First oil change

I recommend telling them not to overfill it, that can cause a lot of problems with this particular engine. If you use the search function you can find a lot of information on that subject. 3.5 quarts would be much better than 4, I always leave it below the full mark by a 1/4 inch or so.

 

10W30 may well have been just right for the previous vehicles, but you are in 5W30 territory now. Dipstick hard to read because the oil is only slightly colored (unrelated to viscosity). In Prius you will find that it does not darken up very quickly either.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stanlwyjohn @ Nov 27 2006, 06:12 PM) [snapback]354597[/snapback]</div>

At normal operating temps, a 5W-30 and 10W-30 have virtually identical viscosity. Even at the extended HTHS test procedure (150 C, high shear rates) the results are very close.

At lower temps the differences in viscosity become apparent, especially at frigid temps. FWIW I used Mobil 1 0W-20 last winter with very good oil analysis results, and am using it again this winter. But only 3.4 litres of it.

Four quarts is too much. Not enough to blow up your motor, but enough to have a minor influence on fuel economy and possible intake manifold deposits over time. Most auto parts stores carry a siphon kit with tubing small enough to fit into the dipstick tube, try to siphon out 200-400 ml.

 

My Prius has 4700 miles now, so I am going to change oil in a few weeks. By reading previous threads I gathered that I can do this anywhere I want, not just in a toyota dealer. Sorry if this is redundant and obvious, but this is my first car and haven't done this before. I just want to know what to expect.

When I take the car to a service place, do they know which oil to use? Which filters to use? Also, they might want to change other stuff like the windshield wiper fluid etc if I am running low, is there anything special I should know? I read that they should use 3.75 quarts of oil and not 4. Anything else??

How much would it cost me?

Thanks!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Michgal007 @ Mar 15 2007, 08:49 AM) [snapback]406063[/snapback]</div>

Depending where it's done, the cost should be anywhere between $25 and $35. I just guessing, as I'm usually charged around $29.

Most places should have the specs for the Prius (at least if it's part of an oil change franchise). It they don't, tell them what you already know and to use 5W - 30. However, they probably won't know how to reset the maintenance light. You can do that yourself. Since you have a 2006, look on page 123 of your owner's manual. The instructions start in the right hand column.

Dave M.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Michgal007 @ Mar 15 2007, 11:49 AM) [snapback]406063[/snapback]</div>

Make sure you know what's called for in the Prius manual. Specify to your shop that only those items be done (other than courtesy items like topping off wiper fluid), especially if you have the dealer do it. Dealers are notorious for selling you their package with stuff beyond what Toyota recommends.

 

Just picked up my new 2007 2 days ago. Do I need to change my oil for the first time at 1K or 5K. I always changed the oil in all my other new cars at 1K for the first. Should I bother. What have you folks done.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(vincentsantafe @ Mar 15 2007, 10:16 PM) [snapback]406491[/snapback]</div>

A very obsolete thing to do. Wait until 5,000 miles

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ Nov 29 2006, 01:24 PM) [snapback]355289[/snapback]</div>

I searched the internet at a local Toyota dealer here and found a internet oil filter coupon with no experation date includes 19 point inspection reg. price is 26.95 with coupon 19.95 up to 5 quarts .
Lube .oil.filter
so check your local toyota dealers service specials

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(regenme @ Mar 15 2007, 09:23 PM) [snapback]406496[/snapback]</div>

Around here several places advertize oil changes for $20 or less. With a Firestone credit card at a Firestone place one can get an oil change and tire rotation for $21.

 

I am going to do my 5000 miles oil change and tire rotation this weekend at the local Toyota dealer. The price of an oil change is 27.95 and a tire rotaion is 15.95. Are these fair prices?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Michgal007 @ Apr 11 2007, 12:26 PM) [snapback]421532[/snapback]</div>

Out here the dealer has a 5000 mile special at $41.95 including tire rotation, oil change, and inspection. I'd say your price is in the right ballpark, esp. since you probably live in a more metro area than I do.