Betweenwork, family events, and the dozens of other obligations people have, basic car maintenance can fall by the wayside. However, performing regular maintenance on your vehicle matters more than you think.
There's a reason sports cars require higher octane fuel. They're designed to use it. The engine itself is often electronically tuned to account for a particular octane level when delivering fuel to the engine cylinder. Using a higher octane fuel than your car was tuned for can result in lower engine efficiency instead of improving performance. Be sure to look in your manual for the fuel rating your car needs.
As much as we want them to, tires don't wear evenly on their own. The front tires and the back tires carry different loads on different vehicles. The best way to ensure more even wear and tear is to get your tires rotated. It can also help the car drive better.
It is recommended to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Your Toyota Service Center professionals are maintenance experts, and tire rotation is just one of many services they can offer to you.
Take a few moments to look at your car each day. There are a few reasons to do this, but the main reason has to do with vehicle health. Regularly reviewing your car clues you into things on the exterior that need tending to such as tire pressure, cracks in the windshield, and chipped paint.
No one likes seeing a warning light turn on. It could turn a simple spin around town into a stressful drive home. That's why you should learn what each warning light means and what to do when one is on.
The serpentine belt is one of the most important parts of your car and one that flies under the radar. Usually made of rubber, these belts are used to drive and assist timing of many important car parts, like the AC condenser, water pump, power steering, and alternator. If damaged, your engine could overheat and stop. The serpentine belt is vital to your vehicle's performance and needs care.
These belts feature teeth on the inside and are usually made of more sturdy materials such as neoprene, metals, but can also be made of rubber. Interference engines that use rubber timing belts rely on the integrity of the belt to run properly. If the belt were to break while driving, catastrophic engine damage can occur. Vehicles that use timing chains rather than rubber timing belts may never need a replacement.
Replace them before you think you need to. The best time to replace wipers is if your windshield is still dirty after running them. For example, if you see streaks after using the wipers, it may be time to get a new set. Wipers are inexpensive and simple to replace. Your dealer, mechanic, and local auto parts store can all help you find the right wipers for your car.
Your vehicle's engine works best on a mixture of air and fuel. Any debris or other contaminants that get sucked into your engine along with air can damage its ability to run well. That's why it's important to replace a dirty or dusty filter for a cleaner engine.
Keep your car running safely as well by checking your brake pads. While your vehicle may have built-in sensors to alert you if the brake pads need attention, you should listen for signs of problems just in case. If the brake pads need replacing, you might hear squeaking or even metal grinding. Any noises you hear from your brakes could be worth checking on. Brake linings wear gradually, so you might not notice if they are not working great until something goes wrong. Being proactive about brake maintenance can prevent you from having to replace more expensive parts like rotors.
A clean car not only makes for a happy driver, it helps the car run better, too. This is probably the simplest car maintenance advice, but it's easily overlooked. With how busy life gets, car owners often don't make time to clean out and wash a car. Here's why you should be nice to your car.
Washing not only keeps your vehicle looking good, it is also a good way to maintain that new-car finish. Allowing a layer of dead bugs, bird droppings, dirt, and chemicals to accumulate on your vehicle can strip away wax and, eventually, the paint. Without a protective layer, your vehicle can begin to rust.
Another way to keep your vehicle performing at its best is to simply take it easy while driving. This may seem like a silly tip, but it's true. Similarly to the human body, pushing your vehicle hard can take a toll over time. Taking off quickly or applying the brakes suddenly increases premature wear and tear. Jerking around on the steering wheel can also cause damage over time. By driving smart and safe, you can keep your car happy and running in better shape for longer.
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle running great is to work on a problem as soon as it arises. You can do this if you have the right tools. Carry the basic automotive tools with you at all times.
You can keep a small set of tools in your trunk for easy access. Also, make sure you have a clean pair of jumper cables with your tools. Being prepared is key when it comes to quickly addressing problems with your car.
Depending on where you live, you can help your car last longer by covering it up. Keeping your car away from sunlight and other outdoor elements can add years to the life of the paint job. You can buy special car covers for your brand and style. Keeping it in the garage or under a carport is also a useful option. Keeping paint fresh and new helps keep your car from rusting and breaking down.
