I Have a 2024 Rav4, And the Last Time I Took It For The 10k Maintenance Oil Change, The Technician Stated That I Shouldn’t Need An Oil Change Until I Hit 20k Miles. Is That Accurate Information?

Following your vehicle’s maintenance and repair guidelines will help keep your new car running trouble-free for the next few years. However, the failure of this practice amongst most car owners according to the host of the Car Help Corner YouTube channel is that it is not enough regardless of how reliable your car may be rated.

Even if it is a Toyota!

“I’m going to share the best maintenance steps to follow, as recommended by top mechanics, that will help your car last as long as possible with minimal repair issues. These maintenance recommendations come from top reputable mechanics that were surveyed by the Automobile Consumer Coalition―the nonprofit organization I work with, which, in most cases, goes above and beyond what’s and beyond what’s recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Following the maintenance schedule and the owner’s manual is okay at an absolute minimum but the problem is that it often does not go far enough if you want your vehicle to last upwards of 10 to 15 years without having any major failure.”

Going Beyond Your Toyota’s Owners’ Manual

A good question from a new Toyota owner asks if his service tech is correct about just how often his Rav4 needs its oil changed, which is countered with advice from another comment that gives this as the fundamental guideline all Toyota owners and other car owners should follow:

Is the second comment correct, or is it going too far overboard as a general maintenance rule to follow? Is it a waste of money?

To find out, follow along with what this car expert has to say on how to maintain your car―regardless of its make―that will increase your chances of making your vehicle last its longest based on what a new survey reveals from some top mechanics about these types of posted questions and comments.

Related article: May I Know How Much Did You Pay For 2025 Toyota RAV4 Front-Wheel Drive Gas? ―The ToyotaModels Car Dealers Are Gouging Buyers the Most On

In the video, you will find out when you really should change or have serviced regardless of what your owner’s manual says that includes:

• All of your vehicle’s fluids
• Your engine air filters and fuel filters
• The spark plugs and belts
• Your car’s tires, brakes, and suspension.

Plus, whether to go to the dealership service department or an independent mechanic and how to avoid being upsold on your car’s maintenance by either.

A quick summary is provided for your convenience immediately below the video.

How To Maintain Your Car Perfectly To Make It Last 300,000 Miles

The Least You Need to Know Video Summary

1. Oil Changes: Surveyed mechanics recommend changing your motor oil every 5,000 to 6,000 miles using the manufacturer-recommended OEM oil. Be sure to keep a record of each oil change.
2. Transmission Fluid: Ignore the lie about lifetime sealed transmissions and ensure you will avoid a costly repair by changing your transmission fluid every 50-60 thousand miles. If your model is known for having transmission or related engine issues, changing the fluid every 30,000 miles would be prudent. Also note that vehicles with AWD transfer cases/differentials should have their fluids changed at the same time as the transmission.
3. Coolant Changes: Because the coolant helps prolong engine and transmission life and its chemistry changes over time, your car’s coolant should be changed every 4-5 years.
4. Brake Fluid Changes: Brake fluid changes every 3-4 years is a good interval to stick to.
5. Filter Changes: Engine, cabin, and hybrid battery air filters should be monitored and changed as needed. Your driving environment dictates how often this is necessary.
6. Engine Spark Plug and Drive Belt Changes: Every 50-60,000 miles is normal for most vehicles. However, if your model has a known timing belt or chain issue you will want to consider having the belt controlling your engine’s timing at least inspected―if not proactively replaced―before then.
7. Changing Tires, Brakes, and Suspensions: These systems are changed on an as-needed basis because every car, every driver, and every road condition differ and also dictate how much wear is going on with your vehicle. Strict checking as regular maintenance rather than waiting until a problem occurs is sound advice.
8. Is It Better to Go To The Dealer or an Independent Mechanic? Going to the dealership during the first few years of ownership is preferable because your car is under the manufacturer’s warranty. Plus, it allows you to build trust and confidence with the dealership manager and mechanics. However, managers and mechanics do change, and there is no guarantee that good service will continue. Going to an independent mechanic and garage is less expensive after a car’s warranty period has ended. In addition, it is a good time to find a long-term mechanic you can trust.

A Special Note: Despite what you may have heard, taking your car to an independent garage before its warranty period ends will not invalidate its warranty as long as the garage is reputable and uses OEM parts whenever possible. That said, keep a record (including the receipts) of all repairs, whether from the dealership or an independent mechanic, in case something goes wrong and a repair is questioned regarding warranty issues.

9. How to Protect Yourself From Excessive Service and Charges: Upselling car owners on services and parts is easy and a common way for dealerships and garages to pad your maintenance and service visit. The best way to protect yourself from this is to know if what they are offering is normal by reading your owner’s manual, keeping a good record of maintenance and repairs, and asking the mechanic or service manager to show you what the problem is and why they recommend their “fix.” You can also decline the “fix” and research afterward before deciding.

10. When to Avoid This Advice: Going above and beyond what your owner’s manual says is really only for car owners who care about their car and plan on keeping it for 5 years or longer. If you know that you will sell your car before then, you are better off saving yourself the added expense and just sticking to what the owner’s manual recommends. However, you should always keep a maintenance record and receipts as proof you maintained your car to show the new buyer or dealership to get the best value for your used car.

For additional articles related to Toyota Rav4 models, here are three recommended articles to help you keep your car on the road and out of a repair shop:

1. I Almost Bought the Wrong 2024 RAV4
2. Common Problem on Toyota RAV4 Many Owners Fix Incorrectly
3. Calculate the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cost Against the Non-Hybrid RAV4

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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