Engine and Inverter Coolant

[IndyDoug]

I've got 50k miles on my '05 Prius. When is a good mileage to change the engine and inverter coolant?

and....

when is a good mileage to change the belts?

Thanks...

[faith2walk]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IndyDoug @ Apr 28 2007, 09:28 PM) [snapback]431905[/snapback]</div>

I've got 50k miles on my '05 Prius. When is a good mileage to change the engine and inverter coolant?

and....

when is a good mileage to change the belts?

Thanks... [/b]

I have over 105k on my prius and they recommended that I only do a fluid flush (both of them) at the 100k mark, it cost be just under $400. They also inspected everything else (shock, struts, filters, brakes, oil, transmission, belts, battery) and decided that all I really needed was new filters. They mentioned that the brakes still had more than 60% life left, and the belts looked to be in good condition, no cracks, no nothing.

A lot may depend on the climate in which you drive, or where your car primarily lives. Also, when you bought your car may make difference. I have put all my miles on in the last 13 months (was brand new) and so it is highly unlikely that it would deteriorate in 1 year, but 3-5 years, and 100k might be too much.

If you are worried about it, then by all means have someone take a look at it, since it usually doesn't cost you anything to have it inspected, and any mechanic can do that.

[tochatihu]

For the new model Prius using SLLC coolant, the first change is supposed to be at 100k miles with 50k intervals subsequently. This is an increase from the classic Prius using LLC, with 30k intervals throughout.

Both coolant loops are merely drained; there is no 'flush'. I am suspicious of any provider trying to sell that. Both loops offer some challenges in terms of bleeding out air in the refill, but even some DIYs have succeeded.

Both models of Prius have only one serpentine belt. Replaced when someone who knows how to recognize significant wear says so. There are also several rubber hoses for coolant. Mine are still originals 105 k miles and approaching 7 years, but they won't last forever.