Toyota RAV4 Maintenance Schedule
Driving off the lot after buying or leasing your new Toyota RAV4 is an amazing feeling. To extend it for as long as possible, you’ll want to follow the RAV4’s manufacturer-prescribed maintenance schedule, found in full detail in your owner’s manual. Keeping your vehicle in prime condition will keep that smile on your face!
At Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego, we want to help you. We’ve compiled a condensed Toyota RAV4 maintenance schedule for drivers near San Diego, Kearny Mesa, and El Cajon, all here on a single page for your convenience. Enjoy our handy guide!
Every 5,000 Miles or 6 Months
Once you’ve put your first 5,000 miles on your odometer—or driven for six months—you should schedule your first servicing appointment. At this point, you’ll want to inspect and adjust all your fluid levels. They include the following:
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid (if equipped)
- Transmission fluid
You should also rotate your tires to ensure even wear over time. Inspect your wiper blades and brake linings and pads visually, too. You’ll need to have all these services done every six months, as they’re key to keeping your car running safely and reliably.
Every 10,000 Miles or 12 Months
After 10,000 miles or a full year of driving, it’s time for an oil and filter change . Fresh, clean oil is needed to keep the metal parts in your engine well lubricated, so they can work together and avoid overheating from friction. The oil absorbs heat from the engine and helps those parts work effectively.
Without regular oil changes, you risk damaging your engine beyond repair, which is a huge safety hazard and will require a costly replacement engine. Save yourself the trouble, and make routine engine-oil and oil-filter changes a top priority.
Every 15,000 Miles or 18 Months
When you’ve been driving for 18 months or added 15,000 miles to the odometer, there are a few more items you’ll want to have inspected, including:
- Brake lines and hoses
- Cabin air filter
- Drive shaft boots
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Steering gear, linkage, and boots
Your technician can alert you if any of these items are functioning wrongly and need replacement. The cabin air filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles or 36 months, at which point fuel lines and hoses should be inspected as well.
Schedule Toyota RAV4 Maintenance
If you want to keep your Toyota RAV4 in top-notch condition, following this guide is a great way to start. For a more detailed guide that covers added maintenance for special operating conditions (driving on dirt roads, while towing, for short distances in low temperatures, etc.), check your owner’s manual.
In the long run, you’ll save time and money by staying on top of vehicle maintenance. Even if you’re not due for servicing but think you have issues that need attention, don’t wait around. If you live near San Diego, Kearny Mesa, or El Cajon, contact Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego for all your service needs!