Page 425 of 620

4257-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
COROLLA_TMMMS_TMMC_U (OM12J84U)
NOTICE
nCleaning detergents
lDo not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,
alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alco- hol
l Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
n Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:
lRemove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.
l Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
l Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
n Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.
n Cleaning the inside of the rear window
l Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause
damage to the rear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth
dampened with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the
window in strokes running parall el to the heater wires or antenna.
l Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.
Page 428 of 620
4287-2. Maintenance
COROLLA_TMMMS_TMMC_U (OM12J84U)
CAUTION
nIf your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible death or serious injury.
n Handling of the battery
lEngine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
l Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
l Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. ( P. 450)
Page 432 of 620
4327-2. Maintenance
COROLLA_TMMMS_TMMC_U (OM12J84U)
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors/trunk• Do the doors/trunk operatesmoothly?
Engine hood• Does the engine hood lock systemwork properly?
Fluid leaks
• There should not be any signs offluid leakage after the vehicle has
been parked.
Tires
• Is the tire inflation pressure cor-rect?
• The tires should not be dam- aged or excessively worn.
• Have the tires been rotated
according to the maintenance
schedule?
• The wheel nuts should not be
loose.
Windshield wipers
• The wiper blades should not show
any signs of cracking, splitting,
wear, contamination or deforma-
tion.
• The wiper blades should clear the windshield without streaking or
skipping.
CAUTION
nIf the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.
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434
COROLLA_TMMMS_TMMC_U (OM12J84U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 450)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 448)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level ( P. 446)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol-based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)
Engine oil level ( P. 442)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 472)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Page 436 of 620
4367-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
COROLLA_TMMMS_TMMC_U (OM12J84U)
CAUTION
nWhen working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system: Be sure the engine switch is off. With
the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fan may automat-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 448)
Vehicles with a smart key system: Be sure the engine switch is off. With the
engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automat-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 448)
n Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
nIf you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
Page 438 of 620
4387-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
COROLLA_TMMMS_TMMC_U (OM12J84U)
CAUTION
nPre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
n After installing the support rod into the slot
Make sure the rod supports the hood securely preventing it from falling
down onto your head or body.
NOTICE
nWhen closing the hood
Be sure to return the support rod to its clip before closing the hood. Closing
the hood with the support rod not clipped could cause the hood to bend.
Page 445 of 620

4457-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
COROLLA_TMMMS_TMMC_U (OM12J84U)
nEngine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
lWhen the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
l If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
l When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently
l When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
CAUTION
n Used engine oil
lUsed engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
l Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
l Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
nTo prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
n When replacing the engine oil
lBe careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
l Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
l Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
l Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
Page 447 of 620
4477-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
COROLLA_TMMMS_TMMC_U (OM12J84U)
CAUTION
nWhen the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the radiator cap.
(P. 545)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
n When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
n If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.