Oil Change Recommendations?

Based on other PriusChat forums, I see that 5W-30 is the oil to use for gen 2. I don't know what I use in my gen 2 and I know to use synthetic in my gen 4. I'd look on Yelp for an independent car shop, not mechanic. I stopped using my Toyota dealer years ago (scammers) and went to an independent shop that specializes in Japanese and American cars.

 

Anyone can change the oil in a Prius, it's the same as any other car. (It's also a fairly simple and safe DIY project.) Shop around for price, use coupons, etc. They'll try to sell you other services from wipers to transmissions.

At this point you should be checking the oil level on the dipstick every other gas fill up. Aging Priuses have been know to start burning oil while otherwise running perfectly. In fact, look at it before you get it changed. If it's near the lower mark, it's consumed nearly 1.5 quarts, over a third of the capacity, and you'll need to keep it topped off in the future.

 

given the choice of toyota and jiffy lube, i would choose toyota. that being said, i use the local gas station mech. he's conscientious, although not cheap. i think my gen 2 oil changes were around $40. - $50.
check your o/m, you got 2 ait filters, tyre rotation and also plugs and fluids coming soon. and serpentine belt/water pump?

 

IMO, never use Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys, Valvoline, etc. The dealer at least won't trash your car.

 

Just beware of those free "30 point inspections." Many times, that's when they come up with all the phony crap, unnecessary services, rip-offs, etc.

Do you have the original maint manual? (Or you can find it online.) If nothing is obviously broke, or leaking, and it drives ok, no strange sounds.... why not just do what it recommends in your manual?

 

Then you are good to go. Find a mechanic or dealer that you like, and ask for the oil viscosity that the manual specifies.

And what happen to the $29.95 "express" oil change?! I get things in the mail from the dealer, and it now costs 60 bucks!

 

i pay $90. for an earl change.

 

What is that?

It used to mean maintenance of the distributor and new spark plugs, but now there's electronic ignition and long life plugs, it doesn't really mean anything.

 

en tune up.

 

Agree with above...avoid Fast Lubes/ Jiffy Lube etc.
(Main issue seems to be a specific wrench for a Prius oil filter.)
Check your owner manual in regards to "dino" or synthetic oil and what viscosity.

My local dealer is always running oil change specials. I believe it is $39.95 or so...maybe less.

DIY Costs
5 quarts = 30
Filter = 10
Drain plug seal = 1
Environmental waste fee = 5
Plus you may need that special filter wrench.

Have fun.

 

Sharpening my pencil, and in Canadian dollars:

4.2 liters: $18.90 (Toyo 0W20 bulk @ $4.50 per liter)
Filter: $8.53
Drain bolt washer: $2.20 (a bit much )

No additional charges, environmental for example.

I'm using an old Honda filter socket, same dimensions, works fine.

 

Go to the dealer and buy a couple of OEM oil filters. There like $4 a piece. I would buy a new pan bolt. There only $4 each too. You never know how beat up the existing bolt is. Its a sacrificial threaded bolt. I change mine about every 5 changes.
Go to Walmart buy a jug of 5 quart Mobil 1 5-30 for $24.95.
A G2 Prius takes 3.5 quarts so every other change will be free. Just don't give the whole jug to the dealer as he'll put the whole thing in. They don't speak Englash back in the oil change dept at the dealer.
I would pour 1.5 quarts into a container at home no matter where I took it. Then in the morning after all the oil has drained back check it before you start the car.

The last 3 changes I have used Redline Motor 5-30 oil which is very high performance oil and has a ZDDP package in it which our solid tappet car really likes. Really quiets this clakity motor down and runs very smoothly and has essentially stopped my minor oil loss issue at 96K miles. It touts a operating temp of 40 weight.

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Red Line 5W30 Synthetic Oil - 1 Quart, Pack of 12

 

I have always done my own oil changes, but now with two new cars, I can't! My wife's Subaru has a lifetime power train warranty that they will void (after the manufacturer's warranty runs out) if I change that oil myself. My Prius Dealer does "free" oil changes for as long as I own my 2016 Prius (but only at 10k mile intervals so I can sneak in fresh syn oil at the 5k mile point).

JeffD

 

Somebody is giving you incorrect info. The 1975 Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act, as I understand it, states among other things that if a warrantee requires service be performed by the dealer, then that service must be provided free of charge.

I presume the dealer is using synthetic oil. If so, there's no reason to change your oil at 5K miles -- 10K is more than adequate.

 

As said, your warranty cannot be voided if you, or someone else competent, does the oil change. You had just better keep all receipts, tear a flap off the new filter box and write down the day and miles when it is changed.

DIY oil change for me on my GENII:

$5 for a Toyota Filter

$10 (more or less) for Castrol Dino

$1 for paper towels (HAHA)

$15/$16 total USD.

I have a Fumoto valve, so no need for washers, etc.

Used oil can be left at the curb

 

Funny, I've never had a language barrier talking to the multi-ethnic folks at our dealership, and I don't know Punjabi, Farsi, Cantonese...