PETROL

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

New legislation commencing in January 2006 determined that only cleaner fuels can be used in South Africa.

Toyota has long been aiming for zero emissions and has been a front runner in the design and engineering of the South Africa and the world’s first commercial hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius. We are geared towards generating cleaner air and a healthier environment.

WHY ARE EMMISIONS HARMFUL?

Vehicles, both petrol and diesel give off significant quantities of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other particles; these pollutants damage the atmosphere. 

If we can successfully reduce these harmful emissions we can ensure a cleaner and healthier environment. Integrating new fuels with new vehicle technology and emission control devices significantly lowers harmful emissions. 

Each and every Toyota is engineered to meet International Fuel Specifications and Vehicle Technology Requirements.

IS MY OLDER TOYOTA COMPATIBLE

All current model Toyota's, and majority older models, are compatible with unleaded petrol. If you are unsure as to whether or not your vehicle is compatible please be so kind as to consult with your prefered Imperial Toyota Service Centre.

DIESEL

Why you should use ultra low sulphur diesel in your Toyota?

All diesel fuels contain a certain amount of sulphur. Unfortunately sulphur is a major contributor to engine wear and corrosion. However you can minimise this process and extend the life of your car, by changing to a diesel fuel with lower sulphur content. The advantages of using ultra low sulphur diesel (50 parts per million or lower) include:

• Reduced exhaust emissions
• Improved exhaust catalyst performanceReduced engine wear
• Reduced diesel injector wear
• Extended lubricant life

By using low sulphur diesel, you won't only be reducing your car's long-term maintenance costs, but you'll also be protecting the environment by reducing the amount of harmful CO2 emissions from your vehicle.

Toyota South Africa Motors recommend that the best possible grade of diesel fuel is used in all our diesel vehicles.

NAME OF PRODUCT CATEGORY SULPHUR PARTS PER MILLION

Sasol Turbodiesel Low Sulphur 500 parts per million

Sasol Turbodiesel ULS. Ultra Low Sulphur. 50 parts per million

Sasol Turbodiese VLS. Ultra low Sulphur. 50 parts per million

Shell Diesel Extra. Low Sulphur. 500 parts per million

V-power Diesel Ultra Low Sulphur. 50 parts per million

Power Diesel Low Sulphur 500 parts per million

Eco Diesel Plus. Low Sulphur 500 parts per million

Eco Diesel Premium Plus. Ultra Low Sulphur. 50 parts per million

BP Ultimate Diesel 500. Low Sulphur. 500 parts per million

BP Ultimate Diesel 50. Ultra Low Sulphur 50 parts per million

Dynamic Diesel Low Sulphur 500 parts per million

For your safety below are tips on caring for your Toyota's tyres.

Checking tyre pressure is very important. Keep your tyre pressure at the proper level. You should check the tyre pressures every two weeks, or at least once a month.Don’t forget the spare! 

Make it safe, Make it last!

Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce tyre life and make your vehicle less safe to drive.

• Low tyre pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling, reduced fuel economy and the possibility blowouts from overheated tyres.
• Low tyre pressure can also cause poor sealing of the tyre.
• If the tyre pressure is excessively low, there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tyre separation.
• High tyre pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems, excessive wear at the centre of the tyre tread and a greater possibility of tyre damage from road hazards.
• If a tyre frequently needs refilling, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.

Follow these steps when checking tyre pressure

• Cool down time!
  Only check the pressure when the tyres are cold.
  If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven more than 1.5 km since, you will get an accurate cold tyre pressure reading.
• Measure by measure!
  Always use a tyre pressure gauge. The appearance of a tyre can be misleading. Tyre pressures that are even just a few kilopascal out can degrade handling and ride.
• High Pressure System!
  Do not bleed or reduce tyre pressure after driving if you notice the pressure is higher. It is, in fact, normal for the tyre pressure to be higher after driving.
• Put a lid on it!
  Be sure to reinstall the tyre inflation valve cap. Without the valve caps dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible.

Checking and Replacing Tyres – The Basics

TREAD WEAR

The tyres on your Toyota have built-in tread wear indicators to help you know when the tyres need replacement. When checking the tyre tread for the tread wear indicators, replace the tyres if the:

• Tread depth is worn to 1.6 mm or less,
• Indicators in two or more adjacent grooves are visible,

NOTE: The less the tread, the higher the risk of skidding.

