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PRIUS at 11K miles/list of needed checks?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by unit333, Oct 31, 2011.

  1. unit333

    unit333 Junior Member

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    2010 Prius
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    II
    Hello

    So I bought a Gen 3 in Jan 2009. I live in Brooklyn, NY, drive the car a lot (short trips) but still have only managed to put less then 11 000 on it. I mostly drive to the mountains to ski during the winter, occasionally a few longer trips during the summer, and then regular drives here and there. I changed the oil last year at around 7000 because it was time for the emissions inspection anyway. I've been to the dealer once before too to just do a quick check up and put different tires.
    My question is, what things do I need to check on at this millage and rate of driving? I need to do another emissions test in January and I probably won't even need to change the oil, since they upgraded the Prius to the 10K oil change rule. So do I need to go spend the big bucks at the dealer and have them do the emission test and also fluid check, etc OR would it be totally fine to go to my local auto shop (which I have been to once and they seem to have good reviews), spend less and have them do some tweaks if need be. I guess the obvious question is - the Dealer is suppose to be the Hybrid expert, the local auto shop maybe not? Would I be taking a risk or not?

    Thank you!!!!
     
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I am amazed you could find a 2010 in January 2009, they were not generally available until June 2009.

    I would do another oil change at 15,000 miles, then every x5,000 there after.
    More to the Point you should change it every 12 months, since unless your lifestyle changes you will always exceed 12 months before 10,000 miles.

    There is no part of routine maintenance that needs a hybrid expert, aside from brakes. Your local shop will be fine.
     
  3. unit333

    unit333 Junior Member

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    Hey, my bad, I meant I got it Jan 2010 (Dec 28th, 2009 to be exact). Thanks for the advice, so unless anybody else have any good arguments against it I guess I will go with the local shop.
    One more thing though, how often do I need to add/check stuff like the AC freon, break fluids or any other machine related fluids?
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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