Toyota Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Keeping up with recommended maintenance can extend the life of your Toyota.

Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth Rivelli
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Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.

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Matthew Gross
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Matthew Gross
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an insurance editor at Insurify. He aspires to help readers make more informed decisions through well-crafted content. Matthew’s background in journalism and SEO taught him the value of keeping readers at the core of his work. Prior to Insurify, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Illinois State University.

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Toyota is one of the top-selling car brands in the U.S. The company has a strong reputation for providing reliable vehicles at an affordable price. But, like all vehicles, maintenance is an important part of ownership.

If you drive a Toyota, you should follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs and ensure your car runs safely and smoothly. Maintenance requirements can differ depending on factors like mileage, climate, and driving conditions.

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When does your Toyota need scheduled maintenance?

Toyota typically recommends similar maintenance schedules, but your specific schedule depends on your Toyota model. For example, the four-wheel-drive 4Runner requires different maintenance than the Prius hybrid. To give you an idea of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, here’s the recommended service schedule for the Toyota Corolla.[1]

    • Check driver’s floor mat installation

    • Inspect and adjust all fluids

    • Inspect wiper blades

    • Rotate tires

    • Inspect brake linings, drums, pads, and discs

    • Check driver’s floor mat installation

    • Inspect and adjust all fluids

    • Inspect wiper blades

    • Replace cabin air filter

    • Change oil

    • Replace oil filter

    • Rotate tires

    • Inspect brake linings, drums, pads, and discs

    • Check driver’s floor mat installation

    • Inspect and adjust all fluids

    • Inspect wiper blades

    • Replace cabin air filter

    • Change oil

    • Replace oil filter

    • Rotate tires

    • Inspect brake linings, drums, pads, and discs

    • Inspect the following parts and systems:

      • Ball joint and dust covers

      • Brake lines and hoses

      • Drive-shaft boots

      • Engine coolant

      • Exhaust pipes and mountings

      • Radiator and condenser

      • Steering gear

      • Steering linkage and boots

    • Check driver’s floor mat installation

    • Inspect and adjust all fluids

    • Inspect wiper blades

    • Replace cabin air filter

    • Change oil

    • Replace oil filter

    • Rotate tires

    • Inspect brake linings, drums, pads, and discs

    • Check driver’s floor mat installation

    • Inspect and adjust all fluids

    • Inspect wiper blades

    • Rotate tires

    • Inspect brake linings, drums, pads, and discs

    • Check driver’s floor mat installation

    • Inspect and adjust all fluids

    • Inspect wiper blades

    • Replace cabin air filter

    • Change oil

    • Replace oil filter

    • Rotate tires

    • Inspect brake linings, drums, pads, and discs

    • Inspect the following parts and systems:

      • Automatic transmission

      • Ball joints and dust covers

      • Brake lines and hoses

      • Drive-shaft boots

      • Engine coolant

      • Exhaust pipes and mountings

      • Fuel lines and connections

      • Fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor tent system hoses

      • Fuel tank cap gasket

      • Radiator and condenser

      • Steering gear

      • Steering linkage and boots

    • Check driver’s floor mat installation

    • Inspect and adjust all fluids

    • Inspect wiper blades

    • Replace cabin air filter

    • Change oil

    • Replace oil filter

    • Rotate tires

    • Inspect brake linings, drums, pads, and discs

    • Inspect the following parts and systems:

      • Automatic transmission

      • Ball joints and dust covers

      • Brake lines and hoses

      • Drive-shaft boots

      • Engine coolant

      • Exhaust pipes and mountings

      • Fuel lines and connections

      • Fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor tent system hoses

      • Fuel tank cap gasket

      • Radiator and condenser

      • Steering gear

      • Steering linkage and boots

Tips for maintaining your Toyota

Following Toyota’s recommended maintenance schedule is one way to ensure your vehicle runs for as long as possible. You can also do things in addition to regular service to keep your Toyota in good condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your car.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/a81c88dee8/car-service-96x96-orange_041-oil-change.svg

    Check the fluids regularly

    Your car relies on different fluids to keep systems running smoothly. As part of your Toyota maintenance, you should check these fluids regularly. You should closely monitor the engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.

    To check the fluid levels, look under the car’s hood for a dipstick, pull it out, and look at how much fluid is on it. If fluid levels are low, you can top them off before your next service appointment.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/4aa0bc9150/contact-us-96x96-yellow_040-contact-form.svg

    Familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual

    Your vehicle’s maintenance requirements depend on its model, age, mileage, and how often you drive. The owner’s manual contains your car’s specific maintenance schedule. Familiarize yourself with the schedule to ensure you don’t miss any important services.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/1bfc4d0236/car-service-96x96-green_012-car-wash.svg

    Wash your vehicle’s exterior

    Washing your vehicle isn’t just about looking clean — it’s also an important part of maintenance. Washing your car regularly ensures it’s free of dirt and debris that can damage the paint. And if you live near the ocean or in an area where roads are salted during the winter, washing your vehicle removes salt buildup that can cause rust and corrosion.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/2c500fdca3/accidental-discharge-of-water.svg

    Pay attention to sounds or leaks

    Hearing an unfamiliar noise or finding a leak underneath your car can be concerning, and you shouldn’t ignore them. Even minor issues can become expensive problems if you don’t address them quickly. If you notice new sounds or leaks, contact your mechanic or Toyota dealership to make a diagnostic appointment as soon as possible.

Toyota maintenance schedule FAQs

If you own a Toyota or are thinking about purchasing one, you should understand the recommended service schedule. Below, we’ve answered some common questions about Toyota car maintenance.

  • Why is factory-scheduled maintenance important?

    Factory-scheduled maintenance is important because it ensures your vehicle performs safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance can also improve the resale value if you decide to sell your vehicle.

  • What is the recommended maintenance schedule for Toyota?

    Toyota recommends maintenance every six months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. But your car’s maintenance schedule depends on its age and model.

  • What does a Toyota full service include?

    Full service from Toyota includes various services, including inspecting fluid levels, changing the oil, rotating tires, and changing the cabin air filter. Your mechanic will also inspect major parts and systems, like the brake lines, ball joints, exhaust pipe, radiator, and transmission.

  • How much does regular maintenance cost for a Toyota?

    The average cost of Toyota maintenance is $441 per year, according to RepairPal.[2] But maintenance costs can differ by model. For example, the average repair cost for a Toyota Camry is $388, and the average for a Toyota Tacoma is $478.[3] [4]

  • Does Toyota offer free service and maintenance?

    Yes. Toyota offers a no-cost maintenance plan called ToyotaCare, which is available when you purchase or lease a new Toyota. It covers factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. ToyotaCare also includes free roadside assistance for two years on most models.[5]

Sources

  1. Toyota. "Warranty & Maintenance Guide."
  2. RepairPal. "Toyota Repair & Maintenance Costs."
  3. RepairPal. "Toyota Camry Repair & Maintenance Costs."
  4. RepairPal. "Toyota Tacoma Repair & Maintenance Costs."
  5. Toyota. "Maintenance Plans."
Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth Rivelli

Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer covering insurance and personal finance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including property and casualty, health, and life insurance. Her byline has been featured in dozens of publications, including Investopedia, Forbes, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and Insurance.com. 

Elizabeth has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew GrossEditor
Matthew Gross
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an insurance editor at Insurify. He aspires to help readers make more informed decisions through well-crafted content. Matthew’s background in journalism and SEO taught him the value of keeping readers at the core of his work. Prior to Insurify, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Illinois State University.

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