Understanding the Need for Toyota Maintenance
Car symbols or lights on the dashboard serve as a reminder to maintain the car. Toyota Maintenance Required indicators tell you when and what service your vehicle needs.
Most Toyota vehicles are equipped with an electronic computer system that is connected to the dashboard and tells drivers when to check something in the engine. Whether the lights on the dashboard come on to alert the driver to a low wiper fluid level or a low fuel level in the tank, the driver must respond to the problem as soon as possible to resolve the issue. If a driver neglects a service light such as "MAINTENANCE REQUIRED", he or she risks damaging the engine or, worse, being stranded on the side of the road or causing an accident.
For these reasons, performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your vehicle is essential to keep it running properly so you can avoid many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly costly repairs that result from negligence. Luckily, the days of racking your brains and running diagnostics to find the service light trigger are over. The Toyota MAINTENANCE REQUIRED indicator is a simplified on-board computer system that alerts owners of specific service needs so they can resolve the issue quickly and without hassle. At its most basic level, it tracks engine oil life so you don't have to. As soon as the "MAINTENANCE REQUIRED" light comes on, the driver knows to schedule an appointment to take the vehicle for service.
How the Toyota Service Reminder System Works and What to Expect
The sole function of the Toyota Service Reminder System is to remind the driver to change the oil. The computer system keeps track of the engine's mileage since it was reset, and the light comes on after 5,000 miles. Because the system is not algorithm-driven like other more advanced maintenance reminder systems, it does not take into account differences between light and extreme driving conditions, load weight, towing or weather conditions, which are important variables that affect oil life.
Because of this, the service indicator may not be effective for those who frequently tow or drive frequently in extreme weather conditions and need more frequent oil changes. However, this may not be effective for those who regularly drive on the freeway in good weather. This does not mean that the driver should completely ignore the maintenance indicator. Be aware of your driving conditions throughout the year and, if necessary, see a professional to determine if your vehicle needs service based on your specific, most frequent driving conditions.
Below is a helpful chart that can give you an idea of how often you may need to change the oil in a modern car (older cars often require more frequent oil changes):
- FunctionsA: If you have any questions about your vehicle, feel free to contact our experienced technicians for advice.
When the SERVICE REQUIRED light comes on and you make an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Toyota recommends a series of checks to help keep your vehicle in good working order, which can help prevent untimely and costly engine damage.
Below is a list of inspections recommended by Toyota for various mileage intervals during your ownership:
After your Toyota has been serviced, the SERVICE NEEDED indicator must be reset. Some service people neglect this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary operation of the service indicator. In just a few simple steps, you can learn how to do it yourself:
Step 1: Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the car to the "ON" position.. Don't go so far as to start the engine.
Step 2: Make sure the odometer shows Trip A.. If not, press the Trip or Reset button until Trip A appears on the odometer.
Step 3: Press and hold the Trip or Reset button.. While holding down the button, turn off the vehicle and then turn it back to the "ON" position while continuing to hold the button down.
The odometer should display a series of dashes that will appear one after the other. The display will then show a series of "0" (zeroes) and the "Trip A" reading will return. Now you can release the button.
The MAINTENANCE REQUIRED indicator should turn off and the computer will now start accumulating miles from zero. Once it reaches 5,000 miles again, the SERVICE REQUIRED light will come on again.
While the maintenance reminder system can be used to remind the driver to service the vehicle, it can only be used as a guide based on how the vehicle is being driven and under what driving conditions. Other recommended maintenance information is based on the standard time tables found in the user manual. This does not mean that Toyota drivers should ignore such warnings. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring reliability, driving safety and a manufacturer's warranty. It can also provide great resale value.
Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts about what the Toyota Service System means or what services your vehicle may require, do not hesitate to seek advice from our experienced technicians.
If your Toyota service reminder system shows that your vehicle is ready for service, have it checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki. Click here, select your vehicle and service or package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.
