What is maintenance is really necessary ?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FishHawk @ Jun 3 2006, 12:52 PM) [snapback]265177[/snapback]</div>

Please refer to the maintenance book that comes with the car or this link, http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/owners.php

 

I would agree, of course you do need to check the fluid levels i. e. brake fluid, both coolants, fill the windshield washer, check the tire pressures, etc. The big important services such as changing spark plugs and coolants should be done as recommended. I tend to think the PSD fluid should be changed also, although I don't know how often.

I don't think you need to rotate tires every 5K miles and brakes, especially on this car, don't need to be inspected anywhere near that often. I usually rotate the tires once or twice during their lifetime. The best way to "inspect" your brakes may be to take the car out to a empty stretch of highway and brake as hard as you can from normal highway speed to a stop. Then you will know the ABS is functioning correctly.

 

Changing the PSD fluid was originally not part of the US maintenance plan, but some people are suggesting this at 60-90k mile intervals.

Changing brake fluid is also not noted, but a lot of folks believe that it should happen on 1 to 5 year intervals. The problem is water absorption, and devices exist to test brake fluid water content.

Brake mechanical inspection is important on any car, but so are steering and suspension components, and the condition of the CV rubber boots. What is not always understood is that Prius is just like an conventional front wheel drive down there. In other words, any competent mechanic can do it. That is, unless the new Prius needs its brake fluid bled. Apparently the fancy hand-held tester is required for the process.

There are infrequent brake corrosion problems, apparently related to salted winter roads. This is an area where the low duty of Prius friction brakes can actually work against us.

Run your air conditioner every month or two, whether you need it or not, to keep the system lubed.

Consider suspension alignment if the car drives weird, if the tires are wearing unevenly, if you drive through a crater, or when replacing tires.