When to top off coolant?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Noahdoge, Jan 14, 2025 at 7:53 PM.

  1. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    I check the fluids on my 2012 prius pretty often. Noticed recently it’s just slightly below the “Low” when a month ago it was perfectly at full. The distance between full and low is so minimal, how important is it to get a gallon to fill up to the full mark. Hoping I’m not loosing any coolant in the cylinders. I will usually have a rough start just once a year on the coldest day of winter morning. It happened a few weeks ago after letting my car sit for two full weeks without starting it. Hasn’t happened since. I swear I freak myself out every year thinking it’s the head gasket but I guess it’s just the moisture built up in the intake. I never short trip and don’t turn it off while it’s running.
     

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  2. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    Also last coolant change was at 155k and I’m at 205k now. I drive about 20-25k miles a year, worth to just go ahead and do a drain and fill?
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    toyota recommends every 50k after the intial, so do it now.
    if the head gasket concerns you, maybe do it more often, or at least test it.
    some think 5k oil changes are a benefit.
    have you cleaned the egr circuit?
     
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  4. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    Cleaned full circuit at 140k with the updated intake manifold and new egr valve. I’ve been doing 5k oil changes since 120k. I only burn .5-1 quart per 5,000 miles. I’ll plan on doing a full coolant service. Trying to keep this car as long as possible while I rebuild my 1913 money pit house.
     
  5. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Boy you pick the one to try and keep on the road that's for sure but hey give him the limited mileage you drive per year and the working on your house I guess the car does a decent amount of sitting so sounds like it's not under a lot of pressure and that's a good thing.
     
  6. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    It’s my daily driver to work. I drive a 40 mile round trip M-F. Majority interstate miles going 70-80 mph on average. This Prius has barely had a day off since I bought it in 2015 with 30k ish miles. Definitely got my moneys worth out of her. Original battery still going strong, 45 mpg on average.
     
  7. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    My 2004 Chevy Silverado is the one that does the sitting lol.