Toyota Camry: 5 Tips to Keep Your Car Running for a Long Time

Here are recommendations from enthusiasts of the top-selling Toyota Camry on running smoothly and avoiding costly replacement parts and service.

By Jon LeSage - July 23, 2015
Contributors: Toyomoho

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

There are a lot of Toyota Camrys out on American roads, many times being driven by the original owners. Here are five recommendations from enthusiasts of the top-selling car to keep the Camry running smoothly and to avoid costly replacement parts and service.

Maintenance Tips

Tip #1 – Replace fluids

Regular oil changes are important when it comes to prolonging your Camry, as well as changing the coolant every five years, ABS fluid at least once, and power steering fluid if it’s dirty. If the power steering fluid is extremely dirty, check the drive shaft seal for leaking.

(Related Article: How to Change Oil - Camryforums.com)

Tip #2 – Avoid transmission failure

Change the original transmission fluid if the Camry has more than 60,000 miles. Check the transmission input shaft seal for leaking, and check the transmission flex plate for cracking.

(Related Article: How to Change Transmission Fluid - Camryforums.com)

Figure 2. Location of transmission fluid drain plug.

Tip #3 – Maintain radiator coolant hoses

Check all the coolant hoses carefully. These sometimes start as a slow leak and then become a burst.

Figure 3. Check your radiator coolant hoses regularly to watch out for a burst.

Tip #4 – Don't ignore the check engine light

Remove the EGR valve and check for carbon plugging in the valve opening, head and tube. This is an emissions issue when the car is still driving normally, but the "check engine" light may come on when it’s time to replace the EGR valve.

(Related Article: How to Check/Replace EGR Valve - Camryforums.com)

Figure 4. Needing to replace the EGR valve can trip off the “check engine” light.

Tip #5 – Replace various parts

Replace the cam and crank seal and the pump drive shaft seal when mileage gets high, and inspect the idler bearings for roughness.

Figure 5. The crankshaft timing seal will need to be checked for possible replacement.

Scheduled Maintenance

Toyota Motor Sales and Camry enthusiasts advise scheduling regular preventive maintenance appointments. In addition, keep in mind other parts replacement and service needed with long-term ownership: