As a proud owner of a diesel Toyota, you know that you’ve got a reliable and durable vehicle on your hands. But even the most dependable vehicles need a little TLC from time to time in order to stay running like a well-oiled machine and deliver all the power and torque you love about it. Luckily, performing some basic maintenance on your vehicle can help your engine thrive, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Here are five easy tips that you can do yourself to keep your Toyota running smoothly for years to come.
1. Check Your Coolant
One of the most important tasks in maintaining your vehicle’s performance is regularly replacing the coolant. The coolant mixture protects the radiator from extreme temperatures and helps to regulate engine heat. If not replaced, the coolant can become acidic and start to corrode components of the cooling system, leading to costly damage.
As a Toyota owner, it is important to stay on top of your scheduled coolant replacements. The recommended intervals are approximately every 80,000km and 160,000km, as outlined in your service log book. Following these guidelines can save you time and money in the long run by preventing any potential issues with your vehicle’s cooling system. It is also important to monitor the liquid levels in between scheduled changes and add more coolant as needed. Taking these precautions will ensure that your vehicle’s cooling system stays strong and effective
Amplify Your Toyota’s Cooling System with Just Autos
You can improve the cooling system in your Toyota with Just Autos intercooler upgrades, too! Our intercooler fan kits are upgrades that promote engine health and longevity. By increasing oxygen density and reducing heat in the combustion chamber, your engine gets the support it needs to produce power safely and with more efficient combustion. Just Autos intercooler upgrade options will vary between Toyota models, as well as whether they are fitted with a front-mount intercooler, top-mount intercooler, or if it has no intercooler at all.
2. Give Your Engine A Clean
When it comes to a Toyota diesel engine, cleanliness is not just about aesthetics – it is essential for proper functioning. Dirt, dust, and grime can find their way into the engine and accumulate on its component parts, leading to wear and tear. This in turn can result in reduced performance and decreased fuel efficiency. It is important to regularly clean the exterior of the engine to prevent build-up and maintain optimum performance.
In addition, regular maintenance checks can also detect any issues with internal components before they become serious problems. Ignoring these important steps can potentially cause costly damage to your vehicle’s engine. So, remember – a clean engine equals a happy engine!
Read More: Top 5 Maintenance Tips for Diesel Engines
3. Change Your Fuel Filters
As diesel engines have higher compression ratios and generate more heat, they require additional fuel filtration. That is why most Toyota diesel engines are equipped with two fuel filters: a primary filter, which removes larger particles and contaminants, and a secondary filter, which further cleans the fuel before it enters the engine.
It is recommended that both filters be replaced at every service or as necessary to ensure optimal engine performance and prevent potential damage caused by clogged or contaminated filters. Neglecting to replace fuel filters on schedule can result in reduced fuel efficiency and decreased engine power, so regular maintenance is important for maintaining the health of your diesel engine.
If you use lower-grade quality fuel, you may need to check and change your fuel filters more regularly. Poor quality fuel should always be avoided, as the quality of the fuel you use can have a significant impact on how your diesel performs. What’s more, saving a couple of bucks on cheaper fuel may feel like a saving at the time, but it can wreak havoc on your engine and cost you hundreds, if not thousands, more later, when part repairs and replacements become necessary! Also ensure to fill up from reputable service stations and no fill up after the service station tanks.
4. Replace Air Filters
The air filters in a diesel engine work to remove dirt and debris from the air intake, allowing for proper combustion. As these filters become clogged, they can hinder performance and lead to engine damage.
The frequency with which these filters need to be replaced will vary based on the environment and climate in which you are driving. For example, a driver in a dry, dusty area may need to replace their air filters more often than a driver in a city with cleaner air.
It is important to regularly check your vehicle’s air filter and replace it, when necessary, in order to maintain optimal engine performance. In addition, using a clean or new filter can also improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Investing in regular filter replacements will help ensure the longevity of your diesel engine.
Getting your hands on some OEM style filters from a reputable aftermarket or OEM is something we always recommend to our customers when replacing their air filter during a service or maintenance interval. This is because servicing cheaper alternatives can be tricky, and not doing a thorough job means a risk to your engine.
But while we retain the factory filter, we can upgrade the airbox entirely, as Toyota’s airboxes are known to have poor sealing, making them vulnerable to the dreaded phenomenon of dusting. Upgrading your airbox without upgrading your filter may seem like a waste, but when it comes to Toyota’s engines, there’s a good reason we believe the factory filter should remain.
We advocate for the original factory paper filter in the upgraded air box because.
- There is no washing or servicing required
- If in doubt, you can just throw it out and replace it
- The upgraded air box will not only flow better, but also provide a better seal.
Read More: What Is The Best Air Filter Type For Diesel Engines?
5. Change Your Oil as Required
It’s important to stay on top of regularly scheduled oil changes for your diesel engine, especially if your vehicle is being pushed to its limits on a regular basis. Generally, diesel engine oil should be changed every 10,000 kilometres at a minimum, but if you’re a real enthusiast and your vehicle is constantly working hard because you frequently tow loads or operating under severe conditions (such as high temperatures or off-road terrain), it’s best to change the oil every 5,000km. This will help ensure optimal engine performance and prevent potential damage in the long run.
Be sure to consult with a trusted mechanic or refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on oil changes for your particular make and model. Don’t skimp on routine maintenance – it could end up costing you far more in the end.
Read More: Why You Should Regularly Service Your Vehicle
Bring Your Healthy Engine in and Enjoy Peak Performance
Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the long-term health and performance of your diesel engine. Regular services help to prevent any build-up or wear on important components, leading to a smoother running engine and prolonged lifespan. What’s more, properly maintaining your diesel engine sets it up as a prime candidate for performance upgrades and tuning.
At Just Autos’ workshop in Nambour, we offer a range of options to improve the power and performance of your Toyota diesel engine. From upgraded fuel injectors to optimised ECU tuning, our team of experts can provide the perfect solution for maximising the potential of your diesel. Contact the team to find out how we can tap into the potential under your bonnet!
