There is one significant car maintenance activity that you have to do on a regular basis to keep your car running smooth and maintain your Toyota fuel economy: Change your oil.
Most manufacturers and mechanics recommend that you change your oil around every 3,000 miles. Some experts will tell you that you can go longer than this. However, after 3,000 miles your oil starts to break down, forcing your engine to work harder and making your Toyota hybrid run less efficiently.
When you check your oil, you want to make sure that it’s relatively clean. Make sure that your oil level is always between the fill lines. If the oil is below the fill line but you’re not anywhere near the 3,000 mile mark, make sure to check for leaks. If you can’t find any leaks, add a quart of oil and check it again after a few days.
There are several types of oil to choose from for your Toyota hybrid. Lighter oil, like 5W-40, does better in warmer or hotter weather. This type of oil is best for warmer climates, or summer in more temperate zones. Heavier oil, like 10W-40, is better for colder temps. If your Toyota hybrid uses a lot of oil (which it likely won’t) you should use heavier oil and/or consider a synthetic blend motor oil.
Keeping your oil full and clean will add miles to your car’s life and save dollars at the gas pump, as well.
