Spring into Optimal Performance with our Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Spring into Optimal Performance with our Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Posted on May 21, 2024
At Campbell River Toyota, we know that Toyota vehicles are renowned for their longevity and reliability. To keep your car running smoothly and efficiently, it’s essential to give it the care it deserves—especially after a harsh winter. Winter weather conditions can take a toll on various parts of your vehicle, making a spring check-in an excellent idea to ensure your Toyota is performing at its best. Let's take a closer look at a few Seasonal Maintenance Tips that can help your vehicle transition into the warmer months.
How do I achieve outstanding longevity from my Toyota?
For those driving a Hybrid or gas Toyota, our experts recommend servicing your vehicle every 6 months or 8,000 km, according to your personalized maintenance schedule. This routine maintenance is vital to keeping your car in optimal shape for the season ahead. Here are some critical parts that might have been impacted by colder conditions and how our technicians can help:
Vehicle Parts Impacted by Cold Weather Conditions
12V Battery
In temperatures below 0ºC, your 12V battery works harder to create and hold the charge that starts your vehicle and powers other features like lights, climate control, and infotainment. While there are ways to maintain your vehicle battery’s performance over the winter season, the colder weather might have impacted its ability to perform at its best.
Brakes
Winter driving conditions often lead to harder braking, which can increase wear on your brake pads and rotors. This wear affects your vehicle’s ability to stop quickly and safely. A brake inspection is crucial to ensure your brakes are functioning correctly.
Wiper Blades
Using wiper blades to remove heavy snow, slush, and ice can damage the rubber, leading to reduced effectiveness. Did you know that certain windshield wipers are designed for specific seasons? Speak with your Toyota Service advisor about which wipers are best suited for the upcoming season.
Prepare Your Toyota for Spring
During a spring check-in or a regular service appointment, our Toyota University Trained Technicians will perform a thorough inspection to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. Here’s what you can expect:
- 12V Battery Health Check: Ensure your battery is performing at its best.
- Brake Inspection: Check your brakes and brake components for wear and tear.
- Wiper Blade Inspection: Assess the condition of your wiper blades and recommend replacements if necessary.
More Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Switch to All-Season Tires
Our tire experts recommend switching to all-season tires when the average daily temperature rises above 7ºC. These tires provide better traction and handling on warmer pavement than winter tires. We’ll also inspect your tires for worn tread, bulges, or cracks in the sidewall. Plus, select Toyota Dealers offer tire storage for winter tires—ask about storage options to maximize your space.
Check Your Tire Tread at Home:
Insert a toonie into a tire groove with the polar bear’s feet facing in. If you see the top half of the letters or more on the silver rim, your tire tread may be too low to maintain proper traction.
Toyota’s Tire Price Match Promise
Toyota offers 17 of Canada’s top all-season tire brands and will match any better price you find elsewhere. That's our Tire Price Match Promise.
Keep Your Toyota Looking Fresh
The winter season can leave your vehicle’s exterior looking less than its best. The combination of moisture from snow and slush with the harshness of salt can take a toll. Our Toyota Touch Cleaning and Detailing service will give your vehicle a good-as-new look and feel inside and out, protecting it from spring elements like sun, water, and sand.
Stay Informed Year-Round with Service Connect
Exclusively available at Toyota Dealers, Service Connect provides you with Vehicle Health Reports, so you know the status of your vehicle all year long. When a warning light comes on, you’ll automatically get a notification in your Toyota app, and your dedicated Toyota Dealer will reach out to schedule a service appointment. Talk to your Toyota Dealer to find out if your vehicle is compatible with Service Connect.
Make a Date for a Springtime Check-In
Now that you know which parts might have been affected by the cold, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the new season. Schedule a spring service appointment with our Toyota University Trained Technicians to ensure your car is ready for the road ahead. Follow your regular maintenance schedule of every 6 months or 8,000 km to keep your Toyota in top shape. If you feel a personal seasonal maintenance tip would help your fellow motorists, include it in the comments below, we would love to hear your ideas!
Book your next service with Campbell River Toyota today and let us help you spring into optimal performance!