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Just got a Prius C, anything I should watch for?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by NHP10Toronto, Aug 11, 2020.

  1. NHP10Toronto

    NHP10Toronto New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2020
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    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    Hey guys!

    Recently got a Prius C and was wondering if there is anything to watch out for such as known issues or battery maintenance. Never had a hybrid vehicle before!

    I live in Canada so it gets really cold in winter but also hot and humid in summer if that makes any difference.
     

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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,154
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    congrats and welcome! love the color! how many km on her?
     
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    7,433
    6,916
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    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Welcome and congrats- I wish they'd kept that color available throughout the run. I like my tangerine splash but that sunburst yellow was always the best.

    Mostly you need to learn to clean your battery cooling fan, particularly if the car has been hauling furry pets.

    Beyond that, don't jump start this car from another, and also don't jumpstart anybody else's car from yours. Get a rechargeable jump pack for those duties instead of the cables you might have thought of.

    The hybrid batteries in these are commonly expected to last 8-12 years from new, but nobody really knows because the oldest ones are just now 8 years old- so these are mostly estimates based on the larger versions of the Prius. That battery likes to be operated frequently and kept at approximately "human comfortable" temps when in operation. It is cooled by your cabin air, so when you run the A/C your battery gets a nice cooldown too.

    Just noticed in the photo- that plastic deflector is surely costing you some serious (highway) fuel economy, but it may be worth it for the bugs and stones kept off the hood.

    Good luck!
     
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  4. rjdriver

    rjdriver Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2012
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    Location:
    Rhode Island
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Welcome to the club. Other than what Leadfoot said about keeping the hybrid battery cool, you can pretty much treat it as a normal car. Follow the maintenance schedule for oils, filters, etc., and you'll find the C is one of the lowest cost of ownership cars out there. Two other unique things about hybrids, at least Toyota hybrids, are that (1) the car is started by the hybrid battery, rather than the 12v, so the stock 12v will last a lot longer than the usual 3-4 years you get from a new car battery; and (2) due to regenerative braking, your pads will last a lot longer than with non hybrid cars. I just did my first front pad change at 138,000 miles. Rear drums still had plenty of life left. So factor those two differences into your maintenance schedule, and enjoy the ride!
     
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  5. Absolutely_Red

    Joined:
    May 8, 2018
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    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    My little red car, named C-Biscuit (2016), is very sensitive and thrives on happy energy.

    As a longtime car aficionado, I can tell you that this is one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. I can’t imagine going back to a regular sedan.

    Enjoy your sweet ride!!
     
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  6. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2012
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    Location:
    Lancaster Co PA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Congrats on your new entry into toyo hybrids with the Prius C

    Fabulous car and nice color you got there.

    Yes, we would like to know mi/km on the odo

    Some maintenance, hope you can do some minor DIY, that is all it takes.
    If so, look into changing out the trans oil (option)
    have a looksee on the brakes (front disc, rear drum) and lube up etc.
    Change out/flush brake fluid if you wish (depending on odo)
    Yes, check that fan under the back seat
    rotate tires just front to rear, rear to front, dont cross them.
    other stuff in the book is air filter, oil and filter, etc

    Since you specifically mentioned cold, lol, look into an engine block heater
    you may have it already, maybe not.
    Def look into getting one if you have a 120v outlet access and esp if you have short trip/commute.

    Dont be afraid to ask any questions, and good luck with the new one!

    Numero Uno in my book! Love the C!!!
    Congrats again!