Dealer don't seem to know about the Prius

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FishHawk @ Apr 29 2007, 04:31 PM) [snapback]432180[/snapback]</div>

Yea, they just built the most advanced and first green Toyota dealership here in McKinney,TX. I told the service manager what I wanted in the tires, when the car came from the lube area I asked the lube guy what he did. He said 25 all around.
I go back to the SM and asked if he recalled our tire discussion. He said we always put 25 all around and I asked him to show me documentation. While I'm waiting he calls someone in the back and gets a lesson on Prius tires.
He put the notes in the computer but the lube guy doesn't have a computer on his end. I wasn't making a scene but one of the managers came over to see what was happening. I explained the situation and he said I have a simple fix. He told the SM to put a stickers under the hood. With the latest technology at their fingertips, the solution is a sticker.
I said no-way and got in the car and left.
This is the second dealership that has mucked up my tire pressure. From now on I'll do my own lubes.

 

Toyota servicers present a wide range in terms of Prius-understanding. If you find a good one, it will be a useful long-term resource.

We Prius graybeards have been trying to bring them up to speed for more than 6 years, with obviously limited success.

Ulitimately, tires too low and oil too high are not the big issues. They need to diagnose the rare DTC without causing the purchase of unnecessary hardware en route, and reflash the ECUs without running the 12 volt battery down. They need to know when warranties can be invoked, and to be your ally when they cannot.

All that said, some Toyota shops are awfully good. I wish we had a list of them here.

 

manufacturer specs are 35, so if they're doing 25 they're way, way off. what kind of tire takes 25? that's pretty much flat!

basically, if you don't ask they'll use the numbers given to them by toyota. keep in mind all this extra stuff is an owners' grassroots kind of movement that they don't hear about in their classes.

 

On the other hand it has been VERY easy to get the local quick-lube-and-wash place to get it right.

Before I got my first service there, I went in and talked to the owner. I printed out an info sheet for them and I told them as long as they follow this, I will continue to have my car serviced there. He said "no problem" and I've been going there ever since.

They now have a copy posted in each of their 4 bays (I only gave them one copy) I have not met any others there yet, but apparently they have a few other Prius owners going in there and they were asking for similar treatment.

Speak up folks - it can only help!