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Ok, first oil change at 3K or 5K?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by LulzChicken, Aug 3, 2009.

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  1. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, I've herd different things about doing your first oil change. Does it matter if it's at 3K or 5K (which the manual specifies)? What are your guys opinions on the matter? Also, at 5K what other maintenance should I have done to the vehicle? Any comments are appreciated!:D
     
    #1 LulzChicken, Aug 3, 2009
  2. jay_man2

    jay_man2 jay_man_also

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    5k, oil and filter change, rotate the tires, read the maintenance section of the owner's manual. Repeat at 10k, minus the read the manual part. :p
     
    #2 jay_man2, Aug 3, 2009
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  3. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    The first batch of engine oil will carry more iron and copper than subsequent batches. Not a huge amount, but more. The reason to do a first oil change early is to get those tiny metal particles out.

    We do not have evidence that waiting until 5k harms the engine, so the decision rests with the vehicle owner.
     
    #3 tochatihu, Aug 4, 2009
  4. SuperMPG

    SuperMPG New Member

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    The interval is up to you, but remember to avoid those quickie lube places at all costs. The dealer or DIY if you're good with your hands is always preferable.
     
    #4 SuperMPG, Aug 4, 2009
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  5. nineinchnail1024

    nineinchnail1024 New Member

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    5K miles or 6 months. Any sooner on this car is a complete waste.
     
    #5 nineinchnail1024, Aug 5, 2009
  6. jay_man2

    jay_man2 jay_man_also

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    Agree completely.
     
    #6 jay_man2, Aug 5, 2009
  7. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    My Classic & Iconic Prius got early changes.

    With my 2010, I decided to wait until TODAY! In other words, I'm at about 4,850 miles now. I simply saw no need to do it sooner.
    .
     
    #7 john1701a, Aug 5, 2009
  8. bigcwill

    bigcwill Junior Member

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    I changed mine yesterday at 2,450 miles. There were many small metallic flakes suspended in the oil only visible in bright sunlight, so time to get that out of there. Oil was dark from running up and down elevations.


    Pep Boys had 5 quarts of Mobil 1 for $29.99 with a 'free' Mobil 1 filter worth $11, that I got for my other car. Filters at Toyota dealer were $6.49.


    So, for around $33 based on 4.4 quarts, why wait?
     
    #8 bigcwill, Aug 5, 2009
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  9. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    #9 stream, Aug 5, 2009
  10. nineinchnail1024

    nineinchnail1024 New Member

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    That's a damn good price.
     
    #10 nineinchnail1024, Aug 5, 2009
  11. bluemonday

    bluemonday New Member

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    The Advance Auto Parts in my neck of the woods has this same deal through September. Don't know if it's a national promotion, but anyone interested might want to check their store.
    I found this post while trying to find out if Mobil 1 has a filter that would fit the 2010 Prius. Sounds like maybe not from the above.

    EDIT: this does seem to be a national thing if you've got an Advance Auto Parts near you.
     
    #11 bluemonday, Sep 12, 2009
  12. kilork

    kilork New Member

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    :rockon:

    I just did my first oil change at 3,120 miles (3 months of service). Got the same deal at Advance Auto parts - $29.99 for 5 quarts Mobil 1 0W20 oil and extra filter I can use on another car. Filter from the dealer was $5.41. below is a photo of old oil vs. new oil. :confused: I also did an early first oil change on my Gen II Prius, but I do not remember seeing such a dramatic difference. If I remember correctly, the oil was quite clean. So perhaps there is some merit in doing an early oil change. At $35 it's a no-brainer.

    [​IMG]
     
    #12 kilork, Nov 20, 2009
  13. jm1515

    jm1515 New Member

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    #13 jm1515, Nov 21, 2009
  14. epi117

    epi117 Junior Member

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    My first is due in Jan, but only have 1200 miles on car so far. I think im going to just go ahead and do it.
     
    #14 epi117, Nov 21, 2009
  15. gofast

    gofast Member

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    I just changed my oil at 4100 miles. I had a magnet oil plug I put in it at 300 miles. I could not believe how clean the oil was and there were NO metal particles on the magnet. Just a little oil slug. YEAH:cheer2:

    You figure that 4000 miles is not like the average car because the electric motor is running for a part of those miles.
     
    #15 gofast, Nov 21, 2009
  16. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    I did my first oil change at 1,000 miles, second at 6,000 miles, and third at 10,000 miles

    I strongly believe that over the first 1,000 miles a lot break in happens to the engine.
     
    #16 Judgeless, Nov 21, 2009
  17. brianric

    brianric Junior Member

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    I've had more problems with the dealer than Jiffy Lube.
     
    #17 brianric, Nov 21, 2009
  18. lenalik2000

    lenalik2000 New Member

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    how to change oil video
    [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSI--fzSVfs]YouTube - 2010 Toyota Prius oil change. How to change oil[/ame]
     
    #18 lenalik2000, Nov 21, 2009
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  19. eyePod

    eyePod Classic Silver

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    So what's all the fuss about? Toyota warrantees EVERY engine 3 years/36K miles and some components/engines much longer. Why would they risk a warranty nightmare with a too-long first oil change interval? I don't see any compelling conclusions regarding the importance of early oil change. Or am I missing something? (ie, show me that an engine wore out in Y miles BECAUSE no early oil change)
     
    #19 eyePod, Nov 21, 2009
  20. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    I am a big fan of an early oil change and then oil changes every 5,000 miles. My 2000 Toyota 4Runner has 305,000 miles on it. I has never been rebuilt, it has never burned oil, it has never leaked anything.

    I contribute that to both an early oil change and never missing an oil change.
     
    #20 Judgeless, Nov 21, 2009
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