Maintenance during a series of long trips

[Toystory2]

I’ve been taking my wife back and forth to a hospital 5 hours away over the last two weeks. We will likely have at least a few more trips this year. I was a little hesitant to take my 2007 SR5 as I’ve only had it a few months. But decided to put it to the test and it has made two trips in two weeks with 0 issues whatsoever. Look to be going again this weekend. It’s a 10-hour round trip of about 600 miles.

My question is there anything to do maintenance wise during this stretch of long rides? I just had the oil changed and alignment. And added a can of Lucas. I haven’t done much otherwise. Was planning to get the diff fluid changed and possibly flush the radiator.

I mean everything seems okay and it’s running well. Just wondering if anyone had some advice to make sure she stays running well during these next few trips.

Edit: it’s the V6 (4wd) with 145k


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[little_titan]

You have the right idea and on the correct path, start doing maintenance so you can build service history and that will make you more confident in your trips.

I would look to see if its time to have your brake fluid flushed, sb done every 3 years.

Get the battery, alternator and starter tested at autozone or another place to see if theyre in good condition. Nothing like getting stranded because these were overlooked.

Make sure fluids are always topped off.

Btw im in the same boat. I have been driving back and forth from IL to TX and vice versa 3 times in the past 2 weeks and thats about 900 miles each way (15-16 hour drive)…and i had been asking myself the same questions too.

Never hurts to ask fellow members and bounce off ideas to have all your bases covered. Good luck to you and your wife, hope all goes well and wish you all the best!

 

[CarlosV]

I will add a quick look at the serpentine belt and engine air filter.

 

[Toystory2]

You have the right idea and on the correct path, start doing maintenance so you can build service history and that will make you more confident in your trips.

I would look to see if its time to have your brake fluid flushed, sb done every 3 years.

Get the battery, alternator and starter tested at autozone or another place to see if theyre in good condition. Nothing like getting stranded because these were overlooked.

Make sure fluids are always topped off.

Btw im in the same boat. I have been driving back and forth from IL to TX and vice versa 3 times in the past 2 weeks and thats about 900 miles each way (15-16 hour drive)…and i had been asking myself the same questions too.

Never hurts to ask fellow members and bounce off ideas to have all your bases covered. Good luck to you and your wife, hope all goes well and wish you all the best!

Thank for the good suggestions, hadn’t thought of those.

Sounds like you’ve got quite a haul as well.

Just curious what are you driving, how many miles, and how have your trips been going?


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[Toystory2]

I will add a quick look at the serpentine belt and engine air filter.

Yea good point on the belt for sure. Gotta read up on how to check that out.


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[little_titan]

I have 2008 SR5 4x4 with 168k on the clock. The trips have been smooth with no issues at all.

In the last few days I have been thinking about getting AAA roadside assistance for the extra safety measure. Since its good for the 12 months, might be the peace of mind i need to get out of a jam.

 

[Toystory2]

I have 2008 SR5 4x4 with 168k on the clock. The trips have been smooth with no issues at all.

In the last few days I have been thinking about getting AAA roadside assistance for the extra safety measure. Since its good for the 12 months, might be the peace of mind i need to get out of a jam.

Very nice so quite similar to my ride then. Been thinking about AAA as well. Only like $50 for a year. Good Sam also looks good, possibly better value than AAA.


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[Mr_Dobalina]

My wife has a 2007 4Runner with 159,000 miles.

In the past 6 months I have had to:

-replace all shocks/struts
-replace Calipers, Rotors, Brake pads
-Flush power steering fluid
-replace anti sway bar bushings
-new battery
-replace cabin air filter
-replace engine air filter

Need to:
-Replace spark plugs
-Replace torn CV boots
-Change rear/front/transfer case oil
-needs new tires before winter hits

 

[triethylborane]

Very nice so quite similar to my ride then. Been thinking about AAA as well. Only like $50 for a year. Good Sam also looks good, possibly better value than AAA.


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Your insurance carrier may have roadside assistance coverage available, dunno if you thought of it.

 

[woodman60]

When I got my 2005 with 180,000 miles I did all of the below plus belts and hoses. Had to replace the alternator as well. It's now at 225,000 and running great. It's a little disconcerting to have a car well past 225K for long trips, but it just keeps running like a top.

One other thing, don't forget to periodically engage 4WD and 4lo to keep them working.

My wife has a 2007 4Runner with 159,000 miles.

