Oil change at chain outlets

[pepa]

Due to all the horror stories here and elsewhere about the Toyota dealership Prius scheduled maintenance, I've decided not to go there. Rather, I'd like to take Prius to one of these oil change chains, such as Lube Pros, or Jiffy ...

Does Prius have special oil filter - different from the standard ones? If so - do you know if any of these chains carry it?

Also - what are your overall experiences, as a Prius owner, with these chains? Are these mechanics knowledgeable enough to do the job right?

Thanks.

[jayman]

As Frank Hudon suggested in the Overfill topic, slowly add fresh oil and leave the dipstick out until done. Hopefully you can find generic oil filters from the major chains.

[john1701a]

Those problems have always existed. Prius simply raises awareness.

But now that you know, the info that the oil filter is just an ordinary one used on other non-hybrids from Toyota should be reassuring. So chains should carry it.

[nmrickie]

Personally, I'd rather take mine to the dealer rather than an oil change place. And I'd rather change it myself than take it to the dealer.

[priusham]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nmrickie\";p=\"63773)</div>

Personally, I'd rather take mine to the dealer rather than an oil change place.[/b]

No kidding! These guys acting out of fear based upon Toyota Service "horror stories" must not pay attention to the horror stories of the quick change oil joints!

I take mine, and my chances, to the local Toyota dealer. It costs the same but takes about 15 minutes longer; but I got Toyota branded oil, a Toyota filter, a car wash, and free coffee.

[JShorr]

For those of you who have succesfully helped an oil change (toyota or otherwise) establishment change your oil... could you give me a sort of "script"

in other words: "you need to use X oil. Pour X amount in, wait X minutes, then pour X amount more... etc etc"

Any thoughts?

[removeum]

8) JShorr,

Evertime I have had my Prius serviced it has been at Performance Toyota here in Omaha. The Prius tech. is the only one, that I have seen servicing any of the priuses. I have never found my oil to be overfilled. So no script is needed.

Ben

[JShorr]

Unfortunately I had to drive over an hour to purchase my prius -- and that kind of distance isn't really feasible for a normal oil change (I'll probably make the drive for the "big" inspections).

So, I think I better be prepaired with a "script"...

Anyone else?

[Frank Hudon]

Most of the quick lube places carry genuine make oil filters be it GM, Ford, or Toyota. Stop in and talk to the manager, if you have to, make an appt and ask him to have a genuine Toyota filter in stock for the day you arrive. These are buisness people and if you tell them, if the job they do is right you'll be back for your regular oil changes. You will probably pay a bit more for genuine but if it matters to you do it. Driving 40-60 miles for an oil change, I sure wouldn't do it. Give the local guy a chance, take your owner's manual along in case the data for the Prius isn't in their system. The part number for the genuine Toyota filter is: 90915-YZZA2 I don't have the part number off hand for the gasket for the drain plug. Check http://john1701a.com as he has it listed there.

[JShorr]

I appreciate the oil filter advise, but, I guess I'm more concerned about quantities...

I've read so many posts about people having trouble getting overfilles and, though less common, not enough oil.

I seem to remember someone posting that the proper thing to do is something like 'pour in three bottles of oil, wait 30 minutes then pour in an additional 1/2 bottle of oil'.

?