Oil Changes and Self Inspections

[Latetom]

I am not a mechanic. We are going to drive our 2014 4Runner in Australia for five months, ship our 4Runner to Singapore and over the next 12 months drive to Turkey. We want to get there with the least amount of down time do to mechanical failure.

I would like recommendation and suggestions on what this non-mechanic should do to stay on the road.

Daily Inspection:
General Walk Around Inspection

My Weekly Inspection List:
Check Tire Pressure and Tires
Check Oil Level
Check Coolant Level
Check Washer Fluid Tank Level
Check Brake Fluid Level
Check Power Steering Fluid Level
Check Exterior of Radiator (& Clean)
Visual Inspection of Batteries (2 each)

Montly Inspection
Visual Inspection Air Filter
Check Belt Tension & Condition
Visual Inspection of Hoses
Check Front & Rear Lights

Finally, will (hopefully) take to Toyota Service Center every 5,000 miles for Maintenance per Warranty & Maintenance Guide.

Note: Toyota recommends changing the oil every 5,000 miles when driving with a roof rack. It 5,000 oil changes necessary? If not, how many miles between changes?

Thanks.

 

[Adventurous]

How many miles are currently on your truck?

 

[Dalko43]

5k oil changes were recommended for the early 4runners (2010-2013), but Toyota recently changed their recommended intervals to ~10k for the newer models...seeing as how the engines between the different years are pretty much the same, I'd say that 10k recommendation should work just fine for your Toyota, of course YMMV depending on what kind of driving, towing, climates your engine is dealing with. So if you think that you might be working your engine quite hard, you might want to plan for an oil change somewhere along your journey, or at least have the supplies for adding/replacing oil in case of an emergency.

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms-s/T-MMS-144Runner/pdf/2014_Toyota_4Runner_WMG_lr.pdf

That aside, your weekly and monthly check lists look like a good start...I honestly can't think of anything else off the top of my head. Your mileage I'm guessing is still relatively low, so I don't think you need to check/replace your transmission, transfer case fluid or differential oil yet.

Maybe also check your radiator fluid for any kind of debris or rust flakes but if your fluids are still relatively new, that shouldn't be an issue.

This trip of yours sounds awesome, but have you considered the idea of buying a used 4x4 diesel rig in Australia, perhaps one that is already lightly modified, and driving it for your grand adventure? I'm know the gasoline 4runner is sold and supported overseas, but where you're going the 4x4 diesels, especially toyotas, are very popular and well supported in terms of parts/repairs and fuel. When you're done you should be able to sell it back without much of a hassle or depreciation due to the popularity of those types of vehicles....just a thought.

 

[p nut]

Am I the only one nervous for this guy, having no mechanical aptitude, heading into the outback of Australia?
_
You need more than just an internet cram session, my friend. I would join a local Toyota club, or meet up with some folks here (in the regional forum), and get some hands-on experience on at least basic maintenance/repair items. What will you do if you break an axle deep in the bush?
_
That said, I am jealous of your trip. Have fun and good luck.

 

[Pilat]

I'm not really nervous on their behalf.. I assume they will have a means of communicating, bring plenty of water, and in general not go "wheeling" so they break axles.

 

[Latetom]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts.
1) 2014 Toyota 4Runner with 38,000 miles and it spent three weeks with Exploration Outfitters who among other things changed fluids, hoses, and a belt.

2) I out lined Phase 1 of our trip above and this is a five year around the world trip. Phase 1 drive will cover approximately 41,163 miles with 1,074 hours behind the wheel per Google maps. I am guessing six to eight oil changes and a visit to a dealership at least every 10,000 miles.

3) Australians drive on the wrong side of the road and most of the countries we will drive through drive as we do in the US; so buying a truck/SUV in Australia and outfitting it and then driving around the world didn't make a lot sense to us.

4) My Toyota maintenance manual calls out for oil changes every 5,000 miles if you have a rack. I am thinking 5,000 miles when in dusty, hot or other wearing conditions but otherwise 7,500 to 8,000 miles.

5) Having done a quick check most countries have Toyota dealerships in large cities and it is my intention to use these dealerships.

6) Although I am not anywhere close to being a mechanic I did drive a seven year old Jeep from Texas to the end of the road in Panama (road runs out at the Darian Gap -- see Google Maps) in 2011. Great 4.5 month trip (one way) and one of my wife's cousin went as far as Belize and the rest of the trip was on my own.

7) If I break an axle -- time to pull out the "inReach" and call out for help. We are 65 & 68 years young and are expedition driving not 4-wheel off road exploring. (Taking tent and 2 sleeping bags for those times we make a mistake and end up without a B&B, hostel, or cheap hotel. 12 years ago we carried two backpacks and traveled South America for 5 months without staying in a US hotel -- the buses were great but believe the 4Runner will allow us more independence.)

8) Plans are to keep the 4Runner until we return to Texas.

Any other thoughts and recommendations?

 

[p nut]

...7) If I break an axle -- time to pull out the "inReach" and call out for help. We are 65 & 68 years young and are expedition driving not 4-wheel off road exploring....

Some "regular roads" in Australia, Asia and Mid East is 4-wheel off road exploring. My point is to educate yourself, at least with basic repairs before heading out. inReach and other electronic gizmo's are fine and dandy, but like anything else, they can break. Or just not work. Learning how to replace an axle, plug a tire, properly use a winch and hi-lift, etc. should be #1 priority, for the safety of you and your wife.
_
Either way, good luck in your travels.

 

[CabinFever]

I am not a mechanic. We are going to drive our 2014 4Runner in Australia for five months, ship our 4Runner to Singapore and over the next 12 months drive to Turkey. We want to get there with the least amount of down time do to mechanical failure.

I would like recommendation and suggestions on what this non-mechanic should do to stay on the road.

Daily Inspection:
General Walk Around Inspection

My Weekly Inspection List:
Check Tire Pressure and Tires
Check Oil Level
Check Coolant Level
Check Washer Fluid Tank Level
Check Brake Fluid Level
Check Power Steering Fluid Level
Check Exterior of Radiator (& Clean)
Visual Inspection of Batteries (2 each)

Montly Inspection
Visual Inspection Air Filter
Check Belt Tension & Condition
Visual Inspection of Hoses
Check Front & Rear Lights

Finally, will (hopefully) take to Toyota Service Center every 5,000 miles for Maintenance per Warranty & Maintenance Guide.

Note: Toyota recommends changing the oil every 5,000 miles when driving with a roof rack. It 5,000 oil changes necessary? If not, how many miles between changes?

Thanks.

I bought a 2015 4runner about 8 months ago and asked about the 10,000 oil changes. I did some research and the consensus is that is is fine with the new 0w20 Synthetic oil they are using on all of the Toyotas now.

Sounds like you have plenty of experience so have fun. I'm jealous.