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Trust a local garage for routine maintenance?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Chucktr, Jan 26, 2021.

  1. Chucktr

    Chucktr Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2009
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    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    N/A
    We have 3 vehicles in our family–2 Chevs and a 2015 Prius. My local garage is reliable and services a wide range of makes/models. I'm wondering if anyone's experience is the Prius is so quirky only the dealership can work on it?
    Thanks!
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Oil changes and tire rotations are pretty routine. Brakes I do not know, there are some Prius specific gotchas. The car has a propensity to spit out caliper pistons if the 12 volt’s not disconnected. The transaxle needs a proprietary fluid (some will argue no). Brake fluid changes require the car to be in a special invalid mode. Coolant changes (plural) are a little tricky, not worth the risk?
     
    Merkey likes this.
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
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    Two
    In terms of stuff that's likely to happen to a 2015 prius c? they can handle the oil changes, filter changes, tire work, 12v battery, power door lock actuators, spark plugs and lamp replacements just fine.

    Coolant, brake & exhaust work: Just ask them if they're confident.

    Air conditioning & hybrid drive: ok now that's the tricky stuff, probably best held for dealer.
     
    #3 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jan 26, 2021
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2021
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i do, but i'd ask them about familiarity if you need a hybrid related repair