Toyota HILUX 2008 Owner's Manual page 242

What about do−it−yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy
to do yourself if you have a little mechani-
cal ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to per-
form them are presented on page 238.
Note, however, that some maintenance
tasks require special tools and skills.
These are best performed by qualified
technicians. Even if you are an experi-
enced do−it−yourself mechanic, we recom-
mend that repairs and maintenance be
conducted by your Toyota dealer who will
keep a record of maintenance on your
Toyota. This record could be helpful
should you ever require Warranty Service.
The service interval for scheduled main-
tenance is determined by the odometer
reading or time interval, whichever
comes first, shown in the schedule.
Rubber hoses (for cooling and heater
system, brake system and fuel system)
should be inspected by a qualified tech-
nician in accordance with the Toyota
maintenance schedule.
They are particularly important mainte-
nance items. Have any deteriorated or
damaged hoses replaced
Note that rubber hoses will deteriorate
with age, resulting in swelling, chafing or
cracks.
Does your vehicle need
repairing?
Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip−offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
D
Appreciable loss of power
D
Strange engine noises
D
A leak under the vehicle (However, wa-
D
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may
D
immediately.
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Flat−looking tire; excessive tire squeal
D
when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
D
straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension
D
movement
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
D
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually
D
higher than normal
231