In the past 6 months I have had to:

-replace all shocks/struts
-replace Calipers, Rotors, Brake pads
-Flush power steering fluid
-replace anti sway bar bushings
-new battery
-replace cabin air filter
-replace engine air filter

Need to:
-Replace spark plugs
-Replace torn CV boots
-Change rear/front/transfer case oil
-needs new tires before winter hits

 

[woodman60]

My wife has a 2007 4Runner with 159,000 miles.

In the past 6 months I have had to:

-replace all shocks/struts
-replace Calipers, Rotors, Brake pads
-Flush power steering fluid
-replace anti sway bar bushings
-new battery
-replace cabin air filter
-replace engine air filter

Need to:
-Replace spark plugs
-Replace torn CV boots
-Change rear/front/transfer case oil
-needs new tires before winter hits

When I got my 2005 with 180,000 miles I did all of the below plus belts and hoses. Had to replace the alternator as well. It's now at 225,000 and running great. It's a little disconcerting to have a car well past 225K for long trips, but it just keeps running like a top.

One other thing, don't forget to periodically engage 4WD and 4lo to keep them working. An oil analysis is nice peace of mind as well.

 

[Mr_Dobalina]

When I got my 2005 with 180,000 miles I did all of the below plus belts and hoses. Had to replace the alternator as well. It's now at 225,000 and running great. It's a little disconcerting to have a car well past 225K for long trips, but it just keeps running like a top.

One other thing, don't forget to periodically engage 4WD and 4lo to keep them working. An oil analysis is nice peace of mind as well.

Oh thanks for the reminder - the Alternator crapped out as well this summer. It smelled like it was about to catch fire. The car died about 50 feet from my driveway when the battery conked out. I am surprised I did not notice the battery light was on.

Pretty easy to replace.

 

[Toystory2]

Your insurance carrier may have roadside assistance coverage available, dunno if you thought of it.

I hadn’t, but I will check. Thank you.


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[Toystory2]

My wife has a 2007 4Runner with 159,000 miles.

In the past 6 months I have had to:

-replace all shocks/struts
-replace Calipers, Rotors, Brake pads
-Flush power steering fluid
-replace anti sway bar bushings
-new battery
-replace cabin air filter
-replace engine air filter

Need to:
-Replace spark plugs
-Replace torn CV boots
-Change rear/front/transfer case oil
-needs new tires before winter hits

I have done most of this as well. I’d say brake stuff is next for me. How did you know the power steering fluid needed to be flushed?


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[Toystory2]

When I got my 2005 with 180,000 miles I did all of the below plus belts and hoses. Had to replace the alternator as well. It's now at 225,000 and running great. It's a little disconcerting to have a car well past 225K for long trips, but it just keeps running like a top.

One other thing, don't forget to periodically engage 4WD and 4lo to keep them working. An oil analysis is nice peace of mind as well.

I know what you mean. I was somewhat concerned too at 145k since I hadn’t had it very long. But it has made 3 trips at 600 miles each with no problem. Runs like new.


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[Mr_Dobalina]

I have done most of this as well. I’d say brake stuff is next for me. How did you know the power steering fluid needed to be flushed?


The oil change place kept trying to sell me on flushing it. The last time I went I said I would do it myself - the guy said oh yeah? Do you have the tools and knowledge to do it? I said not yet, but if you can do it I can probably do it too...

So I reviewed the 4th Gen maintenance thread:

DIY: Power Steering Flush (4th gen specific)

I checked the power steering fluid and it was definitely time - to was black.

This was truly one of the easiest/quick DIY job and I can't believe anyone would pay to have this done by a shop. Just make sure to use a turkey baster to make less of a mess. There are pictures in the thread.

 

[Toystory2]

I have done most of this as well. I’d say brake stuff is next for me. How did you know the power steering fluid needed to be flushed?


The oil change place kept trying to sell me on flushing it. The last time I went I said I would do it myself - the guy said oh yeah? Do you have the tools and knowledge to do it? I said not yet, but if you can do it I can probably do it too...

So I reviewed the 4th Gen maintenance thread:

DIY: Power Steering Flush (4th gen specific)

I checked the power steering fluid and it was definitely time - to was black.

This was truly one of the easiest/quick DIY job and I can't believe anyone would pay to have this done by a shop. Just make sure to use a turkey baster to make less of a mess. There are pictures in the thread.

I learned real quick how to refresh a suspension after a shop quoted me nearly $4k. I can appreciate your situation. And yes some of that stuff is so easy.

My rig has recently had some power steering work done (prior to me buying it), there are new hoses and the fluid is a honey color.


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