Maintenance

If you can get past the "hybrid" part, the Prius is just another car.  And like all other cars, the Prius requires regular maintenance in order to keep functioning properly.  This page will help you keep up on the regular maintenance and preventative maintenance that will keep your Prius on the top of its game.

For an html version of Toyota's "Prius Service Guide" aka "Passport to Performance," click [HERE].

  

 

Checking Tire Pressure
How Often?
Check your tire pressure as often as you can.  Having said that, checking more than once a week borders on obsession.  There are many reasons why you should make sure you have at least the recommended air pressure in your tires.
  • Better tire wear: properly inflating your tires will ensure even wear across your tires.  When you have less air in your tires than is recommended, your tires will wear unevenly.
  • Better grip on the road: there are test results performed by many separate and unrelated institutions proving that when your tires are underinflated you are more prone to skidding and hydroplaning.  Additionally, you will not be able to stop as well in the event of an emergency.

Interestingly, over-inflating your tires has a few benefits as well.  When we say "over-inflate," we are talking about pressures up to 50 psi. 

  • Improved fuel efficiency: everyone who has over-inflated their tires has reported improved mileage from their Prius. 
  • Longer tire life: that's right, it says longer tire life.  Granted, this is anecdotal information, but long-time over-inflators have repeatedly reported that their tires have lasted longer when they over-inflated them.
  • No additional wear: We all heard that over-inflating tires will cause them to assume a round shape and wear in the middle.  That's exactly what happened a few decades ago.  New tire types and technologies ensure that the tire retains its flat grip on the road even when over-inflated.

How Do I?
What you use to check your tire pressure is pretty much up to you though we do not recommend kicking them barefoot.  It is inaccurate, hard to get a good reading, and it hurts.  A lot.

  

 

Changing the Oil
How Often?
Toyota's recommended oil change interval is 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.  Some Prius owners have reported stretching this interval based on the fact that they are using synthetic oil which keeps its viscosity longer and doesn't break down as quickly.  Though we can understand their reasoning, we suggest that you keep to Toyota's plan.  Besides, you're already saving money because you're using considerably less gasoline and oil with the Prius than with almost every other car on the road.  There's really no reason to press it.

How Much?
Some owners put 3 quarts of oil in their Prius while others use 3.5 quarts.  3 quarts will register in the lower half of the dip stick dots while 3.5 quarts will register in the top half.  It's your call.

NOTE: Do Not Overfill the Oil: Extra oil in the crankcase will slosh around and foam.  This will lower your mileage and potentially damage your engine.  With many larger engines requiring four or five quarts, you might find yourself pouring extra oil if only out of habit.

What Type of Motor Oil?
5-30 of your favorite brand

Oil Filters Part Numbers
AC-DELCO: PF1233
BECK_ARNLEY: 041-8066
BOSCH: 3311
FRAM: PH4967  
GONHER: GP157
K&N: HP-1003
MOBIL: M1-103
Purolator: L14476 
STP: S4967
VALUCRAFT: V4967

How Do I Change the Oil?
John1701a has created a document full of pictures and very good explanations.  It's redundant to duplicate someone else's work and futile to attempt to improve on John's.  So if you want to view John's document, click [HERE].

How Do I Turn off the [MAINT REQD] Light?
The [MAINT REQD] will start blinking at exactly 4,500 miles since the last time it was reset.  This is to remind you that it's time to change the oil.  The blinking light will only come on when you start the Prius.  However, once you exceed 5,000 miles since last reset, the light will come on and stay on.  This time, it is insisting that you change the oil.  Here is how you reset it after you have changed the oil
1) Make sure the odometer is showing the ODO and not the ODO-A or the ODO-B.
2) Shut the car off.
3) While pushing the (POWER) button, hold the ODO button. and keep holding it until the [MAINT REQD] goes off.
4) Shut off the car.

  

 

Changing the Engine Air Filter
How Often?
Toyota does not mention changing the engine air filter until you have reached 30,000 miles unless you operate your Prius in conditions they consider "special operating conditions."  However, if you are changing your own oil, you might as well pop the top off your air filter assembly and check the filter.  You simply don't know what it looks like unless you visually inspect it. 

Engine Air Filter Part Numbers
BECK_ARNLEY: 042-1626
K&N: 33-2186
or see your local Toyota Parts Department

 

  

 

Changing the Cabin Air Filter
You don't think about it, but that little cabin air filter can get pretty nasty.  It's a good idea to take a look at it at least a few times per year.  Considering that it's the only things stopping all the polluted air and solid particulates from coming into your car, you should pay attention to it.

Cabin Air Filter Part Numbers
Toyota Part: 87139-47010-83

How Do I?
Again, turn to John1701a: [CLICK].