The Toyota Camry is one of the few cars almost every American has driven at least once. This popular Japanese making is safe, reliable, easy to drive, and affordable.
A Camry can be your best friend for life. However, to ensure this happens, you must take good care of it. The only way to acquire it is to follow the maintenance or service schedule provided by Toyota. If you are an absolute car fanatic like me and love your Camry more than your PlayStation, you need to be on your toes to maintain it.
Camry has evolved over the years. Today, it is about reliability, style, and efficiency. I can vouch for this as I am a proud owner of this classic yet stylish Camry.
I have owned my Camry for over five years, and in that time, I have learned a lot about keeping this midsize car in good shape.
Maintaining a car is no issue if you are an experienced driver. However, for first-time owners, the task can be daunting. Trust me, I know. And this process becomes even worse if you try to do everything alone in your garage.
The first thing every car owner needs to know is that their vehicle comes with a particular service schedule that they should follow. I made the mistake of working on my Camry like I used to do with the ride I owned before it and ended up with a repair bill that still haunts me.
Thus, I bring this beginner-friendly guide to ensure that no fellow Toyota Camry owners have to go through the problems that I went through.
Below, I have listed all the maintenance schedules for the Camry recommended by Toyota. Keep reading to learn what else you need to do.
When Should I Take My Maintenance Appointment?
In general, Toyota suggests that the Camry should have maintenance intervals of six months or 5,000 miles. You do not need to follow both of these intervals. Follow whichever interval comes first based on your car usage or driving habits.
If you are someone like me who needs an excuse to get behind the wheel and drive, you will achieve the 5,000-mile interval first.
In simpler terms:
- If it takes you less than six months to drive 5,000 miles, you should follow the “maintenance at every 5,000 miles” interval.
- If it takes almost a year or more to achieve those 5,000 miles on your Camry, you should follow the “maintenance at every six months” interval.
I want to share a secret with you all: there will be times during your maintenance appointment when your ride will require additional services.
That’s right. Sometimes, the recommended services, such as tire rotation, oil change, and inspection of wiper blades, brake pads, and fluid levels, will not be enough, mainly if you use your car for particular tasks.
I love camping, and despite knowing Camry is not an off-roader, I have driven it on the roads I shouldn’t have many times. I did not pay heed to the exploration, as the ride was okay, and I had fun.
However, during my upcoming service, the mechanic told me that my Camry might need additional services. After a complete discussion, I learned it happened because I love dragging my ride through dusty areas.
I would not have done this stupidity if I had known it was terrible for my ride in the first place. Thus, I learned about special operating conditions or driving habits that can result in more wear and tear on my car, resulting in more spending during the car maintenance session.
Special Tasks That Require Additional Services:
- Excessive idling (like the one you see with delivery cars;
- Using your vehicle to carry heavy items every now & then;
- Frequently driving your automobile on dirt roads or through dusty areas;
- Frequent trips of less than five miles in below-freezing temperatures.
What Is The Recommended Toyota Camry Maintenance Schedule?
Several factors affect the maintenance of your Toyota Camry. Your vehicle’s year, driving conditions and current status will help the trained technician evaluate whether your ride is ready for Toyota’s recommended maintenance or if something else needs to be done.
Follow the Camry manual maintenance without expertise. Familiarize yourself with the upkeep methods required by the car manufacturer, and you will always be clear.
To make the maintenance task more manageable, below is the list of intervals you should take your ride to the machinist, along with the recommended services or checkups you should get done no matter what.
Once you complete this checklist, you will learn how to maintain your Camry and keep it in good shape for years.
5,000 Miles/6 Months Service
You need to book your first maintenance appointment the first time your Camry crosses the five thousand miles or six-month threshold. The cost of first-time service will be relatively low as there is little wrong with your ride.
This maintenance service must be done every 5,000 miles or six months, along with Toyota’s recommendations for the following milestones.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tyres
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
10,000 Miles/12 Months Service
The next maintenance session you need to take your ride to will be when you pass 10,000 miles or 12 months on your ride. In short, you will be back with your Camry at a mechanic shop as soon as you cover the next six months or five thousand miles.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
15,000 Miles/18 Months Service
When my car reached 15,000 miles, I was told my ride needed a more in-depth inspection than the first time.
Apart from the fluids and tires, my ride was inspected for brake lines and hoses, engine coolant, radiator and condenser, and more this time. I was unsure if this was something my Camry needed, so I turned to the owner’s manual of my car, and there, I got all my doubts cleared.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels.
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs.
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers.
- Inspect brake lines and hoses.
- Inspect drive shaft boots.
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser.
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
20,000 Miles/24 Months Service
When my Camry completed two years on the road, I thought I would now have a huge expense at my hands. But to my surprise, at this next milestone of 20,000 miles or 24 months, I needed to repeat the basic services every 5,000 miles along with the intermediate services every 15,000 miles.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
25,000 Miles/30 Months Service
Servicing your car when it has reached the limit of 25,000 miles or 30 months is not hefty. You will simply be rechecking that last time’s work, and it will be done in no time.
As stated by Toyota, the recommended maintenance for 25,000 miles is similar to that for 5,000 miles.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades, Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
30,000 Miles/36 Months Service
Reaching 30,000 miles or 36 months on your Toyota car is a huge milestone. During this period, your ride will need a more comprehensive service, which will cost more than your previous services.
Generally, a 36-month service for a Camry costs around $250 to $500, depending on whether you go to a mechanic shop or a dealer. I paid around $350 for my Camry’s 30,000-mile service at this Japanese car brand dealership.
