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Help with recommended service?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Meri, Dec 3, 2014.

  1. Meri

    Meri New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Hello,

    Please let me preface this by saying neither my husband nor I are car people so I usually just go along with what my service advisor suggests, but I am starting to second guess whether or not I am getting ripped off. I would appreciate any advice you can offer - I have a 2010 Prius that just hit 97k miles, and have been on top of getting it serviced every 5k (non oil-change interval) and 10k miles.

    That being said, this is what I am being told I need to do this time around, to the tune of $445...or, 445 reasons I am putting the brakes on before I confirm my appointment :)

    - 4 wheel tire balance (last done @ 79k)
    - Front end alignment (last done @ 79k)
    - Brake flush (last done @ 61k)
    - 90k service without the oil change which pretty much seems to be a multi-point inspection.

    I haven't noticed any pulling, or had any trouble with the car whatsoever so I am wondering if all this is necessary. Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
     
  2. Yakoma

    Yakoma Active Member

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    Refer to your Owner's manual for the maintenance intervals and service. Don't take the service advisor at face value...he probably works on commission. Don't know if the Gen III board has this, but you can see the Gen II board for this reference What services you need and what you don't | PriusChat

    Personally, I don't see why you would need a brake flush after 30K. (Disregard my personal opinion there...follow the Owners' Manual as folks have noted below). Balance should be done at each rotation - I do mine with a lifetime service at Discount Tire. All the rest could be done more cheaply than the dealer's $445.
     
    #2 Yakoma, Dec 3, 2014
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2014
  3. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    4 wheel tire balance only if you feel your vehicle vibrates at 60+ miles, if not, then don't waste your money on it.

    Front end alignment, only if you feel the car is drifting and not going straight when you don't hold onto the steering wheels. Also if you noticed wear and tear on your tires, such as inner and/or outer tire wears that bald down to the wire or uneven wear on your tires.

    Brake flush do every 3 years, it doesn' tneed to be changed every 60k.

    90k service is bs, just change your engine air filter, and cabin air filter. Also oil change every 10k miles.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    30,000 mile (or 3 years) interval is what the Canadian 2014 Prius Owner's Manual Supplement calls for. (It says 48,000 kms, same difference)

    To be fair, Honda typically says change brake fluid every 3 year, with no mileage limit.

    Also, with the cabin and engine filter, don't just change them without inspecting first. Even the maintenance schedule says this. They are expensive items, and depending on your environment could well have more life in them. Just saying: it's never mandatory to replace the filters, especially if they're in good shape still.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Dec 3, 2014
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2014
  5. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    I think your "spidy sense" is serving you well.

    Consult your owners manual.
    It sounds like they talked you into doing some of the ~100K items early.......and now are trying to get you to pay for them AGAIN.

    Things like coolant and brake fluid and transmission fluid (if your model even has that) need to be changed occasionally but ABSOLUTELY no need to pay extra for a "flush" because that often is just a big ripoff.
     
  6. Meri

    Meri New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Thank you all SO much for your help! I called off my tentative service appointment and will be looking into going to Discount for the balancing in a couple of weeks. Also I really appreciate the link to the Gen II board listing, I spent a couple of hours reading through that (quiet week at work :p) and feel much better prepared for the next time I do go to the dealer.

    Again, thank you guys!!