What Maintenance Can You Do Yourself?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by berryman, Oct 20, 2010.

  1. berryman

    berryman Junior Member

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    Sorry if this has already been asked and answered - but are there any maintenance actions that can readily be done at home (e.g., changing the oil/filter, changing the air filter, etc.)?

    I've heard that it's very difficult to get to the oil filter on the 2010.
     
    #1 berryman, Oct 20, 2010
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    You can do all of the basic 5 and 10K service functions (oil/filter changes, engine and cabin air filter changes, tire rotations, etc.) at home if you have the right equipment; ramps or jack stands, filter wrenches, sockets, etc.

    The engine and cabin air filters are easy to change and have instructions in the Owner's Manual. The oil and filter change is not difficult but you will need to have the car up on ramps or jack stands in order to get under the car safely.

    There is a cover over the oil pan and filter that will need to be removed by removing some plastic keepers. Then the oil pan drain plug and the filter are right above this cover and easy to get to.

    Search for oil change on here and there is a good step-by-step procedure with good pictures showing each step.
     
    #2 jdcollins5, Oct 20, 2010
  3. theloop82

    theloop82 Member

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    Its really a question of how mechanically adept are you and do you have all the necessary tools? Some people shouldn't go near anything mechanical under any circumstances, and on the other hand there might be a few guys on here who are totally qualified to change their Traction battery without killing themselves. Only you know which one you are! I plan on doing everything myself. Ive done so on every car and motorcycle i've ever owned, so why stop now?

    Im sure most techs at Toyota would do just as good a job, and do it quicker. But i KNOW i'll do a good job, and i actually enjoy Zen and the art of Hybrid (as well as motorcycle) maintenance.
     
    #3 theloop82, Oct 20, 2010
  4. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    I'm guessing if you own the Prius, you can get maintenance done...

    Generally (at least here in So Cal), you can find coupons in a 'Pennysaver' or equiv mag for $20 oil + tire rotate - this means you are spending $20 for someone to take care of all maintenance (and disposal) - if you bring the oil...

    I'm not sure if there is any argument against paying $20 (or less) for someone to lift the car, and run around updating it...
     
    #4 rrolff, Oct 21, 2010
  5. vnhk

    vnhk New Member

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    I actually enjoy spending time doing regular maintenance on my cars. Investing in proper tools that will help you be more efficient.

    A drink and an hour time, I can do oil change, tire rotation, checking brake, tire, fluids, filters, overall inspection.

    You can feel much safer if you know and can work on your car (not mentioning saving a lot of $$$$), just be prepared.
     
    #5 vnhk, Oct 21, 2010
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