CUTS, SPLITS AND CRACKS

• Check your tyres regularly for damage such as cuts, splits and cracks. If any damage is found, consult with a technician and have the tyre repaired or replaced.Even if the damage does not appear serious, a qualified technician should examine the damage. Objects, which have penetrated the tyre, may have caused internal damage.

OLD TYRES

• Any tyres over six years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if damage is not obvious. Tyres deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom been used. This also applies to the spare tyre and tyres stored for future use.

REPLACING YOUR TYRES

• When replacing a tyre, use only the same size and construction as originally installed and with the same or greater load capacity. Using any other size or type of tyre may seriously affect handling, ride, speedometer and odometer calibration, ground clearance and clearance between the body and tyres.

CAUTION

• Do not mix radial or cross ply tyres on your vehicle. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of control.
• Do not use tyres or wheels other than the manufacture’s recommended size.

Essential information on maintaining the engine of your Toyota.

How to Check the Engine Oil Level

• With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil level on the dipstick.To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot.
• After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag.
• Re-insert the dipstick. Push it in as far as it will go or the reading will not be correct.
• Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end.
• Caution: Be careful not to touch the hot exhaust manifold

How & When to add oil?

• If the oil level is below or only slightly, above the low level, add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.
• Remove the oil filter cap and add engine oil in small quantities at a time, checking the dipstick.
• When the level reaches within the correct range, install the filter cap and hand-tighten.

How to Check the Engine Coolant Level

• Look at the see-through coolant reservoir when the engine is cold.
• The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and the “L” lines on the reservoir.
• If the level is low, add coolant of the same type as already in the system.
• The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine temperature, however if the level is on or below the “L” line, add coolant.
• Bring the level up to the “F” line.
• Always use the same type of coolant as already in the cooling system.
• If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing, there may be a leak in the system.
• Visually check the radiator cap, drain plug and water pump.
• If you can find no leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
• Caution: To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

What Coolant Type Must I Use?

• Use only genuine Toyota Long Life Coolant 50% mixture.
• Notice: Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

Draining Fuel Filter Water (Diesel Engine)

When the fuel filter warning light comes on, the water in the fuel filter must be drained immediately.
Place a small tray under the drain plug to catch the water.

• Turn the drain plug counter-clockwise about 2 – 21/2 turns. (Loosening more than this will cause water oozing from around the drain plug.)
• Operate the priming pump until fuel begins to run out.
• After draining, retighten the drain plug. Do not use tool.

Safety Belts are important safety equipment in your Toyota and require special care.

Cleaning Seat Belts

• Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Use a cloth or sponge.As you are cleaning, check the belts for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
• Notice: Do not use dye or bleach on the belts – it may weaken them.
   

Caution

When using the seat belts, observe the following:

• Avoid reclining the seatbacks too much. The seat belts provide maximum protection when the seatbacks are in the upright position. (Refer to the seat adjustment instructions.)
• Be careful not to damage the belt webbing or hardware.
• Take care that they do not get caught or pinched in the seat or doors.
• Inspect the belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying and loose parts.
• Damaged parts should be replaced.Do not disassemble or modify the system.
• Keep the belts clean and dry. If they need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never use bleach, dye or abrasive cleaners; they may severely weaken the belts.
• Replace the belts assembly (including bolts) if the vehicle has been in a severe collision.
• The entire assembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious.Warning:Seat belts are designed to bear upon the bony structure of the body, and should be worn low across the front of the pelvis, chest and shoulders.
• Wearing the lap section of the belt across the abdominal area must be avoided.
• Seat belts should be adjusted as firmly as possible to provide the protection for which they have been designed. A slack belt will greatly reduce the protection afforded to the wearer.
• Care should be taken to avoid contamination of the webbing with polishes, oils and chemicals, and particularly battery acid.
• The belt should be replaced if webbing becomes frayed, contaminated or damaged.
• Belts should not be worn with straps twisted.Each belt assembly must only be used by one occupant; it is dangerous to put a belt around a child being carried on the occupant’s lap.
   

