Safe jacking points?

[lil_red_Prius]

I have a new Prius. I wanted to give it the first 3000 mile oil change myself. I've been doing my own on vehicles for many years.

I have a floor, 3 1/2 ton hydraulic jack.

Where are the safe jacking points on the front? The manual seem to be pointing to spots inward from the wheels. Frankly, the car is too short for me to actually get my jack slid all the way to that point?

When you are fixing a flat, where's the jacking points? Right along the edge of the frame, just behind the wheel?

I want to do this right without hurting my baby! Photos or detailed description would help

[McShemp]

Originally Posted by lil_red_Prius

I have a new Prius. I wanted to give it the first 3000 mile oil change myself. I've been doing my own on vehicles for many years.

I have a floor, 3 1/2 ton hydraulic jack.

Where are the safe jacking points on the front? The manual seem to be pointing to spots inward from the wheels. Frankly, the car is too short for me to actually get my jack slid all the way to that point?

When you are fixing a flat, where's the jacking points? Right along the edge of the frame, just behind the wheel?

I want to do this right without hurting my baby! Photos or detailed description would help

I think you could do an oil change without lifting the car, but that takes a lot of "braille" work. I suggest you get yourself a set of ramps. They make changing the oil a breeze.

[bat4255]

This link should help, look under Info, oil change.
John's Stuff - Toyota Prius and more

As for a flat, does the manual show anything?

[David Beale]

For changing a wheel (flat) there are notches on the side sill weld tabs. The jack (scissor jack that comes with the car) goes there. One just behind the front wheel, and one just ahead of the rear wheel on each side. If you want to use a floor jack there you should make an adapter so you don't bend the weld tab.

For oil changes, just use a small ramp - I use 2X8s with one 2X4 under one end. You can actually do the oil change without the ramps too. You may need the "socket type" oil filter wrench. Or an oil filter wrench that turns 90 deg. (it's a tight space around the filter). Once you remove the original oil filter, if you're careful you won't need a wrench for the rest of the changes.

Toyota says you should change the oil drain plug gasket each time you change the oil. I find this extreme overkill. Do purchase one or two and keep them in the car, "just in case" you break or loose one.

[firepa63]

Use ramps ... much safer.

[seasalsa]

When I change my oil I use the jacking point just behind the left front wheel to raise the car so the drain plug is the lowest point of the pan.

I use jack stands and place a stand near the front jacking point so I can move the jack to the rear and rotate the left side tires while the oil drains.

[dogfriend]

See this thread for diagrams and photos

Jacking / Lifting points on your Prius