Toyota/Lexus OEM parts and quality – an example
No one wants to spend more than they should on their car (us included), so we thought we would share one specific instance where Toyota OEM parts fit the bill.
Worn rear swaybar bushings
One of the more common sources of noise from the rear of a guest's Toyota or Lexus is a failing rear swaybar bushing, particularly as the vehicle ages.
The importance of OEM sealer for cooling systems
We here at CARspec can't stress enough the importance of following factory repair procedures and using original equipment parts and materials.
Differential fluid/gear lube replacement
Owning an all wheel drive or four wheel drive Toyota is great for Minnesota winters, but with that advantage comes additional maintenance cost in the form of differential and transfer case fluid changes. Why do these fluids need to be changed, and what are the fluids being put into your vehicle?
Brake replacement on hybrids
A hybrid vehicle uses its friction brakes (brakes in the wheels) far less than a conventional vehicle - the hybrid system can use the electric motors to slow the vehicle. Less use means less wear, but less use can also mean more problems down the road. When, then, should you replace the friction brakes on your hybrid?
Replacing your Hybrid Battery – New vs. Rebuilt
As the population of hybrids ages, more people are experiencing hybrid battery (also known as the traction battery) failure due to cell variance, internal terminal corrosion, or as a result of overheating due to a clogged or failed fan. Once the battery failure has been diagnosed the owner must decide what kind of replacement […]
Toyota/Lexus Severe Service maintenance: you (probably) don’t need it
Taking your car in for service can be daunting. What do you really need, and when do you really need it?
Water pump inspection and replacement explained
Toyota issued a technical bulletin to explain why a pump may need replacement, what a leak looks like, and when coolant residue may be normal.
Toyota/Lexus airbag inflator module recall DSF/DSC
CARspec has had a few guests confused about what the latest Toyota and Lexus recall means for their vehicle, mainly because they were just at the dealership for a recall on the same component for the same vehicles. Here’s the story:
The original recall (acronym D0F/DLC for Toyota/Lexus respectively) involved the passenger airbag inflator module (the […]