Prius 2010 Oil Change Interval Revised? Not yet... (closed)

I second all those who say (a) this is great news and (b) I'm waiting to hear it from Officialdom before I get too jolly about it. (This in no way means I disbelieve anyone posting here; I just want my, um, warranty covered). I also would assume that if they go this route, they'll abandon the "5w20 may be used" clause from the maintenance advice. Assuming that is indeed the case, I wonder what they'll do about those who went into a dealership at 5K, got an OC, assumed it was done per spec, and wound up with a crankcase full of the non-synth 5W-20--or 5W30, or high-fructose corn syrup or whatever else was being poured on special that day? (See the "don't assume your Toyota dealer will give you the proper oil" thread for these numerous and legitimate concerns, if you haven't already).

Here's hoping for more good news,
Tim

 

Jumping onto the Prius train in 2004, I got into the habit of always taking my own synthetic 5W30 to the dealer service department every time, both to get the right oil and to avoid overfilling.

Even in the Prius-happy Virginia suburbs of DC, even at one of the leading Toyota dealers in Northern Virginia, even as recently as last year, the dealer sold me an extra quart in an oil change, thus filling it right to the brim (not quite overfilling, but almost).

I would never leave Prius-specific knowledge about oil changes up to the regular service crew.

 

Simple solution, at least for the original tires. Just follow the new oil change schedule if it turns out to be true. Rotate at 5,000 miles, then every 10,000 after that. I've always done this to save unnecessary charges. The result will be the same as rotating every 5,000 miles. At no time will any tire have more than 5,000 miles difference in distance spent mounted on the front or rear.

 

10K is in the book for the honda civic hybrid. I'm sure Toyota will up the number soon.

My plug in runs mostly in EV mode so I use 10-15K as normal. On all FULL hybrids they should be 10K but automakers are afraid to change.

 

You should be able to get a prorated return on your prepaid program. The earlier you terminate it, the greater the amount returned. Then you should be able to re-purchase a lower cost plan. Remember, you are purchasing a certain number of services, so you could figure out the cost by backing out the un-necessary 5K services, but retaining the "larger" services.

 

No one mentioned that to me at the 5000 oil change. It cost me a good bundle too, $88. Anyone have info on changing your own oil and where to obtain the synthetic oil?

 

There's a step-by-step guide somewhere around here if you do a search.
My local auto parts place (Advance Auto) carries Mobil 1 0w20 oil.

 

Is Mobil 1 0W-20 oil a Class III, IV, or V "synthetic"?

 

Hi Trebleclef, I checked Advanced Auto Parts and Checker Auto Parts, both in my area and both carried several brands of synthetic oil. My local NAPA did not carry Mobil1. However, WalMart also carries Mobil1 at a lower price than both the auto parts stores; problem was, WalMart only had three one quart bottles on their shelfs. After I bought those bottles, I checked back every couple of days for about a week & a half and they had not replenished their stocks. --TK

 

The local Wal-Mart here is stocking Mobil 1 0W20 now, $6.27 per quart. I picked up 9 quarts, enough for two oil changes with a bit left over. Toyota oil filter cartridges are $45 for a case of 10 shipping included Replace Pts>Filter Parts and Accessories for 2009 Toyota Corolla I spent an extra $12 for the drain plug gaskets also.

Edit: Link says filters for Corolla but the 2010 1.8L Corolla uses the same filter cartridge as the 2010 Prius.

 

This DIY guide is the illustrated document I put together and continue to revise. In fact, just this morning I took more photos. I'll be adding an appendix for using ramps instead of a jack & stands.

0W-20 synthetic is fairly easy to find here. 2 of the big retail stores here (Walmart & Fleet Farm) carry it in quart bottles. The specialty automotive stores carry it too.
.

 

Mobil is naturally tight-lipped, but from what I've read, it's a Group III

Impossible to find here. When Canadian Tire decided to stop carrying it a couple of years ago, I stocked up for my 2004 Prius.

 

Correct, until it comes straight from the horse's mouth, we're in the dark here. Like the FJ owners were about the "requirement" to run straight SAE 90 in the axles, implying a gear oil change at least twice a year

Well, lets face it, Toyota got burned on the sludge class action lawsuit. It's one thing if they had required the use of a synthetic, but kept the EU change interval

Instead, there appears to be a pricey upcharge for the 0W-20, but they have kept the 6 months or 5,000 miles interval

 

Excellent!.. thanks for that link!

 

You are welcome Alan, you might want to pick up a 64mm filter removal tool also. The 65mm ones that they sell almost everywhere are a bit small for the filter canister cap. Part number is TOY640.

Sure hope it turns out to be true about the 10K/1 year oil change interval, it really makes good sense.

 

As I am now over my car's 10.000 mile mark, I really would like to be able to confirm this, before I go get my second oil change, sometime this week.

 

Call your service manager to see what he/she says. Then let us know. You ought to change it at this point just in case.

 

Agree. I think when/if this actually changes, we will get more official word than a post on this forum. So far I'd say it's more likely this is A) a misunderstanding somewhere along the line or B ) it's a change set to roll out but which hasn't yet rolled out such that we've heard official word. Either way, if you're due soon for a change, I'd do it. You don't want to risk your warranty over this I wouldn't think. I've got about 9,600 miles before I need to worry about it, but if I were you and as close as you are, I wouldn't gamble.

 

I'm confused... i"ve never done a canister before... you said to pick up a 64mm because the 65mm they sell are too small... did you mean too big?

 

I know this won't help, but officially, we have nothing official to say right now on Synthetic Oil interval revisions/owner's manual updates, insurance policies etc etc etc, but we sure do know the questions you want answered.

I'll steal an old quote from the wise John1701a..."patience."

We always try to set the record straight just as soon as we can comment. Please stay tuned.

Best,
Erica G, Prius Product Marketing, Toyota USA