Preventive maintenance suggestion from a pro

Tiny
SCIONBOYZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SCION TC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 277,000 MILES
Hello,

First I am not very good with cars, but there are a few things I’ve learned to do. I need my vehicle listed above to last as long as possible. I use it for delivery and put about 100 miles on it everyday. I would like suggestions on what I can do to help it last as long as possible. This is what I am currently doing myself:

1. Oil change every 5,000 miles with 10w-30 fully synthetic Amazon basic oil and OEM Toyota oil filter. The reason I use 10w30 over 5w30 is because the oil consumption is absolutely ridiculous. It goes through 5 quarts of oil between oil changes!

2. Change my engine air filter every 12,000 miles.

3. Change my cabin air filter every 15,000 miles.

4. Flush my coolant every 75,000 miles.

5. New wiper blades every 2 years.

6. Change spark plugs every 90,000 miles.

7. Rotate my tires every 5,000 miles.

8. Keep my battery terminals clean of debris and buildup using toothbrush.

9. Change my brake pads every 30,000 miles.

10. Keep my headlight lens and taillight lens crystal clear using special cleaner, keep inside of car clean and detail by pulling seats out once a year and full detail, and keep outside clean every 2 months with basic washing.

I also do a visual inspection on my hoses, belts, tires, fluid levels, and indicator lights roughly once a week.

Am I missing anything? Here are items that I’ve been told I should do but am not sure if I should do it at all or how I would even proceed:

1. Replace the bushings, my suspension seems to be going out. It creaks and makes little noises when I drive and turn my wheel, bumpy ride a little.

2. Changing power steering fluid.

3. Changing brake fluid.

4. Changing manual transmission fluid.

5. Put additives in the engine to help with oil consumption.

6. Clean the entire engine bay with tire foam?

Thank you.
Thursday, February 20th, 2020 AT 9:37 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,411 POSTS
It appears like you are on track with your maintenance. The brake fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles. As far as bushings, unless they are split and causing noises or abnormal tire wear, then you should look into it and replace the faulty component. Transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles.

As for the oil consumption, Toyota did have an issue with piston rings. But you are way out of warranty to address it now. I would maybe recommend 3,000 mile oil changes at this point. But if your using synthetic you should at least check the oil level and top it off every 1,000 miles. But here is a link you can scroll down to maintenance. You will be special coverage and follow it. The owners manual will be the final say so on what needs to be done.

https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners-manuals/tc/2005

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Thursday, February 20th, 2020 AT 11:34 PM

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