Should I change my oil every 6 months or once a year?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by Philip Frame, Feb 16, 2026 at 2:10 PM.

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  1. Philip Frame

    Philip Frame Junior Member

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    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE Premium
    I have a 2023 5th gen Prius plug-in with 13,800 total miles on it. I drive about 6,000 miles a year. I live in a mild climate, temps last year ranged from 33 to 90° with summer temps rarely exceeding 70.

    Most of my driving is in the city, where I almost always use the electric motor. I only use the gas engine about twice a month when I go on the freeway.

    For what it's worth, when I checked the oil it was clean.

    I'm thinking, that under these circumstances, an oil change once a year should be fine.

    Anybody have any thoughts on this?
     
    #1 Philip Frame, Feb 16, 2026 at 2:10 PM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    Similar use, I changed mine every spring
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 16, 2026 at 2:12 PM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    More extreme case but anyway: for our Canadian spec gen 3 Toyota Canada says every 6 months or 8000 kms (roughly 5000 miles), which I followed for about 12 years, while our usage kept dropping off. I would change it every April and October. About 3 years back, one April, I changed the oil, and while entering it in my log, noticed it was barely 1000 kms since the previous change. Year 'round we're lucky to do 3000 kms. Resolved then to go to once a year, every April.

    For your case, even Toyota USA stipulates 10k miles or yearly, though a lot of owners half that. But considering your usage, should be fine.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Feb 16, 2026 at 2:33 PM
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