Warning

No modification or additions should be made by the user which will either prevent the seat belt adjusting devices from operating to remove slack or prevent the seat belt assembly from being adjusted to remove slack

Toyota Car Care - Ensure longevity and good trade in value by keeping your Toyota in tip-top shape. Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing. Before you get started make note of the following scenarios that may cause weakness to the paint or corrosion to the body and parts. Wash your vehicle as soon as possible…

• When driving in a coastal area.When road tar, tree sap, bird droppings and the bodies of dead insects are sticking to your vehicle.
• When driving in areas where there is a lot of smoke, soot, dust, iron dust and chemical substances.
• When the vehicle becomes particularly dirty with dust and mud. 

Hand Wash

• Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is not hot to the touch.
• Caution: When cleaning the underside or chassis, be careful not to injure your hands.
• Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Remove any mud from the underside of the vehicle and wheel wells.
• Wash with mild car-wash soap, mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft cotton cloth and keep it wet by dipping it frequently into the wash water. Do not rub hard – let the soap and water remove the dirt.
   

Plastic bumpers

Wash these carefully and do not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper faces are soft
 

Road tar

• Remove with turpentine or cleansers that are marked safe for painted surfaces.
• Notice: Do not use petrol or strong solvents, which may be toxic or cause damage.
• Rinse thoroughly – dried soap can cause streaking. In hot weather you may need to rinse each section right after you wash it.
• To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft cotton cloth. Do not rub or press hard – you might scratch the paint.
   

Make it shine

Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original beauty of your Toyota’s finish.

• Always wash and dry the vehicle before you begin waxing, even if you are using a combined cleaner and wax.
• Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has become extremely weathered, use a car cleaning polish, followed by a separate wax. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and
• precautions. Ensure that you polish and wax the chrome trim well as the painted surfaces.
• Wax the vehicle again when water does not bead, but remains on the surface in large patches.
• Notice: Always remove the plastic bumpers if your vehicle is re-painted and placed in a high heat paint waxing booth. High temperatures could damage the bumpers.
   

Touch it up!

• Touch-up paint can be used to cover small chips or scratches.
• Apply the paint soon after the damage occurs or corrosion may set in.To do a good job, use a small artist’s brush and stir the paint well.
• Ensure that the area is clean and dry.
• To apply the touch-up paint so it is hardly noticeable, apply only to the bare spots.
• Apply the smallest amount possible and do not paint the surface around the scratch or chip.

Internal Affairs

Cleaning your air conditioning control panel, car audio, instrument panel, console panel and switches.

• A soft damp cloth for cleaning.
• Soak a clean soft cloth in water or lukewarm water then lightly wipe off any dirt.
• Notice: Do not use organic substances (solvents, kerosene, alcohol, petrol, etc.), alkaline or acidic solutions. These chemicals can cause discolouring, staining or peeling of the surface.
   

Water Wise

• Caution: Do not wash the vehicle floor with water, or allow water to get into the floor when cleaning the vehicle interior or exterior.
• Water may get into audio components or other electrical components above or under the floor carpet (or mat) and cause a malfunction and it may cause body corrosion.
   

Vinyl interior

• The vinyl upholstery may be easily cleaned with a mild soap or detergent and water.
• First vacuum over the upholstery to remove loose dirt.
• Then, using a sponge or soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the vinyl.
• After allowing it to soak in for a few minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt and wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth.
• If all the dirt does not come off, repeat the procedure.
• Commercial foaming-type vinyl cleaners are also available which work well. Follow the manufacture’s instructions.
• Notice: Do not use solvent, thinners, petrol or window cleaner on the interior.
   

Cloth

• Use a good, foam-type upholstery cleaner.
• Give it a good strong vacuuming to remove as much dirt as possible.
• Apply the foam in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
   

Carpets

• Use a good foam-type shampoo to clean the carpets.
• Vacuum thoroughly to remove as much dirt as possible. Several types of foam cleaners are available; some are in aerosol cans and others in powders or liquids which you mix with water to produce a foam.
• To shampoo the carpets, use a sponge or brush to apply the foam.
• Rub in strong overlapping circles.
• Do not apply water – best results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible. Read the shampoo instructions and follow them closely.
   

Windows

The windows can be cleaned with any household window cleaner.