How to see estimated oil life?

Techno,

If there is one bit of good advice here that is NOT in your manual ( you do have one, no? ),
it's change your transaxle fluid if you plan on keeping this car for the long haul.

Lots of info around here on this subject.

Enjoy you Prius !!

 

You could remove the filter, pour out any oil in it, and re-install it, eliminating the 1/2 qt you mention.

As to the rational of always replacing the oil filter:

With the Prius, 'cause Toyota says to replace it with oil change, that's what I do. And Toyota's to be commended for making the filter so that only the paper is not reusable. But I don't see filter change with each oil change as chiseled in stone:

Honda for one recommends to only replace the oil filter at alternate oil changes. FWIW, this recommendation is widely ignored by their string of dealerships: if you ask for this they really try to change your mind, treat you like you should be institutionalized, LOL.

do not know, don't think it's terrible. In particular since most filters on the road are still steel/rubber/paper composites that are difficult to recycle.

 

Yeah, it's the modern green way to make an oil filter.
My previous car also used a cartridge and once I read the word "Incinerator-able" about them.
Save them and chuck them into a camp fire!

 

OK..I'll bite.

If you are going to do something, do it right.