Completely agree i have a 15camry xse got it as the second owner and man this car is amazing .. now i really want to take care of it and this has been the best channel i have found by far
Brakes: Purchase quality brake pads; don't compromise on safety. Choose between original semi-metallic pads and value ceramic pads (cheaper option). Inspect shims; consider transferring shims from old pads to new ones to save costs. Independent mechanics: Always ask for your old parts back for inspection. When replacing rotors, compare prices between dealerships and local parts stores. If keeping the car for a short time, consider aftermarket rotors, but ensure quality. Brake Fluid: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and rusts components. Industry standard: Brake fluid usually needs replacement every three years. Toyota does not specify when to replace brake fluid, but inspect it periodically. Shop around for brake fluid; avoid overpriced dealership-branded fluids. Spark Plugs: Iridium spark plugs: Change every 120,000 miles or 10 years. Exceptions: 2005-2015 Tacoma and 2003-2009 V6 4Runner require replacement every 30,000 miles. NGK and Denso are recommended brands; buy from the dealership or reputable online sources. Stick to manufacturer-specified intervals; don't replace plugs prematurely. Some models have specific intervals (e.g., Scion iA, 2020 Supra, Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86). Older cars (2000 and older) might require plug replacement every 30,000 miles. General Tips: Prioritize quality and compatibility over cost when purchasing parts. Shop around for prices, but consider factors like warranty and part origin. If uncertain, consult your dealership or a knowledgeable mechanic. Keep in mind that car maintenance should be based on your long-term ownership plans. Additional Notes: Always ask your mechanic or dealership about the kind of pads they are using (original or value). Always request your old parts back for inspection before disposal. Research and confirm part compatibility before purchasing aftermarket components. Remember to consult your vehicle's owner's manual and follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance schedules, intervals, and part types.
I would take my Toyota across states to wherever you are for any serious mechanical work. You're a diamond in the rough. I just became a service manager for a Mazda dealership and there is so much knowledge I can share with my team from what you create for free on RU-vid. That's just amazing. Thanks!
I don’t think “in the rough” applies here lol. Amd is a professional accomplished Master Tech at a Toyota dealership and I think that now he runs his own shop.
Thank you, I always save the old replaced, parts and explain why it failed. My customers adore my explanations, when I do that. It keeps customers returning due to trust!
The Akabono pads are great for Toyota. They are the OEM supplier to Toyota They even come with the stainless hardware about same price as the duralast gold line
have been extremely pleased with the performance of my Akebono pads for fade resistance (lots of mountain driving), brake dust (which i detest) and noise. For brake fade in very hilly areas, DOT 5.1 is a great alternative when flushing brake fluid
Absolutely, Akabono pads are great on Toyota Camry. HOWEVER, try the factory original Toyota original replacements (not Toyota value line); the factory originals (no letters in the part #) are even better- will get 100k on them.
My favorite brand is Power Stop personally. I did a full set all the way around and it transformed my car. They're extremely sensitive (in a good way). When I slam on my brakes I know they're doing their job. I was in a 3 car Collison due to traffic coming to a sudden stop, I got rear-ended, and then that person got rear ended. Only reason I didn't hit anyone was due to power stop brakes.
I installed Denso (4704) IKH20TT Iridium TT Spark Plugs a couple months ago in my 2005 Tacoma 4.0 l v-6 they work great ! They replaced the platinums i did 7 years ago with 40,000 miles on them that looked good. my truck runs and looks brand new . after 100,000 miles they only repairs have been alternator and starter and i threw in a new serpentine belt. Also flushed and replaced all fluids at 65,000 miles for good measure- I'm sure I'll keep this truck forever. It's worth 5000$ more than i paid for it in 09'. appreciate all your great advise and discussion-very helpful.
My dealership just tried to get me to replace spark plugs on my 2016 Sienna at 60,000 miles. I said no. Love the videos and knowledge you are spreading!
That 3.5 V6 engine changed in 2017 for Lexus and Toyota. 2017+ change every 60K. 2016 and older replace every 120k. Has to do with the new V6 being both direct and port injected.
In December I replaced all 8 spark plugs in my 2014 Tundra at 110,000mi. Can confirm all of the OE spark plugs looked almost like new when I pulled them out of the block. I was amazed.
I've used DENSO spark plugs on all the Toyota's I've serviced. Recently, DENSO just introduced a Twin Tip Iridium that I installed on a 2015 2.5 Camry. Excellent OE spark plugs. Brakes, I go with either Toyota when it comes with trucks like Tundra (semi-metallic) OR use Akebono (almost always an OE supplier) ceramic pads on all Toyota, and other Japanese vehicles. Those Twin tip are not always available on a independent parts supplier. Purchase them directly from Denso....
