HELPFUL LINKS

THE BRAKE PAD

It is the component that enables the vehicle to stop by pressing on both sides of the brake rotor, which rotates with the wheels.

Dangers of using FAKE BRAKE PADS

• Poor safety implications; requires 30% more distance to stop at high speed, posing the risk of a rear-end collision.
• Poor heat resistance properties; leading to premature pad wear, shortening pad life span. That is, buying more brake pads within a short period of time.
• Expensive; Materials in counterfeit products are so poor that they can even wear grooves in the brake disks. This may lead to costly repairs.

Why use GENUINE TOYOTA BRAKE PADS

• They are fitted with genuine friction material which provides sufficient braking force to stop the vehicle, reducing the risk of collision.
• They consist of high heat resistant materials used in the construction of the brakes pads, this reduces the rate at which the pads wear therefore increasing its life span.
• They are more effective, don t have to be replaced frequently, making them less expensive in the long run.

The SPARK PLUG

- Used to ignite a mixture of compressed air and fuel, creating engine power.

Dangers of using COUNTERFEIT SPARK PLUGS

Low level quality of the insulator renders it incapable of withstanding the high voltage required for firing. This results in:

TOYOTA CARES – DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS

• Defensive driving is your best chance of arriving alive. If you just drive around in a daze, play with the radio, use the mirrors for checking your hair etc., the rest of us may pay with our insurance cover, but you may pay with your life.
• Running red lights is dangerous, no matter how pressured or late you are. Slow down, exercise some patience and live to drive another day!
• Your vision is perhaps the most important tool you have while driving. Use it effectively! Look as far down the road as possible and analyze everything that is happening around you or close enough to be a hazard.
• Pay Attention! Paying attention on the road can become a habit, but you have to work at it. Make a conscious, persistent effort NOT to do anything that takes your attention off your driving. Connect your mind to your eyes while on the road.
• Don t Trust anybody! Bear in mind that everyone makes driving errors. Be careful of approaching red lights and folks pulling out from parking beside the road. Watch out for unexpected recklessness on the part of other road users and have a strategy in mind for dealing with them.
• While driving, if in doubt as to who has the right of way, give way. Keep in mind defensive driving practices, not traffic laws. When it comes to driving safely, it s not the principle, but the outcome, that counts.
• Don t speed! Driving at a higher than reasonable speed cuts your reaction time and results in more "stored" energy that must be dissipated in any collision.
• Drive carefully, particularly at night when darkness restricts your visibility. This is because by the time your headlights finally light up a road hazard, it is often too late to avoid it. Consider that speeding often doesn t save much time.
• Wear your seat belts. Seat belts are the most significant safety device ever invented. They provide impact protection, absorb crash forces, and they keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle.
• Proper maintenance does more than keep your vehicle running. It can even help you save on fuel and protect the environment. Stick to your regular maintenance schedule.

TOYOTA CARES – DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS

• Check tire inflation regularly: Each tire that is under–inflated by as little as 2 pounds per square inch causes a one percent increase in fuel consumption.
• Maintain proper fluid levels: Have all fluids checked regularly, including brake, power steering and transmission/transaxle. Fluids help to neutralize internal corrosion, remove debris that may have accumulated and keep the vehicle s temperature within normal range.
• Keep your engine tuned: Worn spark plugs, old wires, or a restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
• Check battery cables and posts: Inspect battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid should also be checked and filled if it is low, except in the case of maintenance-free batteries.
• Inspect engine belts regularly: A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 50 percent. Also, frayed belts can indicate incipient failure, potentially leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
• Check the air filtration system: Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car s gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine and extend engine life.
• Check windshield washer blades: Examine blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
• Read the owner s manual: Read the owner s manual carefully to become familiar with your vehicle s maintenance schedule and requirements. Maintenance regimes vary widely from one vehicle to another – the manufacturer of your vehicle knows best.
• Professional service: It s usually best to leave the servicing of your vehicle in the hands of trained automotive professionals. They have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and correct problems and to put you on the road to safe, fuel-efficient driving.
• Fuel efficiency: Virtually all of your vehicle s mechanical systems can affect fuel efficiency if not properly maintained. Follow the manufacturer s recommendations for checking the engine, cooling and ignition system, brakes, drive-train and emission-control system.
• Tyre under-inflation: Operating a vehicle with just one tire under-inflated by 8 psi (56 kpa) can reduce the life of the tire by 15 000 kilometers and increase the vehicle s fuel consumption by 4 percent. For improved fuel efficiency and enhanced safety, give your tires the attention they need.
• Air pressure: Your tires need special attention during cold weather. Cold temperatures decrease the air pressure in tires, (which adds to the rolling resistance caused by snow and slush). Measure tire pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in temperature.
• Poor maintenance and fuel consumption: A poorly maintained vehicle can boost fuel consumption by up to 15 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by even more. Keeping your vehicle in top operating condition will save you fuel and money, reduce your long-term maintenance costs and minimize harmful exhaust emissions. A well-maintained vehicle is also more reliable and could be worth more when you want to sell it.
• Regular oil change: Neglecting to replace worn-out oil results in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and possibly severe engine damage.
• Regular maintenance and resale value: A well-maintained vehicle is more reliable and could be worth more when you want to sell it.

Tips on Saving Fuel Consumption

• Do not use the clutch too much.
• Drive in a gear corresponding to the speed.
• Get your vehicle serviced regularly.
• A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%.
• Driving at 90 kilometers an hour rather than 100 can reduce fuel consumption by 10%.
• Under inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by 5%.
• A loaded roof rack will increase fuel consumption by as much as 5% in highway driving.
• Even an empty roof rack can increase consumption by 1%. If the carrier is not attached to the vehicle, remove it when not in use.
• Avoid "Jack Rabbit" starts, not only do they increase fuel consumption, but are hard on your tires. Anticipating stops and avoiding abrupt stops will decrease fuel consumption and increase the life of your brakes and tires.
• Avoid unnecessary steering wheel movement since each sideward movement of the tire causes fuel-consuming drag. Maintain a steady speed.
• Accelerate slowly on gravel or slippery roads.
• Avoid unnecessary braking.
• Reviving the engine just before turning off the ignition costs extra fuel and may cause engine damage.
• Take advantage of rolling resistance rather than heavy braking to help slow you down. This deceleration technique is one of the best for fuel saving.
• Changing spark plugs regularly can save a lot of fuel.