In my years as a mechanic, I’ve come to appreciate the unmatched reliability and dependability of Toyota vehicles deeply.
Their designs are refreshingly straightforward, making them a pleasure to work on.
Properly maintained, these cars seem to run indefinitely.
Speaking of maintenance, today, I am going to explain the Toyota 5000 Mile Service,
what it is, what it includes, and the average cost estimation. Let’s get into it.
What is Toyota’s 5000 Mile Service?
In short, the Toyota 5000 Mile Service is the first scheduled maintenance appointment recommended for new Toyota vehicle owners.
This service is typically performed when the odometer reaches around 5,000 miles(Typically within 6 months of purchase).
During this service, Toyota technicians will conduct a comprehensive vehicle inspection and perform several important maintenance tasks (more on that below).
What is Done During a Toyota 5000 mile Service?
Now, let’s look at what is done during a 5000 mile service.
The following is a list of some of the tasks that are performed during your Toyota’s 5000 Mile Service (some are optional, whereas some are compulsory)
1. Tire Rotation:
Since you have driven your Toyota for more than 5000 miles, it is important to rotate your tires.
The tires are removed and moved to a different position on the vehicle. Typically, the front tires are rotated to the rear, and the rear tires are moved to the front. Tires may also be moved from left to right.
This will ensure that the wear and tear on all of your tires is even, thereby extending their life and making them more efficient.
So during this service, the technician will rotate your tires and check the pressure of each one.
2. Wiper Blade Inspection:
The second thing that the technician will do during this 5000 mile service is to inspect your wiper blades.
The front and rear windshield wiper blades are thoroughly inspected for any cracking, splitting, deformities, grease buildup, or hardness which can impede proper wiping performance.
Blades are checked to ensure they fully contact the windshield over their entire length.
The wiper arms and linkages are also inspected for proper tension and operation. Any worn or defective wiper blades are recommended for replacement.
3. Brake Component Inspection:
A visual inspection of brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid and associated hardware is performed.
Brake pad thickness is checked and should exceed minimum specifications.
Rotors are checked for signs of excessive wear, grooves, pitting, discoloration, or uneven surfaces which may indicate a need to resurface or replace them.
Calipers, brake hoses, and lines are inspected for leaks and damage. All components must be in good operating condition for proper braking function.
4. Engine Oil and Filter Change (Optional):
Since your Toyota uses synthetic oil, Toyota typically recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles (or 16,000 kilometers).
As an automotive technician, I personally advise changing the oil between 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 kilometers) for optimal performance.
Nevertheless, during the 5,000-mile service, a Toyota technician will suggest both an oil and filter change.
It is completely optional, depending on your Toyota dealer.
5. Multi-point Inspection:
The vehicle undergoes a comprehensive inspection of all major systems and components.
This includes;
- Interior, Exterior
- Battery Inspection
- Hose Inspection
- Undercarriage
- Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain
- Steering
- Suspension
- Brakes
- coolant system,
- exhaust and more.
Problems or issues are identified early before they become major repairs.
6. Car Wash:
The last task that the Toyota 5000 mile service includes is a professional car wash.
As a courtesy, a basic exterior car wash is performed on the vehicle at no extra charge.
They will hand wash the exterior with automotive soap and rinse thoroughly with water.
All body panels, lights, glass, mirrors, trim pieces, door jambs, and crevices will be cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and residue.
Toyota 5000 Mile Service Checklist
If you would like to do this service yourself, then you will find the following checklist very useful.
| Service Task | Check |
|---|---|
| Tire rotation | |
| Wiper blade inspection | |
| Brake component inspection | |
| Multi-point inspection | |
| Oil and filter change (Optional: Recommended every 10k miles due to synthetic oil) | |
| Car wash |
How Much Does the 5000 Mile Service Cost
Since your Toyota is still new at this stage, then it is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Therefore, you will not have to pay anything for this service.
However, if your car is out of warranty (for some reason), then here is an estimated breakdown of the prices you can expect.
- Tire Rotation: $30
- Inspection: $20-50
- Oil Change: $70-100
- Misc: $20
So this brings the average cost to $140-200 for the 5000-mile service. It is important to note that this is a rough estimate, and your mileage may vary.
Additional Sources:
https://www.toyotaofdanvers.com/how-often-should-you-change-your-oil-danvers-ma/
https://www.frontiertoyota.com/multi-point-inspection/
https://www.toyota.com/owners/parts-service/maintenance-schedule