5 Simple Car Maintenance Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road
5 simple car maintenance tips to keep you safe on the road, plus, how Sunshine Toyota can help you stay on top of it all!
Keeping your car in great shape isn’t just about performance, it’s about safety, reliability and peace of mind. Whether you’ve just bought a new Toyota or you're driving a trusty older vehicle, these five easy maintenance tips will help keep your car in tip-top condition.
1. Read Your Owner’s Manual
It may not be the most exciting read on your bookshelf, but trust us your owner’s manual is a goldmine of useful information. It tells you everything from what each dashboard warning light means to the exact tyre pressure your car needs. You'll also find your recommended service intervals, safety tips, feature breakdowns and more. The better you know your vehicle, the more you can take care of it!
Pro Tip: Keep your manual in the glovebox so it’s always on hand for quick reference.
2. Regularly Service Your Vehicle
Servicing your car isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about maintaining performance, catching problems early and ensuring your vehicle remains safe. Whether it’s every 6 months or every 10,000km (whichever comes first) or 12 months or every 15,000km (whichever comes first), sticking to your recommended service schedule will extend the life of your car and give you confidence on the road.
If your car is due for a service,👉 Click here to make a booking
3. Check Your Tyre Pressure & Condition
Your tyres are your car’s only contact with the road, so keeping them in good shape is essential. Check them regularly for:
- Correct pressure – Find your recommended PSI in the manual or the door sticker.
- Even tread wear – Uneven wear could signal alignment or pressure issues.
- Tread depth – Use the wear indicators inside the tread grooves.
- Tyre age – Tyres degrade over time, so even if they look fine, check the manufacturing date and replace them every 5–6 years.
Pro Tip: Low pressure = poor fuel economy & handling. Over-inflated = reduced grip. Aim for just right.
4. Check Your Coolant Levels
Coolant helps your engine stay cool (shocking, we know 😉). If it gets too low, your engine could overheat and leave you stranded. Check the coolant reservoir when your car is cold — the level should sit between the minimum and maximum marks.
⚠️ Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine! Let your car cool down completely first to avoid injury.
5. Check Your Oil Levels
Engine oil keeps all the moving parts in your engine running smoothly. Without it, things heat up quickly — and not in a good way. Check your oil at least once a month by:
- Letting the engine cool.
- Pulling out the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting it, then checking the level.
- Topping up with the correct oil type if needed (check your manual for guidance).
🔧 Don’t forget to change your oil and oil filter at regular intervals — not just top it up!
Need a Hand?
Here at Sunshine Toyota, we offer complimentary safety checks on all makes and models — not just Toyotas! If it’s been a while since your last check-up or you're unsure about anything we’ve covered, our friendly service team is here to help.
Let’s keep you and your car safe on the road, every day of the year. 🚘✨
