Owning any vehicle requires a certain level of maintenance. While Toyotas usually require less maintenance than other makes, some parts will need to be replaced over time. Here are seven parts that you’re going to need to replace at some point over the life of your vehicle. We’ve also included the average cost of repair by a mechanic for each part.  These examples are based on a 2010 Toyota Camry with the 3.5L V6. 

Serpentine Belt

Toyota serp belt

Typical Replacement Cost (parts and labor): From $150 to $300

OEM Part Cost Only: Approximately $50-$60 per belt.

The serpentine belt, also called the drive belt, turns the pulleys on your engine accessories. This is vital to keep the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning functioning.

Serpentine belts don’t wear quickly, and under ideal conditions, they should last up to 100,000 miles. An aging belt may begin slipping and squeaking. If it breaks, you’ll notice right away as your car will stop running. 

Intake Air Filter

Toyota cabin air filter

Typical Replacement Cost (parts and labor): $40 – $75, only some dealers install them for free.

OEM Part Cost Only: As little as $20 and a very easy DIY project

An intake air filter is your engine’s first line of defense against contaminants. A clear filter keeps fuel economy and engine performance at its peak. For this reason, the most common sign of a faulty filter is a decrease in fuel economy and performance. Toyota recommends replacement every 30,000 miles or 36 months under normal conditions and every 15,000 miles or 18 months in a dusty environment.

Fuel Filter

Toyota fuel filter

(Note: Photo is representative of a fuel filter, but may not be the exact filter for the application.)

Typical Replacement Cost (parts and labor): $150 -$250

OEM Part Cost Only: As little as $35. 

Your Toyota’s fuel filter is responsible for filtering out contaminants from the fuel tank before they are able to travel to the engine. A fuel filter that’s reached the end of its life will cause your Camry to run poorly. It may run well at light throttle, but you’ll have a notable power loss when accelerating. In extreme cases, your Toyota will perform as if it is running out of gas. Replacing the fuel filter is not overly complex, but does require lowering the gas tank. 

Brake Pads

Toyota brake pads

Typical Replacement Cost (parts and labor): $150-$250 per set of OEM pads

OEM Part Cost Only: Approximatley $40 to $80 per set, depending on whether they are for the front or rear brakes. See our full collection of OEM Toyota brake pads here.

Brake pads create friction with the rotor that slows the wheel. These are vital for safely stopping. If they wear too far, you’ll experience problems with braking and damage the rotors. Replacement intervals vary greatly based on they type of driving you do. You’ll know when it’s time to replace them because they create a high pitch squealing when they are almost worn out.

NOTE: It’s extremely important to use OEM brake pads on your vehicle, as they’re designed to work with your factory rotors, calipers, etc. If you use aftermarket pads, you can experience diminished braking power, increased pad or rotor wear, increased brake dust, etc.

Cabin Air Filter

Toyota cabin filter

Typical Replacement Cost (parts and labor): Up to $75

OEM Part Cost Only: As little as $34 and a very easy DIY project. 

Cabin air filters keep contaminants out of the cabin and catch dust, pollen, and other pollutants that can make for a miserable ride. When replacement is needed, you’ll notice reduced HVAC flow and bad odors in the car. Replacement is needed about every 15k miles, or less if you live in an area with poor air quality.

Oil And Oil Filter

Toyota oil filters

Typical Replacement Cost: Approximately $60-$100, including the oil change.

OEM Part Cost Only: You can buy an OE oil filter for $6, but you want to buy a half dozen to make the shipping charges worthwhile.

Oil filters catch nasty contaminants that could severely damage your engine — including oil sludge and metal shavings. Replacing the engine oil and filter regularly is needed to ensure effective lubrication and prolong the life of the engine. It’s recommended that you change your oil and oil filter between 3,000 – 5,000 miles or every 3 - 6 months. It’s hard to tell when it’s time for replacement as there are no real symptoms. If you notice the oil is very dark on the dipstick, it's probably time for an oil change.

Tires

Toyota tires

Typical Replacement Cost: $125-$200 per tire, plus mounting and balancing costs

OEM Part Cost Only: Your local Toyota dealer is actually a great place to find affordable tires.*

They’re expensive to replace, but replacing tires is a reality of owning a vehicle. A replacement will depend on what type of tire you choose to use and what kind of terrain you drive on. You’ll need to replace them as soon as the tread is worn to the wear bars, or if they ever become damaged.

*NOTE: Toyota buys tires in bulk nationwide and ships them to their dealers at a substantially discounted rate compared to your local tire shop…Toyota is literally buying millions of tires and sending them to their dealers using the same distribution system they already have for parts. The bottom line is that tire prices are often very good at your local dealership. Check them out.