Maintaining your Toyota Camry will maximize the value and life of the car and enhance your safety. Frequency of checking and replacing items varies by component. Should the car drive differently or make unusual sounds an inspection is warranted even if it is not at the recommend interval.
Oil changes are a key component to maximizing the life of your Camry. Oil should be changed every 3,500 miles or three months. Transmission fluid should be checked every 3,000 miles or three months and replaced as necessary. Power steering fluid is often overlooked and also should be checked every three months. Windshield washer fluid is a maintenance item that should be refilled on an as-needed basis.
Multiple different kinds of filters are installed on the Camry and all require periodic replacement. The air filter located under the hood should be replaced every 15,000 miles or twelve months. The oil filter located on the front of the engine should be changed when oil changes are performed. A gas filter is located under the hood near the master cylinder and it is scheduled for replacement every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Brake pads and shoes are wear items on any vehicle. The brake system must be inspected every 15,000 miles or once a year. This inspection should include reviewing pad and shoe life, brake cylinder condition, brake rotor depth and the master cylinder. The brake pads and shoes should be replaced when 25 percent or less of the item is left. Brake fluid is maintenance item often over looked and should be changed every four years or 60,000 miles.
Tire maintenance is important to the safety and fuel mileage of your Camry. Tire pressure should be checked each time you fill up the gas tank. Periodically checking the tires for odd wear patterns or road hazards will help increase the life of the tires. Tire rotation is recommended by Toyota every six months or 6,000 miles. Replacement of tires is necessary when the tread depth is less than or even with the tread wear indicators on each tire.
Cooling system hoses should be inspected every six months for cracks, leaks or signs of wear. If any defect is visible the hose should be changed as soon as possible. Your Camry may have one or more drive belts and these should be inspected every 30,000 miles. Drive belts should be replaced when signs of wear are visible. The timing belt is a wear item that must be replaced every 90,000 miles or engine damage may occur.
