Started Doing The $829 15k Service...

Started Doing My $829 15k Service...

I have almost 15k on my 2011 so I am preparing for the upcoming scheduled service.

So far I have planned for and have begun to do the following items. Bare with me as I explain my ridiculous list:

1) New Tires. The original Avid S33d tires have greatly deteriorated in wet braking and traction since new. My local chain tire shop is giving me $50/tire in trade-in credit towards a new set of Michelin Primacy MXV4. Total out-the-door cost for the new tires is $340.

2) Transaxle Drain and Refill. I have a lead foot and Monterey does not have the flattest terrain. I usually service transmissions every 15k anyway and the Prius CVT is simple and inexpensive to service. Next time at 30k, when the weather is warmer, I may do it myself and make a video for everyone. Cost: $79, for Lusicous Garage to perform this service.

3) Fuel System Cleaning. I have found that adding a potent in-tank fuel system cleaner every 3 to 4,000 miles results in improved drivability. No increase in fuel economy though. I use Gumout Regane High Mileage 2X, which is $5 from Walmart.

4) Alignment. I purchased a Firestone Lifetime Alignment Policy when the car was new. The dealer has aligned the car before, but this will be the first visit to Firestone. The dealer's last alignment was not as exact as I would like, so with the new tire purchase, now is a good time to recheck the alignment and properly center the steering wheel. Cost: $120 (initial cost for the lifetime alignment plan)

5) New Headlight Bulbs. I did the H9 bulb conversion back at 5,000 miles, but I can tell the bulbs are approaching the end of their life since the brightness has noticeably decreased. My headlights are on about 95% of the time. So to fix this, I will install new pair of modified H9 bulbs. Cost: $25.

6) Two new wheel covers, for the left-front and the left-rear. I learned the hard way that the slightest contact with the car wash tunnel's wheel rail will result in a cracked wheel cover since our wheel covers have no lip. Cost: $85 for two brand new "take off" covers.

7) New right-front wheel and wheel cover. I scraped against a curb very gently and the rim had a slight scuff. Cost: $155 for a new take-off wheel and cover, and cost of mounting + TPMS rebuild kit.

8) 15k service inspections, which are covered by Toyotacare.

9) New Cabin Air Filter. The old filter is fairly dirty. I will install a new charcoal filter this time to remove odors. Cost: $20 for a Fram FreshBreeze filter.

Total: $829.

Is there anything I should add to the list?

 

I cannot quote multiple posts since I am on my phone, but here are some answers:

- Yes, I am aware of the 10% mileage loss with the Primacy MXV4 tires. Traction and safety are priorities to me .

- Hunters alignment racks have the new codelink adapter that will perform the zero point calibration without needing Techstream. Any reputable shop should have added this device to their alignment system by now.

- The rear axle sits on toe correcting bushings that must be centered before the vehicle is aligned. I honestly doubt that the shims are needed since my rear toe was perfect at the last alignment system. Using those shims are a last resort option that I would really try to avoid.

MB860 ?

 

I had the new tires installed yesterday. After 125 miles, here is what I have found so far. The old Avid S33d tires I took off had 7/32" remaining:

- Dry braking. The tires feel a lot more sticky and braking feel is greatly improved. It is easier to modulate the brake pedal. I also feel the car stops much sooner and more smoothly.

- Handling. Less body lean on overpasses.

- Straightline stability. I used to always fear side-swiping the car in the lane next to me because the car would wander slightly. This is not true anymore, since these new tires actually grip the road and the car feels very solid.

- Road noise. Greatly reduced.

- Ride quality. Impacts are less harsh and the tires feel a bit "cushier," though this seems to be decreasing as more miles accumulate.

- Fuel economy. So far I am seeing a 5% loss. I am average exactly 44 per the computer. Usually I would expect a 46 mpg average with the Avid S33d tires.

I am using 37F/35R for tire pressures, which is exactly the same as what I used for the Avid S33d. I found this combination to be the best balance between stability, braking performance and handling.