Dos and don'ts of 30k mile service

This is every service my Toyota dealership recommends at 30,000 miles (not including oil change.) What is and isn't necessary?

-Reset maintenance reminder light
-Clean battery cable ends and terminals
-Perform brake fluid exchange service
-Perform multi-point inspection
-Replace cabin air filter
-Install windshield washer solvent
-Perform battery load test
-Re-torque drive shaft flange bolts
-Lubricate propeller shaft bushings
-Lubricate drive shaft bushings
-Wheel alignment
-Install fuel system conditioner
-Perform intake throttle body fuel injector service
-Perform maximum engine performance service
-Perform rear differential fluid exchange
-Perform climate control service

 

The items that are not listed for the 30K service in the owners manual are not necessary.

 

I'd ask for a LOT more detail about:

-Install fuel system conditioner
-Perform intake throttle body fuel injector service
-Perform maximum engine performance service
-Perform climate control service

Are they charging you $90 to pour a bottle of Gumout in your gas tank?

 

too early for a brake fluid change, they go by time or than miles. At the earliest I'd change at 3 years mark, unless you live somewhere too humid then maybe change it at 2 years

 

Just follow whats in your owners manual unless there is a specific severe duty issue you need servicing. Dealerships love to pad their services with high profit extras that you really dont need. They love to say “its cheap insurance”… Its not.

 

I just had my 25k service done and the 3rd brake light recall. This is next and will be the last time I get the free toyota care.
I have to wait until the end of may to get the damn TSB on the serpentine belt done.

 

This is how I see this list realistically…

-Reset maintenance reminder light - Yes (this is a given and takes a minute)
-Clean battery cable ends and terminals (if its corroded sure, it only takes a minute)
-Perform brake fluid exchange service (brake fluid will realistically last a decade or more - not that you should wait that long, but virtually nobody does this at only 30K)
-Perform multi-point inspection (whatever that’s supposed to mean… take a few minutes to look around the truck and engine bay for low fluids or loose things)
-Replace cabin air filter - Yes
-Install windshield washer solvent (only if it’s low, takes a minute)
-Perform battery load test (only if the truck has been having issues starting)
-Re-torque drive shaft flange bolts (can’t hurt to take a minute to check, but can’t say I’ve seen too many driveshafts fall apart from not checking the torque)
-Lubricate propeller shaft bushings - Yes (every 15K)
-Lubricate drive shaft bushings (redundant)
-Wheel alignment (if the tread wear is uneven or the truck is pulling to the side, etc… otherwise do when you get new tires)
-Install fuel system conditioner (totally unnecessary at 30K)
-Perform intake throttle body fuel injector service (totally unnecessary at 30K)
-Perform maximum engine performance service (fancy name for nothing)
-Perform rear differential fluid exchange - Yes
-Perform climate control service (only need to recharge A/C if it’s not as cold as it should be - basocally unheard of at 30K though)

 

Go in with an a la carte list of what you want them to do. Never ask for a "30k service" because they will add in a bunch of extra stuff.

Even if you have them do the fluids, you can save about $64.95 by doing the cabin air filter yourself with a $10 OEM or Denso from Amazon. Same with the air filter.

 

dealers are very good at suggestive selling on non warranty stuff.
good that you are skeptical.
many will fork out the $$$.

 

The 30k service was the last dealership service for me, and the only one requiring payment (not included in the truck's sticker).

It's strict by-the-manual from 30k on out. Its a great reference for those that don't know what's essential and what's bill-padding.

 

Interested in how humidity may affect... Isn't it a closed system? I live in Texas so we certainly see our fair share of humidity.

 

Purely speculating, I don't think the brake fluid is in a completely sealed system, imagine the thermal expansion the fluid can experience from being heated by the hot brake pistons, that pressure has to go somewhere. Plus the brake fluid reservoir cap can be opened and that introduces moisture from the air too

I'm in central TX, last time I checked with one of those brake fluid test pens that reads water level, 3 years old fluid I got yellow warning, not too bad

 

And it's hygroscopic (absorbs water). And water is heavier than brake fluid so it will inevitably settle to the lowest point of the system, the calipers or wheel cylinders.

 

Interesting. I haven't changed my brake fluid yet (that i can recall), so i am gonna take a look.

Thanks!

 

Toyota also sells the once a year alignment that I refused.

 

I do all my own maintenance and would do all minus those in red. There’s no zerk fittings on these later vehicles.

-Reset maintenance reminder light
-Clean battery cable ends and terminals
-Perform brake fluid exchange service
-Perform multi-point inspection
-Replace cabin air filter
-Install windshield washer solvent
-Perform battery load test
-Re-torque drive shaft flange bolts
-Lubricate propeller shaft bushings
-Lubricate drive shaft bushings
-Wheel alignment
-Install fuel system conditioner
-Perform intake throttle body fuel injector service
-Perform maximum engine performance service
-Perform rear differential fluid exchange
-Perform climate control service

 

Exactly my question on the propeller shaft and drive shaft. How to lubricate these when there are no visible zerk fittings?

-Lubricate propeller shaft bushings
-Lubricate drive shaft bushings

 

There are two zerks on 4WD models. (At least there are on 2019 models.) One is easy and one is a bitch to get to.

 

They charge you, list it being done on the invoice, and you leave happy, comrade. You ask no questions...

In all reality they charge you and do nothing

 

Where are you located Joe? If you happen to reside in the New England area I’d be happy to give you a hand. Before you know it you’ll become a seasoned DIY’r with all the experience you will find here.