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How often should I drive my non-DD truck?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by 2DaMtns, Mar 16, 2021.

  1. Mar 16, 2021 at 7:48 AM
    #1
    2DaMtns

    2DaMtns [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I bought a commuter car last summer and have retired my truck from daily use. I now use it for hauling an occasional load of woodworking supplies or similar, bad weather driving, and outdoor pursuits. It’s a 2011 DCLB Sport model with 158k. When I first bought the car, I used to go almost a month without driving the truck. I now try to drive it to work and back at least once a week (it’s like 5 miles each way). Now that nicer weather is here it’ll get more woods use. But, in general, how often should a vehicle be driven to keep the seals all lubed and all that?
     
  2. Mar 16, 2021 at 7:55 AM
    #2
    spitdog

    spitdog Well-Known Member

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    Be careful of the critters when you leave it parked, if it’s outside. My 1st gen. would sit durning the week cause I had a work truck and the squirrels took over one week and chewed some wires.
     
    vtown likes this.
  3. Mar 16, 2021 at 8:01 AM
    #3
    christsay

    christsay Well-Known Member

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    Five miles probably isn't enough to get the fluids up to operating temp so maybe an extended drive every few weeks? You might want to get a battery tender to be a little nicer to your battery.

    Probably the more important thing is that you should treat fluid replacement intervals as time based and not mileage.
     
  4. Mar 16, 2021 at 8:06 AM
    #4
    2DaMtns

    2DaMtns [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Good point. It’s outside for now but we’re moving soon and it will be garaged after that.
     
  5. Mar 16, 2021 at 8:47 AM
    #5
    2DaMtns

    2DaMtns [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Lift, tires, stuff
    I put 200 miles on it last Friday and Saturday. I’ll be taking it to the woods at least 1-2 times per week from now until winter. We’re also moving soon and I’ll be 25-30 miles from work, so my weekly drives to work will be more effective. Sounds like I just need to keep mice and squirrels out of it for the next few months and I’ll be golden.
     
  6. Mar 16, 2021 at 8:57 AM
    #6
    christsay

    christsay Well-Known Member

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    2021 Army Green DCLB TRD 4x4
    JB Grand Raid Evo XXL mounted on an Alu-Cab. 5.29 gears.
  7. Mar 16, 2021 at 11:54 AM
    #7
    Steve_P

    Steve_P Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't worry about a trickle charger as long if you drive it every 3-4 weeks. Driving it only 5 miles might be worse for the engine than not driving it at all because the water temperature might not reach 180F; this is hard on an engine and causes accelerated cylinder wear. Granted, it isn't the end of the world, but far from ideal. I typically only drive my truck once a week, but it's a 50-90 mile trip one way.
     
    2DaMtns[OP] likes this.

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