I am getting close to the 5,000 mile mark on our 2010 Prius III with Navi. So far about 3,550 miles. I plan on changing the oil by using those hard heavy duty plastic ramps to run up the front wheels do gain access. I would like to know what bolts under the engine do I have to take off to access the oil pan and the oil filter. I will be using Mobil 1 motor oil 0 W 20 Weight and will put in 4 quarts even though the owners manual calls for 4.4 quarts (U.S.). If someone out there as already did their oil change please let me, and probably some of us new owners, know how it went. Alfon
Have you measured? My ramps are clearly too tall for that. It will be jack & stands for me. But not until August. .
ramps might not be such a good idea, not only for clearance concerns, but i believe it might cause drain/fill inaccuracies.
I did an oil change at my friends house with a unit similar to this and wow, was it easy. He says you can find similar units on eBay for half the price, though I never got around to look for one never mind purchasing one. It was neat, clean, easy and fast though... Multi Fluid Extractor - Oil Changes - Car Maintenance - Griot's Garage
Yes, if you have a new car that hasn't had a chance to build up sludge, an extractor is awesome! Highly recommended. Anybody know if you can change the oil filter without raising the car (i.e., while the car is level on the ground)?
What sludge do you expect to build up on a 2010 Prius using synthetic oil that's changed every 5K?? The problem with that method is that you still have to get under the car to change the filter, so what benefit is it? You can get a low profile race ramp. It can fit under cars that are even lower than any stock Prius Probably not worth the effort to buy all this stuff, change your own oil and have to still drive somewhere to dispose of the old oil. Might as well just pay the dealer $70 every 5,000 miles to handle it for you. You have to realize that a 50 mpg Prius is really equivalent in mileage cost to a 40 mpg car with normally priced and spaced oil changes.
Yes, it can be done, though it's much easier the second time. I've parked my Gen2 on the slight slope leading into my garage, and found I can slide right under. The filter wrench I had was awkward and not quite the right size, so I just use my hand. A headlamp helps, and of course having all the tools within reach is more convenient.
