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First oil change @ 2000 miles

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by JDB, Jun 23, 2013.

  1. JDB

    JDB Junior Member

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    Based on recommendations of others, I plan to the first oil change myself much earlier than the 10k recommended. My prius is approaching 2000 miles. I've already purchased the 5 qt jug from Mobil 1 0W-20 and OEM filter. I plan to have the dealership perform the 10k and 20k oil changes, which I assume they will use the Toyota brand 0w-20.

    So my question is, should I have any concerns about using Mobil 1 from 2k-10k, then switching back to Toyota 0w-20 from 10k-30k? Or should I instead stick with Toyota 0w-20 for the first change? I'm curious if anyone knows any differences between Toyota and Mobil 1 0w-20, and whether there are any issues going with Mobil 1 knowing I would go back to Toyota brand oil soon after. Thanks!
     
    #1 JDB, Jun 23, 2013
  2. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    You won't experience any issues by using Mobil 1 0W20 and then switching to Toyota 0W20 since they are the same viscosity and are good quality synthetic oils.
     
    #2 jadziasman, Jun 23, 2013
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  3. Maroon

    Maroon Member

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    Not sure what "recommendations" you've been getting, but you're really just wasting your time and money changing the oil that early. But yeah, won't hurt anything switching between the two oils.
     
    #3 Maroon, Jun 24, 2013
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    In my area the difference is about $6 per liter ;)
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jun 24, 2013
  5. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Why would you change your oil that early? The oil in your Prius is the break in oil from the Toyota Factory. I would leave it in there till 5k-10k to break down all the components in the engine instead of changing your oil at 2k and not benefiting the oil that was put in by the factory for the purpose of it.

    That's just my opinion, my Prius is almost at 30k with no problems, and my first oil change was at 10k. You're just wasting money just by changing it that early. As for the oil type, Mobile 1 is as good as the dealers oil, so I wouldn't be afraid of any issues arise from it.
     
    #5 NutzAboutBolts, Jun 24, 2013
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  6. JDB

    JDB Junior Member

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    Thanks for the info guys. I was going through the forum and reading several comments about people changing their oil, as early as 1,500 miles. Something about getting the initial break-in crud out early. But good to hear the other side of this argument.
     
    #6 JDB, Jun 24, 2013
  7. JDB

    JDB Junior Member

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    Btw NutzAboutBolts, your videos are awesome! I've watched some to help with my Accord brake work, so appreciate you putting them up for us DIYers!
     
    #7 JDB, Jun 24, 2013
  8. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    LoL... No problem at all! I'm glad to help, it seems like a lot of people have Honda Accord.
     
    #8 NutzAboutBolts, Jun 24, 2013
  9. jack520

    jack520 Member

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    You are wasting your time changing oil sooner than Toyota specifies.

    You think, even for a second that Toyota would set itself for a law suit by scrimping on oil changes?

    No, they would of left them at 5K.

    I have had many Toyotas over the years.... my 98 4runner I changed every 7500 miles with standard oil, at 270,000 miles I had a blown manifold gasket, and a big dent from an oak tree , then my 2002 camry, with 7500 mile oil changes with standard oil for the first 100k miles, then mobil 1 at 10 k intervals for the next 80k, still running, then my 2004 4runner with 10k mobile 1 is at 130,000 miles, all with no troubles.

    Stop worrying about changing the oil so soon.

    You are hurting your wallet, your limited time you have on earth, and generating more waste oil

    And you are not helping your car.

    Just my two cents
     
    #9 jack520, Jul 7, 2013
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    To the OP:

    Assuming you're in the 'States, with the 10000 mile oil change interval: maybe do an initial oil change at 5000 miles? That's the regular, official oil change interval, just north of the border in Canada.

    I really question how much marketing and how much engineering is involved in Toyota's determination of oil change interval, considering the 100 % flip-flop at the 49th parallel...

    Also, I'm sceptical of "break-in oil". Could be, but I suspect it's a myth. ;)
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Jul 7, 2013
  11. JDB

    JDB Junior Member

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    I wonder the same about "break-in oil", but unless we hear it from the horses mouth, not sure we'll ever know...

    I could understand why the OCI in Canada would be 5k though. For cars under what they consider extreme weather conditions, they recommend changing at every 5k. And with Canada under more severe cold weather conditions, it would make sense for Toyota to cover their hinds by suggesting a higher OCI.
     
    #11 JDB, Jul 8, 2013
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