I had the coolant replaced at the 90k mile service by dealer when the timing belt and water pump were replaced. I'm at 135k miles now, but the coolant seems to be in decent shape as far as I can tell based on the color. At how many miles interval or years would you suggest getting the coolant replaced? The Toyota dealer is charging $169.99 for the entire flush through a machine, but I'm having second thoughts based on the condition of the coolant that's in there now....

We are planning a long trip to FL in couple of weeks so I'm just going through items which I think should be checked before the trip. Brakes are new, got an oil change recently, sparks plugs replaced at 120k miles, air and cabin filters were recently replaced too. The struts were replaced about 5k miles ago. I'm thinking about getting the drive belt replaced. I think it is around $125 just for the part. is there a good place where I should purchase it from, or just get it from the Toyota dealer? If there is anything else you can think of let me know.

 

I tend to change mine every 3 years.

When did you change the brake fluid last? I change it also every 3 years, but if I lived in a humid area (near the coast or great lakes) I'd do it every 2 years.

Chip H.

 

Its been a while since I changed the brake fluid - I think about 5 years. I think I'll get that flushed too. I think it will run about $100 or so?

 

Every 90k. There's absolutely no need to change it more frequently, but it's your call.

 

OK, cool...I was reluctant to doing that. Maybe I'll hold off on the coolant flush for now and put that money towards brake fluid flush and drive belt.

Any advice on other fluids to change or wearable items to check before the trip? The differential oil was changed front and back at 100k - the dealer said that they also changed the transfer fluid as part of the same service.

 

You can do the brake fluid, it's hydroscopic and absorbs moisture, so it's good to do it either yearly or every other. It's not a must do before a trip but something to consider. Diffs and tcase should be good if they were done at 100k. Drive belt will leave you stranded if it breaks, so I'd do that.

 

Just make sure when you check the coolant to actually take the radiator cap(on a COLD engine that has sat overnight) off and look in there. You should see coolant up to the neck of the radiator cap.

As for the belt, change it if its the original one. Check it for cracks/wear. That's something that is extremely easy to change yourself btw, you don't even have to undo 1 bolt.

 

I just looked in the overflow bottle and there was little bit there. Does that mean there should be enough in the radiator?

Yeah the drive belt should be easy to do, so will see how much the dealer is going to charge. If it is not much will have them do it for peace of mind.

 

I'd fill the overflow bottle up between Min and Max. Check level when hot. What's the drive belt replacement interval?

 

Drive belts are done as needed.

 

I'm at 135k and as far as I know the belt hasn't been changed. The dealer looked at it today and said that it looks fine so I didn't get it changed.

 

That's good. I replaced mine for the first time right around that mileage, but at the time the truck was in Chicago, so it saw hot summers and cold winters and the belt was pretty dry rotted. If yours is good, it's good!