Modern vehicles need much less maintenance than the vehicles of 25 years ago, but they still need fluid changes, inspections, and adjustments. You no longer need to do a tune-up every six months or change the oil every three months, but regular service and check-ups are still essential to your vehicle’s longevity. What follows is our quick reference guide for the sixth generation Toyota Camry, which shares its platform with the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES350 as well , taken directly from Haynes manual 92009.
Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.
Maintenance Schedule
The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your car, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.
When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).
Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the engine coolant level
- Check the windshield washer fluid level
- Check the brake and clutch fluid levels
- Check the power steering fluid level (2011 and earlier models)
- Check the tires and tire pressures
Every 3000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Change the engine oil and oil filter
Every 5000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Check the automatic transaxle fluid level (2009 and earlier four-cylinder models)
- Inspect the windshield wiper blades
- Check and service the battery
- Inspect all underhood hoses
- Check the cooling system
- Rotate the tires
- Inspect the brake system
Every 15,000 miles or 18 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Inspect the suspension and steering components and driveaxle boots*
- Inspect the exhaust system
- Check the engine drivebelt(s) (after the initial 60,000-mile or 72-month check)
Every 30,000 miles or 36 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Check the automatic transaxle fluid level (2010 and later four-cylinder models and all V6 models)
- Replace the air filter*
- Inspect the fuel system
- Check the manual transaxle lubricant level**
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Check the clutch pedal for proper freeplay and height
- Inspect the evaporative emissions control system
- Check and tighten critical chassis and body fasteners*
Every 60,000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Check and replace if necessary the fuel tank cap gasket
- Check and replace if necessary the PCV valve
- Change the automatic transaxle fluid**
- Change the manual transaxle lubricant**
- Check and replace if necessary the engine drivebelts
- Inspect and if necessary adjust the valve clearances (2009 and earlier four-cylinder engines)
100,000 miles or 120 months, whichever comes first - then every 50,000 miles or 60 months thereafter
- Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill)
Every 120,000 miles or 144 months, whichever comes first
- Replace the spark plugs
* If your vehicle is mostly operated under “severe” conditions, inspect all maintenance indicated with an asterisk (*) at 5000 mile/6 month intervals and perform maintenance or replace parts as necessary. Severe conditions include the following:
- Operating in dusty areas
- Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
- Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing
** If used for trailer towing, change the automatic transaxle fluid or manual transaxle lubricant every 30,000 miles.
