When low use, do I change parts and fluids more frequently than mfr suggests?
Asked by mmctec Dec 02, 2022 at 12:40 PM about the 2002 Toyota Camry LE
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Own a 2002 Toyota Camry and always followed Toyota maintenance
recommendations. I retired early in 2017 and drive about 2600+ per year on
errands and to recharge battery. Do I follow Toyota recommendations when
parts should be replaced and fluids changed OR should I do so earlier?
(Example: Last time Iridium plugs were replaced was 40,000 miles ago ...
06/14/13. No symptoms, just asking.)
Any other suggestions? Thanks.
6 Answers
Well you shouldn’t have to replace the plugs for at least another 100000 miles. I would increase the brake fluid unless you have switched to full synthetic brake fluid. Coolant interval should stay the same as it mainly time based. Belts and hoses tend to go bad just sitting so keep an eye on them, tires are the main factor as they will weather check over time then become unsafe. The rest can stay on the service schedule.
I also have cars that go limited miles, and I maintain them more along the mileage recommendations than by time. If you change oil/filter every five-thousand miles, you might change it every two years, and follow other maintenance similarly. As you run errands, and errands are frequently short distances, drive the car at least twenty miles once per month to keep every part in good condition. And as for Iridium plugs, I can't understand why you installed these, as they are usually installed beyond a hundred- thousand mile intervals.
I also have cars that go limited miles, and I maintain them more along the mileage recommendations than by time. If you change oil/filter every five-thousand miles, you might change it every two years, and follow other maintenance similarly. As you run errands, and errands are frequently short distances, drive the car at least twenty miles once per month to keep every part in good condition. And as for Iridium plugs, I can't understand why you installed these, as they are usually installed beyond a hundred- thousand mile intervals.
Answers not posting again on this Dumb-ass CarGurus... Why do I bother?
Guru9R9KBS answered about a year ago
Spark plugs I would change per recommended miles. Fluids like Oil, should be changed once a year due to condensation. Trans fluid would be per miles. Fluids like brake fluid and coolant should be checked for effectiveness.
I also have cars that go limited miles, and I maintain them more along the mileage recommendations than by time. If you change oil/filter every five-thousand miles, you might change it every two years, and follow other maintenance similarly. As you run errands, and errands are frequently short distances, drive the car at least twenty miles once per month to keep every part in good condition. And as for Iridium plugs, I can't understand why you installed these, as they are usually installed beyond a hundred- thousand mile intervals.