2024 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. All information applies to U.S. vehicles only.
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Outside of Japan, the model is also manufactured in Indonesia and Malaysia. The Indonesian model of Rocky and Raize have been sold locally since April 2021 and also exported as the Raize to 50 countries.[4][15] The Malaysian model is sold under the Perodua brand as the Perodua Ativa since February 2021.[2]
Development of the vehicle started around 2017, headed by Daihatsu chief engineer Nobuhiko Ono.[3] Suggestions for making a larger vehicle were turned down by Ono, citing their expertise in developing kei cars.[16] It is built on Daihatsu's DNGA platform and internally grouped as an A-segment vehicle, positioned below the Yaris Cross.[9]
Rocky's design was previewed by the 2017 DN Trec concept.[17] The Rocky nameplate was previously used for two different (F300 and F70 series) ladder frame-based SUV models and was reused after a 17-year hiatus. The A200 series Rocky is only available in Japan, with models produced in Indonesia designated as A250 series. With its width under 1.7 metres (66.9 in), the Japanese-spec Rocky is compliant with the Japanese government's dimension regulations regarding compact cars which reduce tax liability.
The A250 model is identified by the more pronounced rear bumper, a metal tailgate instead of plastic and slightly wider body than the A200 model. These modifications are also present on the Malaysian market Perodua Ativa.
Initially, the Rocky was offered in L, X, G and Premium grade levels in Japan, which were all powered by a 1KR-VET engine with four-wheel drive option available for every grade. In November 2021, the G grade was removed and the Premium grade was replaced by Premium G. The 1KR-VET engine option for front-wheel drive models was also replaced by the WA-VE unit used earlier in the Indonesian market Rocky.
The hybrid-electric variant, which is introduced in the same month, is available in X and Premium G grades. Four-wheel drive option is not offered for this variant. The exterior received minor makeover with a mesh grille, different alloy wheels with 5 lugs, blue accent on Daihatsu's badges and "e-Smart Hybrid" badge on the tailgate to distinguish it from the conventional petrol models.[18]
The Rocky was unveiled in Indonesia alongside the Raize on 28 April 2021 and went on sale on 30 April 2021. Daihatsu invested Rp 1.7 trillion for the production tooling for their Karawang assembly plant, achieving around 70 percent of locally produced parts.[19][20] In Indonesia, the Rocky is offered in M, X and R grade levels with either a manual transmission or CVT. The M and X grades are powered by the WA-VE engine, while the R grade is powered by the 1KR-VET unit. Astra Daihatsu Styling (ADS) package and Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) driver-assistance system are also available as an option.[21] The 1.2-litre model has been available since June 2021.[22]
The Toyota-badged model is sold and marketed as the Toyota Raize in Japan and most international markets. It is mostly identical with the Rocky, differentiated by its front fascia which adopted Toyota's corporate look.[23] The international (A250) model, mainly sold for emerging markets, is manufactured in Indonesia by Astra Daihatsu Motor.[15]
The Raize is currently on sale, as of May 2024, in this sui generis French Overseas Collectivity.[24] It is the only place in the entire French Republic where the Raize can be purchased officially.
In Japan, the Raize replaces the J200 series Rush. It is offered in X, X"S", G and Z grade levels, with each grade has a four-wheel drive option. In November 2021, similar to the Rocky, the 1KR-VET engine option for regular front-wheel drive models was replaced by the WA-VE unit. The hybrid-electric variant was also introduced for G and Z grades as well.[25][26]
In Indonesia, the Raize is offered in G and GR Sport grade levels. The G grade is powered by either a WA-VE or 1KR-VET engines mated to either a manual transmission or a CVT, while the GR Sport grade is only offered with the latter engine option mated to a CVT and also available with ASA (marketed as Toyota Safety Sense) as an option.[27]
The Raize is available in some Latin America markets, as Mexico,[35] where it is only available in a single grade, XLE with a 1KR-VET engine, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT. Other markets include Chile and Uruguay.[36]
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