30,000 mile maintenance random thoughts

So, just finished up the 30K mile maintenance on my V6 TRD off-road. I bought the truck new with 7 miles on her, and she is currently at just over 28K miles. Here are a few random thoughts about things I noticed. Thanks to everyone that posted great "How-to" write ups on tacomaworld- made everything much easier!

Spark plugs- the NGKs wear much faster than the Denso plugs. The average gap on the NGK plugs was 0.05" vs the Denso plugs at 0.045". Glad the Toyota dealer stocks the Denso plugs! Well worth the hassle have special ordering plugs if necessary compared to settling for NGKs.

Differential oil- the front diff was nasty, might change it earlier next time. I switched to Redline MT90 for the transmission and transfer case. What a difference! Shifting is much smoother, especially going into 3rd. I used

$30 Mobil 1 75W90 Mobil 1 104361 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

Mobil 1 75W90 for the differentials and am also happy with the results. No more having the differential sounding like driving on gravel/broken glass when slightly lugging the engine. I have the locking rear diff so no issues with chatter like most people experience with the mechanical limited slip found on the earlier 2nd gen trucks.

That's about all that was noteworthy. Glad I changed all the gear oil and plugs at 30K. Truck is much quieter and smoother with fresh plugs and oil.

 

Good to know info

thanks !

 

Anyone purchase the Toyota Care Plus maintenance package? I was at the dealer getting my 25,000 mile service and they offered me the Toyota Care Plus package for $299 which includes the 30,000 mile service. The dealer charges over $500 for the 30K service alone. Sounds like a no brainer to me, but was wondering if there was a catch since it sounds too good to be true.

 

I didn't purchase the plan, but I usually go to Stevenson West in Golden, CO. They seem to want to do the bare minimum, even when you ask them to do more work. They laughed when I asked them if they replace all fluids (except coolant) at 30K- they said it was overkill and not necessary. I didn't trust that they would do the "full" 30K service. Don't get me wrong, they do good work, but seem like they'd rather replace parts than do preventative maintenance. What are others being quoted for the 30K service, and what does it include?

 

I bought the ToyotaCare Plus maintenance package mainly because of the 30k service. I went to the dealer today for the 25k/30 month service, but had to leave with nothing being done to the truck. I only have 19,890 miles on the truck and the person helping me out said that I don't qualify for the maintenance. My choices were to pay for the 25k/30 month service or have the 30k service done (which isn't necessary for another 6 months). I don't understand how maintenance isn't covered by a maintenance plan, but that's something I have to make some phone calls about on Monday.

To get back to your question. Everything I've found says the plan is a good deal since Tacomas have the big 30k/36 month service. However, if you don't put on a lot of miles be careful because apparently the "months" part of the maintenance schedule has nothing to do with the prepaid maintenance plan. At least I'm guaranteed to receive the 30k/36 month service. The cost of which will basically pay for the maintenance plan. It's just frustrating not being able to have maintenance preformed on my truck at the factory recommended 30 month interval.

 

I received a letter from Toyota in regards to the Toyota Care Plus for $299.Went to the dealer that i have my service done at and was told that for the $299 price that the 30k service was included!I didn't hesitate on making the purchase!
Oil and filter changed.
Spark plugs changed.
Rear differential oil changed.
Blake system/lines flushed and changed(recommended every 30k).
Air filter changed.
Cabin filter changed.

I still have 2 oil changes left(2of4)as well as the roadside assistance if necessary!

Definitely a no brainer on making the purchase!One thing i don't understand is why Toyota doesn't include the 30k service in the package in certain state's!I live in CA.and it should be included in all state's!That is wrong on Toyota's part for whatever reason!

 

Did you really notice a difference with the spark plugs?

I personally have not changed my spark plugs any sooner than around 90K in my other vehicles. I've noticed no difference when changing them. This is my first time with a Toyota. My Tacoma just rolled over 30K and I didn't touch the plugs.

 

I did all of the same things at 30k - MT90 in the diff & transmission, and noticed approximately the same gaps you did with the plugs so I went with Denso. I didn't notice any shifting or noise differences after this, though. I think that's largely a placebo effect

 

I put quite a few miles on my truck (~20K a year) so I don't worry too much about the monthly part of the deal. Thanks for the input. I went ahead and purchased the plan after I confirmed that everything (parts and labor) was covered by Toyota Care Plus. I like working on my truck, but for $299, I'll let Toyota mechanics perform the 30k mile maintenance and change my oil for the next 25,000 miles. If they break something, it's on them. Plus I will have documentation of every service performed on the truck should I ever need to sell it.

Does this plan really vary by state or by dealership?

 

I would make sure I have it in writing that the 30K service is fully covered.

No it is a Toyota Financial Services Plan and should be the same at every dealer.

https://www.toyotafinancial.com/pub...on_plans/toyota_auto_care_prepaid_maintenance

ToyotaCare Plus
Peace of mind plus maintenance coverage. That's what you get when your vehicle has ToyotaCare Plus coverage. You'll even enjoy the bonus of 24-hour Roadside Assistance. For Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle owners, see brochure for exclusive benefits and coverage options.

Stay Covered Longer
Plans range from 3 years or 35,000 miles all the way up to 5 years or 75,000 miles.1

Routine Maintenance
Coverage includes oil and filter changes(2), multi-point inspections, tire rotations, and any additional services covered by your vehicle's schedule maintenance guide.

Major Services
Depending on the ToyotaCare Plus plan purchased, your 30,000; 45,000; 60,000; and 75,000 mile services may be covered. (3)

24-Hour Roadside Assistance
Coverage includes lockout protection, flat tire changes, jump starts, fluid delivery and towing.4

More features
Receive coupons and exclusive offers for additional savings from your participating Toyota dealer.
Plan Availability

Available before or after financing.
If your vehicle has less than 31,000 miles, and is within 37 months from date of first use, you may still be eligible for ToyotaCare Plus.5

Note: Prepaid Maintenance Plans are optional, cancellable (see terms of Agreement) and is not required to obtain credit.

1 Coverage is effective from the vehicle's date of first use as a new vehicle and expires at selected plan's year or mileage limit, whichever occurs first.

2 The use of synthetic grade engine oil may be indicated for your vehicle. Synthetic oil may require changing less often. Consult your vehicle's Scheduled Maintenance Guide for factory-recommended oil grade and service intervals.

3 Coverage of major and minor services varies by plan purchased.

4 Does not include parts and fluids. See roadside assistance plan for more details, including limits on towing distance. Details are different from limits. One does not suggest any qualification or limitation on the availability.

5 Toyota vehicles are eligible for these plans if the vehicle was eligible for the no cost 2yr/25k ToyotaCare and if the odometer reads 31,000 miles or less, and is within 37 months of date of first use. Date-of-first-use is when your vehicle is retailed as new with less than 799 miles.

 

I didn't notice any difference with the plugs, but the NGKs were pretty worn. Same MPG as before I changed them.

 

I would be careful with the 30K dealer package. Technically all the standard maintenance sheet says is replace spark plugs, lube drive shaft and check fluids as well as an oil/filter change. Now maybe they do check all fluids but I doubt it. Before you drop the 300 or more at a dealer take it to an independent mechanic. Not only will your money usually go a lot further, but they have to rely on their work quality to get referrals. No matter how shitty or overpriced the dealer service is they will still have walk ins and new business.