Oil Indicator Questions and Intervals

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Rupert B Puppenstein, Feb 8, 2012.

  1. Rupert B Puppenstein

    Rupert B Puppenstein Active Member

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    I previously had a Honda that had an oil life indicator that was based on driving style, etc. so you could easily surpass any recommended oil change intervals without a worry. But, the Prius seems to just have the mileage indicator for the oil changes at 5,000 miles regardless. I can't find any threads discussing this further, but I am wondering what the benefit is for Toyota to recommend such frequent oil changes (for some of us) and if most drivers actually go well beyond the 5,000 miles between oil changes? This is supposed to be this environmentally friendly car, yet that seems a bit wasteful.

    I have the free service for the couple years, so I might as well take advantage of that and will get the oil changed at 5,000 miles but after that ends, what is the strategy that most of you follow for mileage and oil changes?
     
    #1 Rupert B Puppenstein, Feb 8, 2012
  2. walterm

    walterm Active Member

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    Actually the oil change interval was changed to 10,000 miles after the reminder system was programmed to remind you every 5,000. So you probably want to get the oil changed at 5,000 and 10,000, but then you can wait until 20K, 30K, etc. The oil recommended for the 10,000 mile interval is 0w20 which can only be synthetic oil so going 10K is no problem.

    The maintenance schedule does say you can use 5w30, but that needs to be changed after 5K miles, preferably back to 0w20.
     
    #2 walterm, Feb 8, 2012
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  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    You need to read your Warranty/Maintenance manual. The Toyota oil change interval is 10k miles. They have not changed the Maintenance Indicator message from popping up every 5k miles. The 5k mile service only includes tire rotation, inspections and fluid level checks. You can do the 5k service yourself if you are a DIY type of person.

    The dealer does not want to give up his profits on the 5k service intervals and Toyota has shown no interest in changing the 5k Maintenance Message from appearing.
     
    #3 jdcollins5, Feb 8, 2012
  4. Rupert B Puppenstein

    Rupert B Puppenstein Active Member

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    Well, they didn't get the memo. :) They called for my first service at 5,000. That is why I asked because the indicator and the dealer were not matching the book. I would think that the dealer would want to follow the 10,000 mile rule when service is at a cost to them for two years. I have no problem taking my car in frequently as long as I don't have to pay for it.
     
    #4 Rupert B Puppenstein, Feb 8, 2012
  5. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    There is still a 5k service listed in the Maintenance Manual. It is the tire rotation, inspection and fluid level checks like I said. It does not include an oil and filter change. I would take mine in too if I did not have to pay for it.

    The dealer is going to call you reminding you of the 5k service interval even after your Toyota Care service runs out. They do not want to give up the odd 5k services if they can help it.
     
    #5 jdcollins5, Feb 8, 2012
  6. Rupert B Puppenstein

    Rupert B Puppenstein Active Member

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    So, they must have been sad to hear that I needed the oil change. I figure I might as well drive everywhere until the free service/oil changes run out. Kind of a bummer that I am nearly at 5,000 miles and haven't had the car for two months. :(
     
    #6 Rupert B Puppenstein, Feb 9, 2012
  7. Rupert B Puppenstein

    Rupert B Puppenstein Active Member

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    So, they must have been sad to hear that I needed the oil change. I figure I might as well drive everywhere until the free service/oil changes run out. Kind of a bummer that I am nearly at 5,000 miles and haven't had the car for two months. :(
     
    #7 Rupert B Puppenstein, Feb 9, 2012
  8. Rupert B Puppenstein

    Rupert B Puppenstein Active Member

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    Oops...sorry for the double post. The board was having issues. :(
     
    #8 Rupert B Puppenstein, Feb 9, 2012
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