatic transmission fluid (if applicable), inspect the brakes and accessory drive belts, replace the timing belt, and inspect the front-end alignment.

At 80,000 miles, inspect your Toyota's u-joints.

At 100,000 miles, replace the oxygen sensors if your vehicle was made after the mid-1990s. Also, replace the rear-axle lubricant.

You should also regularly have the alignment adjusted to extend the life of your tires and suspension.

When In Doubt, Check the Manual or Ask a Mechanic

Your automotive manual should have a comprehensive listing of all the maintenance it needs, so make sure to read it! And of course, if you need any other help, the service team at Deluca Toyota is here to assist you.

When you need to get your used or new Toyota serviced in the Ocala, Gainesville, or Orlando areas, look no further than Deluca Toyota. Our experienced service techs use only genuine Toyota parts, so you know your car will get only the best. Plus, our well-appointed service waiting room is comfortable and cool, so you can relax while you wait.

Come see us today for basic maintenance, advanced repairs, or anything in between!

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Explore the Evolution of the Toyota Highlander for Sale in Ocala, FL

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