Possible overkill but there are plenty of threads where changing out the fluid every 30k is recommended, regardless of what may be stated in the manuals. Here was a very nice read of a typical 30k service a shop does for the Prii: Prius 30k Service So for my fluids, I'm going full synthetic. I was surprised to read that our transmission fluid from Toyota is NON-synthetic and supposed to last 120k miles? I went with a full synthetic fluid from Aisin. There are many alternatives that are supposed to be tailored for WS applications (including Redline, Maxlife, Mobil) but Aisin is one of the more thicker at cold and hot operating temperatures and they actually manufacture the transmissions in our cars! So that was an easy choice for me. For my engine, I was using the 0w16 as recommended for the 19+ Prii, but the engines have been relatively the same for years so why the change from 0w20 in the 2016-2018? From what I was reading, it was to gain additional mpg on paper. So while I LOVE getting the max mpg on my vehicle, I wouldn't want to sacrifice longevity of the engine for a maybe 2-3% increase in mpg. I decided on Redline 0w20 as it is a full synthetic Ester oil, which has a high viscosity index, thick formulation for a 20weight, and low NOACK. For brake fluids, a lot of manufacturers and shops recommend the brake fluids be changed every 2yrs or 30k miles. What's funny is that the US manuals have no mention of a brake flush at all but in other countries (that don't offer free Toyota Care) recommend a change at yrs. So looks like it was an avoided cost for Toyota here in the US. I went with a DOT 5.1 which is 1000% overkill for our cars but the price was so similar to OEM DOT 3 or DOT 4, that I went with it due to its higher resistance to absorb water. Not pictured is the coolant fluid. I'm going to be using the Toyota SLLC, as coolant is very finicky and specific. I will be having it done at the dealer so no issues there. I figured since the fluids will be drained, that I'd "upgrade" the coolant lines at the same time lol. Nothing wrong with stock but a little dress-up doesn't hurt either. It was just a last minute purchase and surprised they came so quick from Japan. Less than one week from purchase I'm going to the dealer to have the brake fluid, transmission fluid, and ICE/inverter coolant fluids changed. I was surprised that the pricing was so fair. The brakes and transmission are only $109 each and that's WITH fluids and labor. The transmission fluid, I was told would be $179. As I'm bringing most of my own stuff, labor might be even cheaper. For the oil, I'll be going to a regular shop, that rotates the tires for free too, for a $20 cost. They also offer lifetime tire balancing and alignments (after initial purchase) so I'll have them look at that too. Engine air filter and cabin air filter, I'll be doing myself. Again, like I said, probably overkill, but I just want to maintain the car to last as long as possible Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
seems like overkill. i usually recommend art, but now i'm rethinking it. i've never seen a thread where someone recommended changing all the fluids every 30k. tranny, yes, but even that seems like overkill for a vehicle with the least tranny problems over its life expectancy
Not sure why you’d go against Toyota recommendation, to use only Toyota ATF WS. They also caution that anything else may damage the transaxle. But hey, it’s “non-synthetic”, and that trumps it??
When I researched on this, and someone recommended something than other OEM, you knocked it. "manual specifically states to use Toyota WS....". I know. In every instance, Toyota doesn't specifically state to use their brand, EXCEPT for the transmission. You knocked Redline D6, knocked Maxlife. I get it man. But if it helps, I'm using Aisin fluid in an Aisin transmission. I'm almost 100% sure Aisin knows what isn't safe to use in their transmission (and spec'd for) Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
I don’t “knock” the others; just know I’m not bright enough to second guess Toyota, too much at stake. You’re “probably” ok.
Just had the full service done over the weekend and car feels great. I was thinking that with the thicker fluids in the engine and transmission that I would see some reduced mpg but still getting the same 60+. What sucks is that the people at the Toyota service didn't swap out the radiator hoses that I gave them.... So I guess I'll get it done at the next coolant change. It would have been a nice dress up for the engine bay. Car feels very very smooth. Could be the fluids. Could be the tire balancing. Could be placebo. Idk. But just feels more solid. I also installed another brace in the rear of my bar so maybe it's a combination of everything.(most likely placebo) Oil change Transmission fluid change Brake flush Coolant change Tire rebalance Tire rotation Alignment Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Most likely it’s your alignment and tire rotation that is providing the better feel. Everything else, you probably wouldn’t feel much difference.
