The Importance of Regular Service and Genuine or Reputable OEM Parts
Owning a Toyota Estima/Previa/Tarago/Alphard/Vellfire, whether it’s a petrol or hybrid model, is a significant investment. To protect this investment and ensure your vehicle’s longevity, regular service is crucial.
Regular Service: A Key to Longevity
Regular service involves a comprehensive check of various components of your vehicle. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues early, preventing costly repairs down the line. While Toyota dealership has the expertise, tools and warranty on most service or repairs, you can also service your own vehicle if you have the time, tools and skillset. For example, changing a cabin filter, air filter or even changing your oil can be a DIY job.
If you are asking yourself when and what should you be servicing on your vehicle, here’s an example from Toyota’s Service schedule booklet.
You’ll notice that brake fluid is required to be replaced every 2 years but let’s face it, some of us drive for 100k kms without even looking at it or until we come to change the brake pads or disc rotors.
Having said that, check the recommended brake booster replacement notice at about 195k kms. The price of a new or in near new condition brake booster assy can be expensive (1000AUD more or less) and a bottle of brake fluid is less than 20$ and takes about 1-2h to do the brake fluid bleeding or flush the system. The hybrid vehicles are a bit more challenging (advanced or complicated, you decide) and there is a procedure where you’d need to remove the two ABS motor relays and then do the bleeding but you can always do the old fashioned but proven gravity pull brake bleeding. In any aspect, changing brake fluid is something you may consider going to a mechanic or someone with experience if you haven’t done it before.
Years vs Kilometres
Some vehicles from Japan imported into Australia come with very low km’s (compared to our Aussie style of driving) and you may be thinking you have plenty of time to replace some of the items mentioned in the service interval booklet.
Not really! Materials deteriorate after a certain period of time or usage, such as belts. Coolant is another item we often don’t pay attention until the thermostat or the radiator puke from the conditions of the tough aussie hot weather. If your car is with low kms but 12 years old, consider the recommended service interval table.
As a general friendly tip, consider both years and kilometers as a guide when to service your vehicle. Changing the water pump is good time for coolant, thermostat change as well as hose inspection.
Genuine Parts, Service and Accessories: A Worthy Investment
When servicing your car, it’s essential to use genuine parts, service and accessories. Genuine parts are designed specifically for your Toyota model, ensuring perfect fit and optimal performance. They are made from high-quality materials, making them more durable and longer-lasting compared to cheap knockoff parts.
The Risks of Using Cheap Knockoff Parts
While cheap knockoff parts may seem like a good deal, they can actually do more harm than good. Knockoff parts may not fit your vehicle perfectly, leading to poor performance and potential damage to your vehicle. They are often made from low-quality materials, making them less durable and more likely to fail or break.
There’s a difference between Japanese parts maker with ISO certified manufacturing and Toyota using their parts into the actual vehicles (Denso, AISIN, etc.) vs an ISO certified manufacturing entity that sells online. Huge difference in price, quality and sometimes fitment but everyone to their own budget and risk appetite. The poor man pays twice as the saying goes.
Recognizing Genuine Parts vs. Fake Original Parts
Distinguishing between genuine and fake car parts can be challenging. Genuine parts are usually packaged in high-quality materials with clear and correct labeling. Counterfeit parts often have poor-quality packaging with misspellings or blurry logos.
As we are bringing in more and more of the Japanese car parts shops on Japanz, we had few questions for one of our partner shops. We compared the options for Toyota Estima/Alphard/Vellfire water pump on the Australian market and we found the following options:
- Noname water pump on ebay for 150$
- Original Aisin online for 60$
So, we asked our Japanese partners how is it possible to have Aisin product in Australian cheaper than Japan (where it’s made). The answer was, not possible.
Reputable Parts Manufacturers
When it comes to sourcing parts for your Toyota Estima/Previa/Tarago, it’s essential to choose reputable manufacturers. Here are a few we are working with:
- Toyota Genuine Parts
- Bosch
- Denso
- Mu Project
- Advics
- Sankei Industry (555)
- Miyaco
- Seiken Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
- Aisin
- PIAA
- NGK/NTK
Remember, using parts from reputable manufacturers ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle. Always prioritize quality over cost to avoid potential issues down the line.
In conclusion, maintaining your Toyota Estima/Previa/Tarago/Alphard/Vellfire involves regular service, using genuine parts, and recognizing the difference between genuine and counterfeit parts. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the longevity, safety, and optimal performance of your vehicle. Happy driving!
