Do I have to take the Prius to the dealer for its first tune-up?

chubert · 06-30-2008, 01:14 PM

I bought my 2008 Prius in March and it now has reached the 5000 mile mark. A first tune-up/oil change is required.

Questions: Should I take it to a Toyota dealer to have this done, or can my local Shell station mechanic do this? In general, is there any specific advantage to having the Prius serviced by a dealer?

Thanks!

Marlin · 06-30-2008, 01:18 PM

No tune-up is required. Just oil change. Anyone can do it, but keep the receipt as proof.

chubert · 06-30-2008, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlin

No tune-up is required. Just oil change. Anyone can do it, but keep the receipt as proof.

Thanks for the info... in this case, I think I'll have my local mechanic do the oil change.

Do you know if these mechanics know how to "reset" the MAINT REQD light?

AdamKPL · 06-30-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubert

Thanks for the info... in this case, I think I'll have my local mechanic do the oil change.

Do you know if these mechanics know how to "reset" the MAINT REQD light?

the mechanic might not know how, you do though:

Reset Maintenance Light On Dash

chubert · 06-30-2008, 01:29 PM

Thanks, everyone, for the quick replies!

What a great forum!

dwdean · 06-30-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubert

Do you know if these mechanics know how to "reset" the MAINT REQD light?

You can also look in your owner's manual. Yes, the procedure is right there in black and white in the section called "Maintenance You Can Do Yourself."

The link that AdamKPL gave is also good....

richard schumacher · 06-30-2008, 06:08 PM

I tend toward a dealer because they have usually know how to start, drive, and stop a Prius. And the quicky places have a terrible rep for carelessness, and often they're no cheaper.

No matter who changes the oil, *always* look under the hood and check the oil level yourself before driving away. It's easy, and it can prevent a lot of expensive trouble.

misslexi · 06-30-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard schumacher

I tend toward a dealer because they have usually know how to start, drive, and stop a Prius. And the quicky places have a terrible rep for carelessness, and often they're no cheaper.

No matter who changes the oil, *always* look under the hood and check the oil level yourself before driving away. It's easy, and it can prevent a lot of expensive trouble.

I second that: I finally gave up on quick lube places. Tools left under the hood, under tightening filters and drain plugs (leaks), forget about washing the car first, they'll get palm prints all over it. The list goes on.

jburelle · 06-30-2008, 09:59 PM

Are you saying no tune-ups ever?

jelloslug · 07-01-2008, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jburelle

Are you saying no tune-ups ever?

Modern cars don't really have "tune-ups" any more. There is nothing to adjust under the hood. Fluids and filters are what you mostly have to take care of along with the occasional set of spark plugs and timing belt.

06-30-2008, 01:14 PM	#1
chubert Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California Posts: 3 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Do I have to take the Prius to the dealer for its first tune-up? I bought my 2008 Prius in March and it now has reached the 5000 mile mark. A first tune-up/oil change is required. Questions: Should I take it to a Toyota dealer to have this done, or can my local Shell station mechanic do this? In general, is there any specific advantage to having the Prius serviced by a dealer? Thanks!

06-30-2008, 01:18 PM	#2
Marlin Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 1,405 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Do I have to take the Prius to the dealer for its first tune-up? No tune-up is required. Just oil change. Anyone can do it, but keep the receipt as proof.

06-30-2008, 01:29 PM	#5
chubert Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California Posts: 3 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Do I have to take the Prius to the dealer for its first tune-up? Thanks, everyone, for the quick replies! What a great forum!

06-30-2008, 06:08 PM	#7
richard schumacher nacreous lacquer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 4,096 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Do I have to take the Prius to the dealer for its first tune-up? I tend toward a dealer because they have usually know how to start, drive, and stop a Prius. And the quicky places have a terrible rep for carelessness, and often they're no cheaper. No matter who changes the oil, always look under the hood and check the oil level yourself before driving away. It's easy, and it can prevent a lot of expensive trouble.

06-30-2008, 09:59 PM	#9
jburelle Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicopee, MA Posts: 3 My Car: 2003 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Do I have to take the Prius to the dealer for its first tune-up? Are you saying no tune-ups ever?

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