If you're a Toyota driver, one of the things you probably love most about your car is how dependable it is. Toyotas are known for their reliability and longevity; they are simply very well-made cars. (Just ask Consumer Reports!) But even the best cars need to go in for service once in a while to help with that longevity. That being said, how do you, the owner, know when to bring your car in for Toyota service? Here are some signs and milestones in the life of your Toyota that will help you know when to call for Toyota service.

Scheduled Toyota Service Maintenance

All auto manufacturers have a recommended service schedule for their cars, and Toyota is no different. Bringing your car in for the recommended Toyota service maintenance can make all the difference in keeping your car going for years and years. Your Toyota technician can check out your vehicle's health, diagnose and problems and head off potential problems with the goal of avoiding more costly emergency fixes that may arise in the future. Here at Covenant Automotive you can even subscribe to a maintenance schedule to save on costs, too! Just give us a call at 937-600-6080 to ask about that.

Standard Toyota scheduled maintenance is every 5,000 miles, with your first major service at 30,000 miles. However, your Toyota will last well beyond that, so keep bringing your car in every 5,000 miles or so to keep it moving forward for years. Not sure what schedule your Toyota should be on? Just ask! At Covenant Automotive, we are happy to write a Toyota service plan that matches up with how much or little you use your vehicle, and what you use it for.

Warning Lights and Other Signs Of a Problem

A popular Google search, believe it or not, it "can I ignore my check engine light?" The short answer is, "of course you can! "The better answer is, "you really shouldn't." Your car's warning lights are there for a reason, and it's not to look pretty. If any of your car's warning lights are blinking or lit up, your car needs Toyota service. At the very least, give us a call and ask how immediate the need might be if yo're not sure what the light means. Ignoring those lights is typically going to make your need for service more immediate and possibly more costly.

Other signs your car needs to be brought in immediately for Toyota service include any white or black smoke from under the hood, transmission abnormalities like slow shifting, or new and odd smells. In addition, you'll want to bring your car in if you're experiencing any unusual vibrations or strange noises such as thumps, screeching, or grinding sensations. And of course, leaking fluid from any area of the car is also a big sign that you need service ASAP.

Before a Big Trip

Who doesn't love a great American road trip? Before you pack up the Sienna with the kids and fill the roof rack full of gear and hit the road, it's best to bring your car in for a quick check up if it hasn't had Toyota service recently. At Covenant Automotive, we will never sell you a service you don't need. Our goal is to give you the best possible service so you can extend the life of your vehicle and get where you need to go safely - whether it's Disney World, the Grand Canyon, or Grandma's house.

No matter the reason you're coming in for Toyota service, we are here for you and it is our privilege to care for your vehicle. Give us a call at 937-600-6080 or schedule a consultation online today!