So changing the oil is pretty easy but I'd like to take it in the first time to get all the levels checked. Are the quicky change places OK with Hybrids? I know what to expect them to say with a straight gas engine but have no idea what BS they will want me to have done on my 03 Prius. What can I expect? FYI - Just bought the car used.
They often try to over-fill the oil. Personally, tell them if it is over "F", they can pull it back in and drain it down until it is at or under "F". They may charge you for four quarts but when you learn to do it yourself, three quarts is enough. Seriously, overfilling the engine oil will hurt your mileage and may put some of the seals at risk. GOOD LUCK! Bob Wilson
Yeah I def wouldn't trust Jiffy Lube. I never trusted them when I had an old beater civic. I have had my oil over-filled TWICE by jiffy lube. I have always had good experiences with Oil Can Henry's but I think your best bet is to find someone who specializes in hybrids and start building a relationship with them, that way they know your history if something breaks.
Check oil levels on the dipstick make sure it is 1/4" BELOW the top mark. Check the brake fluid level on the giant container. Check red coolant level in the middle next to the inverter. Check air filter in the big box in front. When the car is in READY, check that you see the red coolant flowing and making noise sloshing into the overfill tank. With the key out, you can look down the throttle body and clean it. You will likely have to drain 1 Qt of oil after you go to a quicky lube place, and I recommend you change your own oil. One of the worst things you can do to this engine is leave it overfilled with oil. And overfilled is anywhere near the top of the full mark on the dipstick. Depending on how many miles, you should change the transaxle fluid. (With either T-IV or WS ATF fluid) You can probably reuse the cork gasket or order one from dealer for $15. Oil filters from dealer are also cheap. If you ever need to work on the brakes, new rotors cost $12. What you should do though is log into toyota website for owners and enter the VIN and check what services have been performed. But you probably might want to change the transaxle fluid sooner than later.