The price can differ from vehicle to vehicle based on its usage and upkeep by the owner. Thus, be gentle with your four-door car.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades, Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace the engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Inspect transmission
- Inspect fuel lines
35,000 Miles/42 Months Service
Toyota’s 35,000-mile service is lightweight. As your ride already had comprehensive maintenance six months ago, this time, the basics for every five months will be repeated in depth.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
40,000 Miles/48 Months Service
As it is only 10,000 miles or 12 months more than the previous comprehensive maintenance of your Camry, the work to be done on it will be far less.
There are times when the maintenance person may tell you that you need some more work done to your ride as it has hit a particular milestone. Do not fall for such talks.
A mechanic shop once convinced me through such talks, and I ended up paying for services my ride didn’t need. Since then, I have always followed car manual recommendations after every 5,000 miles or six months.
Also, I inspect my car at home to see if there are any issues that I need to get fixed. Furthermore, before you leave your ride at the workshop, give them a rundown on what services they will be performing and how much they will cost you to have a clear idea.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
45,000 Miles/54 Months Service
When my car hit 45,000 miles on the odometer, it was time for its next primary service. If you drive far less, you need this service when your ride hits 54 months of usage.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
50,000 Miles/60 Months Service
The maintenance service after the milestone of 45,000 miles is less dense. Your ride will require only basic service after a comprehensive check.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
55,000 Miles/66 Months Service
The following maintenance schedule includes a basic service inspection of your ride per Toyota’s recommendation. However, if you are as clumsy as me and do some damage here and there, those repairs will also add to your service bill.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
60,000 Miles/72 Months Service
As soon as your Toyota Camry has 60,000 miles, 72 months, or five years, you need another major maintenance service.
As your car has been on the road for a long time, some parts or components need replacement. This central service includes everything from basic, intermediate, and major maintenance.
Furthermore, it will cost you around $300 at a local auto repair shop but about $800 at the nearest dealership. I prefer dealerships, but if you can not afford them, look for a reputable workshop.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace the engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Inspect transmission
- Inspect fuel lines
- Replace spark plugs
65,000 Miles/78 Months Service
Sixty-five thousand miles is the current milestone of my Toyota Camry. I took it to the dealership last month and had its service done as my owner’s manual and automaker have recommended.
In all these years, the one crucial thing I have learned is that if you take care of your machinery as recommended by its maker, it will be with you way longer than you have anticipated.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
70,000 Miles/84 Months Service
I have yet to reach this milestone, but it is only 12 months apart from your last major service, so you will only require the 10,000 milestone services.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
75,000 Miles/90 Months Service
Your car will surely experience some normal wear and tear at 90 months or 75,000 miles. The level of severity generally depends on the driver. Also, this time, the service will be heftier than the session six months earlier.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
80,000 Miles/96 Months Service
With an excellent comprehensive check six months ago, the recommended maintenance services for 80,000 miles do not offer more than what you need to do at the completion of 10,000 miles.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
85,000 Miles/102 Months Service
At this milestone, we will all be required to retake our rides for professional inspection. But the great news is that Toyota has the most minor tasks for Camry at this point, similar to the first service you had done to your car.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
90,000 Miles/108 Months Service
Toyota 90,000-mile service again calls for in-depth major maintenance. With so many tasks at hand, I think we will have to leave our rides at the workshop for at least a day or two.
But again, before handing over the car, please ask the person inspecting your vehicle what services they will do. Match whatever they say with Toyota’s recommended maintenance tasks list.
If something needs to be added up, ask upfront if it is a particular issue your ride is suffering from or if they are being generous. If you are unsure, limit your Camry service to what Toyota has recommended.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace the engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Inspect transmission
- Inspect fuel lines
95,000 Miles/114 Months of Service
The maintenance task at 95,000 miles or 114 months will be far more straightforward, making it easy on your car, time, and pocket. Basic services will be available only if your ride is in good shape. Other issues can arise if you are inconsistent with your ride’s care.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
100,000 Miles/120 Months Service
Getting 100,000 miles or ten years on your Toyota Camry is an achievement that I dream of achieving someday.
This time around, the service will be more comprehensive than the basic one but less in-depth than the work you had done on your ride at 90,000 miles.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
105,000 Miles/126 Months of Service
Your Camry’s maintenance list at 105,000 miles will be similar to the work you did on it when it reached 15,000 miles.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
110,000 miles/132 Months of Service
In the 11th year of your ownership, you will see your Camry doing almost as well as new ones simply because you took good care of your car and never missed the upkeep recommended by Toyota.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
115,000 miles/138 Months of Service
The Toyota Camry service at 115,000 miles or 138 months will be basic, like what you did after completing those first five thousand miles.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
120,000 miles/144 Months of Service
At 120,000 miles, your Toyota Camry will require a combination of the services you had done at 5,000 miles, 30,000 miles, and 60,000 miles.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace the engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Inspect transmission
- Inspect fuel lines
150,000 miles/180 Months of Service
If your Camry has been with you for 15 long years, you should understand your ride and your mechanic well. At 150,000 miles, the service on your Camry will be precisely the same as at 120,000 miles.
However, remember that your old ride might have extra issues that can add to your maintenance bill. At this point, it can easily cost you between $500 and $1,100.
Recommended Maintenance
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect the radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Inspect rear differential oil/transfer case oil (4WD)
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace the engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Inspect transmission
- Inspect fuel lines
Conclusion
If your Toyota Camry is dear to you and you wish to own it for years without spending too much on its upkeep, follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your ride.
Regular professional inspection, regular cleaning, and abiding by manual instructions will ensure your Toyota Camry stays and runs just as well as when it was brand new.
Don’t hesitate to tell us about your experience.
Source: USA Toyota