I am glad you said "ask for your old parts back". It happened to me at a toyota dealership. They recommended me to change the cabin filter, I misunderstood it to be engine air filter and said Yes go ahead. When I saw the bill, I questioned them that you just replaced the cabin air filter 8k km back (3 months ago)! How can it go bad when I drive on the freeway with no construction? After the fact they brought out a old and dirty air filter out to "show" me. But it looked like it was someone else's... Good thing the service manager took the hit and refunded me the cabin air filter charge.
There’s a local Toyota dealership here in Atlanta that I refuse to do business with anymore. They were by my old office years ago so I would have them do oil changes sometimes during lunch. One time I went for an OC and they tried their usual upsell on all the other BS (my normal dealer by my house very seldom upsells me on BS), I refused, then they came back and told me I needed a new cabin filter. I had literally just changed it myself a week prior to that so I knew it was fine. When I asked to see the filter, they showed me some pictures and I said, no, show me the actual filter from my car. He said lemme check with the tech, then as he walked off, I told him. “Hey FYI I just changed it a week ago with a brand new one so I find it hard to believe that mine is dirty”. He knew I just caught him lying…
He's Appsolutly right on 30,000 miles on the Tacoma!! I have a 2014 and i have a reliable shop i go to and it was recommended i change my plugs but i had 33,000 and I said aren't these 100,000 mile plugs and i did some research my self and yes its recommended at 30,000. I have 108,000 miles on my Taco and it runs like the first day i bought it. I changed all fluids at 75,000 and change oil every 6 months but i don't have 5,000 miles. Maintenance is the key to reach 300,000 miles.
I’ve watched many videos on RU-vid over the years, I’m very grateful for the content people have produced in order to help others. You Sir, Has inspired me to leave my very first comment and my very first subscription!
Spark plug replacement was easy and actually fun to do! I replaced my iridium ones at 30k miles as I was feeling a huge lag in acceleration and felt larger vibrations, which turned out to be worn out sway bar links plus worn front brakes, but it runs smooth as hot butter now! I think oil got in or there was too rich of an mixture and there was cracked insulation causing arcing that burned the isolation black! Indicated they were on the way out.
I bought for my 98 Camry OEM parts,spark plugs and brake pads from an going out of business shop for very little money I paid for front and rear brake pads and 16 spark plugs only 30buks 🤑💰 you make good videos. I also worked at a Toyota dealership in Germany. Greetings from Bavaria
This is THE TOYOTA CHANNEL!! word!! this mechanic is superb!. I've watched many of your videos and I have to say, they are top notch from every angle. Also this is the first and ONLY channel in RU-vid I have ever subscribed to, I had to, it's simply that good! Keep up the great work Sir!! Thank you for making this amazing videos/tutorials.
Thank you, you are the best! You call them like you see them, because you work on them every day, and you give us your honest opinion, of how you see them every day,
I will note, Engineering Explained channel did a fantastic comparison and test of OEM pads vs a lot of aftermarket pads (scientific controlled tests). OEM pads came on top. Stick with oem unless you are specifically need a higher friction coefficient pad or a pad that can withstand higher heat loads (towing).
Taking notes: Did I miss it - how often to change brakes? Or is it just keep checking them? I have a 2024 Camry Hybrid. Also, thank you for the key info about STRUTS! Very helpful as, although I'm 71, I still like being hands-on and asking questions about my car.
My parents went on a trip in their old 1997 Camry to visit family about 12 years ago. They took their car to a mechanic before the trip, and had the spark plugs replaced. The spark plugs were off market or knock offs; they were cheaper. About 200 miles into their trip, smoke or steam billowed from underneath the hood. They had to spend the night so the local mechanic can get the Toyota brand spark plugs. The knock offs popped up and leaked. I learned to NEVER get “non brand engine parts.” Thanks for the info,AMD. 👍
I really really Love your videos dude. So much useful information. I’m a DIY mechanic and a “Toyota Loyalist” I have a 2014 Tundra and 2016 Avalon and watch your channel for DIY and Maintenance time and So far haven’t had a single issue with either of my cars.
Thanks for all your helpful tips for Toyota owners! I created a playlist of the Camry episodes for future reminders! This is the best car review channel out there.
@@jedeckert8912 PM of brake systems is keeping the brake fluid at the proper level, changing it when necessary, keeping the brake system clean, and ensuring that the brake calipers are properly lubricated, not prematurely replacing perfectly normal brake pads and rotors. Plus I’ve never heard of pads and rotors lasting 140k on any Toyota, not even the Prius, which is notorious for the longest life for brakes.
Honest & Crystal Clear .... I just watched 2 of your RU-vid videos this evening. I service my own car & van and your words vibrate with myself so much. Blessings from the U.K. 🌠
Based on my experienced semi metallic brake pads makes noise. I been using ceramic brake pads for number of years and to me ceramic pads are the best . It doesn't make any noise at all, never- never- never.
