My Toyota Tundra Has 365,000 Miles And I Made These 3 Changes To Avoid Break Downs

Recently, I saw a discussion in the Toyota Tundra FB Group, in which a Toyota Tundra owner, named Jorge Salazar posted a question about his 2010 V8 Toyota Tundra (seen in the picture of this article), which has reached 200,000 miles and asking how many miles other Toyota Tundra owners have on their vehicles and what are some of the major issues associated with high miles. If you're curious about how long your Toyota Tundra can last, here’s some firsthand advice from a fellow owner, Adam Johansson, who has taken his Tundra all the way to 365,000 miles.

Adam, who responded to Salazar's question,  credits three key maintenance steps for keeping his truck running smoothly, even with such high mileage. His advice is simple, straightforward, and easy to follow, whether you’re a seasoned car owner or someone new to taking care of trucks.

"365,000 miles on my Toyota Tundra. I've owned it since new. I've done lots of fluid and filter changes over the years. Change your radiator every 250,000 miles or with every second timing belt service. Change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles or every 2-3 years. Just pull the plug, drain the 4 quarts in the pan, and refill. Perform regular basic maintenance, and you won't have many breakdowns," Johansson wrote in a reply.

Let's break down these three changes and why they make a difference in keeping your Tundra on the road for hundreds of thousands of miles.

1. Change Your Toyota Tundra's Radiator Every 250,000 Miles

One of the first things Adam recommends is to replace the radiator around every 250,000 miles. It might seem like a big number, but the radiator plays an essential role in your truck’s cooling system, preventing your engine from overheating. Over time, radiators can develop leaks, become clogged, or just stop working as effectively. This can lead to overheating issues, which could cause serious damage to your engine if not addressed.

Adam’s rule of thumb is to change the radiator around every 250,000 miles or during your second timing belt service, which typically happens around 200,000 miles. Proactively changing the radiator helps you avoid the nightmare of engine overheating, which could leave you stranded on the side of the road.

2. Change Your Transmission Fluid Every 30,000 to 40,000 Miles

The second important tip Adam offers is to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles or roughly every two to three years. This is one of those maintenance steps that can often be overlooked, but it's crucial for the health of your transmission.

Transmissions are made up of many moving parts that rely on transmission fluid to keep them lubricated and running smoothly. Over time, the fluid can become dirty or degrade, leading to increased wear on these components. By regularly changing the transmission fluid, you can extend the life of your transmission and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Adam makes it sound easy: “Just pull the plug, drain the four quarts of fluid in the pan, and refill.” This regular fluid change is a simple task that can save you from major headaches, such as transmission failure, which is one of the most expensive parts of a vehicle to repair or replace.

3. Stick to Basic Maintenance

Adam's final piece of advice is to stay on top of basic maintenance. This might sound like common sense, but it’s worth emphasizing because regular, routine maintenance is often the key to avoiding bigger problems. Basic maintenance includes things like changing your oil, replacing filters, rotating your tires, and checking your brakes.

Reagrding the Toyota Tundra oil change, please also see the following article I covered earlier this year: After Owning 37 Trucks I Started Changing The Oil on My Toyota Tundra At These Mileages.

Adam attributes his Tundra’s longevity to doing these simple tasks consistently. By keeping up with oil changes, for example, you ensure your engine is properly lubricated, reducing wear and tear on the engine’s components. Tire rotations can help your tires wear more evenly, extending their life and improving your vehicle’s handling and safety.

Even though these tasks may seem small or routine, they make a big difference over the long run. As Adam puts it, “Do good basic maintenance, and you won’t have a lot of breakdowns.” That’s advice that any car owner can take to heart.

The Importance of Proactive Maintenance for High Mileage Vehicles

Why is this advice so important for high-mileage trucks like Adam’s Tundra? When vehicles start reaching 200,000 miles or more, parts naturally begin to wear out. Proactive maintenance—replacing things before they break—can keep your truck on the road longer and save you money on emergency repairs.

Think of your vehicle like your own health. Regular checkups and taking care of minor issues early on can help prevent major problems later. The same is true for your Tundra. Catching issues early, like worn-out fluids or aging parts, helps ensure that your truck runs efficiently and reliably for years to come.

Why the Toyota Tundra is Built to Last

It’s worth noting that the Toyota Tundra is known for its durability, especially compared to other trucks on the market. Many Tundra owners report their trucks lasting 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Toyota's reputation for building long-lasting, reliable vehicles is one of the reasons so many people choose the Tundra, particularly for heavy-duty work or long-distance driving.

Adam’s Tundra, with its impressive 365,000 miles, is a great example of just how tough these trucks can be. By following his advice, you could get even more life out of your Tundra and avoid the kind of breakdowns that might otherwise leave you stranded.

If you own a Toyota Tundra or any high-mileage vehicle, it’s essential to be proactive about maintenance. Adam Johansson’s experience proves that simple, routine care can go a long way in keeping your truck running for hundreds of thousands of miles. By changing your radiator around every 250,000 miles, regularly replacing your transmission fluid, and sticking to basic maintenance, you can prevent major breakdowns and enjoy the reliability that the Tundra is known for.

So, take it from someone who’s been there - 365,000 miles and counting. With the right maintenance, your Toyota Tundra can keep going strong for many miles to come.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.