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2018 Toyota Highlander Maintenance Schedule: What You Need to Know

toyota highlander maintenance guide

To maintain your 2018 Toyota Highlander properly, adhere to the manufacturer’s service timelines. Regularly change the engine oil every 10,000 miles or 12 months, especially using 0W-20 oil for V6 engines.

Maintain excellent performance by checking and adjusting power steering, brake, and coolant levels. Rotate tires every 6 months, inspecting for even wear, damage, and correct pressure.

Schedule brake system inspections to monitor linings, pads, discs, and fluid levels for outstanding braking. Test battery terminals, voltage, and charging systems to prevent starting issues.

Following these maintenance steps will keep your Highlander in excellent condition.

What You Need to Know

  • Follow manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.
  • Use 0W-20 oil for V6 engine oil changes every 10,000 miles.
  • Rotate tires every 6 months to ensure even wear.
  • Regularly check brake system for linings, pads, and fluid levels.
  • Inspect battery and electrical system to prevent breakdowns.

Recommended Maintenance Intervals

regular check ups for efficiency

When considering the recommended maintenance intervals for your 2018 Toyota Highlander, it’s essential to adhere to the specific timelines provided by the manufacturer.

Following the Highlander maintenance schedule diligently ensures your vehicle operates at its best.

Regular service tasks such as changing the engine oil, inspecting the cabin air filter, checking brake fluid levels, and examining spark plugs are vital for the longevity and performance of your Toyota Highlander.

The cabin air filter in your Highlander should generally be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles to maintain air quality inside the vehicle.

Engine oil changes are typically recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to keep the engine running smoothly. It’s also important to monitor the brake fluid levels and replace it as needed to ensure top-notch braking performance.

Spark plugs should be inspected and replaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Oil Changes and Fluid Checks

Regularly maintaining appropriate oil levels and fluid checks in your Toyota Highlander is essential for peak performance and longevity.

Oil changes for your Highlander, especially if equipped with the V6 engine, are recommended every 10,000 miles or 12 months using 0W-20 oil to guarantee proper engine lubrication.

It’s vital to check and adjust fluid levels such as power steering, brake, and coolant regularly to maintain peak vehicle performance.

This practice helps prevent potential damage to the engine and other components of your Highlander. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations for fluid checks as outlined in the service schedule, you can extend the life of your vehicle.

To ensure the job is done accurately, it’s advisable to have these checks performed by factory-trained technicians.

Proper maintenance of oil and fluid levels is fundamental in ensuring the reliability and longevity of your Toyota Highlander.

Tire Rotations and Inspections

vehicle maintenance is essential

For peak performance and safety of your Toyota Highlander, make sure tire rotations and inspections are carried out as recommended.

Tire rotations should happen every 6 months or 5,000 miles to guarantee even tread wear across all tires.

Regular tire inspections play a crucial role in identifying damage early on, preventing potential blowouts or accidents on the road.

During rotations, it’s crucial to check tire pressure and tread depth to maintain top-notch traction and fuel efficiency, ultimately saving you money on gas.

By rotating your tires, you can extend their lifespan, reducing the frequency of premature replacements.

Also, inspecting tire alignment during rotations helps prevent uneven wear patterns, ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience.

Prioritizing these tire maintenance tasks won’t only enhance the longevity of your tires but also contribute to the overall performance and safety of your Toyota Highlander.

Brake System Maintenance

For peak braking performance and safety, prioritize regular maintenance of the brake system in your Toyota Highlander.

It’s essential to schedule routine brake system inspections to check the condition of components such as brake linings, brake pads, and brake discs.

These inspections can help detect any signs of wear or damage early on, preventing potential brake failures and ensuring excellent braking performance when you need it most.

Also, make sure to monitor the levels of brake fluid and replace it if any moisture is detected, as this is vital for maintaining proper brake function.

By staying proactive with your brake system maintenance, you not only contribute to safe driving practices but also increase your vehicle’s reliability on the road.

Battery and Electrical System Check

vehicle maintenance and safety

Maintain the proper functioning of your Toyota Highlander by regularly checking the battery and electrical system.

As part of the Highlander service schedule, it’s important to inspect the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion. Clean the terminals if needed to guarantee a solid connection.

Then, testing the battery voltage and charging system can help you catch any issues early on. A weak battery can lead to starting problems and other electrical system malfunctions.

Proper electrical system maintenance is vital to prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure reliable performance. By staying proactive with these checks, you can avoid potential headaches down the road.

Other Important Service Checks

Inspecting drive shaft boots and exhaust pipes is vital for maintaining the peak performance of your Toyota Highlander.

These components play an essential role in the overall operation of your vehicle and ensuring they’re in good condition can prevent issues down the road.

Then, checking the rear differential oil, transfer case, propeller shaft, and fuel tank vapor vent system is important to keep your Highlander running smoothly.

At specific intervals, like 30,000 miles or 36 months, replacing the engine air filter is necessary to maintain air quality and engine efficiency.

Regular maintenance of these parts can prevent more significant problems in the future and extend the life of your vehicle.

If you’re unsure about how to perform these checks, consider visiting a service center like Galaxy Toyota’s service department in Eatontown, where expert technicians can help make sure your Highlander receives the attention it needs to stay in excellent condition.

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About the author

The Motor Guy

The Motor Guy is a passionate car enthusiast with a love for troubleshooting and diagnosing all sorts of vehicle problems.

With years of experience in OBD diagnostics, he has become an expert in identifying and solving complex automotive issues.

Through TheMotorGuy.com, he shares his knowledge and expertise with others, providing valuable insights and tips on how to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Qualifications:
- 12 years experience in the automotive industry
- ASE Master Automobile Technician
- A Series: Automobile and Light Truck Certification, A9 Light Vehicle Diesel Engine Certification
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems