Preparation is the key to success, and that quote holds especially true when it comes to getting your vehicle ready for a Canadian winter. That’s why we recommend a fall maintenance check. With regular fall maintenance, your Toyota will be as reliable as ever as we make our way forward into cold, icy, winter conditions.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the reasons it’s smart to get your vehicle maintained in the fall and the preparations you can make along the way. Then, we’ll show you how to get your personalized maintenance schedule, so you can make an appointment with your nearest Toyota Parts & Service experts.
Reason 1: Cold weather affects car battery
In most of Canada, the hottest summer day and the coldest winter day is a difference of 60 degrees celsius. Batteries don’t like extreme heat any more than they do extreme cold. These extreme swings can compromise a battery’s performance, so it’s important to have an expert check the condition of your battery, plus make sure there’s no corrosion or loose connections. Be prepared for an easy start on cold winter mornings with a battery health check.
Reason 2: Tread confidently this winter with the right tires
When it comes to your vehicle, your tires are a big factor in driving safety. That’s why we strongly recommend making sure you always have the right tires for your specific driving conditions. For most Canadians, that means getting winter tires in the fall so you don’t get surprised by that first blast of winter. We recommend winter tires for everyone once it gets below 7 degrees celsius. Your Toyota Service Advisor can help determine the right tires for your driving needs.
Reason 3: Brakes need attention too
Brakes are important for safe driving. The extreme change in conditions from summer to winter can lead to all sorts of small issues with your brakes. So it’s a good idea to have them checked before driving into winter.
Reason 4: Tough winters need new wipers
Anyone who’s driven in Canadian winters knows just how essential good wipers are. In the summer, wiper malfunction is annoying. But in the winter, it can be downright dangerous. Getting new wipers in the fall makes sure you’re ready for anything a Canadian winter throws at your windshield. Toyota Genuine Winter Wiper Blades are specially designed to keep slush, snow, and ice off your windshield, helping to provide a clear view even in the worst driving conditions.
Reason 5: So many parts
It just takes one belt, hose, spring, or cable to break or leak, and suddenly you’re on the side of the road on a cold winter day waiting for assistance. Like we mentioned before, our extreme temperatures here in Canada are very tough on many parts. So why not have a factory trained Toyota Technician take a good look at your vehicle? And give yourself peace of mind this winter.
Reason 6: Oil isn’t the only fluid you need to check
Ensure you are following the oil change interval for your Toyota vehicle (refer to your maintenance schedule) - and as part of a fall maintenance check up, make sure all the other fluids levels are where they need to be. Our expert technicians will check and if necessary, recommend topping up windshield washer fluids, coolant, transmission fluids, brake fluids, and power steering fluids.
Reason 7: Fresh filters save you money down the road
Changing filters regularly is an easy thing to dismiss since their function is basically invisible. But blocked filters cause needless wear and tear to all your other vehicle’s systems, which, in the long run, can cost a whole lot more than the price of a little filter. Fresh oil filters, engine air filters, and cabin air filters can contribute to longer vehicle life, better gas mileage, and protection against and particulates.
Reasons 8 - 2020: Reliability
With all that’s going on, wouldn’t it be nice to have a vehicle you can depend on no matter what? With regular maintenance, you can count on your Toyota being in the best shape for your winter adventures and get peace of mind as you enjoy all that the season has to offer.
Get your personalized maintenance schedule
Different parts wear at different rates, depending on how much wear and tear they go through. For example, tires generally last a lot longer than wiper blades. So how do you know what to check, and how often? To help Toyota drivers, we developed an Online Personalized Maintenance Schedule. Just select your vehicle, its year and how many months or kilometers you’ve driven the vehicle. You’ll get a maintenance schedule that tells you exactly when to come in for service, and what to ask for.
Let’s all enjoy winter - safely
We don’t know what the winter months will look like for our families. But no matter what, we’ll still be able to enjoy Canada’s great outdoors. Getting your Toyota maintained in the fall will make sure you and your family can get out there safely and reliably.
