engine oil TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

162 2-1. Driving procedures
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Scion dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of eng ine oil, transaxle fluid, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

222
2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

279
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
CAUTION
■
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
■ Handling of the battery
● Engine 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.
● Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Avoid exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
● Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. ( P. 304)

280
4-2. Maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the connections.

( P. 304)
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 301)
Engine coolant Is the engine coolant at the cor-
rect level? (
P. 299)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level? (
P. 295)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects. (
P. 301)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?

( P. 308)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Scion dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.

286 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
ItemsParts and tools
Engine coolant level (P. 299)
• “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. 295)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 330)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original

288 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions:
■When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.

294
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Engine compar tment
Washer fluid tank (P. 308)
Engine coolant reservoir 
(  P. 299)
Engine oil filler cap 
(  P. 296)
Engine oil level dipstick 
(  P. 295)Brake fluid reservoir 
(  P. 301)
Fuse box ( P. 330)
Battery ( P. 304)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 301)
Radiator ( P. 301)

295
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After turning off the engine,
wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the bot-
tom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully. Low
Full
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6

296 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
Engine oil selection P. 4 1 9
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items Clean funnel
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

297
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
■
Engine oil consumption
● The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
● More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and
frequent acceleration and deceleration.
● A new engine consumes more oil.
● When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accu-
rately.
● Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles (0.9 Imp.qt./600 miles,1.0 L per
1000 km)
● If your vehicle consumes more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp.qt.) every
600 miles (1000 km), contact your Scion dealer.