Actually, it’s wise to shop carefully for the iridium spark plugs. Counterfeit iridium plugs are becoming a problem, and it takes close inspection to identify the fakes by boxes and by individual plugs. If the price seems too good to be true, (substantially lower price than authorized sellers/retailers), it probably is. There are videos that clarify the issue.
Paid $75 for 4 NGK plugs and later saw the same set of plugs on eBay for $15. Hmmm, I think the iridium alone is worth more than $15 so those have to be fake.
Although I’ve maintained my Yaris it’s entire life. I let the original iridium plugs go until 215,000 miles and 11 years. When I plucked them out…they all still looked decent. My biggest fear was stripping out the threads when extracting….it went well with no drama. I have great, clear close up pictures of the old plugs.they look used up, but not terrible
What did the gaps measure? I can no longer find the post but I recall someone stating that he has 600K on a single set. Hard to believe but 200+ isn't.
The brake fluid advice of "no change or delay change" was a revelation, since in Europe, Toyota and almost every body else are asking us to do brake fluid bleed and change every 2-3 years, almost religiously. That puts up the maintenance cost by another 100 to 200 Euros/dollar.
I keep my cars a long time, so every 3 years change the fluid. If you buy a used car, and it's over 3 years old and fluid has not been changed, then change it. In Florida with extreme humidity, no cold dry winters the brake fluid absorbs moisture fast. In the rust belt the car chassis will wear out before the brake fluid, so don't change it.
I must say your advice is upfront and honest... I've owned Toyotas since 1983 starting with a used 81 Toyota Tercel, 84 Tercel, 86 Camry Le, 87 Corolla fx16 GTX, 88 Chevy Nova twin cam which is a Corolla, 2 used 84 Supras 1 Auto One 5-speed, 1 used 91 Toyota Camry 6 cylinder, used 91 Toyota Camry l e, used 09 Camry Hybrid, 2014 .5 Camry LE hybrid and used 13 Toyota Avalon hybrid Limited.... I was impressed with the quality and reliability of Toyota products since the 80s....
That’s a very good question. The answer is yes and no. The older ones were more reliable but they were also ancient. Very basic so not much can go wrong. The newer ones are more complex and advanced. But the newer ones, given how complicated they are, they are very reliable. Maybe not neck to neck with the older ones but they are also much nicer with a lot more features.
Spark plugs may look fine when they are removed at whatever point, what matters is their resistance. Internally their resistance increases over time and puts higher load on the coils. The worst thing for high energy discharge devices like ignition coils is high resistance over time. May I suggest when you have a vehicle with known high miles on the plugs to check resistance compared to new, you may see what I am describing.
This channel is cool. I have a 2012 Camry LE and the brakes pulsate when stopping. There is no light on, no code and the pedal does not pulsate. When I drive first thing in the morning it does not pulsate. As I'm driving to my destination it will start to pulsate. I've had people tell me to pull the ABS fuses to see if it still pulsates, if it does, it's the rotors. I have replaced all four rotors and still pulsates.
I'm pretty amazed at those 120,000mile spark plugs. I just got a 2021 corolla with the 2.0 up here in Canada so what's that, 193,000kms . Wow!!!! You were talking in miles right???
I've used Duralast Gold brake pads for years and they perform very well. With their life time warranty if they wear out (and they do just like any pad) as long as you bring in the old pads and they don't show signs of abuse such as overheating etc. you get new pads free. I've done it multiple times and there's never been a problem exchanging them. As for brake fluid, the last 3 vehicles I've owned had around 140,000 miles on them when I sold them, the last one was 14 years old. I never replaced the brake fluid, never had pistons freeze in the calipers or any other problems. These were all Jeeps. I now have a 2019 4Runner. Just my experience but I think brake fluid is pretty much lifetime.
I have AutoZone pad in my car since 2014. I have to change multiple time , like every two year or so. At first they made a lots of dust , but braking power is good. The last one I have exchanged , did not make dust as much as previous one. In any case , they are good , but they wore out quickly, but they gave good braking power. This is just my experience on 2004 Camry
We bought an 05 scion XB from my sister-in-law with 185,000 miles on it, and they never put plugs in that car and I finally got them changed at 200,000, I had to work them back-and-forth With penetrating oil because they were very seized, But they finally came out, they did not look bad at all, I also change the water pump just because it had 200,000 miles on it It was not making a noise was not leaking, and that water pump was also still very tight very great shape , Now at 220,000 car still has original ball joints tie rod ends front struts, that’s why I will always buy a Toyota, even if it’s a used one Great video thank you
That's great, but my Sienna, I had the dealer change the timing belt for the second time at 165,000 miles, asked dealer whether to change water pump? Not leaking, they wanted a lot of money, they weren't recommending to change water pump (which was 18 years old at that point, and they wanted more than $500.00 to do it), I didn't know any better, I thought they must last forever if they weren't advising me to change it. It lasted about another year and 8,000 miles, and cost almost a thousand dollars to replace it when it did start leaking and ruined pulleys, timing belt, and so on, and I needed to get it towed to the dealer. Still on original radiator, struts, shocks, alternator @ 199k miles. Great van, but even Toyota parts don't last forever.
