How to Choose the Oil and Fluids for a Toyota Highlander

Introduced in 2001, the Toyota Kluger--or Highlander as it is known in North America--become one of the first SUVs to offer a hybrid engine. These steps apply to all model years of the gasoline engine Toyota Highlander. As with many Toyota vehicles, there's a heavy preference for Genuine Toyota fluids.

Instructions

1

Change your oil regularly, using API certified Energy Conserving, SJ or ILSAC multigrade. As with many passenger vehicles, 5W30 viscosity is preferred but 10W30 is acceptable if temperatures won't drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit before your next oil change.

2

Mix Toyota "Long Life" engine coolant with clean, distilled water to keep your Toyota Highlander gasoline engine running cool. Most experts recommend a 50-50 mixture of coolant to water. If you substitute another engine coolant, make sure to use an ethylene glycol based fluid to avoid premature corrosion.

3

Top off your brake fluid with SAE J1703 or FMVSS No 116 DOT 3 brake fluid.

4

Refill your power steering fluid reservoir with DEXRON II or III automatic transmission fluid as necessary.

5

Use only Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV in your automatic transmission. Using other types of transmission fluid may lead to poor transmission performance.

6

Lubricate the transfer case and rear differential on your Toyota Highlander with Hypoid gear oil API GL-5, SAE 90 viscosity. If temperatures will fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, you may use SAE 80 or SAE 80W90.