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low miles to high miles switch

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by jry423, May 6, 2015.

  1. jry423

    jry423 Member

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    Hi! I'm typically a pretty low mileage driver. I've got a 5 mile commute to work, and my car is basically used only on solo trips. My wife has a Chevy Traverse that we use on longer trips and family outings since we have five kids.
    I'm going back to school to get my masters, most of the classes are able to be done online, but there is one section that will require me to drive to class 2-3 days a week, depending on the semester. It's 126 miles each way, so about 750 miles a week, plus the rest of my normal driving will average to about 800 miles a week for the next 2 years. It's a year round program, with summer session being 2 days a week, the rest is 3...
    Long story short, I'll have about 80,000 miles on the car by the time I'm done, and that's not counting my occasional road trips I take for runs, etc. Is there anything I should do differently for this kind of mileage? It'll mostly be interstate, 70-75mph, except the first 20 miles from home is state route, so it's 55mph.
    I do have extended warranty on the car, which will be expired at 60,000 miles I believe.
    Should I do oil and filter change every 5,000 miles, or am I okay to stretch them out to 10-15k? I don't want to over maintain, but I don't want to neglect, either.
    Also, is it possible to add xm to factory radio, or no?
     
    #1 jry423, May 6, 2015
  2. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    Your car will be fine using the standard maintenance interval of 10,000 miles on 0W-20 full synthetic.
     
    #2 FuelMiser, May 6, 2015
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #3 JimboPalmer, May 6, 2015
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  4. jry423

    jry423 Member

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    Should I cancel the extended warranty then?
     
    #4 jry423, May 6, 2015
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes.
     
    #5 bisco, May 6, 2015
    Priusguy78213 and WE0H like this.
  6. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    YES
     
    #6 mrbigh, May 6, 2015
  7. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    Use your cruise control and Auto A/C windows up! Higher speeds and longer drive you will find wind resistance your greatest mileage obstacle. Clean your cabin air filter and the synthetic oil every 10,000 is a must with the best oil filter you can find (Bosch and Castrol Edge)


    Sen
     
    #7 Paul Schenck, May 8, 2015
  8. John Bergendahl

    John Bergendahl Member

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    Oil every 10000 oops I been changing every 5k with 0w20. I'm at 30k have not did trans fluid yet.bolts probably going to be pain to get loose .
     
    #8 John Bergendahl, Jul 5, 2015
  9. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    I wouldn't max it til 10k miles for long commutes like that. Maybe 6k-8k miles for me. 10k is only recommended if you do light driving. 126 mile commutes aren't!

    Also, don't forget tire rotations every oil change. And car wash lol.
     
    #9 nicoj36, Jul 6, 2015
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'd disagree, say a longer oil change interval is more appropriate for a car consistently doing long drives. The oil tends to get fully warmed, lasts longer than with a car doing lots of short drives.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Jul 6, 2015
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  11. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    Not for me, once I hit 6k-8k I start to feel less performance and mpg, and I personally don't prefer to max out on things just cause someone says I can. You may check your oil too if its still clean or dirty at that rate. I do 800 mile roundtrip commutes every 2 weeks from South and North California, and occasional drives to Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. I wouldn't feel comfortable driving those with an 8k old oil. But then again it's personal preference.
     
    #11 nicoj36, Jul 6, 2015
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  12. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    I've done my last oil change on my 2005 I'll be replacing the engine when it hits 400,000. You can throw out $35. Of perfectly good synthetic oil or just change the oil filter and add a quart.
    I suppose I might have gotten 800,000 miles on it if I had changed it at 5000 miles but that is just scary thinking, right?


    iPhone ?
     
    #12 Paul Schenck, Jul 9, 2015
  13. John Bergendahl

    John Bergendahl Member

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    I'm programmed on the 5000 mile oil change just peace of mind I guess,I'm going to ride till battery acts up.hopefully by time I need one the market for them is more cheaper and reliable ...
     
    #13 John Bergendahl, Jul 11, 2015
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