This Million Mile Toyota Highlander Hybrid shows the importance of car maintenance

The Million Mile Tundra has been a story in the books…but there’s a new story to tell: the Million Mile Highlander Hybrid. This million-mile machine belongs to Mark Miller of Bonita Springs, Florida. The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid celebrated its million-mile mark last year. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to share how this Highlander went all the way to a million miles (spoiler alert – it's car maintenance). 

How did this Toyota Hybrid make it to a million miles?

Mark Miller drove across Alligator Alley, a stretch of I-75 in the Florida Everglades, routinely with his 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Miller did it so often that he was able to rack up over a million miles with 8,000 trips across I-75. He described his SUV as a “workhorse”, which he used to tow trailers for his asphalt paving business, as well as a mobile office for work on the go. There was no secrecy in Mark Miller’s million-mile ‘mile’stone (We’re corny…), just having routine car maintenance, such as oil changes and brake services, and a reliable mechanic. That’s why we emphasize the importance of having a car maintenance routine. 

Why basic car maintenance is important

We’re not surprised that Miller got his routine car maintenance, which shows how important it is. Here are our top four Orlando car maintenance that you must add to your routine to gain longevity, maybe even potentially a million miles. 

• Oil changes

They are essential for a vehicle to operate at maximum performance level and can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle if they aren’t performed at the recommended intervals. If you don’t change your oil when necessary, it can cause costly problems in your vehicle. The oil is vital to the car’s performance because it’s a lubricant in the car’s system. Metal-on-metal contact in the system causes friction, which eventually leads to so much heat that the two surfaces can weld together and cause the engine to seize.

• Tire Service

Definitely consider getting your tires rotated too. It helps your car wear more evenly so you can get a longer and more efficient life out of your tires! If you skip Orlando tire rotations, then you are inevitably shortening the life of your car’s tires and costing yourself a good deal more money, as you’ll have to replace them more often. So, just get it done.

• Brake service

To be as effective as possible, your brakes need to be checked and maintained consistently at our Toyota dealership in Orlando.

• Routine inspections

Make sure you’re getting all of your car maintenance done routinely.

every 5,000 miles

Tire rotation and inflation 

Multi-point inspection 

Oil change (for Orlando Toyota drivers who use conventional motor oil)

every 10,000 miles

Oil change (for Toyota drivers who use synthetic motor oil)

every 15,000 miles

Clean or replace the air filter

Get your hands on your own million-mile Toyota today

No matter which new Toyota you decide upon, you know you can rely on it if the million-mile Tundra and Highlander are any indications of longevity. (And that’s why we’re always pushing you to get routine auto service like oil changes, too.) Think you’re ready to take the plunge? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.