Toyota Vitz: small engine, big mileage, and how to keep it that way

Most Vitzes in Kenya are the 2010–2019 models with either the 1.0 litre three-cylinder (1KR-FE) or the 1.3 litre four-cylinder engine, both with a timing chain, and most with a CVT. They're cheap to run, but small engines are less forgiving of low or old oil.

The essentials

• Check the oil level every two weeks. Small engines hold little oil, so a small loss matters. Running low is the most common cause of timing chain noise and engine damage.
• Change oil and filter every 5,000 km in town, using the grade in your manual (usually 0W-20 or 5W-30).
• Air filter: check at each service.
• CVT fluid every 40,000 km with the Toyota CVT fluid your model needs.
• Spark plugs at the interval in your manual (iridium plugs typically last around 100,000 km).

Tyres and ground clearance

• Vitz tyres are small and run at specific pressures; use the figures on the driver's door frame and check them monthly.
• The car sits low. Take speed bumps and potholes slowly; a cracked sump or damaged exhaust is a common and avoidable repair.

Normal for a three-cylinder

The 1.0 litre engine idles with a little more vibration than a four-cylinder. That's normal. A sudden increase, or shaking in D at idle, is worth checking (engine mounts or a misfire).