@@jims2507 Yes my 07 Toyota Sienna I also had to replace water pump, we were getting ready to go on a long trip so I took the serpentine belt off and checked all the pulleys , When I got to the water pump believe I found it to have a wobble, that was a big job I had to jack up the engine I’ll take one of the motor mounts off just to get to it For some reason the water pumps in those vans We’re not very reliable
I always ask for the old parts. I also mention that I trust them (if I do) and I like to see how and why it failed. Never a problem. Usually, they say they always return the parts.
Hi AMD, also, my 06' Tundra with the 4.0L 1GR-FE engine had the 30k miles spark plugs from factory. Funny thing was that one side was Denso and the other side was NGK, wild. I changed to the Iridiums, but it was fairly accessible to change all 6 plugs. Thnaks for the tips.
@@TheCarCareNut Yea, pretty easy for my 1st time changing plugs on a V6. I was kinda shocked to the the 3 left side plugs one brand and the 3 right side plugs another brand, I guess its the assembly line setup, but never seen a factory mix of Plugs.
my 12' 4runner has about 70k miles on it and I wanted to change the trans fluid, and not just the drain and fill 5 liters. I called 6 dealers that all gave different answers regarding changing it. From.... we don't do it anymore, we have never done it, we don't recommend it, we only do 5l drain and fill for 200$, we do the full dialysis style machine exchange, it's lifetime fluid so it's not supposed to be done. 😅
In Europe, maintenance schedule for break fluid change is 2 years or 30.000 km on all Toyotas and even all car brands. Toyota Europe replacement interval for spark plugs is 90.000 km on all models except Aygo 1.2.
Thank you SO much for the excellent content on Toyota and Lexus vehicles. I am a life long "DIY /Shadetree mechanic" and love working on my family's vehicles. I currently do not own a Toyota or Lexus vehicle but my mom bought a 2021 Toyota RAV4 about 6 months ago. I am seriously looking in the next year or so to purchase a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and have learned so much about some of the issues to look for. Keep pumping out the awesome content.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic - refers to a matter's ability to adsorb and absorb water from the surrounding environment. By design, the filler cap lets air pass in and out, and eventually it will draw moisture from that air. Fresh fluid is also great for your ABS system. I usually change mine at ~30K miles/3 years. I also got rid of my '04 4Runner in 2017 at 263727 miles when it was totaled by a girl on her phone. I plan to keep my 2017 until it dies - or I'll consider a replacement when I hit 500K. This one has every bell and whistle I desire in a vehicle. :) Awesome video series. Keep it up. I love learning more about my Toyotas (2014 Camry/2017 4Runner).
Wrong. The cap has a neoprene accordion-like seal that gets drawn into the master cylinder as the fluid level drops. Air is never in direct contact with brake fluid.
Thanks for the info. I threw my brake shims away. :( I didn't know. I got too eager to finish the job. I had a hell of a time getting the rear caliper pins out. RUST BELT!
Where have you been my whole life brother! great material!. New subscriber. Keep up the great work you provide your viewers, just gold. I'm not sure if you have as i haven't seen all your videos yet, but you should talk about parts manufacturers. You mentioned Mobil 1 makes the oil for toyota. Good to know, who makes the alternator? water pump? starter? spark plugs? serpentine belt? etc... this is useful information. I personally like to hunt that info down because you can get parts directly from the manufacturer for the factory part without going to the dealer. Usually at a lower price and its the same part toyota sells under their own part number. Sometimes getting this info. from the outside, without being in the auto repair business is challenging. Again keep it up.
Thank you for watching hector! That’s a very good suggestion that I will definitely look into and add to the list of videos to make! Thank you for the suggestions and subscribing.
Thank you sir for your knowledge and kindness! I trust you. I feel i really dont know very much about cars and i appreciate your kind way of teaching all of us about toyotas, lexus and scion. I know lexus is the upper end of a toyota like acura is the upper end of honda. But where does scion fit in? Is it like a toyota?
Ciao! I have been watching for some time and I must say...Thank You! Should I replace the coils when I replace the spark plugs in my 2016 Sienna with 78,560 miles? Have you a video on Sienna replacing spark plugs? I think bank one is a bit difficult due to room issues for a basic DIY with limited mechanical skills. Again...Thank you and May God Bless you, keep you safe, and give you peace!
yes i do that on every make the shims will work 80% of the time tho, cuz some pads are little to big or small. so i would bent them and try to fit them but only works if u buy the dealer part .
