DIY visual inspection for dummies

The "front differential oil" should be ignored. That is the same as the transaxle ATF.

Regarding the transaxle drain and fill plug washers, you are supposed to replace them each time the plugs are removed. However I think it is safe to reuse them at least once, perhaps more if you want to save the cost of new washers.

The fuel line runs from the fuel tank up to the engine compartment. If you don't smell gasoline fumes I would not worry about that.

Inspect the radiator, engine coolant pump, and hoses for leaks, you would see pinkish or whitish stains. Inspect the air conditioner plumbing for oil leaks. No pressure gauge is required.

The Prius does not have a supercharger so there is no intercooler. Another example of the poor editing of that generic list.

Is this part metal or plastic (rust concern)?

A few months ago when the guys did the state inspection they jacked up the car and scraped off some rubber coating near the front jack point:

At first I thought the exposed gray material was just plastic but more recently when I did the 30K mile visual inspection (tons of pics to follow) I looked at it again and was no longer sure whether it is plastic or metal. The concern is that if it is metal then I should paint it to prevent rust.

Some scraping happened on the other side of the car as well:


Anyone knows whether it is plastic or metal? Thanks!

Probably steel, but you can hit it with a tool to see if it sounds like metal or plastic.

See if a magnet sticks to it.

Thanks! I did tap it with my finger nail but yes a metal tool will be better.

Now I feel really dumb. Duh!

Update: Magnet shows it being metal. I am thinking a layer of touch up paint then plastic dip on top. Any other suggestions?

30K front brake pads: I took better pictures through the hole this time: right side:





Left side:




Plenty of pads left so far.