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Switching to Synthetic Oil

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ghopper01, Jul 17, 2007.

  1. ghopper01

    ghopper01 New Member

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    From what I read on the forums, looks like there’s lots of benefits to going to synthetic oil (going to use Mobil 1 5w30). I have a few questions:

    [1] Are there any special steps that need to be taken to switch from factory oil to synthetic (first oil change approaching)?
    [2] Will most dealers have synthetics, or will I need to purchase and request that they use it?
    [3] Any impact on warranty or servicing?
    [4] Should I stash an extra quart in the truck, just in case?

    Thanks
     
    #1 ghopper01, Jul 17, 2007
  2. jamarimutt

    jamarimutt New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Grasshopper 01 @ Jul 17 2007, 09:05 PM) [snapback]480609[/snapback]</div>
    Could you provide evidence that synthetic oil is better for the Prius than regular oil?
     
    #2 jamarimutt, Jul 17, 2007
  3. ghopper01

    ghopper01 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Jul 17 2007, 09:11 PM) [snapback]480615[/snapback]</div>
    Search the site (keyword: synthetic) and you'll find several threads on the topic. Also, several sites available from a Google or Live search.
     
    #3 ghopper01, Jul 17, 2007
  4. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    1] No special steps. It's like any other oil drain.
    2] Depends on your dealer. Many will have it. If you bring your own, they may or may not use it, depending on their honesty.
    3] No
    4] No

    Why have the dealer do it? The warranty doesn't require it. Take it to a reliable shop (not a quickie joint!) for less money, or do it yourself for even less
     
    #4 lenjack, Jul 17, 2007
  5. FL_Prius_Driver

    FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Jul 17 2007, 09:11 PM) [snapback]480615[/snapback]</div>
    Yes

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Grasshopper 01 @ Jul 17 2007, 09:05 PM) [snapback]480609[/snapback]</div>
    lenjack's answers are good. Two additional comments:

    I don't see the advantage of stashing an extra quart in the truck :D either, but I have found that an extra quart in the trunk came in handy one time when the oil filter was not put on tight enough initially.

    It's usually automatic, but get the oil filter changed as well since it will hold quite a bit of the old oil if not changed.
     
    #5 FL_Prius_Driver, Jul 17, 2007
  6. Swanny1172

    Swanny1172 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Jul 17 2007, 09:11 PM) [snapback]480615[/snapback]</div>
    What's the matter, is Google broken?
     
    #6 Swanny1172, Jul 17, 2007
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