I have been getting my regular oil changes since I bought my 2014 Prius C. Every time techs try to check the fluid levels they all say sealed on them so no one has checked the levels. Is this dangerous that none of the levels have been checked and is it okay to have the techs open these up to check the levels? Thank you in advance.
Are you able to post a pic of the receipts? On a Prius the only fluid that is considered "sealed" would be the trans fluid and Toyota doesnt necessary want it changed, however most on the chat here recommend it and also get it changed out at various mileage. The coolants, window washer, brake all have lids and also see thru containers and are not sealed. And obviously the engine oil has a dipstick to check level etc. Something sounds strange for more than one to say "sealed" Like sealed with a kiss?
Fluid levels you can easily check (assuming it's similar to regular 3rd gen Prius, please feel free to correct as needed): 1. Engine coolant reservoir: has has full and low lines. I found ours settled a bit in the first few years of ownership, and stabilized after a top up. You can buy a gallon of pre-mixed Toyota Super Long Life Coolant at the dealership parts department, for $20~25. Stick to that stuff. 2. Inverter coolant reservoir: same story as #1. 3. Windshield washer fluid: there's a diptick in the neck of the reservoir. Pull it out, and if it's dropped below the word "Normal", you can top it up. 4. Brake fluid: this will slowly drop as brake pads wear, but should not require a top up. Ever. That's normal, and when new brake pads are installed the level would (or should) go back up. If it's regularly dropping, a lot, this would mean a leak in the system, something not be remedied by a top, but a visit to the dealership. I would avoid third party places for Prius brakes. 5. Transaxle fluid: Toyota says to check this periodically, but it's a royal pain, since the main way is to remove the fill bolt and feel for fluid. If it's not showing leakage, I would leave it be. Change it occasionally, but that's another story. 6. Engine oil: Last but not least, do check this occasionally, once a week would be good. Pull the dipstick (yellow handle?) and wipe it, wait a few minutes for oil in the dipstick guide tube to drain back down, then reinsert and pull out, see how it is. Ideally it should be close to the upper mark. If it's low, especially if it's nearing or below the lower mark, top it up with 0W20 motor oil.
those places don't know what they're doing. the fluids are easily visible through the containers, with min/max markings on the sides. they can be opened to top up if necessary, i have never noticed any 'sealed' markings on them. it sounds like you need to try more places.
how many miles on your car? it's not likely dangerous, but a quick check of the levels is insurance that nothing is leaking.
That's a new one on me. On my Volt and Spark EV, there's a bracket that keeps people from easily opening the battery coolant cap, but it still comes off to top off levels, if needed. Nothing is sealed, though.
Another trivial maintenance that gets neglected, is to check for burnt out running lights. For starters, click on your parking lights, walk around the car. In front, verify there's a couple of amber lights in the corners, make sure they're both on. In the back, there's a couple of lights illuminating the license plate. As often as not when I do this I'll find one or more is out. For the license plate light replacement, open the hatch, and there's a couple of little panels that pop out on the inside, right behind the lights. Pry gently with something like a putty knife corner, on the top edge of the panels; there's locking tabs at the top, and hinge hooks at the bottom. Once the panel's off, squeeze and pull to get the wire connector off, then grip and rotate counterclockwise the bulb socket, about 30 degrees, and out it comes. For the front/corner parking lights, pop the hood, then you need to be a bit of a contortionist, might need to unbolt and shift a few components (passenger side in particular), and you're going mostly by feel. Still the wiring connector and bulb sockets are similar. The bulbs are the same, and you can just ask for them at a dealership parts department. They're about $2 apiece. FWIW, the Toyota part number is: 00234-00192
OR.....is there some good reason that you aren't using the Toyota dealer for your routine service ?? Most of them are NOT really dishonest, at least not in any significant way, and they will know more about your car than Jiffy Lube, hopefully.
