Toyota Australia advises that Toyota owners should service their vehicles on a schedule which reflects their driving conditions and habits, rather than adhering strictly to logbook kilometre based intervals.

Australian drivers travel an average of 14,600 kilometres a year* and have become accustomed to automotive manufacturers' scheduling services by time and distance milestones, whichever occurs first.

Toyota's research and analysis of servicing trends has revealed that vehicle owners tend to rely on distance intervals of 10,000km and 15,000km (depending on their vehicle's service schedule) , as shown in their warranty and service handbook, to determine when a service is due.

Matthew Callachor, divisional manager for Toyota Customer Service, advises that the distance milestones may not be the most effective or accurate measure for when a vehicle requires servicing.

"We believe drivers need to pay more attention to their individual driving styles and conditions, and service their vehicles on a timely basis, rather than set kilometre intervals," said Mr Callachor.

"For example, drivers covering only low kilometres, or using their vehicles for repeated short stop-start trips such as going to the shops or dropping the kids at school, should service their vehicles according to time intervals because their engines still undergo the strain of accelerating from a cold start, but take longer to reach kilometre milestones.

"Additionally, these driving conditions do not allow the engine oil to warm up sufficiently to eliminate fuel and water vapour," he said.

"Engine contaminants saturate the oil, eroding its quality and ability to provide lubrication to engine mechanisms.

"Dirty, 'sludgy' oil blocks the filtration system and can eventually starve the engine of its life blood, potentially leading to costly repairs.

"Regular vehicle servicing is important primarily for safety reasons, as well as for maintaining performance and preventing costly and often preventable repairs."

"A kilometre-based servicing system is essentially a 'one size fits all' approach that is not applicable in a vast country with extremes in climate and lifestyle, where vehicles are used in many different ways," said Mr Callachor.

Vehicles subjected to constant stop/start driving, continuous high speeds for long periods, extensive idling or driving on rough, muddy or snow melted roads are prone to engine strain and require more frequent servicing to maintain optimal performance and efficiency.

Similarly, vehicles that tow trailers, caravans, boats, travelling with a laden roof rack and operating in extreme conditions, or travelling excessive kilometres, may require additional servicing in between the standard scheduled services.

Toyota Australia recommends vehicle servicing at intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres for the vehicles manufactured in Australia - Camry and Aurion - and six months or 10,000 kilometre intervals for vehicles manufactured outside of Australia - Corolla, Rav 4, Hilux etc.

Most current-generation Toyota vehicles also benefit from Toyota Service Advantage, which provides low cost, price-capped standard scheduled servicing. This provides total service pricing transparency for up to the first four standard scheduled services (Camry and Aurion) and six (all other vehicles) over the first three years, or 60,000km^, whichever occurs first.

"To keep Toyota vehicles in peak condition and to benefit from the maximum number of services covered by Toyota Service Advantage, it is important that drivers service their vehicles according to the service schedule based on their driving conditions," said Mr Callachor.

To find out more about Toyota servicing and to locate a convenient service centre, visit www.service.toyota.com.au


* Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey of Motor Vehicle Use (to 31 October 2007), August 2008.

^Prado, HiLux, HiAce, Coaster effective from April 2008 compliance plates and onwards. LandCruiser 70 Series effective from July 2008 compliance plates and onwards.
Toyota Service Advantage pricing represents the maximum amount payable for standard scheduled service which is as per 'maintenance for normal operating conditions' outlined in the Warranty and Service Handbook's service schedule.

Service Advantage eligibility excludes Government vehicles, Rental vehicles and Employee Family Purchase vehicles. Certain other exclusions apply. Contact your Toyota Dealer for details of eligibility or visit advantage.toyota.com.au.