When to get First (and subsequent) Oil Changes?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LMA @ Jan 5 2007, 07:43 PM) [snapback]371637[/snapback]</div>

The operators manual outlines it very well. In order to maintain your warranty, oil changes are required at least every 5000 miles.

I use Mobil 1 and changed my oil every 5000 miles until the warrranty expired and then increased the interval to 10,000.

 

I changed oil the 1st time at 1500 miles, just in case, then at 5000 miles, and every 5000 after that. Any place that you trust to change your oil should be able to do the job, it's just like any other car in that respect.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LMA @ Jan 5 2007, 10:43 PM) [snapback]371637[/snapback]</div>

I waited for the normal interval. I do used oil analysis and the results are boring: this motor is easy on Mobil 1 at least. As far as "normal" interval, the first generation Prius had a 7,500 mile oil change. The current Prius sold in the EU has a normal 12 month/16,000km oil change interval.

Just food for thought.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LMA @ Jan 5 2007, 11:25 PM) [snapback]371645[/snapback]</div>

Nope, a cutaway of the Prius motor/generator. I have a larger photo here:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LMA @ Jan 5 2007, 08:25 PM) [snapback]371645[/snapback]</div>

Jayman is right and the big thingy on the left is where the oil goes.

 

I'm changing mine every 5000 miles while under warranty then I'll lengthen the interval. The data posted on this site by people who know lots more than I do convinced me that 5000 is too often.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Jan 8 2007, 12:48 AM) [snapback]372339[/snapback]</div>

Is there any advantage to using synthetic oils? Anybody out there know?

Richard

Just got my 2007 Prius last Wednesday, July 18th. and Love it.

 

i know i've read this on here before... but this thread is a good opportunity for me to ask instead of search!

is there any reason not to change the oil youself? (well... not me... i'm a prissy thing.... but hubby!)

i mean... is it the same procedure as changing oil on any other car... easy for the home handyman?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(desertbriez @ Jul 25 2007, 10:42 AM) [snapback]484771[/snapback]</div>

No reason at all why your he-man macho hubby can't change the oil!
It will take about 3.5-3.7 quarts, so he shouldn't try to get the whole 4th quart in.
Maybe staple the receipt for the oil/filter into the Maintenance Passport for documentation, is all I'd suggest.

 

When I had my "New Prius Owner Clinic" at the dealer, they stuck to the 5,000 miles interval in the manual, thankfully.
They also said synthetics weren't worth the price (this was the mgr of the service dept. speaking.) He recommended an additive to regular oil instead---I'm sorry, I have the name jotted down somwehere at home---it was something alpha-numeric, in the name.
They also suggested keeping the receipts for the oil you buy, if you are doing at-home changes yourself... should there ever be a mechanical issue, under warranty, they could want to know that you satisified all your obligations, and the receipts would be your documentation.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(desertbriez @ Jul 25 2007, 01:42 PM) [snapback]484771[/snapback]</div>

Couple of points to add:

1) If you change at every 5000 miles using an established brand, then synthetic is not getting you much since synthetic is designed to last much longer than 5000 miles and you would be throwing away good synthetic at this interval.

2) Keeping the reciepts is good advice, but just as important, write down in your maintenance manual or the owners manual, the mileage, the date, the oil used, and then sign and date. Now you have a legal document validating the oil was changed. The dealers ask for a receipt, but the rest of the world needs legal documentation (if oil changes are called into question). Have both, but if you do it yourself, then all you need is that record, date, and signature.

3) Beware the quick oil change joints. Many put in "Bulk" oil of low quality and have been known to damage drain plugs, etc. A lot of us do our own to ensure that it is done right, not just to save money.

3) Changing is just like every other car, except changing out the oil filter has to be done from under the car.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LMA @ Jan 5 2007, 11:43 PM) [snapback]371637[/snapback]</div>

Only 25 days left to get your EBH at group rates.
Get one soon.
D Rock

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ChristoB @ Jul 25 2007, 01:31 PM) [snapback]484813[/snapback]</div>

If you satisfy yourself that the bulk oil your dealer uses is ok, and you don't live in a climate like mine that can dip to -40 in winter or get up to +99 F in summer, then the dealer is entirely correct by stating a synthetic is a waste of money if replaced using one of the shortest oil change intervals on the planet

If you search this forum, I had the dealer bulk oil tested and it was CRAP.

I don't like the idea of this snake oil recommendation. Like Slick 50 advertising ptfe when anybody with a bit of chemistry knowledge realizes it's patently impossible for the product to work the way they claim.