How To Maintain 4runner Not Used Much

[Kent10]

Hi All,

I own a 2011 4runner and I love it. Always can't wait to go on the next off road trip.

The problem is we also have a Prius and now to save money my family usually drives the Prius unless we are doing anything off road where we would need the 4runner.

We got busy and didn't do any off road trips for several months so the 4runner got unused and the battery died.

I bought a new battery and am now realizing I have to drive the 4runner from time to time to keep it in good working condition for the times we take it off road.

I have been driving it once a week. Do you think this is enough to keep it in "top shape." I haven't had an oil change for quite some time because it has been much less than the recommended 10,000 miles. However, it has been longer than the time recommended. I forget what that time interval is. 6 months?

Should I wait for 10,000 miles or is it important to get it changed say every year or how often?

Is there anything else I should be aware of to maintain my now rarely used 4runner?

Thanks very much, Kent

 

[cbielat]

Give it to me and I'll keep it in use for you and you can drive it whenever, since it is yours lol. Throw a battery tender on there while not in use, this way the battery stays charged. I would do this with my sport bike over the winter.

 

[Kent10]

Oh yea. I do try to use the 4 wheel drive in order to lubricate it. But since I am not off road I just take it on the highway and on a straight part of the road I turn it on for a while. It wouldn't be for 10 miles though.

How important is it to do the recommended 10 miles a month?

Thanks again.

 

[1engineer]

Driving it once a week for several miles and changing the oil once a year is fine.

 

[Kent10]

Give it to me and I'll keep it in use for you and you can drive it whenever, since it is yours lol. Throw a battery tender on there while not in use, this way the battery stays charged. I would do this with my sport bike over the winter.

Thanks cbielat. I have considered the battery tender but even with keeping the battery charged there may be other problems with not using the truck. And so I thought driving it at least once a week would take care of the battery and lubricants etc. I also try to remember to use the air conditioner once in a while. I live in a relatively cool place at 7000 feet so if I don't make a point of it I might not use the air conditioner.

 

[Kent10]

Driving it once a week for several miles and changing the oil once a year is fine.

Great. Thanks 1engineer. Sounds good and I am glad to hear that. I felt so bad when the battery died and I had neglected my beautiful 4runner.

 

[Stifler]

SAVING MONEY + HAVE A 4RUNNER JUST SITTING AROUND = :twitch:

 

[1engineer]

Great. Thanks 1engineer. Sounds good and I am glad to hear that. I felt so bad when the battery died and I had neglected my beautiful 4runner.

It's not only the battery but:
Belts
Tires
Hoses
Solenoids
Battery
All lubricated couplings and joints
Engine

All these things need a regular workout to keep them functioning correctly. Once a week for 10-20 miles should be fine at normal speed

 

[jrandom]

Leave your hood popped/propped up a bit to keep critters from nesting or better drop a low watt lamp in there... unless you of course have the benefit of a critter proof garage.

Just a note I have been looking into Battery maintenance lately too. I have seen are a couple onboard charger/maintainers. Noco has an onboard waterproof battery maintainer for about $50, Genius GenMini1. Granite Digital has some (not onboard but) too. Anyone have any experience with any of these?