Toyotas are renowned on a global basis for how long they last - many reach 300,000 miles or more without issue, and multiple Toyotas have gone well past the 500,000 mile mark. We’ve even seen a million mile Tundra and Highlander Hybrid! But this longevity isn’t strictly due to Toyota’s engineering. It requires consistent maintenance and care. That’s why we’ve prepared this million mile car maintenance guide for you as an Orlando Toyota owner - see what steps you should be taking to hit those high miles with ease!
Step #1: Oil Changes
Oil changes are by far the most important car maintenance appointment you can schedule for your ride. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and without a clean, full reservoir of it, you can greatly shorten your ride’s lifespan. Here’s the schedule you should be on for oil changes:
- A newer Toyota that uses synthetic oil should schedule this Orlando car maintenance every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Use the oil recommended in your owner’s manual.
- An older Toyota that uses conventional or synthetic blend oil should schedule this car maintenance every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
Here’s a tip, too - you should check your oil level every 5,000 miles even if you’re on a 10,000 mile schedule. If you drive in extreme temperatures, dusty conditions, stop-and-go traffic, or tow regularly, you may want to consider more frequent changes. Also, once you hit the 150,000 mile mark you should switch to high-mileage synthetic oil to protect older engine parts and reduce leaks. Our Orlando Toyota techs can help you find the right oil!
Step #2: DIY Car Care
Believe it or not, there are some pieces of car maintenance that you can do at home DIY-style to get your ride to the million mile mark. (Of course, if you’re not comfortable, you can always bring your car to Toyota of Orlando for car maintenance.)
Monthly Fluid Checks (5 Minutes)
Check and top off your car’s fluid as needed, including:
- Engine oil (use the dipstick to check the level and cleanliness)
- Coolant/antifreeze (check the reservoir when engine is cold)
- Windshield washer fluid
- Brake fluid (it should be clear with a yellow tint, not dark)
- Power steering fluid (if applicable)
Visual Inspections (10 Minutes)
Do quick visual inspections, including:
- Look for puddles under your car that could indicate leaks
- Check tire pressure with a gauge (proper inflation improves your fuel efficiency and tire life)
- Also inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage
- Check your battery terminals for corrosion (and clean with a battery brush if needed)
Step #3: Routine Scheduled Car Maintenance
Some car maintenance is best left to the experts, and we’re breaking down the types of car care you should be scheduling routinely at Toyota of Orlando. Let’s get into it!
Tire rotations: You should get a tire rotation every 5,000 to 10,000 miles to ensure your tires wear evenly and last a long time.
Air filter replacements: You’ll want to replace your engine air filter every 15,000 miles or so (or more frequently if you live in a dusty area). You should also replace the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. It keeps your cabin fresh and odor free.
Wiper blade replacement: You should replace wiper blades on your Orlando Toyota every 6-12 months, or when you start to notice streaking, squeaking, or poor performance.
Battery maintenance: Keep your battery terminals clean and free of corrosion, get routine battery tests after the three-year mark, and replace the batter when necessary. Most batteries will last 3-5 years based on your climate and how much you use them.
Major inspections: Let our Toyota of Orlando techs conduct routine multi-point inspections (they’re free with your appointment!) every 30,000 miles or so. You’ll want them to check:
- Brake system (pads, rotors, fluid)
- Steering and suspension components
- Cooling system
- Fuel system
- Drive belts
- Differential and Transfer Case Service (4WD/AWD vehicles)
Brake fluid change: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. This can cause corrosion in your brake system. You should schedule this car maintenance every 20,000 to 40,000 miles or ever 2-3 years.
Transmission fluid service: This is when our Orlando Toyota car maintenance techs will drain and refill your transmission fluid as needed with Toyota-approved transmission fluid. Check this every 60,000 miles or so.
Spark plug replacements: Modern spark plugs tend to last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Replacement intervals vary by model, so be sure to check your owner’s manual.
Serpentine belt inspection/replacement: Your car’s serpentine belt should last 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but be sure to routinely have it checked for cracks or fraying. When you’re due for a replacement, don’t delay it.
Coolant flush: You should do your first full coolant flush at 100,000 miles or 10 years, and then every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. This prevents corrosion in the radiator and your engine Blok. Degraded coolant can become acidic and damage gaskets and hoses.
Water pump inspection/replacement: Water pumps usually last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. They’re often replaced when you get your timing belt serviced. If you notice coolant leaks, overheating, or odd noises, have your water pump checked out.
Timing belt replacement: If your Toyota has a timing belt, it will likely need to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Do not delay this replacement - a failed timing belt can cause catastrophic engine damage.
High Mileage Car Maintenance: What and When to Schedule
Once you pass 100,000 miles, you’re considered “high mileage”. However, if you’ve kept up with your routine car maintenance until this point, your ride should be in good shape! Here’s the additional car care our Orlando Toyota techs recommend for vehicles at this mileage point.
Watch your suspension components. Shocks and struts usually last 50,000 to 100,000 miles. If you notice your car pulling to one side, riding rough, or that you have uneven tire wear, you may need service. Ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rods need to be replaced over time. We recommend having your suspension inspected at Toyota of Orlando once a year.
Protect against rust. If you live near the coast or in areas with lots of winter precipitation, make sure you rinse your car, including the undercarriage, one a week to remove salt. Salt and moisture can cause rust, which leads to expensive car repairs. You should also inspect your brake lines, frame, and suspension mounts for rust once a year. You might consider an annual oil-based rust protection treatment.
Monitor hoses and belts: Inspect your Orlando Toyota’s hoses for cracks, leaks, or soft spots. Replace when needed at your car maintenance appointment - don’t wait for them to fail! Also check all of your belt-driven accessories.
Take care of your power steering system. Check the fluid and change it as needed - dirty power steering fluid can damage your car’s steering components.
What to know about million mile car maintenance
Tip #1: Follow a schedule and be smart about it. Routine car maintenance schedules are for “ideal” conditions. If you’re harder on your vehicle, it’s better to service more frequently than less. Skipping maintenance may seem cheaper now, but it’ll cost you more in the long run. For example, a $100 fluid change now can prevent a $3,000 transmission swap later.
Tip #2: Deal with problems immediately. Don’t ignore warning lights, odd smells, or strange noises. Small problems caught early prevent big (expensive) repairs later down the road.
Tip #3: Use quality parts. Genuine Toyota Parts ensure that you have proper fit for your car, and that they have a long life. Spending a bit extra up front can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Tip #4: Keep records. Document all car maintenance and repairs with dates and mileage. This helps you stay on schedule, and it also helps boost your resale value if you sell the car.
Tip #5: Find a trusted mechanic. Find someone who knows how to work on your car that you trust. It’s also helpful if they know your vehicle’s history.
Schedule your car maintenance at Toyota of Orlando
Think you’re ready to get your ride on the books for routine car maintenance? We’re ready to help! Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 to get on a car care schedule and let our techs keep your ride in the best shape possible. You can also stop by - we’re at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia.
