Of the 1.2 million new cars sold in Australia last year, one in five were Toyota models. The brand has cemented its reign on the Aussie car market, with the title of Australia’s favourite car brand for well over a decade. Put this down to unrivalled reliability and aftersales support, a diverse lineup to meet the needs of different customers and the push for new tech, with Toyota’s hybrid vehicles saving motorists a good deal of money at the servo. High resale values, customer satisfaction and competitive pricing (for vehicles, parts and servicing) have also lured in new customers.
Aside from general maintenance and the use of genuine Toyota parts, owners can go beyond standard options with hundreds of factory and aftermarket parts and accessory upgrades. Choosing a tested, genuine Toyota part ensures your car lasts, drives as it should, and that performance is bolstered when and where you need it most.
Ensure Longevity and Performance with Scheduled Servicing
Regular maintenance ensures that costs are limited to simple and inexpensive replacement parts. Fluids, including oil and coolant, keep all Toyota engines ticking. Synthetic oils do a great job in reducing the friction of metal-on-metal parts when the engine is working overtime to provide the power you need. A secondary (but related) function is maintaining consistent operating temperatures and getting the most out of every drop of fuel. Clean and filtered oil additionally removes engine contaminants (like carbon deposits) and prevents oxidation and the formation of rust as a by-product of the combustion process.
Similarly, coolant absorbs excess heat, prevents overheating, and maintains working temperatures in rare freezing conditions (when diluted in water). Additives in coolant additionally protect various engine components from rust and corrosion, extending their lifespan. They also reduce daily wear and tear in cooling system parts, including water pumps, and ensure seals and head gaskets are protected.
Toyota’s Warranty Advantage excludes regular consumables, including spark plugs. The brand, however, does warrant the longevity and performance of this Toyota part if purchased directly from approved dealerships. Choosing non-approved third-party plugs can affect spark timing and efficiency, possibly leading to engine problems ranging from misfires and rough idling to compromised engine power and sluggish acceleration. Warranties can be voided, however, if irregular spark plug changes cause serious engine issues, resulting in out-of-pocket expenses.
The good news for anyone needing more power or cleaner burns is that Toyota also works with OEM and third-party parts giants, including Aisin and Denso, renowned for their extensive lines of quality plugs for different vehicles.
Restore Secondary Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense ensures care-free driving with functional safety components, including parking sensors. These can malfunction due to collisions or impact to the front and rear bumpers, from rusted, damaged or misaligned housings, accumulated dirt and road debris, and electrical issues, such as frayed wiring harnesses, blown fuses or fried control modules. Qualified Toyota technicians or your local mechanic can diagnose possible causes, but you will have to purchase replacement sensors from official Toyota dealerships.
Boost Engine Performance with Genuine Toyota Parts
Engine and general car issues in older cars can be resolved with quality Toyota genuine parts. Regain control and power steering by replacing glazed, cracked or frayed drive belts. These components also power the air conditioning, the alternator and in some cars, the water pump. Overheating engines, poor cabin cooling, and depleted batteries are signs that the belt needs to be replaced. Have them inspected during regular service intervals and changed if there are visible signs of wear.
Most Toyotas use mechanically driven (by the crank) water pumps. The parts circulate coolant within the engine and help maintain proper working temperatures. Seized, faulty or worn pumps can manifest as coolant leaks, grinding and squealing noises (mechanical failure in impellers, gaskets, seals), irregular engine timing and, when left too late, overheating. While aftermarket pumps may perform to the same or improved standard set by Toyota, it’s recommended to buy branded Toyota water pumps to ensure proper flow rates, simple installation and parts that last for the quoted warranty periods.
Inspect the Brakes and Suspension for Proven Toyota Safety and Handling
Brake pads, discs and in Toyotas with drum brakes, brake shoes, are all regular replacement items. Inspect parts for wear from heat, friction and corrosion, or unknown issues like seized calliper sliders and worn guide pins. Choose genuine Toyota parts for more of the same proven reliability and braking performance (good actuation, connected brake feel, short and controlled stopping distances), or go with aftermarket brake parts brands if you need more performance on technical terrain or the track.
The same goes for suspension parts in different Toyota vehicles, from the front MacPherson struts in Corollas and Camrys, to the complex, independent layouts in off-roaders like the Land Cruiser and Prado. Use genuine parts for expected and proven functionality, or go the aftermarket route if you’re after clearance, comfort and adjustability, which comes with lift kits, air suspension and longer travel springs and shocks.